#kbtbb fandom

“Sorry,” He kissed her forehead. “It’s fine.” He went to sit at the table while she cooked. The door swung open and in sauntered Ota, Baba, Mamoru, and Soryu. She sighed. Could she get a moment of peace with her boyfriend for once? Of course, knowing they’d want to eat, she made extra. There were omelets, toast, sausage, fruit, and yogurt when she brought the food to the table. “Is this a special occasion? It’s like a gourmet breakfast.” Baba joked. Soryu shot a glare his way, shutting him up. “I dunno. I figured you’re all here, so I might as well.”

As they talked and ate, she gave herself a small serving, knowing she had to watch how she ate if she wanted to lose weight. As everyone ate their fill, they all talked while she cleaned breakfast, but Eisuke noticed her taking bites of sausage and fruit as she packed everything up. After wiping the table, she left to go shopping. “Have you noticed _ _ _ eating more than normal?” Mamoru asked. Eisuke was swiping through his phone. “A bit” Soryu leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms across his chest. “You don’t find that odd? Maybe she’s stressed?” Eisuke looked up from his phone to his best friend. “Maybe.” Ota was doodling on a napkin. “I would pay attention to her. It could be something serious.” Eisuke scratched the back of his neck. “I’m over this conversation.”

When Eisuke returned home from work that same day, he found her asleep on the couch with the TV playing. Taking off his shoes, he went around the sofa, lifting her up and taking her to the bedroom where she could sleep properly. Her eyes blinked open when he was covering her up. “Eisuke?” He reached up and caressed her cheek. “You fell asleep on the couch.” She sat up and rubbed her eyes. “I’ve been exhausted lately. There’s no reason for it. Not like I don’t get enough sleep.” He kissed her on the forehead, and her stomach growled. “Have you eaten?” She blushed, “I ate. I’m just constantly hungry. It’s irritating.” He smiled.

“How about a snack, then?” How could she refuse when he was being so sweet? “Okay,” She went to stand up and suddenly felt dizzy. Not able to see, she sat down, waiting for her vision to return to normal “_ _ _?” She stood back up. “I just got really dizzy.” Eisuke was quiet as they went into the kitchen. As they gathered food for a nice snack, his mind was racing. Maybe something was wrong? Some medical condition, perhaps? After their snack, she went to bed.

The following day, she entered the kitchen to start breakfast when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned and smiled, but he didn’t smile back; instead, he crossed his arms. “What?” she asked, feeling his stare heavy on her. “There was a bunch of candy wrappers in the trash this morning. Did you get up during the night to eat?” She adverted her eyes. “I felt like I was starving” Eisuke raised his eyebrows. “So you ate a bunch of candy?” She sighed. “I didn’t want to make anything; someone had given me some candy.”

She furrowed her brows. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me! It’s like I can’t stop myself. I’m so hungry all the time. I’ve been trying to watch what I eat to lose weight, but I feel sick if I don’t eat.” He motioned for her to come to him and led her to the kitchen table, sitting across from each other. “Why are you trying to lose weight? You’re fine the way you are.”

“Because I want you to be proud to call me your woman, not when I look bloated and chubby. I hate it.” He put his head in his hand. “You’re fine. You’re more beautiful than any other woman anyways. Stop trying to live up to what you think are my expectations without knowing first.” He looked her over, noticing her breasts looking a little fuller, her face a little swollen. It couldn’t be weight gain; she hasn’t put on that much weight, maybe a couple of pounds, but not enough to make a noticeable difference.

He started connecting the dots as he looked at her. Her insatiable hunger, dizzy spells, exhaustion, and now she tells him she’s bloated. He cleared his throat, and she looked at him, confused. “What?” He swallowed, almost nervous to say what he was about to say. “I don’t think you need to lose weight. You should feed your body if it’s telling you to.” She was confused. “Why would I do that? I’ll gain more weight?” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t think it’s just weight gain, _ _ . I think you’re pregnant.” Her eyes widened, and she just looked at him for what seemed like minutes of not speaking. “ _ _?” When he called her name, she came to reality. “Oh my god! I think you’re right. How did this even happen?” Eisuke smirked, “I can show you how if you want?” She kicked him from under the table. “Stop it. This is serious! I’m on birth control.” She looked at him again. “Why are you so calm?!”

He sighed, “Birth control isn’t completely effective in preventing pregnancy. We’d have to use a condom in tandem with birth control, but why would we do that? We’re only sleeping with each other. What does it matter anyway? I can take care of you and the baby. That’s no problem. It just means I get to see the efforts of our lovemaking with your swollen womb. To think we made life. Feels special, don’t you think?” She beamed. “Come here, baby.”

She walked over towards him and pulled her down to sit on his lap, and he put his hand on her stomach and kissed her cheek. “Don’t be scared, be excited. Take joy in the fact that you are growing a life. That’s what you deserve, don’t think of this as a bad thing.” She smiled, “Of course, I would be excited, but you talk about it as if I am. We don’t know till I take a test.” He kissed her again on the temple. “Because you are; I don’t need some silly test to tell me something I already know.” She rolls her eyes at his arrogance.

“Okay, Eisuke. Cause you’re a doctor now? Aren’t I supposed to feel sick?” Eisuke sits back and crosses his arms. “If you’re so concerned, maybe we should call Luke here? Would that make you feel better?” She pondered for a moment. “So indecisive” He picked up his phone, calling Luke without waiting for her answer.

Not long after Eisuke hangs up the phone, there’s a knock at the door. Eisuke gets up and answers it, and Luke steps in with a bag of medical supplies. He places the bag on the counter and looks at both Eisuke and _ _ _. “So what can I do for you?” You cross your arms. “Sexy bones?” He reads your body language. Eisuke clears his throat and stands up. “I need you to see if she’s pregnant.” Luke’s eyes go wide, and he gasps. “Were you trying? I had no idea.” She shakes her head. “No,” Luke smiles, “Accidents are always fun too.” He picks up his bag. “Let’s go in the bedroom so I can examine you.” She nods, following Luke.

