MALIWN0-13

This is an indie sideblog for Katagawa Jr. from Borderlands 3. Mun and Muse are 21+ Please read Rules before interacting

[homewanker]

@katagawhatthefuck sent: ❛ are you bleeding? ❜ (so you have SIX now) ► from this meme.

Homelander's fingers come up, brushing against his right nostril, and when he pulls back and sees something shiny against his usually pristine gloves, his lips part in an "oh".

The Vault Hunters that had come to cause trouble at Maliwan had been a handful, that's for certain, but in the end they hadn't really amounted to anything. After destroying the gunner's mech, tearing the beastmaster apart, and lasering the operative's legs off, the only one that really posed a thread was the Siren with her glowing tattoos...

But even then, she'd been so busy trying to recollect her teammates and flee that it hadn't mattered at all.

That is, until he considers the blood she'd managed to draw after punching him in the face with her weird, glowing fist things.

"...hm." Katagawa's remarks may have come from a place of concern, but Homelander thinks less of that and more of the fact someone had hurt him. "That woman with the glowing tattoos-- the, uh, Siren, you called her? What did you say her name was?"

[katagawhatthefuck]

"Amara, I believe," Katagawa answers as he pulls his hankerchief out of his breast pocket as he approaches the Supe. He holds it up in question instead of just wiping the blood from Homelander's face. "Do you mind?"

After he receives the answer, he proceeds and curiously asks, "Have you never met one before? I know they're rare, but it almost seems fitting that you'd have crossed paths with one at some point.

"Sirens are unique. There can only be seven in existence at a time, each possessing a different power. Though, the way to identify one is the tattoos on their arms. They're... well, I suppose they're the supes of the Borderlands."

The concern in his eyes twinkle more as he meets Homelander's gaze once more. If only he had the time to have gone and suit up. Maybe he wouldn't have been hurt.

"Are you okay?"

[nightprompts]

&. 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

(  an  assortment  of  smut  /  nsfw  implied  dialogue  prompts  with  not  so  explicit  language.  feel  free  to  change  how  you  seem  fit.  )

❛ i’ve been thinking about you all day. ❜

❛ you can kiss me, you know. ❜

❛ how badly do you want me? ❜

❛ i can’t get enough of you. ❜

❛ i’ve never done something like this before. ❜

❛ i like being close to you. you’re warm. ❜

❛ you look good like this. ❜

❛ you look like you were jealous. ❜

❛ i’m not jealous. ❜

❛ shh. there’s people in the other room. ❜

❛ say you want me, and i’m yours. ❜ 

❛ i won’t bite. unless you’re into that sort of thing. ❜

❛ i’m not wearing any underwear. thought you’d like to know. ❜

❛ would you like to go somewhere a little more private? ❜

❛ i’ll take care of you. ❜

❛ there’s so many things i wanna do to you. ❜

❛ take off your clothes. ❜

❛ i’m going to ruin you. ❜

❛ show me how much you missed me. ❜

❛ is this okay? ❜

❛ you know you love me. ❜

❛ i want you to feel good. ❜

❛ i want this. ❜

❛ come back to bed. ❜

❛ you’re such a tease. ❜

❛ want me to model these for you? ❜

❛ we have to make this quick. ❜

❛ what are you looking at? ❜

❛ it’s hot when you talk back. ❜

❛ you don’t have to be gentle. i won’t break. ❜

❛ don’t you know what you’re doing to me? ❜

❛ i really want to kiss you right now. ❜

❛ it’s okay, you can touch me. ❜

❛ this is a one time thing. ❜

❛ you know where to find me. ❜

❛ did i say you could stop? ❜

❛ you’re soaked. let me grab you a towel. ❜

❛ i want to see you. ❜

❛ are you wearing my shirt? ❜

❛ no ones here. we can be as loud as we want. ❜

❛ you look good with my hands around your throat. ❜

❛ i’ll be good, i promise. ❜

❛ you’re really good at that. ❜

❛ shut up and kiss me already. ❜

❛ you better watch your fucking mouth. ❜

❛ don’t mind me. just enjoying the view. ❜

❛ tell me what you want. ❜

❛ you can be rough. i can take it. ❜

❛ and where do you think you’re going? ❜

❛ if you called just to get off on my voice, i’m hanging up. ❜

❛ i shouldn’t allow myself to get this close to you. ❜

❛ what if i hurt you? ❜

❛ you won’t hurt me. ❜

[homewanker]

Oh, this one is an ass-kisser. A few more sentences from him and Homelander recognises that, undoubtedly, Katagawa reeks of people pleasing from head to toe.

