#relationships in this au setting
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One flavor of Tereclive I think about probably the most often is post FFXVI canon, Clive is the only one who survives Origin, and the two of them just have this slow burn that starts with them both ending up bonding over losing their most important people.
To me, their love wouldn't be passionate. It wouldn't be that of soulmates, or of two people just filled with this love they need to express. It would be this domestic love, a getting married later in life kind of love, love between two people who are tired and trying to continue living without that person who was their everything and need each other now. Sure, it doesn't have to be each other necessarily, but...it seems to work best that way.
Terence's second love isn't the same as falling in love with your best friend, pledging to be there for him his entire life, and getting to navigate teenagehood and relationships and fresh adulthood with him. It is not the same kind of love, but it is love all the same. There is love in the way his arms wrap around Clive as they sleep. It doesn't banish the nightmares, but it grounds him. It's not the same when he cuddles into Clive's chest (It doesn't feel the same, Clive doesn't smell the same either), but the experience is still unique to him. Dion can't be here for him, but at least Clive is alive and willing and truly cares for him. There is love in the way Terence teaches him cooking techniques, the way he'd attempted to some time ago for Dion. Sometimes, when Clive furrows his eyebrows, annoyed and frustrated with his progress, Terence can't help but smile. Clive is cute, and it's nostalgic. Sometimes, in moments like those, he can imagine Dion standing there with them, softly glowing, laughing until the corners of his eyes tear up. Most likely, Terence figures, this could never have happened if Dion hadn't, well... Of course, he'd choose to have Dion back in a heartbeat if he could, but there is something painful and sad about the fact that he couldn't have come to love and be with Clive if things had gone differently. That version of him wouldn't know this love they share, although that version also wouldn't have to suffer the finality of losing Dion for real. It's hard for him not to envy that version of himself.
But he's grateful for Clive too. Even though none of this was planned, though Clive didn't have to (or Terence for that matter), he stuck with him in the end. Terence's second love is an unremarkable thing, a grounding force, a love borne from loneliness and shared experiences. Terence's second love is deep, yet, and no less true.
As for Clive, he's been through the ringer with love. When he lost Joshua the first time, it nearly broke him. That smoldering ember that was his desire for revenge was about the only thing keeping him going after those thirteen years. And then, just as he'd started to heal and find his way in this world, he'd lost Cid. If not for that having been his second time, if not for Otto and Jill and Gav and everyone else who supported him the five years following, he may not have been able to accomplish all he had come to. He wasn't doing amazing, necessarily, but he was doing better than before. And then...and then of course Ultima ripped Joshua from him. His brother had lived, he hadn't actually killed him, and he'd barely any time to appreciate it before he was gone again, leaving another gaping hole in his heart. Terence... Terence could probably never be as important as they were to him, but that's okay. He'll be hung up on making the world a place Cid and Joshua and everyone else he's lost could be proud of for probably the rest of his life, the way Clive knows Terence will be for his prince. When it comes down to the wire, when things feel at their most hopeless, Clive knows he and Terence can find that strength to go on with each other. Having someone in your corner (and you theirs) who knows what you're going through can be a beautiful thing. Joshua was his world, Cid was the guiding star he chose to follow, and Terence...Terence is like the ground. He's there for him, he's supportive, he holds Clive through his nightmares and considers his needs. He's unassuming, but strong, solid. He can understand now why Terence, despite being one of the background characters of history, was so dear to the Dragoon prince. Terence isn't the kind of person one devotes themselves to, but he's...a really good friend. It inspires Clive back to try to be cognizant of his needs. Awkward though he is when people get emotional, he does his best to listen when Terence opens up about his loss. And when Terence holds his hand, a silent gesture, as Clive allows himself to open up about his own loss, a day comes where he no longer has to try not to pull away. Terence becomes a source of comfort for him.
Perhaps in another universe (one where his most important people hadn't died), this relationship of theirs would never have come to be. After all, it was one of circumstance. However, in that other universe (one Clive, admittedly, does wish he lived in), he pities the Clive Rosfield who might choose to overlook Terence, who doesn't choose to make his acquaintance at least.
But, all that aside, he's glad he has Terence. Terence doesn't expect anything from him, but he shows up (and Clive is all too happy to return that favor). This love of Clive's is not passionate, but it is true, and it runs ever deeper as time passes.
After going through all he has, Clive knew deep down when Joshua died again and he'd happened to live that he could never have chosen to leave this world. Even with Dion dead, Terence had chosen to persist. Dion would have wanted him to live on, he knew (and watch out for Kihel), and there was a piece of him that could not bear to choose to give up. It was hard, so hard to behold the state of the new world after the fall of Ultima, and to figure out what to do now, that it left them both a bit floundering inside trying to figure out "What now?" Just because Clive had the advantage of having an ideal he wanted to uphold didn't mean he had working plans. But together...they are able to assist each other, striving to make the world a place their loved ones and important people would be proud of.
#ff16#final fantasy 16#final fantasy xvi#clive rosfield#terence#terence ff16#terence ffxvi#ff16 terence#ffxvi#ffxvi terence#sir terence#tereclive#hellknight#i just be ramblin#au musings#I hope I'm making a modicum of sense with this ramblin#I just think these two could be good for each other. I think if they ended up working together by happenstance and grew a bit attached and#bonding over their shared experiences#they could be a functional couple. I think they could fall in love slowly. I think people would be unsure whether they're just good friends#or a married couple. I think they could heal a bit together#I think Terence could find whatever dragoons were remaining and make an alliance with Clive. I think Clive could house Terence and Kihel. I#like the idea of them being hung up on the people they lost but still being in love with each other because they are each other (not becaus#they're a replacement)#I've been lowkey obsessed with this ever since I read this ao3 fic where Terence and Kihel nursed Clive to health after finding him on the#beach. It presented them starting to trust each other and growing interested in each other post canon in a way I like a lot#Also no btw Jill and the others aren't chopped liver. I just don't personally see Clive and Jill's official relationship lasting‚ which is#why I think things could potentially work out with Terence in an au setting. And Clive would still probably be supporting and receive#support from his other friends and loved ones like he did after Cid's death#This post is more or less a hypothetical peek into one of his relationships‚ not meant to encapsulate his entire post canon life and#relationships in this au setting
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dyleeart · 8 months ago
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How s4ep11 should have ended
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imvec · 9 months ago
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Sequel to Sunshade
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searchforahero · 2 months ago
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*Gently takes Jack Drake's hand* You need to be a billionaire. No stop. Those are bad investments. Stop. You need a billion dollars so your son can spend a disgusting amount of money on his """friend""" from football camp. Jack this is so important you need to listen to me. Invest in Apple stocks. Do it now. *Jack dies*
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margaretkart · 4 months ago
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Dionysus and Ariadne [Regency era AU]
Ariadne was set to marry Captain Theseus, a star in the Athenian Navy, until he abruptly left for the Greek revolution, leaving her behind with little more than a passing word to his friend, Dionysus, that she was now his to handle.
Heartbroken and humiliated, Ariadne faces the whispers of high society and her family's growing fears over the scandal that could ruin her. But Dionysus, ever the charismatic and unconventional gentleman, refuses to let her reputation suffer. After all, he's been in love with her for far longer than he'd admit—and he has every intention of making her his bride.
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bonetrousledbones · 2 months ago
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FINALLY got around to redoing my old underswap napstablook / napstabot / dapperbot design :> i like them a whole lot. napstablook has never seemed very interested in being corporeal so i wanted to push the ghost element really hard, which was a lot of fun actually !
i think their arc would probably center around not trying to be someone they aren't, or maybe learning to make music just for their own enjoyment instead of for an audience and stepping down from the spotlight. they'd probably go back to being a ghost eventually, but they'd shift to using their remaining platform to help boost mettaton up instead!
!!*please remember napstablook uses they/them pronouns!!
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pokemonblack3white3 · 3 months ago
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What was Kieran’s reaction to Subway Boss Ingo just roaming around?
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Tacking this drawing from my second isekiran comp on. Also committing to transfem Ingo for this au as well so she/her and Myrtle. In short: pretty shocked! Made Kieran doubt that he was actually in the past for a bit before learning how they found Myrtle.
OK for this au I am going w the common HC that the twins are related to Drayden! His relation to Drayton isn't how Kieran knows about Myrtle, though. He doesn't even know Drayton is Drayden's grandson, actually. It's because Kieran studied up on really famous competitive battlers, including every single battle facility head who has been active in like the last 20 years, that he knows who Subway Boss Ingo is, even if she has since transitioned after being dropped into Hisui.
