Fear

"Awww yeah, dance for me, you slut!" Korai says, clapping excitedly as I hook my phone up to my car speaker. "Hold your horses, wild boy. I need music to do dance." I laugh as Arthur snatches my phone, smiling at me. "I can do this, you go stretch." Arthur snorts as I roll my eyes, sliding out of the car and stretching my body lightly. "I'm not doing anything crazy since we're in a parking lot." I say and Korai groans, crossing his arms. "She's still gonna do something amazing. She's just not going to get on the floor bouncing and grinding because it'll hurt her arms and legs." Arthur says and Korai slowly nods, raising an eyebrow at me. "It'd also ruin my clothes. Maybe I'll get to do one of those dances for you another time." I say and he shrugs, sighing softly. "Hopefully. I want to see you dance all nasty." Korai says as Kags rounds the corner, Omi and 'Tsumu in tow. "Oh, hey guys. I was just about to do a dance." I say as I stretch my legs out, Omi raising an eyebrow at me. "You're going to dance?" He asks and I laugh, nodding my head. "Yeah, Korai wanted to see. I figured I'd humor him with a dance or two before I hit the road." I say, stretching my arms over my head as Kags leans against the trunk.

"Why would you want to dance for him?" Omi grumbles, crossing his arms as he glares at Korai. "He asked. I like dancing, so I figured why not." I say, lightly stretching my back before I flick my wrists out. "Whenever you're ready, Arthur." I say, glancing around the empty parking as I back up, giving myself plenty of room. "Hold on." Arthur calls and I raise an eyebrow, crossing my arms. "And what am I holding on for?" I ask though he doesn't respond, making me groan. "Arthur, what are you up to this time? You and your trouble, I swear." I grumble, walking over to the car and peeking my head in. "Sorry, but trouble is my middle name. It'll only be a second." Arthur says, making me snort as I walk back to my spot. "Whatever, trouble." I say and Korai groans, rolling his eyes. "What are we even waiting for? I mean, I came to see dirty dancing. I'm not seeing very much dancing going on." Korai says, joining Kags as they lean against the truck. 'Tsumu pulls himself to sit on the trunk as Omi shoves his hands in his pockets. "Just sing something while we wait." Arthur calls and I shove my hands in my pockets. "Why don't you just yodel?" I joke, though Arthur starts yodeling, making me laugh.

"Oh my- shut up, Arthur! I wasn't being serious!" I laugh, though he begins to yodel like he was at an old fashioned play, making me laugh harder. "God, you are something else." I snort, looking up at the sky and taking a deep breath. "I wish I had my guitar. Ah, I forgot to call Kanori." I mumble softly to myself, though I hear a car pull into the lot. Arthur climbs out of the car, a big grin on his face as the other car stops, the rest of the Inarisaki boys climbing out. "Oh. Hey, guys." I say and Arthur claps his hands excitedly, the boys walking over as the car leaves. I stare at it- for some reason it was vaguely familiar. Where had I seen that car? I know I had seen it before, but where? "Kiki?" Arthur says, snapping me out of my thoughts as I hum, glancing over to him. "What's up?" He asks and I glance back, the car already gone. I was probably just imagining it, I mean, I was in another town. Maybe it was just a coincidence, deja vu or something. "Nothing." I mumble, turning back to him as he glances back. "Was it the Uber driver?" He asks and I shrug, pulling my hands from my pocket. "The car was just familiar." I say and he slowly nods, pulling out my phone.

"Dance." Arthur says, playing the song- it sounds over the stereo and I take a few steps before I start dancing. I close my eyes, just letting the music flow, expressing through my body. Somehow I just felt numb- something was bothering me, tickling the back of my head. About a minute into the song I stop, slowly opening my eyes and furrowing my eyebrows. What was it? My intuition wasn't telling me that I needed to move… it just felt like I missed something. I glance back towards the edge of the parking lot, feeling anxious. What the hell? It was just a car, why was it bugging me so much? "What's up?" Arthur asks, coming over and rubbing my shoulders. I close my eyes again- what was it about that car? Where had I seen it? I search my head, feeling more confused and anxious- I collapse to my knees when I realize. "Arthur, it's- it's him! The man! That's his car!" I croak, my body and voice trembling as I start hyperventilating. Arthur immediately scoops me up, putting me in the passenger seat. "Kags, we're leaving." Arthur spits, Kags climbing in the back as everyone steps away from the car. "Where's the fire?" 'Tsumu asks, but Arthur grabs my cheeks, pulling me to look at him.

"I won't let him have you, sit your pretty head back, calm down and breathe. I'll kill him if he tries to take you." Arthur says darkly, pulling my seatbelt on, slamming the door and sliding across the hood. I take my phone with trembling fingers, dialing Kioshi and putting the phone to my ear. I curl up in a tight ball, covering my head with my arm as tears form in my eyes. "Kimiko?" He answers on the first ring, Arthur climbing into the driver side and sliding his seatbelt on. "He followed me, the man's here." I croak, though I hear a knock on my door, making me jump as I look up and see Suna. He puts his hand on the glass, his eyes full of concern- "I'll tell Kanori to take Nen to the safe room, you worry about getting yourself to safety." Kioshi says though Arthur takes the phone from me, putting it to his ear. "I've got her in a car, he left but he isn't far. We're leaving right now." Arthur says, putting the car in reverse and pulling out of the spot. I glance at Suna as Arthur flicks the car into gear, driving out of the parking lot. He pulls the phone back, calling someone else- as we exit the parking lot I see the man's car. "He's there!" I cry, pointing at the car though Arthur shoves me down, glaring at the car.

"He expects you to leave on foot. We can sneak you out without him noticing." Arthur says as he turns the car in the direction away from the man's car, someone answering the call. "He's right outside the parking lot. Pull your hoods up and run out in different directions. Run as fast as you can, it'll confuse him so we can get away. He's fast and he's dangerous, avoid confrontation." Arthur says, the person hanging up as I glance out the back windshield. I see the boys dash out, hoods up and backs hunched over- the man turns on his car, flipping it around. "Arthur, it's not working." I whimper and he reaches over, squeezing my hand. "Take the wheel, I'm making a call." He says and I nod, turning my gaze to the road. Arthur takes my phone, dialing one last number as I try to keep my breathing steady. "Hey, we're coming to you. The man is chasing, I'm dropping her off. We only have a moment and you need to make it count. Wait outside, I'm going to stop for a second and you're going to grab her and hide her. Be waiting." Arthur says before he hangs up, taking over the steering wheel. "Get your stuff." Arthur mumbles before he starts driving faster, though I grab my things in my lap.

