6:37 PM; May 13th, 20XX

  Ryoma followed behind me as we made our way upstairs to the office that once belonged to Airla’s deceased but somehow missing friend. I had managed to get the crime scene preserved for a long time, giving Kazu a chance to care for Airla as she mourned her friend. She wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her fully, hesitating to come and collect something of Asha’s to keep as a memento was hard, so we held off, prioritizing her healing first. That time was approaching, so Kazu allowed me to finally analyze the scene and hopefully solve the mystery of the missing dead woman. Opening the door to her office, the stench of blood assaulted my nose, the dried blood caked on the leather chair, desk and surrounding areas. With that much blood, how could she move? She was close to Airla’s height and weight, she couldn’t have. Ryoma stood by the door, hand in his pocket as he let me analyze the room.

  “I find it endearing how you’re taking such a humane approach to this. It’s okay to step out of bounds if things get difficult.” I looked at him over my shoulder, his tender voice being a gentle reminder of my existence. “I like challenges, baby. You know this.”

  “She’s moved as if there aren't splatters of blood too big for such a stature, it doesn’t make sense. Look at it without sense.” I sighed, he was right. I had to look at this abnormally. Rolling my neck, I walked to Asha’s chair, placing my finger on the dried blood. “Close the door, baby.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He smirked, stepping inside the room and closing the door behind him. Standing by, he allowed me to…

  …step out of bounds.

  Licking my lips, I grazed my teeth; the length of my canines growing rapidly. Ryoma chuckled, pulling on his tie. “Let me know when that thirst starts hitting you.”

  It had been quite a while since I had to tap into this part of myself, the realities not necessary for such an extreme. Standing by the dried blood, I sniffed it, my pupils dilating at the freshness. This blood smelled too fresh, impossible for a two month old crime scene. Shuddering, I touched the blood, the feeling giving me all the answers I needed.

  “It’s been a while since I’ve felt that.” Feeling was the biggest giveaway, blood was known to dry once it left the body. This was the complete opposite. There was life to this blood still, the pulse of Asha’s heartbeat still strong on my fingers. It was jarring to imagine her waiting to save herself, playing the human role she had played so well. I needed a fix to center myself, the sweet neck of my husband calling my name. “It’s alright, baby. You got this.” He flexed his neck even more, my breath shuddering as I quickly made my way to his side and sunk my teeth in.

  His heavy moan didn’t help as I got my fill, my stomach filling with the indulgent taste of his blood, my eyes rolling back as memories of our love played in my head. The connection and love we had always made my reality feel less heavy, his existence a good step in for the one I would exist in long after he was gone. I pulled back, wiping my mouth as I watched the punctured holes in his neck slowly heal. His tie to me was important, it assured an addition to his lifespan, which assured me I could feed on him endlessly as long as I knew when to stop.

  “Someone was thirsty.”

  “Can you blame me? It’s been months.”

  “I told you that I’m free range, baby. I want you around for a long time.” He fixed his tie, the color returned to his skin faster each time. The longer I fed, the sweeter his blood became. If I lost control, I could drain him, turning him into a nightwalker. I didn’t want that for him, he didn’t sign up for eternity, I did.

  “Free range is dangerous, you know that. Anyways, my question has been fully answered.”

  “How so?”

  “She moved because those bullets barely hurt her. A fellow nightwalker, just like me.”

  “Great that you could get an answer, how do you translate that to human ears? You can’t tell Kazu that she’s an nightwalker, that would freak him, Airla and every fucking sound human around him.”

  “Baby, I’m aware. It complicates the shit out of everything. Good thing Kazu doesn’t expect an answer right away, he was always so considerate of my hyper focusing on cases.”

  “I’m glad. Now let’s get out of here, I’d like to return the favor on that bite.” I chuckled, giving him a quick peck as we made our way out of Asha’s imaginary grave.

  ??

  7:59 PM;

  Two months passed in a flash. After that day in the elevator; I carried her back in my arms as I left my return home to our team, my focus on her too grand to care about traffic. Arriving home, I sat back as I let her feel her feelings about her friend’s demise, nothing I could say or do to slow the tears down. My feelings were conflicted, I felt resentment towards Ikuto yet that was so quickly overshadowed by the way she’d grip my shirt as she cried. Her neediness for my comfort angered me, this wasn’t supposed to happen. Either way, she needed me and I needed her; so I remained by her side and gave her the tools to process her grief with little effort.