Kieran eventually realizes there's some sort of connection between Myrtle and Drayton, though. It was Drayton's phone that got turned into the Arc Phone, and they had a few pictures of Myrtle on there. They help jog Myrtle's memories a little bit.
I'm not quite sure what the relationship between Kieran and Myrtle is beyond that? I'll think on it some more.
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starry-bi-sky · 8 months ago
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more about og tue timeline twins danny and dan/jamie
very touchy with each other. you might even say. ccclingy. its to be expected, they're two halves of a whole after all and all they've got of each other. worryingly co-dependent. do not separate. ever.
Danny was really weak and sick after the initial separation, and was for a while after. Jamie knew internally that if Danny died, he'd take the whole world with it. He was the one sole caretaker for him while he got better -- not for lack of trying on Vlad's part, but without his ghost powers he was nothing more than a feeble (albeit handsomely rich) man, and James looked ready to bite his head off if he got within ten feet of either of them.
Vlad is intimately aware that James (or Danny, if he tried) could snap his spine in half like a twig, and is uncomfortably aware of his own lack of ghost half now. It makes him feel self-conscious and exposed, so he never fully returns back to "cocky and self-assured billionaire Vlad Masters". Making deals with other brands feels a lot harder now that he can no longer possess them anymore.
Speaking of, he very quickly has to come up with a cover story as to why there's now a James Daniel Fenton to the public, when no records whatsoever of him existing existed prior. Lots of forging false government documents on his end. James and Danny do not help because it's his fault this happened in the first place.
(Regardless of whether or not Danny actually willingly chose to rip out his ghost half/humanity in canon is true, or if that was Vlad Masters speaking out of his ass, a large part of the blame still falls on Masters.)
(As his primary caretaker and guardian, it's his responsibility to ensure the health and safety of his charge, and since Danny was in clear emotional duress at the time, it can be argued that he was not in the mental state to make such a decision. And, allegedly, couldn't do it on his own which is why he asked Vlad for help.)
I chose "James" as Dan's name since it's a popular fanon middle name for Danny, and since he's half of Danny, it felt like it just made sense lol. Also because of the ensuing comedy of the two of them introducing themselves as "James Daniel Fenton" and "Daniel James Fenton". It's got the same energy as "danny with a y" and "danny with an i" and it's the exact kind of name bullshit you expect parents to give their twins.
I don't have their exact personalities down, but something I am actively writing into this au's bible is that I think Danny should be the quiet and (ig technically) meaner one. There's a lot to go into about interpretations for ghosts, halfas, and the incident itself, but TL:DW; Danny is technically soulless, or at the very least missing half of his soul (altho Jamie is too just in a different direction).
Pair that with the trauma of losing his family in front of him + having his ghost half ripped out + all the trauma he would've sustained as a hero, and he's not doing too hot mentally! i think if the twins met good timeline!Danny, Danny would've mistaken Danny for Dan and Jamie for the original half.
He comes off to others as pretty apathetic and indifferent to a borderline terrifyingly calm degree. He doesn't go out of his way to insult people, but he also doesn't care enough to consider the other party's feelings so he doesn't filter himself, which makes him come off as rude. The only times he looks truly comfortable is when he's near Jamie or talking to him.
His standoffish, ice prince demeanor makes Jamie look like a saint in comparison. When really he's not all that much better? He's more outwardly emotional than Danny, whether that be positive or negative, but at the end of the day he doesn't trust or care about anyone else any more than Danny does, and he's got a bit of a sadistic streak. Danny reigns him in when he starts becoming too destructive.
(Which I think makes sense. Danny asked Vlad to rip out his ghost half specifically so he could stop feeling his human emotions. Dan, despite his monotone voice, does exhibit emotions. He's smug when he asks Valerie if he likes his ghostly wail, sardonic when he reunites with Sam and Tucker, annoyed, shocked at Danny's ghostly wail, etc. He enjoys wreaking destruction and chaos.)
(If Danny had survived his encounter with Dan and if Vlad was successful, then I imagine he'd be rather apathetic to his other half as a whole. That'd be interesting.)
Overall though they're both hurt, bitter, and distrustful of the world around them, with abandonment issues a mile wide. They can get better and they can heal, but it takes time and patience and proper support.
On the DPxDC side of things, they do genuinely hold some kind of respect or regard for Bruce. They also don't become vigilantes for a while. Neither of them are jumping at the bit to enter heroism again, not when it was heroism that killed their family in the first place.
In fact when they find out Bruce = Batman they think he's foolish for it. They think its a fool's errand, and they've been so spurned by their time as Phantom that for a few weeks, Jamie even refused to call Bruce anything but Sisyphus. Danny called him Tantalus, and the two of them had a faux-argument about which one was more accurate.
Bruce does, though, worm his way into both of their hearts, and that's like, the main reason they become vigilantes to join him. So that they could keep him safe and not because of any desire to return to the heroic life. Relearning to care and finding satisfaction in helping others was an unintentional side effect.
(Bruce is so very smug)
Essentially:
The Twins: this is our squishy and fragile adoptive father. If anything happened to him, we're becoming mass extinction events.
Bruce: Nnno.
#danny fenton is not the ghost king#dpxdc#dp x dc#dpxdc crossover#dp x dc crossover#dpxdc au#danny phantom#the twins au#dan phantom#batman and his no-good terrifying little bodyguards. they're both like 5'2 and weigh 90lbs soaking wet and are capable of great violence#he can scruff them both with both hands. they're like two wet cats.#bruce: these are my children Daniel and James | the twins: *emanating little orphan tom riddle energy from behind him*#danny can experience emotions btw they're just dulled(??) to an extent. he doesn't feel them as intensely as Jamie does. in some cases#he knows he should be feeling SOME kind of emotion he just doesn't. being around Jamie helps amplify them. some kind of feedback thing#Jamie is a mischief maker. enjoys wreaking subtle chaos on other people especially people of his ire. laughs at other's misfortune.#neither of them are all that sympathetic when bruce takes them in. but they dO like. like~ him when he does. in some way. they prefer him#over vlad at least. by the time they become vigilantes they genuinely care about him. if not as family then at the very least as a friend.#which means. congrats bruce! you've unlocked the [ viciously protective sons ] perk! have fun with your mini ragnaroks :)#cannot express enough that the twins DO like and respect bruce. there's a genuine care and mutual friendship/relationship there.#yeah they dont need bruce's permission (technically) to be vigilantes but with the way they're set up why WOULD they lmao.#they have no incentive to return to the hero life and in fact comma have the incentive to do the exact opposite and avoid it.#so i give them believable incentive >:]#batdad aus go brrrrrrrr#referring to dan as a 'mass extinction event' is my new favorite way to refer to him <33 bc its technically true
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lena-in-a-red-dress · 6 days ago
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I do have a part 2 of the waterfront au smut coming, but in the meantime, I wanted to lay some groundwork for the au itself:
Kara is adopted into the Kent Family, an old fishing family in the Carolinas with a history of drug smuggling. Ma and Pa Kent love her, but she never once believes they love her as much as their actual son, Clark. It's plain in the way they promote him to run the fishery despite his various fumbles and bumbles throughout the years, while keeping Kara front of house at the restaurant (which she hates and resents). It smacks of expectations to stand there and look pretty while the men do the real work.
Clark doesn't have Kara's business sense, nor her knack with numbers. Within just a few years under Clark's control, the family business is at risk of going under and taking the family name down with it. So when Clark is approached by some drug dealers to run shipments for them in exchange for some quick money, Clark takes the offer, unwittingly ensaring the family in a web of cartels and rival familes, and putting their lines in jeopardy.
Kara is the first to realize what Clark's doing. She goes rooting in his ledgers to find evidence of poor management to show Ma and Pa Kent, proof that Clark was the wrong choice to take the lead. Instead she finds evidence of the smuggling, and instead of bringing it to Ma and Pa, she brings it to her lover-- DEA Agent Lena Walsh-- with a plan to take Clark down for good. After all, Kara can't say for sure that Pa Kent won't turn a blind eye to Clark's actions: he's done it before, and though Pa himself got out of the game when his own father died, smuggling *is* the Kent family way. He wouldn't hold Clark accountable.
So the DEA will.
Lena is eager for the chance. It would be a big notch in her belt as an agent, and would look good on her resume. But more importantly, it would get Kara where she wants to be. Kara would run the fishery and the family restaurant, and the family will prosper, which will then fuel the economy of the little beach town of Havenport.
