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“Darian offered to take you out again tomorrow.” Selena, your best friend, spoke from her bathroom as you laid on her bed, a deep sigh falling from your lips at the mention of the man. 

The guy she set you up with had been texting you all week. He was handsome, and from the one date you had with him you judged him to be a nice man. But it was too soon, or so you thought. You’d been single for six months now after being in a relationship for nearly two years with someone who you believed was the love of your life.

“Or let me rephrase that. Darian told me he has reserved spots at this really fancy place downtown, and he’d love to take us there on a double date with one of his mates.” Selena walked out and fell down next to where you were rotting. “And I’ve kinda already agreed to it on your behalf so, clear your schedule, it’ll be fun!” 

You reached for a pillow and shoved it in her face, groaning at the thought of having to go out instead of spending the night in bed with a mediocre movie and a cheap bottle of wine from Tesco.

“Fine, but only because you’re coming.” 

So when the next evening your doorbell rang, you walked up to it to reveal Darian in a suit with flowers in his hand, letting him in with a smile. Taking the flowers from him and putting them in a vase before grabbing your bag and heading out of the door on his arm.

“So, where will we be going?” you asked as you got in his car, clicking the seatbelt in place as you heard him laugh softly. 

“It’s a surprise, beautiful.” He said, smiling brightly before starting the car and taking off into the city. 

 The lights of the city flew past as you crossed town, the streets were busy and people were everywhere. The soft hum of music and the wind soaring around the car calmed your building nerves, everything would be fine. It’s just a date, you know him!

As the car stopped and you got out, you looked at the setting sun, the last beams of warmth reflecting on your skin as you took a deep breath. You reached for Darians arm, walking to the mystery place as you talked about your day, smiling when he complimented your dress and smiling even brighter when your eyes landed on Selena, who stood next to a man you didn’t recognise. 

You’d been so endorsed in conversation with Darian that you had not noticed the street you were in, you had not noticed what building you were about to enter as your friend talked your ears off about how hot and sexy this guy with her was. 

It was only once you stepped inside and saw the hosts’ face that you looked around and felt your heart drop into your stomach. You swallowed thickly as you were led to your table, trying to cover up your emotions with a smile when you saw Darian give you a concerned look. When he turned his back to you, you shot Selena a look that she’d describe as pure terror. 

“This is the Chameleon.” you whispered and watched her eyes grow in shock.

“Maybe he’s not here. You’ll be fine.” she whispered as she squeezed your hand under the table before looking back at her date, Maxwell.

Sure. What were the chances? Besides, the place was packed. Even if he was here, it didn’t mean he’d have to see you. 

A couple of deep breaths and sips of water later you finally joined the ongoing conversation that had already started between your friend and the two men infront of you. 

“What about you, [Name]?” You looked at Maxwell confused, not grasping the meaning of his question.

“Oh [Name]? [Name] got her standards pretty high.” Selena smiled as she jokingly poked her elbow in your side while you shook your head no in protest. Both of your reactions got a laugh from the two men, them musing to know more about this. “She’s being modest.”

“Even if I am, I don’t think that this is the proper conversation material to talk about on a date.” You looked at your best friend with a smile. 

The music coming live from the stage set a calm atmosphere as they found a new topic to converse about. Occasional laughter ringing through the busy room as they each shared stories. 

Apparently Darian and Maxwell were old school buddies, having met at a private school in the States, like Selena and [Name] were too. Turns out they were two stinking rich kids, coming from old family money, so no wonder they drove expensive cars and had the money to take two middle class girls out on a date to the Chameleon. London's most pristine club and restaurant. The place where people nearly fought for a place to dine. 

As the night progressed, the conversation turned back to the first one they had that evening. 

“I’m still wondering, [Name] darling. What was that earlier about your high standards?” Darian looked at you with a raised brow and a cocky smile. By now all of you had some drinks and the awkwardness had fallen away. 

You smiled as you shook your head. Memories you had tried your best to bury crawled back to the surface. Darian held your gaze as he watched you sink into memory. 

“I think Selena just meant that my ex treated me very well and it’ll be really hard to find someone to top that.” you politely brushed the topic off but someone besides you protested.

Now it was Selena's turn to aggressively shake her head as she spoke up, a wicked grin on her face as she looked at you before looking at Darian. 

“Oh no, her ex was this extremely rich guy who wrote her songs, like the best love songs ever. Dedicated all of his songs to her when he performed. Named his one and only album after her, with songs all about and for her. He didn’t make a single penny from it either, because everything he earns from it gets put in this girl's bank account.” you stared at your drink while Selena spilled the beans, your cheeks flushing a bright red as you felt your throat swell as more memories flooded back to you. 

Somewhere far away you heard Darian and Maxwell’s reactions, you were too zoned out to make out what they were saying. Never would you have thought that hearing those words so literally would bring you back to six months ago, to the moment of the break up.

His father had warned you once, when you’d been dating Dmitri for only two months. He believed you weren’t good enough for his son. Too poor, too lowly born, your place in society wasn’t prominent enough. He had threatened you, and you had Dmitri convince you that it’d be alright, his father wouldn’t hurt you, ever. He’d make sure of it himself. 

Somehow you managed for almost two whole years before his father saw the two of you together again. He’d stormed over, grabbed you by your collar, raised his hand before Dmitri shoved his father away from you and took the blow that was meant for you. That however, had only angered his father more, and before you knew it you were kneeling over a bruised and bloody Dmitri. 

You had taken him home, cleaned up his wounds before sitting him down for a serious conversation. 

“Maybe it’s better if we… Don’t continue this relationship, for the sake of both our safety.” you had started and it soon escalated to where you were now. Both crying and unwilling, but knowing that deep down, it’d be for the better.

“So the last two years were nothing?” Dmitri’s soft, broken voice rang through the room and you shook your head, tears falling down your cheeks. 

“It wasn’t nothing, it was everything, but Dmitri, look what has happened because of me.” your voice cracked as you looked at his face. Bruised and bloodied, his eyes so full of pain. 

Dmitri shook his head, looking at you with such desperation that had more tears streaming down your face. He walked towards where you stood near the window that overlooked all of London from his penthouse. 

“This isn’t because of you-” he grabbed your hands in his ever so gently, tears falling out of his eyes with no shame as he tried to reason with you.

“Yes it is, Dmitri! You heard what your father said.”

“So what? Why should it matter what my father said?”

“You know why. We’re done, Dmitri.” you spoke as you pulled your hands from his.

It had hurt you so much to speak those words. You didn’t want to leave him, but you loved him too much and you refused to see him get hurt because of you again. 

“I promised to protect you.” 

“You’ll protect the both of us if we go our separate ways.” you turned around to leave.

“Do you love me?” he asked as he gently grabbed your wrist, his big, tear filled eyes looking at you.

You nodded as you faced him one last time. Cupping his face as you looked him in the eye. 

“I love you more than anything, Dmitri, and that’s the exact reason why I have to let you go.” you said softly as you kissed his forehead before turning around and making your way out of the apartment. Breaking the heart of the love of your life as well as your own.

When you snapped back to reality you found three pairs of eyes on you as you tried to blink away tears. You smiled as you stood up and excused yourself, quickly walking through the familiar sets of tables as you made your way to the restrooms. 

Tears still threatened to fall out of your eyes as you looked at yourself in the mirror in front of you. 

It still hurt too much to think about him, hearing Selena talking about him, and being in his place. The place where you had made so many memories together. The place where every single metre linked back to him. The fact that one unlucky step could land you right in front of him, or worse, his father. 

Your heavy breaths calmed ever so slightly as you ran your hands under the cold water, trying to empty your mind from the unwanted thoughts that pried and crammed into your mind. 

“It’s okay.” you kept repeating in your mind as you dried your hands and fixed your appearance. “It’ll be fine.” You whispered as you exited the restrooms, slowly walking back to your table. 

“[Name]? I knew Eliza wasn’t lying when she said you were here!” Your eyes landed on a familiar figure in front of you, one you loved dearly. You reached for the elder woman, embracing her as you sighed. “Oh Maragret,” you shook your head as you pulled back, brows furrowed, “I’m so glad to see you.” 

She tilted her head to the side as she took you in. You’d seen each other only once since the break-up, she was the only one who really knew all of the details of what went down. She offered you a soft, sad smile, which you returned.

“This seems like the last place you’d be after…” she left her sentence open for you to interpret and you laughed quietly while nodding. 

“I was kind of dragged on a double date with my best friend, didn’t know we’d be coming here.” you smiled awkwardly as you looked around you. The place hadn’t changed one bit. The same warm lights, the black and gold furniture, the same staff, the live music coming from the stage. Though now that you looked at the stage, no one was there, but you swore there was music before you rushed off to the restrooms.

Margaret ushered you back to your table, apologizing for interrupting your date and promising to see you soon before walking back to the bar.

As you sat back down you apologized, smiling softly. Darian offered you a smile as he asked if you were alright, you nodded before Selena dragged you into the conversation she was having with Maxwell. Something about her trying to prove to him how bad the public school experience was here in the UK. 

Your attention to the conversation was short cut as you heard music coming from the piano on the stage, closing your eyes as you took in the notes.

“Right, [Name]?” your eyes opened, looking at Selena and nodding. 

“Mhm? Oh yeah, high school here is tragic. Terrible, really. I wouldn’t wanna go through it again, not even for a million pounds.” 

Laughter erupted from the men in front of you as they watched the terror on your face at the thought of it. High school was tough.

“Do I wanna know? If this feeling goes both ways? Sad to see you go, was sorta hoping that you’d stay.”

All the colour drained from your face as the voice you’d recognize amongst thousands hit your ears. Your head snapped to the stage, and your eyes met with those bright blue eyes you knew all too well. 

“Darling we both know, that the nights were mainly made for saying things that you can’t say tomorrow day.”

You were frozen as you looked at Dmitri, desperately searching his eyes for you didn’t know what. Of all the voices, all the impressions he could do, his own raw voice would always be your favorite thing. He knew that, he knew that very well, and it brought tears to your eyes as you felt your throat close up again. 

“Crawling back to you. Ever thought of calling when you’ve had a few? ‘Cause I always do.”

The world could end this moment and you wouldn’t even notice. Everything around you fell away as he offered you a tiny smile, it was gone as quick as it came. 

“Maybe I’m too busy being yours to fall for somebody new. Now I’ve thought it through.” 

You turned your head away, breaking eye contact, looking back down at the table in front of you with big eyes full of tears. It felt impossible to breathe as you grabbed beside you, hand grasping at Selena’s wrist. A look at you, the stage, and then back at you had her shaking her head as she went to embrace you, the two men in front of you completely forgotten as your mind raced at a million miles an hour. 

A young man walked up to you, awkwardly fiddling with the rings on his fingers as he shyly smiled at you. 

“Hello,” he spoke up, pulling you away from the work on your laptop and smiling up at him while sliding the headphones off your head. 

“Hi, can I help you?” your confused yet oh so bright smile had Dmitri look down at his feet for a second before meeting your eyes again. 

“Yes, I’m Dmitri Kravinoff.” he said, looking at you like you were a flower in the midst of a rotten field. 

The cool spring breeze ran through the air, blowing your hair into your face as you laughed at the young man softly. 

“Hello, Dmitri Kravinoff, I’m [Name]. What can I help you with?” you beamed up at him, oh so confused at the adorable man's intentions. 

Dmitri was at a loss for words for a while as he looked at you. He’d been admiring you from a far for about twenty minutes, being captivated by your beauty. You had seemed to be working here in the park cafe, writing away on your laptop, scribbling things in your notebook, occasionally sipping at your purple smoothie, nodding along to what he assumed was music playing in your headphones. 

“I uhm… You’re beautiful.” he stuttered out eventually, a slight flush on his cheeks as he tried his best to hold eye contact with you, “I was wondering if uhm…” he looked down at his hands again, twisting the ring on his pinkie as he stumbled over his words. 

You looked up at him, head slightly tilted as you smiled up at him brightly. “Well?” your soft voice rang through the air, bringing Dmitri back to earth. 

“I was wondering if you’d let me- if you’d maybe want to go on a date with me.” the way he looked at you with those big puppy eyes full of hope had you smiling at him so brightly that Dmitri thought he might faint.

The laugh that escaped from you, along with you shaking your head in delight made Dmitri bite the inside of his cheek nervously. 

“I’d… I’d love to, Dmitri.” you swore you saw him jump up a little before he balled up his fists in victory.

And so here you were, a week later, walking through the aquarium with the guy you’d been texting all week. Hand in hand, laughing and giggling as you looked at the countless fish, pointing out your favorites, and admiring the man illuminated by the blue of the water. How he knew you loved aquariums was a mystery to you but you loved it. 

You’d sat on a bench in front of a massive fish tank filled with lemon sharks and countless other fish as you talked for hours, you never fell silent, and if you did it was to recover from laughing too much. 

Afterwards he’d taken you out to dinner at some fancy place you had never heard of before.  You had the time of your life with him, Dmitri Kravinoff. 

Eventually when the awkwardness had fallen away, which only took about thirty minutes, everything he did, everything he said, came so shyly yet so naturally. He told you the silliest jokes, the best stories, and listened intently as you talked about your own life and told your own stories. Asking questions, taking everything you told him in, looking at you like you were the only thing that really mattered on this planet.

“You’re even, I’d say better, but that’s not even the right word to do you justice. You’re exceptional, special, truly captivating.” Dmitri had said as he walked with you all the way to your front door. He didn’t miss the blush that crept up on your cheeks as you smiled. 

“You yourself are a lot more than the shy boy that came up to me last week, you’re… intriguing and… very charming.” you smiled up at him as you stopped in front of your door. “Thank you for today, I haven’t had this much fun in a long while.” 

Dmitri basked in your words, his smile hadn’t left his face since earlier today. Just your mere presence had this effect on him that he couldn’t explain, and the way you looked at him had him absolutely in shambles, he loved it. 

“The pleasure is mine, you make for a great company. I loved every single second of being with you.” He watched you raise your head, a proud grin on your face as you looked him in the eyes. 

“Great, then we should do something like this again sometime soon.” 

As you said your goodbyes, you quickly got on your tippy toes and kissed his cheek before turning around and getting inside of your house, leaving a flustered and shocked Dmitri standing on your porch.

