#meiyuki

~~

Roppongi was always nice this time of year.

It wasn’t yet time for the winter illuminations, but other holiday decorations popped up here and there. In the meantime, waves of expats kept things from getting stale, bringing with them the most interesting conversations.

It's a shame Yuki couldn't see more of it, but travel's not the same when you're being chased. On this side of town, she was lucky to get any view of the city. All she had were the memories of past visits, superimposed on the brick wall outside the motel window.

She'd pawned the last of the Zen'ins' gifts, a series of gaudy things meant to gain her favor, and they weren't too pleased about that. When the other clans were still around, Yuki had never accepted their offers, only the bribes. Really, the Zen'ins only had themselves to blame for thinking they'd be the exception.

Once they discovered her goal was to break humanity away from cursed energy—thereby posing a threat to their main investments—the bounty was posted.

Yuki snatched the duffel bag off the tattered recliner. It was light as ever, bereft of souvenirs or keepsakes. She hadn't even bothered to unpack. Staying two nights was a mistake, but after months of this, she was running out of options and cash.

She made a beeline for the exit and found her motorcycle in the parking lot, squinting at its new visitor: a crow perched on the handlebar. 

“Go on. Get.” Yuki waved an arm at the bird to shoo it away.

The crow flapped one of its wings as if to mock her but didn't leave. Instead, it turned its back to her and displayed the white tube that had been strapped to it back—a striking color against the jet black feathers.

Her jaw ached from the sudden clench of teeth. Bile left a sour taste in the back of her throat. She'd never gotten a death threat via carrier bird before, but she supposed there was a first time for everything. Just in case, Yuki slipped on her riding gloves to unroll the letter.

Gold leaf bordered the stationery, turning amber in the sunlight. A crest—one Yuki could've sworn she'd seen before—was centered at the top of the page. Moving down to the letter's body, she was surprised to find not a threat, but an invitation.

~

Tsukumo Yuki,

Before you take off, I'd like to extend an exceptional business proposal to you. Given your current set of circumstances, I suspect you'll at least want to hear it out.

Meet me at the National Art Center at 4:00 p.m. I've reserved it for us.

Bring whatever weapons you like, if you can get them past the door. I will be unarmed.

— Mei Mei

~

Yuki's brows knit together. Just what did the world's wealthiest sorcerer want with her? On the one day that gallery's supposed to be closed, no less. Nothing about Yuki implied she was business savvy, but she’d be lying if she said this didn’t interest her.

It’d be out of order to attack each other in public, which would be a concern for someone who took appearance as seriously as Mei Mei. Plus, someone with a cash flow like hers was unlikely to be in anyone else's pocket.

The crow flew off, and the beating of its wings pulled Yuki out of her thoughts. She stuffed the note in the corner of her bag and checked the clock on her phone. If she left now, she could make it in time.

With scuffed boots, Yuki kickstarted her bike and made her way through traffic. Keeping to the speed limit irked her soul, but it had to be done for the sake of blending in. Even now, the distinct weight of a stranger's eyes settled on the back of her neck. She outpaced it the further she got into the city.

Before long, she pulled up to the art center. The entire front of the building was a wave of glass panels. The space was so open, so bright, it felt like she was under a microscope. Deeper inside, solid walls eventually replaced the glass. Breathing a little easier, she ran a finger along the clouded plaster, pocket knives stashed along each limb and two behind her back.

A couple of staff members greeted her, then made themselves scarce.

This month’s exhibit was a series of paintings by clergymen, each large-scale canvas a show of their devotion. Most of them were of blurred landscapes of the fields they tended or warmly-colored portraits of the townspeople. It wasn't really Yuki’s thing, but they'd be swapped out by her next visit.

In the main concourse, she found Mei Mei gazing up at the central painting—a grand feast shared by the city, the tyrant's skull left to rot under the table.

Yuki huffed a laugh, having found her favorite work of the series.

She took a moment to admire the woman before her. Mei Mei's silver pea coat cinched at the waist, a perfect complement to her tall leather boots. An elaborate bun rested above her neck, set in place with a hairpin. Her signature axe was out of sight—distantly, Yuki recalled that's where she'd first seen the crest—but Yuki knew better than to assume there was nothing else on her person.

When she rounded the gallery bench, the two exchanged polite smiles.