But before Kara and Lena can move in on Clark, he's double-crossed by his supplier, sparking a chain of events that will threaten the lives of the entire Kent family-- and the lives of everyone they love.
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azurem · 6 months ago
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I think a big part of how I see my Inkmare is the. Uhhh. Love dynamic. AKA who loves the other the mostℱ
Like. It's not my inkmare if Ink is the one that fell harder. This is mainly because making Nightmare the simpℱ helps to avoid making the relationship too... Transactional????
Like. Nightmare would hesitate more respect using Ink as a resource IF he knows and acknowledges he's the one in disadvantage in the emotion playℱ. But if he knows Ink is the one that's behind he wouldn't hesitate as much, y'know????
Idk I think they're very into. 4d chess. But way simplified. 2d chess. Normal chess????????? Evil stuff
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canisalbus · 10 months ago
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in the modern au would they adopt?
There's been talk of this a couple of times before and I'm still on the fence about it myself. I think Vasco likes the idea of fatherhood and would have children if given the choice. Machete doesn't hate children but is strongly unnerved and doesn't know how to deal with them. So the odds of them agreeing to initiate the adoption process aren't promising, but if they, by some random chance, found themselves responsible for a child, it's entirely possible they would grow very attached to the kid and excel as parents.
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themintman · 4 months ago
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Anyway back to space dog
#minecraft story mode#mcsm#DanTDM#Mcsm au#DanTDM au#dr trayaurus#Mcsm: space dog#Mcsm Jack#Mcsm nell#Mcsm Archie#See I told y'all tray makes some friends#Im working on some relationship charts#To like. Help me remember what he thinks of different people#But some notes:#He and Jack used to hate each other so much just cause of jacks paranoia towards grim and Tray's protectiveness#Jack doesn't trust him cause like. The admin is gone BUT THATS A FREAKY ADMIN LOOKIN MOB IS THERE ANOTHER ONE SPHING ON THEM???#IS TRAY WORKING WITH ROMEO 😟 (no-)#But they're good friends after some stuff gets cleared up-#Jack is like. The only person who really understands what tray is going through and how to help him. He's been there#Uhh nell and tray are good friends too. Very much like “YOOOO Tray what is up my dude!! 😝” “[Hi Nell. 😐]”#She's way more chill and kinda forces him to relax a little#Uhh CASSIE IS INTERESTING. she takes on a new identity so she can stalk Jesse and plan out her revenge without being caught#But unfortunately that means tray doesn't know who she is. At one point she has to help him do stuff to do with Dan's disappearance#She's like sweating bullets as he's like “[-Cassie Rose. That's the ladies name. The one who killed him do you know anything about that?]”#He thinks she's his friend. Meanwhile she is setting up traps to try and kill him-#TRAY NO!!! DONT LET YOUR GUARD DOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 6 YEARS!!!#DONT TRUST THE WRONG PERSON ONLY TO GET BETRAYED AND BECOME SUPER WITHDRAWN AND ANXIOUS ALL THE TIME!!! NO!!!!#Anyway. Tray has two modes and they are -_- and O.O#Posting this after midnight when my brain is well and truly shut down RAAAAAAH
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cosmicvaca · 4 months ago
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Modern au Jotaro Kujo. He is a PhD candidate in marine biology. His ex-wife, Marina, has the opportunity to work at an Antarctic research base for two years. Jotaro encourages her to go for it despite her not wanting to leave their daughter, knowing it is her dream to do research in the Arctic, saying that he can take care of Jolyne on his own. He also has to deal with falling in love with a snarky and guarded redhead artist.
Polnareff | Kakyoin | Avdol | Jotaro | Joseph | Duwang Gang
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dasketcherz · 2 months ago
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when the vat7k concept arts/the creators said Hugo and Varian are equals—@dreadpirateurania13's And They Were Roommates fic understood the assignment and what that really meant and executed it so perfectly and masterfully that I have to stand up and give em a thousand applause cuz holy shit the True Hearts Day arc (part 3 specifically) just made history and changed lives (mine)
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nanamineedstherapy · 7 months ago
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Velvet Sin & Clandestine Vows - Getting *ahem ahemed* by Nanami in a bathroom at a billionaire's party!
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Minors DNI/Implied Cheating but not really/Shameless Smut/My First Smut
Summary: Nanami X F!Reader Porn with plot if you squint Nanami at a bougie party? Weird. Nanami getting dragged into a bathroom with a woman who isn't his wife? Even weirder. What’s hotter than luxury, mystery, and terrible decision-making? Spoiler: nothing. Let the chaos (and a closet with better taste than Gojo) ensue. Or Getting Railed by Nanami in a bathroom at a billionaire's party! This fic started as a joke & spiraled into a mix of billionaire aesthetics, deadpan sass, & unhinged party vibes. Buckle up—it’s classy, messy, & totally Nanami-approved. 💅 #Rewritten since I hated the first draft. TW: Maybe Cheating
A/N: This is my first time writing smut of any kind so let me know if it hits the spot ( ✧≖ ͜ʖ≖) Y’all, I swear, Nanami is loyal as hell, but who doesn’t love a little tension and mystery? If you’re living for the luxury or just here for the smut, drop a comment or a kudos—your chaos feeds mine. Cheers, besties! 🍾
The road twisted like a serpent through a dense forest, the towering pines stretching skyward, their shadows merging into a dark canvas under the fading sun. As Nanami’s Aston Martin DBS Superleggera glided past the last cluster of trees, the view opened into a scene pulled from the pages of an expensive dream.
The estate stood by a tranquil lake , its surface a sheet of liquid sapphire, mirroring the golden hues of the evening. The mansion, impossibly grand, didn’t merely rise—it commanded the horizon, almost otherworldly.
Towering walls of smooth stone enclosed the property, their minimalist design interrupted by intricate wrought-iron gates that whispered exclusivity rather than screamed it. AI-quipped security cameras, seamlessly embedded into the structure, blinking like mechanical sentinels, their presence a silent testament to caution wrapped in discretion. Guards in impeccably tailored suits patrolled the perimeter, some with guns, some with drones, some with androids, some with canines, their demeanor more akin to that of secret service agents than traditional staff.
The driveway stretched before him, a sleek ribbon of obsidian stone that gleamed like polished onyx under strategically placed lighting. The circular courtyard at the end was a gallery of excess : a Koenigsegg Jesko , a Bugatti Chiron , a Maserati Folgore , a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class , a Cadillac Celestiq , and a Rolls-Royce Phantom sat gleaming among other cars, their black, forest green or electric blue flawless exteriors reflecting the golden glow of vintage lampposts.
The lawns rolled outward like an emerald sea, interrupted by marble fountains with sculptures so detailed they seemed to breathe. At the edge of the estate, a private dock cradled a yacht —a floating palace that promised indulgence on the water. Above, the faint hum of helicopter rotors signaled rooftop landings, where multiple sleek, futuristic aircrafts waited in perfect formation.
The mansion itself was a contradiction brought to life. Its towering facade bore sharp lines and elegant curves, an architectural ballet where glass and steel met aged stone and brushed brass, each material woven into a seamless tapestry of power and refinement. High ceilings soared above, the kind that made you feel small without making you feel insignificant. The structure breathed genius—an intellect so vast it had turned ambition into reality.
As Nanami pulled up, the double doors opened before he even stepped out, as though the house had been expecting him. Inside, the ambiance shifted into a warm, inviting opulence. The grand hall shimmered under crystal chandeliers that fractured light into golden rain. Polished marble floors reflected the glow, amplifying the sense of space, while floor-to-ceiling windows turned the lake into a living painting framed by midnight silk drapes.
Walking in, he adjusted his Tateossian 18K gold cufflinks out of habit, the gold gleaming briefly in the chandelier light. The fabric of his Tom Ford silk Charmeuse shirt cooled against his skin as he rolled up his sleeves neatly, a testament to effort without indulgence. His tailored Mohair trousers—his entire outfit, his wife’s suggestion—fit him perfectly, a fact he acknowledged with a silent nod to her exquisite taste.
He knew she had spent more time selecting them than he ever would. She had an eye for these things, a maddening precision that made him trust her implicitly. He'd let her spend a good amount on tonight's party outfit to blend in with his office crowd, even though price tags were the least of his concerns. His wife, however, was a different story. Her taste was so particular that she rarely found anything worth buying at a store. But once she did, if it was casual, it would likely be inexpensive. However, if it was anything work- or party-related, it would undoubtedly carry a hefty price tag
The party coursed through the mansion like a heartbeat. In one ballroom , laughter mingled with the clinking of glasses as soft jazz played from hidden speakers. A smaller, more intimate space pulsed with energy, decked out like a private nightclub , where a few couples swayed to Spanish music under the prismatic glow of lights. Staff moved seamlessly among the crowd; their movements choreographed perfection, while their uniforms—a balance of practicality and haute couture—highlighted the wealth that surrounded them.