I don't know how long we drive, the man slowly lingering behind us, gaining distance, trying to make us relax and keep us tense. Sometimes he's right behind us at a stop light, sometimes he's two lights back. I curl back up in my ball, staring at the rearview mirror- Tobio was watching too, just as tense as me. The man knew we had to stop sooner or later, he was expecting it, waiting for it, counting on it. The thought scared me to my bone- there was no escape, no one to stop him. I was grateful that Nen wasn't here, but in exchange I had my closest friend and dear kohai with me. I didn't want either of them hurt, but what could I do in this situation? I couldn't let him take me, I would worry my family and friends. I couldn't fight back, I vowed to myself that I wouldn't do that. "Trust me, Kiki. I'll get you to safety and protect Kags. He won't get you while I'm here." Arthur says, reaching over and squeezing my hand. I slowly nod my head- the man was falling back now, but Arthur picked up the speed. "Hold on, this is gonna get rough." Arthur mumbles, putting both of his hands on the wheel. Tobio settles down and I grab onto the door handle. Arthur takes off, driving fast and drifting corners, the man speeding up.

I started seeing familiar places, glancing around- the man was still behind us, but he couldn't catch up. Arthur had put a decent distance between us, about two football fields. He turned a corner and I immediately recognized the street we were on- Kuroo was standing outside of Kozu's house. Arthur slowed down, unbuckling my seatbelt and stopping in front of Kuroo. "Be safe!" I say as Kuroo yanked the door open, pulling me out of the passenger seat. "Just lay low, everything will be just fine." Arthur says as he pulls the car door shut, Kuroo pulling me into Kozu's gate and hiding us behind the wall. Arthur takes off again, almost like he hadn't stopped at all- I hold my breath. Anxiety took over as I counted in my head- one second, two, three- the man's car flew by, not even slowing down. I wait another three seconds, hearing his car fade away in the distance. I let out a sob of relief, knowing that he didn't catch on to Arthur's plan. I suck in a shuddered breath, the anxiety and stress tumbling back in as thoughts tumble in my head. What next? Arthur had to stop sooner or later, the man would catch them- what would he do? I was supposed to protect Kags, how could I do that from here?

"Hey, it's going to be okay." Kuroo says, snapping me from my thoughts as he wraps his arms around me. "But Tetsu, the man…" I croak, tears gathering in my eyes though he pulls me into his hot embrace. "Listen to me, Kimiko. It will be okay, I know it will be." Kuroo says and I look up at him, feeling the tears sliding down from my face. "How do you know that? Arthur has to stop, and when he does-" I say, though Kuroo silences me by cupping my face, pulling me into a soft and gentle kiss. "I have a feeling that everything will be just fine." Kuroo whispers, softly brushing the tears from my eyes as he kisses my nose. "But-" I try to protest but he silences me with another soft kiss. "I know it will be fine." Kuroo whispers, brushing his fingers through my hair as he kisses me again. I sniff softly as his heat soaks into me, melting away my anxiety and soothing me. "Come on, let's go inside." Kuroo says, scooping me into his arms and carrying me into Kozu's house. I cling desperately to him as I bury my head into his chest, feeling him carry me up the stairs. He carries me into a room, setting me down in a familiar lap. "Hey, Pudding." Kozu whispers, wrapping his arms around me and squeezing me tightly.

His head buries into my neck, my lip trembling as I feel the tears gather in my eyes. "Kemma… I was so scared!" I sob as I turn in his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck. He gently strokes my back as I cry, burying my head into his neck and clinging desperately to him. "I know, Pudding. You're safe now." Kozu says, gently kissing my neck and holding me flush against him. My phone rings and I quickly grab it, answering it and putting it to my ear as I tremble. "He's still following us, I'm going to drive back to Miyagi and drop Kags off with the boys. I'll come back for you in two days, so just lay low, okay?" Arthur says and I choke out a sob, rubbing the tears from my eyes. "Okay… be safe, please. Please…" I croak, hearing Arthur suck in a deep breath before he chuckles. "I will. I've already slowed back down, we're on the highway. Kags is pretending to be you in the backseat, so we'll be able to lure him away from you." Arthur says and I sniff, nodding my head. "It will be fine. Kags will be with the boys that kicked the guys ass, I will be going straight home to my security detail. Two days for the heat to die down and you'll be back too." Arthur says softly before he hangs up, relief flooding my system.

I set my phone down, my body trembling more as I bite my lip, tears in my eyes. "Um, he's… he's luring the man back to Miyagi, he's going to drop Kags off with the Karasuno boys... I need to lay low for two days and then he'll come get me." I croak, Kozu squeezing me gently and kissing my shoulder. "I'll call our parents and let them know you're staying with us for two days." He says and I nod my head, slumping back into his arms, closing my eyes. "I'm… safe. Everyone is safe… everything is fine…" I mumble, taking a deep breath as Kozu strokes me gently. I slowly open my eyes, reaching for my phone and dialing Suna. I nibble my lip as I put it to my ear, Kozu raising an eyebrow at me. "Sunshine, is everything alright?" He says as he answers on the second ring, sounding winded and concerned. "It's okay. I'm safe with Kuroo and Kozu… Arthur is leading the man back to Miyagi." I croak and he lets out a relieved sigh, something rustling. "Are you okay?" He asks and I sniff softly, rubbing the tears from my eyes. "I'm fine… just scared me is all." I admit, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm glad you're okay… Everything is going to be alright, Sunshine." Suna says, making me smile as I nod.

"Um, I better call Kanori… will you pass it onto the others? I don't want them worrying." I say, Kuroo coming over and raising an eyebrow. "I'll let them know. If you need me, just text me." Suna says and I hum before hanging up, calling Kanori. "Hey Butterfly, you alright?" Kanori asks on the first ring, though I feel my chest squeeze at his familiar voice. "Um, I'm fine… the man showed up as we were leaving the camp. Arthur dropped me off with Kuroo and Kozu, he's leading the man back to Miyagi… I'm going to lay low for two days and then he'll come back for me." I say, Kanori sighing softly as I hear him shuffle something. "You wanna talk to him?" Kanori says and I feel a frog form in my throat as my chest feels tight. "Yes, please." I croak, hearing him shuffle as I swallow the lump in my throat. "Mommy!" Nen cheers through the phone and I double over by the happiness that flows through me. Kozu pulls me back against him, wrapping his arms around me as I curl in a ball. "Hey baby! How are you?" I chime, biting my lip as tears stream down my face, unable to stop the smile on my face. Nen babbles on and I close my eyes, just listening and talking to him about anything and everything.

"It's time for your nap, isn't it, little bean? Do you want me to sing your lullaby?" I ask, rubbing the tears from my eyes as Nen makes a happy noise. "Oh! Yes, please!" Nen says and I smile, hearing him dash and rustle around. Kozu gently strokes my side as I close my eyes, laying my head on his shoulder. "Mommy, can you sing me 'temporary home'?" Nen asks and I can't help but laugh softly, running a hand through my hair. "Are you sure you don't want your usual song?" I say and he hums affirmatively- I sing softly, squeezing Kozu lightly. He brushes his fingers through my hair as I listen to Nen's breathing slowly relaxing, turning into shallow breaths. "I love you, sweet dreams and angels on your pillow." I whisper before I hang up, setting my phone down and taking a deep breath. I bury my face in my hands, covering my mouth as I cry out. "God! I miss him so bad! My sweet baby." I whine, rubbing my face in frustration as Kozu squeezes me lightly. "It's okay, Kitten." Kuroo chuckles, taking my hands and kissing my forehead. "I miss him." I pout, though Kozu kisses my neck softly, making me shiver. "Wanna watch me play video games?" Kozu asks and I nod, so he readjusts me on his lap.