  We were well into dinner as she took a sip of her drink, her addition to everyday life adding a certain sweetness to mine. I no longer woke up alone, the joy of feeling her soft skin next to mine everyday truly a blessing like no other. Due to her grief, she had placed her pursuits for Ken and Kurenai on the back burner; focusing on us for the time being to allow her mind to settle back into a healthier and happier place. After two months, it seemed like she had finally reached that place, her eyes bright as she spoke to Ken.

  I focused on them as they shared a laugh, her hand resting on his bicep as she collected herself. One thing I had sacrificed in these two months? Him. I missed him. His smell, his taste, everything about him. He had been considerate of Airla’s feelings, giving us space anytime she became indulgent and getting his fix with Kurenai whenever he needed to. The longer her hand rested on him, the more excited I became.

  Kurenai nudged me under the table as I stared, a chuckle escaping her lips. “You’re not doing well at the staring, Kazu. Just tell him you love him already.” She teased, arms crossed as she sat back from her empty plate.

  “Am I really that obvious?”

  “When it comes to him, yes. There’s a certain kind of softness that comes out of you when it regards him, it’s endearing really.”

  “You out of all people would understand I’m sure.” I smirked, her face heating up. I had no details, but I had picked up on their relationship developing in a rather positive nature, while not explicit about it, their little handholds were longer, warmer. The times I did catch them alone, their kisses were lengthier, hotter. I didn’t pry even if I wanted, it wasn’t my business to know.

  “Let’s not dwell on that, hm? I’ve enjoyed the privacy you’ve allowed us in the past two months.”

  “Would I be so crass to ask for the same?” I asked quietly, my eyes now focused on Ken’s neck, the silver chain around his neck flush with his skin. He turned his eyes to me, a quick smile. “If you two are going to speak about me so vulgarly, at least include Airla, you know how much of a fan she is.” He teased, a lift of his brow.

  “I swear you’re not human, how the hell did you hear me?”

  “You’re not exactly the quietest speaker, Kazuhito. I thought we knew this.” He wasn’t wrong, I was a boisterous speaker, even when I thought I was whispering, he always knew what I was saying. But to hear what Kure-Chan was saying, with her softer voice? Freaky. Then again, that was to be expected, the man was a talented killer.

  “He’s not wrong, baby. You are the loudest person in the room.” Airla agreed, standing from her seat as we decided on a change of scenery. I raised my hands in false offense, wondering when I became the topic of conversation. Ken gave a hearty chuckle as a response, kiss ass.

  We ended up following Airla to the living room, where she plopped down on the oversized couch and patted the seat next to her. Within seconds, we all jumped to get closer, Kurenai beating us out by jumping over the couch instead of walking around it. Airla giggled as she took her in for a hug, a relief washing over me as she finally sounded happier.

  “Smarter not faster, boys. You should know this.” Kurenai teased as she found comfort in Airla’s arms, her head resting on her bosom. Both Ken and I chuckled, each finding a place of comfort on the couch and enjoying the rest of our evening.

  ??

  10:57 PM;

  Airla had decided on a mindless movie for us to watch for the night, the subject matter happened to be too cretinous, catching her and Kurenai and dragging them into a peaceful slumber on the couch. Kazu and I looked at each other as the credits rolled, the light snores of our women filling in the silence.

  “Once I saw that this movie was going to be 2 and a half hours long, I knew we’d be the last ones standing.”

  “Well dinner was also rather filling, so it’s to be expected. Let’s get them in bed, I’d hate for them to wake up sore later on.” I reminded him, standing up and scooping Nai in my arms as he did the same with Airla. Minutes later, we were standing by the closed bedroom door, mission accomplished. Kazu grinned at me as he turned slowly, hands in his pockets.

  “Hey, wanna celebrate Airla being in a happier mood?”

  “How are we to do that, Kazuhito?” I expected a vulgar response from him, usually that was his go to.

  “Ooh, let’s get high on the terrace and look at the moon! It’s full today.”

  “Kazu, we haven’t partaken in illicit drugs in a while, bit of a jump, don’t you think?”