You didn’t remember that Selena had pulled you away from the table and back to the restrooms. You had been too out of it to fully register what she was saying or asking you. You’d just blatantly nodded as she talked, too lost in thought as everything came flooding back to you that you’d tried to suppress for the last six months. 

Everything was a blur when you walked back to the table but all of a sudden you sobered up, vision clearing, mind going panic mode when that cologne hit your nostrils.

“Darian Madden? Man you have not changed one bit!” The thick Russian accent of Nikolai Kravinoff surrounded your senses. You swallowed thickly as you let Selena walk you back to your seat, making yourself small as you sat down, hoping the elder Kravinoff would not notice you like his son did earlier. You felt Darians gaze on you, obviously confused about your second time getting emotional tonight.

“Last I saw you, you were this tall and running around with my Sergei.” Nikolai held up a hand beside him at the height of his shoulder, his smile dropped as he laid eyes on you. “You.” Your eyes slowly made their way to meet Nikolai’s.

You were certain that fear was written all over your face as you fisted your shaking hands in the skirt of your dress. 

“What are you doing here? Wasn’t I clear enough last time, girl?” Your breaths came in short shallow huffs as you were at a loss for words, closing and opening your mouth as your eyes darted between Nikolai and Darian, who was still looking at you in confusion. “Well?! Answer me, girl!” You gulped as Nikolai’s voice echoed through the now eerily quiet room, countless eyes on you as he awaited your answer.

“I… Here with Darian-” you yelped and you heard the gasps from other guests as Nikolai lifted you up by your collar, thumb pressing down on your airway as he did.

“Don’t lie to me! You’re here to see my son! Didn’t I tell you to leave him alone?!” Tears now streamed over your cheeks as you clawed at his hand, desperately trying to get him to release you.

“Woah woah! Your son? Her ex is Dmitri Kravinoff?” Darians voice sounded but you couldn’t give a shit about him right now. Your vision was blurring when you suddenly felt a fist colliding with your cheek. 

Screams erupted from around you and you heard the people scrambling to get out. In the corner of your eye you saw Maxwell pull Selena away from the scene. Your knees hit the ground and you gasped for air, a hand coming up to your cheek as the pain spread through your whole face. When you pulled your hand back you saw the red of your blood on it and you looked up at Nikolai, who already had you back up on your feet, ready to strike you again.

“No!” Before you knew it you were pulled back, vision going dark as your face was pulled into a soft material, a hand on the back of your head cradling you closer, shielding you from the danger. 

When Dmitri’s oh so familiar cologne hit your nostrils you closed your eyes, relaxing in his arms as if you hadn’t not seen him for six months, as if you weren’t broken up, as if his father hadn’t just almost choked you into unconsciousness before hitting you. 

“Dima…” You croaked out as a sob echoed through your chest, your hands tightly gripping at his dress shirt, tears staining the black material. You heard him quietly shush you while he pressed a kiss to your forehead, holding you close and safe. “I…” your voice was quiet and strained, the words refusing to come out of your mouth. 

“Pathetic, always standing up for the trash.” you heard Nikolai scoff at his son, his footsteps approaching. Dmitri let go of you, gently pushing you back to where a now very shocked Margaret was standing. 

She took you in her arms as she watched how Dmitri dodged his fathers blow, instead only returning the favor and hitting his father square in the face. 

“You don’t get to talk about her like that! You do not get to hit her!” you heard Dmitri raise his voice at his father. Dmitri never raised his voice, not at you when you accidentally broke an expensive vase of his, not when you broke up with him, and especially never at his father even he belittled him to no extent, but that seemed to have changed when it came to you now. “That woman is the love of my life and thanks to you I lost her, and now you dare hurt her?!”

“If you had only looked, you’d have seen how amazing she is, how smart and caring. You’d have seen how much I love her! You’d have seen how much she loved me, for me. Something you never did.” you turned your head to look at Dmitri, his back was to you, but you could see Nikolai, glaring at his son as the blood dripped down his chin. “If you ever so much look at her the wrong way or dare lay a finger on her again, I will make sure it’s the last thing you do, papa.” You saw Dmitri ball his fist again, his fathers blood on his knuckles. 

Nikolai didn’t say a word before standing up straight and nodding at his youngest son. He just turned around and walked out as if nothing happened, not caring about the few remaining people that scrambled to get out of his way.

“[Name]” Dmitri’s hands cupped your face and you looked up at him with tears still in your eyes. “[Name], my love, I’m so sorry.” 

His gaze was so soft, his demeanour was so gentle. He was filled with fear as he searched your eyes, wiping away the tears that fell from your eyes. 

“I love you,” your whisper was barely audible but it was loud enough for Dmitri to break into a smile, his eyes lightening with happiness and hope as they darted to your lips. You returned his smile, clasping your hands on his shirt again before pulling him down into a kiss. 

God how you had missed this. The way he held you, his gentle nature, him. 

“You toughened up…” you whispered as you broke away from the kiss, giggling when he immediately chased your lips with his own, too eager for another kiss. 

“I promised myself if I ever got a second chance at making things right, I would not let him ruin it.” one of his hands brushed a lock of hair behind your ear as he spoke ever so softly. “I had to protect you.”

“Honey there was nothing for you to make right.”

-`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´-

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As the lights shone on the stage and the music slowly started one last time, the audience cheered. Up on the stage stood a young woman, no older than twenty as she shyly approached the microphone again. It wouldn’t matter how often she stood on this, or any stage really, it would always be a little intimidating. Having all the people listen, some look at her as she sung.

Eventually, once she’d get lost in her element, she’d loosen up. Her voice ringing through the room quietly as the guests of the local pub or restaurant had their drinks or dinner.

Today she stood on the stage at the fine-dining restaurant that belonged to one of her fathers best friends. It was a busy Friday night and the place was stacked, filled with low conversation as couples had dinners, businessmen held meetings, and families celebrated birthdays.

The Ledbury had a high reputation here in London, and with the Christmas days coming up, the place was decorated to cozy up for the holidays.

The lyrics slowly came from her mouth as she held her hands on top of the microphone, eyes scanning the crowd and smiling brightly.

“It’s not right, ‘cause I’m so over being lonely.”

She noticed her fathers best friend at the bar and nodded at him. Her eyes once more looking over the guests that all had their conversations going on, or at least busing themselves with something.

“Make you mine, I need a virtual connection, take our time, be my video obsession.”

That’s when she locked eyes with a young gentleman. He was sitting in one of the booths with two other men but he paid no mind to them as he stared at her with big eyes, lips slightly parted as he tilted his head in adoration.

“Come on, don’t leave me, it can’t be that easy, babe. If you believe me, I guess I’ll get on a plane.”

His blonde hair seemed to glow a bit orange under the lights as he shifted his body to face her more. He let his gaze fall over her form, from the jewelry around her neck, to her dark blue velvet dress that fit her like a glove, to the bell sleeves that fell back on her arms as she shyly held on to the microphone, never breaking eye contact as she continued to sing.

“Fly to your city, excited to see your face. Hold me, console me, and then I’ll leave without a trace.”

The lyrics repeated themselves and she finally broke eye contact after offering him a shy smile, which he returned after she looked away. His brother shoved his shoulder in a playful manner, pulling his attention away from the singing girl and back to the important business meeting at hand.

Disappointment was evident all over Dmitri’s face when he looked back to see you gone. He had never heard a voice so angelic before, and that was a lot coming from someone who could mimic anyone. From your soft voice, to your sweet smile to the shy look in your eyes as you had held his gaze. His brother, Sergei, seemed to almost smell his disappointment as he sat back down after seeing their new business partner off.

“She’s at the bar.” That was all Dmitri needed to jump up from his seat and move towards said bar.

[Name] sat at the bar, taking small sips of her drink as she looked out the window. Snow was falling slowly on the already white streets of London. Louis, her fathers friend, had just handed her the envelope with her money and the tips customers had left her. It would always be insane to her how people left her tips, left her anything at all, just because they loved her singing so much. She was honoured and always made sure to thank the people would she see them again, most she did, seeing they were regulars.

She looked over to where that gentleman had sat before, seeing him nowhere in sight as she took another sip of her drink. The sweetness of it had her close her eyes as she savoured the drink.

“Excuse me, miss.” A voice besides her spoke up as she opened her eyes, smiling when she saw the handsome man before her. “Hi, I’m Dmitri Kravinoff.” he returned her smile as he held out his hand.

“[Name]. What can I help you with, mister Kravinoff?” he took her hand and to her surprise he didn’t shake it, no, he brought it up to his mouth and gently kissed her knuckles.

Dmitri his mind went a hundred miles an hour as he heard her say his name, smiling at him politely as she set down her drink on the bar. She was an angel sent down from heaven, he swore.

“I had a question, if you have the time.” he smiled as he shook his head, trying to get back to reality. She was even more beautiful up close, her voice even purer without the microphone.

He swore he could feel his knees get weak when he heard her giggle, such a beautiful and honest sound. Never before had he felt this feeling that he was feeling right now. It spread all across his body, from the tips of his ears to the tip of his dick as he felt his pants tighten.

“You have my full attention, mister Kravinoff.” she smiled at him, turning her body to face him as he smiled a toothy smile.

“You have an amazing voice, unlike anything I have ever heard before. I, um, I run a club, and I was wondering if you’d like to perform. I’d- the people would love you. Of course you’d be well compensated.” he was rambling as he looked her in the eye, hoping she’d accept his offer.

She tilted her head with a small frown before it turned into a smile, as if to think about it. Dmitri was staring at her with no shame as he watched her every move, never had he thought love at first sight was a real thing, until he laid eyes on this woman, [Name].

“Alright, what price are we talking?” she said, grinning at him as she caught him staring. She watched him stumble over his words as an assortment of random words fell out of his mouth. “I’m kidding, mister Kravinoff, for someone like you I’d do it for free.”

Dmitri stared at her with his eyes wide and mouth agape before the corners of his lips twisted upwards. He smiled so brightly his cheeks hurt as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. She took it from him and quickly took in the words.

Chameleon and the Hunter.

She swallowed. That was the most well known, most difficult to get into club in possibly all of Europe. She didn’t know the boss was such a young man.

He watched her reaction as she read the card. He watched her bite her lip as she swallowed before looking back up to meet his eyes and smiling.

“It would be an honor to perform at your club, mister Kravinoff.”

He grabbed her free hand again, bringing it up to his mouth and kissing it again. A sign of respect, a thank you, a promise.

She’d call him tomorrow, she said and he nodded before bidding her farewell and returning to the table he was at before, this time with a slight jump in his step as his brother grinned at him, having seen the entire interaction.

It was two weeks later when the day finally rolled around. [Name] entered the club and was immediately met with the man she saw at the table with Dmitri two weeks prior.

“Sergei Kravinoff.” he introduced himself as he shook her hand. He was one unit of a man and he towered over her as she nodded and followed him to the stage. She’d have given Dmitri a list of songs a week prior once they had set a date. “The stage is yours whenever you’re ready.” Sergei said as the pianist came up to her with a smile. She quickly discussed what to start with, having a small conversation as she took off her coat before rushing to the restroom to make sure she appeared well and not like she just came out of the snowstorm outside.

Thankfully it wasn't too bad and before she knew it she was up on the stage of the club. It was busy and her eyes scanned the crowd, looking for the handsome face she couldn’t wait to see again. It was filled with rich looking people, sipping their drinks and wearing clothes that cost more than her rent.

“I’m heavy. I’m by your side. Forget me. ‘Cause I know what I need. Like a loser like me could be fine.”

As she started singing, she noticed a few people turn their heads, smiling as her voice reached their ears.

“Is someone telling me don’t get in the water? What have I done? I don’t wanna get lost inside the color under my tongue.”

Her gaze continued to sweep over the many faces, some looking back at her, some swaying their heads to the beat of the music, some completely endorsed in conversation, too busy to hear her sing. Still no sign of Dmitri. Maybe he wasn’t even here, but she wasn’t about to let his absence ruin this magnificent chance at performing at this establishment.

“Cause I don’t wanna be in love with another, even in another life.”

As she continued to sing, she captured the eyes and ears of more and more people. Receiving the occasional cheer as she finished song after song. It had been nearly an hour since she got up on stage, and once a gentleman put up his hat in front of the stage and tossing money in it, it didn’t stop. Men and women threw in more and more bills and coins worth more than she would make in a week. She smiled brightly everytime someone new came up to the stage, she felt like she was dreaming.

Eventually she stopped, taking a break and resting her voice as the pianist took over again. He smiled at her as she made her way down the bar.

The bartender offered her a smile to match her own as he complimented her singing before taking her order.

“My brother sure has an eye for talent, you are magnificent.” Sergei Kravinoff stood beside her as she quietly sipped at her drink, feeling the welcome cold drink drip down her throat.

“Thank you, mister Kravinoff. It is truly an honor and a dream come true to perform on your stage.” [Name] stated as she cracked her neck to look at the older man. She’d have to guess him in his late twenties, incredibly handsome, immensely tall too. “Speaking of your brother, I haven’t seen him tonight.”

Sergei laughed softly as he dipped his head. “Ah, Dima had some business to take care of, had him on the phone a minute ago so he should be here in about ten minutes or so. He has been looking forward to seeing you up on that stage.”

“I’ll be your baby. There’s nothing better I’d rather do.”

Those were the first Dmitri heard when he entered his club. His eyes darted to the stage where you stood, eyes closed as you sang, hips slowly swaying with the music as you were concentrating on the words coming out of your mouth.

The dark red dress that adored your figure made you look beautiful as the warm lights shone down on you.

“This momentary ride, this fire by my side. Are you gonna be here with me? You know that I’ll be your baby.”

Dmitri ignored the stare of his brother as he moved to take a seat at the bar, never taking his eyes off you. He noticed the hat that sat in front of the stage, nearly spilling over with cash and he smiled. Well deserved, he thought.

“There’s nothing better I’d rather do. I’m lost completely.”

Your eyes opened and he watched as you searched the crowds eagerly. It took you a second but when your beautiful eyes met his own, a smile brighter than any he’d seen on you before spread over your face.

“I might as well be over the moon.”