Still... it's nice to hear words like "if you're happy, so am I" or "to yours or the Seven's liking". It's fucking refreshing to hear that it isn't the god damn corporate shills on 82 that matter, but the heroes that live on 99. And maybe it isn't coming from someone within Vought, but the specificity matters-- and it makes Homelander smile in a way that isn't reminiscent of pulling teeth.

"Me, huh?" he says, turning on his heel and walking towards the desk in the office. He sits dutifully on the seat meant for guests, his cape set aside to prevent any wrinkling, and then gestures for Katagawa to sit in his own seat.

The good impression makes his terribly green work ethic forgiveable, at least.

"I can't say the contract made me particularly unhappy," Homelander says, crossing one leg over the other and folding his hands atop his lap. "But that doesn't make what you said any less interesting.

"This 'keeping us happy' clause is, by nature, very vague. How do you think Maliwan can accomplish that?"

[katagawhatthefuck]

Katagawa sits in the chair Homelander gestures to for him. With leg crossed over his knee and hands folded in his lap, his head tilts to the side as he listens intently to the Supe before him.

"Simply put? Whatever it takes. Though, I'm sure you'd like an actual answer, wouldn't you?" His tone is less of the used-car salesman now and more sincere in nature. "Homelander, how familiar are you with how things work in the Borderlands?

"Now, I'm well-aware that sounds condescending, and I mean it in the furthest way. However, the way things run out here are, from my understanding, far, far different. For example, I'm aware being put into military opperations is something that you've been interested in for quite some time. On Earth, there's politics and red tape galore. Here?"

A genuine smile pulls onto his lips as he begins to rise from his seat and leans over the table with his hands holding him firm.

"We are the governments. We are the red tape. One of the strongest military presences, the Crimson Lance, was owned by the previous iteration of the Atlas company."

Katagawa stands straight to move to the side of the desk where Homelander sits, leaning against the edge of it.

"I'm aware your faith in Maliwan may be shaken by the sudden death of my brother. Now you've got someone new and relatively inexperienced. I get it! It's not a good situation for someone in your shoes to be in!

"But I know I'll be the best asset for you. If there's anything I'm unable to provide for you, I swear to you that I'll obtain it for you by whatever means necessary."

[katagawhatthefuck]

@homewanker

"Oh, well, you are just a wonder to behold, aren't you!?" Katagawa Jr. eagerly compliments as he rises from his seat to meet the legendary Homelander as he enters the room.

Maliwan, albeit thriving in the weapons market, had been interested in beginning its own hero sector, but also knew it was likely best to align with Vought in the meantime. After all, everyone thinks these heroes do what they do for the common folk.

Nothing is more profitable than false hope.

"Sorry, got a bit excited. My name's Katagawa Jr. I'm the new head of Maliwan. You may have met my eldest sibling, though, sadly they recently met a rather tragic fate." Fight the smile, Katagawa. "So, any dealings Vought has with Maliwan, I will have a direct hand in."

He holds out his hand for a shake.

"Might I say, Homelander, sir, it is an honor to meet you."

[homewanker]

There's something to be said about anyone so eager to praise him. Homelander considers ass-kissing-- and there's something about this man's squirrelly, energetic demeanour that practically screams it-- but then again, when has ass-kissing ever been a bad thing? He could say that worms who rely on flattery are hardly worth his respect, but mud people like this Katagawa fellow tend not to be worth anything to begin with.

At least he's generous with his words, though. That's pleasant in the same way candy to a kid would be-- sweet and ultimately temporary, but fun all the same.