“Mei.”

“Tsukumo.”

“Yuki,” she corrected, and Mei Mei nodded. “You come here often, or are you just trying to impress me?”

Mei Mei chuckled. “I don’t visit as often as I’d like, but there’s always something that catches my eye. Although, seeing as you're here, I take it you have some interest in my venture.”

“We’ll see. But I’ve got a question for you first.” Yuki cracked an unruly smile. “What kind of girls are you into?”

Mei Mei lifted a thin brow. A host of questions gathered in her long draw of breath but she settled on one to voice. “Do you ask this to everyone you meet?”

The smile grew into a full beam. “I do, actually.”

Mei Mei's eyes roamed over Yuki with an appraiser's intensity. Yuki cocked her hip and let a hand rest on the curve, reveling in the gaze. It reached in, not unlike her initial question, and left a probing buzz in its wake. Yuki had been sized up before, but never like this. Never in a way that made exposure feel exhilarating.

After a deliberate pause, Mei Mei hummed appreciatively. “I like anyone who can keep up with me. In all ways.”

Not one to be put on the back foot, it seemed. Maybe this wouldn’t be a waste of time.

“About what I expected,” Yuki admitted, then plopped onto the bench. “Alright. Lay it on me.”

Mei Mei perched on the other end, legs crossed at the ankles. “How's your research going? I imagine it’s hard enough without that damned clan getting in the way.”

Yuki narrowed her eyes. Not a single interview reached the second stage. Her subjects were already hard to find, but now they were dropping left and right. Eventually, the pool of willing candidates dried up, which was the least surprising part of all this.

“It’s been a challenge,” Yuki said through gritted teeth. She relaxed her jaw. “What about it?”

“I have a solution that includes getting rid of the clan for good. You get your freedom, and I get to prove a point.”

The breath stalled in Yuki’s throat. Before she allowed herself to get swept up in such a promise, she glanced behind them, seeking out any eavesdroppers. She extended her jujutsu sense beyond her sight, around every corner, and into the upper rooms. The gallery was empty save for the two of them.

Voice low and conspiratorial, Yuki asked, “And just how are you gonna swing that?”

Mei Mei lifted her chin, her frown disdainful.

“They're shortsighted, arrogant, and have no eye for value. They’ve molded jujutsu society in such a way that discarding women and their talents is a matter of course. But if we were to find those same sorcerers—cultivate them—it would be more than enough to ensure their downfall.”

A sliver of fury cast its shadow over Mei Mei’s eyes. It was arresting in the same way one watched a storm gather on the coast. The longer she looked, the more goosebumps rose along Yuki’s arms. As the anger melted away, she tracked all the muscles that relaxed in Mei Mei's face.

“So much of their money is wrapped up in curse work,” Mei Mei added. “They've made it too easy to undermine them.”

“So that's why you called me here.”

Mei Mei nodded again. “I've got my eye on a few others, but your support is foundational.”

“And if I say no?”

“Then you say no. I don't ask twice.”

There was a gleam in Mei Mei’s eyes that Yuki couldn't quite place. It rode the line between assured and haughty. Whatever it was, Yuki found it presumptuous.

Yuki held up her hands. “Well, I’m not a businesswoman. Surely, you know that.”

“You don't have to be. You were a sukeban.” A sharp, knowing smile brightened Mei Mei’s face. “I'd wager you still are, at least in temperament.”

“Look at you, doing your homework.” Yuki leaned back, letting her thumb trace the bench’s mahogany relief. “I’d have thought gangs would be the least of your interests.”

“At the very least, there’s something to be gained from the way they’re organized, the community of them.”

Yuki wouldn’t argue against that. There had been comfort in knowing someone would be there to cleanse her wounds, defend their territory, and punish any betrayal. It was a bond like no other, held together with razor blades and trust. That was a different time with different people, but a rush of nostalgia washed over her all the same. If the other women being considered were as good as she suspected, she couldn’t deny the potential.

“Just what's my part in all this?”

“You see to their training, I'll see to their future,” said Mei Mei. “As long as you hold up your end, not only would I let you continue your research, I'd give you anything you need to complete it.”

Anything looped itself in Yuki’s mind. Space, supplies, security. All had escaped her, all could be restored. Despite the temptation, unease churned in her gut.