Each corner of the estate exuded thought and precision. From the soft, ambient lighting casting shadows on minimalistic art pieces to the way every surface seemed untouched yet lived in, the house wasn’t just a home; it was a living entity—one that whispered of brilliance, extravagance, and untold secrets.
Soon, before he knew it, corporate small talk had already grated on him; he’d barely resisted the urge to check his watch. Conversations about ‘exciting’ fiscal projections felt like sandpaper on his nerves, but years of navigating boardrooms had honed his stoic armor to perfection. He tilted his head just enough to feign interest in a junior analyst’s enthusiastic recounting of how they saved 0.5% on operational costs last quarter.
“Impressive,” he muttered, his voice so flat it was unclear whether he meant it or not. The analyst beamed anyway, oblivious.
His whiskey remained mostly untouched, a mere prop for these tedious rituals. He glanced down at the gold trim of the glass and thought fleetingly about hurling it through one of the massive floor-to-ceiling windows—not out of anger, but for something more stimulating than listening to Steve from Compliance recount his golf trip.
“Nanami-san!” Steve called out, loud enough to turn heads. “What’s your handicap? Bet you’re deadly on the green.”
Nanami turned slowly, blinking once as if the words needed extra time to register. “I don’t play golf, Steve,” he replied, deadpan. “I have a job.”
Steve’s laugh was loud and awkward, his ego crumpling in on itself. Nanami allowed himself a flicker of satisfaction before turning back to the entrance, silently daring someone interesting to walk in and save him.
A marketing executive drifted over, a glass of champagne precariously balanced in one hand, their other already extended for a handshake. “Nanami, old sport!” the exec crowed, as though they’d survived war trenches together instead of working in adjacent departments.
“Hardly,” Nanami said, shaking their hand briefly before folding his arms, an unmistakable signal that the conversation was over before it began.
Then the intern appeared like a fly buzzing near a fresh wound, her enthusiasm bordering on suffocation. “Nanami-san, you look great tonight,” she gushed. “Is that Tom Ford? I could tell from a mile away!”
He resisted the urge to roll his eyes the moment he saw her making her way towards him from the other corner of the room. Her extremely short gold dress barely covered anything, highly inappropriate for co-worker parties. Where was HR when you needed them?
He regarded her with the kind of cool detachment that made people second-guess speaking to him in the first place. His response was little more than a nod, a gesture so dismissive it might as well have been punctuation. “Yes,” he replied curtly, sipping his whiskey for the first time just to end the interaction. The burn of alcohol was preferable to enduring another comment.
“I’ve never seen you in anything so... relaxed ,” she added, eyes wide as though he’d arrived in a Hawaiian shirt instead of a $25,000 ensemble.
Nanami considered a sarcastic remark— yes, I’m positively unhinged tonight with my gold cufflinks and tailored trousers —but decided against it. “Enjoy the party,” he said instead, his tone as warm as a January morning.
Her persistence, however, was unwavering, her enthusiasm grating on his last nerve. She was the type who delivered coffee he never asked for, lunches he didn’t need, flushed cheeks, and doe-eyed stares he couldn’t unsee. What he had initially dismissed as professional eagerness was now so obviously a crush that even the office ficus had likely noticed. He didn’t mind admirers so long as they kept their distance, but this one was suffocating. Tonight, he had a plan: feed her to his wife .
He let her ramble, tuning her out while his colleagues began their usual background drone: glowing self-praise about the last quarter’s financial performance. Occasionally, Nanami nodded, just enough to seem engaged while maintaining an expression that screamed, I’d rather be anywhere else .
Then a peer from Finance leaned in, his smirk as oily as his hair gel. “You’re quite the magnet tonight, Nanami. What’s your secret?”
“Competence,” Nanami replied, without missing a beat.
The peer’s laugh faltered into a cough as he quickly excused himself. Events like this always managed to sap what little energy he had left after work. First, they stole every waking moment with deadlines and deliverables, then they expected polite socializing in his so-called free time. It was, in his opinion, borderline sadistic. He took another sip of his whiskey, wishing—not for the first time—that he hadn’t shown up. He didn’t much care to mingle, despite appearances. These events were breeding grounds for insincerity, where pleasantries masked ulterior motives. His colleagues jumped him, juniors seeking advice on everything from office politics to investment strategies, while his peers probed for weaknesses under the guise of camaraderie.
Then, previously flanked by armed bodyguards, she walked in.
He felt it before he saw it—the slight shift in the room’s energy, the way conversations seemed to falter for half a second. When his eyes finally found her, it was like everything else dimmed in comparison.
Time didn’t stop—not in some romanticized way, but it slowed just enough to emphasize her entrance. Classy, confident, and untouchable. The sound of her heels on marble cut through the hum of conversation, subtle but commanding. The red rubies on her dress flowed like molten lava, catching the chandeliers’ light with every step. The slit revealed long, toned legs that seemed almost deliberately designed to catch the attention of every person in the room. Her movements were languid but purposeful, as though she were fully aware that the entire party had turned their focus toward her and didn’t mind in the slightest. The siren-like glint in her eyes warned anyone brave enough to approach.
Nanami’s grip tightened imperceptibly on the whiskey glass, his chest rising and falling in a controlled breath. His gaze locked on her instantly, though he couldn’t pinpoint what drew him first—the way her dress hugged her or the quiet authority in her stride. One moment, he was half-listening to his coworkers drone about quotas; the next, he was captivated .
“Who is she?” The intern whispered, her tone laced with poorly concealed jelousy.
Nanami didn’t look away, his gaze steady and unreadable. “Trouble,” he murmured, his voice low and even.
She didn’t need to seek attention—it sought her. Women flocked to her, showering her with warm greetings and effusive compliments. She reciprocated their affection with gracious smiles and her charm disarming even the iciest socialites. The men weren’t as brave, unsure whether to admire her or cower under her gaze—her siren-like aura daring any man to try their luck.
Except for one idiot.
Fucking Gojo.
Nanami’s jaw tightened as his white-haired colleague made a spectacle of himself, wrapping his arms around her from behind like an old friend reunited. Her face scrunched in irritation, a flash of disdain that Nanami couldn’t help but savor. But then she turned, her expression softening as she saw who it was. To his dismay, she hugged him back.
Nanami’s fingers curled harder around the glass of whiskey, the gold trim biting into his palm. Jealousy wasn’t his style— not like he wasn’t already married . But Gojo was a different story. The man had a knack for testing limits, his arrogance as boundless as his charm.
She, on the other hand, was the embodiment of contradictions: sharp yet soft, fun yet untouchable, her elegant demeanor veiling something far more dangerous. As if on cue, her eyes scanned the room lazily, not in search of anyone but allowing people to search for her.
And then their gazes locked. Her lips quirked into a knowing smirk, a silent dare.
Nanami’s breath hitched. Her smile—a challenge, a tease, a warning. His pulse quickened, a subtle betrayal against his otherwise calm exterior.
The intern beside him shifted uncomfortably, clearly feeling the weight of the unspoken connection between the two. Nanami almost pitied her. Almost. Definitely not.
His focus remained on the woman; she approached the bar with the kind of confidence that made the world rearrange itself around her. Even the bartender seemed to straighten his posture, offering her a champagne flute without so much as a question. Her long fingers, adorned with a curious glove-like jewelry piece , brushed the glass as she murmured her thanks, her tone effortlessly polite but laced with disinterest.
He didn’t notice the minutes slipping by; time blurred under the soft hum of chandeliers and the muted conversations he was no longer part of. Her every movement consumed his attention, the sway of her hips in that red silk dress a calculated provocation.
When she slipped through the gilded archway leading toward the bathrooms, his decision was already made.
Keeping his drink down, Nanami barely registered the figure stepping into his path until he heard the familiar sing-song voice that grated worse than nails on glass. “Nanami! Where’s your wife? Haven’t seen her yet tonight,” his rival cooed, wearing his trademark smug grin that Nanami fantasized about erasing.
“Still at work,” Nanami replied smoothly, his tone devoid of emotion but cutting enough to silence further prying. He didn’t slow, leaving behind muttered speculations about his sudden interest in someone other than his wife .