"Kyanma!" Kuroo groans as Kozu scoots his gaming chair over to his laptop, my feet dangling off of his lap. "Urasai, Kuroo." Kozu says, grabbing his headset- the one I bought him last Christmas- and putting it on. "Etto… Kuroo, can I play with your hair?" I ask and Kuroo looks surprised, a grin spreading over his face. "Sure, Chibi-chan." Kuroo chuckles, pulling up a chair and sitting beside us. He leans on the chair's arm and I reach over, sliding my fingers into his hair. I run my fingers through his hair, relaxing into Kozu's arms and feeling Kuroo lean into my hand. I watch as Kozu starts playing fortnite, dashing around and easily mowing through the enemies. He had always been really good at this, I knew that he could easily take on a full squad going solo. I was okay for the most part, taking a tactical and stealthy approach, using the loot and tools at my disposal to calculate the best route to victory. Kuroo on the other hand was a combat type, actively seeking out the targets and aggressively assaulting them. Kozu was a completely different breed, he managed to win the games like they were all planned ahead of time; landing at the place with the best loot and effortlessly going from there.

If we had been playing together, I would've preferred to go to a less popular but equally as looted place. I knew of a few places that had great loot that rarely ever had people drop them; when I played solo, they're my go to. Kuroo would've preferred going to the place where the heat would be, where everyone was landing, regardless of loot and strategic possibilities. Kenma went for wide open places with plenty of loot, not caring if enemies landed in the same place. He could easily take them on, even if he was bringing his scythe into a shotgun or revolver battle. He liked to rock the classic skins earned with hard work- he went for the red night, the dark knight or anything he got through completing the battle pass challenges in the earlier seasons, a truly seasoned veteran. I rocked the cool skins, my go to being ravage or malice- I always had a black bowtie as my backpack, my own little signature. Kuroo… well, Kuroo didn't have a skin. He just went on as the original skin- when I had asked, he just told me that it would fool people into thinking he was a 'noob'. I told him I thought his line of thinking was unreasonable, that true talent didn't judge people on their skin, but their talent.

An example of this being Kozu- he was extremely talented, especially when it came to building and quick thinking. He could build a three story tower in a second, he could build a double ramp without even struggling. His talent came easy, I didn't need him to wear a skin to see it. Kuroo wasn't half bad with building, he could build a decent tower to beat or match his enemies. I preferred to take the built in high ground or abandoned structures of remnant battles. My building talent was used for scaling mountains or fortifying a bunker to wait the fighting out- when it came to builders or a manned tower, I preferred to knock them down and let the fall damage take its toll. The higher they are, the mightier the fall. I was a sneak, really. Sticking in the shadows, biding my time until the final battles- in my lucky games, I'd avoid confrontation until the final battle and reap the veterans of the battle. Kuroo was the type to activate seek out battles, wanting to fight and win- the more people to fight for him, the better. Kozu let the battles find him- he could take them on, if he happened to cross one, he came out victorious. In our trio squad, I was the healer/looter, Kuroo the tank, and Kozu the brain.

I felt my eyelids grow heavy, my fingers idling in Kuroo's hair as I began to slump over in Kozu's arms. I yawn, Kozu kissing the back of my head as Kuroo glances over. Kuroo chuckles, his eyes softening as he takes my hand, kissing it softly before he stands. "Goodnight, Pudding." Kozu says as he ducks into safety, opening his arms and moving the headset cord out of the way. "Goodnight, Kitten." Kuroo says as he scoops my body up, my eyes falling closed as he lays me down on the bed. "Goodnight, Kemma… good night, Tetsu…" I mumble, feeling Kuroo strip off my socks and shoes before he crawls onto the bed behind me. He pulls my back into his chest, his body heat soaking into me as he drapes his arm over my waist. I lift my head lightly and his arm slides underneath, his body flush against mine as I lay my head on his arm. His hand around my waist pulls me as close as possible, tucking snuggly under me as his head buries in my hair. "Mmph…" I groan, pulling myself to sit up and reaching for my back. Kuroo's fingers unsnap my bra strap before I can even bend my arm back and I sigh in relief. I pull it off and toss it to the side, laying back down and resuming our cuddle position.

I stir lightly when I feel the bed shift, someone pulling off my scarf and cap. I feel shallow breaths in my hair, Kuroo's arm still wrapped snug around my waist, holding me into his chest. I lazily blink my eyes open, seeing Kozu set the scarf and cap on his nightstand before he glances at me. "Did I wake you, Pudding?" Kozu asks softly and I hum, reaching over and pulling him close. He chuckles softly, laying down in front of me and scooting as close as he could. I slide my arm around his torso, nuzzling my head into his back and humming happily. A faint light is being cast across the room, coming from his laptop. "Mm... You in the middle of a game?" I mumble, my voice coming out groggy and slurred. "No. Is the light bothering you?" Kozu asks and I shake my head, taking a deep breath of his familiar masculine smell. "Mm-mm. I wanna kado n' go s'eepy though…" I mumble, Kozu chuckling softly as he pats my hand lightly. "Let me turn it off then." He says and I pull my arm away, watching with barely lidded eyes as he slides up. He walks over to his desk, shutting his laptop lid before coming back over. I lift my arm, smiling sweetly up at him as he lays close to me and I curl around him.

I stir from my sleep, feeling a dull heat between my legs and a faint hunger in my core. I slowly opened my eyes, my arm still wrapped around Kozu- Kuroo had pulled away at some point. I turn my head, seeing him laying on his chest with his head buried in a pillow, holding it tight. A faint snore echoed from him, his chest moving lightly as I felt Kozu take in a shallow breath. I turn back to Kozu, blinking my eyes as I slowly slide my body up and place my lips at the base of his neck. I sprinkle soft kisses over the back of his neck, feeling his body shiver lightly and making me feel giddy. I slide my lips down, brushing his hair out of the way before I slowly slide my tongue up his spine. His breathing grows hot and hoarse, making the dull heat and faint hunger grow into more. I kiss the base of his skull, feeling him shudder as I drag my lips up to his ear. "I wanna feel you… I want it all." I whisper throatily in his ear, sliding over him as he lays on his back. "I wanna fuck you, I wanna feel you in my bones." I purr into his ear, sliding my hands under his shirt as I trace my tongue over the shell of his ear. His body shudders under me, his breathing growing rapid and his cheeks turning pink.