A smile danced on his own features as you once again held his gaze like that one night. Seeing you here, in his club, smiling brightly and having the crowd, including himself, wrapped around your finger, Dmitri couldn’t help but fall in love with you more.

He knew his brother would call him silly, he barely knew you, if he knew anything about you at all besides your name that was. But gods, you looked like an angel, so beautiful and so at home on that stage. It made Dmitri lose his mind a little. A woman so beautiful, so talented, who’d accepted his offer without hesitation and question, before even knowing exactly who he was.

“For someone like you, I’d do it for free.” Those words had followed him for the last two weeks, along with the way his name fell off your lips. Someone like him, whatever you had meant with that.

Not for a second did he take his gaze off you. He remained fixated on you, a look in his eyes that even his brother had never seen before. You really had him wrapped around your finger, and he loved it. Dmitri couldn’t get enough of you, and when you finished your final song of the night, he stood up and clapped loudly, the crowd following suit as you smiled brightly, bowing a little before making your way down the stage.

Dmitri was in front of you before you realized, taking your hand and kissing your knuckles as he looked you in the eyes.

“Thank you, mister Kravinoff.” you said as you took him in from up close. The top buttons of his black dress shirt unbuttoned, the black suit jacket also unbuttoned and his hair slightly messy by the rough weather conditions outside. He looked so incredibly handsome it actually had you at a loss for words as you let him guide you towards the bar.

“It’s an honor to have you here, I should be thanking you, [Name].” he smiled as he gestured towards the bartender. “I am truly so happy you could make it.”

He looked like a little boy who just met his favorite superhero in a theme park as he looked at you.

You shook your head. You’d had many men and women in awe of your singing in the last few years, many offering you compliments, some giving you chances that you could only dream of but Dmitri? Dmitri was different. He was more than in awe, he was enthralled by you, he looked at you with such adoration that made your heart melt. Along with that he was a very handsome man, it was undeniable, it was a fact.

“I thank you for having me.” you said as you grabbed your drink, he did the same and he looked at you again.

“A toast, to you, and your magnificence.”

You giggled as you toasted with him, he was special, he had something that had you longing for more and so the start of a very long night began.

The two of you talked until deep in the night, about anything that came to mind, from schooldays to everyday life, from favorite foods to biggest fears. Eventually the club ran dry and you stood up from your chair, the clock had struck past three and it would be about time you headed home.

“I should get home, it’s late and I kind of have work tomorrow.” you smiled at Dmitri as he also stood up, helping you put on her coat with a boyish grin on his face.

He nodded at you, it was late indeed, and time seemed to have flown by. He watched you as you zipped up your coat, pulling your hair out of the back before throwing on your scarf. You looked adorable.

“Let me take you home, I wouldn’t want you wandering London at this time of the night and in this weather. I’d blame myself if something were to happen to you.” Dmitri offered, his driver had been waiting outside all this time for him, and the last thing he wanted was for you to walk through the snowstorm outside and get sick, or worse. London wasn’t safe at night.

“I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you. It’s only a twenty minute walk home, it’s fine, mister Kravinoff.” you began to decline his offer, genuinely not wanting to be a burden to the man.

You’d found out he turned twenty-six not too long ago, twenty-six and already having succeeded so much in life. You admired that, envied it even. You were right to assume that his brother, Sergei, was three years older than him, and the co-owner of the establishment. Somehow you also discovered he was oddly good at doing impressions, it was almost scary how spot on they were and it brought tears to your eyes from laughter as the two of you goofed around.

“Please, it wouldn’t be a bother. Count it as a thank you, for tonight.” you couldn’t explain the look in his eyes as anything other than hot as he awaited your reply.

Dmitri simply couldn’t get enough of you, the more the two of you talked the more enthralled he became. As you talked about your past and present, your dreams, everything that came out of your mouth made him want you more. He couldn’t give a damn about the people around him, for once he didn’t even seem to notice his brother's stares, he was so focused on you that everything else fell away.

Finally you nodded, agreeing and Dmitri’s excitement nearly shot through the sky as he told you to wait here for a minute before disappearing into a back door of the club. You’d expected him to come out with a jacket or something but nope, nothing seemed to be different as he came back out and wrapped an arm around your waist and guided you out into the cold winds. Once he sat down next to you in the car you turned to face him, he turned his head to look back at you and grinned.

“Didn’t know gentlemen still existed here in London.” you said, eyes falling over his figure with no shame, taking in what sat in front of you. From the gold chain peeking out from around his neck, to the way his hands laid idly in his lap as they fidgeted with his rings, to the way you noticed the bulge in his pants. You smirked and looked back up to meet his eyes.

“Rare sight to get a man to treat you well these days, huh?” one of his arms moved to rest on the back part of the chairs and you felt his fingers entangle in your hair, playfully testing the waters as he softly tugged on a lock of hair. Dmitri watched as your eyes closed, breath hitching in your throat as you let him pull your head backwards in the slightest.

“Yeah…” your words came out in a breath, more high pitched than you initially realized. You bit your lip when you looked at him again, eyes dropping down to his lips and lingering there before meeting his blue eyes again. You swallowed thickly as you felt his grip on your hair tighten.

Before you knew it you were straddling his lap and your lips were on his. His hands gripped your hips as he kissed you like a man who’d been starved. You felt the bulge in his pants grow more as you grinded your hips down on him, the only thing separating your core and his hard cock being the fabric of his pants and your panties, which you were sure were soaked in your juices already. You moaned into the kiss, your fingers lost in his hair as he pulled your hips closer.

“Gods,” He whispered as you leaned your forehead against his, pupils dilated, lips puffy as you gazed into his eyes. “You’re so beautiful,” he brushed a lock of your hair back behind your ear before slowly kissing along your jaw, down your neck, finding that sweet spot that had you moaning softly. Slowly more and more lovebites and marks made its way onto your skin.

Your head was reeling by the time the car stopped in front of your apartment. Quickly looking out of the window before letting your eyes search Dmitri’s, you gave him a look, as if to ask him if he wanted to continue this. He caught on and brought his lips back to yours while he threw your coat back around your shoulders before opening the car door.

You fiddled with your keys, unable to stop them from shaking due to the cold and anticipation of what was about to happen. Dmitri’s hand closed around yours as he helped you unlock the door before the two of you rushed in, not sparing a moment before you were all over each other again. Your coat fell onto the floor of the hall and your heels and his shoes were discarded on the way as you made your way to your bedroom.

Before you could enter the room however, Dmitri had you pinned up against the door, hands groping at your breasts as he buried his face in your neck. “You sure you want to do this?” he mumbled, placing soft kisses on your warm skin.

“Wouldn’t have invited you in if I didn’t want this.” you moaned softly as he sucked on your skin, his hands moving to your back to find the zipper of your dress. Your hands were reaching for anything you could find, his chest, biceps, eventually ending back up in his curls.

“That’s my girl,” he said as you opened the bedroom door, stumbling in and taking him towards the bed. He finally managed to get your dress off and he watched in awe as it fell to the ground, smiling like crazy as he took in your body. Time seemed to slow down as you manoeuvred your hands into his suit jacket and took it off his shoulders, followed by your hands eagerly messing with the buttons of his dress shirt.

Once you had him shirtless you turned the both of you around as you pushed him down on the bed carefully, smirking at the surprise on his face by you taking the lead. He propped himself up on his elbows as he watched you unbuckle his belt, fidgeting with the button of his pants and his zipper before looking into his eyes as you took off his pants and boxers in one go. His eyes were hungry as he watched you lick your lips, eyeing his rock hard cock in front of you.

You gave him a devilish smile as you wrapped one of your hands around his length, slowly stroking him, watching as he already threw his head back at the feeling. He had dreamt of this ever since he first saw you, you had plagued his dreams and his waking life, you had him thinking of the filthiest things imaginable on the work floor but nothing he had imagined compared to the real thing.

Low whimpers changed to moans as you started sucking on his tip. Dmitri swore that he was in heaven when he felt your lips around his cock, all the while still stroking him with your hand. Almost out of reflex he brought his hand to your head, grabbing a fist full of your hair as your head bopped down on his length, tasting his precum on your tongue. You moaned at the feeling of him slightly pushing your mouth back onto his cock while he cursed under his breath. If your mouth alone already felt this heavenly, Dmitri couldn’t even begin to imagine how your cunt would feel.

“F-fuck,” Dmitri cursed as he watched you take his cock into your mouth, down to his base. You were a sight to look at, holding eye contact with him as you sucked his dick. The closer he got, the less control he had over his body, eventually his hips buckled, bringing tears to your eyes as your gag reflex was tested. “Jesus.” Dmitri was so lost in it, and seeing you there, tears mixed with your eye makeup dripping down your cheeks, it did things to him.

“Baby, f-fuck, I’m gonna-” Dmitri’s sentence was cut short as you suddenly pulled off, drool dripping down your chin, saliva strands hanging between you and his still very hard cock as you grinned at him. “You wanna kill me, pretty girl?” The giggle you let out had his dick twitching as he pulled you up on the bed between his legs, hands moving to undo your bra as you leaned your head against his shoulder, looking at him with those eyes that drove him absolutely crazy.

“Dmitri!” you gasped as he quite literally ripped off your panties, throwing them to the side before his fingers found their way to your clit. You didn’t have much time to protest more because before you knew it he had you moaning on his fingers. His head dipped back down to the crook of your neck, whispering sweet nothings into your ear as his fingers absolutely destroyed your cunt.

“Say that again, pretty, say my name.” It drove him crazy. The way his name fell off your lips might be his new favorite sound. His thumb came up to draw circles on your clit and you moaned loudly. “Thaaat’s it, sing for me, baby.” he spoke in such a tone that had you clenching your walls around his fingers, he grinned at the feeling, picking up his pace as he watched your face, scrunched up in pleasure as you made the prettiest sounds for him.

“So wet for me, doing so good for me, baby, such a good girl.” you moaned at his words, throwing your head back against his shoulder as you felt your orgasm approaching.

“Dmi- Dmitri I’m- Please,” you gasped, not being able to think straight and form coherent sentences.

“I know, pretty girl. You wanna cum?” You nodded at his words, he had you at his mercy completely. “Go on then, let go for me.”

That was all you needed to hear as your orgasm washed over you, Dmitri’s pace never slowing down as he rode you through your orgasm. His fingers reached places that had your toes curling in pleasure as he curled them up in your velvety walls.

“Dmitri, god-” you hiccuped as he continued to finger your cunt, the overstimulation was building up as you gripped his wrist, trying to get him to slow down. You heard him laugh slowly before retracting his hand. “N-not nice.” you leaned your head against his shoulder, watching his face as he brought his hand up to his face and licking his fingers clean off your juices.

God that’s hot.

You turned around, bringing your lips back to his, moaning softly as you tasted yourself on his lips.

“I need you, Dmitri.” You said, your kisses going down to his jaw, gently sucking and biting here and there as you went, feeling him grip at your hips, moving you to lay down.

Your head rested on your pillows as you watched him settle between your legs, smiling when he leaned over to press a kiss to your lips.

“You ready, baby?” his voice was low, and soft and he was oh so gentle as he guided his dick towards your clit. You heard him sigh in contentment once he bottomed out inside of you, and your fingers moved to intertwine into his hair.

You moaned when you felt him move slightly. “Please, please, please, Dima please.” you buried your face in his neck, feeling a soft laugh run through him.

“Begging already, are we pretty girl?” you nodded shamelessly. Your previous orgasm had you sensitive yet you couldn’t help but want more. Want him. “Whatever you wish.” he said with a kiss to the side of your head.

You moaned loudly as you felt him pull out and immediately thrust back in, setting a comfortable pace as he placed soft kisses on your shoulder while you scratched up his with your nails.

Dmitri was engulfed by it all, he was surrounded by you fully. Your moans, whimpers, your still slightly teary eyes, the look you gave him before kissing him with such passion he didn’t know was possible.

“You feel so good, baby. So so good.” he muttered against your lips as he pulled back from the kiss. He felt you slightly nod, looking at him with adoration when his hand groped at your breast again. It was so overwhelming, it was so good.

His hands slowly moved lower, and lower, reaching between the two of you to draw circles on your clit, watching how your eyes immediately rolled back in pleasure as your back arched.

“Dima, oh. You,” There wasn’t a single right word coming out of your mouth as you looked at the smiling man above you. “So handsome.” you managed between heavy breaths, looking how his smile somehow got even brighter as you reached up and held his face with one of your hands, adoring him.

You felt him picking up the pace as he lifted one of your legs up over his shoulder, your hand falling back on the duvet cover, which you gripped tightly. He reached so much deeper inside of you now. Dmitri felt it too, how your walls clenched around him and how you pressed your eyes closed in pleasure. A string of words came out of you, and neither of you could tell you what you said. The only clear thing being his name.

He reached places inside of you that you were sure of no one had ever touched before.

“Dima. I- Close-” your words were cut short as his fingers came back to your clit, rubbing circles as he groaned.

“I know, baby, me too.” he breathed out, his face scrunched up in pleasure. “Are you on anything?”

You nodded, “Y-yeah, pill. Ah. Please, Dima. Please.”

He nodded, looking you in the eye and giving you a small smile.

“Gonna cum, pretty girl?” he watched you nod, “C’mon then, let go for me.”

That was all you needed to hear before your eyes rolled back in ecstasy, moaning out his name as you did. You felt him put your leg down as he leaned over, gently kissing you as he chased his own high.

“Dima, oh god, Dima, please inside,”

You definitely knew how to kill him, Dmitri thought, those two words drove him crazy.

“Thank you- Fuck fuck fuck, [Name]” he cursed before you heard him moan and letting his head fall on your shoulder. “Gods, my, so good.” You moaned softly as you felt him fill you up, painting your walls white.

He softly lowered himself on top of you, catching his breath as he rested for a second.

“That was…”

“Perfect.” You finished for him before he could say something else and you felt him nod against your chest, his soft curls tickling your chin. One of your hands moved to them, gently swiping some of the curls away from his sweaty forehead.

You didn’t mean to fall asleep right there and then, but you did and Dmitri noticed as soon as your fingers stilled in his hair, so he looked up to you, only to see your eyes closed and lips slightly parted, indicating your sleeping state.