The hallways had the richness of the place amplified. The further he moved from the party, the quieter it became, the noise receding into a distant hum. The mansion’s grandeur became starker in the silence. High ceilings arched above, their ornate crown moldings gilded with gold that caught the soft light of sconces. The black marble floors shimmered under his polished shoes, stretching endlessly toward the private quarters. Staff passed like shadows flitting through the ethereal glow of this labyrinthine estate.
He paused in front of the bathroom door, glossy black with intricate gold fixtures, left slightly ajar as though inviting him in. The faintest sliver of light spilled out against the marble.
Knock. Knock. Two taps. Firm. Purposeful.
The response was immediate. The door cracked open, and before he could utter a word, her hand shot out, grabbing his shirt and yanking him inside with a force that surprised him.
The door closed behind them with a soft thud as he was shoved against it, followed by the decisive click of the lock. Her scent lingered in the air, both grounding and intoxicating, cutting through the bathroom . Then her mouth was on his, hot and demanding, leaving no room for hesitation.
“Not even a hello?” He murmured against her lips, his tone low, strained, yet laced with wry humor.
“Hello,” she whispered mockingly, her voice syrupy sweet, before pulling him back down. Her nails grazed the nape of his neck, sending an electric jolt through him.
Oh, she was definitely a siren. He thought as she drew him in with effortless ease, leaving him half-convinced she could drag him into the ocean and he’d thank her for it.
Her fingers worked at the buttons of his shirt, deft yet impatient. When one refused to cooperate, she let out a soft growl, yanking hard enough to send buttons scattering across the tiled floor.
“They’re custom,” Nanami deadpanned, his voice thick with effort. “My wife chose them.”
“No wonder they’re ugly,” she shot back, her smirk as sharp as a blade. “Send me the bill.”
Her sass drew a low chuckle from him, the sound reverberating deep in his chest. She was cutting through his composure so easily, leaving him disarmed in a way he hadn’t thought possible.
In a swift motion, he flipped their positions, pinning her against the full-length mirror. Her front hit the glass with a muted thud, the chill drawing a sharp gasp from her lips. For a moment, he held her there, his gaze sweeping over her—flushed cheeks, swollen lips, pupils blown wide with a mix of defiance and desire.
His reflection caught his eye in the mirror—a man undone, his hair disheveled, his usually sharp expression softened by raw hunger. He barely recognized himself, and for some reason, that didn’t bother him.
“Temptress. You’ve already got me obsessed,” his voice dark as he leaned down to press his lips to the curve of her ear.
“Stop talking,” she countered, her tone dripping with impatience. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling just hard enough to make him groan softly.
He obliged.
The kiss turned feral, finesse abandoned in favor of raw, unfiltered need. His hands roamed, the fabric slipping against her skin like water.
Once she turned in his arms, more of his buttons clattered to the floor, the sound echoing in the small space as she ran her fingers on his chest then abs. The room filled with their gasps and whispered curses, the sterile luxury of the bathroom a backdrop to the pandemonium unfolding. She took off her handpiece, chucking it on the counter just to feel his skin against her fingertips unhindered.
Her scent was everywhere now, filling his lungs, embedding itself in his memory. It was familiar in a way, like déjà vu dancing on the edge of recognition. Unsettling, magnetic, and impossible to ignore.
“Careful,” she murmured against his lips, her voice teasing. “You might just fall for me.”
Nanami pulled back slightly, enough to meet her gaze, his expression a mix of annoyance and reluctant amusement. “Highly unlikely,” he replied, deadpan, though the corner of his mouth betrayed the faintest smirk.
“Your loss,” she quipped, her voice light, but her hands circled around his shoulders, pulling him back toward her.
Whatever this was—whatever dangerous game they were playing—Nanami knew one thing: he didn’t want it to end.
The bathroom’s air carried a subtle mix of sandalwood, bergamot and cedarwood, understated yet lingering—a scent that seemed designed to make every breath feel curated, the kind of understated opulence that whispered money rather than screamed it
Yet for all its grandeur, it wasn't the decor that took center stage. It was the mess unfolding next to the countertop, where passion replaced polish.
Nanami now had her pressed against the large, mirror-backed counter, its polished surface now marred with the aftermath of their urgency—smudged fingerprints, scattered toiletries, and the faint condensation of their mingled heat. The cool marble against her back seemed to amplify the fire between them.
His grip was firm yet restrained, one hand steadying her thigh while the other trailed upward, tracing the daring slit of her dress with deliberate slowness. His fingers paused at the neckline, the silk sliding under his touch like water. His hold spoke of possession, but his eyes, half-lidded and burning, betrayed something deeper—curiosity, defiance, and a hunger he rarely let surface.
She kissed him again, her lips a demand he had no intention of denying. Teeth scraped against his lower lip, the sting pulling a soft groan from him that melted into a low chuckle. His hands roamed with precision, finding her waist, her hips, her breasts—each touch firm, unapologetic, and met with a sharp inhale or muffled moan. Every touch was a battle for dominance, each moment teetering on the edge of control and disarray.
He lifted her with ease onto the countertop in one fluid motion. The chilled mirror behind her elicited a gasp as her dress slid higher at her thighs. Her legs tightened instinctively around him, pulling him closer.
“Not bad,” she teased breathlessly, her voice a mix of amusement and provocation.
Nanami’s lips quirked into a rare smirk as he leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. “I aim to impress.”
Her laugh was soft, intoxicating, and far too knowing. “You’re getting there.”
Her scent enveloped him now—a crisp, briny ocean breeze tinged with something wild and woody, a sharp contrast to the muted, earthy warmth of the bathroom. It was a siren’s scent, designed to disarm, to enthrall, and it worked far too well.
The sounds of their frenzy filled the room, chaotic yet rhythmic. Her nails dragged along his back, leaving faint crescent imprints as if marking her territory.
Then, with a devilish smirk, he dropped to his knees, his large hands splaying across the backs of her thighs.
“On your knees already?” She started, her voice faltering as he pushed the fabric of her dress higher. His lips ghosted over her inner thigh, his breath warm and teasing.
“You talk too much,” he murmured, his tone flat but edged with mischief.
Her laugh turned into a gasp as he tore through the delicate lace of her underwear with his teeth, the sound of ripping fabric punctuated by her sharp intake of breath.
His mouth found her core, hot and demanding; his tongue moved with deliberate precision, drawing broken whispers from her lips. Her fingers tangled in his hair, long nails digging into his scalp as she arched into him, every nerve alight with sensation.
Each touch was a battle for dominance, each moment teetering on the edge of control and chaos. His fingers dug into her hips, holding her steady as she raised her head, her eyes wide at the sight of him.
When his fingers joined the fray—one, then two, then three—she let out a muffled cry, her hands trembling as they gripped his hair tighter. The rhythm turned torturous, each stroke a ploy to keep her teetering on the edge.
“Quiet,” he murmured against her, though the command was half-hearted at best.
Her laugh, shaky and breathless, cut through the haze. “Make me.”
He obliged, taking off his shirt & shoving it into her mouth to muffle her moans.
The room, a masterpiece of design and decadence, bore silent witness to their undoing. The perfection of its lines, the care in its curation—all of it had melted away, leaving only raw, unbridled chaos in its place.
Her body trembled, hips bucking against his mouth. His tongue and fingers were moving in perfect harmony. Her mewles grew higher in pitch, her body arching further as the tension began to pool in her belly.
Nanami’s grip on her tightened, his fingers digging into her hips to hold her steady as her body trembled beneath him. Her moans, muffled by his discarded shirt, vibrated against his chest as he felt the waves of her release pulse through her. She clawed his scalp, a claim he wasn’t entirely sure he didn’t enjoy.
When she finally collapsed against the mirror, her breath came in uneven bursts, fogging the glass behind her. Her flushed face, her dress still bunched at her waist, chest rising and falling as aftershocks wracked her frame left her looking like Mayhem personified. Still, he didn’t stop, his tongue lapping up every drop of her release like she was the finest wine.
Few moments passed, & Nanami stood, brushing the back of his hand against his lips, catching the faint taste of her. He was the picture of disheveled restraint—his hair tousled, his chest bare, and his trousers hanging low on his hips. The hunger in his eyes, however, was anything but restrained.
His gaze lingered on her as he reached for the straps of her dress. Tugging them down, he exposed her bare chest, the fabric sliding away like water until it pooled uselessly at her waist. Her breasts bounced with the movement, drawing a low growl from him that rumbled deep in his chest.
