DEAD GIRL’S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
BONUS — sugar baby bunny
chapter summary: how Maya's first day on the job would have gone if she had been nosy or, Izana and his sugar baby bunny
chapter warnings: dark content 18+, inaccurate depictions of psychiatric hospitals and medical treatment/conditions, canon typical violence, gang activity, dehumanization, drug addiction(c*caine), drug addiction recovery, drug withdrawals, withdrawal symptoms, abuse of power, murder, non-graphic torture, blood and gore, panic attack, blackmail, alcohol, slight sugar baby-sugar daddy dynamic, suggestive themes, possessiveness, gold digger!oc, guns, vomiting, threats, very fast-paced, making out, kissing, implied smut, suggestive themes, slight bondage, implied virginity loss, collaring(?), open ending, not edited
word count: 20 493
series masterlist
Izana stares up and down at his new doctor in charge of the night shift. She's young. Wearing blue scrubs and a white doctor's coat on top and sneakers on her feet. Her long curly black hair is clipped behind her head with a black claw clip. She's got pale skin, delicate features and light freckles and is looking at him with these big blue eyes. How cute. Honestly speaking he was expecting another old lady. "Kaneko... Maya..." He reads off her ID badge clipped onto the breast pocket of her white coat
She's holding a tray of food which is dinner, a few shorter stray curly strands falling in front of her eyes. Cute. "Yes... That's me" She says with a soft smile and places the tray of food in front of him "I'm the new psychiatrist in charge of the night shift"
Izana watches her every move and then smiles at her. "Nice to meet you, Doctor Kaneko, I'm Kurokawa Izana" He scans her up and down again "You're quite... young... how old are you?"
"22" she answers without hesitation
Oh. She was young. "Just out of college, I'm assuming doctor"
Maya nods. She's cute. Izana can't help but think she reminds him of a little bunny. Izana leans forward, his gaze lingering on Maya as he studies her intently. "So, Maya," he says, his voice smooth and curious, "what brings a young, bright thing like you to a place like this?"
Maya's eyes widen in surprise at the question, caught off guard by Izana's sudden interest in her. She fidgets with the edge of her coat, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Oh, um, well," she stammers, unsure of how much to reveal, "student loans... and no one wants to hire a fresh graduate"
Izana can't help but notice the nervousness in Maya's demeanour, her vulnerability only adding to her charm in his eyes. He leans back in his chair, a playful glint dancing in his gaze as he listens to her response. "Ah, the ol' student loans trap," he remarks with a mock sympathetic smile that she catches easily "I've heard that story one too many times."
Most of the sugar babies Ran, Rindo and the other guys had were with them for that exact reason. Student loans. Maya sure seemed like sugar baby material. She was cute and young. Seemed pretty sweet and the clingy type as well. "At least there is no interest" Maya says with a little laugh, clearly trying to appear more welcoming
But Maya didn't need to seem welcoming. Her pretty face was enough for Izana to feel captivated. Izana chuckles softly at Maya's attempt to lighten the mood, her laughter ringing like music to his ears. He watches her closely, his gaze lingering on her delicate features, the way her eyes sparkle with warmth and kindness. "You have a point there, Doctor," he replies, his tone smooth and velvety, "but sometimes, the cost of those loans can be much higher than we anticipate."
Maya's smile falters slightly at his words, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. She senses something beneath Izana's charming facade, something dark and dangerous, but she pushes the thought aside, unwilling to dwell on it. "Oh well. At least I'm not unemployed" She says
It's cute. She's so cute. Fucking adorable.
Maya leaves not too long later as she needs to collect the trays from the other patients and is called by the hospital director for something. Izana watches her go with a predatory gleam in his eyes. He can't deny the allure of her innocence, the way she carries herself with such naivety. But beneath that veneer of sweetness lies a vulnerability that Izana finds all too enticing. He pictures her as a bunny, a creature of soft fur and wide, innocent eyes, navigating the treacherous terrain of the psychiatric hospital with a naivety that both intrigues and enraptures him. As Izana sits alone in the suffocating silence of the room, shadows swallowing the corners, his fixation on Maya grows into something more sinister. She exists in his mind like a fragile doll, her innocence a tempting facade that belies the darkness lurking beneath. It was funny. He's meeting her for the first time today and he already can't get enough. "shit" he says, laughing a little to himself like he was a schizophrenic
As Izana reflects on his current situation, memories of Mikey's stern words echo in his mind. Mikey, his little brother, had always been the voice of reason, the one who urged Izana to confront his demons head-on. And Kakucho, their trusted ally, had echoed Mikey's sentiments, pushing Izana to seek treatment for his addiction. It had been a bitter pill to swallow, the realization that even someone as powerful as Izana was not immune to the clutches of addiction. But Mikey had been adamant: addictions were a weakness, a stain on their family's honour that could not be tolerated.
So here he was, confined within the walls of Sunshine Grove, stripped of his power and reduced to nothing more than a patient in need of treatment. It was a humbling experience, one that forced Izana to confront the demons that had long haunted him. It had been a total of a month since he was admitted here. It hadn't been bad... It was just the fucking medication that was the problem. He stares down his left arm with the iv in it. Apparently whatever medication was being given to him was essential to his recovery but he really fuckin' hated it. He felt like actual shit. Tired all the time, sleepy as shit. He hated it.
Oh well. At least now he had a pretty doctor to look at. He can't help but smirk at the thought of Maya, her presence a welcome respite from the sterile walls and clinical atmosphere of the hospital. Despite his initial reservations, there's something about her that intrigues him, something that stirs within him a sense of forbidden desire. As Izana waits for Maya to enter the room, he finds himself lost in thoughts of her, his mind conjuring images of her delicate features and gentle demeanour. It's a dangerous game he's playing, allowing himself to be drawn to someone like her. But it's fine. he figures. Sooner or later, Maya comes back for his tray, holding an IV bag in one hand. A replacement for the empty one he's connected to. As she's setting it up it looks like Maya wants to ask him something. "you look like you want to say something" Izana says
Maya pauses in her task, her brows furrowing slightly as if she's debating whether or not to voice her thoughts. Izana watches her closely, the smirk still lingering on his lips as he anticipates her response. Finally, Maya sighs softly, her gaze meeting Izana's with a mixture of uncertainty and determination. "I couldn't help but notice," she begins hesitantly, her voice soft but steady "Your file that they gave had a lot of things blocked off... Is there a reason for it?"
Izana cocks his head. "things like what?"
Maya hesitates, her lips parting as if she's unsure how much to reveal. "Well," she begins cautiously, her gaze drifting to the floor before returning to meet Izana's, "it's just... your medical history, for one. It's heavily redacted, and there are some notes about your background that seem... unusual. And also for the thing you're here for"
Izana's eyebrows raised in mock surprise, though inwardly he was amused by Maya's curiosity. "You don't know what I'm here for? But you're my psychiatrist"
Maya flushes slightly at the implication, her cheeks tinted with a faint blush as she shifts uncomfortably in her seat. "Well, yes," she admits reluctantly, "but... they haven't exactly been forthcoming with the details. It's... unusual, to say the least."
Izana's smile widens at Maya's response, a sense of satisfaction coursing through him. It's clear that Maya is out of her depth, her curiosity piqued by the mystery surrounding his presence in the psychiatric hospital. But as he watches her squirm under his gaze, Izana can't help but feel a pang of guilt tugging at his conscience. Maya may be just a pawn in his game, but she's also a human being with her own fears and vulnerabilities. Pushing aside his misgivings, Izana leans back in his chair, his smile morphing into a more reassuring expression. She won't judge him. She's probably encountered many people like himself here who were probably in worse condition. "cocaine addiction" he tells her
Maya's nerves are palpable, her hands trembling as she struggles to maintain her composure in the face of Izana's questioning gaze. She swallows hard, her throat dry as she searches for the right words to say. "So... You're not a convicted criminal?" she asks tentatively, her voice barely above a whisper.
Izana's eyes narrow slightly at her question, a flicker of irritation crossing his features. He may not be a convicted criminal, but that doesn't mean he's innocent. Still, there's no need for Maya to know that. "No, and why does that relate to this?" he responds, his voice firm and commanding.
Maya's stomach churns at his response, her mind racing with a thousand different thoughts. She knows she's treading on dangerous ground, but she can't help but feel a sense of obligation to uncover the truth. "The second floor is where patients admitted for addiction stay," she explains, her voice trembling slightly, "you're on the fourth floor, where the convicted criminals who claimed insanity are housed."
The realization hits Izana like a ton of bricks, his anger simmering just beneath the surface as Maya's words sink in. He clenches his jaw, his fists tightening at his sides as he struggles to maintain his composure. "Oh," he mutters through gritted teeth, his gaze fixed on Maya's trembling form.
She looks like she might be sick, and Izana's frustration only grows at the sight. Without a word, Maya reaches into her pocket and retrieves a piece of gauze, her hands shaking as she gently places it over the insertion site of Izana's IV. He watches her silently, his eyes boring into hers with an intensity that sends a shiver down her spine. As Maya begins to remove the IV, applying pressure to the wound as she withdraws the catheter, Izana remains silent, his mind swirling with a mixture of anger and disbelief. This wasn't supposed to happen. He was here for addiction. Not because he got caught. So why was he on the third floor? "Keep pressure on it for a few minutes," Maya mumbles as she finishes dressing the wound, her voice barely above a whisper.
Izana nods curtly, his eyes never leaving Maya's retreating form as she gathers her things and prepares to leave the room. But before she can make her escape, Izana's voice cuts through the silence like a knife. "Doctor... If this is what I think it is..." he begins slowly, his words hanging in the air like a threat.
But Maya shakes her head, her eyes wide with fear as she hurries out of the room, leaving Izana alone with his thoughts. He stares at the closed door for a moment, his mind racing with possibilities, before reaching for his flip phone and dialling Kisaki's number.
As the line rings, Izana can't help but feel himself get angry.
Someone had to pay.
How Maya ended up back in Izana's room after that was beyond her. She's pressed into the side of an older man with slicked-back purple hair and black highlights. He forces her to keep looking ahead as the hospital director and the nurse in charge of this floor are tortured. Maya isn't able to speak or even move. The man holding her isn't doing so in a painful way nor is he being mean. Rather he's being an odd mixture of condescending and sweet. "I'm Haitani Ran by the way" He says as if they met at some coffee shop "I'm Izana's childhood friend. We met in juvie"
Fucking figures.
Maya's blood runs cold at the revelation, her mind racing with the implications of what she's just heard. She swears she's heard his name from Chifuyu before whenever he talked to Kazutora about the recent news of the Tokyo Manji Gang. Had Maya really gotten herself caught up with Japan's most ruthless gang?
No way. No fucking way.
In front of her by the bed, Izana is putting on a new set of clothes, changing out of the hospital uniform like nothing is happening. Ran chuckles as he watches Izana change, his gaze briefly darting towards Maya before returning to his friend. "You know," he says, his tone light but with a hint of mischief, "your little doctor is quite adorable. Think we could keep her around?"
Izana lets out a hearty laugh, a grin spreading across his face as he meets Ran's gaze. "You're kidding, right?" he replies, his amusement evident in his voice but then he hums and looks at Maya up and down as if contemplating something "Well she is pretty..."
Maya shifts uncomfortably under Izana's scrutiny, feeling increasingly like an object rather than a person. The air around them feels charged with tension, and Maya can't shake the feeling that she's become the subject of some kind of twisted game between Izana and his friend. Ran's chuckle breaks the uneasy silence, but Maya can't help but feel a sense of unease lingering in the pit of her stomach. Izana is buttoning up his shirt while a guy with a scar across his face is beating the hospital director's face in and walks over, looking up and down at her. "I have to say, I was contemplating whether or not you should be on the floor with them..." Izana gestures to the hospital director and the nurse on the bloody floor "But today is your first day, yeah doctor?"
Izana cups her cheeks and Ran lets go of her. He's staring down at her with this crazed, almost obsessive look in his eyes. "You haven't done anything wrong after all... You came and told me right away what was wrong" Izana speaks to her the same way one would talk to a child
Izana's fingers linger on Maya's cheek, his touch sending a shiver down her spine as she struggles to maintain her composure. She can feel his gaze tracing every contour of her face, his eyes drinking in every detail with an unsettling intensity. "You have such a pretty face, doctor," Izana murmurs, his voice low and seductive. "It would be a shame to see it tarnished..."
Her breath gets stuck in her throat. Maya thinks she might either throw up, faint or die of cardiac arrest. She's nervous and scared and doesn't know what is going to happen to her. The hospital director was trying to exact revenge on Izana due to something. She wasn't really listening. Maya didn't know. She didn't care. Right now, she was terrified and unable to think about anything else. Unable to tear her gaze away from Izana's intense stare, Maya feels a sense of vulnerability wash over her. His words linger in the air, suffocating her with their weight, and she struggles to find her voice amidst the chaos unfolding around them. The hospital director's screams echo in her ears, a grim reminder of the danger lurking just beyond the walls of Sunshine Grove. Maya knows she's in over her head, caught in the crossfire of a world far darker and more sinister than she ever could have imagined. As Izana's fingers trail down her cheek, Maya flinches involuntarily, her skin prickling with unease. She can sense the power he holds over her, his presence casting a shadow over her every thought and action. "tell you what, hm... You're clearly a good doctor... Honest... Sweet—"
"easy on the eyes" Ran butts in, cutting off Izana
Maya's cheeks flush with embarrassment, her pulse pounding in her ears as she struggles to maintain her composure. She knows she's caught in the middle of something far beyond her control but she needs to keep calm. Izana glares at Ran then looks at Maya again. "How about, in exchange for you being the sweetest doctor ever... You work for me and I spare your life" Izana says
She opens her mouth to speak, to assert herself, but no words come out. Instead, she finds herself gasping for air, her vision blurring as her heart races uncontrollably. It's as if the walls of the room are closing in on her, suffocating her with their oppressive weight. As Maya's panic intensifies, her knees buckle beneath her, threatening to send her crashing to the floor. In a swift motion, Izana reaches out, his strong arms wrapping around her to steady her trembling form. His touch is cold and unwelcome, sending a shiver of fear down Maya's spine. With Izana's support, Maya struggles to remain upright, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps as she fights to regain control of her body. She feels utterly powerless, trapped in the suffocating grip of her own fear. Izana's grip tightens around her, his touch suffocating and possessive. Izana's arms wrapped around her, his touch cold and unwelcome against her skin. "You're trembling, sweetheart," he murmurs, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "Are you afraid of me?"
Maya struggles to form coherent words, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and terror. "I-I..." she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You don't have to be afraid, sweetheart," Izana coos, his voice dripping with false sweetness. "I'm not going to hurt you... unless you give me a reason to."