Slowly but surely he pulled out of you, slightly aweing at the way his seed dripped out of your pussy before looking around the room. He spotted the bathroom and walked over as quietly as he could to not wake you. He came back with a glass of water and a towel to clean you up.

You looked so soft, so adorable as you slept, and Dmitri couldn’t help himself to gently kiss your forehead as he pulled the blanket over you.

“Mmh…?” you stirred from your sleep and your eyes met Dmitri’s blue ones once again. “Come, please.” You murmured as you opened your arms, welcoming him back.

Dmitri smiled as he got under the blanket with you. wrapping his arms around you and gently caressing your back as you cuddled up to him.

“Dmitri?” you questioned, cracking your neck to look at him. You heard him hum in reply, “I think I might start to like you a lot.”

He laughed, smiling at you and your complete honesty. “Oh, baby.” he brought his lips down to yours before speaking softly “I know I loved you ever since you got up on that stage in The Ledbury.”

You giggled and buried your face back into his chest, feeling it vibrate with laughter before his adorable laugh echoed through the room.

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211 AD 

As the farewells came to an end and the halls of the Acacius villa emptied, silence returned once more. 

Ever since her father returned from his conquest in Numidia [Name] her life felt like a sick joke. From her black clothing, to the tear stains on her cheeks, to the constant visits of important people. Her second husband was dead. Her third love had left her alone in this world. The gods had damned her. 

As she sipped the wine from her cup she stared at the fish in the water. So carefree, swimming endless circles in the pool, not having to worry for a second of losing their loved ones. They looked stunning, the fire from the lanterns reflecting on their colorful scales as they let out small air bubbles. 

“Dear,” Lady Lucilla stood behind her, speaking to her softly as she moved to sit at [Name]'s side, also admiring the colorful fish. Now the two were connected by her father, Marcus Acacius, but before that their connection would’ve laid with [Name] her first betrothed. Lucius Verus. It had been nearly twenty years since his disappearance, and as time went, it became evident he would not be returning. He was presumed dead. 

[Name] had gone on to marry a high lord as was expected of her. The lord who died of illness that took him away quickly, not too long after their marriage. She knew his interests lay not with women, they had an understanding and he was a good man. Had he lived longer, she knew her life would have been well with him, for he would never have hurt her, but alas, the good never live long. 

Two years later, she remarried. As a lady of her status and bloodline, it was her duty. This time she married one of her fathers trusted advisers. A man, not older than thirty. With him, she had carried one child, who never lived to take his first breath. Two and a half years later, her second husband followed their child to the next world.

Now she had returned home once again, sharing a roof with her father and stepmother once more. The house that once kept Lucius safe and warm too. 

“I feel for you, daughter.” Lucilla spoke again softly. Her hand comes up to caress [Name]s in a sense of comfort. The younger of the two women looked up, the tears in her reddened eyes reflecting in the red of the fire. Unlike the beautifully reflecting fish, her tears were angry, full of grief, shame. They fell with no shame. Tear after tear, grieving all that she had lost, and seemed to continue losing.

“As the daughter of our beloved General Acacius we mourn with you, Lady [Name]. It brought us much regret to hear of the passing of your late husband.” Much to her surprise, Emperor Geta spoke as he looked at her when she bowed before him in greeting. She was invited to one of their parties, where they would allegedly show one of the barbarians they captured in Numidia. 

“Thank you, sire.” [Name] bowed her head at the Emperors again. They intimidated her, as they did with almost the whole of Rome. In the few times she had the absolute pleasure of being in their presence, she had always stuck close to her father, later on husbands, when they’d approach. The looks in their eyes scared her, they were like lions, able to snap and attack at any moment. 

“Ah, you’re the girl who was betrothed to Lady Lucilla’s boy?” Emperor Caracalla spoke up as he looked at [Name] with funny eyes. She froze before nodding, 

“Yes, sire, may the gods be with him.”

Emperor Geta gave his brother a look, seemingly confused as to how his brother would remember that given his… situation. He waved her away with a small half smile before returning his attention back to one of his concubines. 

Giving one last bow, she moved to the sidelines, her once black dresses now back in their usual colorful state. Jewellery adorning her neck, hands, arms, waist, and ears clicking like a soft jingle as she walked among lords and ladies. Eventually her eyes laid on one of her friends. “Fortuna,” she smiled as she approached the woman. “I’m so glad to see you.”

The woman returned her greeting, pulling the other woman in for an embrace. “I’m also glad to see you here, out of your mourning clothes with that.” She spoke as she linked their arms together and moved back through the crowd. “Father says he’s getting the fiercest of the barbarians your father captured here to fight one of the Emperors their own champion.” smiles were exchanged as they politely pushed through the people. “Here look, he’s sitting right there.” Fortuna pointed to an exit, there on a bench sat a young man, looking down at the ground. 

His dark blonde hair shone brightly from beneath the dirt that coated it. Cuts covered his face and arms, and probably the rest of his body too. She couldn’t see much more than that as Fortuna kept talking and walking to the front of the crowd to get a better view at the fight that was to happen soon.

“I saw him fight in the arena where my father bought him. He was biting away at some of the apes they fought. They call him the ape-eater.”

The guests cheered as the Emperors their champion was brought in. He bowed before the red haired rulers and they offered him a nod. [Name] her gaze wasn’t laid on either the Emperors or their champion. It was laid on the barbarian from Numidia who was being brought in. His shackles were undone when he stood in front of the Emperors as well. Up close she could see his bright blue eyes as they reflected in the sunlight that entered the big room. His facial features were sharp and he looked exactly like the statues of Roman heroes. [Name] her mouth slightly hung open as only one thought ran through her mind. 

Lucius

As the name ran through her mind like a mantra the barbarian looked at her, and his eyes grew a tiny bit. His gaze was fierce and his beautiful blue eyes were filled with rage and anger as he studied her own eyes. 

Lucius

His gaze swept over her face, down her body before snapping back to her eyes. His gaze now hardened as he looked at her again before turning his head away as a sword was thrusted into his hands.

Emperor Caracalla’s giggles and the screeches of his monkey echoed through the room as they fought, but [Name] her gaze was stuck on the same spot on the wall where the barbarian stood seconds ago. 

Yelps and screams snapped her out of her trance and her eyes looked around, breathing out in relief when she saw the barbarian unharmed, impaling the Emperor's gladiator with his sword. The crowd cheered and clapped as the fallen champion was dragged out. [Name] continued to stare at the barbarian, who resembled so much more than he realized, as he refused to speak to the emperor. 

His laugh echoed through the room as he finally opened his mouth after Marcrinus made up a lie. He stared at the Emperor intensely as he took a step toward him. The former took a small staggering step back as fear crossed his face for a split second, unknowing what the barbarian in front of him might do if he stayed within arms length of him.

“The gates of hell are open night and day, smooth is the descent, and easy is the way. But…” [Name] her mouth fell open in shock of hearing Virgil, poetry coming out of his mouth, “...to come back from hell, and view the cheerful skies, in this the task and mighty labor lies.” 

The edges of [Name] her vision began to go dark as she held onto Fortuna for support. The woman glanced down at her and upon seeing her pale face she brought her to a place to sit. The dark haired woman searched the others' eyes, not being able to find anything.

“What is the matter, friend?”

[Name] held a hand to her sweating forehead as she closed her eyes. Trying to get rid of her false hope and get herself together before anyone noticed that she was acting off. 

“I suppose my stomach can not handle violence and bloodshed from this close up.” she lied with a small laugh, hoping she didn’t act too out of character for herself. “It felt like I was about to have a fainting spell.” 

The other woman smiled as she offered her her drink. “I’ll have someone call for your carriage to get back home.”

The ride home was a blur. It must have been nothing more than a coincidence. It couldn’t have been anything else. She was greeted by a servant who accompanied her to her rooms and helped her change. The summer heat peaked these days and even the lightest clothes seemed suffocating if you wore them too long. 

She kept silent for hours. The servants assumed she was still mourning her late husband, which would make sense. Supper went the same, any questions were just answered with a nod or shake of her head, eyes cast down at the food on her plate or the wine in her cup. Lucilla and Acacius exchanged looks, and Acacius couldn’t help but see his daughter as herself from a decade ago. Rebellious in her teen years, maturing into a young woman, looking more and more like her biological mother who had left the world too soon. He could see past her facade, he could see the clockworks rotating in her head, focussed, thinking, lost somewhere deep in her own world up in her head. 

After dinner she had quickly excused herself before returning to her quarters. She stood in front of the collection of crystals, rocks, gems, and other small trinkets that laid on the desk. They had collected dust over the years that they had laid there. Their price value wouldn’t be that high, but their emotional value lay high. Higher than any money could ever buy. 

Back when Lucius and she were betrothed, she was no older than six summers, Lucius not a full moon above eight. Lady Lucilla had a big part in the betrothal, knowing the girl’s mother as a childhood friend from court and believing they would make a strong couple. The daughter of a general, and the Prince of Rome. When Lucius had found out, he saw it not as a betrothal but as a friendship, after all, they were both children, they wouldn’t understand until at least a little later in life. 

So always if Lucius found out [Name] would be in the city, he’d have his guards find her so he could give her small gifts. They were young but the pair grew oddly fond of each other and soon, a whole shelf of crystals and other precious shining items came to be in her rooms. 

The years after Lucius’ disappearance she understood more and more how much he had meant to her, what would’ve been if he was still here, how different her life would have been. The items meant everything to her, for they were her last real connection to Lucius. 

“You know, I would always be missing some items from my jewellery boxes when Lucius went out into the city. Or sometimes it was servants who reported missing items from the halls.” Lucilla said as she stood in the doorframe, admiring the young woman who had a bright green gemstone pressed against her chest. “It didn’t take long before I found out it was Lucius who took them. I followed him into the city, to the markets where I saw him giving you something. I watched as you took out a gold butterfly and smiled brightly. I never said a thing about the missing items, and often I laid out things for him to find and take.” Slowly she walked into the room and stood beside [Name] “He really loved you.”

The young girl nodded. 

“What is bothering you, daughter?” Lucilla took one of her hands, holding it tightly as she searched her stepdaughter's eyes. They were filled with sorrow, her whole face portrayed it. She felt [Name] grip her hand as she stared at her. 

“The Numidian barbarian I watched fight at the Emperors’ gathering…” she shook her head, looking down at the green stone in her hand. 

Even when all hope seems lost, know it will return. Little wise Lucius Verus’ words from when he gave her this stone rang through her head.

“Curls as blonde as your own, eyes as blue as the heavens.” Lucilla’s eyes were still on her, “The only thing I could think of when I saw him was Lucius. He recited Virgil; The gates of hell are open night and day, smooth is the descent, and easy is the way… Lucilla, you mustn't think of me as crazy.” 

She felt the elder woman tighten her grip on her hand as she slowly pulled her along. They walked through the halls, crossed the courtyard, and entered the secret door that led to Lucius his former chambers. [Name] had only been there once or twice, years and years ago. 

Lucilla stood still as she looked up, where drawings and words decorated the walls. [Name] followed her gaze, eyes widening upon realization. The words laid right in front of her, the exact words the blue eyed barbarian had recited. 

The gates of hell are open night and day, smooth is the descent, and easy is the way. But to come back from hell, and view the cheerful skies, in this the task and mighty labor lies. 

“General Justus Acacius, and with him his daughter [Name] and his wife, Lucilla! The daughter of Emperor Marcus Aurelius! 

[Name] entered the Emperor's box in the Colosseum behind her father and Lucilla, hearing the people cheer for her father as they were introduced. It would forever surprise her how loud, and how massive the place was. She did not attend the games often, for it was known the bloodshed often fell bad on her stomach, but now, she felt like she needed to attend. 

She took her seat next to Lucilla as her father spoke to the citizens. His voice rang through the crowd as they chanted his name. She saw Emperor Geta look in her direction, smiling wickedly when he caught her eyes before turning back around. 

As the announcer spoke up again, the doors opened and the first gladiators came out. [Name] held her breath in fear as she looked among them. Her hand was interlinked with Lucilla’s, who saw him before she did and tightened her hand so hard her knuckles turned white. She followed her stepmother's gaze, and her eyes landed on the blue eyed barbarian once again and she returned the grasp on her stepmother's hand. The gladiator's eyes shifted to hers, and his gaze held familiarity, but before she could react, he had already looked away.

The south doors opened and in came the Emperor's prized champion. 

“Hail Caesars!” he bellowed and the crowd followed with cheers and chants. 

The two women up in the Emperor's box held their breath as they exchanged a knowing look. A mutual understanding. 

Boo’s echoed through the stadium, cheers encouraged the gladiators, excitement buzzed and the emperors grew more blood thirsty every time a gladiator dodged the massive rhino. 

When the blue eyed barbarian thrusted his sword down into the sand, and bent down to grab two fistfuls of sand she heard Lucilla breathe out a shuddering breath as she looked at him in curiosity and confusion.

The rhino crashed into the wall of the arena, causing a stir in the crowd and the Emperors rushed to the railing to see what happened like two little boys. A fight broke loose, the rider of the rhino and the barbarian fought. The upper hand going to the rider of the rhino, he kicked and threw the barbarian around and Emperor Geta spoke up.

“Brother, it’s that poet, is it not?” he spoke as he watched his brother sit back down with the excuse of not knowing. “The gates of hell are open night and day… Smooth is… I forgot… Smooth the…”

“Smooth is the descent, easy is the way.” 

Below, the fight was still going, clouds of dust rising up in the arena as the crowds chanted for mercy. The chants turned into roars of excitement as the Emperor granted mercy in the name of the Gods. “No mercy!” the barbarian yelled, looking up to the box as he rested on one knee. “I would rather face your blade, than accept Roman mercy!” With that he stood up as the rhino rider charged for him again. 

It happened in the blink of an eye as he rolled around and sliced his sword into his chest, watching how he fell to his knees as he cradled the wound. Now the crowds chanted for the kill, and the barbarian complied. The crowds were loud before, but now they went ballistic, and [Name] was certain all of Rome could hear them chant the gladiator's name. 

“Hanno! Hanno! Hanno!”