Moments later, she walks out with Luke remaining completely quiet. Eisuke looks at her. “What happened?” Eisuke asks. _ _ _ silently sits down, and Luke walks up to Eisuke putting his hand on his shoulder and lowering his voice to a whisper, “She’s pregnant, and she’s scared. It would be best if you were supportive. Stress can affect the baby.” Eisuke nods, and Luke pats him on the shoulder. He takes out a prescription pad. “I’m going to give you a prescription for some prenatal vitamins.” He says as he writes, “Also, let me know if you start feeling nauseous. If you can’t keep food down, I can prescribe something for the nausea, but you might be lucky and not feel sick at all.” He smiles as he hands her the prescription. She takes it, looks at the prescription, and looks at Eisuke worriedly. Luke smiles again, picks up his bag, and leaves the suite, shutting the door behind him.

She turns away from Eisuke, “I’m going back to bed.” She set the prescription on the table and walked to the bedroom, wrapping herself under the blankets. Eisuke followed not long after, not wanting her to shut him out. He sat on his side of the bed, crossing his legs at the ankles. He lifted the blanket so he could see her face. Seeing tears falling. He furrows his brow, and uncovers her head, then lays down so he is level with her. “Do you not want the baby?” He asked as he stroked her hair. “It’s not that. I want to keep it. Of course, I’ll keep it. What if I’m not a good mother? I have no idea how to raise a child. I’ve never really been around children.” His face relaxes. “I think this is a normal fear, but I also think your instincts will tell you how to do the rest. You’re going to be a great mother. You are caring and kind. How could you not be?”

You were already in the penthouse when they finally came home that night. It had been evident that they all were upset. Shaken to their core. None of them spoke. They all stood in the middle of the lounge in silence. You tried to get their attention, but no one saw or heard anything. Your yells and shouts fell on deaf ears.

The four men watched Ota with heavy hearts as he retreated to his suite with a bag of your belongings from the hospital.

You watched as he fell apart, unable to sleep in the bedroom. Grasping onto a stuffed animal he had bought for you when you first became a couple.

You watched them come home from your funeral, beaten and destroyed emotionally. That was Ota’s breaking point. He had yet to sleep in the bed. Painting was out of the question. He could barely think clearly. How could he paint? Everyone was concerned for him, and knowing how much you and Ota loved each other with that endless all-consuming love, no one pried.

You were done staying silent. While Ota slept on the couch, you brushed his cheek and ran your fingers through his hair. Part of being a spirit was you had no physical body, so there was no feeling. You were touching him, but you couldn’t feel the warmth of his skin or the softness of his hair. As much as you craved him, you knew you couldn’t change that you were dead.

During the night, you would settle in and keep Ota silent company, watching over him. You wandered into the bedroom, seeing a collection of things you had been wearing the day you died. A sapphire bracelet, a watch, a pair of pearl earrings, a couple of rings, the necklace he had made for you. The bird pendant, you wore it often. Your purse. It had all been placed so precisely. Right next to a photo of the two of you smiling. You picked it up the necklace, tracing the crystals with the pad of your finger.

Walking out of the bedroom, you sat at the dining table, inspecting it. Remembering the moment Ota had given it to you. You placed it neatly on the table, eventually forgetting you had put it there.

The afternoon sun gleamed in, waking Ota up. He stared into nothingness as he began to wake. Reaching for his phone, he unlocked it. He didn’t check social media, and he wasn’t returning calls or texts. He simply read over your text messages and listened to the voicemails you had left him. He would look at the photos he had taken of his beloved Koro. He did this every day, knowing he was torturing himself.

Ota stood up, stretching his tight muscles. He poured himself some cereal. Sitting down at the table to eat, the stones on the necklace shined in the sunlight. Making him gasp. With wide eyes, he stood up, walking over to where the necklace lay casually on the table. He stared momentarily, taking in a breath before reaching for the necklace with disinclination. Fingers trembling, he picked it up and put it in his palm.

He looked around as if he expected someone to be in his suite when he knew full well that it was just him. He silently observed the necklace, with a triad of emotions filling him.

Ota had given up believing in much of anything a long time ago. Your death only cemented it even more, giving him resolve that no one would take such a wonderful person away. Pressing his lips together. He looked at the necklace, observing it from different angles. He didn’t know how it got there, and he certainly didn’t remember putting it there. Walking back to the bedroom to put it away, he looked at your belongings that had been sitting there untouched since he came home from the hospital.

When Ota turned around to exit the room, he looked at the bed. Remembering how cute you looked when you woke up with your hair all over the place. Before you could fall asleep, you would always reach for his hand, twinning your fingers with his. A silent tear rolled down his cheek. “Why did you have to leave me? I need you, don’t you see that?” He shook his head, “What am I doing?” He left the room, turning off the light. Realizing his cereal was probably soggy by now, he dumped it into the sink averting to the next easiest thing, room service.

You were in the lounge observing your friends interact with one another when Eisuke suddenly stood up. “I have a conference call for our latest event.” Soryu looked up from his phone. “is this the one that _ _ _ came up with?” Eisuke straightened his suit jacket. “Mm. Yes,” Eisuke walked up the stairs to his suite, remembering how you came up with the idea in the first place.

Eisuke was sitting in the lounge scrolling through his tablet “No good.” Scrolling again, “No” Scrolling more, “Not happening” You were dusting and could hear Eisuke’s growing frustration. “Something the matter, Eisuke?” He set his tablet down, groaning. “The event planners I hired have the worst ideas.” You approached him, “You know what you should do?” He looked over at you. “If you have a suggestion, I’m listening.” You smiled, “You should have a metaphysical event and bring in tarot readers, psychics, and palm readers, so people could connect with their lost loved ones. It would be fun.” Eisuke rolled his eyes, “That is the worst idea you’ve ever had.” You laughed as you continued on with your work. He wanted to go forward with it even if it was meant to be a joke. You thought of it in that strange mind of yours. It was the least he could do to honor you. Of course, you hadn’t the slightest idea what he was up to.