  “Yeah? Well I haven’t been this in love in a while so might as well do things I haven’t done in a while.” We stood in silence after he realized what he said, luckily we had moved from the door. I didn’t muster a response, maybe he wasn’t ready to admit it. Raising his brows as he looked dead on, he shrugged his shoulders. “Yeah, I’m absolutely getting high.”

  11:43 PM

  “Do you believe the legend of Kaguya to be real?” Kazu asked, his eyes red from the effects of the task at hand. Being a Yakuza Boss, he had access to people — and things much easier than others. Shooting a call to one of the many drug dealers that worked under him, he was able to procure the finest strain of marijuana, assuring that we’d both feel the effects given our heights and weights. After rolling a rather nice joint, we found ourselves smoking it on the terrace of our home; looking up at the full moon, in all its glory.

  Kazu’s question wasn’t strange, the legend of Princess Kaguya was centered around the moon; as she was born there. I understand him asking the question, I just don’t know if my answer would suffice. “If you believe she’s real, then I guess she’s real. I leave that subject matter to the person’s own interpretation.” I passed him the joint, the paper chosen giving it a chance to burn slowly and give Kazu a chance to ramble on.

  “Well, if she’s real then that means all the other shit is real. Like vampires, werewolves, mermaids, all that shit. No way we’re the only suckers walking on earth, besides…” He took a pull of the joint, years of smoking letting him take it down with no coughing. “..You remember what happened back home, with that lone letter detective!”

  “I’m aware. Elion’s told me about him and that case, very abnormal, once again; like I mentioned, up to your own interpretation.” Passed back to me, I took a long pull, hoping Kazu would drop the supernatural talk. Last thing I wanted to do was enjoy my inebriated state worrying about the unknown.

  “I think they’re real man, all of it. Shit, maybe some of our associates are fuckin’ fairies or something, who knows!” He threw his arms up, laying back on the lounge chair as his dilated pupils stared at the celestial body. It was endearing to not only see his childlike wonder of the world, it was a blessing to experience this version of him. Kazu was always softer around me, especially when we were fully alone. His voice would get kinder, needier. He would absolutely get more precarious, laying his head on my shoulder or finding some kind of way to pull my pants down.

  I didn’t mind his affection though, I had him in ways that not many other people did, Airla probably being the only person who’s ever come close. Time would only tell though, I expected to spend less time with him alone. He had duties to fulfill in regards to his family, none in which I could help him with. All I could be is his loyal follower and protector. The joint was about finished, Kazu taking the final pull and flicking the bud into the ashtray. Both feeling the effects, we stared at the moon in silence, our breathing synchronizing as the sounds of the city still played muffled in the background.

  I thought of the supernatural speech, maybe that was his way to avoid speaking of what he had said in regards to Airla. Maybe the reference to Kaguya meant something, Airla was as ethereal as the moon goddess. I wasn’t going to press, but that was the great thing about curiosity, no one can take the feeling of wonder from you. Looking from the corner of my eye, Kazu had turned to face me, those eyes of his narrowed and glassy. Facing him, I gave him a smile, no words needed to be spoken. The love I had for Kazu was an intricate part of who I was. I didn’t see a reality where I wasn’t by his side, even if our relationship had never delved into the carnal, I would have still loved and protected him just the same. He was truly my best friend, my leader and most importantly, my lover.

  “Hey.” He broke the silence first, sitting up from his seat and facing me.

  “Yes, Kazuhito.” I stared back, my own eyes heavy.

  “Mm, fuck. Uh, yeah. Can I…uh, get in between your legs? I kinda wanna celebrate another way if you catch my drift.”

  I caught his drift immediately, once he focused a little too much on my saying of his full name, I knew something else was coming. Chuckling, I sat up, turning to face him, closing the gap between us by touching his chin. “I’d like to lay back comfortably while getting my dick sucked, surely that’s not too much of an ask?”

  Those glassy eyes of his lit up, a large grin on his face. So fucking precious, how could I deny him? “Yeah, sure whatever you want, baby boy.” Another term of endearment, yeah, the man was lustful.

  12:24 AM;

  The comparisons to Airla were not far-fetched. She looked beautiful with my cock in her mouth, Kazu did just the same. Instead of bouncing auburn coils in between my legs, it was sable locks. Always attentive, the THC in his brain might have unlocked a lower level to that, his hands and mouth working together in fantastic fashion to slowly satisfy me.

