#tkdb jo

Mio Susuhara

You and Mio hid in a pocket sized equipment shed he was working in for the mission. A malfunction on his spider anomaly meant he had to manually control it. You did your best to stay still, so you wouldn’t bump him while he worked and further jeopardize the mission. That was no easy feat since the space was only meant for one. 

Mio was focused on his task, fiddling with joysticks and knobs on a remote with a screen. One of his design, no less. You glanced at the screen occasionally, unable to make out much through the static. He gave it a thwack and the screen cleared, revealing the anomaly he was tracking. He reported its whereabouts through the earpiece. You didn’t realize it was so close by, a few hallways down. 

You straightened your back at the realization, pressing yourself against the wall as if you could flatten yourself enough to disappear. Mio noticed your nervousness and held the remote closer to his chest. 

“Don’t worry. The others are en route.” 

Only it wasn’t just the anomaly that made you nervous. You had a crush on Mio. You both admired and hated that he was somehow everywhere at once and nowhere to be found when you wanted a moment with him. You started breaking things as an excuse to call him over, but that usually ended with you dumbly thanking him for his work after watching him fix your sabotage in silence.

Now you were stuck in close quarters with him, already resigned that this was another opportunity you would let slip by because of your cursed shyness. 

“Something on my face?” He asked. Of course he caught you staring. 

“No, sorry.” There wasn’t much to look at in the small closet. You did your best to avert your gaze and stare at some scattered tools. They weren’t nearly distracting enough, and there was a magnetic attraction to looking at him. 

“If you want a distraction so bad, all you have to do is ask.” Mio’s lips were curled in a roguish smile. His messy ponytail only adding to his allure. He was a good guy with a bad boy’s swagger, smart and capable. You would take whatever attention you could get. 

“Okay. I’m asking then.” The phrasing was awkward, but it was the best you had. He took another glance at the remote screen to make sure everything was still in place. Satisfied, he pushed off of the wall and leaned into your space, searching for an objection. Finding none, he kissed you, chaste and hesitant until you returned his kiss. His restraint fell away, and he kissed you with practiced ease. You chased the one flick of his tongue he offered when your lips parted. He pulled back first, mischief written across his handsome features. 

That magnetism was still there, you felt like you were falling forward. Perhaps you were, because the next thing you knew was you leaned against his chest, wrapped in his arms and kissing him again. Buzzing made you both jump and separate. The remote was pressed between you and the anomaly had been running against a wall. It had gotten the anomaly’s attention. 

“Whoops,” he joked. He gave the anomaly the runaround, toying with it like a cat and a laser pointer until the rest of the team caught up with it. 

Elias Pratt

You were struck with deja vu, when once again you were in a tight space with Elias, hiding from an anomaly. He wore a knowing smile, likely remembering the last time you were cornered like this. But neither of you were fighters, and you felt safer being escorted by him. 

“Promise I won’t make a habit out of this,” he whispered. 

“Do you do this to all the girls you meet?” You’d have folded your arms if there was room, but there was hardly enough space between your chest and his. 

Elias chuckled and leaned closer. 

“Only the prettiest one.” 

All it took to brush your lips against his was angling your face upward. He pressed into you eagerly, sighing when you pulled back after a quick peck. His tongue darted out, wanting to feel more of you. He captured you in another kiss, hungrier, needier. His lips were sweet from the candies he often had. You swiped your tongue across his lip to capture more of that sweetness and he hummed. You were breathless when you parted, worried if you didn’t stop then neither of you would be able to at all. 

Shion Genkai

The crazy bastard was running toward the anomaly, dragging you behind him by the hand. You could barely keep up with his long, fast strides, unsteadily sprinting while trying not to lose your footing. You couldn’t see well with his jacket fluttering behind him, obscuring most of the cramped hall, except for the fleshy anomaly on the other side. You wanted nothing to do with this twisted game of chicken in the high school hallway. When the anomaly was a few meters away, Shion opened a locker and shoved you in. He was barely inside with the door shut when the anomaly barreled past. 

Your hearts hammered in tandem, yours from exertion and fear, his from excitement. In the dark, you could see his grin and the wild gleam in his eyes. Every deep breath made your chests graze. You were too tired to try to time it so you didn’t constrict each other’s movements. He brazenly bent his legs to give himself more headroom, paying no mind that his knee was between yours. 

The anomaly had stopped, turned, and was searching for you among the lockers, opening the ones it could, sniffing at the ones that were locked. Shion jammed the mechanism to prevent the door from opening until he released it, keeping an eye on the slats for its approach. 

“Shion,” you whispered, hoping he would clue you in on his plan. Hoping he had a plan in the first place. 

He silenced you by pressing his hand to your throat, fingers cupped around your jaw. You were pinned against the wall, praying he didn’t intend to throw you out as bait and take off on his own while you were being mauled. 