“This is all well and good, but how do I know you're not just after my bounty, hm?” Yuki raised a brow. “Twenty billion yen is anyone's jackpot.”

“You're not valuable for the bounty.”

Yuki scoffed. “Says the richest woman in the country.”

Mei Mei shrugged. “Fair enough. I consider the bounty insurance, but your true value is in how well your goals align with mine.”

Her eyes swept Yuki’s face, studying her reaction. It was a more honest answer than Yuki had expected, yet still in line with Mei Mei’s projected values. That much, she didn’t bother hiding her appreciation for.

“For what it's worth, you seem like a woman of your word,” Mei Mei continued. “However, we are still strangers. You’re right to doubt me. I am asking a lot of you. So, I’ve prepared my own gesture of goodwill.”

Mei Mei inclined her head toward the parking garage and headed out. Yuki followed from a respectable distance. In keeping with the scarcity of staff, there were no company vehicles or maintenance crew to be seen. Although the air was a few degrees shy of winter, Yuki couldn't shake the chill of cursed energy as they approached an unmarked sedan.

If this was a trap, Mei Mei was terrible at hiding it.

A girl with blue hair and a freshly-pressed suit hopped out of the driver's seat. She bowed her head to the both of them, then stood at attention.

Mei Mei's eyes flicked to the trunk. “Miwa, if you would.”

Yuki stifled a laugh as Miwa fumbled multiple attempts to open the trunk without looking at it. But when the lock finally popped, all humor evaporated once the scent of blood struck Yuki's nose. Miwa lifted the trunk to reveal the corpses of two men, their chests gaping and eyes bulging. The icy bite of Mei Mei's cursed energy leaked from their wounds.

Yuki stepped closer for a better look. They'd been sorcerers—powerful ones, at that. The cursed energy that lingered in their systems had been concentrated around what was left of their vital organs. That was typical of hitmen, but it hadn't been enough to save them. The attacks had passed through so completely, she could see the trunk’s soiled lining through their ribs.

A low whistle flowed between her lips. Perhaps Mei Mei wasn’t as beholden to image as she’d first thought.

“I found them lurking around your…motel,” Mei Mei said, her tone laden with disgust.

Whether that disgust was for the motel or the men, Yuki could only guess.

Another crow perched on Mei Mei's shoulder. She clicked her tongue as she stroked along its neck, her finger lost in the glossy darkness of the feathers. The twist of her mouth gave way to something gentler when she caught Yuki's eye.

“I'm sure you could've handled them. If you stand with me, you won't have to.”

Yuki stared back at Mei Mei, shoulders lowering. It would be a relief to accept—an unburdening. No one can run forever, and that's nowhere near how she wanted to spend whatever time she had left.

Mei Mei didn't seem like the type to make such powerful enemies on a whim. As far-fetched as this plan was, she had just staked her life on it. The offer took root in Yuki's mind. It was a chance to either gain some ground or go down swinging. Those were options she could live with.

She drew herself up to her full height, grin returning to its rightful place. “You've got yourself a deal.”

Mei Mei hummed, pleased. “Glad to hear it.”

“What now?”

Mei Mei plucked a note from her breast pocket and handed it to Yuki. She unfolded it to reveal an address written in cursive she now recognized as Mei Mei’s.

“I'd already secured a base for us, but now I can expand it with confidence,” Mei Mei said. “In the meantime, I'll gather our next members. You’ll have a hand in their development, starting with Miwa.”

Miwa’s head snapped up, eyes wide. “Huh?”

Yuki rested a hand on her hip and gave Miwa a proper once-over. The harder Miwa fought to maintain eye contact, the more erratically cursed energy moved within her. This girl looked like she'd faint from a cigarette burn. As a test, Yuki glared at her. And as expected, Miwa let off a small burst of unfocused and unrefined cursed energy.

Yuki huffed. “I don't take training lightly. She might die.”

Mei Mei patted the crown of Miwa's head. “She's young but diligent. Don't underestimate her.”

Miwa’s lips pressed into a thin line, an obvious attempt to tamp down her fear.

Yuki figured that counted for something.

“You use any weapons?”

“Yes, ma'am. A sword.”

“Bring it to the base tomorrow. 6 a.m. on the dot. Wear something you don't mind ruining.”

Miwa nodded.