  I kept my hands off him, the hotter his skin got, the more out of control I felt. Goosebumps formed all over my skin as I felt the back of his throat, the desire to tell him to stop and climb on me threatening to take over, but I held off as I watched him; he was enjoying himself tenfold, how could I take that away from my…master? I bit my lip at the thought of calling him master, a word I chose to keep out of my vernacular to not inflate his ego anymore…

  …But it felt so fitting. I wanted to follow him loyally. I wanted to wait for his order and fulfill what he asked of me with no questions asked, just pure trust. I wanted his hands in my hair as I sat under him, allowing him to feel the grandeur of his name and title. I wanted to follow him till the ends of the earth until time saw it fit for us to let go. I wanted to inflate his fucking ego tenfold, even if I got caught in the web. All these wants, as long as it involved him.

  He pulled back, his mouth wet with trails of saliva. He was fond of keeping the entirety of me nice and wet. Kissing him for a job well done, I had no plans to finish in his throat. As we kissed, I pulled him closer, getting him to finally straddle me and give me a chance to prep him for eventual penetration. I loved being sucked in by the tightness of him, whether that be my cock or fingers. I found visceral pleasure in hearing him moan as I opened him up. Two months without him felt like a lifetime. I had so many moments of frustration where I wanted to just pull him away and get mine, yet I understood that Airla needed him more. That was why I didn’t act on any of it. But, that was over and it was time to collect.

  “Two months without me and you’re tighter than ever, Kazuhito. It’s going to be a joy to fuck you.” I tantalized, my lips on his neck as I sucked on his skin. I had plans to leave my marks on him this time around, only to remind him who he belonged to first.

  “Y-yeah, I’m aware. I’ll keep in mind to keep myself loose for you.” He whimpered to the curl of my finger, the tip of it grazing his spot.

  “Please, don’t. I very much enjoy this part of our time spent…those little whimpers...” A gasp of breath joined another curling, his hands going in my hair as he held on to me and groaned.”…music to my ears.”

  “Man, please…ah.”

  “Are we begging now? I’m truly astonished, Airla really has rubbed off on you.”

  “Yeah, I get the appeal, now please, will you fuckin’ fuck me already!?” He was antsy now, a tug of my locks as he demanded, my cock even more desperate for him than before. The mention of Airla influenced my decision on how to fuck him, deciding on the same way he had allowed Nai and I to walk in into when including us in that first poly session. Not only did I want him to get a taste of his own medicine, I just wanted to make him feel good; letting him focus on pleasure and nothing else.

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  Once I got him positioned, he rested his head on my shoulder as he waited for my entrance, his face hot and his skin damp. I loved him like this, his vulnerability a privilege to experience. Holding him, I pressed…just the tip, immediate toe curl. “It’s going to be very hard to stop the way you’re reacting, Kazuhito. You really missed me that much?” I slipped in, the lube coming in handy as I only received whines of pleasure. I had him assure his own pleasure too; no need for those beautiful hands if you’re not going to use them.

  His fervent moans told me all I needed to know in regards to my question. Yes, he did miss me. Passionately, obsessively almost. Each thrust was met with my name, begging for more, more, more. I held on to him as I slid him up and down, each time a guaranteed jab to his prostate; my own eyes heavy as I focused on a consistent rhythm to keep ensuring those sweet words of desperation. By no means was I close, I wanted to keep going for as long as my stamina allowed me.

  ??

  1:57 AM;

  Needing to use the bathroom took me away from Kurenai’s warm arms, leaving her in bed as I went to do my business. Coming out of the bathroom, I took notice of the time, surprised that neither Kazu or Ken were in bed with us, my curiosity only growing as I changed out of my clothes and got more comfortable clothing. Going for the living room, I took notice of sounds coming from one of the guest rooms, the door not fully closed. Was I really that invasive? I bit my finger, I needed to know, I wouldn’t go back to sleep if I didn’t.

  Tiptoeing to the room, I sneaked a small peak; my face exploding in heat as I watched the scene in front of me. My two men, wrapped in an embrace as their bodies connected. I bit my lip, Kazu’s sweet moans such a pleasure to experience. Whether I was the one responsible for those moans, I loved hearing him in pleasure. It was the freest he was, with his stringency, I absolutely understood how much he needed the release.