“Perfect,” he muttered, his voice gravelly as he leaned down. His lips closed over one breast, flicking her nipple with his toung, while his hand found the other, his touch alternating between firm and teasing. She gasped, her back arching off the mirror as he bit gently before soothing with his tongue, leaving her gasping & mumbling incoherently, her voice ragged but threaded with laughter—the kind that would have thrown a lesser man off balance. “You’re enjoying this way too much.” She spoke against the fabric in her mouth.
He paused, lifting his head to meet her gaze. “You started it.”
She smirked, sharper than the edge of the counter, biting into her legs. “And I’ll finish it.” She gestured.
Her hands fumbled with his waistband, still trembling but determined. The flicker of impatience in her eyes was oddly endearing, though he’d never admit it. Nanami stepped back slightly, watching as she struggled with his belt, her fingers clumsy but relentless, then the same belt clattered to the floor, the sound echoing in the small space.
When she finally freed his cock, her hand paused holding it, her eyes widening as her lips parted slightly.
“Cat got your tongue?” He teased, his voice dropping into that smooth, sardonic tone.
“Shut up,” she muttered, voice muffled by the shirt.
He bit down lightly on her neck, one hand busy kneading her breast, while the other left faint crescent moons in the flesh of her ass.
Despite her reservations, her hand moved, slow at first, tentative strokes exploring him with a curiosity that bordered on reverence. The low "fuck" that escaped his lips emboldened her, and her fingers became bolder—squeezing at the tip, letting her thumb tease the slit, earning sharp hisses from him.
His control, usually ironclad, wavered, catching himself before her touch unraveled him entirely.
“Enough,” he growled, his hand wrapping around hers as he guided his cock to her.
She braced herself, her legs parted further instinctively as Nanami growled, guiding his cock toward her slick entrance. She mewled softly as he deliberately didn’t push in, instead teasing her, the thick head of his cock gliding against her swollen folds. The wet slide was maddening, the tension building as he refused to give her what she wanted. Her breath coming in shallow bursts as the tension coiled between them like a spring wound too tightly. Her eyes flashed with impatience, and the look of anger made him smirk through his own restraint. Then she hissed something, muffled, her voice low and threaded with irritation.
Nanami’s smirk was infuriating. “Patience.”
That patience didn’t last long. With a sharp thrust, he pushed inside her, his jaw clenching as she clenched around him, her walls tight and pulling him deeper. He moved slowly at first, letting her adjust; the intensity of the moment mirrored in their matched gasps and muffled curses.
Once he was fully sheathed, the restraint snapped. He withdrew almost completely before slamming back in, forcing a loud, uncontrollable moan from her.
His pace turned brutal, his hips slamming against hers with a force that made the marble countertop tremble beneath them. Her cries morphed into curses, each one sharp and biting, and directed at him with a venom that only fueled his hunger.
“You—oh my God—” she let out a muffled gasp, head falling back against the mirror as he drove her higher.
Nanami leaned down, yanking the shirt from her mouth as he captured her lips in a messy, heated kiss. Her teeth immediately bite his lower lip, drawing blood, but he didn’t care. Their tongues clashed, the kiss more battle than affection, each one pushing and pulling, neither willing to yield.
Breaking away to catch his breath, Nanami's thrusts didn’t falter.
“Still talking?” he muttered against her lips.
“Shut up,” she replied, biting him again, the taste of him & herself lingering on her tongue.
His hips slammed against hers, forcing cries from her throat. Her nails raked down his back, desperate, as though she needed them to fuse on a molecular level.
Despite his relentless pace, his lips softened, trailing kisses along her jawline, down her neck, and finally to her breasts. He nipped and sucked at the delicate skin; his attention split between breaking her apart with his cock and worshipping the parts of her he loved most.
The sound of skin meeting skin filled the room—a brutal rhythm that matched the pounding of her heartbeat. His hands roamed over her body, his nails leaving faint crescent moons in her thighs, her back, wherever he could reach.
Her body arched into him, trembling & walls tightening as another wave of pleasure threatened to overtake her. He knew she was close; his hand slid between them, his fingers finding her clit and circling it with a precision that left her gasping.
Her reaction was instant as she came with a sharp, keening cry, muffled when he cupped a hand over her mouth, entire body clenching around him as her nails dug into his shoulders.
“She’s sucking me in... so tight,” he murmured, voice hoarse, as his control finally broke. Movements turning erratic as he buried himself deep, his groan muffled against her neck. His eyes fluttered shut as his own climax surged through him, leaving him breathless and trembling. He barely managed to catch himself before collapsing onto her as the aftershocks rolled through him.
Two forces of chaos colliding. Neither of them moved, just staying for a bit; she rubbed his back as they caught their breaths, the occasional tremor running through her as she adjusted to the lingering sensitivity.
The bathroom was a battlefield of indulgence and chaos. Perfume bottles lay toppled on the black marble counter, the delicate crystal shimmering under the ambient lighting. A faint mist lingered in the air, clouding the oversized mirror that stretched from floor to ceiling, capturing distorted reflections of disheveled hair, flushed skin, and heat that had yet to fully dissipate. The mingling scents of bergamot, cedar, and salt—the sharp tang of the ocean—clung to the air, layered with the undeniable intimacy of their aftermath. Despite the mess around them, the silence between them felt clean, untouched by the outside world.
Soon her fingers were idly tracing patterns on his back, grazing over faint red marks she’d left moments before. When she finally broke the silence, her voice was teasing but warm, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Your technique hasn’t changed.”
Nanami froze, the words cutting through the lingering haze like a cold blade. He pulled back just enough to study her face, his brows furrowing. “What?”
“You heard me,” she replied, her tone deliberate and light as she brushed her fingers along his jaw. Her touch was deceptively soft, almost disarming.
Before he could spiral into overthinking, she laughed—a sound both melodic and cutting, slicing through his composure with surgical precision. “Relax, Mr. Nanami,” she teased, her lips curling into a smirk. “I’m just grateful for the first million you invested in my company when no one else would even hear me out.”
The tension in his shoulders eased as realization dawned, corners of his mouth twitching into the faintest smile. “Mrs. L/N,” he said dryly, his voice laced with equal parts amusement and exasperation. “Should I prepare my chequebook again?”
“Always,” she quipped, her smirk softening as she leaned up to kiss him. Her lips brushed against his with a familiarity that belied the game they’d been playing all evening.
“You’re still mine, Kento,” she murmured against his ear—almost biting them, her voice dropping to a whisper that sent a shiver down his spine.
Straightening himself, hand lingering at her waist, he pulled her closer to hold as the reality of her presence grounded him. When they finally pulled apart, her tone shifted. “Nice house, by the way.”
“Thank you, Mrs. L/N,” he replied, his thumb brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. The simple gesture felt intimate, grounding, a contrast to the disarray they’d left in their wake. He arched a brow, a wry smile playing on his lips. “Though I do have to ask—what was the dress for?”
Her smirk deepened, her silence deliberate.
“Y/N,” he pressed, his voice carrying a mix of affection and exasperation. “You planned this, didn’t you?”
“I was informed that you looked miserable out there,” she said simply, shrugging with nonchalance that only made her look more self-assured. “Your coworkers are vultures. I couldn’t just stand by and watch you suffer.”
His exhale was slow, measured, but his forehead dropped against hers, his voice softening. “I owe you one.”
“You owe me plenty,” she countered, her hands sliding over his chest with a teasing confidence. “But I’m not done yet. My company just hit a billion-dollar valuation, which means—"she smirked, her tone mock-serious—"you can finally quit working for those corporate overlords. Effective immediately.”
Nanami blinked, her words settling in slowly. Just as he opened his mouth to protest, she cut him off with a single raised finger.
“And don’t start with the ‘backup plan’ speech,” she added, rolling her eyes in dramatic exasperation. “I’ve secured enough for the next fifteen generations to sit around and squander. You’re free, Ken. ”
He let out a long exhale, relief washing over him like a tide pulling him out to calmer seas. His hands tightened gently at her waist as he pulled her closer, his forehead brushing hers again.
“I can finally retire,” he mused, a rare chuckle breaking the steady timbre of his voice. “What a dream.”
Her grin was wicked and teasing. “Don’t worry, I’ll deck you out with butlers, drivers, private pilots—the works.”
He shook his head, laughing softly. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you love it,” she said, her voice lighter now, pressing a quick kiss to his jaw before stepping down. She fixed her dress, the fabric shimmering under the soft lighting as if it had never been touched. After quickly rinsing & drying her hands, she shuffled for something in the drawer below the sink counter, then gestured Nanami to turn around, who obliged and then winced as she sprayed antiseptic healing spray on her nail scratches on his back. Then, putting it back with one hand while she rubbed his shoulder with the other, soon she adorned her handpiece again.