“And don't call me ‘ma'am,’” Yuki added. “Save that for someone older.”

“Okay, miss.”

Miwa grimaced as soon as the words left her mouth. Yuki barked out a laugh.

“Not quite what I meant, but we'll work on it.”

~~

It was no secret that Mei Mei relished any opportunity to unveil her finest clothes. The same couldn't be said for Yuki, but this wasn't the first or last time she'd indulge Mei Mei in this.

Yuki’s dress had a similar cut to her favorite shirts—sleeveless and form-fitting. The black material clung to her curves and flared out at the waist thanks to the gold-lined slit that ran up her leg. Even though Mei Mei knew the exact pair of heels in her closet that would tie the outfit together, Yuki insisted on a trusty pair of wedges.

“Been a while since I've put on something this fancy. The things you make me do.” Yuki chuckled.

Mei Mei gave an appreciative hum and cupped Yuki's cheek. “And tonight will be all the better for it. You’re beautiful as always.”

“Look who's talking.” Yuki wound an arm around the other woman's waist, pulling their bodies flush together.

Mei Mei turned her head to the full-length mirror to do just that. The black shawl draped over her upper arms cut across the back of her jade green dress. The hem brushed the bottom of her knees, but wasn’t so tight as to be constricting.

They truly made a stunning pair.

Their destination was reservation only, but they never bothered to call ahead. Any time one of the valets opened the car door to see Mei Mei, there was a flash of recognition and an assurance that her preferred seating was available. This was the case whether or not she had guests with her, but the process only sped up when she brought Yuki.

Inside, the hostess led them through the general area; they cut a path through the other patrons toward an elevator. Mei Mei spared a glance at the decor, eyes catching on the sparkling chandelier. It was larger than last time, but not so huge as to be gaudy. As the doors closed and they continued up to the roof, she wondered where the owner had gotten it.

When the doors opened, a crisp breeze flew into the gap—brisk enough to justify Mei Mei's fine shawl. Situated at the edge of the city, it was a clear night with stars blinking overhead; beneath them, city lights continued to pulse and blur. These were sights they'd seen a thousand times before, but it never failed to be worth the price.

Even though there wasn't a name card on the table, everyone who worked here knew who it belonged to.

After a beat, the server arrived and took the hostess’s place by the table. She gave a bow, her ponytail falling over her shoulder. Mei Mei returned a cordial nod while Yuki flashed a smile. The waitress placed a small bucket filled with ice on the table, Mei Mei’s wine of choice nestled within it.

The women turned to their menus. Even though Yuki was already treating her to bak kut teh, Mei Mei browsed the options in case something else piqued her interest. Her gaze lingered on the prices and entrée descriptions in equal measure.

She felt Yuki's eyes flick up to her face, mischief crackling in the air between them.

“You think I can get a chicken wrap here?”

Mei Mei sighed, weary. “Surely, you aren't serious.”

“I bet they'd make a mean one. You never know.” Yuki shrugged.

Instead of wasting time trying to guess how many ways someone could possibly make a chicken wrap, Mei Mei lifted her menu.

“Please try something new. Anything but what you just said.”

Yuki grinned harder, satisfied with the new button she'd found to push. “Well, if you insist.”

How Yuki's palette remained so simple despite her unlimited budget was the greatest mystery Mei Mei had ever encountered.

Knowing not to rush them, the waitress stood by patiently as they chose their meals. In the meantime, she aerated the wine and poured Mei Mei a glass along with a separate glass of ice water. She took the orders when they were ready, and whisked them away to Mei Mei’s assigned chef.

A commendable amount of time later, the slight clattering of dishes signaled the arrival of dinner. The restaurant made a point to never keep them waiting, no doubt placing their orders at the top of the queue. A bowl with steam wafting above the rim was placed in front of Mei Mei. It carried with it the scent of pork rib, cinnamon, and star anise. The sight and smell alone made her mouth water.

From across the table, spicier notes hit her nose. Yuki had gone with a bowl of thick rice noodles topped with jumbo sized prawns and half of a hard-boiled egg. Looking pleased with the selection, she mumbled a quick blessing before digging in.

Mei Mei captured a cut of pork with her chopsticks and blew the steam away. The first bite hit the spot like always. She savored the broth, so rich in flavor, with each section of pork.