I ghost my fingers over his chest, feeling the delicate skin and faint muscles underneath. I straddle his lap and feel his cock straining against his pants, throbbing against my growing heat. I moan softly, drool gathering in my mouth as I begin trailing kisses down his neck. I rock against his cock, leaving a lingering kiss at his collarbone, listening to his hot panting breaths. I slid down, sliding my fingers over his chest as I dropped my chest so his cock was nestled between my breasts. I strip off my shirt, dropping it to the side as I press my breasts into him, enjoying the throbbing heat between them. I lift his shirt, sprinkling light kisses on the skin, flicking my tongue out to taste his sweet skin. I moan softly, placing lingering open mouth kisses and sucking gently, leaving small hickey's. His body trembles lightly, his fingers twitching though I move my hands down. I lift my chest lightly and he makes a small disappointed noise, though I carefully tug his pants out of the way. I giggle when his cock stands tall, between my legs dripping heat as I admire the bead at the tip. I slide my chest back down, nestling him between my breasts as I faintly dip my tongue into the bead, tasting that sweetness.

I moan softly, taking his cock into my hands and pulling it snug between the mass of my breasts. I wrap my other arm around my breasts, holding them around his length before I wrap my lips around the sweet bead. Kozu sucks in a shuddering breath, starting to stir though I slide the tip into my mouth, rolling my tongue over it. He gasps, crying out as his body writhes, throwing his head back and moaning loudly. I suck gently, watching hungrily as I lazily drag my tongue over him, feeling him throbbing rapidly between my breasts. "F-Fuck- oh god- Kimi- Pudding!" Kozu pants desperately, his hand diving into my hair as his back arches up. I hum in delight, his fingers curling in my hair as he desperately tries pushing me down. I don't budge, my tongue keeping it's slow rolling pace as I gently suck on him. "More! Please! Too much- Mmn! Kimi!" Kozu groans, lifting his torso up and leaning on his elbow. He tries desperately to push me down, his whole body trembling as he pants harshly. I suck slightly harder, pressing my tongue into him and slowly dragging it into the slit of his cock, tasting that sweet bead. He cries out, dropping his head back as he moans repeatedly.

I feel hot, my body tingling seeing him so overwhelmed by my torture- maybe I should do this more often. His cock throbs erratically as he chokes, falling back against the bed. His other hand dives into my hair, curling in tightly and trying desperately to push me down. "Please! Please, too much- g-gonna-" Kozu begs, his whole body trembling and weak, making a thrill shoot through me. He gasps desperately for air, digging his nails into my skull as he cries out. His whole body tenses, his cock stiffening- before he sprays his delicious sweet seed into my mouth. I hum in delight, closing my eyes as the thick strings spray all over my mouth, coating my tongue and the back of my throat. I suckle him gently, licking him clean as I pull off, holding his hot seed in my mouth. "Itadakimasu." I giggle, sitting up and opening my mouth, letting him see the mess he made inside. His eyes light on fire as I close my mouth and eyes, greedily swallowing it all down. Before I know it I'm tackled back onto the bed, Kozu's mouth covering mine and his tongue diving into my mouth as I gasp. He tugs my pants off, tossing them to the side as I moan, wrapping my arms around his neck.

His fingers tug my panties to the side and he slams fully into me, making me cry out in pleasure. I feel him stretch me, reaching deep inside of me- he doesn't stop moving, his hips yanking back and slamming right back into me. I cry out with every thrust, my head dizzy, my body tingling from head to toe. Wet slaps echo through the room, Kozu's soft groans mixing with the sound of his cock sliding in and out of my slick heat. He takes my legs and pins them to my chest, his other hand sliding to my throat. He grabs on and squeezes before he sits back, beginning to thrust up into my heat. I open my mouth in a strangled scream of bliss as he slams harshly into the spot that makes stars flash over my vision, my head spinning as bliss tears through me like a wild beast. Kozu groans, laying his head back as his hips move in rapid sloppy thrusts, though he never missed that spot. I whimper, closing my eyes tight as the overwhelming bliss ravaged me, leaving nothing behind. He pants heavily, his fingers tightening around my throat making me choke on my noises. I feel every inch of him, his cock easily slamming in and out of my wet heat, my core trembling around him as he rapidly throbs in me.

"Pudding head, I thought we had an agreement." Kuroo grumbles sleepily as I bury my head back into the bed, Kozu groaning softly. "She decided to wake me up with her mouth… I'm returning the favor." Kozu pants, Kuroo sitting up and rubbing his eye as he looks over. "Then return the favor with your mouth." Kuroo mumbles, though Kozu leans down, biting my shoulder harshly. "Oh, but you were being a bad girl, weren't you, Pudding? You didn't listen when I said more, so I'm going to give you so much more than you can stand. It's only fair, isn't it? Especially since you teased me... Itadakimasu." Kozu purrs in my ear as he strokes deep inside of me- I feel a flash of heat over my body, groaning from deep inside. "Oh, you like that?" Kozu chuckles, beginning to stroke deeper, deeper- I whimper desperately, wrapping my arms around him and clawing at his back. "Oh, pudding… I'm so hard right now, I feel like I could go for hours. Can you stand this for hours?" Kozu purrs in my ear and I choke, squeezing my eyes shut as I tense my pelvis. "F-Fuck-" Kozu gasps, thrusting fully into me as he pants and moans desperately, digging his nails into me as his face controrts in bliss.

"Shit, Pudding- who taught you the kegel?" Kozu groans loudly, Kuroo leaning over as his eyes twinkle with heat. "Oh? Kegel?" Kuroo chuckles though Kozu squeezes his eyes shut, spraying his seed into me as he groans loudly and collapses against me. "Holy fucking shit…" Kozu whispers and I relax, panting for air as he slides off of me. "That… should be illegal." Kozu pants, though I drape my arm over my face, trying to catch my breath. "Oh, she did it on purpose." Kuroo chuckles, grabbing my thighs and yanking me over to him. I squeak as one of my calves is pulled over his shoulder, my ass landing in his lap and my other leg hanging off. He leans over, capturing my lips in a kiss and sliding his hand down to my core. "Be careful, Kuroo. It's too good." Kozu pants as Kuroo slides two fingers into me, beginning to lazily stroke me. I moan softly, biting my bottom lip as I look into his eyes. "I know… but first, I want to know who taught you to do the kegel." Kuroo says, grinning down at me as his fingers slow down. "Aima." I croak- it was true, she always had me do it as an exercise all the time. She always told me it was something that would come in handy when the time came.