Inside Ota’s room, there was suddenly a knock on Ota’s door, and you noticed how thin he was starting to look as he shuffled over to the door. You couldn’t say you were worried. You didn’t feel emotions like you did when you were alive. You weren’t sad, but you weren’t happy either. What you did know is that you didn’t like seeing him wasting away like this.

He barely opened the door enough for him to see Eisuke. “What is it?” He asked with a raspy voice, hoarse from a dreamless sleep. “Let me in. I have something to discuss with you.” Ota thought for a second. “Why?” Eisuke rolled his eyes, “Just let me in” Ota looked at him with irritation. “No.” Eisuke was getting increasingly frustrated when Ota tried to shut the door. Eisuke pushed the door open, forcing himself in before Ota could close it. Glaring at Eisuke, he finally stepped aside, letting him enter. He looked Ota up and down, seeing the reality of Ota’s state of mind. “Are you taking care of yourself?” Ota sat down on a chair, the chair you always sat in. “Eating enough?” Eisuke walked in and was surprised at the sight of Ota’s bedroom, seeing it practically untouched “I’m eating enough to ensure I’m still breathing.” Eisuke then noticed the bed he had made himself on the couch, along with the stuffed bunny. “Are you sleeping on the couch?” Ota shrugged his shoulders. Eisuke walked to the spare bedroom peering in. Usually, that was where Ota would paint if he wasn’t at his studio, but seeing as how he hasn’t left. He was curious. “You aren’t painting?”

Ota was growing impatient, “Is this an interrogation, or are you going to tell me why you’re here?” Moving back to the living room, Eisuke looked at Ota. “There’s going to be an event at the hotel. You’re expected to be there.” Ota crossed his arms, “No” Eisuke looked at his friend, “Excuse me ?” Ota just looked at him. “_ _ _ came up with the idea people will expect you to be there.” Ota shook his head. “Why? Eisuke hmm? She isn’t here. She’s fucking gone, never coming back. Why do I need to go down there and pretend I’m fine and see all her friends just to be reminded of how she was stolen from me?” Eisuke sat down. “I know you’re not fine. Everyone knows that. No one expects you to be, but it’s been three months, Ota. You’ve got to start living your life again, and this would be a good start.”

Ota looked at Eisuke. “I can’t do this right now.” Ota stood up, walking away. “She’d want you there, Ota.” That’s when Eisuke heard a crash from the kitchen. “Ota?” Eisuke walked into the kitchen to see a plate broken on the floor. He looked up at Ota, who had his fists clenched tightly. He had obviously purposely broken the plate. “I know _ _ _ would want me there. I know that! I just don’t know how to do this!” He looked over at Eisuke. “How am I supposed to go on without her? How am I supposed to live life? Everything reminds me of her.” Eisuke gave his friend a rare compassionate look. “You aren’t supposed to forget her. That would be impossible. You learn to live with the pain, and slowly, the pain becomes more tolerable. You have got to pull yourself together. You’re a damn mess.” Ota furrowed his brow. “I know.” He said quietly.

Feeling yourself being pulled, you entered the kitchen to see what was transpiring. You saw the pained look on Ota’s face, so you wrapped your arm around his arm and leaned your head on his shoulder. You wished you could show him you were there, show anyone you were there.

Ota looked down at his bare feet, feeling a sort of calm come over him. Something you were always able to do just by touching him. Ota sighed, “I’ll go to the event, not for you or myself. For her.” Eisuke nodded and paused “_ _ _ wouldn’t want this for you.” He knitted his eyebrows together, forming deep worry lines. “I know she’d want me to go on with my life. How am I supposed to do that, Eisuke? I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready for her to leave, and she was just gone. I didn’t even get to say goodbye.” Eisuke ran a hand through his hair.

“No one was ready, not even her family. It was so unexpected. You would have never been prepared for that.” Ota swallowed, “If I had insisted more that she come with me, then she wouldn’t - “Eisuke glared at Ota. He knew Ota was smarter than this. “Stop right there! Her heart gave out, and that’s why she got in that car accident. If the car accident hadn’t killed her, her heart would have. Didn’t you hear what the doctor said? She had a heart condition that she didn’t know she had. That no one knew she had.” He sighed, “There was literally nothing you could have done differently that would have saved her. It would be best if you found a way to make peace with that” Ota bit his lip, knowing Eisuke was right but not wanting to believe it. Eisuke looked at him, his collarbones more pronounced. Worry welled up inside Eisuke. “Do you need anything?”

Ota usually would have been shocked that Eisuke had just offered his help had he not been so miserable. “No,” Ota answered, and Eisuke nodded, turning on his heels to leave.

Ota looked down at the broken plate. As he cleaned it up, tears rolled down his face. Finishing up and about to sit down, Eisuke busted in with Luke in tow. “What’s going on?” Luke gave Ota a quick look over. “I’m going to give you something to help you sleep.” Ota started to protest. “I’m fine,” Luke tilted his head. “You absolutely are not. Let me help Ota. Please,” Luke insisted. Ota knew he was fighting a losing battle, so he relented, “in your bed, “Eisuke added.

Sitting on the bed’s edge, Luke shot Ota in his arm and immediately bandaged it. Luke immediately helped Ota lay down and put the covers over his body. The two men left, leaving Ota to rest. Eisuke was angry with himself with everyone else. Had they actually checked on Ota instead of giving him the space they thought he needed, they could have gotten him help when this first happened to avoid the mess he was now in. Grief and despair had taken him over completely.