Dinner passed mostly in silence, with only the clinking of utensils and the pleasant thrum of enjoying one another's company to fill the air.

When the waitress brought out a dessert menu, Yuki flipped through it eagerly. Her eyes pored over it with a level of interest that'd been absent earlier. There was no need to coax her into exploration this time.

Yuki tapped on an item and the waitress leaned in to get a closer look.

“I'll have the cendol.”

“Excellent choice. I'll have it out soon.”

True to her word, the server cleared their dishes and was back before long. She placed a small, curved glass in front of Yuki as well as a little spoon on the side. The glass was frosted with ice, but the colors within were still visible—green, white, and syrupy brown.

Yuki took a second to marvel at it before finally trying it. Her eyes flew open, she scooped up a small piece, and held it out across the table.

Mei Mei took a few sips of water to cleanse her palette. She leaned forward and closed her lips around the spoon. When she pulled away, the utensil was clean, not even a smudge of lipstick left on it.

The abrasive sweetness was the first flavor she recognized. It was barely within the realm of her tolerance, and she suppressed a shiver. After a few moments, it melted on her tongue and the taste of coconut revealed itself.

Yuki's eyes slipped closed with her next helping and she grinned giddily.

When the waitress returned, her eyes darted between them, unsure of to whom to hand the bill. Yuki held out a hand, unwilling to let this go on for too much longer. The waitress sighed, glad to be past the awkwardness of that moment.

Based on previous visits, Mei Mei bet she could estimate the price of tonight's outing. Most people would gawk at seeing that many numbers—or betray their reaction in a host of other ways.

And then there was Yuki.

With a serene smile, she slipped a glossy debit card into the holder and gave it back to the server.

“I left the tip line open for you. Write whatever you feel your time is worth.”

The woman's mouth opened but clamped shut on the rest of the squeak that would've come out. Instead, she bowed and used the time to compose herself.

“Thank you, ma'am. That's very kind of you.”

Yuki cackled, high-pitched and loud. “Ma'am? Now you're making me feel old.”

The server's eyes went wide. “I didn't mean any dis-”

“Ah, it's fine.” Yuki waved the thought away. “Aging happens to the best of us, if we're lucky.”

The exchange sent a thrill up Mei Mei's spine. She'd always been intrigued by Yuki's relationship to her own money. Each transaction was about honoring the irreplaceable things in life—most notably, time and travel.

~~

The day after Mei Mei and Yuki returned from vacation, a missive came from Jujutsu Headquarters. An unregistered curse was stalking a forest, eating animals and lost travelers. The mission came with an urgent deadline along with Mei Mei’s usual inconvenience fee for the lack of advance notice.

She laced up a pair of classy trekking boots and made a few more preparations. It wasn’t until she brought her axe downstairs that Yuki took an interest.

Yuki propped herself up on Mei Mei’s couch, placing an elbow on the arm rest. “They called you in already?”

“Yes. I’m the closest to the target, so they assigned it to me. I should be back in, let’s say, two hours.”

“Mind if I come with?”

Mei Mei paused. For as long as they’ve been partners, she’d never seen Yuki in action. They don’t keep too many secrets, preferring to be clear in their intentions. Yuki, especially, was remarkably open and honest—but her technique was one thing she held close to the vest.

The very idea that Yuki would reveal her true value as a sorcerer made Mei Mei’s heart race. She flashed a million yen smile over her shoulder.

“Of course. Just wear something suitable for the forest.”

Twigs snapped under the heel of Mei Mei’s brown boots. Where she would expect to find signs of a curse, the only movement in the area was her, Yuki trailing a meter behind, and a few birds soaring overhead. Meanwhile, a sickly, slimy energy drifted through the air; it felt thick enough to breathe in.

The unmistakable crack of a bone underfoot brought Mei Mei to a stop. She kicked it aside with a thoughtful hum. The curse may have masked its location, but not its trail.

She sent a crow forward, its vision filling her mind’s eye. Between the treetops, she spotted more bones—they glistened with fresh blood and patches of sinew. A giant serpent head rose up from the crow’s blind spot and swallowed the bird whole.

The ground rumbled beneath their feet, the rhythm awkward enough to suggest multiple limbs. The curse was searching for its next meal.