Maya's heart races in her chest, her pulse thundering in her ears as she struggles to comprehend the gravity of her predicament. Ran is laughing at the whole scene. Her panic is something amusing to them. "Aniki, I think Kakucho killed the guy" another guy with purple hair styled in a mullet says and Ran looks over
"My bad..." Kakucho mutters "I got carried away"
Izana turns his head to see the mess on the floor but Maya doesn't look. She really doesn't want to but clearly, Izana doesn't share that same sentiment and forces her to look. Izana's gaze locks onto Maya's, his eyes boring into hers with an intensity that sends shivers down her spine. "Do you want that to be you?" he asks, his voice low and menacing, as if daring her to defy him.
Maya's breath catches in her throat, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggles to find the words to respond. Fear grips her tightly, its icy fingers wrapping around her throat and squeezing the air from her lungs. "I-I..." Maya's voice falters, her words barely audible above the chaos surrounding them.
She wants to scream, to beg for mercy, but the words die on her lips, suffocated by the weight of her fear. Izana's grip tightens around her, his touch sending a jolt of terror coursing through her veins. "Answer me, bunny," he growls, his voice laced with menace. "Do you want to end up like them?"
With a frantic shake of her head, Maya manages to whisper, "N-No..."
Everyone in the room is looking at her. She feels panicked. Maya wants to go home. She wants to go back to her bed. Never did she think that her first day on her job would be like this. How the fuck did she end up surrounded by members of the Tokyo Manji Gang? Izana's lips curl into a mocking smile, his eyes gleaming with amusement at Maya's distress. "Oh, bunny, I didn't realize you were so sensitive," he taunts, his voice dripping with condescension. "But don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you... as long as you play nice."
There is a short moment of silence before the guy with glasses, Kisaki, is calling someone and Kakucho is cleaning his hands of all the blood. "Tell me you agree and you'll live" Izana murmurs, continuing to force her to look at the dead body of her former boss and the nurse in charge of the 4th floor
Maya's heart pounds in her chest as she struggles to process the surreal situation unfolding around her. The weight of Izana's words hangs heavy in the air, filling her with a sense of dread, unlike anything she's ever experienced before. She feels a surge of panic rising within her, threatening to consume her entirely. All she wants is to escape, to run far away from this nightmare and never look back. But as she looks around the room and sees the hardened expressions of Izana's associates, she knows that there's no way out. With a trembling voice, Maya manages to whisper, "O-Okay"
Izana's smirk widens at her plea, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Good girl" he purrs, his tone laced with malice.
"Keep calm, sweetheart," Ran interjects, his voice surprisingly gentle. "We don't wanna have to knock you out."
With a trembling breath, Maya tries to steady herself, her hands shaking as she clutches onto the edge of the nearby table for support. She can feel the weight of their gazes bearing down on her, each one filled with a different shade of menace and intrigue. Izana's eyes linger on her, his smirk morphing into a predatory grin. "You're doing well, sweetheart," he murmurs, his voice dripping with false praise. "Just remember to play nice, and everything will be fine."
Maya nods weakly, her stomach churning with unease. So she's led out of the hospital and into a car worth just as much as the student loans she has to pay off and they take her home. "I'm sure you know calling the police will be embarrassing," Rindo tells her as they stand in front of her door "so unless you're interested in embarrassing yourself, go ahead"
Maya's heart sank as Rindo's words hit her like a cold splash of water. She knows he's right. "Rindo be a little nicer" Kakucho mutters to him
Rindo shoots Kakucho a glare before turning back to Maya with a forced smile. "Sorry about that, sweetheart," he says, his tone slightly less abrasive "We're just trying to avoid any unnecessary complications. You understand, right?"
Maya is fiddling with the sleeve of her white coat, unable to do anything but nod. "get some rest, we'll be in contact" Kakucho says
The next morning, Maya gets an email that all her loans have been paid in full.
"tiny" Izana says as he barged into her house alongside Kakucho hours later
"Uh, what are you doing here?" Maya manages to stammer out, her voice trembling with nerves.
Izana's grin widens, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "We just wanted to make sure you got our little gift," he says, his tone almost playful. "And to see if you're settling into your new life nicely. Your loans have been paid"
Maya's in loungewear, sweatpants and an oversized shirt. She's trembling. Oh how grateful she was that she showered already. "Y-You paid them?" She asks, watching as Izana looks at the array of picture frames on one of her walls
Izana's grin remained, his eyes still alight with mischief as he turned back to her. "Of course," he replied, his tone almost nonchalant. "Consider it a token of our appreciation for your cooperation... And of course, we're buying your silence too if you couldn't tell"
Maya's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled to process the implications of his words. She knew she was entangled in something far beyond her control, a web of danger and deceit spun by Izana and his associates. "I-I don't know what to say," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Izana's grin widened, his demeanour almost mocking. "No need to thank us, bunny," he said, his tone dripping with condescension. "Just remember who's looking out for you now."
Izana's gaze swept across Maya's living room as if he owned the place, his expression filled with casual entitlement. He wandered around, examining the decor and pictures on the walls with a detached interest, while Maya stood frozen in place, feeling like an intruder in her own home. Kakucho, on the other hand, watched Maya with a hint of remorse in his eyes, his expression tinged with sympathy. He seemed uncomfortable with the intrusion, but powerless to stop it. "Sorry about this, Maya," he muttered softly, his voice barely audible over the silence of the room.
Maya forced a weak smile, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to maintain her composure. "It's okay" she replied, her voice wavering slightly. But inside, she was anything but okay.
She was terrified, trapped in a nightmare from which there seemed to be no escape. "As cute as this place is..." Izana says sarcastically from inside her room "It's tiny as fuck"
Maya's smile faltered at Izana's comment, her anxiety rising with each passing moment. She felt exposed, vulnerable, as if Izana's mere presence had stripped away any sense of safety she had left. "Yeah, well, it's home," Maya replied, her voice tinged with defensiveness.
She wished she could muster the courage to stand up to Izana, to demand that he leave her alone, but fear held her tongue captive. After what she saw last night, what happened to the hospital director and the nurse, Maya knows better than to say anything against Izana. He emerged from her room, his smirk still firmly in place. "Well, lucky for you, bunny, you won't be spending much time here anymore," Izana remarked, his tone dripping with mockery. "We've got plans for you."
Izana takes a seat on the couch and says "Get me a drink"
At the same time, both Maya and Kakucho say "no"
Maya's heart raced as she and Kakucho spoke in unison, their voices firm and resolute despite their trembling nerves. She knew that giving Izana alcohol while he was still recovering from addiction was not only irresponsible but dangerous. Izana's smirk faltered for a moment, replaced by a flash of irritation. "What did you say?" he demanded, his tone sharp and demanding.
Maya swallowed hard, her hands shaking as she struggled to maintain her composure. "I said no," she repeated, her voice trembling but firm. "It's not a good idea for you to drink right now, Mr. Kurokawa."
Kakucho nodded in agreement, his expression apologetic as he glanced between Maya and Izana. "She's right, Izana," he interjected, his voice calm but firm. "You're still recovering, remember?"
Izana's gaze hardened, his jaw tensing as he stared down at Maya with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "You're playing a dangerous game, bunny," he warned, his voice low and menacing. "But fine, I'll indulge you... for now."
It was dumb for Maya to be like this especially when these guys were literal killers, gangsters and whatnot. She knew she was playing a dangerous game by standing up to Izana, but she couldn't ignore the voice of reason within her. Despite her fear, Maya remained steadfast in her decision, her resolve unwavering even in the face of Izana's menacing glare. She couldn't afford to compromise her principles, not when the stakes were so high. Kakucho's gaze softened as he regarded Maya with a mixture of admiration and concern. "You're brave, doctor," he murmured, his voice tinged with genuine respect. "But you should be careful. Izana doesn't take kindly to being challenged."
Maya nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she braced herself for whatever consequences her defiance might bring. Izana is holding a picture frame he picked off one of the tables, looking at it with amusement. "Tell me, how long have you known Matsuno Chifuyu?" Izana asks
She feels sick. "H-He doesn't have anything to do—"
"—to do with this, yeah I know," Izana says and chuckles "Why would I do anything to him? He's a former member after all"
Maya furrows her brows at Izana's words. Her mind raced with confusion and disbelief. Chifuyu, a member of the Tokyo Manji Gang? It was a revelation she couldn't fathom, a stark contrast to the kind and gentle demeanour he always displayed. She didn't think he was a gang member. How the fuck would a gang member pass high school and then run a pet store and listen to fucking girls generation? How was the boy she fell in love with in middle school affiliated with the gang whose scrutiny she's currently under? "I-I don't understand," she stammered, her voice trembling with uncertainty. "Chifuyu wouldn't—"
Izana's laughter cut through her protests, his amusement evident as he tossed the picture frame aside. "Oh, he's not with us anymore, sweetheart," he explained casually as if discussing the weather. "But he used to run with the best of us. We go way back. He was... First Divison Vice Captain, huge position until he left after he finished high school"
Maya's mind reeled at the implications of Izana's words. She had known Chifuyu for years and had trusted him implicitly. But now, faced with the harsh reality of his past, she couldn't help but question everything she thought she knew about him. "I-I had no idea," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "Chifuyu never mentioned anything..."
Izana's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Well, now you know," he replied, his tone laced with amusement. "And now you're one of us, doc. Welcome to the family."
Maya thinks she's going to be sick. "I don't... I..."
No words are coming out. "What Izana means is that we would like you to work exclusively with us..." Kakucho says noticing Maya's panic, quickly jumping to do damage control "Izana is sick recovering and we can no longer trust anyone with continuing his treatment... You have proven to be... innocent and the best choice"
Maya felt trapped, her options shrinking as Izana and his associates painted her into a corner. The weight of their expectations bore down on her, suffocating her with the realization that she had little say in the matter. "I-I guess I don't have much of a choice," she murmured, her voice trembling with resignation.
Izana's grin widened, his eyes alight with triumph. "Smart girl," he remarked, his tone dripping with satisfaction. "You won't regret this, bunny. Welcome to the family."
"Financial control" Maya mutters as she looks around the new apartment
There are large floor-to-ceiling windows lining an entire wall and the place is already furnished. On the coffee table are shopping bags with logos of expensive brands on each. "hm?" Kakucho says curiously
Maya looks around in awe as she mindlessly says "Where someone takes charge of all finances to foster dependency, is a form of abuse aimed at gaining power over the victim's financial resources and independence"
Kakucho's brow furrows in confusion as Maya's words hang in the air, her voice tinged with a mix of awe and apprehension. "What do you mean?" he asks, his tone cautious.
Maya shakes her head, trying to compose herself as she struggles to articulate her thoughts. "I-I mean, it's just... this," she gestures around the lavish apartment, the extravagant furnishings, and the branded shopping bags. "It's all so... overwhelming."
Kakucho's expression softens with understanding as he takes in Maya's apprehensive demeanour. "I know it's a lot to take in," he says gently, "but we want you to feel comfortable here. Consider it a gesture of appreciation for everything you're... doing for us."
Maya nods, though her mind still churns with uncertainty. As she gazes out of the floor-to-ceiling windows at the bustling city below, she can't shake the feeling that she's stepped into a world far beyond her control. "Financial control, huh?" Izana says as he's lounging back on the couch "That's not what I was aiming for but now that you said it, I might take it into consideration"
Maya's heart sinks as Izana's casual response confirms her worst fears. She realizes now that she's truly trapped in a web of manipulation and coercion, her every move scrutinized and controlled by those around her. "I-I didn't mean..." she starts, her voice faltering as she struggles to find the right words.
Izana chuckles, a cold edge to his laughter that sends a shiver down Maya's spine. "Relax, bunny," he says, his tone deceptively light. "I was just teasing... for now."
Maya forces a weak smile, though inside, her anxiety continues to gnaw at her. "Izana..." Kakucho says with a frown "You said you'd stop scaring her"
Izana's grin falters slightly at Kakucho's reprimand, though the mischief in his eyes remains. "I'm just having a little fun, Kakucho," he replies, his tone dismissive. "No harm done."
Kakucho's frown deepens, but he doesn't press the matter further. Instead, he turns his attention to Maya, his expression softening with genuine concern. "Sorry about him," he says, offering her a reassuring smile. "He's... not always like this."
Maya doesn't really believe Kakucho but she nods anyway. She knows better than to trust the assurances of those entangled in the murky world of the Tokyo Manji Gang. As she watches Kakucho's friendly demeanour and Izana's playful banter, Maya can't help but wonder what ulterior motives lurk beneath their facade of friendliness. She forces herself to push aside her apprehensions, knowing that she has little choice but to play along for now. After all, she's seen firsthand the consequences of defying Izana and his associates. "Now c'mon, take a look at what I got you" Izana gestures to the bags on the coffee table
Izana directs her attention to the bags on the coffee table. She approaches cautiously, her suspicion mounting with each step. With a hesitant hand, she reaches out and grabs one of the bags, her fingers trembling slightly as she pulls it closer. As she peeks inside, her eyes widen in surprise. The bag is filled with designer clothing, each item more expensive than anything she's ever owned. Maya's mind races with conflicting emotions. On one hand, she's grateful for the gesture. On the other hand, she can't shake the feeling of unease that accompanies such extravagant displays of wealth. "Wow, thank you," Maya murmurs, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I-I don't know what to say."
Izana chuckles, his grin widening at her reaction. "Consider it a welcome gift," he says, his tone almost jovial
Maya picks up a small Vivienne Westwood bag, unwraps the box and all the other packaging and sees a... A lighter? "I uh... I don't smoke" Maya says slowly, holding up the small silver heart-shaped lighter
She had seen it a bunch of times online. It was cute but no reason for anyone to spend a whole bunch of money on it when the contents inside were the same as any other lighter. "Oh yeah I know," Izana says dismissively "But I saw it and thought you'd look so cute on my lap while I'm in a meeting and lighting a cigarette for me with it—"
"You also can't smoke" Maya shuts it down immediately, her cheeks flushing pink from Izana voicing out his daydream
Izana's laughter only grows louder, echoing in the room as Kakucho shakes his head in bemusement. "Well, there goes that fantasy" Izana quips, his grin widening mischievously
Maya exhales a nervous laugh, relieved that the tension seems to dissipate, at least for the moment. "I suppose we'll have to find another way to make use of it" she says, trying to inject some lightness into the situation.
Izana's eyes gleam with amusement as he considers her suggestion. "Indeed," he agrees, his tone suggestive, making her cheeks flush an even darker shade of red
Kakucho clears his throat, interjecting with a hint of impatience. "Let's not get carried away, Izana." he says, shooting a warning glance at his friend.