The name continued to ring through [Name] her head as they made their way home. Lucilla had seen for herself what [Name] had told her days prior, and she too knew this was her son. Two decades had gone by since she had sent him off for his own safety. Two decades of wondering if her son was still alive, and now he had stood below her, captured in Numidia, fighting on the same ground where his father died. 

Marcus Acacius was now looking at two distressed women. The two women he held closest to his heart, seeming in utter despair as they held their silence. 

“Alright, what is the matter?” he spoke up once they reached the safety of their home, he couldn’t pretend any longer. He watched as the two women exchanged a glance, then stared confused as Lucilla ordered the servants out of the room. 

“Lucius is alive,” [Name] started and her father looked at her with widened eyes. Her eyes were cast down on the stones at their feet, hand wrapped around the golden necklace at her neck. 

Acacius looked at his wife who nodded, “He’s alive.” 

He closed his eyes, his memories instantly snapping back to the young prince he once knew as his future son-in-law. The small, blonde boy with eyes as bright as the heavens.

“You are certain?”

“Yes, I know my son.”

[Name] her father sat down, looking at her. The tears were gathering in her eyes, she had mourned that boy greatly for many years. For a while she had refused to marry her first husband, saying it felt wrong, knowing she was still promised to another. She had prayed to the gods, prayed for his safety, prayed for his safe return to Rome, and now it seemed it had become reality. 

“Father, I knew it was him when I watched him fight at the Emperors’ gathering. His reaction to seeing me was enough to prove my suspicions.” she met her fathers eyes, walking toward him and taking one of his hands in hers. “I know of your plans. I overheard the conversations with the senators. The dream of Marcus Aurelius. With Lucius alive, those two ginger maniacs have less claim to the empire. Please allow me to speak to him, get him to work with us. Fortuna won’t tell a soul if I ask her, she is like a sister to me and she owes me a favor.” 

If Lucius Verus was truly alive, and back in Rome, that would change everything. Their plans to overthrow the Emperors would be easier with a male heir, the heir of Emperor Commodus, Lucilla knew that too. So Acacius nodded at his daughter, whose teary eyes turned into a smile as she embraced her father. 

“Thank you, father.” 

Once she stopped in front of the gates to the place Marcinius kept his gladiators, she slipped off her horse. Her fathers personal guard stood at a distance, ensuring her safety on the road. She walked to one of the sides, looking for the window she knew too well and when she did she called out.

“Fortuna!” It was soft, but loud enough for the other woman to poke her head out of the window. She nodded and disappeared again before appearing at the side gate leading to her and her fathers house. 

“I want to see the gladiator Hanno.”

Her friend looked at her in shock but grinned as she took her hand and led her through the now dark courtyard. She was never more thankful for her friend as she opened the cell and let her in, standing on the lookout not far away.

“So, you’re the barbarian from Numidia.” [Name] spoke as she looked at the gladiators back. He wore no shirt and she could see the scars and wounds on his toned back. “Hanno, no?”

He turned around when she called his name, eyes once more growing in surprise as he saw her.

“My lady, yes.” he said, eyes tracing her whole form. From her dark blue dress to her dark robe, and the singular gold necklace, it was different as opposed to the light colors and many jewellery items she wore when he had first seen her. “What do you need from me?”

She studied his eyes, he was much closer now than he’d been in the last few days. The moon light shone in through the high barred window and fell on his face.

She took off her necklace and she held it up in front of his face. “Do you know who this is?” she spoke as the coin shimmered in the moonlight, illuminating the face on it. 

LUCIUS VERUS II it read around the face. 

“Lucius Verus the second?” Hanno spoke, reading it off the coin. 

“You can read, you know Virgil, I’ve been informed you know Roman history, you fight like-” fought exactly like the boy she used to watch as he parred with his guards. “Like a trained Roman swordsman. You are no Numidian, so don’t pretend to be one, Lucius.” 

He raised his brows at her, at her choice of words, at the name she called him. A cocky smile adorned his face as he took a daring step forward, his smile widening when she didn’t move back, instead only straightening her back and raising her chin to look at him.

“Whoever you think I am, you are wrong.” Hanno bent down a little, towering over her as she held his fierce gaze.

She reached into the pocket of her cloak, her fingers wrapping around the cold stone as she brought it out.

“Nineteen summers ago, I got this sapphire from my betrothed, the young prince Lucius Verus. When he gave it to me he said the words; even when all hope seems lost, know it will return. Not long later after that he disappeared. Whether he knew it then or not, he would be our hope in the future. He is our hope now. Not only to save Rome from the rule it is now under, but also to bring the dream of Marcus Aurelius to reality.”

Hanno looked at her, something in his gaze changed as he stood straight again. His gaze fell to the small treasures in her hand. 

“You carry the face of a missing prince around your neck? How your husband must like that.” he scoffed as he turned his back to her once more.

“He was a dear friend, and a great loss not only to me, but his mother too. I loved the prince, with my entire heart. I still do.”

That had Hanno turning his head around, looking at her as she turned to leave the cell before turning her own face back to him. 

“Lucius Verus is our last hope. Stay alive gladiator.” 

“Wait,” Hanno turned back around and took a big step forward, she could feel his warm breath on her neck. “Why? Why do you think I am your precious prince.”

[Name] turned around to face him, her brows furrowed at his choice of words, his arrogant, nearly mocking tone. She looked at the necklace that was dangling between them. 

“The gods have damned me, but that does not mean I forget the ones I love. Some things do not change, can not change. You have three birthmarks on the left side of your neck. Along with a scar covering both of your calves from the same sword strike from when you insisted on practicing with real swords with your uncle, Emperor Commodus.” She reached a hand up to his neck, lightly touching the three birthmarks before trailing behind him, and sure enough, the white lines covering his calves stood out among his toned skin. “The gates of hell are open night and day. Smooth is the descent and easy is the way. Those are the lines written on the walls of your childhood bedroom. I can go on, but I knew it was you from the first moment we made eye contact at the Emperors’ gathering.” she finished as she circled back in front of him.

Hanno looked at her with wide eyes, his breathing heavy. He had not counted on being recognised that easily. Hell, he had not even counted on seeing her. His eyes darted between hers before they fell on her soft, plush lips. All those years and she still remembered the smallest things about him, carrying his face around her neck, close to her heart. Kept the trinkets he had gifted her all those years ago. She risked her life coming here just to seek confirmation of what she already knew.

“We-”

He pressed his lips against her own, his worn and scarred hands coming up to cup her face as she returned the kiss. Her hands moved to his chest, one pulling him closer by the back of his neck as the other felt his heart go crazy below his skin. The kiss was slow but rough as one of his hands travelled to her lower back and pulled her body closer to his. 

They broke apart when they heard soft footsteps approaching. They looked to the door of the cell to see Fortuna motioning it was time for [Name] to go. 

[Name], who still held the gold necklace in her hand, looked up at the man before her. She reached for the necklace with her other hand before moving them around Hanno’s neck and locking it. 

“Remember who you are, and remember what is rightfully yours.” she cupped his cheek and he leaned down to touch his forehead to hers. “Stay alive, Lucius.”

-`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´-

dont forget to like and reblog <3 please😓😓

[Name] was reading a book in her living room when she felt it. A cold chill ran over her entire body. The book in her hands fell to the ground as she sat up. Only once before in her life she had felt this feeling this strong, that’s how she knew it was bad. 

She rushed to the front door for her shoes and jacket, and with a fast twirl she was at her destination. What she saw couldn’t be real. Fyodor had a metal pipe run through his body? A pipe? A sword? Something. And he was bleeding a lot.

At first glance [Name] did not realize where she was, but when she looked around it clicked, they were right outside of Mervault. Fyodor had escaped, but was now bleeding. 

“Fedya!” she rushed towards the helicopter in a rush. If she were fast enough she could reverse what happened. A hand found itself at the back of her coat, pulling her backwards. “No!” She looked up, only to meet eyes with Dazai Osamu. “Let me go!” Dazai pulled her backwards again as she tried moving out of his grasp. She couldn’t teleport now, it would just take Dazai with her or he’d just cancel her ability.

“Let me go to my husband!” she screamed and trashed, “Please!” her hands were reaching behind her back at the strong hand gripping her jacket. That was it! He was just holding her jacket! [Name] quickly opened the zipper of her jacket and ran. 

She reached the helicopter, scambling, almost falling over as her hands fell onto Fyodor’s wounds.

She heard him sigh. “I specifically told you to never cry over me, didn’t I?” 

Somewhere in the background Dazai was talking. Something about uncertain cards, Fyodor’s weakness, allies. [Name] didn’t care what he was talking about, her husband was dying in front of her.

“Look at me.” he said, drowning out Dazai’s annoying voice. “What is your job?”

Her breath got caught in her throat, “Plan it out, make it work.” 

“And for how many situations did we make plans to make it work?” Fyodor's purple eyes were staring deep into her own eyes.

“All.”

A new voice entered the conversation, this one [Name] knew. Chuuya.

“Do not shed tears over those who won’t be dead for long,” Fyodor spoke as he cupped her cheek with a shaking, bloody hand. “Go to your brother now, myshka. It’s not our end.” 

Fyodor bent down a little to give one last kiss on his wife's forehead before ushering her away.

With shaky legs and tears streaming down her face she walked over to Nikolai who was standing besides Dazai. 

“Don’t look so down! At least now I will be free from affection, dear sister!” Nikolai twirled his sister around, who was still silently crying as she watched her husband talk to Dazai. 

They had predicted this. They knew there was a possibility of this happening. They had plans, it would be alright, but it still hurt seeing him die.

Eventually the helicopter took off and crashed, and [Name] let out a blood curling wail as she felt Fyodor’s sign of life disappear from her own body. Dazai gave her a pitiful look while Chuuya a look of disgust. 

“Why now, beautiful, don’t cry. At least you’re rid of him now.” Dazai said as he knelt before her a few minutes later. Her mascara was smeared across her cheeks, together with tears and Fyodor's blood as her hands shook, also stained with her beloved's blood, her legs had given out not too long ago and her knees hurt from the fall. 

“You killed the man I loved with my entire being.” [Name] sobbed, oh how she wished she could just rip this heart out and break it in two, make him feel what she was feeling right now. But that wasn’t the plan Fyodor and her made. She had to stick to the plan. 

Dazai shrugged and stood up, bending back down to grab the crying woman from the floor. “Yeah well, from my perspective he deserved it. But I'll see to it that his remains get sent your way so you can give him a proper resting place, since you’re his wife. I give you my condolences, and since you are not responsible nor did you participate in your husband's actions, the Agency will give you whatever you may need to get back on your feet.”

-`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´-

Ping!

Your face brightened up as you heard your phone go off, you were glad the classroom was already full of noise so the teacher hopefully didn’t notice. 

Hey what you up to? 

Hiii!! Nothing much, just waitig for class to end tbh, wby?

waiting**

In class AND on your phone? Are you trying to get into detention, my dear?

Not that I should be talking, I’m doing the same.

Yk I can’t just ignore you, that’d be mean

I’d be worse if you got detention again, dummy.

You bit your lip to stop yourself from smiling. It had been what? Six months since you met this stranger online? It didn’t take more than two weeks before you became inseparable. Socials were shared soon enough, though neither of yours showed anything but pretty pictures or fit-checks. You knew he was in the same school year as you, though he was a year older because of an early birthday. But you had no idea where in the world he lived, he was more secretive about that but you did figure out that you were in the same time zone. You didn’t really mind, you liked figuring him out on your own and he didn’t mind that either.

Would be worth it tbh.

Read 14:38 PM

Kadeh? You alright? Don’t tell me they took your phone LMAO

Delivered.

“[Name], busted.” your english teacher stood in front of you, and as he said, you got busted. “I know you’d much rather be texting your boyfriend but c'mon.” he held his hand up, signaling for you to hand your phone to him.

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Sure, sweetheart.” he rolled his eyes at you before standing straight again. “This is three times, that means detention. Go to classroom sixteen at four o’clock, I’ll be there.” 

You let out a deep breath, of course you got busted, you jinxed it, and now you both lost your phone for the day and got detention. 

“Girl, sooner or later he will get bored of you and drop contact.” your friend said, “You know that’s what happens with all online friends.” you looked at her and tried your best not to slap her. 

She’s right, you know. One part of you thought, while the other protested. No, she isn’t. Kadeh wouldn’t do that!

You turned your head around and ignored her for the rest of the day.

“Hey teach,” you entered classroom sixteen a bit before four o’clock, walking up to your English teachers’ desk to sign off your name on the detention list. Your eyes scanned the paper for other names.

Childe. Reason: disrespectful behavior. Of course he’d say something stupid.

Itto. Reason: disturbing class even after two warnings. Nothing new

Chongyun. Reason: talking through my lesson with Xingqiu. Of course, the cute freshmen couple.

Xingqiu. Reason: talking through my lesson with Chongyun.

[Name]. Reason: texting during class. Sigh.

Yoimiya. Reason: disturbing class even after two warnings. That rarely happened, she must’ve been excited over something.

Kazuha. Reason: texting during class. Seemed like she wasn't the only one today.

Cyno. Reason: playing cards with Kaveh during class. Tcg obsessed assholes.

Kaveh. Reason: playing cards with Cyno during class.

“Sir, could I have some blank papers? I filled up my notebook during my last class.'' He handed you some and you turned around to find a seat where you’d be sitting for the next hour. You found a spot next to the window behind Yoimiya, who smiled at you. You watched the others come in, Cyno and Kaveh going straight to the back of the room, Childe sat in the row next to Yoimiya and the two started chatting away, Itto moved to the spot right besides the door, Xingqiu and Chongyun were in the front, and finally the last student entered the room. Kazuha, you didn’t share any classes with him, you were in classes one, and he was in two. Meaning you’d never gotten the chance to properly meet over the last few years. 

You knew him from walking around in the hallways, standing in line behind him in the cafeteria, small shared smiles and awkward nods as you locked eyes with him during lunch. After he signed off his name he walked to take the seat beside you. 

“So I wasn’t the only one caught texting today.” he joked as he sat down, holding out his hand, “Kaedehara Kazuha,” 

Seemed like today was the day you finally got introduced to him.

You fell down on your bed with your phone in hand. 

Kadeh? You alright? Don’t tell me they took your phone LMAO

Guess what? They did, and detention.