So a gloved hand meets Katagawa's offered one. Homelander's grip is firm and all-American-- the kind of thing he imagines they must've lost out here in the Borderlands, with the way they seceded from Earth-- but his grin is as stunning as any galaxy's sun.

"The honour's all mine," he says, letting go once the right time has passed. "And the Seven are so excited for this collaboration, believe me.

"More importantly, though, I'm sorry to hear about your brother" -- the solemn tone sits nicely on his tongue -- "and you have my condolences. I just hope it's not bad taste to clarify: the contract he signed with Mr. Edgar isn't changing under your direction, is it?"

[katagawhatthefuck]

Not as sorry as he is, the voice in his head taunts the spirit of his late siblings. It caused the tiniest uptick of the corner of his lips, and to almost anyone, it’s impossible to notice. Still, he’s quick to somber up and smile with faux sadness as he meets Homelander’s gaze once more.

“You’re awfully kind, Homelander. It’s greatly appreciated.”

He folds his hands in front of himself and intently observes the superhero as he speaks. “Oh, it absolutely will remain as it was for the foreseeable future. You needn’t worry about any renegotiations for the time being. If you’re happy, so am I.

“That being said, should you find any aspects of the contract not to yours or the Seven’s liking, I’d be more than willing to find new terms.”

The Corporate Smile he’s perfected pulls up to his lips, but it’s not used as an attempt to deceive the man before him. No, it’s meant for those dimwits who couldn’t just listen to him so things would have gone more seamlessly for them.

“As intelligent and capable as my eldest brother was, he missed the big picture. It’s not the big wigs here we need to keep happy- it’s you.”

[katagawhatthefuck]

@homewanker

"Oh, well, you are just a wonder to behold, aren't you!?" Katagawa Jr. eagerly compliments as he rises from his seat to meet the legendary Homelander as he enters the room.

Maliwan, albeit thriving in the weapons market, had been interested in beginning its own hero sector, but also knew it was likely best to align with Vought in the meantime. After all, everyone thinks these heroes do what they do for the common folk.

Nothing is more profitable than false hope.

"Sorry, got a bit excited. My name's Katagawa Jr. I'm the new head of Maliwan. You may have met my eldest sibling, though, sadly they recently met a rather tragic fate." Fight the smile, Katagawa. "So, any dealings Vought has with Maliwan, I will have a direct hand in."

He holds out his hand for a shake.

"Might I say, Homelander, sir, it is an honor to meet you."

[strongfuck]

"Yeah," Rhys confirms, leading Katagawa to their apartment building.

"Listening's part of it."

Once he's past the threshold, Rhys sends an immediate message to Loaderbot and Gortys respectively, letting them know he's home but off to complete a few errands (i.e. take Katagawa to his new place). Passing by the landlady's room to get the keys is a quick and painless ordeal; going to the lift is simple, too.

Rhys puts the key to Katagawa's place in his palm. Notably, he keeps the spare for himself.

"When we get to the unit, I want you unlocking and opening it. It'll log your biometrics as the first-time user since reset.

"We'll be on the same floor, just different rooms. Before you start wondering."

[katagawhatthefuck]

Katagawa is silent as he follows closely to Rhys. It's strange following someone the way he does Rhys, but then there's also never been someone he's so infatuated in as he is with the CEO. He trusts Rhys wholeheartedly, and it's easy enough for him to do.

Moments like these only prove his initial reaction right- Rhys is someone he'd do anything to be with.

"What? Do you not want to be able to just waltz in on a whim?" Katagawa jests as he goes to open the door, careful as the biometrics are read before going into his new home.

[strongfuck]

If you teach me, Katagawa says, soft and quiet like there's no-one else for him to rely on. It strikes something in him-- that unfortunate little nerve that thrives whenever Rhys gets to play the most important part in anyone's story-- and with a soft intake of breath, he nods once.

Part of him should be concerned that Katagawa is so incapable of just existing as a person. That something as simple as mealtimes needs to be taught. But the thought of being depended on to that degree makes Rhys feel... good, actually. Especially because Katagawa was an enemy only a few hours prior.

He doesn't stop to think about what this says about him.

"All right," Rhys says instead, turning to face his fiance with a brief smile. "As long as you promise to listen."