"And who left these on you? I've learned that Arthur is your cover when you're hiding your true partner." He asks, his other hand stroking my neck softly and making me shiver. "Don't get me wrong, I already know who really did this to you. I just want to hear you say it." Kuroo hums, slowly circling his fingers inside of me as his fingers tracing the outline of a handprint. My cheeks burn as I search his eyes- they are burning, hungry, possessive. "Do you?" I croak, his lips twitching as he leans down and slowly licks up my neck. "I do. How could I miss how you look at him? He looks at you the same way." Kuroo says, his fingers pace picking up as I feel my core tremble. "Something about him draws you in. I saw it in your eyes… I won't let him have you that easy. I'm going to take you from him… I want you to say his name. I want you to think of him as I finger you, to lose yourself to me as you think of him." Kuroo whispers in my ear, though I suck in a breath and try to push him away. It hurt, my chest hurt a lot- my chest hurt a lot. "No!" I whine, tears gathering in my eyes as I feel a lump form in my throat. Kuroo seems to catch on, withdrawing his fingers from me and searching my eyes.

"You… Baka! Baka, baka baka! I won't do it! I can't think of anyone but you when you're doing things with me! It's true, I… I feel something with him… but I feel those things with you too! My heart pounds, thousands of butterflies take flight in my body and… I feel really happy with you, really happy. I feel it with Kemma too! How can you ask me to- you… stupid idiot!" I sob, tears streaming down my face as I dash to the bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind me. "Kuroo… you fucked up." Kozu mumbles, her words echoing in their ears- she basically confessed that she loved them both. Kozu knew for a fact that she didn't know any better, that she didn't put two and two together and realize she was feeling love. Her concept of love was that of family and friendship, those dear to her and her tender affection for them. She didn't know real love, it was foreign to her, something she had never grasped before. It surprised Kozu to know that she had felt something like that with him- he always dreamed about her developing feelings for him, but now he wanted to know everything. He wanted to know when she had felt it, to what extent she felt it and what he could do to make her feel it more.

"I know." Kuroo croaks, tearing himself up inside, a lump forming in his throat as he realized what an asshole he had been. His possessive side had slipped out, feeling like she was slipping out of his fingers and he couldn't do anything to grab her. He had felt so insecure, watching her and Suna, knowing that they were in love. Kuroo hurt, knowing that she had looked at him with those eyes but not knowing what she saw, what she felt. He could read her, she was so open and vulnerable with him, he knew it. He had always loved teasing her, seeing her passion and frustration- it was just something he loved. He loved her, he loved her so much he felt like he couldn't stand it half the time. He wanted her, he wanted her to love him like he loved her, and she just confessed to him- he felt so fucking happy, but he also felt absolutely horrible. He got what he wanted, she confessed that she loved him- but at what cost? He hurt her, he hurt her bad. Of course she had said she felt it with the three of them- he would usually feel possessive, threatened by the competition. But this was his best friend, someone he knew would keep her happy if she chose him, the two of them had always been close.

It was also Suna, someone who Kimiko smiled so often with, someone she genuinely enjoyed being with and took great comfort in. She had literally confessed murder to the three of them, and they had taken it in stride together. He knew they all loved her, truly loved her just like he did… but what had he done to deserve her love? He had been her chosen first, he would never forget- he wouldn't forget how she had been so upset and hurt when she thought he didn't value it. It gave him a sense of pride- satisfaction, knowing that she had worried about it so much. Of course he hated seeing her hurt, but here he was, hurting her again. This time it was his fault, not her being insecure and vulnerable- this time it was his insecurity, his very own vulnerability lashing out at her like venom. He had hurt her, used her love for them against her- he couldn't imagine how hurt she felt, especially if she truly loved them all. Did Suna know? Did she realize? Who would she choose if it came down to it? How much would it hurt her to make that choice? Would he be able to accept her answer? Was he even worth being an option, having hurt her? He stood, walking over to the bathroom, her sobs breaking his heart.

A soft knock sounded on the door and I hiccuped, sniffing as I rubbed the tears from my eyes. "Kitten…" Kuroo says, his voice soft and low- I could hear the regret laced within. I don't say anything, just curled up in my ball in front of the door. "Listen… about what I said…" Kuroo mumbles as I hear him crouch down on the other side of the door, my chest tightening as a fresh batch of hot tears comes to my eyes. "It was wrong of me to ask that of you… I'm so sorry. I hurt you… I am a stupid idiot. I really am a stupid fucking idiot for saying that without considering your feelings… I am so fucking sorry, Kitten. If I could take it back, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Please forgive me." Kuroo says, his voice breaking and making my heart feel heavy. My chest ached and hurt even more, my body trembling as I choked out a sob, unable to say anything through my tears. I hear his head thump against the door as he sobs softly, my whole body aching painfully at the sound of it. "I am so, so sorry, Kimiko… I'm so fucking sorry..." Kuroo croaks, his voice weak and shaky, making me sob harder. "I'll leave you be." He croaks and I hear him shuffle down the stairs- I cry harder, unable to say or do anything as he leaves.

I don't know how long I cry, my body aching and hurting, my chest feeling tight. When I finish crying I just feel numb, staring blankly ahead and wondering why it hurt so much. I hear a soft knock on the door so I hesitantly scoot out of the way, reaching up and unlocking it. Kozu comes in, walking to the counter and setting down a pile of clothes. He comes over, gently kissing my forehead and brushing my cheeks gently with his thumbs. "Take a shower." He whispers before he locks the door and leaves, closing it behind him. I slowly pry myself off the wall, taking a shower and changing into the clothes he left behind. His shirt, a pair of his shorts and a pair of his briefs- they fit me nicely, considering we were about the same size. The only difference was that my breasts were big, straining faintly in his shirt. Better than it being loose and getting nipple rash in my opinion, though Kozu did choose a silky shirt. I slide out of the bathroom, shuffling back to his room and dropping my dirty clothes in his hamper. He gently pats the bed and I sit down next to him, though he gently pushes me to lay down. I close my eyes and he kisses my eyelids before beginning to massage them.

"Pudding… is what you said true? Does your heart pound with us, do you get butterflies and feel really happy with us?" Kozu asks and I hum affirmatively, pressing my lips together as he sucks in a sharp breath. "When did it start? With me…" Kozu says and I feel my cheeks burn lightly as I take a slow breath. "I always felt really happy and calm with you, but… the rest… our… first kiss…" I mumble and his fingers pause on my eyelids, his hands sliding to gently cup my cheeks. "Ah… I see." He whispers, brushing his thumbs over my cheeks. "And… if you had to choose one of us?" Kozu asks and I laugh softly at the question as he hums. "Arthur asked me something similar when I told him I was having these feelings… I can't pick. If I had to pick, I wouldn't choose at all. Thinking about it makes my head and chest hurt, you all mean so much to me…" I admit and Kozu pauses, though I slowly open my eyes and look up at him. "You talked to Arthur about all this? What did he ask? What did you say?" He asks and I shrug, looking away. "It was him and Suna… they asked a few questions, like if I could imagine being with one of you and Nen…" I mumble, Kozu slowly pulling away from me as I stay laying.