  Ken was just as gorgeous of course, with tousled hair and damp skin. He looked massive compared to Kazu; whether or not it was the angle; there was a certain growth about him that felt…strange. I realized I should’ve stepped away, but I couldn’t help myself…the sight was so good. I noticed Ken’s grunts, he was close. I was truly intrigued to keep watching, yet I walked away, the preview was enough.

  5:48 AM

  Only for a certain amount of time though. I fluttered my eyes open with one intent and one intent only: finding myself in between Ken and Kazu before breakfast. Hearing them earlier was a delight, but it’s only so delightful until you wake up actively craving to be handled. I nudged Kurenai, whose head was turned away from me, making it hard to tell if she was up or not.

  “Good morning, Airla.”

  “Oh, you’re awake. Great. Wait, why are you awake?”

  “You were rubbing your behind on me and moaning, that’s one hell of a way to be woken up.” She turned over to face me completely, her gorgeous face still riddled with sleep.

  “Oh. Sorry...” I blushed, my face coming to my shoulder as I looked at her endearingly. “Would you like to help me with that?”

  “Darling, it’s 5:54 in the morning, surely that can wait.”

  “I heard them last night, Kurenai…I want to be in between them.”

  She raised her brows, taking the pillow from my side and cuddling up to it. “You go ahead and do that, I am going to sleep, who knows what shenanigans Kazuhito might get himself into.”

  “Aw, boo. I really wanted you to join.”

  “I have a feeling I don’t need to be involved this time around, enjoy yourself.”

  “Oh, I will.” I snickered as I stood up, heading to the bathroom to freshen up before anything. I wanted to look and feel my best.

  I was feeling…better. Two months of mourning allowed me time to reflect. Asha wouldn’t want me in the dumps, in fact she’d be knocking me over the head if she knew I spent 2 full weeks crying for her. By the third week, Kazu was so gravely concerned that he almost called in his family doctor to care for me, but suddenly; I just woke up one day and felt…okay.

  It could have been because of the strange dream I had, where I dreamt that Asha was somehow watching me. How? No idea. I had been working on Kazu’s mural, feeling like I had an extra set of eyes on me. After having 8 pairs constantly on my ass, what’s one more? It was comforting to believe that somehow she survived and was just too embarrassed to let me see her while injured. It was a silly belief, but with this life, who wouldn’t dream big? Scoffing, I smiled at myself in the mirror as I cleared my mind of my friend and hoped that wherever she was, she was happy.

  Choosing my lace robe as my outfit, I made my way to the room with my men; hopeful they’ll be up for playing around so early. To my surprise, I heard sounds again as I approached the door, a gruff “fuck” being spoken as I peeked yet again. They were absolutely awake, in the best way possible actually. Ken was laid back in the bed, his tattooed hand on Kazu’s head as he received a sleepy blowjob. Tiptoeing into the room, Ken’s face turned to look at me, a sleepy smile as he directed me over with his finger.

  “Just who I was thinking about. Why don’t you come here and be a good girl.” Oh. I giggled, my robe making its way to the ground as I climbed on the bed, my hand trailing up Kazu’s back as he kept himself busy. Soon I was by Ken’s face, sharing a sweet and slow kiss. Even sleepy, he still tasted so fucking good. “I noticed you caught yourself a little peek earlier, how come you didn’t partake?”

  I thought I had hidden myself well, but Ken was also very hyper aware; who's to say he didn’t know the sound of my footsteps? I shrugged my shoulders in response, I wasn’t here to dabble in the past. Kazu pulled back with a pop, those xanthous eyes of his so clouded by lust. “A shame, we wouldn’t have minded your company.”

  “He’s correct, now why don’t you take over for him; I’m sure his jaw is in need of reprieve.” Another giggle, oh, what a way to come back to myself.

  ??

  9:12 AM;

  I strolled out of the bedroom to an empty living room, which was to be expected, yes, but it was way past time for any of the 3 to still be asleep. Heading to the bedroom I shared with Ken, empty. The only other room had to be the guest room and to my surprise, that’s exactly where I found them. Ken in the middle of the bed, each arm occupied by a sleeping beauty. My heart skipped a few beats as I watched them, their chests slowly rising. I almost closed the door until he softly grunted.