“Now, pack your bags. We’re going on a month-long vacation. We’ve barely seen each other this quarter.” Her tone practical, though the playful glint in her eyes was still sparkling while Nanami, who knelt on one knee to zip up her askew heels with a gentle touch. This was a stark contrast to his usual stoic demeanor; he radiated a quiet eagerness to serve her, even if she had never asked for it—or even forbade him from kneeling—for anyone, including herself. His care for her was unwavering, as he found joy in these small devotions.
Raising up to his full height, Nanami tilted his head, arching a brow. “When do we leave?”
“An hour.” Her smirk was maddeningly smug, the kind that always made him want to both kiss her and roll his eyes. “Don’t worry about clothes—we’ll buy what we need when we get there.”
His frown deepened slightly, his gaze flicking toward the door. “The house is still full of people.”
She waved a hand dismissively, her confidence unshakable. “The white-haired menace can handle it.”
As if summoned, a sharp knock echoed against the ornate black and gold bathroom door.
“Nanami,” Gojo’s unmistakable voice called out, muffled yet infuriatingly cheerful. “I know you told me not to disturb you, but if you want to leave on time, you should probably come out now.”
Nanami groaned audibly, burying his face in her hair. “I hate that he knows us so well. Or worse, that he was probably hovering outside.”
Her laugh bubbled up, light and unrestrained, as she turned to press a soft kiss to his nose. “Good thing no one will know,” she teased, her tone laced with mischief as she nodded toward the party still raging beyond the door.
“Small mercies,” he muttered. His hand reached down, scooping up her ripped panties. He shoved them into his pocket—a gesture equal parts practical and ridiculous. Housekeeping didn’t need to discover that.
He reached for his ruined shirt & still-ok belt while his cufflinks were probably lost to the similarly colored lines in the bathroom floor’s marble. Sighing, he shrugged the shirt on. With most of the buttons broken, the fabric barely clung to him, but he managed enough to appear vaguely presentable, then did his belt & washed his hands. Before stepping out, he winked at her, his rare smirk making her laugh again as she leaned on the counter, ogling him.
Walking out of the bathroom, Nanami was immediately engulfed by the sheer scale of the mansion. The vaulted ceilings soared above him, an intricate lattice of brass and black lines reminiscent of sharp geometry. Recessed lighting cast a warm, almost ethereal glow over the polished marble floors, their obsidian surface streaked with veins of gold that seemed to shimmer with every step.
Security was seamlessly integrated into the decor—discreet cameras nestled within decorative sconces, motion sensors hidden within the intricate carvings of doorframes, and biometric panels that blended effortlessly with the black lacquered walls.
Gojo leaned casually against the wall near the bathroom door, his smirk as sharp as the lapels on his bespoke electric blue suit. “Well, well,” he drawled, his tone dripping with amusement. “Looks like someone had a productive break.”
Nanami cast him a withering glare, brushing past him without a word.
“Don’t worry,” Gojo called after him, clearly undeterred. “Your secret’s safe with me. Well Mostly .”
Nanami strode into his bedroom, its absurd luxury understated yet undeniable once he unlocked it’s door with his thumb. Warm recessed lighting bathed the space in a golden hue, highlighting the polished marble floors and the California king bed draped in silk sheets that whispered decadence with every subtle fold. The walls were a study in contrasts—one side a sweeping expanse of black glass overlooking the estate, the other adorned with minimalist art deco patterns in gold and dark maroon.
A walk-in closet occupied one corner of the room, its glossy black doors sliding open with a faint hum. Rows of designer suits, pressed shirts, and tailored trousers moved along tracks, neatly organized by color, fabric, and season. It wasn’t just a closet—it was an AI-driven sartorial fortress.
Gojo trailed behind Nanami, Martini glass in hand, his ever-present grin practically glowing under the warm light of the bedroom.
Nanami shrugged off his ruined shirt, revealing faint nail marks trailing down his back.
Gojo’s exaggerated gasp was immediate. “Knew you were freaks,” he declared, grinning like a cat who’d just discovered a fresh bowl of cream.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Nanami replied, his tone dry as he waited for the first shirt the AI closet presented.
The automated system whirred softly, its sleek black panels sliding open to reveal a neatly arranged selection of tailored clothing. The closet’s AI chimed in, its voice smooth and masculine: “Good evening, Mr. Nanami. May I suggest the Maurizio Miri blue Sam Arold , double-breasted blazer for optimal sophistication?”
“No, a white shirt will be enough for now. Thank you.” Nanami replied smoothly as the closet handed him the shirt.
Gojo’s eyes lit up. “Hold up, your closet talks?”
Nanami buttoned up the crisp white shirt, the fabric molding to him like it had been made yesterday, which it probably had been. A subtle reminder of how far he—and this house—stood from anything resembling average. “Of course it talks. Everything here does. Wife is particular about it,” he muttered, casually pulling out a certain incriminating piece of fabric from his pocket & tossing it into the hidden incinerator bin while Gojo eyed the AI.
Then Gojo leaned closer to the closet; his curiosity piqued. “Hey, Mr. Closet—do you take orders? I need something that makes me look like a billionaire without actually trying. Extra points if it comes with a holographic logo of the Gojo Clan.” Gojo didn’t have such bad likes; he just enjoyed being a menace.
The AI responded without missing a beat. “My name is Winston, & I’m sorry, sir. My services are exclusive to Mr. Nanami. While I assure you, no attire could enhance perfection.”
Nanami’s lips twitched as he fought back a smirk. “Even the closet knows you’re insufferable.”
“Hey, I like this guy!” Gojo shot back, pointing at the sleek black panel like it was a long-lost friend. “At least he has taste.”
The AI, apparently more than willing to engage, added, “Taste, sir, is precisely what you lack.”
Nanami turned away, struggling to suppress his laughter, as Gojo gawked. “Traitor! I’m officially boycotting this brand,” Gojo declared, though his curiosity kept him glued to the closet. “Btw what brand are you.”
Nanami smacked his arm. “Do you forget my wife invents AIs for a living, among other things?”
Gojo shrugged, “I didn’t know it was one of hers.”
As Nanami folded his sleeves up again, Gojo shot one last look at the closet. “You’re lucky I’m a forgiving man, Mr. Closet-Winston. Once I babysit this house, bet you’ll miss me when I leave.”
“I highly doubt that,” the AI replied, its tone impossibly smooth.
Gojo huffed, muttering something about finding an AI closet with better taste, while Nanami finally allowed a small smirk to surface.
Once out of the closet, Gojo chirped, “Aren’t you going to thank me for organizing this amazing party?”
Nanami took the whisky glass Gojo handed him, savoring a slow sip. “Thank you, Gojo, for organizing this party,” he said, his voice flat. “It’s not like we paid for it or anything.”
“Fair,” Gojo replied, recovering quickly with a shrug. “But I still expect to cash in the favor someday.”
Nanami nodded, flooding his sleeves with practiced precision before striding back toward the party.
Gojo followed on his heels like an overenthusiastic puppy, Martini in hand. Then looking back at the sentinel closet, he mused. “I need one of these. Think the wife will help me place an order?”
“She’s not your wife,” Nanami deadpanned, savouring the whisky burn as he sipped.
Once they had stepped into the grand ballroom, Nanami’s gaze swept over the room. Gojo, meanwhile, leaned in conspiratorially.
“So,” he began, his grin as infuriating as ever, “how was she?”
His gaze immediately found her. She stood along the far wall; an expansive bar carved from obsidian and gold stood like a centerpiece, its surface laden with bottles of rare vintages.
He didn’t falter in his reply, expression flat. “She’s a woman, Gojo. Not a secret.”
Gojo smirked as Nanami ignored the conspiratorial knowing smirks and whispers that seemed to surround him.
His gaze lingered as she laughed warmly, her head tilted slightly, the sound unguarded and genuine. She was speaking to two women he vaguely recognized as the CTO and CFO of her company, their expressions a mix of respect and admiration. For a moment, he simply watched. Despite himself, Nanami felt a rare sense of pride.
Just as he was about to make his way to her, a voice sliced through the moment.
“Nanami-san! There you are!”
The same intern with an unfortunate crush on him had caught sight of him again, waving over one of her equally annoying cohorts, a smug backstabbing bitch of a coworker Nanami didn’t even bother to remember the name of. They approached like vultures, the intern’s over-the-top enthusiasm clashing painfully with the coworker’s grimey smirk.