"And I could, with all of you. It sounded nice, raising Nen together… I guess they meant in a house together, having sex and raising Nen together, but… I could see all of us doing that together. It would probably be complicated... Suna also asked how close we were, I told him the truth, that we had been friends for a long time and that Kuroo was my first… well, my chosen first. Then he asked Arthur if we should tell you guys, and Arthur went on about how he was a firm believer that you should hear it from the horse's mouth, even if the horse was clueless and that I would feel the same if I knew. I asked him if something was wrong with my answers and he told me that I wasn't ready to know, that I should just give it time so I don't drive myself crazy. I decided to just trust him on it." I say and Kozu hums, staring blankly at the wall and fiddling with his fingers. "I'm going to text them about this… I think it's best that all three of us know, I mean, I guess we all understand now…" Kozu mumbles, reaching for his phone and starting a new group chat between him, Arthur, Suna and Kuroo. "And I'm guessing I'm left out for the sake of my sanity." I snorted, my phone ringing though I answered it.

My mom was calling- I immediately answered and put it to my ear, feeling anxious. "Hey mom, is something wrong?" I ask, nibbling my bottom lip as I hear her shuffling. "Um, I'm not quite sure. I mean, everything is fine, we're all fine and dandy here but… I was going to make a payment on the hospital bill, but it's gone." My mom says and I furrow my eyebrows, my mind flying through the possibilities. "Gone? Like, the money is gone?" I ask, feeling my concern and anxiety grow- what if we couldn't make the payment and Akira got sick again? "No, no… I have the money, but the debt is gone. It's all paid off." She mumbles and my mind goes blank as I stare at the wall, shocked. "Gone? The-" I choke out, running a trembling hand through my hair as I blink. "Yeah, I was calling to see if you knew anything. It was paid off anonymously, all of it." She mumbles and I cover my mouth, leaning down on my elbow. "That's more than a million dollars, mom…" I croak, rubbing my eyes as I feel a tension form in my head. "That's why I was calling to ask you. It wasn't Ukai and everyone I know already agreed not to pay it. It could only be someone you..." She says and I take a deep shuddering breath.

"I… um, I'll ask around. I don't think anyone would… well, I know someone who would but… I'll let you know what I come up with." I say and she hums before hanging up, though I just stare at my phone for a second. "Is everything alright? Do you need money?" Kozu asks and I slowly shake my head, calling Arthur. "What's up? Is everything okay?" Arthur asks, sounding genuinely concerned though I close my eyes. "Arthur, did you pay off the debt?" I ask seriously, hearing him suck in a deep breath. "Uh, I made little payments here and there when you weren't looking-" Arthur mumbles and I suck in a sharp breath. "Arthur! I told you not to touch it, you promised me! But now you just pay it all off?" I ask, feeling my blood boil though Arthur falls silent. "Hold up, back up two steps, someone paid it all off? Kiki, I didn't pay it all off. I deliberately paid small amounts because I knew if I paid it all off at once you'd know it was me. I didn't pay it all off, I promise, I know you better than that." Arthur says and I blow out a long breath, rubbing my eyes. "Yeah, well, that million dollars of debt just up and vanished with an anonymous payment. You're not pulling my leg, are you?" I ask, feeling a headache coming on.

"No, Kimiko. I wouldn't pay it all off. As I said, I know you would think it's me, and then you'd be determined to pay it back, making it pointless." Arthur says and I huff, furrowing my eyebrows. "Okay, I'm calling the only other possibilities. Oh, and you bet your ass that you're getting those receipts together, I am going to pay you back for what you did pay. Don't you fucking dare burn them, Arthur, I swear to god-" I say and Arthur laughs, though I hear some rustling. "I don't want to test you, I've already tricked you into taking a car. Which is exactly why I wouldn't pay your debts off right now- but, I am glad they magically disappeared. It really wasn't me." Arthur says and I huff before hanging up, dialing Aima. "Girl, I am in the middle of a cheeseburger right now. Why are you calling me?" Aima mumbles through a mouthful and I wait for her to swallow. "Did you pay off Akira's debt?" I ask and I hear her pause, though I can already tell it wasn't her. "Uh, Kimiko, my family may be millionaires, but we aren't billionaire's. No offense, but my family couldn't pay off that debt even if we wanted to. Someone paid it off? Like, all of it?" Aima says and I blow out a breath, shaking my head.

"Yeah, it's all gone. No offense taken by the way, I wouldn't want you or your family to pay it off but… it was all, and I mean all paid off anonymously." I mumble, Aima gasping loudly, then gasping louder. "Holy shit, all of it? I mean, I'm happy for you, but knowing you… you want to set the record straight with whoever did it. Did you ask Arthur?" Aima asks and I feel a headache coming on. "It wasn't him- apparently he was making small payments, but he didn't pay it all off. You two are the only ones that-" I say before I pause, sitting up and glaring at the floor. "Okay, I could be wrong, but maybe don't look the gift horse in the mouth? This is a good thing, Kiki." Aima chimes though I shake my head. "If it's not you, if it's not Arthur… then it's either my ex, who is going to hold it over my fucking head- or it's the person I literally just told last night. So you'll have to call my ex and ask." I say, feeling my frustration grow. "I just want to enjoy my burger, can't I-" Aima says and I hang up, dialing Suna and tapping my foot on the ground. "Hey, Sunshine, what's up?" He asks in his soothing voice and I blow out a breath, rubbing my eyes. "Is everything alright?" He asks softly and I take a deep breath.

"It's just… a really weird fucking coincidence that I spilled my past to you last night… like, all of it… then I come to find out my brother's hospital bills were anonymously paid off in full. I'm sure you can understand where I'm coming from, and as much as I'd like for it to be you that paid it off and not my ex so he could hold it over my head… there's nothing I hate more than being pitied. So, be honest and tell me- did you tell anyone that I was in debt? Or did you somehow pay off millions in debt in some way that I don't want to know?" I ask and Suna stays quiet for a while, making me feel antsy. "You were a million dollars in debt?" Suna asks softly and I shift lightly, raising my gaze to the ceiling. "Uh, yeah. Have been for years… so did you, or did you not?" I ask and I hear him suck in a sharp breath. "No, no… I already told you that anything you tell me will stay between us. I didn't even know it was that bad, but… I am glad it's paid off." Suna says and I blow out a long breath, shaking my head. "Okay, it's not you. That only leaves my ex, who… okay. I gotta call the hospital and see if that's the only debt that was paid off…" I mumble, hanging up on Suna and calling my hospital.

All of my family's debt was paid off- my mom's, Akira's, mine- including my hefty delivery bill of Nen. I stare blankly at the wall, holding tightly to my phone as my mind races. Who else could it possibly be other than my ex and the man? Could the man even afford that? He came to Japan pretty fast, it was a possibility but, why pay the debt of my whole family? Why pay the debt at all? I could say the same of my ex, I figure he was pissed as fuck at me for turning him in to his baby mama. The last thing I would expect is- my phone rings and I answer it, putting it to my ear. "Nope, wasn't him. He did have a few choice words for you, like 'why the fuck would I do that', 'that slut is a snitch' and 'fuck off'." Aima says and I feel myself deflate, falling back on Kozu's bed. Kozu reaches over, taking my hand and gently squeezing it, offering me his comfort. "Okay…" I mumble, my mind flying through every other possibility then the man, when it suddenly occurs to me. I slowly sit back up, staring at the wall as Kozu's thumb strokes over the back of my hand. "There's only one other option than the man… the question is, why would they?" I mumble, hanging up on Aima and scrolling through my contacts.