An eye appeared on the other side of the door. Its growl echoed in the small space as it clawed at the locker’s hinge. It knew you were in there and you were trapped. You looked to Shion again, and he peered dangerously close to the door. He slipped a card from his artifact deck through the slat and flicked. The card flew into the eye of the cyclops anomaly and its scream made you flinch. The mass writhed down the hall, dragging itself around blindly, helpless. 

Shion’s gory card returned to him. He wiped it on his vest before returning it to the keychain and turning his attention to you. 

“Now thank me.” Shion only took a moment to appreciate the fear in your eyes when he dove toward you, prying your lips open with his tongue and taking his reward for incapacitating the anomaly. He pressed you against him, moving his hand from your throat to buried in your hair, gripping you hard to keep you in place. His hips pinned yours against the wall, moving against you roughly and greedily. 

He sucked your bottom lip when he pulled away, releasing it with a wet pop. 

“Wasn’t that fun?” He cooed. You answered with a glare, anger overtaking all the uncertainty and fear you felt before. You didn’t appreciate being toyed with. 

You retaliated by kissing him again, nipping his lip hard enough to make him grunt. He was surprised, hesitating before he wrapped his arms around your waist. You pulled back and he clicked his tongue, still smug from his stunt successfully getting you into his arms. 

Fully expecting Ren to unquestioningly pitch in around Jabberwock? Sure he is desperate and needs the help, but he also seems to have gotten a lot of his knowledge on relationships at Dionysia, which functions largely as a family. Everyone does their part and doesn't even consider slacking as an option. In fact, Dionysia residents, ghoul or not, seem to be more than happy to pitch in at every opportunity, since in the last chapter a lot of the prev Dionysia ghouls were willingly chipping in to repair the house. They're go-getters.

Shion is the only one who fusses about helping, but it sounds like if you Badger Him Enough then he does his part. Which might make Haru habitually go to that as the first option when others (Ren) won't pitch in.

His ability to magically calm down insane and/or chaotic people on the reg? Tons of practice with *the* most insane ghoul Shion. His habitual peacekeeping and "I've Got This Under Control" (even when he doesn't) demeanor? Could be a skill learned from Jo or Elias.

The utter lack of boundaries, in terms of both personal bubbles and lock-picking bedroom doors *screams* former Shion Keeper. Shion is almost guaranteed to have had the same lack of boundaries with him when they were partners.

The habit of tracking Ren and Towa and anyone else he deems to need supervision? I'd pay folding money he got the habit from keeping Shion in check, maybe even got the idea from Mio.

As someone so close to you he knows what you need. He can be both your best friend and someone who reaches your heart. He's aware of that since the beginning. He's sure he can make you happy.

That's why you know you can get free, and let him do so.

Whenever it's the moment when you look at Mio working, or avoiding crazy moments with Shion, your mind is filled with one particular blonde.

Blonde who knows exactly that he's stealing your heart with that warm smile of his. With a voice, that can melt you right away, using words that reach your deepest emotions.

He can seem flirty. He's helpful and cheerful to others. But the way he places hand under your jaw is something else.

You never saw him do that to anyone. Like he asks you to look at him whenever he's near you. When he talks with you, he wants to see your eyes. And his blue orbs are not cold at all. They're digging their way down, to your own eyes, softening.

His world is beginning while he sees you.

While the whole Darkwick knows him, he shows them that no one has a match here. He can be supportive and give advice, but he's not interested in anything outside of knowing them as friends.

You saw it with your own eyes, when you sat on a bench, holding part of robot Mio's repair. In front of you, Jo, Elias and a few other people who are really friendly towards these two.

Rare occasion, that is, for so many ghouls to meet outside, during such a usual day and talk. But you can't be so sure that girls around Dionysia members are ghouls themselves. They can be just normal students.

Elias, with his usual smug smile on face and lollipop in his mouth, looked relaxed while talking with others. Making his way in the conversation, almost being caused by others blushing or mumbling with excitement for his smooth talk. Jo, on the other hand, while listening thoroughly and being a part of the meeting, was kind off. Of course you could see him being his normal self – listening to others, openly talking with them without any issues. Being close enough that others could think they knew each other for years. But the case is, you felt his eyes on you whenever you moved. When his head turned to the sides, he always took an opportunity to steal a glance at you. Standing in perfect position, so he faced your direction, he never missed a chance.

He was interested in their conversation. But his mind was moving through greater distance, making sure you're here somewhere.

And as you thought, when Mio finished repairs and you decided to move, Blonde ghoul moved his legs, to match your pace. Leaving others behind, saying that he has something to do today.

“Where are you going?” He asked, his steps long to reach you quickly.

“To my room. I want to rest.” You said, looking at him, slowing down a bit. He reached for your shoulder, moving over your clothes with touch like feathers.

“Do you want to spend some time together? I have new things you for sure will like.” He said with a smile, twirling finger on your shoulder blade.

“...maybe…” you murmured, feeling that your face is warmer because of his sunny smile. Nothing under it, just a genuine, soft smile of happiness.