Izana's grin widens, but he relents, setting aside the lighter with a playful shrug. "Fine, fine" he concedes, though the mischievous glint in his eyes suggests he's only biding his time
Then, with a flourish, he produces a Cartier jewelry box from his pocket, revealing a delicate bracelet nestled inside. Her eyes widen a bit at the sight of the bracelet. She recognizes it from her online browsing—a love bracelet, renowned for its distinctive locking mechanism. It was pretty popular but also pretty fucking expensive. "And this is also for you. From me, personally," Izana declares, taking Maya's wrist and fastening the gold bracelet "I noticed you wear gold jewellery so I got you gold"
Maya watches in silence as Izana locks the bracelet around her wrist. "Y-You really didn't have to" she murmurs, her gaze fixed on the shimmering gold bangle, unaware of Izana discreetly pocketing the golden screwdriver-like key.
As Izana steps back, admiring his handiwork, Maya tentatively flexes her wrist, feeling the weight of the bracelet. "It's beautiful" she concedes, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Despite her reservations about Izana's intentions, she can't deny the allure of the elegant accessory. Izana's grin widens at her response, a glint of satisfaction dancing in his eyes. "Glad you like it," he says, his voice laced with amusement. "Consider it a token of appreciation for being such a good sport."
Maya's smile falters slightly at the reminder of her precarious position. She knows accepting gifts from Izana only further entangles her in his web of influence. But for now, she chooses to focus on the fleeting sense of gratitude that accompanies the gesture. Kakucho watches the exchange with a knowing look, his expression unreadable. "Well, now that we've got that sorted," he interjects, breaking the momentary silence, "shall we eat?"
"Yes, let's eat" she agrees, relieved by the distraction.
As the sun begins its descent beyond the towering skyline of the city, casting hues of orange and pink across the horizon, Maya finds herself drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows of the apartment. She stands by the glass, her gaze fixed on the mesmerizing spectacle unfolding before her. The vibrant colours of the sunset paint the sky with an ethereal glow, bathing the city in a soft, golden light. For a fleeting moment, Maya allows herself to be captivated by the beauty of the scene, the worries and uncertainties of her new reality momentarily forgotten. But as the last rays of sunlight fade into the twilight, casting shadows across the room, Maya's thoughts return to the daunting challenges that lie ahead. She knows she can't afford to let her guard down, not with Izana's watchful eyes constantly monitoring her every move. "If you ever need anything we're in the penthouse. You can just come up" Kakucho tells her
Kakucho's casual mention of their residence in the penthouse suite above jolted Maya out of her reverie. "Wait, you guys live here too?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief, her eyes widening in surprise.
Kakucho nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, we're just a floor above," he confirmed, his tone calm and collected. "If you ever need anything, we're right there."
Maya's heart skipped a beat as she processed the implications of their proximity. She hadn't realized that they had secured her an apartment in the same building they resided in. The realization sent a shiver down her spine, the boundaries between her personal and professional life blurring in a way she hadn't anticipated. Before she could fully digest this new piece of information, Izana interjected with his trademark nonchalance. "We own several buildings in the city," he explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "This one just happens to be one of our properties."
The weight of Izana's words settled heavily upon Maya, their implications sinking in with each passing moment. She felt a growing sense of unease, a nagging suspicion that she was more deeply entangled in Izana's world than she had initially realized. "Thank you, Kakucho," Maya murmured, her voice tinged with gratitude, though a knot of anxiety still tightened in her chest
Kakucho's phone rings and he steps away for a moment. Izana takes that moment to walk over to her, standing next to her as he stares out the large window. As Kakucho stepped away to take the call, Izana seized the opportunity to approach Maya. He stood beside her, his presence imposing yet strangely captivating against the backdrop of the city lights. "Quite the view, isn't it?" Izana remarked, his tone casual as he leaned against the couch by the window, his gaze fixed on the sprawling cityscape below.
Maya nodded, though her attention remained divided between the breathtaking scenery and the enigmatic figure at her side. Despite her best efforts to maintain her composure, she couldn't shake off the unease that settled over her like a heavy cloak in Izana's presence. "Yeah, it's... impressive," Maya replied, her voice betraying a hint of uncertainty as she stole a sideways glance at Izana.
Izana chuckles. "If you don't like it I can get you another." He says it like it was nothing "new apartment, house, bungalow, mansion, beach house..."
Maya's heart skipped a beat at Izana's nonchalant offer. The idea of being handed another luxurious residence as if it were a mere trinket left her feeling unsettled. "Uh, no, that's not necessary" she replied, her voice tinged with unease.
Izana's grin widened at her response, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Suit yourself," he said, his tone laced with a hint of mischief. "But just know that the offer stands. Anything you want, just say the word."
Maya forced a tight smile, though inside, her mind churned with apprehension. The notion of having access to such extravagant wealth at her fingertips was both exhilarating and terrifying. She couldn't help but wonder what strings were attached to Izana's seemingly generous offer, and what price she would ultimately be expected to pay. "Oh..." Izana murmured seeing something he hadn't noticed earlier
He walks over, closer to her, taking hold of the two pendant necklaces she was wearing. Both were gold. One was a coin pendant with a flower in the center and the other was a butterfly. "these are cute" he hummed, examining both
Maya's breath caught in her throat as Izana approached, his proximity sending a shiver down her spine. She watched in silence as he delicately inspected the two pendant necklaces adorning her neck, his fingers tracing the intricate designs with a casual familiarity. "Yeah, they're just something I picked up..." Maya replied, her voice barely above a whisper, her cheeks flushing pink under Izana's scrutiny.
Izana's lips curled into a faint smirk as he continued to examine the pendants. "Interesting choice," he murmured, his tone contemplative. "They suit you."
Maya offered a tentative smile, though inside, her heart raced with apprehension. She couldn't shake the feeling that Izana's interest in her accessories went beyond simple admiration. There was something calculating in his gaze, a hunger that made her skin prickle with unease. Izana lets go of the coin pendant and holds the butterfly one, admiring it for a moment. "real gold, yeah?"
Maya nodded nervously, her eyes fixed on Izana's hands as he examined the delicate butterfly pendant. "Y-Yes, it's real gold," she confirmed, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Izana's grin widened, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Nice," he remarked, his tone almost playful. "I like someone who appreciates the finer things in life."
Maya forced a weak smile. Izana tugs lightly at it. "take it off"
Maya's breath catches in her throat at Izana's command, her fingers instinctively clutching the butterfly pendant as if it were her lifeline, her thin fingers wrapping around Izana's tanned ones. "W-Why?" she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes darting nervously between Izana and the necklace.
Izana's expression remains unreadable as he meets her gaze with an intensity that sends shivers down her spine. "Just because" he replies smoothly, his tone laced with an underlying threat, easily prying his hand out of hers
Maya's breath catches in her throat as she surrenders the necklace to Izana, her fingers trembling slightly as she releases her grip. Without a word, he takes the pendant from her hand and deftly fastens it around his own neck. She watches in silence, unable to tear her gaze away as Izana adjusts the pendant, his expression unreadable. Maya's eyes widen in surprise as Izana removes the gold chain from around his own neck. She watches in astonishment as he delicately places it around her neck, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her veins. "A trade, yeah" He murmurs as he fastens the chain around her neck
Maya's heart races at Izana's words, her mind struggling to process the implications of his actions. "But why?" she asks, her voice barely a whisper
Izana's smirk returns, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Consider it a symbol of our... partnership..." he replies cryptically, his tone laced with intrigue. "A reminder that we're in this together now."
With a final adjustment, he secures the chain in place, his touch lingering against her throat for a moment longer than necessary. As Izana steps back, his grin widening, Maya's mind races with conflicting emotions. She feels the weight of the gold chain around her neck, a tangible reminder of the bond forged between them. But beneath the surface, a sense of unease gnaws at her, a whisper of doubt that refuses to be silenced. "Izana, I..." Maya begins, her voice faltering as she searches for the right words.
But before she can articulate her thoughts, Kakucho returns, his expression unreadable as he takes in the scene before him. "Everything okay here?" he asks, his gaze flickering between Maya and Izana.
Izana's grin remains firmly in place as he nods, his tone casual. "Just making a trade" he replies, his eyes never leaving Maya's.
Kakucho's eyebrows furrow slightly, but he doesn't press further. Instead, he offers Maya a reassuring smile before turning his attention to Izana. "We should get going," he says, his tone indicating that the conversation is over.
Maya nods, her mind still reeling from the exchange. As they prepare to leave, she can't shake the feeling that she's entered into a pact with the devil himself
There are certain things Maya never thought she'd experience and waking up in a huge apartment was one of them. She was never able to sleep in new places very well so she watches the sunrise through the floor-to-ceiling windows of her new bedroom, still lying in bed. As the first rays of dawn pierce through the glass, casting a warm glow across the room, Maya lies in bed, her thoughts drifting as she watches the sunrise. The vast expanse of the cityscape stretches out before her, its towering skyscrapers bathed in the soft light of morning. It's a breathtaking sight, one that fills her with a sense of awe and wonder, even amidst the turmoil of her current circumstances. But beneath the surface, a knot of anxiety tightens in Maya's chest. She can't shake the feeling of unease that has plagued her ever since she first stepped foot into this opulent apartment. It's a stark reminder of just how far removed she is from her old life, a life that now feels like a distant memory. As she lies there, lost in thought, Maya can't help but wonder what the future holds. She knows that she's entered into a world fraught with danger and uncertainty, one where the stakes are higher than ever before. Her new phone buzzes. Along with the designer clothes and jewelry, Izana also bought her a new phone.
[5:34 am] hey bunny you up?
Maya can't help but turn a little red. It sounded like a typical booty call text and that probably wasn't even what he was texting her for. She knows she shouldn't read too much into it, but the playful tone of Izana's text sends a wave of mixed emotions coursing through her. Despite her reservations, Maya can't deny the pull of curiosity. With trembling fingers, she types out a response.
[5:36 am] Yeah. What's up?
As she hits send, Maya can't help but wonder what Izana has in store for her. She knows better than to let her guard down around him, but there's a part of her that can't resist the thrill of the unknown. Almost immediately, her phone buzzes with a reply from Izana.
[5:36 am] I'm hungry come make me food you're a good cook and I'm tired of kakucho's cooking i need variety
Maya's cheeks flush a deeper shade of red as she reads Izana's message. Despite the casual tone, she can't help but feel a sense of unease at his request. The idea of cooking for Izana in the early hours of the morning feels both surreal and oddly intimate. Nevertheless, Maya knows better than to refuse him outright. With a resigned sigh, she begins to type out a response.
[5:38 am] Sure, I can make you something What do you feel like eating?
As she sends the message, Maya braces herself for Izana's reply, her mind already racing with ideas for what she could whip up in the kitchen. Despite her misgivings, there's a small part of her that can't deny the satisfaction of being able to provide for him, even if it's just through a simple meal. Maya waits anxiously for Izana's response, her heart pounding in her chest as she anticipates his reply. A few moments later, her phone buzzes with a new message from him.
[5:40 am] Surprise me
Maya's brow furrows in frustration at the vague response, but she knows she has no choice but to comply. With a resigned sigh, she throws off the covers and swings her legs out of bed, steeling herself for the task ahead. As she makes her way to the kitchen, Maya's mind races with possibilities. She sifts through the ingredients in the pantry and refrigerator, her thoughts spinning as she considers what she could prepare for Izana. Despite the early hour, Maya finds herself strangely energized by the challenge, a sense of determination driving her forward. With practiced efficiency, Maya begins to gather the necessary ingredients, her hands moving deftly as she sets about preparing a meal fit for a gangster. As the aroma of pancakes and brewing coffee fills the air, Maya can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over her. Despite the unusual circumstances, there's something comforting about the act of cooking, a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of her new life. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, Maya puts the finishing touches on Izana's breakfast, arranging the food neatly on a plate before carrying it over to the table. As she sets the plate down in front of him, Izana looks up at her with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, well, what do we have here?" he says, his tone teasing as he surveys the meal before him. "I must say, you've outdone yourself, bunny."
Maya can't help but smile at his words, a sense of pride swelling within her chest. Despite her initial apprehension, she's relieved to see that Izana seems satisfied with her efforts. As he digs into the food with gusto, Maya watches him with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, wondering what other surprises her new life has in store for her. Maya isn't too surprised he has a key to her new place. After all, he lived just above in the penthouse and owned the building itself. "um... where's Kakucho?" she asks curiously, watching Izana eat
It's about 6-something now. Izana looks up from his meal, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he wipes his mouth with a napkin. "Oh, Kakucho had some business to attend to," he replies casually, his tone betraying nothing. "Left bright and early, just like him."
Maya nods, though she can't shake the feeling of unease that settles in the pit of her stomach. She's become accustomed to Kakucho's presence, his calm demeanour serving as a reassuring presence in the midst of Izana's unpredictable behaviour. Without him around, Maya can't help but feel a sense of vulnerability, a nagging suspicion that she's once again at Izana's mercy. As she watches Izana finish his meal, Maya can't help but wonder what other secrets he's hiding, what other schemes he has up his sleeve. Despite her lingering doubts, Maya knows she has no choice but to play along, to navigate the treacherous waters of Izana's world with caution and cunning. With a heavy sigh, she pushes aside her concerns and focuses on the task at hand, steeling herself for whatever challenges lie ahead. "You haven't showered, yeah?" Izana asks as he sips his coffee
Maru shakes her head no. She's in sweatpants and an oversized shirt which was a huge contrast to Izana's silk pyjamas which probably cost more than her. "shower, be ready by 10. I have work and I wanna take you out for lunch"
Maya's heart skips a beat at Izana's directive. It didn't sound like a casual invitation; it felt more like a command. Despite the faint flicker of apprehension that flares within her, Maya nods obediently, her mind already racing with thoughts of what Izana might have planned. "Okay" she replies, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes darting nervously
She knows better than to defy him, especially after she watched him and his friends kill her boss and co-workers last night. Izana flashes her a satisfied grin before returning his attention to his coffee. "Good," he says, his tone dismissive. "I'll see you then."
Izana leaves her apartment to go back to his own. Maya heads toward the bathroom to prepare for her unexpected lunch date, she can't shake the feeling of unease that gnaws at her insides. Despite Izana's outward charm, there's a darkness lurking beneath the surface, a reminder of the dangers that lurk in his world. But for now, Maya pushes aside her doubts, focusing instead on the task at hand. With a mix of apprehension and curiosity swirling within her, Maya steps into the shower, allowing the warm water to cascade over her, washing away the remnants of sleep and uncertainty. As she lathers soap over her skin, her mind races with questions about Izana's intentions and what this lunch outing might entail.