I called Kioshi first- maybe they told him if they did, and if so I could dig for answers. "Hello, Kimiko. Is everything alright?" Kioshi asks and I take a deep breath, slowly blowing it out. "I'm fine, just… someone paid off all our debt. I mean all of it… I know it wasn't you, that was part of the agreement… but is it possible that they did it?" I ask, rubbing my eyes as he's silent for a moment. "You'll have to call and ask them that, sweetie." Kioshi says softly and I groan, hanging up and blinking my eyes. "Fuck…" I groan, dropping my phone and rubbing my temples. "What?" Kozu asks, pulling me into his arms and gently stroking me. "Well, either my grandparents paid off my family's millions of dollars of debt or… the man did. That's all I can possibly think of." I mumble before I hesitantly reach for my phone, dialing Kazu. "This is Kazu Joberu, personal assistant of the Suzuki family." Kazu answers on the first ring as I slowly lift my head. "Hello Joberu-san, this is Kimiko Suzuki. I'm calling to make an inquiry on a sensitive subject that may or may not pertain to Mitsubishi and Akemi Suzuki." I say professionally, feeling Kozu shift lightly as he raises an eyebrow at me.

"Yes, I was informed that you would be calling. Hold one moment while I put you through, please." Kazu says and I lift a finger to my lips, waiting as I'm placed on hold. "Kimiko, I had a feeling you would be calling. Have you reconsidered our offer?" Akemi says and I run my tongue over my teeth, rolling my eyes. "Sorry to disappoint, Mrs. Suzuki. I'm calling on a personal matter, it has come to my attention that my family's debt has been paid off. I was calling to inquire if the matter at hand was your doing, seeing as it was not myself or any of my friends." I say firmly, clenching my jaw as I hear her cackle. "Oh, yes. An anonymous payment for the full amount, correct?" She says, though I can hear the smile in her voice. "Yes, I was seeking out my mysterious benefactor so I can arrange my repayment of the debt. Would it happen to be you or your husband, Mitsubishi Suzuki?" I ask, flexing my jaw as she cackles again- it was her. "It's true that we recently paid a hefty amount for our own personal matters… of course, I can't tell you what for, seeing as I would like the matter to remain anonymous." Akemi says, though I feel my blood boil- so it was them that paid off the debt.

"Well, if our matters are related… perhaps we can come to an arrangement. We can set up a payment plan, we'll pay you a fixed amount over a set amount of time." I say, digging my nails into my thigh though Kozu takes my hand, squeezing my hand lightly. "If… our matters are related, your 'payment plan' would hold no value to me. We make more than your family could in a year in an hour, your payments would be like spare change. No, you'd have to make the payment in full." Akemi purrs and I glare at the ground, my body beginning to tremble with anger. "I see. I cannot make such a payment in one transaction unless I was given quite a bit of time. Perhaps we should bring a lawyer, perhaps Kioshi, into the equation so we can make an arrangement with a court?" I say calmly despite burning blood flowing through my veins. "Oh, Kimiko. That is not necessary, I assure you. If… our matters are related, such a pitiful debt is pocket change for our family. Settling the matter would be a small feat, one which would require no recourse. It is just money, after all. We have plenty, but seeing as the payment was anonymous..." Akemi says and I feel my eye twitch as I take a breath.

"No recourse? Surely the anonymous benefactor must have some intention, seeing as the debt was well within the millions. As I'm sure you're familiar, I am an honest and passionate woman. I would like to repay my debt in an honest and true way, preferably in a cash payment arrangement over a set period of time." I say calmly, seething under my skin as my mouth curls in a snarl. "Well, seeing as the payment is anonymous and we were speaking metaphorically, your benefactor is yet to be truly revealed. I have a feeling they'll leave it as it is, or else they wouldn't have made the payment anonymously… such a debt was an embarrassment to the Suzuki family. Good riddance." Akemi purrs and I bolt to my feet, wanting to throw my phone though I refrain. "I was under the assumption that me and mine were not a part of the official Suzuki family. Seeing as the benefactor wishes to remain anonymous, I'll surely have to find another way to repay them. I'd like to remind you that me and mine do not need your pity to live our lives in happy peace. I will repay my debt in full, in due time." I say firmly before I hang up, squeezing my phone tightly.

"Son of a fucking bitch!" I yell, throwing my phone on the bed and grabbing onto my head. "What the fuck?! Why?!" I groan, pulling at my hair in frustration. Kozu grabs my hands, pulling me into his arms and gently stroking my back. "What is it? Tell me." Kozu says and I take deep breaths, trembling with fury in his arms. "My grandparents paid off my debt- they don't want me to pay them back unless I do it in full, which is impossible. They say that it was nothing, pocket change for them- that I don't need to pay it back. 'Such a debt was an embarrassment to the Suzuki family. Good riddance'." I mock Akemi's words, groaning in frustration as I shake my head. "I just- why?! I refused to join the family, yet they pay off the debt? They have to want something from me! They- they must be trying to bribe me into going back, to agreeing-" I say, tears gathering in my eyes as I scrunch my nose. Kozu silences me with a soft kiss, brushing his fingers through my hair as I feel his soothing comfort wash over me. I try to fight it, holding onto my anger- but I'm so tired of things being so complicated. I'm so tired of feeling like the weight of the world is on my shoulders and tearing myself apart.

I crumble in his arms, closing my eyes as tears slide down my face. I cling desperately to his chest, deepening the kiss and soaking in that soothing comfort. He grabs the back of my head, his other arm wrapping tightly around my waist and pulling me flush against him. I slide my hands up into his hair, tangling my fingers within the soft locks and feeling his undercut against my palm. My body trembles with frustration and sadness, though his body is steady against mine, holding me tight. He tilts his head lightly, his lips parting slightly, his tongue lightly grazing over my lip- I open my mouth, sliding my tongue to greet his. My heart pounds in my chest, my body beginning to feel light as our tongues tangle together. I lose myself in the kiss, washed away like my frustrations and anger, all of my exhausting and overwhelming emotions fading away. He slowly pulls away and I hesitantly open my eyes, meeting his soft and warm gaze. "It'll be okay." He whispers, gently brushing his fingers through my hair and kissing the tip of my nose. I take a deep shuddering breath, my chest feeling light as I slowly exhale. "Will it really?" I croak, my voice weak and trembling as I search his eyes.