You stood there watching Ota fight sleep, tears prickling in his eyes. Unable to contain yourself, you settled next to him on the bed. Turning to your side to face him, you cupped his cheek and watched as his breathing started to even out. “I love you, Ota.” You said, kissing his forehead. You didn’t move the whole night, holding him and watching over him as he finally fell into a deep sleep.

The sun started to rise, and with Ota still in a heavy sleep, you traced the contours of his face. “I wish you could feel me touching you. I wish I could feel you too.” You got up and wandered around the suite, entering the room where he painted. Everything was covered up and dark. You brought out some of his art supplies, putting them on the coffee table, hoping it would pique his interest in painting again.

Eventually, after mid-day, Ota woke up. He touched your pillow, “I miss you, Koro.” He got out of bed going into the living room to turn on the TV, not liking the silence. Something he had started doing since your passing. He stopped short when he saw his art supplies on the coffee table. The paint brushes were placed as if handled with the utmost care and respect. He wondered who had done that. He didn’t think Eisuke and Luke would do something like that. It was just strange. He sat down and picked up one of the brushes; looking at it, he set it back down and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. He didn’t have the energy or motivation to paint. He contemplated why all these odd items were popping up in random places. Maybe he had completely lost his mind.

As all men gathered in the main event room, Ota felt everyone’s eyes on him. Hushed whispers followed him. “Everyone’s looking at me.” Soryu looked around, “Was to be expected. This is the first time you’ve been out since the funeral.” He furrowed his brow, “I suppose.” He imagined how excited you would have been pulling him to see all the different venues set up. “Let’s try it out, Ota,” Baba suggested, trying to distract him from all staring eyes. “Let’s do it for _ _ _.”

Baba sat across a small table from a physic while Ota stood nearby with his arms crossed. The old woman smiled warmly at Baba. “Put your hands in mine.” He did as she asked while the rest of the men circled around him, curious about what she would tell him. She closed her eyes. “Oh, you poor dears. There has been a great loss recently that has affected you and the people around you.” Ota swallowed thickly, “With one individual hurting significantly more than the others?” Baba raised his eyebrows, “Yes,” she clutched his hands tighter. The psychic smiled. “There’s a woman. I can feel her light. She was special, wasn’t she?” The woman kept her eyes closed.

“She says she is watching over all of you.” The woman furrowed her brow. “She hasn’t moved on.” She closed her eyes, “She’s confined to a specific area.” The five men looked at her wide-eyed, “What?” Ota narrowed his eyes at the woman. “Why should we believe you?” Ota began to turn, his voice dripping with aggravation, but she spoke again, catching his attention. “Does one of you work with your hands? An Artist?” Ota stopped before he could turn to leave. “She tells me something about a dog? A nickname with the letter K.” Baba gasped. “it’s her !” Ota Tilted his head. “Did you have a necklace made? Did you find it out of place not long ago? And art brushes ?” The psychic chuckles. “That was her.” Ota walked closer. His chest felt tight. “She wishes you’d paint again. It might help you deal with your feelings.” Mamoru chuckled. “Ya know she might be right.” Everyone around the table was in awe at hearing this.

Baba looked at the woman. “Why hasn’t she moved on?” The woman looked solemn, “she does not know but says she doesn’t mind because she can keep an eye on everyone .” She looks towards Ota. “You were quite in love, weren’t you? She stays with you every night.” Ota let a quiet sob. “she says she likes to watch over you while you sleep.” Ota sniffled. The woman released Baba’s hands. “I’m sorry I lost my connection to her. She must’ve been a lovely person.” She gave Ota an unreadable look.

“Out of curiosity. What would you give up if you had a chance to see her again?” What an odd question. Why would she say something like that to someone who’s grieving? “Anything.” He put his hands in his pockets. “Unfortunately, that’s just a dream that’ll never come true.” She looked at him compassionately, “Keep dreaming; you never know what could happen.” Ota forced a smile. “Thank you for all you’ve done tonight,” Soryu said as they began to walk away.

Ota talked with a few of your close friends; mostly, they inquired about him and his health. Of course, offering their help if he needed it. How could anyone help, really? He couldn’t rightfully cut off your friends, though. That wouldn’t be fair to you.

He threw back the rest of his wine and set it down. “I’m done for the night” Baba squeezed his shoulder before he could walk away. “It was nice seeing you tonight. Come around more.” Ota nodded. He took off his shoes and coat as soon as he walked into his room, flopping on the couch, feeling drained. Luke showed up at his door, “It’s time that I tuck you into bed.” He said with an unsettling smile. “You don’t have to keep doing this,” Ota replied, and Luke gave him a faraway look. “I do, though. Sexy bo -.” He stopped himself before he finished saying the nickname he had given you. He shivered, knowing how creepy it sounded, not that it wasn’t before, but now it just sounded flat-out gross. “Um. I need to honor _ _ _ somehow, and if I can do that by making sure you’re taken care of and healthy, then that’s what I’m going to do.” Ota said nothing more. If this is how Luke got peace from your passing, who was he to tell him no?

When Ota woke up the following day, he walked to the living room but stopped in his tracks, shaken to the core. You stood with your back to him as you looked out the window, watching the rain fall from the sky. You wore a pale blue sheer dress that flowed gracefully over your body, with delicate lace decorated around the waist. You looked like a goddess. Ota blinked several times, thinking his mind was playing tricks on him, but still, you were there. You turned to face him, but you looked somber as you looked at him.

It seemed as though he was looking right at you. With shock written all over his face, the atmosphere in the room shifted. “_ _ _?” He was quiet, and his voice was laced with emotion, but he was looking at you and saying your name. You tilted your head slightly. “Can you see me?” Too much emotion filled his body, and his eyes stung with the threat of tears. “I-I can see you.” He took two steps towards you, and you stepped back, feeling wary. Ota stayed where he stood. His heart sank.