After hastily drying off Maya tries to figure out what to wear. It takes her a long time to decide what to wear. Izana hadn't exactly told her where they were going for lunch but he did say he had something to do first since it was still pretty early which meant he would be wearing a suit. So, she should probably wear something somewhat formal as well. She wears a light blue satin ankle-length skirt and a white off-the-shoulder blouse. Maya does her makeup and stares for a moment at her neck. There sits the gold chain Izana put on her in exchange for her necklace with the butterfly necklace. It was honestly a bit odd that he had given it to her but oh well. Maya wasn't exactly in a position to argue with him. She looks down at her wrist where the gold love bracelet is. Maya had tried to take it off last night but couldn't find the screwdriver for it anywhere. She didn't want to force it off and hurt herself so she just kept it on. Perhaps she'll ask Izana about it later.
Maya glances at the clock to find it's already 9:45. Checking her appearance one last time in the mirror, she grabs her bag, which was another one of the unnecessarily expensive gifts from Izana, and heads out the door. The elevator ride down to the ground floor feels like an eternity, each passing second amplifying Maya's nerves. As the elevator doors slide open, Maya steps out into the lobby, her eyes scanning the area for any sign of Izana. Sure enough, he's waiting for her, leaning casually against the wall with an air of confidence that sends a shiver down Maya's spine. "Right on time," Izana remarks, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he straightens up to greet her, wearing a suit just like she predicted "Shall we?"
Maya forces a tight-lipped smile, her heart pounding in her chest as she falls into step beside him. With each passing moment, she can't help but wonder what lies in store for her on this unexpected lunch date with Izana. As they stepped out of the building, right in front of the door was a black Lexus and one of the men from the night at the hospital. Shion, if she remembered correctly. He's standing with with his arms crossed over and a scowl on his face. "boss" Shion greets as he opens the back door of the car for Izana
Izana simply nods at him and Maya greets him with a weak smile. "huh, didn't know you'd still be alive" Shion says raising his brow
Maya's stomach churns at Shion's comment, a wave of nausea washing over her. She fights to maintain her composure, forcing herself to keep a neutral expression despite the discomfort gnawing at her insides. "Just lucky, I guess," she manages to reply, her voice barely above a whisper.
Shion's eyes linger on her for a moment longer, his gaze sharp and assessing, before he turns his attention back to Izana. "Where to, boss?" he asks, his tone curt and businesslike.
Izana settles into the backseat of the car, motioning for Maya to join him. "You know the place," he says casually, his tone betraying nothing of his intentions.
Maya slides into the car beside Izana, her nerves on edge as they pull away from the curb. After a few minutes of driving, she speaks up "uh, where are we going?" she fiddles with the bracelet he gifted her
"I have a meeting to go to then we'll go for lunch," Izana says as he undoes the button on his suit jacket "You can just stay in the car with Shion"
She can only nod as her unease grows with each passing moment. She nods silently, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. The car glides through the bustling streets of the city, the rhythmic hum of the engine the only sound breaking the silence. "uh..." she decides to speak again, fiddling with the gold Cartier love bracelet "I couldn't find the screwdriver for the bracelet in the box last night while I was trying to take it off. Do you have it?"
Izana who is on his phone doesn't even look up as he says "hm? No actually. I left it in the box after I put it on you. Maybe it fell somewhere"
"Oh..." she murmurs, her fingers tracing the smooth surface of the bracelet. "I-I'll have to look for it later then."
But even as she speaks, a sense of resignation washes over her. Deep down, she knows that finding the key is just another impossibility in a world where she's already lost control.
But of course, Maya doesn't know Izana still has the screwdriver.
"So... You guys fucking?" Shion starts a poor attempt at conversation while they sit in the car outside a large warehouse for Izana's 'meeting' to end
He's looking at her through the rear-view mirror. Maya's cheeks flush crimson at Shion's blunt question, her eyes widening in shock at his audacity. She shifts uncomfortably in her seat, her gaze darting nervously around the car before settling on Shion's reflection in the rear-view mirror. "Uh, excuse me?" she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper, her heart pounding in her chest.
Shion merely shrugs, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Just making conversation," he replies casually, his tone laced with amusement. "You and the boss seem pretty cozy, that's all."
Maya's cheeks burn hotter with embarrassment, her mind racing as she searches for a suitable response. "uh... no we're not..."
Shion shrugs again. "yeah that was a stupid question. I just didn't know what else to say"
Maya lets out a nervous chuckle, grateful for Shion's change of topic. "It's okay," she replies, her voice tinged with relief. "I get it. It's just... I'm still getting used to everything."
Shion nods in understanding, his smirk softening into a more sympathetic expression. "Yeah, I can imagine," he says, his tone surprisingly gentle. "It's a lot to take in, especially with someone like Izana."
Maya's shoulders relax slightly at Shion's empathetic response. Despite his initial brashness, she senses a genuine sincerity in his words. "Yeah," she agrees with a small nod. "It definitely is."
Before Shion can respond, Izana reaches the car, his presence filling the space with an air of authority. Maya's heart quickens at his approach, her thoughts momentarily distracted from the awkward conversation with Shion. As Izana slides into the car beside her, Maya steals a glance at him. She furrows her brows seeing he isn't wearing his tie or suit jacket anymore, instead, they're hanging off his arm, the sleeves of his black dress shirt are rolled up to his elbows and the top few buttons are undone. Oh wow. Wow. Wow. He looks good. Maya's breath catches in her throat as she takes in Izana's appearance. Despite the casual attire, there's an undeniable aura of power and confidence emanating from him, drawing her in like a moth to a flame. She feels a flush rise to her cheeks as she realizes just how striking he looks, his rugged charm only adding to his magnetic presence. "Everything alright?" Izana's voice interrupts her reverie, pulling her back to reality. His piercing gaze meets hers, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
Maya clears her throat, forcing herself to focus. "Uh, yeah, everything's fine," she replies, her voice slightly breathless. "Just... thinking."
Izana quirks an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "About what, exactly?" he asks, his tone teasing.
Maya's cheeks flush a deeper shade of red at the implication of his question. "N-Nothing important," she stammers, averting her gaze to hide her embarrassment.
Izana chuckles softly, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. "Well, if you say so," he replies, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before turning back to Shion.
"Everything go well?" Shion asks
"yup" Izana answers simply "Now, let's get going. I'm starving." With that, he turns his attention to Shion, giving him a nod to start the car.
As the car pulls away from the warehouse, Maya can't shake the fluttering sensation in her chest. Kurokawa Izana is unfairly hot. How is it that older guys are always so hot? Maya's phone buzzes and her eyes widen realizing she forgot about Chifuyu. "answer it" Izana says
Matsuno Chifuyu, the guy who is the reason she is quite literally still alive because of and her first love. One sided love actually. Maya has been in love with Chifuyu since middle school. He was a good 5 years older than her and he didn't like her back. Due to all the things going on, she hadn't contacted him and of course, he was worried(she texted him maybe 100 times a day, obviously he'd notice if she stopped). Maya is about to decline the call but Izana takes the phone and answers it, putting it on speaker. She can't help but glare at him. "hello?" Chifuyu says
Maya is about to snatch the phone from Izana but he pulls back and just smiles teasingly. Chifuyu keeps talking on the phone while Izana mutes it and Maya keeps trying to take it back. "Give it back" She hisses as Izana moves to the other side of the car, his back pressing against the door
Izana just grabs her waist with one hand and then unmutes the phone. Immediately Maya stops trying to pull it out of his grasp and goes quiet, the only sound in the car being the hum of the engine. "Maya? Hello~?" Chifuyu says and Izana gestures for her to talk
Maya's eye twitches in annoyance. "hello" she answers back
"fucking finally. where have you been? You haven't texted me in two days!"
Izana's arm around her waist tightens. "I-I've been busy... I quit the hospital and—"
"After the first day?!" He cuts her off and Izana looks like he wants to laugh
Maya just glares even harder at him. "I got a better job. It uh... pays a lot better" She wasn't about to tell Chifuyu the truth
Kakucho had explained to her pretty vaguely that Chifuyu and Kazutora had left Tokyo Manji Gang years ago and probably just didn't want her to be afraid of them. They had retired and were good people, only a part of the gang before it became as big as it is today. Maya had no reason to feel betrayed. Chifuyu and Kazutora's past had nothing to do with her. "Better job? One that got you out of your tiny ass house? I even went to your apartment today to check on you but your landlady said you moved out"
Maya laughs nervously. "My new job pays me to be... closer" It wasn't exactly a lie
"c-close? Oh my god Maya don't tell me you actually took Kazutora's joke of becoming a sugar baby seriously?!"
Maya turns red at his words as she makes eye contact with Izana who has a mischievous smile on his face, very clearly enjoying this conversation. Chifuyu wasn't too far off though. She might as well be Izana's sugar baby. The only thing left was sleeping with him. "What the fuck? NO!" She replies quickly "I'm not sleeping with old men... A-And I have to go Chifuyu... I'll call you later"
Before Chifuyu can say anything, Maya grabs the phone out of Izana's hand and ends the call. Izana looks like he wants to laugh and Maya just glares at him. "You can't just do that" She says
"hm? and why not?" He asks with a smile
It's right then that Maya realizes while she was trying to get the phone from Izana she ended up in his lap and his arms were now around her body. Her face turns bright red. Shion whistles teasingly from the driver's seat and Maya pulls herself out of Izana's grasp, landing back on the leather seat. "You're so..." Maya pauses and then groans in annoyance, clutching her phone tightly
Izana just shrugs and starts fixing his shirt as Shion pulls into the parking lot of some high-end-looking restaurant. "Use your words, I don't know what that sound means" Izana says teasingly as he loops his tie around his neck
Maya rolls her eyes and then decides to not be so cautious about her words for a moment. "You're really annoying and childish"
What she said wasn't even that bad but Izana seemed like the person to get angry at any form of criticism, even sarcastic like the one she just said. Maya expects Izana to get angry but he doesn't. Instead, he laughs and says "hm, you think so?"
And so, Maya decides she should try and see how far she can push before Izana pulls out a gun on her.
It lasts for months. Maya trying to get under Izana's skin and he just responds back in an equally teasing manner. At this point, his system has been completely detoxified of the drugs and he's doing much much better. At this point, Maya is very much a damn freeloader too. Izana just keeps giving her things and she's always attempting to be mean. Izana must think she's flirting or something.
Well... She kinda is. But then again, with a wallet like that, who wouldn't? Sure he tortured her previous employer right in front of her but what's bygones is bygones right? Maybe that made her a little morally grey but when you're fresh out of uni with no money and suddenly given a whole bunch all at once and your loans have been paid off, maybe living with a murderer and using his money isn't that bad. Right?
Maya is their therapist of some sort. Izana is paying her a lot to stick around and in this economy, she'd be stupid not to. Her rent is paid, and she never has to worry about food or money. Things are scarily comfortable so she hasn't let her guard down. Who knows when Izana will pull the carpet out from beneath her feet? He is very sweet though sometimes— Izana. Kakucho as well. Out of everyone though, Maya got along with Shion the most. They bonded over Izana being an asshole. "And so I told him, I'm not an escort. I won't go to your stupid fancy party just to make you look good" Maya says making wild hand gestures
She and Shion were in the car, both in casual clothes rather than the formal wear Maya had gotten accustomed to. Shion looks like a back street drug dealer in his all-black outfit with cargo pants and a hoodie and Maya looks like a high school with her basketball shorts and hoodie. There is fast food resting on the armrest between the driver and passenger seat and two drinks in both cup holders. "shut up you did not say that" Shion says as he picks up his drink "Am I talking to a ghost right now? Did Big Boss kill you?"
He reaches over and tries to make his hand go through her face in case he is talking to a ghost. Maya smacks his hand away and kicks off her sneakers so she can get more comfortable and shoves a bunch of fries in her mouth. "fuck off dude" she says then looks away "I didn't exactly say that but y'know... something along the lines"
Shion narrows his eyes. "pussy"
Maya gasps about to throw the entire pack of fries at him. "Take that back!"
"No"
"motherfucker—"
It's about 12:30 am. Dark outside and not a person was in sight in the parking lot of the fast-food place. Shion apparently loved the place and she could understand why. They often took late-night runs and Shion being her 'driver' took her where she wanted. He at first did say it was boring but he figured that shopping and doing groceries was a lot less stressful than meeting with foreign mafia. After all, Tokyo Manji Gang was getting a lot bigger. "Anyways, Izana is fine now. Why does he keep you around?" Shion asks as he takes a bite of his burger
Maya shrugs. "Beats me. Overpaid escort I guess"
"Or maybe..." Shion says slowly with a suggestive tone raising his brows
"No" Maya shuts him down immediately, her cheeks flushing red with embarrassment "I dunno why he keeps me around"
Shion just grins. "he likes you~"
"fuck off, what are you? 12?" Maya grumbles in annoyance "That scary man doesn't seem like he's capable of love"
"oh he is—" Shion is cut off when there is a knock on the driver-side window
They both screech at the same time. There stands Izana in a suit, his gun pressed against the glass. "OH MY GOD!" Shion screams louder than Maya
"DRIVE!" Maya screams
"FUCK NO! HE'LL KILL ME!"
The mood in the car shifts from playful to terrified in an instant. Izana's expression is a mix of annoyance and amusement as he watches their panic through the glass. "Calm down, you fucking idiots," he says, his voice muffled but clear through the closed window. "Open the door."
Shion, still pale and shaking, fumbles with the lock and opens the door. Izana slides into the backseat, his presence dominating the small space. He puts his gun away, but the tension remains thick in the air. "What the hell are you two doing out here?" he asks, his tone deceptively calm.
Maya, heart still racing, struggles to regain her composure. "W-We were just getting some food," she stammers, holding up the pack of fries as evidence. "It's late, and we were hungry."
Izana raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "You know it's not safe for you to be out here like this without extra security," he says, his gaze shifting between Shion and Maya. "Especially you, Maya."
For some reason Izana using her name rather than the nickname she had gotten used to coming from him made her feel odd. "Yeah, boss, sorry. I didn't think—" Shion gulps, nodding fervently
"That's right, you didn't think," Izana interrupts, his voice sharp. "You're supposed to be her protector, not her playmate."
Maya looks outside the window to see multiple cars with multiple people standing outside in suits. Was something going on? She feels nervous and Izana's words about Shion being her protector made her wonder what he meant. "I-Izana is something going on—"
"Not right now, Maya" Izana cuts her off and looks at Shion "You should have known better. Do you not remember what was happening tonight?"
Maya feels nervous and a little frightened. Shion's face goes pale as the gravity of the situation dawns on him. "Boss, I—"
Izana cuts him off with a dismissive wave. "Save it, Shion. Get her back to the apartment. Now."