MINE TOO BYE AND THEN TEACH PUT ME IN DETENTION AS WELL

So you WERE trying to get into detention, huh? Pfft I didn’t realize I had made friends with a bad girl.

You just told me you got into detention as well and you’re calling me bad? Your teachers are just as bad as mine, or you’re just as bad as covering your schemes as me.

I promise you, my dear, I am not bad at covering up my secrets.

You must have a lot of them then.

How ‘bout you come find out?

You giggled at his texts, he never failed to make you do so. As you rolled off your bed to grab your homework and laptop you heard your phone buzz a couple of times, and coming back to your bed you checked your messages.

No worries tho, I’m not THAT bad. 

I don’t sell drugs or guns or stuff like that

I just get into detention for giving my sweet girl the attention she deserves.

Which is totally worth it except when they take my phone and I CAN'T text you.

Whoops sorry was gettrng my books and laptop

You not respondfing within a minure basically menas your phone got taken, and possibly got detention too. Or you’re passed out on your couch

But I gotta go, well not that i wnat ot but i have math homework that i have to make otheriwse theyll assign me a tuotr and i dont want htha

Fuck ym grammar oml

No need to apologize dummy

But go make your homework, I won’t disappear

“[Name] your test results weren’t great. I see no other choice but to assign you a tutor to help you out ‘till the end of term.” you stared at your math teacher in defeat. You knew you weren’t great at math, but Kadeh had explained the difficult things to you since the guy was amazing at basically everything. 

“Is there really no other thing? Something that doesn’t include a tutor.”

“Yes. You paying attention.” he looked back at you before grabbing another paper from his desk. “Let’s see, it says here that Kaedehara Kazuha is available, you good with that?”

That wasn’t the worst person, he was pretty chill to you ever since you met in detention. The awkward nods and smiles now turned into small conversations and hello’s, with still the smiles. “Yeah sure, fine by me.” “Great, just go to the library after your last class and you’ll probably find him there.”

They gave me a fucking tutor.

Turns out my test didn’t go as well as i thought it went. 

Ughughughughguhgughugh 

Why me.

Read 11:32 PM

As you were about to type your next message your head and later body hit something–someone. 

“Ouch!” your hand flew up to your head and the books in your hand fell to the floor, where your phone already was. 

“I’m so sorry, please. Are you okay?” you knew that voice and you looked up to meet Kazuha’s eyes. You nodded in return, crouching to gather your books and phone.

“Though my screen protector is less fine,” you laughed as you saw it shattered, your messages with Kadeh gone blurry due to the cracks. “Are you alright?” looking at him he sat down beside you to help you with your books. “I am, no worries. I was just texting my f–someone. Where’d your bag go?” he said, standing up with some of your books in his hands and offering you the other; which you gladly took. “My friend's bag broke, and I just had these few books so I gave her mine. Besides, I got a spare tote in my locker.” you reached out to take the books from him, but he turned around and started walking.

“I’ll walk with you, can’t let a pretty girl carry these heavy books alone now can I?” 

You laughed at him while shaking your head, a slight blush coming to your cheeks.

“Did you hear the news already? My math teacher assigned you as my tutor.” quickly changing the subject you walked to your locker as he followed behind like a lost puppy.

“Yes, I saw the email come in. Wanna meet in the library after class?”

You agreed as you opened your locker and placed your books inside. You grabbed the spare tote bag and threw in your economy books and art supplies for your next few classes. “Sounds good, and thank you and sorry.”

He winked and turned around to his next class.

Okayhe isn’t hat bad

Excudr my grammsr my screen protecotr broke cuase i bumpedi nto him and ym stuff fell

No worries, dear.

See, I told you it’d be fine. Now you have someone that can explain it to you one on one, instead of over dms.

Kazuha looked back over his shoulder to see [name] typing away on her phone, and at the same time his phone was exploding.

Yes but youre jsut better yoou know. 

I meani dk him yet idk how he ‘teahces’. 

What if i dontunderstandh im? 

Yk i odnt like telling people i odnt understand.

It’ll be fine, dear. You just go to his lessons, pretend to understand, then afterwards you talk to me about it and I’ll explain some more if needed. Sound good?

Thnak you kadeh ilysm

I love you too, my dear.

A small smile danced over her features and she scrunched up her nose in adoration. No way that his best friend and lowkey crush, which was strange since he’d never seen her face, was this cute girl from school who he was now going to tutor.

Gotta go to my nect class, i htae economy ugh.

Goodluck sweetheart, you can do it!

Oh fuck.

“So mister Kaedeh–” you cut yourself off and giving the blonde before you a suspicious look before continueing, “Kaedehara Kazuha, how you think you’ll be able to make the math math for me?”

“By showing you how to think logically.”

You rolled your eyes and smiled before throwing your bag on the floor. As you sat down you checked your phone to check if you got a message from Kadeh or not, and when you saw none you shut your phone down.

“Let’s get started then.”

Twenty minutes later you were solving equations that gave you headaches before. Now it all seemed to make a lot of sense and with Kazuha’s help you were on a streak. He looked proudly as you moved on to the fifth one with no trouble, you raised your writing arm to your face to inspect the equation on the paper, and before Kazuha could ask if you were alright you were already writing again. Every now and then you’d furrow your brows, pout a little, or bite on your lip as you studied the paper. When you were finished you gave Kazuha the sheet of paper with a smile and he started to correct it, explaining how to do certain things faster for example. Sometimes you’d nod, other times you’d give him a strange look to which he just laughed before explaining.

Safe to say that you walked away from the extra math lesson with a lot more knowledge and confidence, and a new friend. 

Okay okay he isnt that bad at explaining. I actually understand it now and i was on a roll, or well he said that. 

After he explained soem thigns eh had me make about  fifteen questions, after he corrected them and explainedw what i did wrong and how ic an do other thigns differently so itll be faster. 

I actually understnasd

I told you it wouldn’t be that bad, dear. I’m proud of you, I know you did great.

Next time im meetng him is enxt week thursday, same time. 

We agreed to meet every week same time until end semester cuase thats what teach said.

Yeah, not that bad right? Just once a week cannot hurt. And he doesn’t seem like the worst type of guy.

He isn’t no, he has a calming aura, its nice to be arounf him. Hes prety too ngl

Thugh some people at school spread some odd rumors aboit him 

Liek that he sells weed and sht.

Oh well even if eh does idc he expains math like a pro.

Anyways imma head home, no driving and texting. Talk soon!! Loveyou

Drive safe, sweetheart. I love you too.

Kazuha stayed in the library for a while longer. When [name] was leaving she was already typing away on her phone, and mere seconds later his phone started exploding. Reading her texts made him sit in silence for a bit before responding. He was now certain that she was his online best friend. She told him the things he told her and it all just added up. He threw his head back as he looked at the ceiling that was painted to resemble the night sky. 

Not before long he saw Heizou and his mob of dark red hair above him. 

“What happened? Why are you slouching?”

Kazuha sighed as he sat up.

“I think my best friend may be in this school.”

“Uh yeah, hello, here I am right in front of ya, buddy.”

Kazuha looked at Heizou desperately.

“Oh shit, you mean [online name]? What? How? Why? What?!”

“I tutor this girl, [name]. This morning I bumped into her while I was texting [online name], she was busy on her phone too. I didn’t receive any messages from her when [name] and i bumped into each other, but she was typing. Then I offered to walk her to her locker and carry her books because she lent her own to her friend. She dropped her economy books into her new bag. Later [online name] texted me she had economy class, and that she hated it.” Kazuha started at the wall as he spoke mindlessly.

“Yeah okay… But those can all just be coincidences, you know.”

“Then just now when she was leaving she was typing away on her phone, and seconds later [online name] started messaging me. Then she told me how her tutor told her she was on a roll, I told [name] that! Then she said that there were some rumors about her tutor, that he sells weed. People say I sell weed! I don’t but they say it!” 

Heizou just stared at him for ten seconds before his mind came up with a master plan that goes as follows.

The next time [online name] is texting him Heizou will sneak up on [name] and look on her phone, if it’s who she thinks is Kadeh then the mission is a success, and if not then Kazuha’s heart will calm down.

And so the following day Heizou stood behind [name] with another friend of his, just ‘talking’. As Kazuha gave the sign she was typing, Heizou looked over her shoulder to see what she was writing.

Yeah! I genuenly cannot wait for summer either ughhh

Heizou and his friend bolted back to Kazuha when she sent it and he snatched the phone from his hands.

Yeah! I genuenly cannot wait for summer either ughhh

He looked Kazuha dead in the eye before giving him his phone back. 

“Go get your girl, loverboy.”

Four weeks had passed since that day. Four weeks, four Thursdays, four tutor lessons. [Name] realized that Kazuha was acting differently lately. She would catch him staring at her during those lessons, or even more often during lunch break. She would always give him her sweetest smile, and he’d return it before breaking eye contact with a small chuckle. Their friends started noticing too, there was some sort of tension with someone in the cafeteria but they couldn’t place who. 

It took another week before Kazuha decided to just go for it. He knew [name] was already in the library because her last class had been dismissed early. So when he saw her curled up on one of the couches, his heart melted. His phone vibrating in his pocket let him know she was texting him, some personalized do not disturb setting that let only her messages through. 

He grabbed his phone and sent her a quick text, ignoring the things she had said before. 

I cant reply rn, I have to tutor someone.

You tutor???@?@!! You never told me

There’s more I haven’t told you.

Like what?

Look up, sweet girl

You looked up in confusion and locked eyes with Kazuha. Your eyes widened and your mouth fell open. Looking back at your phone, then back at Kazuha tears came to your eyes. 

“Hello, my dear” he softly smiled as he took a slow step towards you, cupping your cheeks as tears were seconds away from falling. “You’re–” your bottom lip started trembling as you buried your face into his chest, one of his hands coming to hold your head as the other held your back, slowly brushing up and down. “I hate you–but I don’t. You–”

You felt his chest vibrate, letting you know he was laughing. You gripped at his shirt–which you now realized was the shirt you’d seen a thousand times before on his instagram.

“Who knew the sweetest girl in town,” he dropped his head to talk right next to your ear, “was actually my sweet girl?” He felt you trying to bury yourself even deeper into his chest. “No no, sweetheart, you need oxygen.” With that you pulled back, your big eyes staring back at him, a little bloodshot and your cheeks all red. “Not funny,” you whispered, “You don’t wanna know how much I was hoping you were actually living in my town, went to school here and I don’t know. I’d be happy if that were the case unless you were Childe.” tears came back to your eyes. “And what if it was me?” he rested his forehead against yours, looking you directly into your eyes. Blood rushed to your cheeks as you replied.

“Then I’m afraid that I won’t be able to stop myself from falling for you–Kadeh–even harder.” 

One moment you were talking and smiling, looking directly into the male's eyes. The next you were processing what was happening as his lips collided with yours.

“Even in real life you seem to have a processing time to what I say or do.” he said when he pulled back.

“Can you blame me? Look at yourself.” Kazuha swore he saw hearts in your eyes before you closed them again and pulled him back to you, lips once again meeting each other.

“No, I can’t. But you, my dear sweet girl, are even more breathtaking than I imagined you’d be.”

“Mister Kaedehara and Miss [name]! Detention!”

-`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´--`♡´-

nine years. It had been nine years. 

The first year felt unrealistic. It was strange. going from being side by side with each other almost 24/7 to no contact at all. [Name] didn’t know what she did wrong, just that one day Satoru and Suguru decided they didn’t want her in their life anymore.

She remembered everything of their last day together, every once in a while it would suddenly pop back up into her head, but in that first year, it replayed again and again; every day.

“Suguru!” [Name] had called out to one of the two teenage boys as she caught up to them “hi!” 

Suguru flung his arm around the girl's shoulders, pulling her into his side as she greeted Satoru. 

“Where have you been, doll? We were looking for you.” 

[Name] laughed as she grabbed their hands and pulled them along. “Shoko and I accidentally forgot to sleep, so when I did fall asleep around ten I was doomed to wake up late.” 

The two boys looked at each other and smiled, the little ball of sunshine walking in front still pulling them along. 

“So four hours of sleep and already this energetic? you still gotta teach me that trick.” Satoru commented as he looked at her, shaking her head and rolling her eyes. She replied with a ‘real magicians don’t explain their best tricks’ 

After they walked for a while, they finally reached the top of a mountain, looking down on the city below. 

The beginning of summer break celebration was going on, kids from their private school and from public schools in the city came together to celebrate. Many people crowded the streets, there was music, and they could see everything perfectly. 

“look who knows the best spots once again”

They had spent the entire afternoon on the top of that mountain since classes were canceled due to the celebration. Their fellow students were down there, having fun.

But as they were probably dancing and partying; Satoru took on the challenge to chase [Name] around the hill, she yelped and ran behind the other boy, clutching to the back of his shirt for protection as she heard the two boys negotiate. 

“Don’t you dare Suguru,” she warned, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind. He placed one of his hands on hers and suddenly pulled her to the front. “Not you too please! ah!” she yelped, but the next moment she was giggling, she could never stand a chance against their tickle war. Ever since they found out she was very ticklish a few years ago it had become a thing for them to annoy her with. Whenever it was if she were sad, annoyed, angry, or if they felt like it, the boys would look at each other and [Name] would run instantly if she saw. (Which she most of the time didn’t and fell into their grasp giggling.)

Later at night they went back to the school, they had watched the sun set, then the fireworks, and then [name] and Satoru listened and looked in awe as Suguru pointed out constellations in the night sky. It was perfect.

At some point her eyes fell and she slept. The black haired boy looked down at her sleeping on Satoru's shoulder before giving a sad smile. 

“She will never forgive us.”

“But at least we'll protect her.” 

The next morning when [name] woke up in the room she shared with Shoko there was a little note on her nightstand.

‘you’re gonna be okay’ in Satoru’s messy and rushed handwriting. She got dressed and ran out of her room, looking for her best friends. what did Satoru mean with that she was gonna be okay?

She looked all over the grounds, the dining hall, library, common rooms, classrooms, the fields and gardens. Eventually she decided to also check their dorm. Girls and boys weren’t originally allowed in each other's dorm rooms, but since everyone was packing their stuff for summer the teachers didn’t care. So she followed the familiar path towards the boys their shared room. The posters were gone from their door, but they probably took those down first she thought. [name] knocked on the door, no reaction. She opened the door to find it completely empty except for the furniture that belonged to the school. 