“Ota,” You spoke softly. He studied you, trying to imprint every feature into his memory. He didn’t know how long this moment would last and wanted to take advantage of every second. “I miss you,” he said with emotion laced in his voice. You drew your brows together, showing a conflicted look. “I’m always here.” He nodded, “I know that now. You’ve been watching over me.” You took a tentative step forward. “I have.” His heart was hammering so hard he wouldn’t be surprised if it beat right out of his chest. Once you stood before him, he studied your features, trying to imprint them in his memory. He didn’t know how long this moment would last, so he wanted to take advantage of every second. You went to reach your hand out to his face, you paused, looking into his eyes. How he looked at you at that moment stirred something inside of you. You finally put your hand on his cheek. You gasped when you felt the soft skin and stubble under your hand. “How is this possible? I can feel the warmth of your skin. Can you feel me?” a tear rolled down his face. “I can feel you.” You wiped his tear away. The sensation was almost too much.

Feeling him brought so many unused and forgotten emotions forward. The next thing you knew, you felt a warm wetness on your face. You reached up with your other hand. “I’m crying?” You gave Ota a concerned look. “Something is happening; I’m not supposed to feel or have emotion.” Ota put his hand over yours. “If we can touch each other, then?” You took your hand away as he moved forward, wrapping you into his arms. Alarmed at first, you reciprocated the embrace, wrapping your arms around his back. Both of you melted into each other, overwhelmed by being able to hold one another.

Your knees buckled, and you both sank slowly to the floor. Both crying from the intense moment of being able to touch each other. Ota pulled back, looking into your eyes. He smoothed your hair back. His face inched closer until his lips were on yours with a sweet kiss. You pulled away. “I’m sorry, I’m not used to being touched. It’s a bit much.” Ota nodded, “It’s okay, I understand.”

While the two of you were sitting on the floor holding each other, the door burst open. “Ota !” Eisuke and everyone else came marching into the room. Ota’s head was on your shoulder, the both of you teary-eyed. Everyone stopped short upon seeing you sitting there with him. “ _ _ _ ?” Ota looked up, finally acknowledging them. Eisuke looked at the newspaper in his hand, then at you. “You see me too?” Eisuke cleared his throat. “Yes,” Ota stood up, holding out his hand to help you up.

As if there were a typical day, Eisuke walked forward, placing the newspaper on the coffee table. “Apparently, you’ve been involved in some sort of scandal?.” Ota picked up the newspaper, flipping to the page the article was on, reading aloud. “Ota Kisaki local artist, has been the victim of someone stealing his original pieces, claiming that they were his work and not Mr. Kisaki’s. A suspect has been arrested and is in custody.” Ota furrowed his brows. “What is this garbage?” Eisuke stepped forward, putting his finger on the date. “Look at the date. It’s the day of the accident.” Eisuke looked at you. “The day you died.” You grabbed the newspaper from Ota. “Did this really happen? Did someone steal your art?” He shook his head, “No” No one was sure how to make heads or tails of this. “You need to fix this, Ota.” You said, your eyes pleading as he took your hands. When the warmth radiating off of you finally struck him as odd. “You know you’re quite warm. I might be going off movies here, but aren’t spirits supposed to be cold?” You arched an eyebrow. “From what I’ve experienced, none of you could feel me touch you, and I couldn’t feel you. I couldn’t feel anything.” Ota squeezed your hands gently. “We’re feeling each other now.” He brushed your hair back with his fingers. Soryu took out his phone and quickly sent a text message.

Luke walked into the room, surprising you. He stopped in his tracks, dropping his supply bag. “S-sexy bones?” Soryu crossed his arms, “Luke can you examine her?” He furrowed his brows. “She’s dead. How am I going to examine her?” Ota lifted your clasped hands. “I can touch her.” Luke was silent, observing you. He saw the blue veins on the underside of your arm. “I’m not really understanding what’s happening, but I’ll go along with it.” He picked up his medical bag and motioned for you to sit as he sat on the coffee table.

Doing as he asked, you sat. He brought out his stethoscope. “I apologize if I seem awkward, I’m just kind of shaken.” You made eye contact, “I’m sure it’s emotionally taxing seeing me.” He trembled slightly as he put the stethoscope to your chest, and his eyes widened. As he pulled away, he looked at you astonished. Not saying a word, but his eyes wavering. “uh-uhm.” He cleared his throat. “You have a heartbeat.” He swallowed. “I’ll proceed” You nodded, going through the basics of a physical. Once finished, he put the stethoscope around his neck and made eye contact with you. “Well, sexy bones. You have a beating heart, your blood pressure is normal. On the low side but normal. Your reflexes are good. If I had to diagnose you, I would say you are healthy.” He cupped his chin, “However, knowing that you have heart issues, I’m going to give you a referral to an excellent cardiologist I know.” You just stared at him, taking a moment to absorb his words. “That’s crazy. None of this makes sense.” The rain started falling harder, and suddenly, there was a loud crash of thunder, startling you. You felt it, your heart racing, trying to slow down. Ota looked at you and smiled for the first time in months. “Always a scaredy cat.”

You gave him a tender look. “I’ve missed your smile” He just about melted if you only realized what you did to him. Baba smiled at the sweet moment between the two of you. “Only you could do that to him. He’s been miserable since you’ve been gone.” You closed your eyes, sighing, “You don’t need to tell me, I know. I’ve been here the whole time. Actually, I’m unable to leave even if I wanted to.” Mamoru lit his cigarette. “What do ya mean ya can’t leave?” You shrugged your shoulders. “It’s like I said, I cannot leave the penthouse. I’m bound to it. There’s some barrier.” Ota brightened. “Then, let’s go outside since you apparently aren’t dead anymore.” Eisuke looked at you, “Try it” The whole group followed you to the elevator, your hand still clasped in Ota’s.