Maya feels her stomach churn with anxiety as she glances at the men outside, their serious expressions and ready stances indicating that something significant is unfolding tonight. She turns to Izana, her voice trembling. "Izana, what's happening?"
Izana meets her gaze, his eyes cold and unyielding. "Business," he says simply, his tone leaving no room for further questions. "Go back to the apartment."
Maya nods, swallowing her fear. Shion starts the car, his hands still trembling, and they drive off, the silence between them heavy with unspoken words. As they make their way back, Shion's grip on the steering wheel tightens. "Maya, I'm sorry," he mutters, his voice barely above a whisper. "I messed up."
Maya shakes her head, trying to offer some comfort. "It's okay, Shion. We didn't know."
"No, it's not okay," he insists, his voice strained. "Izana doesn't take mistakes lightly. I put you in danger, and that's not something I can easily forgive myself for."
They reach the apartment, and Shion parks the car, turning to face her. "Stay inside and lock the doors. I'll be downstairs, keeping an eye out."
Maya nods, stepping out of the car and heading into the building. As she rides the elevator up to her floor, her mind races with thoughts of what could be happening and what kind of trouble Izana might be dealing with. She tries to shake off the worry, reminding herself that Izana is capable and resourceful. Once inside her apartment, she locks the door and leans against it, taking a deep breath. The opulence of her surroundings feels starkly at odds with the tension and fear coursing through her. She walks over to the large windows, looking out at the city below, the lights twinkling in the night. A sense of isolation washes over her as she realizes just how entangled she has become in Izana's world. The luxury and security come with a price, and tonight she had glimpsed a piece of that cost. She wrapped her arms around herself, wishing for a moment of normalcy, a life where she didn't have to worry about the dangerous games played by men like Izana.
The night had been going well. Or well at least she thought it was. Oh god, Maya hoped Shion wasn't in trouble. It was just a harmless outing after all. They were just getting food. Maya's fingers tremble as she reaches for her phone and texts Izana.
[12:54 am] don't be mad at Shion I was the one that insisted
Izana just leaves her on read and it makes Maya even more anxious. She isn't sure if she or Shion are in trouble. She hopes they aren't. But at the same time, Maya isn't sure when she got so used to this violent life. It was bad. The minutes stretched into an eternity as Maya anxiously waited for a response from Izana, her eyes flickering to her phone every few seconds. The silence from him was deafening, and her mind raced with worst-case scenarios. She paced the length of her living room, her nerves frayed and her thoughts jumbled. Finally, unable to bear the tension any longer, she sank onto the plush couch, trying to calm her racing heart. The city's lights glittered outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, but they provided little comfort. Maya's thoughts were consumed by worry for Shion and the potential consequences of their late-night outing. Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence, and she snatched it up with trembling hands, hoping for a message from Izana. Instead, it was Shion.
[1:05 am] Don't worry about me Just stay inside
Maya sighed in relief, but it was short-lived. The uncertainty of the situation still loomed over her. She typed out a quick response.
[1:06 am] I will I'm sorry
She set her phone down and leaned back, closing her eyes in an attempt to steady her breathing. The night's events replayed in her mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled in her chest. Despite her growing familiarity with this dangerous world, she couldn't ignore the fear that gnawed at her. Hours passed in restless silence. Maya couldn't bring herself to sleep, so she decided to distract herself with a book. She picked up a novel from the coffee table and tried to lose herself in the story, but her mind kept drifting back to Izana and Shion. The unease wouldn't leave her, and every noise from the city outside made her jump. As dawn approached, the first light of morning filtering through the windows, Maya's phone buzzed again. She grabbed it, her heart leaping with hope and fear. It was a message from Izana.
[5:47 am] Shion's fine. Don't do that again. No more late night outings Not anytime soon.
Maya let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. It wasn't exactly comforting, but at least it meant Shion wasn't in immediate danger. She quickly typed a response.
[5:48 am] I won't I'm sorry
She set her phone down and rubbed her eyes, exhaustion finally catching up with her. The adrenaline that had kept her awake all night was wearing off, leaving her feeling drained. She decided to take a quick shower, hoping the warm water would help clear her mind. As she stood under the stream, she couldn't help but reflect on how much her life had changed in such a short time. The luxury and security of her new lifestyle came with strings attached, and she was constantly navigating the fine line between safety and danger. Izana's world was one of power and control, and Maya was acutely aware of her precarious position within it.
Dressed in fresh clothes, Maya returned to the living room, feeling slightly more composed. The city outside was beginning to wake up, and she could hear the distant sounds of traffic and activity. She made herself a cup of coffee and settled on the couch, determined to stay alert and ready for whatever the day might bring. As she sipped her coffee, she glanced at her phone again, hoping for more communication from Izana. She knew better than to push him, but the silence was maddening. She decided to text him again, keeping it light and non-confrontational.
[6:15 am] Good morning Do you need anything today?
She waited, her heart pounding with anticipation. The minutes ticked by slowly, and just when she was about to give up hope for a response, her phone buzzed.
[6:22 am] Be ready by 9 We're going out.
Maya's heart skipped a beat. She had no idea what Izana had planned, but she knew better than to question him. She set her coffee down and began to prepare for the day, her mind racing with possibilities. Maya took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She glanced at the clock and realized she had just under three hours to get ready. She decided to take her time, knowing that projecting confidence and control was essential in Izana's world.
After another quick shower to freshen up, Maya meticulously selected her outfit. She opted for a mid-length black dress with a sweetheart neckline and white trim, paired with comfortable yet stylish heels. She knew that appearances mattered greatly to Izana, and she wanted to make sure she looked the part. Her hair was styled neatly, and she applied just enough makeup to highlight her features without overdoing it. By the time she finished getting ready, it was 8:45 am. Maya took a moment to collect herself, taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart. She grabbed her phone, keys, and a small handbag before heading out of her apartment. As she stepped into the hallway, she found Shion waiting for her, leaning casually against the wall. His usual smirk was in place, but there was a hint of seriousness in his eyes. "Morning," he greeted her, straightening up.
"Morning, Shion," Maya replied, offering a small smile. She felt a mixture of relief and nervousness at seeing him again after the previous night's events. "Izana said we have plans today."
They walked to the elevator in silence, the tension from the previous night still lingering between them. As the elevator descended, Maya glanced at Shion, searching for any signs of what might be in store for them. He met her gaze and gave a reassuring nod, though it did little to ease her apprehension. When they reached the lobby, Maya spotted Izana standing near the entrance, his presence commanding as always. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, his expression unreadable. As they approached, he turned to face them, his eyes briefly scanning Maya's outfit before nodding in approval. "You're ready," Izana stated, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
"Yes," Maya replied, her voice steady. "Where are we going?"
"Brunch," Izana said with a cryptic smile, motioning for them to follow him "We're getting Kakucho first"
They stepped outside, where the usual sleek black Lexus awaited them. Izana opened the back door for Maya, a rare gesture of chivalry that didn't go unnoticed. She slid into the car, followed by Izana and Shion, who took the driver's seat as usual. The drive was quiet, the only sound being the hum of the engine and the occasional soft clicks from Izana's phone as he checked messages. Maya's mind raced with possibilities of what this brunch might entail, especially after what happened last night. They stop at another large apartment building and a few minutes later Kakucho steps out and gets into the passenger seat at the front and Shion starts driving again. Maya hasn't seen Kakucho as much lately. He was busy according to Shion and Maya doesn't think she wants to know the details.
Evil doesn't rest is something Maya remembers reading some time ago. It seems it's true because even gang members can't have much time to rest. Maya can't help but wonder if she is their only connection to normalcy. Maybe that's why Shion lets her talk to him all informally even though he's 9 years older; Maybe that's why Kakucho lets her mess around with him; Maybe that's why Izana lets her spit out smart comments.
As they drove through the city, Maya reflected on the question Shion had asked her last night: why does Izana keep you around?
Izana kept Maya around for normalcy.
To feel a little less like a bad person.
Izana had long recovered from his addiction and didn't even smoke anymore, only drinking for leisure. Maya was a reminder of what it felt like to be a regular person, a tether to a world he could never fully inhabit but still wanted to touch.
When they arrived at their destination, an upscale brunch spot tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, Izana led the way inside. The restaurant was elegant, with soft jazz playing in the background and sunlight streaming through large windows. They were seated at a private table in the back, away from prying eyes. As they settled in, the waiter came to take their orders. Maya glanced at the menu, her mind still buzzing with thoughts. She ordered a simple meal, trying to gauge the atmosphere. The place was empty. "Do you own this place too?" She asks as Izana pours himself water
Izana hums. "Of course, bunny" Ah, he was back to calling her that "How else do you think I booked the place out? Is this the first time I've brought you here?"
As usual, it was only her and Izana together in the restaurant. Shion never joined them as he'd go do whatever errands Izana assigned him and Kakucho was never in the mood to 'third wheel'. Maya's thoughts were interrupted as the waiter returned with their drinks. She took a sip of her orange juice, the tartness a welcome distraction from her swirling thoughts. "I guess it is the first time," she responded, her voice carrying a hint of awe as she looked around the empty, elegant space. "It's beautiful."
Izana smiled, clearly pleased by her reaction. "I thought you might like it. It's one of my favorite spots. Quiet, private."
"Must be nice to have so many places you can call your own," Maya said, trying to keep the conversation light. "Do you ever get tired of it?"
Izana leaned back in his chair, studying her. "Sometimes. But it's necessary. In my line of work, privacy and control are everything."
She nodded, understanding the underlying message. In Izana's world, trust was a luxury few could afford. As their food arrived, Maya glanced at the beautifully presented dishes. Despite the tension and the ever-present undercurrent of danger, moments like these almost felt normal. Almost. "How's your breakfast?" Izana asked, cutting into his food.
"It's delicious," Maya replied, taking a bite. "Thank you for bringing me here."
Izana waved off her thanks. They ate in silence for a while till she spoke up again "Uh... What was last night about?"
Izana puts his utensils down and Maya immediately regrets touching the topic. "Maya..." Oh there he was using her name again
Maya had gotten so used to being called bunny by Izana that now it just felt wrong when he called her by her name. May puts down her utensils as well, looking at him nervously. "There is something I didn't account for when bringing you along places with me even if you were just in the car most of the time and the only places we went were restaurants..." Izana says cautiously
What did he have to be cautious about? Maya's pulse quickened as Izana's tone turned serious. She swallowed hard, waiting for him to continue, her mind racing with all the possible directions this conversation could go. The elegant surroundings and the quiet, empty restaurant suddenly felt like a pressure cooker, the weight of Izana's words bearing down on her. Izana sighed, leaning forward slightly, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath hitch. "Maya, being around me, being part of my life, it's dangerous. Last night, we had a close call. I underestimated the risks involved in keeping you close, even if it's just for something as simple as getting food."
Maya frowned, confusion and concern swirling in her mind. "What do you mean? What kind of close call?"
"There are always people watching, always enemies waiting for a moment of weakness," Izana explained, his voice low and measured. "Last night, we had a situation that could have escalated. You and Shion were vulnerable, and it was a mistake for me and Shion to let our guards down, even for a moment."
Maya's stomach churned. She hadn't realized the full extent of the danger she was in, or how her presence might complicate things for Izana and his operations. "I'm sorry," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to put anyone at risk."
Izana shook his head, a rare, almost tender expression softening his features. "It's not your fault, bunny. It's mine. I should have been more careful."
She shifts in place. "What exactly does this mean for me?"
"Someone put a bounty on your head, sweetheart... That's what it means"
Maya felt a cold chill run down her spine at Izana's words. The world around her seemed to narrow, the elegant restaurant fading into the background as the weight of the revelation settled in. Her mouth went dry, and she had to swallow hard before she could speak again. "A bounty?" she echoed, her voice barely audible.
Izana nodded, his expression grim. "Yes. It seems my enemies believe that getting to you might be a way to get to me. I underestimated how visible our connection had become."
Maya's mind raced. She had known that being around Izana came with risks, but she had never imagined something like this. "What... what are we going to do?"
Izana reached across the table, taking her hand in his. His touch was surprisingly gentle, a stark contrast to the deadly world he inhabited and to the teasing and patronizing way he usually treated her. "I'm going to keep you safe," he said firmly. "You'll stay closer to me from now on. I'll increase your security. We need to make sure you're protected at all times."
Maya looked into his eyes, seeing a flicker of something she hadn't expected: genuine concern. Despite his ruthless exterior, it seemed Izana did care about her well-being. "Okay," she said, squeezing his hand. "I'll do whatever you think is best."
Izana nodded, releasing her hand and leaning back in his chair. "Good. For now, just enjoy your breakfast. We'll discuss the details later."
But even as Maya eats she can't help but feel sick. As they leave the restaurant, Shion and Kakucho are already back from whatever they had to do. It's as they're driving, Maya's phone buzzes with a text.
[10:54 am] watch your back, doctor
Maya stares at the text in confusion and then comes another.
[10:54 am] Izana won't be able to keep you safe forever
Instantly she feels her stomach churn and her mouth fill with saliva. "Shion..." she says weakly "Pull over"
He looks at her through the rearview mirror, Kakucho and Izana turning to her as well. "Maya are you okay?" Kakucho asks, furrowing his brow
Maya just grips her phone tight. "I'm gonna throw up, pull over"
The car comes to a screeching halt on the fairly empty road and she stumbles out of the car. She barely made it to the side before doubling over, retching violently again. Izana was beside her in an instant, holding her steady with an arm around her waist and hand holding her hair back. "Maya, what happened?" he asked, his voice a mix of concern and anger.
She handed him her phone, still trembling and hunched over. He read the messages, his expression darkening with each word. "Who sent these?" he demanded, his grip tightening on her phone.
"I don't know," Maya managed to say between breaths. "It was a blocked number."
Shion and Kakucho are standing right by them, water bottle in hand. Izana trades Maya's phone for the water bottle and makes her drink. Maya took a few sips of the water, her hands shaking. Izana's presence was both reassuring and terrifying. She could see the fury simmering just beneath the surface of his calm exterior. "We need to get you back to the apartment," he said firmly, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any immediate threats.
Shion nodded and quickly moved to open the car door for Maya. "Come on, let's get you somewhere safe," he urged.
As they got back into the car, the atmosphere was tense. Izana was on his phone, barking orders to his security team, ensuring every possible measure was taken to protect Maya. Kakucho sat in the front, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, while Shion kept checking the rearview mirror, alert for any sign of trouble. Maya leaned back in her seat, trying to steady her breathing. She felt a mixture of fear and guilt—fear for her safety and guilt for causing such a commotion. She glanced at Izana, who was now off the phone and staring out the window, his jaw clenched. "Sorry" she whispered, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her.