[katagawhatthefuck]

It's as if the lump in his throat blocking his airways has finally dwindled and he can breathe again as Rhys agrees to taking the time to teach him.

"I do. I promise. I'll listen. Listening means I'm being good, right?" he eagerly yet nervously responds.

His eyes are wide as he looks at his fiance, awaiting his answer. He wants to be good for Rhys. Rhys took him in and is even marrying him. He deserves Katagawa's undying devotion.

[strongfuck]

"It... could be, if you had proteins and stuff with that."

Am I living with a twelve year old?

"You know, some meat, vegetables... that kind of thing."

Taking Katagawa with him to the register, Rhys lays their purchases out, paying for them in the same way he did the ring. They're put into a paper bag, Rhys carries that bag in his arm, and then he's walking out in the night air with Katagawa in tow.

"I'm gonna have to make sure you get fed properly," Rhys says, sighing, "aren't I?"

[katagawhatthefuck]

"I-" Katagawa begins to counter, knowing he needs to be proving his worth in these early stages of this transaction. Though, he just as quickly realizes that perhaps he doesn't have all that much to offer outside of his business wit and prowess.

"If... If you teach me, I can learn."

His voice is small and rather pathetic and had anyone else heard him he'd be humiliated.

[strongfuck]

"In terms of being edible? Sure. But dinner?"

Rhys looks around, frowning some, and then nabs a pack of omelette rice-- not fancy or anything, but at least the carbs aren't entirely processed.

"You gotta eat better than that," he says, adding the new pack to Katagawa's arms. "Snacks are fine, but they aren't meals.

"What'd they even give you back at Maliwan?"

[katagawhatthefuck]

Katagawa paused momentarily as he contemplated the question. Truthfully, he didn't often eat. Most of his time was spent on whatever hyperfixation he was working on- usually the Zer0 Tech once he had begun figuring it out- that he usually forgot to eat.

Granted, there was one thing he enjoyed enough to ensure it was in his favorite place.

"I ate quite a bit of nachos," he finally responds as he meets Rhys's gaze once more. "Is that what you'd consider a meal, then?"

[strongfuck]

"You..." Rhys' brows furrow. "What?"

He touches the pack with the tips of his index and middle, pressing down enough to get a good look at its contents.

"This-- heh-- this isn't dinner, pal."

[katagawhatthefuck]

Katagawa's brow furrows as he looks down at the pack in his hand before curiously looking up at Rhys.

"Why not? It's food, isn't it?

[strongfuck]

It's back to the train with them as they move from the shopping district to the more residential areas. They get off at the right stop-- "The store's close to our building," Rhys had explained-- and then Rhys has Katagawa in tow as he leads him exactly where he said he would, letting go only to pick up a basket.

He's spoken to enough of the other CEOs to know where their dining habits lie: personal chefs, an entire kitchen staff in their huge mansions, regular delivery orders from the finest establishments. And, sure, in a way he understands the temptation of luxury, but something about it doesn't agree with him. Rhys will take the power and the money his position allows him (and the reassurance that he can do whatever the hell he wants and nobody can say anything), but something in his brain is wired to make it impossible for him to be excessively lavish about anything.

What can a professional chef do that takes away from the absolute joy of a packaged rice meal, anyway? Rhys doesn't know, and he doesn't bother thinking about it as he slides his meal into the basket on his arm. Maybe he'll get a bottle of juice, too.

"Have you figured out what you want to eat?"

[katagawhatthefuck]

As much as he's enjoyed his life of luxury, he can't help but be rather curious as to what the contents of the convenience store were. There was a machine he's never quite seen that has what appears to be a blue, semi-frozen liquid in it rotating. There were identical machines that had the same thing but with red and brown liquid as well.

He's barely moved on from the fridges filled with seemingly every drink he's ever heard and then some as he hears Rhys speak up once more.

"Oh," he softly lets out as he looks between the other man and the rest of the store. He's somewhat quick to grab a package in the nearby case with soups to heat up and cold sandwiches, not realizing that a snack pack comprised of cheese, salami, and crackers does not constitute a proper meal.