Graduation was next week, why were they moved out already? For the last few years they always did that together. Where were they? As she turned around and bumped into Nanami, he looked just as confused as he took in the empty room. 

He looked at her, his mouth opening but no sound coming out. She knew what he was gonna ask, “They’re putting their stuff into the car or?”

She showed him the note in her hand and Nanami just got more question marks behind his eyes.

For a week she wondered where they were, she held hope they’d come knocking on her temporary apartment building her parents owned as she waited in the city for graduation. However; no knock came, no call, no letter or note, nothing. Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru disappeared from the radar.

When graduation rolled around word went round that Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru would not be attending. They had waited for this moment for she didn’t know how long. Plans were made to go out with their other friends after, they had plans for the future! But now, instead of her two best friends cheering on her louder than anyone else as she held her valedictorian speech, her other friends cheered double as hard. They knew she’d been struggling this week. Shoko had crashed at her temporary apartment since she didn’t want to deal with her parents. Nanami also came by daily, and if they hadn’t been there, no one would’ve known what would’ve happened to [name].

The second year was still unbearable. [Name] worked a lot, saving money, attending college, going out with her friends on the weekends. She often found herself looking to her sides, expecting to see one of her two former best friends walking there. She always looked for them in crowds, she looked everywhere, but they were nowhere to be found. 

In the third year [name] finally figured out her future. She was in her third year of college but decided to drop out. She saved a lot of money, and she was relatively well off so she bought a building in the busy city and within six months the place opened to a magnificent night club and partially a cafe two times a week. It took a lot of promotion, and a lot of patience until the place blew up. 

In just the first year that it opened, she gained so much she paid off the entire loan of the building. It hit off with people her age, and at just nineteen [name] was going to become one of the youngest millionaires of her time, she just didn’t know it yet.

Her friends loved the place too, and they were immensely proud of [name] after what she had gone through a few years prior. She proved to the world that the only person she truly needed was herself and that she could do whatever she wanted to.

The second year after opening the fourth without Gojo and Geto [name] opened a second location of her club across the world in Los Angeles. 

And now nine years later, and six locations in Tokyo, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, NYC, Paris and London [Name] had in fact become the fastest growing self made millionaire at her age. She lived in Beverly Hills, had her own place designed and built and she was living the life. 

Now; in her bathroom it was still a calm Saturday night but she knew that in an hour she would be in her own club, observing the people as she sipped on her drink. Saturdays were the busiest; first day of the weekend but that also meant a lot of money. 

“Scarlett?” [name] called out to her assistant who walked towards the entrance of the bathroom. “Take two weeks off, alright? Paid vacation of course, take your wife anywhere you want, put it on my bill. It’s summer and you haven’t been on a break since last year. It’s not up for debate.” She was fixing the last strands of her hair before turning towards the woman in her doorframe who looked a bit ill at her words. “Now, how do I look?” she gave Scarlett a smile. 

“As beautiful as always. And… Are you sure you’ll be fine? I mean… Two weeks is a lot.” Scarlett loved her job, not because it paid well, or because her boss was very generous. She loved her job because her boss felt more like a close friend rather than a boss. 

“You’re right, make it three weeks. You deserve it, you and your wife both. I’ll be fine, I know how to start a washer and dryer, I know how to do the dishes. What else would I need? Now, have fun on your vacation, you better send me pics, and have fun! I gotta get going now though cause I'm already late.”

Scarlett still looked a bit sick as she bid farewell to her boss, but at least she could finally take a break, which she was too shy to admit she actually needed.

[Name] walked through the front door of the club, she didn’t pick favorites is what she told others, but the location here in LA and the one in Paris were definitely her favorites of the six she owned. The music was beaming, lights flashing and the scent of alcohol and sweat hung in the air. Security guards nodded at her in a silent greeting as she made her way to her office, one of them trailing her for her own protection. Tonight was going to be a good night, she thought as she poured herself a drink, quickly drowning it before taking a glance at the paperwork that had been assembled on her desk during the last few days. She’d take it home when she left tonight. The security guard opened the door again and waited for her to lock it, after she gave him the signal he didn’t have to trail her tonight.

She walked past the VIP area, making some small conversations with people she’d seen before. There were new faces too, there always were. All different types of ‘em too. It was a safe space as well as a club. She stopped at Toji’s table, how he and her met was a long story. Everyone at [Name] her boarding school knew of the Zen’in family and their generations at the school, same as the Gojo family, as well as her own. She’d seen him here at the club one day a few years ago, standing at the bar and damn he looked familiar she had thought. It soon clicked in her head and she walked up to him. 

“Zen’in?” she had called as she stood behind him.

“Fushiguro now actually, took my wife's last name.” he said as he turned around, looking at the young woman in front of him. “Wait,” he had studied her face, until his eyes landed on the obvious giveaway of her family “[last name]?”. She nodded and smiled in response to his guess. “Never thought I’d see one of you all the way out here.” 

“Well, someone has to be the millionaire of the family.” Toji’s eyes widened as he asked for more details, giving an impressed grin when he found out she was the owner. 

“You got it good, girl. I wouldn’t have suspected you to be the type.” 

“Hello again, it’s been a while.” She sat down on the couch next to him, observing the people as they danced to the music. There were some empty glasses in front of him but Toji seemed rather sober.

“[Last name], you look good tonight.” he gave her a grin, it had been a few years since his wife died, the first few years were a mess for him, he was in here every night drinking away his grief. But over the years he had come to accept her passing and actually started taking care of his son again. Now he came every weekend, mostly just Saturdays since that's when his son was at his friends’ or godfathers house. “Thank you,” she smiled at him, smoothing out the satin dress on her body. “How’s Megs?” She hadn’t seen either of them ‘cause they’d been residing in Japan for a while. Toji smiled at the mention of his son. It took him too long to realize that the little boy was his light in life, his wife lived on in him and oh he was amazing. 

“He’s fine, great actually. He graduated from Jujutsu High a few weeks ago…” as Toji said that an old but familiar scent hit [name] her nostrils and she immediately turned her head around but didn’t find what she smelled. “It was amazing to see him receive his diploma. To be really honest, a few years ago I thought I’d never be back at that place again after I graduated years and years ago myself.” 

“He’s so grown up already, I can remember when you told me he just started.” [Name] turned her head back towards her friend with a smile that didn’t quite meet her eyes. “And to be fair, I don’t think I’ll ever return to Jujutsu High again, no matter the reason.” there was a reason- there were simply too many memories there that she had tried her hardest to forget. Those memories being the ones she just smelled.

The mixed scent of sweet floral yet strong cologne and a really overwhelming smell of pine and vanilla still hung faintly in the air.

It can’t be, she thought. Her mind was just playing tricks on her because Toji had her remember things she didn’t want to. There’s no way. 

Yet when she bid farewell to Toji and walked towards the bar she smelled it again. The bartenders didn’t look up when she walked behind the bar and poured herself a drink, yet she overheard their conversations. 

“That man's eyes… wow! I’ve never seen anyone with eyes that bright!”

It’s not him. They’re not here.

“But the other one! His shoulders… my god.”

[Name] walked away before she’d drive herself insane over this. There was no way they were here. If they were, she would’ve spotted them already. Even though a decade can change a lot about a person; Gojo’s bright blue eyes and bright hair and Geto’s long dark hair and muscled figure always stood out, especially when together.

She wasn’t even sure if they’d recognise her. She cut her hair, the final stages of puberty hit her later so she got some more curves and flesh, her style had changed and so had her personality. Though deep down she knew that if she’d ever see those two boys again, she’d turn back into her old bubbly self if it took too long. She always had a soft spot for them, no matter what happened or how much she denied it, they would always be a part of her past. Toji had also once told her she walked around like she owned the place, to which she replied that she did. He’d given her credit for the remark and she’d told him to put things on her tab that night.

With a racing heart she went back to observing the crowds. Walking alongside tables, along the dancefloor, everywhere. 

Theres no way these two fucks still wear the same cologne after years.

She sipped her drink, it burned in her throat, but it wasn't unpleasant. She walked towards the staircase for staff and security. All the way up it overlooked the layout of the building and she could spot things easier. 

I’m going to drive myself insane by looking for people that aren’t-

Her train of thoughts stopped when she saw a mob of bright white hair, she stared at it for ten seconds before looking at the person's face and she felt her head get light, looking besides him she saw a familiar black haired man.

Fuck.

She turned around, not being able to look anymore. The top of the stairs wasn't lit, so the chance they would’ve seen her was slim, very slim. [Name] sunk to the ground and drowned her drink in one go, this time the burn lasted longer and she closed her eyes. A few years ago she had promised herself that if she’d ever find them in her club- her property, she’d get them kicked out. Yet now that she found them, that seemed impossible. She couldn’t just walk up to them and tell them to get out of here. 

Why not?

Why not? There was no reason as to why not. As she said, it was her property, she could do whatever she wanted and before she realized it herself she was already making her way to the table they were sitting at. 

The music seemed to dim, the world became clearer yet also blurrier as she stood in front of them. 

“Get the fuck out of my place.” she said, there was anger and aggression in her voice as she looked at them. “Now.” 

Gojo and Geto both looked up at the person speaking to them. Geto had to do a double take as he took in the woman before him, but Gojo’s heart and smile dropped instantly.

“Get out. You’ll be okay.” her own eyes met Gojo’s blue ones, sending back his own words he left on that note nine years ago.

[Name] raised her eyebrows in amusement as she looked at the two men infront of her. They changed so much, yet nothing at all. She’d wait sixty seconds before she would raise her hand and look to the side to call security. 

“[N-name]? What are you doing here?” Gojo stuttered. 

“Running my club, what about you?” she smiled sarcastically before glaring at him. “Leave. You two wanted me out of your life, now I want you two out of mine. Leave and never show your face here, or at any of my locations, ever again. You have one minute before I call security.”

Geto stared at her with wide eyes, the woman in front of him was not the one they left behind nine years ago. There was no sign of silly jokes and giggles, lit up eyes and playful eyerolls. 

This woman was cold. That was the only word that came to Geto’s mind. There was no love in her eyes anymore, her spark wasn't the same. And the worst part of it was that Gojo and he were probably the reason for it.

“Ha! Look who it is, man I didn’t expect you here. Isn’t Megs at your place?” Toji suddenly appeared out of nowhere and his words made [name] even more lightheaded. He wrapped his arm around her waist briefly, a small sign of affection and recognition as they exchanged glances. “You know them?” she asked Toji who enthusiastically replied.

“Yeah! Blue eyes is Megumi’s godfather, didn’t I tell ya? But I was just gonna head back out, got an emergency meeting first thing tomorrow. See ya [name], take care of yourself, alright?” he waved goodbye to Gojo and Geto and walked out. 

Great. Fucking great.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. 

Don’t you dare. Don’t you fucking-

“Follow me, no questions and you'll walk out of here unharmed.” she spoke in a cold tone before turning around and making her way to her office. 

What the fuck was happening. Who had cursed this upon her?

She unlocked the door to her office and walked in, pouring herself another drink as the two men came in. “Sit.”

They did as she said and sat down in the chairs facing the desk. Gojo sneaked a look at one of the papers on her desk. It showed the gain of the last month. That was more than his and Geto’s company made… in three months…

He quickly sat back when she turned around and sat in the desk chair with her drink in hand. It was a fancy black one, CEO’s would have it- he had one alike.

“I thought you didn’t drink.” Gojo said, trying to make small talk.

“And I thought we’d be friends forever.” She took a sip of her drink, looking at both of them before speaking again. “Explain. You have ten minutes, and I am solely doing this for the sake of Toji and Megs cause I will not let them know we are on bad terms.”

They stared at her. Nine years ago she would have blushed and tried to hide away or scold them to stop, but now she stared back, no trace of blushing on her cheeks.

“Get to it. We’re adults now, we both have running businesses. So let's get over it.”

Geto sighed, this was more complicated than the situation nine years ago was. Or maybe explaining it nine years ago would’ve been easier, [name] was easier then. Not in a bad way, she changed, they all did, but Geto had the feeling that she would’ve understood it better back then rather than now. Both Gojo and Geto felt the anger radiating off her, she looked like she could in fact kill both of them right now.

“We got mixed up with the wrong people in our last year.” Gojo suddenly said and she huffed in annoyance but kept quiet. “You know we were already making plans for our business back then, we tried to make some ties here and there and a particular branch of people scammed us. That’s how we met Toji too, he was mixed up with the same people. They had known I came from money and so they stalked us around, even at school. Pretty soon they found how close we were with you and before we knew it they had entire records open on you. Where you lived, who your parents are, all that type of things! They found your birth certificate! With that came that they found out you came from money too- old money. So they started with threatening to keep us hostage ‘till you paid them a fine, knowing you would. 

After we complied and gave them some money they continued with the blackmail. They came to us with pictures of you asleep, during class, free time, of your apartment in the city. They said they’d kidnap you, said what they’d do to you if we wouldn’t give them more money once our business grew. They knew it would grow because of my father, so we had to cut ties with you to protect you. On the last night-”

“Enough.” She took a long sip of her drink and threw her head back. “You know how much this sounds like bullshit? Protect me or they’d kidnap me and torture me unless-literally speaking-you payed them a fuck ton of money. You could’ve fucking told me? You could’ve waited ‘till after graduation? Yet you decided not to knowing I would be a fucking wreck for years upon years. And then suddenly, after almost a decade you show up in my club acting like a bunch of fucking pussies. The boys I knew wouldn’t pull shit like that! They’d fight cause they’re rich private school jackasses who wouldn’t back out of a fight, nor abandon their best friend simply because some fuckers threatened to hurt her! This could’ve easily been fucking figured out because for fucks sake Gojo! You! You are the heir to one of the oldest bloodlines in country, and so am I so I personally do not see where the fucking problem lies in that it could not have been resolved! And you- no. Don’t you both see the logic in this?” She took a deep breath and looked them both in the eye. “I am drunk alright but even I can see this is bullshit.”

She threw her head back again and took a deep breath and exhaled it.