Izana turned to her, his expression softening slightly. "It's not your fault, bunny" he said, using the nickname that now felt oddly comforting
Izana pulls Maya over into his arms so she's pressed into his side. Maru looks up at him, sad-scared puppy eyes melting his cold heart. "shh~, c'mere" he murmurs, pulling her up so she's sitting across his lap
It felt nice being comforted by a man that was cruel to everyone else. Maya nestled into Izana's embrace, her anxiety slowly ebbing away as his steady presence enveloped her. She could feel the tension in his body, a coiled spring ready to unleash fury on anyone who dared threaten her. For a moment, she allowed herself to find solace in his strength, pushing away the fear and uncertainty that had gripped her earlier. The drive back to the apartment was tense, the atmosphere thick with unspoken fears and simmering anger. Maya stayed curled up in Izana's lap, her head resting against his chest. Izana's grip on her tightened slightly, a protective gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Shion and Kakucho. They exchanged glances, both aware of the gravity of the situation "shhh..." Izana hushes gently every time he felt her shiver
He holds the back of her head, pressing her face to the crook of her neck. Maru wraps. her arms around Izana's neck, clinging to him for comfort and security. Maya never thought she'd go to Izana for something other than money, especially after knowing everything he'd done, especially after watching him order his men to torture her former employers to death.
It was all because it was so nice being comforted by a man who was cruel to everyone else.
Izana pulls her impossibly closer to his chest. The tension in the car was palpable, each mile stretching the silence as they made their way back to the apartment. Izana held Maya securely, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her bare knee while his other arm wrapped tightly around her waist. Despite the chaotic swirl of emotions, she found herself relaxing into his embrace, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her ear acting as a grounding anchor.
When they finally reached the apartment, Shion and Kakucho quickly exited the car to ensure the area was secure. Izana gently shifted Maya, preparing to carry her inside. "It's okay," she murmured, trying to stand on her own, but her legs were shaky, and she had to lean on Izana for support.
"You don't have to be strong all the time, bunny," Izana said softly, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. "Let me take care of you."
Maya didn't protest further, resting her head against his shoulder as he carried her into the building. Once inside, they were greeted by a heightened security presence. Izana's men were everywhere, scanning the surroundings with keen eyes, their postures alert and ready for any potential threat. The usual quiet luxury of the apartment now felt like a fortress under siege.
Even in the elevator, he doesn't put her down, carrying Maya bridal style, no longer caring who sees. Izana carried her to the living room and gently placed her on the couch in his penthouse. "Listen to me, Maya," he said, his voice firm yet gentle as he kneeled in front of her "I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. But you need to stay vigilant. Don't go anywhere without Shion or Kakucho or any of my top men. Shion, Kakucho, Ran, Rindo, Mochi— only them. Understand?"
Maya nodded, her heart pounding. "I understand," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Izana stood up and turned to Kakucho and Shion, who had just entered the room. "I want a full sweep of the building. No one gets in or out without my explicit permission," he ordered, his tone brooking no argument.
Shion nodded, his expression serious. "Got it, boss."
Maya watched as he moved with a sense of purpose, directing his men and checking the locks. Shion and Kakucho were by his side, their expressions mirroring his seriousness. She felt a pang of guilt for being the cause of such turmoil but reminded herself that Izana's world had always been dangerous. She was just more aware of it now.
Izana directs more of his men to her apartment as well to do a sweep of her place too. Maya just watches, fingers curled into her dress. Once it seems like Izana has given his men enough orders, he crouches down in front of her again down on one knee. It's an odd sight to see a man so powerful kneeling, let alone being kind. "How about you stay up here tonight..." Izana murmurs as he begins to unstrap her heels from her feet
He isn't asking but Maya tires to protest anyway. "You don't have to—"
As expected, he doesn't let her protest either.
A week passes like that. Maya stays in Kakucho's room and Izana refuses to let her leave the penthouse without any of them. Now, had she been your typical dark romance novel female lead, Maya would be begging to leave and get out. But no. Maya grew up all alone, having to provide for herself. Here, in this huge penthouse owned by scary gangsters with the country under their boot, she didn't have to lift a single finger. It was honestly amazing if you ignore the current threat to her life.
During that week, Maya settled into an unexpected routine of luxury and security, a stark contrast to her previous life. She had her meals prepared, her every need attended to, and she could actually relax, albeit under constant surveillance. Despite the danger, she found herself growing more comfortable with Izana and his men, even if the circumstances were far from normal.
One evening, as she sat on the balcony of the penthouse, watching the sunset over the city, Izana joined her. He handed her a glass of wine, and they sat in companionable silence for a few moments. The orange and pink hues of the sky reflected off the glass buildings, casting a warm glow over everything. "You seem more at ease," Izana observed, taking a sip of his drink.
Maya glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I guess I am. It's strange, isn't it? Feeling safe in a place surrounded by danger."
Izana nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Danger is relative. In my world, safety is a luxury we create, not something we find."
Maya pondered his words, understanding the depth behind them. She had seen firsthand the lengths Izana went to ensure her protection, and she couldn't deny the sense of security that came with his presence. "Thank you, Izana," she said softly, turning to look at him. "For everything."
Izana's gaze met hers, a rare, genuine warmth in his eyes. "You're welcome, bunny. But I must say this is my fault. I should have known the consequences of bringing a civilian along with me everywhere. Of course someone was going to put a hit on you"
Maya just shakes her. Of course, Izana was right but she wouldn't outright say that to him. "Also" Izana continues "There is a party on Friday. I'd like you to come with me"
And Maya agrees. What's the worst that could happen?
Later that night, as Maya prepared for bed, there was a soft knock on her door. She opened it to find Kakucho standing there, his usual stoic expression softened by concern. "Just wanted to check on you," he said simply.
Maya smiled, touched by his gesture. "I'm okay, Kakucho. Thanks for asking."
He nodded, lingering for a moment as if unsure whether to say more. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me," he finally said, his voice gentle.
"I will," Maya replied, appreciating the support from him and the others. She watched as Kakucho left, feeling a strange mix of emotions. This life of danger and luxury was a far cry from the one she had known, but she was adapting in ways she hadn't expected.
As she lay in bed, thoughts swirling in her mind, Maya couldn't help but reflect on how much her life had changed in such a short time. She had gone from a struggling therapist to a woman under the protection of one of the most powerful and dangerous men in the city. And yet, amidst the chaos, she had found a semblance of peace, even if it was fragile and fleeting.
The days continued in a similar fashion, with Maya growing more accustomed to her new reality. She found herself laughing more with Shion and Kakucho, enjoying their company despite the circumstances. Izana remained a constant, his presence both commanding and comforting.
Soon comes Friday, the day of the party Izana was talking about.
Maya stood in front of the full-length mirror in Kakucho's room, adjusting the strap of the elegant dress Izana had chosen for her. It was a deep blue in the same shade as her eyes, accentuating her figure without being too revealing. The fabric felt luxurious against her skin, a stark reminder of the opulence she had been thrust into. "Are you ready?" Izana's voice came from the doorway.
She turned to see him leaning against the frame, looking impeccable in a tailored suit. His eyes held a mix of pride and something deeper that she couldn't quite place. "Almost," she replied, taking a deep breath. "How do I look?"
"Perfect," Izana said, stepping forward and offering his arm. "Shall we?"
Maya took his arm, feeling a rush of nerves and excitement. She was stepping into a world that was both fascinating and terrifying, but with Izana by her side, she felt an unexpected surge of confidence. As they descended to the lobby, Shion and Kakucho were already waiting, dressed sharply in suits. They both gave her approving nods, a silent reassurance that she was part of their inner circle tonight.
The drive to the party was relatively quiet, the tension in the air more anticipatory than fearful. Maya couldn't help but wonder what kind of people attended these events and what role she was expected to play. When they arrived, the venue was a sprawling mansion on the outskirts of the city, its grandeur illuminated by an array of lights. The driveway was lined with expensive cars, and elegantly dressed guests milled about, sipping champagne and exchanging pleasantries. Izana led Maya inside, his hand resting possessively on her lower back. As they entered the grand hall, Maya was struck by the sheer opulence of the place. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. Tables were adorned with lavish floral arrangements, and a string quartet played softly in the background. "Stay close to me," Izana whispered in her ear, his breath warm against her skin. "And remember, you're here as my guest. No one will dare harm you while you're with me."
Maya nodded, her heart pounding. She clung to Izana's side, observing the room and its occupants. There were people of all ages, mingling and chatting, but she could sense the underlying tension. This was not just a social event; it was a gathering of power players, each with their own agendas. As they made their way through the crowd, several people approached Izana, exchanging polite greetings and respectful nods. He introduced Maya as his companion, and she noticed the curious glances and whispers that followed them. "Izana, my friend," a smooth voice interrupted their progress. Maya turned to see a tall, impeccably dressed man with a predatory smile. "It's been too long."
"Takeda," Izana replied, his tone polite but guarded. "Good to see you."
Takeda's gaze shifted to Maya, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And who is this lovely lady?"
"This is Kaneko Maya," Izana said, his grip on her tightening slightly. "She's with me."
Takeda nodded, his smile never wavering. "A pleasure to meet you, Maya. I hope you're enjoying the evening."
"I am, thank you," Maya replied, her voice steady despite the unease she felt.
As Takeda moved on, Izana leaned in close. "Be careful around him. He's not to be trusted."
Maya nodded, grateful for the warning. The evening continued, a whirlwind of introductions and conversations. Maya did her best to remember names and faces, but it was overwhelming. Izana never left her side, his presence a constant source of reassurance. At one point, they stepped out onto a terrace overlooking the gardens. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the crowded room, and Maya took a moment to breathe deeply, trying to calm her racing heart. "Are you holding up okay?" Izana asked, his eyes searching hers.
Maya nodded. "It's a lot to take in, but I'm managing."
Izana smiled, his expression softening. "You're doing great. Just a little longer, and then we can leave."
Before she could respond, the sound of raised voices drew their attention back to the ballroom. Izana's body tensed, and he quickly led her inside, his demeanour shifting to one of alertness. As they entered, they saw a group of men gathered near the center of the room, their argument growing more heated. Izana motioned for Shion and Kakucho, who immediately moved to flank him, ready for whatever might happen. Maya stood close to Izana, her heart pounding as the situation escalated. She could feel the tension in the room, the eyes of the guests watching intently. Izana stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "Gentlemen," he said, his voice calm but authoritative. "Is there a problem?"
The men turned to face him, their expressions wary. One of them, a burly man with a scar across his cheek, spoke up. "Just a disagreement, Kurokawa-san. Nothing to worry about."
Izana's eyes narrowed slightly. "Make sure it stays that way. This is not the place for conflicts."
The man nodded, backing down. The tension in the room eased slightly, and the guests began to return to their conversations, though the air was still charged with an undercurrent of unease. Izana turned back to Maya, his expression softening. "Let's get out of here. We've had enough excitement for one night."
Maya nodded, grateful for the escape. As they made their way to the exit, she couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and exhaustion. The night had been a glimpse into a world she was only beginning to understand, and she knew it was just the beginning. It's as they reach the car parked outside the venue someone shouts for them to stop. It all happens too fast. You see a man in a trench coat pull something shiny. Her body moves almost on instinct as she pushes Izana out of the line of fire. The next thing she knows she's on the ground on her knees.
Maya kneels on the cold pavement, the searing pain in her arm confirming what her mind struggled to process: she had been shot. Chaos erupted around her as Izana's men sprang into action, surrounding her and Izana with drawn weapons. She could hear Shion shouting orders, his voice a distant roar in the growing haze of her consciousness. She touches her arm and sees blood on her hands. She looks up and sees Izana staring down at her in shock. Maya thinks Izana is about to say something but before he can, she passes out.
The smell of antiseptic is something Maya got used to after staying in the hospital for a week. The sterile environment of the hospital room was a stark contrast to the chaos of the events that had landed Maya there. She lay in the hospital bed, her arm bandaged and elevated, the pain dulled by medication but still present. Izana sat beside her, his expression unreadable as he watched over her. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice quiet.
Maya shifted slightly, wincing at the movement. "Sore," she admitted, her voice hoarse from disuse. "But I'll survive."
Izana's gaze softened, a rare vulnerability in his eyes. "You saved my life," he said softly, his tone tinged with something akin to awe.
Maya shook her head, dismissing his praise. "I just reacted. Anyone would have done the same."
Izana reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Not anyone," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're special, Maya. You have a courage and strength that few possess."
Maya felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, a sense of validation she hadn't expected. She had always seen herself as ordinary, unremarkable even, but hearing Izana's praise made her feel seen in a way she hadn't before. "Thank you," she murmured, her eyes meeting his. "For everything."
Izana nodded, his hand lingering on her cheek. "I should be the one thanking you," he said, his thumb tracing a gentle circle on her skin. "You've changed everything for me."
Maya felt a surge of emotion welling up inside her, a mix of gratitude and something deeper that she couldn't quite name. She reached out, taking Izana's hand in hers, their fingers intertwining. She's about to say something but then Izana pulls his hand out of her grasp. "Just before I forget"
In the blink of an eye, the gold Cartier love bracelet is locked back on her wrist. She hadn't even realized it was taken off. Maya raises her brow in amusement. "That's a priority for you?" She asks as he pockets the screwdriver
Izana just grins. "Of course it is bunny"
Maya laughs softly. "Keep the screwdriver safe, I couldn't find it last time and had it on for months"
Izana simply nods.
He doesn't give it to her.
A few days after Maya is discharged, Izana quite literally carries her to his room. While she insisted she could walk, Izana also insisted on carrying her. "Wait, why your room?" Maya asks as he sets her down on his bed
"hm, I thought it was time to give Kakucho his room back" Izana says simply as he removes his suit jacket
"Could've just left me in my apartment too" She tells him "it's literally right under this one"
Izana's eyes flashed with a mix of amusement and something more possessive as he hung his suit jacket on the back of a chair. "I want you close, Maya. You know that."
Maya sighed, knowing any further argument would be futile. Izana was nothing if not stubborn, especially when it came to her safety. She looked around his room, noting the minimalistic yet luxurious decor, a stark contrast to her own apartment. "Fine," she conceded, leaning back against the plush pillows. "But you're making a habit of this."
Izana's lips curved into a small smile as he unbuttoned his shirt cuffs. "Perhaps I am," he said, sitting down on the edge of the bed beside her. "But it’s a habit I have no intention of breaking."