“Should I switch?” He asked, wrapping hand around you now. His voice is a little different now, hair bouncing freely over his shoulders as he walks beside you as a woman. “Would you agree now?”

He sounded both flirty and friendly. Just as always…

But… Can you say no to his charm?

“It'll rain anyways. We should keep going!” He said, pulling your hand.

If he wasn't in a different form… you would blush even more than now… this guy is really something different…

“Feel like you're at home.”

Like always then… you wanted to mumble to yourself as he welcomed you in. His room, tidy as always. Almost like it's not a guy living here. Not like the bedrooms of others you have seen… this one is the most normal.

“I told you. It's going to rain.” He pointed at the window, where water started pouring out the clouds. “Everyone's probably stuck outside for some time. We're alone.”

Why would he say it…??

Of course he's right… Mio is probably in the workshop… Elias outsider, probably hiding from the rain somewhere. And Shion is… anywhere…

It's almost refreshing to be in a calm place. Even if it's Dionysia. This is not just a circus… it's somehow a home too.

“Drink?” He asked, having juice boxes in his hands.

You accepted it from him, sitting down on the soft cushion. Juice in perfect temperature. Not too cold, nor too warm. He probably knew what would be perfect again…

“You looked like you were daydreaming before.” He said, twisting his longer hair.

“Me? Daydreaming?”

“Looking at me, without realizing.” His face moved closer to yours with a small smirk. “Not like I can scold you about it. I also… sometimes can't get away from looking for you.”

He changed back to his normal form, not opening his juice at all.

Rain hit the windows, making a strong noise.

“You know… there's always bitterness. Wrong weather. Wrong people. Wrong conversation. You can not feel perfect with that.” His lips twisted in a smile as he reached out to his pocket. “But there's always sweetness waiting around the corner.”

He pulled out the lollipop from his pocket, unwrapping it with strange speed.

“Some things taste better in bitter times. When you look at someone, not realizing you're needy for them. Not knowing you both want to… neutralize the distance between you.” Candy on a stick reached your mouth, like he was giving it to you. “Here. I didn't steal it. I got it from someone.”

He waited patiently, looking at your lips for a longer time than he should.

“Sweet, is it? It's my favorite flavor, actually.” He hummed, softly putting down his hand, brushing your chin with the tips of his fingers. His knee touching yours.

And you could swear, he would eat it himself. But he didn't say it. He just kept looking at you, happy.

“Do you like it?” A question came out of his mouth. “You're cute when you look at me like that, you know?”

Your eyes instinctively moved away, with your face. But his hand was here to stop you. And you weren't going to stop him from pulling you back towards him.

“When you look like that… I wish I could do something else…” his voice softened even more. His thumb bumped in the lollipop stick. “When you… look at me… I feel like I'm the happiest man on the Earth.”

He moved closer to you, tugging candy a little with his fingers.

His forehead on yours, almost hesitant. But he knows you won't push him away… not like that. The sweetness radiates from everything he does… if you didn't love him, you would never accept him so close… you would never look at him like that.

If you wouldn't… you would never want to be with him more than ever.

You're happy that you can be alone with him, right? Where no one can disturb your time. Even if all you're going to do is drink juice and spend time talking.

It's all… the sweetness he's going to give you. No matter what he wants, you'll agree, because he knows you want the same. And you can't hide.

“The lollipop…” he started, looking straight in your eyes. “Is it as sweet as I think?”

You nodded, wrapping fingers around his when he moved his palm closer to yours.

“Can I taste it too?” He giggled softly. “... could I… kiss you?”

Time froze for a moment, but you weren't as shocked as you thought you'll be. Your body moved on its own, since it wanted the same. You moved next to him, taking out the candy.

And in the moment you did, with small hesitation, his lips pushed onto yours. Slowly but steady. Like he wasn't so sure if he'll do it perfectly right.

It was the first time he felt your lips. Your mouth on his. With lazy move, he closed his eyes, pushing onto you more. Feeling sweetness filling his mouth.

The sweetness of the lollipop, mixing with the sweetness of the kiss you're sharing. First one ever. Lips on lips, connecting like puzzles. Small gaps closing when you grew into each other more. Pushing forward, getting more and more confident. And now you feel it, when his tongue brushes your teeth, encouraging you to open your mouth more. The sweetness is not just a candy that was long forgotten, falling on a floor. It's his tongue. His lips. His body heat. His feelings flowing out of his actions. His hands on your waist, when he pulls you closer. His fingers that dig up into your hair, massaging your scalp slowly, pulling you more to his face. Your hands on his shoulders.

With a small blush on his face, he was as desperate as you. As he always dreamed. And now, he feels it.

As he moved away from you, your eyes were kept closed. You gasped, holding your forehead on his. Still having hands on each other.

The candy is really sweet.

And how quickly your meeting developed was just the same sweet mystery. One you both loved with the same feeling.

You both always wanted that.