“You don’t know how scared we were to lose you to them, [name]!” Geto looked at her, but she was looking at the boring white ceiling. “Yeah, well. You lost me because of your fears of losing me.” 

Silence hung in the air for a minute or so as she let those words sink in.

Don't do it. Do not do it. It doesn't matter how close you used to be with them. It doesn’t matter that they took your v-

“Okay here's the deal. It's friday, or well saturday by now probably. Tuesday this place is a cafe, like it is two times a week. You both come here at ten AM, and well talk then, cause again I am fucking drunk.” rolling her head back and looking at them she sighed “Now get out.” 

Gojo and Geto gave each other a look, then looked back at [Name]. She looked back, even though her eyes were a bit bloodshot and teary, her gaze was filled with anything but care and love. Geto took a deep breath before standing up. “Will you get home safely?” He asked and she could see there was genuine concern in his eyes as he frowned a little.

“I’ll call my assistant to come and get me.” She rolled her eyes and gave them another look that told them to get out.

Only [Name] forgot that she had sent Scarlett on vacation, so when she dialed her number it went straight to voicemail. She walked out of the club with the stack of paperwork from earlier in her hands and called an uber. The driver said he was near and there within a minute, so when eventually a black car stopped in front of her she got in. Vaguely she heard him ask for her destination and she gave her address. 

Tonight hadn’t gone as planned, at all. She had expected a calm evening but it was anything but. [Name] had always thought she was over it, over them, or at least for the biggest part. There were always small reminders of them in everything she did or had. But she really thought she’d be able to kick them out, out of her club and out of her life just like they’d done to her. Their explanation–it made sense but it didn’t. Sure she knew they were busy setting up their business, she knew they were making connections. But stalking? The threats? It seemed unreal, yet it was known that around that time there was a peak of criminal groups disguising as business people in Japan. 

[Name] searched for her wallet and pulled out three bills of twenty when the car stopped in front of the gate to her home. 

“Keep the change.” she said and stumbled out, typing in the code of the gate and walking in. She stood still for a moment, looking up at the sky before collapsing on the grass. LA didn’t give the best view of the stars, yet she stared at them anyways, the moonlight shining down on her. It didn’t take long before her eyes closed and she fell asleep under the stars.

Satoru and Suguru watched the woman collapse on the grass and they jumped out of the car. How she hadn’t noticed it wasn’t her UBER, they didn’t know. The gate closed just before the two men could reach it.

Satoru slammed on the gate, while the other used his brain and looked at the numbers. Three of them were slightly stained with a black substance–probably mascara that [name] had rubbed onto her hand when she rubbed her eyes.

Suddenly Suguru saw it, those three numbers were the first three numbers of his birthday.

“Over us, my ass.” he said as he typed in his birthday on the keypad. 

The other looked over at him and stared as the gate opened. “How’d you do that?” “It was my birthday.” they were both a bit dumbfounded by it, but neither of them would be lying if they denied her birthday was also still their phone password. 

Once the gate was open enough they ran through it. The once nicely stacked papers were now sprawled around her as her chest slowly rose up and down. Suguru rushed towards the papers, those were finance and he knew she’d be pissed if they flew away. Satoru ran to get the woman off the grass, he mentioned for Suguru to grab her purse and fish out her keys as he carried her to the front door. 

“Fucking hell sweetheart, you never fail to get us concerned do you?” Satoru held her tightly as Suguru opened the door with the sixth key he tried. They stared in awe as the lights turned on. Yeah, this is definitely a [Name] house. “Couch?” 

“She never liked sleeping on couches, let’s just find her room.”

The two men wandered around the massive house, looking inside every room in the hopes it was her personal bedroom. They stumbled across her office, multiple empty bedrooms–and bathrooms, tons of dead ends, and lots and lots of paintings. But finally when they took one corner it became clear this was where [name] spent most of her time. They opened the biggest door and it revealed a bedroom, adorned with adorable furniture and picture frames, and of course more art. This was definitely her room. 

Suguru looked at pictures of a teen [name] with Shoko, next to it stood a picture of Nanami–which didn’t seem to be a very old picture. He saw lots of familiar faces. Even some of Megumi and his friends. In the meantime Satoru had carried her to her bed and laid her down.

“We either wake her up and get yelled at, or we leave her like this and she’ll wake up feeling terrible.” Satoru turned on the light on the nightstand and looked at his best friend. 

To be completely honest–they hadn’t known they were in her club tonight. They both knew she owned a chain of clubs, just like how she probably knew about their business. Their surprise to see her had been much alike to [name] except for the hatred. Both of them had said it. That she’d hate them once they left, and she did, they saw the anger this evening. Though it was a surprise she didn’t turn violent, not that [name] was aggressive or anything, but what would any sane person do when they’d see the person who made their life miserable by leaving her alone? 

It was probably Toji’s appearance who stopped her from doing that. 

“Or we do our best to make her comfortable cause she ain’t gonna be sleeping well in that. If she wakes up we accept the result. If she doesn’t; we leave as quietly as possible and see her tuesday.” Geto proposed and already turned to what he assumed was a walk in closet. 

He blindly grabbed a t-shirt and a pair of shorts from a random drawer and walked back out. As the two stood beside the bed looking at the sleeping woman another wave of realization hit them but it soon faded away and they got to action. Sure it was a bit weird they were changing their former best friend's clothes while she was sleeping, but they’d rather have her comfortable rather than ripping an expensive looking dress.

You just do this because you want to make up for the time you lost with her.

It wasn’t the first time they had changed her clothes, saw her shirtless or passed out. Yet it was a very different situation now. Nine years had passed. 

It took them a while, and some whispered curses and confusion of the dress [Name] was wearing later, they stood back and watched as she lay there, sleeping. Satoru had gone to get a clean glass of water for on her bedside while Suguru tucked her into bed. 

“You’d definitely have our heads if you knew we were here…” he spoke as he gently lifted her head to get the hair out of her neck. That’s when he realized she also still had make-up on, best leave that for her to do when she wakes up, Suguru thought.

“Scarlett? Scar don’t forget…” Suguru froze as he watched [Name] stir in her sleep. He carefully reached out and placed a hand on her head.

“Go back to sleep, pretty girl.” He closed his eyes, the sound of her voice hadn’t changed, though when they talked earlier it was rougher, there was hatred in her voice. Now her voice was soft and calm, like it had been all those years ago.

They’d spent summers at each other's houses, mostly Satoru’s or [Name]’s, and every morning the boys would hear that soft, whiney, sleepy voice and they’d just melt. Surrender whatever and tickle and smother the girl in hugs and kisses. 

Some outsiders called them ‘like siblings’ , some said the three could argue like a married bunch, others said they were invisibly bonded, like a string always connecting them wherever they went, always coming back to each other.

Suguru kneeled beside the bed, looking around the room. Though [Name] may be in her late twenties, the way she decorated her room was still the same as in her high school days. Picture frames with pictures of friends everywhere, posters of shows, bands, movies on the walls. Plants here and there, a pile of laundry on the floor along with some dishes. 

Her bedside table adorned a book, a cute lamp Satoru turned on earlier, some flowers, another picture frame with a picture of her with some friends… No, not just some friends. 

It was [Name], with Satoru and himself.

Suguru swallowed, he remembered the day that picture was taken all too well. It had been their last first day at Jujutsu High, also known as their first day of senior year. God, they were all young then, Suguru thought. Young and clueless. No idea what was bound to happen not many months later. 

Originally the picture was just meant to be of [Name], but the two boys had decided to photobomb, so it was [Name] cutely standing in front of the camera, and then two teenage boys coming up behind her with weird faces. The girl absolutely adored the photo, it had been on her night stand ever since she got the photos back on paper.

Suguru cast his eyes down to the floor before the door opened and Satoru came in, nearly on his tippy toes to try and make as little sound as possible. “Got the water, let’s… what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, let’s get out of here before we wake her up.”

When [Name] woke up the next morning she had zero recollection of what happened after she exited the UBER. To her surprise, she was no longer in her dress, wearing clothes she hadn’t seen in years, ones she tucked away after high school ended and never looked back on. 

She noted the freshwater and aspirins on her bedside table. Her dress from the night prior neatly folded and put on her vanity stool. 

Odd. She thought as she got up out of bed. She also found her phone on her bedside table, plugged into the charger, on do not disturb. Very odd. 

She opened up her phone, seeing hundreds of messages from Scarlett, and as she opened them the woman herself called. 

“[Name]? Thank god, are you alright? What were they doing carrying you?” Scarlett immediately bombarded her with questions, and [Name] could not phantom what she was talking about at all. 

As Scarlett continued talking [Name] walked to the bathroom and looked in the mirror just as Scarlett spoke words she did not want to hear at all.

“What were the owners of S&S Industries doing inside of your house?”

Tuesday rolled around in a haze. The weekend was a blur, [Name] was not prepared for the day to come. This was the exact reason she always had Scarlett make her appointments. 

She arrived at the location an hour early, making sure everything looked better than good. It had to be. Her staff had welcomed her with a warm welcome, big smiles and kind words, as always. She told them an important meeting of sorts would be taking place around ten and to be polite, solely to tell them again how important it was. 

Out of pure coincidence, Megumi and his friends showed up ten minutes before ten, distracting [Name] from the nerves that were eating away at her. She was sitting down in a booth in the center of the cafe, Nobara and Megumi sitting next to her as Yuji ordered him and his two friends breakfast. It was always nice to have the kids come by, have breakfast with them, today was just really unfortunate. 

“You kids will have to pick another table to eat at, yes? I have a meeting here in a bit.” She looked at Megumi, noting how much he looked like his father. Her phone chimed, and the time told her it was a mere five more minutes before she had to face them–sober.

“Business meeting? More locations? Important? Collabs?” Nobara looked at her with big eyes, [Name] adored the younger girl, she reminded her of her younger self a lot, and she guessed Nobara saw her as a big sister, always clinging to her side when the two saw each other. 

“Not quite, just… some people from high school, but you have to promise me not to give any weird looks when you see them, okay?” 

She looked at them again, their confused looks bringing a nervous smile on [Name] her face as she shooed them away when the door opened. 

“Tell your dad I said hi.” she messed up his hair before walking towards the two men in the entrance.

Enough hours were spent trying to come up with what to say at this exact moment, she had so many options, yet none came to mind as she looked up at them. 

[Name] looked up at the two men and swallowed, her head felt light as she offered a small smile–already regretting everything.

“Hi, welcome.” she dipped her head out of respect before turning around and mentioning for them to follow her. She spared the kids a look, and as expected they were staring at the trio with big confused eyes. Oh how much they looked like Gojo, Geto and herself when they were younger, and she could only hope they wouldn’t meet the same fate.

Once they were seated in the booth a waiter came by and took their orders, which were still the exact same as a decade ago. 

“It’s a nice place you build here.” Geto was the first to speak up. 

Hesitantly [Name] looked up at him and smiled, “Paris is even better, bought this old place, renovated it completely but kept the old looks on the inside. It took a while but it’s perfect…” She again looked at the kids, Nobara was already looking at her and offered her a thumbs up. “So, Megs’ godfather huh?” Gojo met her eyes over his sunglasses he still wore, guilt was evident in them.

He nodded softly, “Yeah… Saved Toji from one of the gangs we got mixed up with, he made me his godfather about a year later. What about you and Toji?” 

“Me and Toji? In what way?” She raised her eyebrows, knowing fully well what he meant. “Toji is a family associate, loyal customer, and a great friend. Nothing more. A bit too old for me.”

Silence fell over them again until their drinks arrived. The air was tense, guilt and regret hung in the air as well as sadness and anger. It wouldn’t take much for [Name] to burst out in tears. For the first time in years she was at arms length of her best friends, she looked at them and savored the moment even though they hurt her so badly.

Gojo still stirred sugar through his coffee as he sat in the middle seat, stealing Geto’s small cookie when he wasn't looking. His hair still messy but not messy messy, his undercut now much more noticeable than when they were teens and still those cursed sunglasses that hid his mesmerizing blue eyes.

Grew up to meet the Disney prince standards. [Name] thought.

Geto… His hair was longer, half put up, half falling down his back. He put on more muscle, a small smile still always present on his face, soft and caring eyes staring back at her as she took him in.

Oh fuck. 

“You’re staring, doll.” 

She flushed, blood rushing to her cheeks as she got caught. She swallowed, saying the first best thing that came to mind.

“It was a real asshole move, you know. Nine years ago. It really fuckin’ hurt and it could’ve been atleast brought to me in a slightly better way.”

You didn’t have to cut me off completely out of nowhere. Was what she meant to say, but she knew the boys got the message already as they dipped their heads. 

“It took me four years to stop looking to my sides for either of you, I couldn’t sleep in my family home anymore cause every meter of the premises reminded me of you. I never stopped looking for you in crowds, I never stopped smelling ghosts of your scents wherever I went. I never had the nerve to throw out pictures of you, of us. I never changed my phone password, I- I never got over it, over you two.” 

[Name] had tears in the corners of her eyes as she grabbed her tea to calm herself. Every inch of her just needed to tell them everything. How she felt, how it hurt. Everything.

Her lips quivered when a hand took her mug out of her hands and arms wrapped around her. The smell of a strong cologne filled her senses and that was all it took for the tears to fall. She was pulled closer until she could feel the material of his sweater on her cheek. Suguru Geto was hugging her for the first time in nine years. A feeling she never thought she’d feel again as she held onto him for dear life. 

Somewhere in her mind [Name] remembered what she thought not too long ago. If I stay around them for too long I'll go back to my old self in no time. 

“Easy, doll, we’re not going anywhere... Not again.” Suguru whispered softly rubbing soothing circles on her back as he held her close. “It’s okay, shh.” 

He slowly rocked them back and forth, locking eyes with Satoru who was having a hard time holding his emotions in check. Gojo also didn’t dare spare the kids not too far away a look, not knowing how’d they react to the scene in front of them.

Carefully Satoru sat up and reached out to [Name], her head still half shielded away by one of Suguru’s hands. When their eyes locked she broke free from the other man and embraced him.

“Always stealing the ladies away from me,”

“Yeah, well, I think there's no more need for other ladies now that we have the best one of all back.”

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