Attention fully returned to her body, Mei Mei drew her axe and assumed her battle stance. She turned to Yuki, who still had her hands clasped behind her head. Instead of joining her, Yuki ambled to the eastern tree line.

Mei Mei’s head tilted a single centimeter. “Are you going to help from there?”

“Nah, you've got it. I just love watching you work.”

When the words sunk in, Mei Mei huffed. She turned sharply enough that the end of her ponytail brushed her shoulder.

Yuki’s eyes went wide. “Oh no. You're mad.”

Mei Mei choked the handle of her axe; this was the closest she’d ever come to owning a stress ball.

The hydra charged forward, a mass of splintered trees left in its wake. A quick glance around the clearing was enough for Mei Mei to visualize her path. Might as well have some fun with it.

“I'm not mad,” Mei Mei said as she sliced a head off the hydra. “I’m annoyed. And I don’t appreciate having my time wasted. You know that.”

She channeled that annoyance and disappointment into her next strikes. Two new heads sprouted up, teeth snapping a hair's breadth away from Mei Mei’s dancing form.

“Hey, now. I never said I’d do anything, just that I’d come with you.”

“That’s not the point, Tsukumo.”

With a twirl of her axe, she cut them down again. She weaved between the heads that tried to chase her, using the weight of her weapon to assist in leaps and bounds. Before long, ten heads hissed at her with the scent of death on their breath.

It still considered itself a threat to her. Internally, Mei Mei chuckled.

Alright. Time to end this.

The crow she’d left sitting in the branches above swooped down. With a flourish, Mei Mei signed the gesture to activate Bird Strike. For a moment, the cursed energy that rolled off the hydra was dwarfed by the crow that plowed through its heart.

Defeated, the hydra let out a roar that turned into a wail. Its body disintegrated, leaving residuals for Mei Mei to dispel.

All things considered, she had to admit the fight left her more relaxed.

Yuki threw both arms around Mei Mei’s shoulders and rested her cheek on the crown of her head. “Have I ever told you how gorgeous you are when you fight?”

“Every time. But you’re skipping a step.”

Yuki’s body tightened up for a moment, then relaxed with a sigh. “I’m sorry.”

“Thank you.”

Yuki lowered her head to catch Mei Mei’s eye. “You're gonna let me make it up to you, right? What if I take you to get that dish you love? The Malaysian one.”

Mei Mei cupped Yuki’s chin in the palm of her hand. “Alright. But we’re going somewhere with a dress code.”

~~

Mei Mei’s fingers swept across the keyboard, the only sound keeping the office from being deathly quiet. She’d worked with construction companies before, but never the same one twice. New business always brought new terms, so she added clauses to the NDA as she saw fit. Anyone who stepped foot on a soundproof shooting range with an attached dojo was bound to have questions. Surely, a weight room would be the least odd addition to the compound, but Mei Mei couldn’t risk their curiosity or loose lips.

Brown eyes raked over the document, seeking out any errors. It was tedious work, but the thrill of expansion pulsed in her blood regardless. Once she was satisfied with its clarity, she printed off copies for the entire team and sealed them in a manila envelope.

By the door, Mei Mei caught a glimpse of Miwa rocking back and forth on her heels. Miwa balanced on her tiptoes, holding the position for a few seconds longer each time. She held Mei Mei’s axe against her back to keep her posture aligned. It was probably some obscure training method Yuki had told her about.

Mei Mei waved the documents, letting their soft crickle catch her attention. Miwa yelped and planted both feet on the ground. With a bow of her head, she shifted the axe to one hand and grabbed the envelope.

Mei Mei chuckled. “Be a dear and deliver that to the contractors first thing tomorrow.”

Miwa nodded, returning a salute with one end of the envelope. “Consider it done, boss.”

Earnest determination burned in those blue eyes. Ordinarily, that level of devotion would be reserved for tasks more demanding than a simple delivery. What a shame, then, that no one else had seen the value in this investment.

They descended the stairwells in relative silence, Miwa taking two at once. As Miwa locked the office behind them, the night’s chill rustling the cashmere of their suits, Mei Mei sighed.

“You know I hate to keep you out so late, don’t you?”

“Of course, ma’am, but I assure you it’s not a problem.” Miwa smiled as she held the truck door open for her.