"I'll have this."

[strongfuck]

Putting his card back into his wallet, Rhys says, "I'll hold you to that."

Then, with thanks to the woman behind the counter, he turns to leave, holding his hand out behind him once again for Katagawa to take. They're out in the cold soon after, and Rhys shivers slightly at the brush of air to the back of his neck.

A glance at his watch has him furrowing his brows. "We can buy you some new clothes tomorrow, I think. It's getting late.

"You can borrow some of my stuff first." He turns, giving Katagawa a brief once over as his ECHO-Eye glows and scans his measurements. "I've got some loose shirts and pants back home... they'll fit you okay even with the height difference.

"We can grab dinner at one of the convenience stores on the way."

[katagawhatthefuck]

It's impossible not to be so intrigued by how Rhys handles things. Had Rhys been someone at Maliwan, there'd be no such courtesies. Either you make do with what you have or figure out how to get what you need. There's never such kindness as simply being offered extra clothes or having food bought for a new asset.

But it's that inherent kindness that made Katagawa fall for the CEO in the first place.

"Thank you."

It's likely the first time Katagawa's ever said those words, let alone of his own accord, but he means them sincerely as he walks closely next to Rhys, clinging to his hand with excitement.

As disappointed as he may be that they won't be living together, he's not too naive to know that all of this is far more than he's expected.

And going to a convenience store is a novelty he's yet to experience, too. It's fitting that he shares this moment with his Rhys.

[strongfuck]

"Then we're eloping," Rhys says, tone light as if he isn't talking about his future. Then again, since rising to prominence as CEO, he probably should have accepted he'd be giving up the notions of marrying for anything other than power.

"Look, it's just-- customs, you know." He pulls his wallet out, offering his card to pay for the ring. "Traditions. Stuff that you're supposed to do so people don't think you're an asshole."

Considering it, he decides to say, "If you're gonna be my husband, you'll have to remember that.

"This stuff matters to me. We want to fit in to keep good relationships with the other corporations, 'cause as fun as rivalry is, cooperation keeps this galaxy together too. It has since we pushed the Earth government out of the Borderlands a century ago."

Getting the ring back, and saying he'd like to have his fiance wear it, Rhys takes Katagawa's hand again and deftly slides it onto his finger.

"You and I are gonna rule Promethea and its neighbouring territories, Katagawa." Meeting the other man's gaze, Rhys' expression is serious. "And I don't want wars to start in our backyard because we couldn't bother being polite for one conversation. Understand?"

[katagawhatthefuck]

Katagawa's eyes immediately go to his hand as Rhys moves the ring onto his finger once more. There's something comforting about knowing that Rhys is planning on a life with him by his side, regardless of whether his father has any objections to their union.

"Even if someone tries to bring a war here, they won't get far. I can show you some of the advancements I'd been working on for the death spheres and such.

"Technically, it never left my cybernetics so you own it now, regardless, but I have it coded should someone have extracted it from me unwillingly. I'll need to decrypt it for you."

He's careful not to mention that these enhancements were being worked on for the sake of the war he was ready to bring here, seeing as how he's certain Rhys wouldn't appreciate the irony of the situation.

"I'll be good, though. I promise, I'll be good."

[strongfuck]

Rhys' brows lift, surprise gripping him for just a moment, until with a soft huff of a laugh he rubs lightly at the side of his neck.

"I'll consider it if you pay for it," he says. Easy out, easy out. "I'm pretty sure tradition is to buy your fiance an engagement ring, Katagawa.

"Besides, if you're talking about cover stories, I was gonna announce our engagement as soon as we get the green light from your dad, anyway."

Because sure, from a PR standpoint a surprise wedding would make significant buzz, but the business opportunities as soon as ties between Atlas and Maliwan crop up? Rhys wouldn't miss it for the world.

There's probably something here about how he's taking advantage of a poor guy's bizarre customs. Still, no-one's ever accused Rhys' hands of being pristine.

"Come on," he says, holding his hand out again. "Let's get that paid for."