  “There you are. We missed you.” Messy brown locks and a sleepy smile, oh you Adonis.

  “I wanted to sleep in. You know exactly how it is to be responsible for someone like Kazuhito.” He chuckled, gently moving the sleeping two to get out of the middle. Stark naked, I couldn’t help but blush as he walked towards the bathroom, that cute ass of his a joy to look at. Stopping at the door, he turned to look at me.

  “You’re welcome to join me if you’d like.”

  Did I join him? Of course I did. I slid out of my robe and nightgown quickly, my hand on his back as I trailed it down his back piece. He was beautifully tattooed. A grayscale recreation of the doors of Milan Duomo, a famous set of doors recreating the joy and sorrow of the Virgin Mary. He was poetically deep with his choice of tattoos, his left arm dedicated to the god of the forge, Hephaestus and the god of the forest, Silvanus, the other precious thing of his Italian side, a strawberry bush on his shoulder for the mother he never got to know. His right arm was dedicated to his Japanese side, with an intricate Sakura blossom tree imposed on mitsudomoe* swirls and a rather large moon on his shoulder to show his affinity for the night time.

  I always found myself tracing his tattoos with my fingers when I would catch him sleeping. The story of his life was truly the one book I’d read front to back, over and over and over again. Getting into the shower, he was mindful of my preference for colder water, meeting me in the middle with a cooler temperature than the heat that he was used to, standing together we allowed the water to drench us first, a silence engulfing us as we stood there. The love bites on his chest gave me something to stick to, even though it wasn’t a subject I wanted to delve in.

  “Those two sure went to town on you.” I muttered, my hand on his chest. Looking down, he scoffed softly.

  “That was Kazu. Airla’s more keen of markings.”

  “Is she? She’s rather gentle with me.” His hand came around my waist, pulling me closer. A slight rub of his flaccid cock was still enticing enough, but I had self control, or at least I thought I did until he rested his head on my shoulder and just…breathed me in.

  “I would hope she is, I’d hate for you to not enjoy yourself during such an act.”

  “I’d enjoy myself if she was a little rougher, given her stature; I think she’s under the impression that she can’t be.” He cocked a brow, wondering what I meant. “As in she leaves that roughness to you or Kazu. She’s very delicate.”

  “You deserve delicacy, my love. I’m glad to know someone else is providing that to you. In terms of roughness, if you’d like that from me, I’m more than happy to oblige.”

  “If I needed anything in terms of pleasure, do you not think I would have vocalized that? My life is too short to waste it in dissatisfaction when regarding sex.”

  “Is that your way of telling me I’m doing a good job?”

  “You’re doing a fantastic job, Kentaro.” I wrapped my arms around his neck, his hands now on my backside as he lifted me up. Even in the danger of water, I felt safe in his arms. A quiet second between us turned into a gentle and wet kiss, my hands in his hair as the water damped his gorgeous locks. I had not a single plan to have sex, but that was long gone as he slowly slid in the midst of our kiss.

  “You could tell me to stop.”

  “I’d prefer you don’t.”

  10:30 AM

  It’s not to say I didn’t enjoy my poly escapades, but there was just a certain tenderness that I held when it regarded Ken and I. Even in the danger of the shower, he was the safest place. From carrying me to turning me around, my handprints were very clear as we stepped out of the shower. Looking at each other as we dried off, we couldn’t help but snicker at the glass. One would expect us to both be pruned, but we truly did spend more time out of the water than in it.

  “That was a rather fun shower.”

  “It was. Truly surprised the other two didn’t sneak in.” With slicked back locks, I got a good look at his face and goodness, my fucking heart. Those grey eyes of his, that’s what took me away the most. How I saw my present, past and future every single time I stared at him. God, how I loved him.

  “Maybe they knew we needed the time alone.”

  “I’d love to spend a week alone with you somewhere, anywhere. Away from this and its bindings.” He wrapped a towel around his waist, a warm smile on his face as expressed his want. I couldn’t help but smile.

  “I’d love that.”