“Nanami-san!” she chirped, clasping her hands together. “This house is incredible! You must feel so inspired here.”
“I feel inspired to have another drink,” Nanami deadpanned, raising his glass slightly before taking a sip.
The coworker, clearly fishing for gossip, leaned in. “Yeah, no kidding. So, where’s your wife we’ve all heard so much about?” He practically sang the last part, his tone dripping with mockery. “Must be so busy to miss an event like this.”
Listening to this, Gojo moved closer to Nanami’s side like chaos incarnate, throwing an arm around his shoulder. “Oh, you haven’t met her yet?” he asked, his grin practically weaponized. “Tsk, tsk, Nanami, keeping secrets from your best friends .”
The coworker scowled at the jab.
The intern blinked, momentarily stunned into silence. Nanami bit back a smirk, swirling his whisky lazily in his glass.
When the intern finally recovered, her tone turned defensive. “Well, he’s never mentioned her to me!”
Nanami’s expression darkened, his patience stretching to its breaking point. One thing he wasn’t—had never been—was unfaithful. And this implication, no matter how cluelessly delivered, crossed a line.
Yet Gojo wasn’t finished. He turned his full attention to the intern, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper loud enough for everyone to hear. “You know, he does talk about her all the time. But I guess you two must not hang out much, huh? Just acquaintances, then.”
“Excuse me?” Nanami’s voice was sharp, each syllable cutting.
The intern, oblivious to the shift in tone, pressed on. “You never mentioned you were married—”
“Please,” arching a brow, he interrupted, his expression one of detached amusement. “Do not imply that I’ve hidden my marriage. I’ve been married for years and have never avoided speaking about my wife when asked. If you’re unaware, perhaps that says more about you than it does about me.” Each word measured and sharp. It’s not like he cared to keep his job anymore anyway.
The intern blinked, stunned into silence.
Gojo erupted into laughter, clapping him on the back. “Kento, you’re killing it tonight. Who’s next on the chopping block?”
Without waiting for a response, Nanami brushed past them, his focus already shifting back to her. Gojo, naturally, wasn’t done yet. Turning back with a smirk, he delivered one final dig.
“He talks about her all the time with his friends. Trust me, I’d know since I’m his best friend. I know all his secrets ,” he said lightly. “Guess you’re just colleagues.” Nanami could hear the mockery directed at his coworkers, with a hint of possessiveness over their friendship in Gojo’s voice, along with the intern’s sputtering, behind him.
Once he approached, his hand slid around her waist, the gesture subtle yet unmistakable. It wasn’t a public claim so much as a quiet reassurance, a tether grounding him in the chaos of the room.
She turned to him, her smirk softening into something more intimate as she acknowledged the unspoken exchange.
“Hello,” he murmured, inclining his head with a faint smile toward the women she’d been speaking with. They were better than his coworkers; hence they were hired.
As Gojo approached them behind Nanami, she introduced him smoothly, her tone warm yet commanding. “Ladies, my closest friend, Gojo Satoru.”
Gojo’s professional smirk slipped into place with practiced ease. “A pleasure,” he said simply, his arm resting on Nanami’s shoulder again.
The conversation progressed for a bit before the sound of glass clinking drew their attention.
“Everyone!” Gojo’s voice rang out, cheerful and uncontainable. He was sitting atop the bar, manspreading, grin wide enough to rival the chandelier’s glow. “A toast to the lovely couple!”
Heads turned toward them, though many had already been stealing glances at her all evening while others were glaring daggers at Nanami.
Nanami cleared his throat, voice steady, effortlessly commanding the room. “Thank you all for coming to our housewarming party,” he began, his tone formal but with a warmth that felt uncharacteristic. His hand rested securely on her waist. “For those of you who don’t know, this is Y/N L/N. She’s my wife. She’s the one who bought us this house.”
A ripple of polite claps followed, though Nanami wasn’t finished.
“She hasn’t visited my office because she’s been working tirelessly on her company, Curse Cop, which, as of today, has officially reached a billion-dollar valuation.” He paused, his voice softening as he glanced at her, unguarded admiration flickering across his face. “Please, drink to your heart’s content, because starting tomorrow, I’ll be on vacation with her—and I’ll also be stepping down as Finance Director to spend more time with my wife, as I promised her.”
The room erupted in applause and a few ‘awws’ from mostly female guests, though Nanami barely noticed. His focus remained on her as she looked up at him, her expression a blend of amusement and affection.
From somewhere behind them, he heard whispers, envy poorly concealed.
“How’d he even get with her?” one muttered.
“It makes sense,” another replied begrudgingly. “He’s the kind of man every woman wants.”
But none of it mattered. Nanami leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her lips, as if the room around them didn’t exist.
For him, in that moment, it didn’t.
Soon the evening had progressed—Nanami was comfortably leaning against the bar, whisky in hand, Gojo, still on top of the bar, flanking him as usual, when the intern caught sight of Y/N between them.
She stumbled her way toward her, clearly drunk, with newfound boldness, her barely-there dress doing little to enhance her sense of professionalism. Nanami’s lips twitched as he watched the scene unfold, hiding his amusement behind his glass. He wasn’t much for unnecessary public fights, but he was waiting for this one since she had really become a nuisance for him over the months, hence the reason she was invited today.
“Y/N,” Gojo whispered, sidling closer to her as she inquired about the launch of their latest multiplayer game with the COO of her company. “See that girl over there?”
Pausing, she glanced over, her brow arching slightly as she clocked the intern making a beeline toward her.
“That one’s been after Kento for months,” Gojo murmured, his grin wicked. “Unrequited coffee deliveries, surprise lunches... the works. You’re about to have front-row seats to her grand finale.” He had noticed it all while visiting Nanami’s office, along with Nanami’s look of frustration when she wouldn’t take the hint and leave him alone.
Y/N didn’t miss a beat, her expression remaining poised as she turned fully to face the intern. The air around her seemed to shift, her unapproachable aura sharpening to something razor-edged.
The intern, blissfully unaware, extended a hand, her confidence teetering on arrogance. “Hi! I’m Nat. I work closely with Nanami-san in finance. It’s so great to finally meet you.”
Y/N’s gaze flicked briefly to the outstretched hand before returning to the intern’s face, her expression neutral but distinctly unimpressed. “Oh?” she said coolly. “And what are you to him?”
The intern faltered, her hand dropping slightly. “I... like I said, I work with Nanami-san! He’s been so helpful to me in the office. Such a great mentor.”
Turning his head from his vantage point, Nanami’s smirk widened as he took another slow sip of whisky. He had actively avoided helping her since he discovered her hidden agenda.
“Is that so?” Y/N replied, tilting her head slightly. “And what exactly have you learned from him?”
The intern brightened, eager to elaborate. “Oh, just... everything, really! He’s so dedicated and focused. I can see why you married him.”
There was a pause—a beat of silence that stretched just long enough to become uncomfortable. Then Y/N smiled, and it wasn’t kind.
“I see,” she said, her tone dripping with polite venom. “And yet, here you are, at a party in our house, introducing yourself to me like you’re a stranger. How odd for someone who claims to work so ‘closely’ with my husband.”
The intern’s expression wavered, a flicker of panic breaking through her confident facade. “Oh, I didn’t mean—”
“Didn’t mean what?” Y/N interrupted smoothly, her smile widening. “To sound presumptuous? To overstep? Or to assume familiarity where there is none?”
Gojo, now openly laughing, gestured to Nanami, “Remind me never to piss your wife off.”
The intern stammered something unintelligible before finally scoffing & retreating, her confidence crumbling as she melted back into the crowd.
Y/N turned back to the COO, now flanked by CTO and CFO without so much as a backward glance as they dragged her off to introduce a potential investor, the conversation resuming as if nothing had happened.
Turning straight, Nanami finally let his smirk show, raising his glass toward Y/N in a silent toast.
She caught his eye, the faintest curve of her lips betraying her amusement, before she returned her attention to her companions.
“Worth every penny,” Gojo muttered under his breath, clinking his glass against Nanami’s.
“Agreed,” Nanami replied, his tone calm but his eyes glinting with mirth.
A/N: You thought Kento would cheat huh ☜(ˆ▿ˆc) Thanks for diving into this tangled mess of lust & love. If you caught the twist & liked it (or even hated it), drop a comment. I live for your chaos & crave your feedback like Nanami craves his wife. đŸ–€
Masterlist
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ghosted-jazz · 2 months ago
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It's Star Wars day! Finally an excuse to post my OC mandalorian AU
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