You hesitantly pressed the button, and when it dinged, and the door slid open, you took a deep breath and crossed the threshold. “What?” Everyone filed in. Going down to the lobby, it is evident that everyone could see you. “_ _ _, I love that dress! Are you guys off to a fancy brunch?” You looked at your friend wide eyed. “Why are you looking at me like that?” You swallowed, “Sorry.” Then you looked at your friend. “Hey, when was the last time we saw each other?” See laughed, “Yesterday, silly! We had the same shift. Did you bump your head?” You laughed, “I guess I’m still half asleep.” She smiled, “Enjoy your day off. See you later!”

With that, your friend returned to her duties. Baba looked around, mesmerized. “It’s as if it never happened to begin with.” Everyone looked at him, his words resonating with them. How was it that Baba could be so insightful at the perfect moment? Suddenly your stomach growled, and you put your hand on your stomach in embarrassment. You looked at all your friends and smiled, then laughed. Making them join in with your joy, a smile on each of their faces. “How about brunch?” You suggested. “You guys don’t know how much I missed eating!” Ota put his arm around your shoulders, walking out into the rain.

When your food was served, you looked at it longingly. Ota leaned in towards you. “Go on, eat.” You were apprehensive, but you picked up your fork and put a piece of the sweet pancakes in your mouth. Your tastebuds exploded, and you smiled as you chewed. When you were given the check, Ota put his card in the payment wallet. You were enjoying the company of all the people you love. The waitress returned, and as politely as possible, she bent down and whispered to Ota. “I’m sorry, sir. Do you have another form of payment? Your card was declined.” Ota looked confused, “It shouldn’t have, hold on, let me look.” he pulled out his phone, opening his banking app, seeing the grim state of his account.

His eyes opened wide, and Eisuke saw the conflict in his eyes. “Put it on one check, please.” Ota shoved his phone back into his pants. “I don’t understand.” Baba raised an eyebrow. “There had to be a consequence. Something had to be given up in order to gain what you wanted. It’s equivalent exchange.” Ota looked conflicted, “I didn’t ask for it. She was just there when I walked into the living room. I wouldn’t take it back. I’m so glad you’re back.” He squeezed your hand. Baba gave Ota a condescending look. “You kinda did; remember when we saw that fortune teller? She asked what you would give up to have her back.” Baba made his best depressed Ota impression while crossing his arms, “You said ‘anything’” Ota looked defensive, “You think she brought her back? That was the furthest thing from my mind.”

You looked at Ota with worry and concern washing over your face. He smiled at you. “It’s just money. I would never choose you over money. If I had to, I’d go sell crochet hats on the corner of the street if it meant that you were alive and I could hold you.” Mamoru snickered as he took a bite of his eggs. “You’ve changed, kid.” You looked at Eisuke. “Thank you for paying.” He scoffed. “You don’t need to thank me, it’s not a problem.” He put his hand on his chin. “I have a feeling that this has something to do with what was in the newspaper.” You squeezed Ota’s hand, he gave you a gentle peck on your cheek. “It’s fine. They have a suspect in custody, right? I’ll just have to work hard to get where I was before. I’m sure I can get some projects real soon. Now that I have my muse back.”

You trusted Ota, and you knew he was right. “With every challenge, we face, we always come out stronger. This is just another challenge we need to face.” Soryu nodded his head in agreement with Ota. “You will have to be there for each other. It will take time for Ota to regain his reputation, and you’ll need to be there to support him. Likewise, He’ll need to be there for you as you adjust to being alive again. Of course, I’ll support you both in whatever way I can. You still have a place to live.” Everyone hummed in agreement with Eisuke. Tears burned in your eyes. “It’s going to take some getting used to feeling emotions again. It’s a bit overwhelming.” Soryu looked up at you. “Don’t push yourself too hard, take it slow. You’re a strong woman. I’m sure you’ll get used to it in no time.” You looked at all the men around you. “I love you guys. I hope you know that.” You smiled.

Ota stood up and held his hand out to you. “Let’s get you to that cardiologist.” You looked at him questionably. “We don’t have an appointment” You put your hand in his nonetheless. “I don’t care. They will look at you today.” As you got out of the chair, you looked at him. “I believe you.” He kissed your lips gently. “That’s my Koro.”

Eisuke must have heard them talking and the excitement in her voice because he had come out of his office. “What are you going on about?” He looked around, seeing a litter box, a collapsible cage, and food. “What have you done _ _ _?” She giggled, “She opened the crate and pulled the ferret out, stroking it as it cuddled up in her arms. “I named her Sugar.” He looked at the ferret as if it were an alien, his handsome face contorted into something between worry and disgust.

“What the hell is that?” He asked with annoyance seeping through his voice. “Haven’t you ever seen a ferret before, Eisuke?” He huffed, “I didn’t associate with commoner pets.” She glared at him, “Get out of your head Eisuke and listen with your heart. This little lady needs a loving home, and I will love her and take of her.” She put her face against the ferret as she spoke. “You expect me to let you have that thing in our room?” She lifted her head up and glared at him, and Baba turned to leave hastily out of the room. “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to witness your lover’s quarrel.” _ _ _ straightened her back, standing tall. “She’s not a thing; she’s a ferret. And yes, I expect you to let me have her. I already bought her. I have already committed.” Eisuke crossed his arms.

“Why would you want such an odd-looking pet?” She smiled, knowing he didn’t mean anything by it. That’s just the way Eisuke was. “I always wanted one, but my parents never would buy me one because we didn’t have the space, but there’s space in here.” He let out a frustrated sigh, “You’re too loving for your own good, you know that?” She gave him an endearing smile, “I can’t help it.” He looked at the ferret, its red eyes glowing at him. “Why does it have red eyes? It looks demonic.” She laughed. “Oh my god, Eisuke, do you know nothing about animals? Some white animals have red eyes. It’s just the way it is.”