Mei Mei climbed in, the leather interior black and cool to the touch. A push of a button hidden in the cup holder released the storage case under the passenger seat. She laid her axe in it and slid it back into place by the time Miwa took the driver’s seat. The engine purred to life, its journey into the city smooth as velvet.

All around them, colorful billboards flashed ads for various shops and brands. The endless scroll of products was a point of interest for Mei Mei. The goods and services priced the highest changed daily, but very rarely seemed worth the coin.

That wasn’t the case tonight.

Pride swelled within her as a silent video of Utahime crooning her heart out played on the largest screen, accompanied by the lounge’s address and the date of the scarred singer’s next performance.

Utahime had been so excited to film that snippet, eager for a larger audience to practice on. With Mei Mei, such ambition was always honored. If that meant dropping a hundred thousand yen on an ad, so be it. The Gamut always pulled in more than enough to cover that cost.

She made a note to ask Utahime about the turnout come Monday.

After another half hour on the road, Miwa came to a halt in Mei Mei’s circular driveway. This close to the house, it was impossible to see both stories at once, but the driver marveled at the exterior all the same. Mei Mei retrieved her axe and stepped out of the truck, heels clicking against the evenly-spaced basalt pavement.

She dismissed Miwa with a simple farewell. A few of the crows in her attached aviary were still awake, and Mei Mei cooed back at them as she passed by.

Mei Mei left her shoes by the door before climbing the glass staircase that led to her bedroom. She took a moment to hang the axe, symbol facing outward, on its rack behind the latticework headboard before dropping her clothes into the laundry basket. A warm shower washed off the day’s sweat and relaxed her stiff muscles. She emerged in a sheer silk robe, enjoying the way its hem brushed the outside of her thighs.

This kind of life wasn’t one that favored creatures of habit. Mei Mei had seen it be the downfall of many others before her—all of whom had once considered themselves above her—so she took steps to avoid their fates.

Even so, there was a weekly arrangement she and Yuki shared against their better judgment.

Just as she finished applying her favorite lotion, three knocks sounded out from below. They were a strange pitch, the kind that only came from the bony tail of Yuki’s pet curse hitting the door. Mei Mei’s eyes flicked to the clock on her northern wall; 3 AM on the dot.

The deadbolt turned, amplified by the acoustic panels in the walls. Anticipation coiled in Mei Mei’s gut as the unmistakable thud of Yuki’s gait ascended the stairs. She smoothed a few wrinkles out of the jade comforter, not that it would matter soon.

Yuki nudged the door open with the tip of her finger. Mei Mei’s gaze dragged upward over the hip she rested against the door frame up to the mesh shirt underneath that leather jacket. Her other hand was raised above the door frame, out of sight.

It was always something new with Yuki. Mei Mei didn’t even bother trying to guess what it could be this time.

“Did ya miss me?” An indulgent grin spread across Yuki’s face.

Mei Mei simply crooked her finger, knowing Yuki would have to accept that as an answer. As always, Yuki strode into the room.

Right as she leaned one knee atop the mattress, Mei Mei yanked her down by her lapel. The kiss was feverish, injected with the kind of energy Mei Mei reserved for their nights together. She grazed her teeth over Yuki’s bottom lip, pulling a low groan out of her lover. One hand unzipped her jacket while the other grasped the back of Yuki’s neck. She held her there long enough to identify the taste of vanilla on her tongue.

Yuki shrugged the jacket off in one smooth motion and got up to discard her shirt and pants as well, revealing a matching set of jet black underwear. Her commitment to the color scheme never went to waste. Mei Mei gave an appreciative hum as she pulled Yuki into her lap. She brought both hands up to trace the spiral design on the bra’s lace. Even through the dark material, her thumbs were greeted with the firm press of Yuki’s nipples.

Mei Mei unhooked the bra and tossed it in the general direction of the other clothes. Yuki sighed, evidently grateful for the freedom. It brought a small smile to Mei Mei’s face as she pinched both nipples, then soothed them with licks.

A shift of Yuki’s hips drew Mei Mei’s eyes downward. The front of her underwear had some sort of ring—around one and a half inches—and two straps curved along her ass.

Mei Mei ran a finger under one of the bands before letting it snap back against Yuki’s skin. “A harness?”

“Mm-hm.” On the edge of the bed, Yuki flipped open the lid of a gift box. She lifted a silicone dildo—cast in deep electric blue—out of its casing. “I’ve been working on this one for a while.”