"No matter what, you're not alone. You have everyone backing you up and ready to help you in any way possible. I won't abandon you, I'll be by your side no matter what. I can't say that things won't go wrong or that things won't get complicated, but… it'll be okay. You're not alone, I'm here." Kozu says and I feel my chest tighten, pressing my lips together. "So it'll be okay. I'm not going anywhere, if you ever need me I'll be a call away. You mean everything to me, Pudding. I'll do anything in my power to make things okay for you." Kozu says and I feel a hot tear slide down my cheek, my jaw trembling as I slowly nod. "You won't be alone…" Kozu whispers, leaning back down and capturing my lips in another tender kiss- my chest blossoms with a million butterflies fluttering through my veins. His fingers reach up, brushing the tears from my eyes before he lays his forehead against mine. "It'll be okay." Kozu says as he places a sweet kiss on my lips, pulling me into a tight hug. I hug him back, burying my head into his shoulder and taking a deep breath. "It'll be okay…" I sigh softly, squeezing him tight as he gently strokes his fingers through my hair, helping me relax.

"I um… should I… go get Kuroo?" I ask, looking back up at Kozu as he finally pulls away. "He'll be fine. For now, let's play video games." Kozu says and I hesitantly nod, sitting on his lap as we sit in front of his laptop. I took my phone, staring at it and wondering what I should tell my mom- hey, I met my grandmother at that party and she invited me to a meeting, proceeded to tell me I could be accepted into the family if I agreed to an arranged marriage when I turn 18 and giving Nen up for adoption; yeah, I told her to fuck off and she paid off all our debt? I blow out a breath, setting my phone face down and scrubbing a hand over my face. "What?" Kozu asks, gently stroking my hip as he opens his laptop, unlocking it. "Just… what do I even tell my mom?" I sigh softly, laying back in his arms and watching as he pulls up fortnite again. "Oi, since Kuroo isn't here, can we play Apex instead?" I ask and he chuckles softly, exiting out of Fortnite and pulling up Apex legends instead. "I mean, your grandmother didn't officially say that she paid it right? So you don't have proof that she paid off the debt. You'll have to leave it how it is." Kozu says and I shrug as he loads up into a solo match, landing in slum lakes.

"My mom will just worry about it even more than. She's like me, she doesn't like being in debt with anyone… and that's a pretty debt that we had been holding. If I told her that I don't know, she'll accuse all of her friends and it could make bad blood… if I tell her that I do know, she'll want to know who so she can pay it back. My grandparents don't want a payment plan, they say they don't want anything in return, that it was nothing… but we've done nothing but fight and have bad blood, at least in my view. It's confusing me so much, everytime I lash out at them they do things that make me question everything. I just… I can't get their angle, they never cared before, so why now? Are they going to hold this over my head, try to bribe me to put Nen up for adoption and make me join the family? I mean, I really fucking hope they won't stoop that low but… why do it for someone who does nothing but fight you? They have to want something. No one just helps someone pay off their lifelong debt." I mumble, watching as Kozu dashes around, looting buildings. "I suppose you're right, but if they're that rich… maybe it really is nothing to them." Kozu says, his eyes darting around as he plays.

"But why? There's really no point, they disowned us ages ago, I refused to rejoin the family and basically told them to royally fuck off." I sigh, both of us silent as he fights an enemy, easily taking him out with one headshot. "They said the debt was a disgrace to the Suzuki family, right? Maybe they don't want the fact that you were in debt to get out." Kozu says, looting the enemies crate as I shake my head. "Anyone could dig into our records and see we were in debt, that it was anonymously paid off. That'd bring even more attention but… we aren't even a part of the official Suzuki family. We're the disowned part, the appearance at the party made quite a stir… but it would've died down as long as I stayed out of that life. I mean, really, I was out of it for the most part. The only rumors that ever involved me had 'Arthur' and 'trouble' in the same sentence, plus I was referred to as the 'daughter of the abandoned Suzuki son'. For my grandparents to seek me out after I told them I don't want their money, their family name or anything to do with them… it just… it's so… I don't even know. I really can't see what they could get out of it." I mumble, Kozu running away as the zone starts coming in.

"I guess I can see what you mean… I didn't even know you had that kind of background. When we got to the party we were expecting some kind of freak party that Arthur would have, imagine our surprise when it was an official masquerade ball straight out of a fairytale. Then you were dancing with Arthur, dressed in black and making a big scene and stirring up drama." Arthur says and I shift lightly in his lap, watching as he ducks into a building. "Well that was the point. I was supposed to be the anonymous girl that showed up perched on Arthur's shoulder- his parents are trying to get him into an arranged marriage. If he showed with a girl that no one knew in an extravagant black dress, danced like no one's business and had perfect etiquette… not only would people back down, his parents would go wild trying to find the girl he brought since he never shows to such parties; let alone with a guest and on his best behavior. Basically it would be a case of 'the mystery girl who tamed Arthur', it would stir up a bunch of things… but keeping my anonymity was supposed to be the point and it got fucked up." I mumble, Kozu shifting and pressing his lips together.

"Now his parents know it was me and are looking for our potential, my grandparents are doing… God knows what, and I'm sure plenty of people are going to be looking for my next appearance. If I do make an official return to the Suzuki family…" I mumble, Kozu dashing out of the building and heading to another. "I'm sorry it went down like that, but… we were all concerned and confused. We just wanted answers… I guess we ended up making things really hard for you and Arthur…" Kozu mumbles and I snort, rubbing my eyes lightly. "Yeah, understatement of the century. I mean, Arthur told me all about how you guys begged on your hands and knees for forgiveness. He loved it, thrived on it… but now shit's hitting the fan, things are getting even more complicated and just… we're both stressing over it. Arthur because he's being hounded on marriage, me because of my grandparents and knowing that the whole thing is partially my fault and… I feel like it's all my fault that my best friend is stressed to the max. I mean, sure, he might seem happy and go lucky but… Arthur is really strung up about this whole thing." I mumble, fiddling my fingers as I watch Kozu fight another enemy.

"I… guess I didn't think about it…" Kozu mumbles as he loots the dead enemy's body. "Arthur doesn't show when he's weak. In his life- the professional side- weakness means something people can use against you. He puts on a happy go lucky, fuck it all facade but… In reality he's sick of it. Eyes are constantly prying into him, he rarely gets a break. Everywhere he goes he's labeled as trouble, that he's wild though he's just trying to live his life and be happy. Thing is, he loves his parents, he doesn't want to be a disappointment or cause any trouble for them... his grandparents are big in the scene, so that's even more pressure. They're known for being stubborn hard asses who think of him as nothing but trouble, who want to contain him and put him on a leash... He only ever gets a break with me. We were raised together, we know each other like the back of our hands, our weaknesses and our strengths… we're free to be ourselves with each other, we don't need to worry about if we're controlling or using each other cause there's no point. I don't care for Arthur's fame, money or reputation, Arthur knows that, loves that." I say, idly fiddling with my fingers.