“Hm. Well, I suppose if you’re going to be so adamant about it, and as long as you take care of it and don’t expect me to have anything to do with it, then fine, keep it. If it means that much to you.” Her face lit up. “It does! Thank you, Eisuke. I didn’t want to take her back. I already love her.” He rolled his eyes at her, “You’re ridiculous.”

They walked around the hotel in comfortable silence. The cool air felt good on her skin, but not long after they were out there had rain started dripping on their faces until they were stuck in a downpour. They ran to get into the hotel, but they were nowhere near the entrance, and once they finally got in the lobby they were soaked.

“ We should go up to the penthouse and change before either of us gets sick.”

“ Probably a good idea, but I don’t have any clothes to wear.”

“ You can wear something of mine.”

She went with him up to the penthouse and he guided her to his suite shutting the door behind him.

“ Come with me I’ll get you some dry clothes”

He handed her a t-shirt of his and some sweatpants, once he turned to leave her in privacy she grabbed his hand. He looked down at their clasped hands then back into her eyes. They were just staring at each other not saying a word. Her eyes drifted to his lips and acting out of pure impulse she took her hand away from his hand and traced his lips with a finger. When she realized what she had done she retracted her hand. Only for Eisuke to grab her hand and draw her finger into his mouth. Once he released her finger he leaned down and covered her lips with his own. He pulled back seeing if she had any objections. Only for her to return the kiss with raw hunger. He pushed his tongue into her mouth and pulled her against his body. She moaned into the kiss and he brushed his fingertips down the sides of her body.

“ mmm... Eisuke”  

They began to savagely peel the drenched clothes off each other. Standing in front of each other in nothing but their nudity _ _ _ started blushing, furiously. They locked eyes and he closed the distance between them and started kissing down the side of her neck moving across her collarbones gently nipping at the delicate skin. He drew away taking her hand and led her to the bed. Eisuke kissed her deeply again before gently lowering her onto the bed. As he hovered over her he leaned down and kissed her at every angle plunging his tongue into her mouth twisting his tongue along with hers. He palmed at her breasts earning a sweet moan.

“ Mine.” He says as he leans down and bites down on the skin on her neck gently sucking, marking her with a blooming love bite.

He began kissing down her chest and in between her breasts pinching her nipples causing them to harden. He rolled her nipples in between his fingers. Her breath hitched, he started to give her sweet kisses down her body until he reached her hip bone and bit down gently. _ _ _ took in a deep breath. He looks up at her from his relentless kisses.

“ Is this okay? Or should we stop?” She looked down at him heavy lidded

“ If I wanted this to stop I would have said so awhile ago. Do you want to stop?”

“Definitely not” She smiled and he went back to kissing her soft body.

He dipped his hand between her legs and she gasped as he touched her clit oh so gently. He pressed down harder putting more pressure on it. She grabbed the sheets, making her knuckles turn white. He began rubbing the sensitive nub in circles, she closed her eyes leaning her head back against the soft pillow.

“ Oh god”

Eisuke settled down on his stomach and put her legs over his shoulders and she braced herself for the impact.

“ Relax, you’re too tense. I’ll make you feel good.” She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

He spread her labia and with the tip of his tongue licked up her clit.

“Mmmm”

Her moans were riling him up. He inserted two fingers inside of her and curled them pumping, whilst licking up and down her clit. She threaded her fingers in his damp hair tugging. She arched her back as he continued his sweet torture on her.

“ Fu..ck I’m close...I’m so close.” He brought her clit into his mouth and sucked sending shockwaves throughout her body and her hips lifted of the bed and he continued pumping and suckling as she rode out her high.

She put her hips back down onto the bed and let go of his hair as she caught her breath. He gave her one more long lick collecting her release on his tongue. He put her legs down and sat back reveling in the way she looked in the aftermath of her orgasm. He leaned on top of her and pressed his lips against hers having her taste herself on him. She combed her fingers through his hair.

“ Can I have you _ _ _ ?” He asks in a low voice.

“ Yes, I need you Eisuke.”

They sloppily kiss and he guides his throbbing cock to her moist entrance. He slowly pushes in savoring the way it feels as she squeezes him inch by inch. He groans as he finally is sheathed to the hilt. She wraps her legs around his hips trying to draw him closer. He pulls out just enough to keep the tip in and then pushes back in, and she digs her nails into his shoulders leaving crescent shaped indentations in his skin. He grunts in response and she bucks her hips to meet his thrusts. He started going faster, deeper and she dug her heels into his lower back. In the throes of pleasure, she bites down on the side of his neck. He adjusts his angle, and he starts hitting her sweet spot over and over again causing her to cry out. Her moans got more frequent and higher in pitch, and his thrusts started getting more erratic. Her body was warming up in its entirety from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. As he thrusts harder he legs begin to tremble. She stills as her vision goes white letting the sensation take her over. Her walls clench around his sensitive cock drawing him in further. He rocks his hips into her faster chasing his release so close but not quite there yet. She begins moving again trying to help him reach his climax and with their frenzied movements one thrust than two, he pulls out stroking himself as he spills onto her stomach with a groan. He catches his breath then moves off the bed to get a towel and wipes her off. He throws the towel in the laundry bin and flops down next to her and they both laugh. He looks over at her and brushes her sweaty hair out of her face.

“ It isn’t going to be weird between us is it?” He cupped her cheek and turned her head so she was looking at him.

“It doesn’t have to be. I’ll take care of you I won’t ever hurt you. You’d be safe with me.” She turned to her side and traced the love bite she left on his neck.

“ What are you saying Eisuke?” He gave her a chaste kiss and took her hand.

“ You don’t know how long I’ve wanted you, but I’ve had to stand by watching you be happy in the arms of another man.” They interlaced their fingers

“ What? You have feelings for me? And just so we’re clear on one thing I was NOT happy with him.” He looked at her dubiously

“ you weren’t ?”