Of course she had. Mei Mei had come to expect nothing less from someone as inventive and unconventional as her.

The dildo snapped into place with ease. Curiously, Mei Mei brushed a thumb over the head. It was softer than its appearance suggested, pleasant to the touch. There was a gentle thrum of familiar energy inside it, the intensity vibrating against her hand. She trailed her thumb down the shaft, and the motion earned a shiver from Yuki.

White brows lifted at the realization. “This is your cursed energy, isn’t it?”

“Oh, you know it.”

Yuki rushed forward to capture Mei Mei’s lips again. As many times as they’d done this, the feeling of Yuki lifting her up to set her down at the head of the bed never failed to leave her giddy. A groan slid from between Yuki’s teeth as Mei Mei stroked the toy.

Silk slid between Yuki’s fingers before she gave a single tug to open the robe. Hunger roiled in the eyes raking over Mei Mei’s body, intense enough to make a lesser woman cower. Never one to flinch, Mei Mei hooked her ankle around Yuki’s waist. The slow grind against the dildo wrought gasps from them both.

First and foremost, Yuki was a fast learner. No matter the configuration, she discovered what yielded the most pleasure and never rested until they reached that peak. So when she finally gripped Mei Mei’s waist and pushed into her—inch by inch until she bottomed out—the experimental angling of hips continued until Mei Mei gripped the sheets.

It wasn’t much thicker than when she took Yuki’s fingers, but it reached more deeply. Yuki’s pace began slowly, but the roll of her hips picked up speed with every few strokes. The vibration of cursed energy intensified all of this, focusing all of Mei Mei’s attention on this one point. Her mouth fell open with a pant, breath heavy with need. She tilted her hips downward, a clear signal.

A smirk took up residence on Yuki’s face. She traced a finger back and forth under Mei Mei’s clit, refusing to go any higher.

“No. If you come without it, I'll give you something even better later.”

Mei Mei let out a growl of frustration at being denied, but the barrage of pleasure eroded her will to argue. If that’s the game they were playing tonight, fine by her.

Yuki grunted filthy encouragements and compliments into her ear, the heat curling against the outer shell. The words rushed to Mei Mei’s head, making her pulse that much harder around the toy. She hooked her other ankle around Yuki to give herself more leverage. Despite the strain creeping up her thighs, she met every thrust, determined to keep up for as long as possible. The obscene sounds they made spurred Yuki on even more, much to Mei Mei’s delight.

The tension that had been mounting since the beginning snapped. Waves of pleasure overwhelmed them both. In the haze of ecstasy, Mei Mei sought Yuki’s mouth in an attempt to muffle herself. As if sensing her intent, Yuki dodged the kiss. A moment later, pain blossomed along the juncture of her neck and shoulder as Yuki sank her teeth into it. The mix of sensations heightened her orgasm, and an even louder moan filled the room.

While Yuki pulled out and stripped off the harness, the aftershocks left Mei Mei twitching. Even still, beneath that layer of satisfaction was a need for more. Yuki planted warm kisses down her torso, no doubt intending to make good on her promise. She settled between parted thighs and massaged slow circles into them. Mei Mei barely resisted the urge to trap her there with a flex of her legs. She needed room to work, after all.

Yuki gingerly dipped a finger into Mei Mei, then rubbed the slick in a tight circle around her clit. Mei Mei’s toes curled against Yuki’s back. A ragged groan escaped her throat.

“I know, babe. I know.” Yuki nuzzled her cheek against one inner thigh before licking a warm stripe up Mei Mei’s pussy.

Yuki alternated between focused sucks and using her tongue. The fervor didn’t allow Mei Mei to hold anything back. She’d been driven past the point of caring. Her hips stuttered under the attention, driving her up the bed until her back arched with the force of another orgasm. She sagged back into the mattress with bone-deep exhaustion.

Given the itch of sweat she felt, they were due for another shower before sleep. And yet, eyes lidded, Yuki climbed back up to rest her head above Mei Mei’s heart. After a moment’s hesitation, Yuki ran an overheated palm along anywhere she could reach.

Had this been anyone else, Mei Mei would’ve already seen their way out of her home. That truth never escaped Yuki, judging how she clung a little tighter after each visit.