  Soon we were in the living room and dressed, cups of coffee in one hand and our phones in the other. Checking up on the security of our current position, I sighed in relief, even for Ikuto’s acts against Airla’s friend two months ago, I hadn’t worried about him attacking Kazu directly. The bind of respect that their families had gave me that reprieve; but with Airla in the picture, how far was Kazu willing to go to protect her? To prove that he could protect her? Even with 8 people willing to put their lives on the line for her, who’s to say he wasn’t willing to lead them in that demise?

  “You’re worried about Ikuto, aren’t you?” He didn’t look up from his statement, his eyes still on his screen. I looked at him confused, I had a good poker face, that was the basis of my job, how?

  “I am. How’d you…”

  He shrugged his shoulders, a sip of his coffee. “I don’t know, I just had a feeling my mate’s brain was puzzled, so I made mention of it.” I looked at him even more confused, mate? He turned to look at me, confused at my confusion.

  “What? Did I say something wrong?”

  “You called me your mate, Kentaro.” He turned his body, mug on the table between us to give me all his attention. He hadn’t bothered to do anything about his hair, it had air dried, still breathtaking.

  “Are you not?” I didn’t want to answer him too quickly. We hadn’t even said I love you to each other, yet he still held a claim to me. Was he saying he loved me without speaking the actual words? Was that enough for me?

  “It’s not a term I’d use. Mates usually express their affections…loudly. We’re not exactly that type.” I sat back in my chair, a sip of coffee to distract from the seriousness of the matter. His eyes were still on me, his Medusa tattooed hand under his chin.

  “If I expressed how I felt, I wouldn’t be able to stop.” Not a single hesitation in his statement, not a single lie either. I was good with reading faces when they were distrustful, Kentaro was far from it.

  “Impossible. You have restraint.”

  “Not when it comes to you. I can come down from my anger when it comes to Kazu, I’ve mastered that. Airla, I haven’t really had a need, I can deal with that. But you, it’s strange almost.”

  “Sounds like you might be…overthinking it.” I was downplaying it for my own sake, this wasn’t real. He wasn’t real. This was just a cruel dream where I’d hear those words and then be pulled awake. I stared into my coffee cup, I couldn’t face those eyes, the dream was going to end soon.

  “I’m not. I know myself, I’ve had 35 years to figure it out. But this? I can’t seem to understand the intensity of it, I understand the feeling though.” He broke the space between us, coming to my chair side and getting to his knees. Coffee cup out my hand, I was met with his soft face again, a sweetness to his eyes that I hadn’t seen before. I looked down at him with endearment, it was hard to believe that he wasn’t fading away, maybe it was time to let go of that fear. With the most genuine soft touch, he kissed my hand; eyes looking up at me.

  “I can say it in English, Japanese or Italian if you’d like me to. I can even learn to say it in Spanish if that’ll help you understand the seriousness of my words.”

  “…Ken, please.” I was only pushing him away to protect my own heart, it was still so…damaged. It didn’t need any more pain. The two people who I thought would never hurt me did, who else wouldn’t try?

  “I love you, Kurenai. With every fiber of my being…” He rested his head on my thigh, lips unobstructed as he sighed. “…I feel complete with you. Something I didn’t think I’d feel in this lifetime. The love I have for you is different, it’s precious, it’s tender. I want to protect it and you. I want to be yours in every possible way in this lifetime and the next.”

  A small breath left my lips, the shiver that went up my spine unlike no other. My heart raced, not in a nervous way; just…relief. As if this was the breath I was waiting to take. Not thinking twice to give him a response, I took his face, a kiss as my response for his devotion.

  still tender as always, what a joy.

  wait…Ken?

  He pulled back, our eyes in shock.

  “Nai, did…did you respond to my thoughts?”

  “I don’t…”

  impossible. if you could you’d count after 5 till 10.

  “6, 7, 8, 9 & 10.”

  “Nai, it seems…no. That’s insane, implausible even. This is reality, I can believe some things, but this? No.”

  “If I could ease your confusion, I would. I…just don’t know what to ease.”

  “Ease my worries of your feelings first.”

  “I would think a kiss would suffice as an answer…”

  “Not in this regard, I’m sorry.”

  I sighed, I never expected him to feel so passionate about 3 simple words, I’d never leave him hanging. I’d go first if it means he’s safe.