Maya watched him, feeling a mixture of exasperation and affection. The week in the hospital had been an emotional rollercoaster, and now, back in the penthouse, she felt a sense of surreal calm. Despite the danger, despite the chaos, she had found a strange comfort in Izana's presence. Maya sighed, knowing better than to argue with him. Despite the lingering pain in her arm, she felt a strange sense of security in his room. It was luxurious, just like the rest of the penthouse, but it also had a personal touch that reflected Izana’s taste—minimalist, with dark tones and high-end finishes. As Izana busied himself with something on his desk, Maya settled into the plush bed, sinking into the soft comforter. She felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her, the events of the past weeks catching up. Izana returned to her side, a glass of water in hand. "Here, take these," he said, handing her a couple of painkillers.
Maya took the pills, grateful for the relief they promised. She downed them with a sip of water, then handed the glass back to Izana. "Thank you," she murmured, leaning back against the pillows.
Izana sat on the edge of the bed, watching her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. His hand comes up, slow and careful to cup her cheek and before she knows it, their lips have locked together. Maya's mind swirled with the mixture of sensations—Izana’s firm yet gentle touch, the warmth of his lips, and the undeniable chemistry that had been building between them. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the kiss, a momentary escape from the chaos that had become her life. When they finally pulled apart, both were slightly breathless. Izana’s thumb brushed against her cheek, his gaze unwavering. “You’re incredible, you know that?” he murmured, his voice filled with a rare softness.
Maya smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “I don’t know about that,” she replied, her voice shaky yet filled with sincerity.
Izana leans in and kisses her again, this time more eager and a little more aggressive. Maya's pulse quickened as Izana's kiss deepened, his lips demanding and passionate. She responded in kind, her hands moving up to tangle in his hair. The intensity of the moment was electrifying, every touch sending shivers down her spine. Izana's hand slid from her cheek to the back of her neck, pulling her closer. Maya felt herself melting into him, her worries and fears momentarily forgotten in the heat of the kiss. When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily, their foreheads resting against each other.
“Izana,” Maya whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “What are we doing?”
Izana's eyes bore into hers, a mix of desire and determination. “What feels right,” he replied, his thumb brushing over her lips before he kisses her again
Maya's head swam with a whirlwind of emotions as Izana's lips met hers once more. The intensity of his kiss, the possessiveness in his touch, made her feel more alive than she had ever felt before. Every sensation was heightened, every touch electrifying, as they surrendered to the moment. As their kiss deepened, Maya's hands roamed over Izana's back, feeling the taut muscles beneath his shirt. His hands were no less explorative, tracing the contours of her body with a mix of tenderness and fervour. The world outside his room faded away, leaving just the two of them, entwined in a passionate embrace. It's right then that as they kiss, Izana takes her hands and starts wrapping something around her wrists. She pulls away. "I-Izana?"
"You're so pretty" He murmurs, a look of excitement in his eyes
Maya's gaze shifted between him and her wrists which he was currently tying together with his necktie, the ache in her shoulder now turned to numbness. When did he take his tie off? "Izana..." She tries saying as he loops the silk around her wrists once more
"Shhh..." He coos and presses a kiss to her forehead "It's gon' be fine. Won't be too rough with you, I know your shoulder hurts"
But it wasn't about the damn bullet wound and Maya wasn't sure how to explain it to him. "N-No wait Izana—" He finishes tying her wrists together and lowers her back onto the bed
Izana stops when he sees her panicked state. His fingers clench around the silk that binds her wrists together. "hm?"
Maya looks up at him, wide watery eyes. His heart melts. "I'm a virgin"
In an instant, the necktie is slid off her wrists but Izana makes no move to get off her. "Do you trust me?" he whispers, lips meet her cheek
With those four words, the months she has spent with Izana play through her head like a movie being played on fast forward. From the day they first met till now, Maya knows how absolutely scary most of the situations she was put into. Hell, she almost died too. Maya's heart raced as she looked into Izana's eyes, searching for any hint of deceit or malice. But all she found was sincerity, a genuine concern that made her want to believe him. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible
And Izana smiles, his lips meeting her's in another kiss.
It's about 8 am when Maya wakes up. The night before had been... Eventful. Of course, that was one way to describe it. After Izana had taken her virginity they showered together. She's wearing her own pyjama pants but one of Izana's shirts that he didn’t bother helping her button up. Maya stares up and the ceiling, lying on her back as Izana lays next to her with an arm around her waist, still asleep.
Maya couldn't help but feel a swirl of conflicting emotions as she lay there in the early morning light, wrapped in Izana's shirt and tangled up with him in his bed. She felt a strange mix of vulnerability and comfort, a sense of intimacy she had never experienced before. Part of her wanted to stay there forever, cocooned in this moment of peace and connection. But another part of her was filled with uncertainty, unsure of what this newfound closeness with Izana meant for their relationship.
As she gazed at him sleeping beside her, she couldn't help but marvel at the contrast between the man she had come to know and the one she had feared when they first met. Izana seemed almost... vulnerable in his sleep, his usual guarded facade softened by the peaceful expression on his face. Maya reached out, tracing the line of his jaw with her fingertips, memorizing every contour and angle.
Maya pulls her hand back and slips out of bed without waking him. Her arm was aching again and there was no more water in the glass on the bedside table. She cradles her injured arm to her chest as she walks through the empty penthouse toward the kitchen. Maya fills herself a glass of water and leans against the kitchen island as she drinks. The events of the past weeks replayed in Maya's mind like a movie, each scene more surreal than the last. She couldn't quite believe how much her life had changed since she first met Izana. From being a struggling psychiatrist to now being entangled in a world of danger and luxury, it was a journey she never could have imagined. As she stood there in the quiet of the kitchen, Maya couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that gnawed at her. Her relationship with Izana had taken a sudden and unexpected turn, and she wasn't sure where they stood now. Did last night change everything, or was it just a momentary lapse in judgment? "Oh well" she thinks
Just as she's about the head back to Izana's room, something on the counter catches her eye. Oh. It was the screwdriver for the bracelet Izana gave her. Maya picks it up. She couldn't find hers for months after Izana put the bracelet on her. She stares down at the bracelet and then puts the screwdriver in place which then unlocks it. Just as she's about to pull it off, someone speaks up. "Kaneko... Maya...?" a voice says startling her
She turned around fast, the bracelet slipping off her wrist easily now that it was unlocked. Standing a little too close for comfort is a man with pale skin, black bottomless pits as eyes and black messy long hair. He stares at her for a moment and Maya attempts to take a step back only for her back to hit the counter. "huh..." he mutters, looking at her up and down, watching Maya cradle her injured arm to her chest
He crouches down and picks up the Cartier Bracelet off the floor. "Didn't think aniki would let you walk around the place so freely like this" he murmurs as he examines the bracelet
Aniki? Oh. "You're.... Sano Manjiro"
This was Izana's younger brother. The leader of Tokyo Manji Gang. "In the flesh" Manjiro says and looks at her "But I prefer Mikey"
She just nods, keeping her arm cradled to her chest and also trying to cover up her bralette which was exposed since she hadn't buttoned up her shirt before leaving Izana's room. "Nice to finally meet the girl that's got my brother's attention" Manjiro— Mikey— says
Maya lets out a shaky exhale. "Nice to meet you too, Mikey," Maya replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the nerves churning in her stomach.
She couldn't shake the feeling of being under scrutiny, especially from someone as formidable as Izana's brother. He exudes power in the same way as Izana. Although she can't help but notice they don't look alike at all. "Um can—"
"you know," Mikey starts, cutting her off as he fiddles with the bracelet "owners usually don't give their pets the key to their collar"
Maru furrows her brows at his words. "um... Excuse me?"
Mikey looks up at her with a smirk, his gaze piercing. "You heard me," he says, his tone casual yet filled with underlying tension. "You're wearing Izana's collar, aren't you?"
Maya's heart skips a beat, her mind racing as she tries to process his words. She glances down at the bracelet in his hand, suddenly feeling exposed and vulnerable. "It's just a bracelet," she replies, her voice defensive.
Mikey raises an eyebrow, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Is it now?" he says, his smirk widening
He turns the gold love bracelet over and shows her the inside of it. Maya felt her stomach churn uncomfortably at the sight of what was engraved onto the inside. It was a common thing. Cartier offered a service that allowed you to get what you wanted engraved on the inside of certain rings and bracelets. But this certainly wasn't what she expected.
Engraved on the inside of the bracelet is
property of Kurokawa Izana
notes: ngl, I'm not super satisfied with this chapter but oh well, it's a bonus anyway. It's super fast pace, I know but it's a bonus for a reason and I kinda lost interest in writing the smut so I just left it off. Have I ever mentioned I hate writing smut which is why none of my one-shots have smut. but anyways, I hope you enjoyed :)
This is a wrap to Dead Girl's Beach and thank you so much for reading <3
DEAD GIRL'S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
THIRTEEN — can't catch me now
"his need for control may stem from underlying fears of abandonment, leading Mr Kurokawa to maintain a tight grip on those around him."—MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: Mikey goes to the Philippines, leaving a trail of bodies behind him. Takemichi returns to the future. Maya keeps her promise to Izana.
warnings: dark content 18+, manga and anime spoilers, multiple character deaths, murder, guns, use of weapons, stabbing, mentions of suicide, blood and gore, depiction of corpses, scars, torture, depiction of wounds, unhealthy attachments, toxic and unhealthy relationships, vomiting, suggestive themes, mental health issues, depression, dark impulses, emotional manipulation, blackmail, corruption, bribery, torture, allusions to sex, suggestive themes, dehumanization, toman + draken slander, slight grandpa sano slander, non-linear narrative in one part, drug use/misuse, mention of overdose, slight emotion incest, funerals, grieving
word count: 13 593
series masterlist
The underpass looms overhead like a forgotten relic of urban decay, its walls coated in layers of graffiti and grime. Matsuno Chifuyu stands alone in the dim light, his silhouette cast long against the concrete pavement. He exhales a weary sigh, the weight of the world heavy on his shoulders as he gazes out into the empty expanse before him.
Karma, he thinks bitterly, is nothing more than a fairy tale for the weak-minded. If it were real, Kisaki Tetta would have faced justice long ago for his crimes. But life isn't fair, and justice is a fleeting illusion in a world ruled by power and greed.
Chifuyu's mind drifts back to the events that had led him here, to this empty underpass on a cold, unforgiving night. He remembers the faces of his friends, the ones who had stood by him through thick and thin, the ones who had paid the ultimate price for their loyalty. Baji, Smiley, Angry, Pah-chin, Peh-yan, Hakkai, Kazutora, and now, Maya—they were all gone, lost to him forever in a cruel twist of fate.
They were all gone and now Matsuno Chifuyu stands before Sano "Mikey" Manjiro after 12 years with the muzzle of the latter's gun pointed at him. Chifuyu's heart pounds in his chest as he faces him, his old friend turned bitter enemy. The weight of their shared history hangs heavy in the air, a silent testament to the bonds they once shared and the betrayal that tore them apart. Mikey's gaze is cold and unforgiving, his finger tense on the trigger of the gun and Chifuyu meets his gaze head-on with softness in comparison. He knows that this is the end, that Mikey holds the power to snuff out his life in an instant and he will. Chifuyu knows the cause of his friends' deaths was Mikey. It was obvious, especially with how Kazutora's body was found— stabbed in the same Baji stabbed himself 12 years ago.
Mikey stands before him in black pants, a white shirt and a brown jacket. There is a dragon tattoo on the side of his neck. The tattoo looks fresh. His hair is no longer blonde and tied back like he had it in middle school neither was it short and blonde like it was in high school. His hair is black and styled in a similar way to Baji's. A lump forms in Chifuyu's throat. He can't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the days when they were just kids, riding their motorcycles through the streets of Tokyo with the wind in their hair and laughter in their hearts. But those days are long gone, replaced by a bitter reality of loss and betrayal.
Mikey's gaze remains cold and distant, his expression unreadable as he holds Chifuyu at gunpoint. There's a tension in the air, thick and suffocating, as the two former friends face each other in the shadowy underpass. Memories of their shared past flood Chifuyu's mind, the good times and the bad, the laughter and the tears.
But there's no room for sentimentality now, not with Mikey's finger hovering dangerously close to the trigger. For a brief moment, Chifuyu sees a glimpse of the boy he once knew buried beneath the layers of anger and resentment. But it's gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced once again by the cold, indifferent facade of the man before him. There is no need to fight. Chifuyu won't try fighting either. Sano Manjiro is here to get something and he will get what he wants like he always does.
Unfortunately, it seems that something is Chifuyu's life.
However, Chifuyu's eyes flutter down toward the necklace Mikey is wearing and his heart drops. Oh. Oh. It's now Chifuyu realizes Maya's necklaces weren't among the retrieved items from her new apartment or the car wreck. It's now he realizes it wasn't a suicide. He was too stupid to figure it out right away— too blinded by his own grief and guilt. The realization hits him like a punch to the gut, leaving him reeling with a sense of profound loss and anger. How could Mikey have done this? How could he have taken Maya away from them, erased her from their lives as if she never existed? The weight of his grief bears down on him, threatening to crush him beneath its suffocating embrace.
He wonders if Maya was tortured to death or if it was quick and painless. He hoped it was painless. Oh god—were the ashes the funeral home gave him even Maya's? Chifuyu can make out a hickey on Mikey's neck and Chifuyu's thoughts run wild with possibilities.
Was Maya alive?
Was she dead?
Why did you kill her Mikey?
There is so much Chifuyu wants to ask as he looks back at Mikey's cold eyes but it all remains unsaid. Instead, he finds himself thinking back to Takemichi and his wild tales of time travel. In their younger years, Chifuyu had found solace in the idea that maybe, just maybe, there was a way to change their fate, to rewrite the tragic events that had torn their lives apart. But as time passed and Takemichi drifted away, those hopes faded into nothing more than childish fantasies. Now, faced with the harsh reality of their situation, Chifuyu can't help but feel a pang of bitterness at the thought of what could have been. Time travel or not, they were trapped in a never-ending cycle of violence and betrayal, with no hope of escape.
In the shadow of uncertainty, with the weight of his grief heavy upon him, Chifuyu finds himself grappling with a newfound sense of acceptance. Death no longer holds the same grip of fear over him that it once did. Instead, it looms before him as a distant inevitability, an end to the suffering and turmoil that has plagued him for so long.