[katagawhatthefuck]

A self-assured grin settles upon Katagawa's lips as Rhys gives him the contingency. It's simple enough, really. Buying it himself for Rhys is by no means an issue. He just needs to wait until he has enough to buy it.

And he will buy the most exquisite ring for Rhys. One that won't be too out-shown by the Atlas CEO's inherent enchantment (because one that matches it simply does not exist).

Though, he keeps that to himself as he nods and moves with Rhys and the cashier he's silently added to his "Potential Kill List" for all of the smiling at his Rhys.

Reluctantly, he removes the ring from his finger so the transaction can continue on.

"While I'm certain my father could not care one way or another what happens with us as I'm no longer his... what if he does have any objections to us wedding?"

[strongfuck]

He cares about your opinion too much, says a little voice in his head.

This feels pretty good, though, says a louder one.

Rhys ignores them both, looking down at Katagawa's still outstretched hand, and rubs his chin in faux thought.

"I think..." And then he meets Katagawa's gaze with a smile. "It's very pretty on you."

Logically, it's a nice ring. It's sparkly without looking too gaudy, and it doesn't have a huge diamond on it that could take a man's eye out. Logically, because it's a nice ring, it would look nice on Katagawa's equally nice hands (they're smooth as hell-- has the guy actually worked a day in his life?).

But there's a strange, mildly awful part of him that quite likes the mark of Katagawa being his in a marriageable way. It's a less literal definition than Katagawa actually being his property, but Rhys tries not to dwell on how hypocritical this makes him nevertheless.

"We can get this one then, if you want it. Sound good?"

[katagawhatthefuck]

It's happening. It's happening. It's happening. It's happening. It's happening. It's-

"Well, as long as you like it, I certainly think we should get it," Katagawa Jr. begins. His normal, almost suave voice comes back as he adds with a pseudo-slickness, "In fact, if you wanted your name engraved in it or something, it would be lovely, as well."

His demeanor stays in such a way, finding it much easier to put on his normal facade than face the feelings bubbling in his gut at this moment.

"Maybe we should find a ring for you. The magazines will eat that up. They love love stories almost as much as they love war stories. It'll get you, and, in turn, Atlas, cover stories for the time leading up to the wedding. Easy press without doing more than walking outside with a ring on your finger and the right people noticing.

"Thoughts?"

And then every single imbecile who thinks they have a shot with you will know you've already got someone.

[strongfuck]

"Wow," Rhys starts, unable to help the teasing, "this is the first time I've ever seen you speechless.

"I didn't think you had a shy side, Katagawa."

Still, he does push the ring on, deciding not to be entirely cruel. It slips onto Katagawa's finger easily-- Rhys' ECHO-Eye had allowed him a quick evaluation of size and fit just by glancing-- and reaches the end, tucked snugly at the base of his finger.

Rhys lets his hand go then, gaze lifting to meet the other man's.

"So? What do you think?"

[katagawhatthefuck]

Katagawa's even more flabbergasted as Rhys teases him, in some part because he's not used to anyone having such a lax demeanor around him, but mostly because he was right.

When has he, Katagawa Jr., twelfth in line for the head role at Maliwan, ever been without words.

He's grateful that his fiance gave him an out, though, as he looks towards the way the ring looks on his hand. He wants to go back to his normalcy, where he's overly confident and nothing can hurt him, and yet, he can't bring himself to it, not with this.

"It's exquisite, Rhys. Do you... Do you like it on me?"

[strongfuck]

"Cool," Rhys says, turning to call for Melanie's help to get the ring out. With no issue, she takes it from its case, then sets it in Rhys' palm for him to pick up between cybernetic fingers.

Turning to face Katagawa, he raises a brow and asks, "May I?"

The way he takes his left hand, palm down to show off Katagawa's fingers, probably makes it clear what Rhys is implying.

[katagawhatthefuck]

There's an influx of feelings that spike throughout Katagawa's existence as he looks at the way his hand is held by Rhys; bashfulness, excitement, anxiousness, and so much more.

"I, uh, ye-yes, absolutely."

It wasn't too long ago that Katagawa curled up against his pillow of Rhys and talked about their life together. It's strange in the best ways possible that some of those things are actually happening with the real Rhys.