“ No, because I had feelings for someone else. One of my brother’s closest friends.” He ran his fingers through her hair.

She raised her eyebrows “ I thought you needed a date?” 

He swallowed  making his adam’s apple bob, 

“I do, but we’ll need to have intercourse as well.” 

Her eyes went wide “ You aren’t serious!” 

she didn’t like what she was hearing. “ I am”

  “ why do we have to have sex?!” 

Eisuke scoffed,“ I need to make it believable. This person is trying to set me up in an arranged marriage.”  

“ So why go to these lengths, why not just tell them no?” 

Eisuke glared at her “These are dangerous people Charolette , I can’t marry into this family, but if we pretend we are engaged they’ll back off.”

“ I don’t sleep around” she backed away from him angrily.

“We don’t have to do it ever again. This is a one time thing.” 

Her head was spinning, this was insane.

“ I guess I don’t have a choice.”

He smiled “ That’s right, you don’t. I own you. Be here at three, so we can get you a dress and your hair and makeup done.” 

She nodded, “okay” 

he patted her on the head “ good girl” 

Ota, Soryu, Mamoru and Baba walked in ready for an auction meeting. 

“ What’s wrong Koro? you look like you’ve seen a ghost.” 

She quickly recovered and smiled 

“Nothing I just don’t feel that great.” 

Baba made a pouty face “ You can lie down on my bed if you want, and I’ll join you later.” 

She glared at Baba “ No thanks.” 

She continued with her duties while the guys had their meeting, all the while dreading going on this date with Eisuke tomorrow. She knew he owned her and he could use her however he wanted, but to use her body like this was just infuriating. She had no choice but to go through with it.

When she arrived the next day she knocked on the door to Eisuke’s suite. He answered right away 

“ You’re right on time, I’m impressed let’s go shopping.” 

Eisuke helped her pick out a sexy royal blue dress with a low cut neckline that accented her breasts nicely. It hugged her curves in all the right places but looked elegant and classy. What she didn’t notice was the way he was looking at her when she was looking at herself in the mirror. As the night proceeded, she got her hair and makeup done and an engagement ring to finish the ensemble. 

“ I must admit you look better than I thought you would. You have my permission to get drunk if it’ll make tonight easier, just don’t make a fool out of me.” 

She nodded and he introduced her to many people, kept her close. Gave her quick kisses, she acted as his fiancé as best she could. Lacing their fingers together, kissing him on the cheek and flirting with him.

When the meal was served they fed each other and giggled, laughed, and kissed, making it as believable as possible that they are in love. Both Eisuke and _ _ _ drank heavily. As the night ended he took her into the elevator as they rode up to their suite he whispered in her ear 

When they got to the room he opened up the minibar and they drank the rest of the tequila shots, leaving them both fairly inebriated. She took her hair down and let it fall to her shoulders, Eisuke was mesmerized and cupped her cheek. Then ran his hands through her hair, and she closed her eyes at the feeling. He kissed her forehead gently and she opened her eyes. They looked into each other’s eyes, and he put his large hands on her face and gently kissed her, but then deepened the kiss. He pulled away and looked at her and went back to her lips pushing his tongue past her lips.

He explored her mouth and started wrestling with her tongue. She started feeling along his chest and his strong biceps. She slipped his suit jacket off, and it fell to the floor. Eisuke broke the kiss, and nibbled at her ear. 

“ ahhh.”

 He put his hand on her breast and started massaging 

“mmm” Eisuke brought his lips to her ear 

“ your moaning is turning me on” 

He started kissing down her neck. Eisuke’s inhibitions were down, and he was getting carried away. At first this was about business, but right now he wanted to be with her. He wanted to know what she feels like, what she sounds like when she has an orgasm. 

He sucked on her neck leaving a love bite. Charolette started unbuttoning his shirt as he continued kissing down her neck and across her collarbone. He took his shirt off the rest of the way, and she pushed him down on the bed and unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned his pants pulling them off. She climbed on top of him and kissed him deeply, then kissed down his neck biting and sucking as she went. She licked his nipples 

“ ngh” 

She looked up at him and his pupils were dilated, and he was breathing hard. She couldn’t believe she was having this kind of effect on him. She kissed and licked down his abs then slid his boxers off letting his erection spring free. 

“ Why am I the only one naked?” She looked up “ Do you want me to suck your cock or not?” 

Eisuke pulled her down on top of him and unzipped her dress. 

“ I want you naked” He flipped her down on the bed sliding her dress off exposing her full subtle breasts and her black satin thong. She was beautiful, but he wouldn’t dare tell her that. This was the only time they were to do this so he’d better make it worth it. He kissed down her chest, and circled his tongue around her nipple 

“ Oh god!” 

He took her nipple into his mouth while he rolled the other one with his thumb and forefinger. She moaned loudly, and he let go of her nipple and ghosted his hand down her abdomen to under her panties. 

“ So wet already” he rubbed her clit in circles, and she started breathing heavily with her chest rising and falling rapidly. He entered two fingers inside of her curling his fingers. Her legs started shaking and her walls started fluttering. He pulled his fingers out and she whined at the loss of contact. 

“ No coming yet. It’ll be worth the wait.” 

He took her panties off and turned her over “ On your hands and knees” 

She did as he said and he pushed into her in one swift motion, and they both moaned at the feeling. He started slamming into her holding onto her hips with his nails digging into her skin. He was grunting in sync with every thrust. He wasn’t being gentle, but it wasn’t painful either. He pulled out, and flipped her over again settling himself between her legs and pushing himself inside of her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and she panted and moaned as he thrust inside of her. 

“ You feel so good Charlotte, so fucking good!” 

He started thrusting faster and she scratched down his back leaving red marks and making him groan. He reached between their bodies and started rubbing her clit, and moved himself to the left hitting her sweet spot