  “…I love you, dear. Passionately, obsessively. I have for a long time, I’ve just been so afraid to let you know in fear of losing you. Of the one job to take you away from me and leave me devoid of your affection…”

  He would kiss me again, his strong hand holding the back of my neck as he deepened it. That shiver again, the intensity greater.

  What was going…

  ??

  …on?

  I didn’t pull back, I heard her, clear as day in my fucking head and yet I didn’t not want to stop kissing her to react. The shiver she felt, I felt too. The hairs on the back of my neck, my forearms, my chest…all flaring up. My skin increased in heat, I felt close to combustion. I felt like ripping something apart, for her.

  darling, hold on, I need to..

  “…breathe?” I pulled back, allowing her the need. She was a frazzled mess, the beating of her heart loud in my ear. With flushed cheeks, her breathing slowed…the heat in my skin ceased.

  “You heard my thoughts.”

  “Clear as day.”

  i love you.

  “I love you too.”

  We broke into a hearty laughter; the confusion too grand to focus on in the current moment. We were together. We were in love.

  My mate.

  My person.

  ??

  300 BCE;

  “I fear it is time I find myself amongst the celestial courts, my dears. Not a very fitting place for two majestic beings such as yourselves.” Tsukuyomi gently stated, his hand on my snout. I whimpered in response, the comfort of her nudge. With a sigh, he stood up, a swing of his majestic robe. “Not a single worry though, your loyalty shall be repaid.”

  We both stared at him as he waved his hand, the gates of the Kyu'ikirin forest in our background. The celestial ties we had around our necks faded away, our bond to our god finally broken.

  “You were very good to me, Yua. As were you, Ren. In regards to your loyalty, you will never be without the other. In every life, you will find each other. In some, it might take a while, but you will know you have found each other when you feel the closest to this form. I shall also grant you the binding vow of ishin-denshin**, your hearts and minds will communicate when the time deems necessary.” Ren nuzzled into my neck, a whine for assurance.

  Tsukuyomi chuckled, the glow of the moon slowly illuminating his earth form.

  “Remember! In every life, you will find…”

  ??

  “…each other.” I muttered, the words consuming me in warmth yet again. Nai chuckled at them, a gentle hand on my face again.

  “He did say it might take a while in some forms, I guess this was the form that needed more time. Nice to hear you again, Yua.” Name given to me in a past life by our master, the moon god, Tsukuyomi. Legend has it that he had been accompanied by two wolves, given to him by his parents; Izanagi and Izanami for his time on earth. When that time came to an end, he released them in the Kyu'ikirin forest for the rest of their natural days, assuring their souls solace in the afterlife by allowing them to rest and reincarnate together, in every life. In that life, I was Yua, a white wolf with grey eyes. Kurenai was Ren, a black wolf with crimson eyes, the darkness to my light. Always by my side. Talk of the supernatural was a sign we were finding each other. Kazu’s fascination with the moon was the nudge. Our mental speak was the “time that was deemed necessary.” We were together again…What absolute bliss.

  “It sure took longer this time. In the last life, we had found each other as young teens.”

  “That one didn’t end well, you pulled a self sacrificing move.”

  “I apologized in that one, are you ever going to let me live it through?” I pursed my lips, standing up and helping her from her seat. She was significantly lighter this time around, I wondered if finding each other in this life meant an extra perk.

  “Let’s move past that topic for now. It’s nice to hold you again.”

  “It’s nice to be held. I don’t like this life being so…sad. Abandonment and murder? Goodness.”

  “Mm, some lives are sadder than others. This one has us in a polyamorous relationship, who would’ve thought?” I raised a brow, that realization slowly coming to the forefront. This life was very different, while involved in the Yakuza in the life she had mentioned; this one had my boss and I romantically involved. Maybe that was the rush of heat I felt with Kazu, I was getting close to her.

  “About that…are we going to tell them?”

  “No. I want to enjoy this with you, as it should be enjoyed.” We rested our foreheads on each other, our breathing and beating hearts synchronized with each other. Like a never ending symphony.

  “You haven’t changed my love.”

  “Until it stops leading me back to you, I’ll remain the same.”

  please, I can assure you now that my dear sweetie pie Ken is not turning into Okami. He's at most got a little more arm hair and longer hair, nothing more, nothing less. I don't plan on doing anything more supernatural than what I've given, this is as supernatural as it stays!