Takemichi's words echo in the recesses of his mind, stirring a flicker of hope amidst the darkness that threatens to consume him. For a brief moment, Chifuyu allows himself to entertain the possibility that maybe, just maybe, there is a chance for redemption, a chance to set right the wrongs of the past. But even as he clings to this fragile hope, Chifuyu knows that the road ahead will be fraught with danger and uncertainty. There are no guarantees, no promises of a happy ending. All he can do is face whatever comes his way with courage and determination. "Got any last words Chifuyu?" Mikey asks
As Mikey's voice cuts through the heavy silence, breaking the tension like a sharp blade, Chifuyu's thoughts are pulled back to the present moment. The cold steel of the gun pressed against his skin serves as a grim reminder of the imminent threat he faces. "do you remember Hanagaki Takemichi?" Chifuyu asks, his voice shaking a little "Someday, he'll come looking for you... He'll be like how he was back then as if he'd travelled through time"
The gun still doesn't move from between his brows as Chifuyu continues. "Look closely into his eyes... His eyes never lie..."
For a moment, time seems to stand still as Mikey's finger on the trigger twitches, the weight of their shared history bearing down upon them. And then, with a final flicker of resolve, Chifuyu utters his last words, a quiet yet resolute plea with tear-filled eyes: "Trust him."
BANG
Mikey's reflection stares back at him with an unsettling emptiness, his gaze fixed on the figure in the mirror as he methodically trims his own hair. Each snip of the scissors echoes through the silent room, punctuated only by the sound of Sanzu's laboured breathing behind him.
Sanzu lies sprawled on the floor, a pool of crimson spreading beneath him like a macabre canvas of despair. His eyes, once filled with unwavering loyalty and devotion, now gaze blankly at the ceiling, a silent testament to the price of allegiance in a world ruled by power and violence.
Mikey's hands move with practiced precision, the sharp blade of the scissors slicing through his hair with a detached sense of detachment. His mind is a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, a tempest of guilt, and regret that threatens to consume him from within. Mikey's hands falter for a moment as he catches sight of Sanzu's prone form in the mirror, his reflection juxtaposed against the stark reality of the scene behind him. But the moment passes as quickly as it came, and he returns his attention to the task at hand with a detached sense of detachment.
There are no words exchanged between them, no last-minute pleas for mercy or forgiveness. Only the quiet acceptance of their roles in this cruel dance of fate played out against the backdrop of their shared history and the bonds that bind them together.
Sanzu Haruchiyo, the man— boy— he scarred as a child over a damn toy airplane. Tore the corners of his mouth and then force him to smile. Oh god, Mikey didn't deserve Haruchiyo. Maybe that's why Mikey killed him. He remembers the boy he used to be, full of mischief and laughter, before the weight of their world came crashing down upon them like a tidal wave. And he remembers Sanzu, always by his side, loyal to a fault, even when Mikey didn't deserve it. Mikey looks away and continue cutting his hair, pushing back the need to vomit when he sees Shinichiro in place of his own reflection. He trembles as he puts down the scissors and pushes his hair back into a middle part in hopes to look different than his deceased older brother.
He does. It works. Mikey doesn't bother to pick his hair off the floor or to get rid of any evidence. Mikey steps away from the mirror, his gaze lingering on his reflection for a moment longer before he turns and walks away, leaving the blood-stained scene behind him without a second glance. The police already know it's him behind the serial murders. There was only so much Tokyo Manji Gang's influence could cover and now that he was off doing what he wanted, people were no longer listening. It would take a while for Izana and Kisaki to realize he was no longer in the country and even longer for the police to figure that out.
Mikey is in the Philippines, the air is warm in comparison to Japan right now. As Mikey steps out into the bustling streets of Manila, he allows himself to breathe, to simply exist in the present moment without the burden of his past weighing him down. The neon lights of the city flicker overhead, casting an ethereal glow over the bustling streets below.
"Hair holds memory. That's why I cut my hair after Chifuyu broke my heart. It made me feel better"
That's what Maya told him. Mikey agreed of course. After Emma died and Izana cut his hair for him, he felt better.
So now that he has murdered all his friends, Mikey cuts his hair again.
He thinks about their deaths for a moment before he leaves the motel.
First came the twins then Peh-yan, followed by Pah-chin. No one fought for their life. Or well they did but Mikey could tell they had already given up the moment they began.
Next came Hakkai. The warehouse he lured him to set ablaze with ease and Hakkai never tried to escape, simply looking up at him with nostalgia.
After that was Kazutora, he fought. Tried telling Mikey that what he was doing wasn't fair after figuring out it was he who was responsible for Maya's death. Kazutora fought back but quickly gave up, bleeding out on the floor of his apartment, staring up at Mikey with eyes filled with sadness.
Then was Chifuyu. A quick shot between the brows and it was done.
Mitsuya was next. He didn't fight much either as Mikey strangled him.
Last was Draken. Stabbed him right through the heart. Draken fought back. Kind of. But he quickly gave in.
Haruchiyo simply kneeled before him the moment Mikey pulled out the gun and pointed it at him.
All of them did.
Why?
Their life was his to keep and his to take.
For Sano "Mikey" Manjiro is the sun, the center of the universe, and like the sun, his gravitational pull is too strong for anyone to resist and too powerful for anyone to survive.
As his vision clears Takemichi looks around. The first thing he does is pat around his pockets to feel for his phone. Seeing it's an iPhone and not a flip phone it confirms he's back in the present. Wednesday, January 10, 2018, 11:47 am. He's come back 12 years to where he belongs. The last time he was here he was in jail which meant the timeline was successfully changed. So, was Hina safe? Chifuyu, Pah-chin, Peh-yan, Draken, Mitsuya? Were they all okay? "Hanagaki-kun?" A female voice says from behind him
Takemichi turns around and sees a girl. She looks familiar but he can't remember exactly where he knows her from. She bows a little. "Thank you very much for coming here during such a busy time" she stands up straight "Please this way"
Upon arrival, Takemichi is greeted by a solemn atmosphere, the weight of grief heavy in the air. His heart quickens as he tries to piece together the puzzle before him. Who is being mourned here? The receptionists look familiar, undoubtedly related to the deceased, but Takemichi's mind struggles to make sense of the situation. "Thank you for coming to my brother's" the girl chokes up "My brother's..."
The second girl takes over. "Please go inside" she directs him
Takemichi's confusion intensifies, his anxiety mounting with each passing moment. But it's when he hears their words— "Keep it together Mana!"
"Sorry Luna" —that a sinking feeling settles in the pit of his stomach.
Luna?
Mana?
Brother...
Takemichi's steps falter as he enters the funeral house, his heart pounding in his chest. And then, he sees it—the altar adorned with candles and flowers, a solemn tribute to the departed. And there, amidst the somber display, is a picture of Mitsuya Takashi.
A funeral honouring the dead.
Takemichi runs. He runs and runs down the streets pulling out his phone to find out what happened. He couldn't talk to Luna and Mana. He had to find Naoto. The internet gives him more questions than answers
Former Tokyo Manji Gang Admin Mitsuya's remains found, murder suspected
Mitsuya-san's Murdered Body Discovered, culprit unknown
The headlines blur before his eyes, each one a stab to his already shattered heart. He doesn't understand. He changed the past—everyone should be alive. But as he searches for Hinata's name, the cruel reality hits him like a freight train. He searches for Hinata's name next.
Tachibana Hinata(26) Dies in Car Accident, Motorcycle Gang Suspected
Hina died the same way. Nothing changed. Takemichi's breath catches in his throat as he grapples with the devastating truth. He's back in the same dingy apartment, the penthouse a distant dream. Something went wrong—no, Takemichi went wrong. The weight of his failure crushes him as he stares at a photo taken with the other Toman captains, a painful reminder of what should have been. His heart hurts. How could this happen? "So here you are," A familiar voice says "I've been looking for you"
Tears fill Takemichi's eyes as he sees Tachibana Naoto come through the door. He stands up and runs toward the younger boy hugging him tight. The memory of his death in the previous time makes him cry and the events of this timeline make him bawl. Once Takemichi has calmed down Naoto starts explaining this future. "You've time-leaped into the past multiple time in your attempt to save my sister. This is the worst future that's happened yet" Naoto tells him "Of course, nē-chan wasn't saved... And all the chief members of Tokyo Manji Gang have been killed"
Takemichi thinks he's going to throw up. "Killed?"
Naoto nods. "Shiba Hakkai burned to death. Mitsuya Takashi strangled. Ryuguji Ken, Stabbed. Matsuno Chifuyu, shot in the head" He pauses "Hayashida Haruki, Hayashi Ryōhei, Kawata Nahoya, Kawata Souya, Shiba Hakkai and Hanemiya Kazutora... Even Kisaki Tetta was killed"
Takemichi lets out a gasp. "Even Kisaki...? Everyone is dead...?"
"The suspect is still at large," Naoto informs him. "We don't even have a clue as to where he might be."
"What about Mikey-kun?! Was Mikey-kun murdered too?! What about him?!" Takemichi's voice trembles with fear.
Naoto hesitates, his gaze falling away. "Mikey..." He takes a deep breath before continuing. "The wanted criminal for these serial murders is Sano Manjiro."
Takemichi is going to be sick. "Could dial down the jokes a freakin' notch? There's no way he'd...!!" Seeing Naoto look away makes Takemichi confront the cruel reality presented toward him "I want to meet Mikey and talk to him"
"Takemichi-kun, I want to know the truth too. You're the one that can do that. As a former Toman admin and the only one still alive. It's only you left who can see him" Naoto tells him
Takemichi doesn't understand. What happened that caused such a great change in the timeline? Everyone was dead. Everyone. "I eliminated the two people who could have caused Toman to go evil. The Black Dragons were defeated and Kisaki got thrown out of Toman! EVERYTHING SHOULD HAVE ENDED UP FINE!!"
Takemichi and Naoto find a letter. It wasn't from Japan but from the Philippines. A conversation with Mikey he had in the past floods through his mind. It was while Mikey was teaching him how to ride the bike he gifted him. The one with the twin engine like his CB250T. Mikey said his brother found it in the Philippines. "Mikey is in the Philippines." Takemichi says firmly
Mikey's past is dotted with countless encounters with pretty girls, and numerous relationships that flickered and faded like distant stars. But amidst the myriad of faces that have come and gone, it's Kaneko Maya who holds a special place in his heart.
Maya wasn't just another conquest or fleeting romance for Mikey. There was something different about her, something that made her stand out from the rest. Perhaps it was her innocence, her vulnerability that drew him in, or maybe it was the way she looked at him with those wide, trusting eyes as if he held the world in his hands and put the stars up in the sky.
Whatever it was, Mikey found himself drawn to Maya in a way he couldn't quite explain. She brought out a side of him that he rarely showed to anyone else—gentle, caring, almost tender. With Maya, he felt a sense of peace and contentment that he had never experienced before.
Maya was gorgeous. Like a doll almost. Those expensive ones Emma used to play with. The limited edition ones with their pretty clothes and perfectly done hair. Maya's skin was perfect even with the faint freckles on her cheeks. Her skin was warm and soft to the touch. Her hair was silky smooth with fluffy curls and her eyes...
Oh her eyes.
Maya's eyes were gorgeous. They were filled with so much emotion— so much love, sadness, grief. He doesn't think he's ever seen more expressive eyes. Or well, he has but that wasn't the point right now.
The point was that he had killed the girl of his dreams. A shot through the heart and she hit the sand with a thud. She didn't move after that. Mikey had dropped the gun and he felt like his own heart was going to stop. It was an accident. He didn't mean to shoot her. She was just running and wouldn't stop after he called for her. It was stupid of him to do so. Maya wouldn't have been able to get anywhere in the first place. There was nothing for miles and just long endless stretches of beaches. He killed her and it was for nothing.
After all, Maya's death was just the beginning. he voice in his head had whispered to him, urging him to rid himself of anyone who might leave him, anyone who might betray him in the future. And he had listened, giving in to the darkness that lurked within him.
The stupid voice in his head won and now he was alone. So, he listened to the voice and killed the rest of his friends too. All the friends that left him. Even Haruchiyo because what if he left him in the future? Sure Haruchiyo stayed but what if he left later? He wouldn't stay forever according to that voice in Mikey's head so he had to kill Haruchiyo before he could leave.
But now, as he stands alone in the aftermath of his own destruction, Mikey can't help but wonder if it was worth it. Was it worth sacrificing everything he held dear for the sake of his own selfish desires? The answer, he knows, is no. Nothing could ever justify what he had done, the lives he had taken, the hearts he had broken.
His fingers curl around the necklace he pulled off her cold dead body— the necklace with the engraving of a daffodil in the pendant. How fucking fitting he took this and not the other one. Daffodils, also known as narcissus, from the Greek mythological story of a young man so beautiful he pined for his own reflection and turned into a daffodil. That whole story showed there was a fine line between love and obsession and it was fucking fitting he took this necklace instead of the one with the butterfly. Mikey was horrible. He was a horrible fucking person.
All his life had been suffering.
From the death of his dad, his mom, Shinichiro, Baji and Emma.
Each time Mikey has been suffering.
He doesn't think he properly mourned Baji or Emma. He wasn't allowed to. It was the curse of being the strongest. When you're at the top, you're alone. Everyone thinks he isn't capable of emotion but he is. Mikey swears he is. He loves everyone. He loves all of them, even the ones he killed.
He loved Maya. Oh god he loved her and she loved him back, didn't she? Mikey finds himself grappling with a different kind of anguish—the anguish of unexpressed love. Maya's absence weighs heavily on his heart, her memory haunting him like a ghost. He replays their moments together in his mind, each one a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.
He loved Maya, of that he's certain. In her, he found a kindred spirit, someone who saw past the facade of the fearsome gang leader to the vulnerable boy beneath. And Maya had shown him a love he had never known before.
But now she's gone, taken from him in a senseless act of violence. And Mikey can't help but wonder if she ever knew how much he truly cared for her. Did she feel the depth of his love, the intensity of his longing? Or did she leave this world believing she was just another casualty in the endless cycle of pain and loss?
The thought gnaws at him, consuming him from the inside out. He wishes he could turn back time, and rewrite the script so he didn't shoot her. But he knows that's just wishful thinking, a futile fantasy in a world where reality reigns supreme.
Mikey thought Izana would be angry. He really did. But as Mikey sobbed Izana had held him silently and ran his fingers through his hair. Izana simply hugged him. For all his faults and flaws, Izana has always been there for Mikey, a steadfast pillar of support in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.
Everyone left him all while telling him that relying on Izana wasn't a good thing but it wasn't like any of them gave him any other choice. Mikey would have died years ago had it not been for Izana. So why was everyone so mad at him? They did this to him. They didn't let him mourn. They put all the pressure on his shoulders. Everyone had abandoned him, leaving him to shoulder the weight of their expectations and demands alone. They had pushed Mikey to the brink, refusing to acknowledge the toll their actions had taken on his fragile psyche. So why are they blaming him for turning out the way he did when all he was doing was trying his best?
Mikey ran that night with Haruchiyo. Left Okinawa for Tokyo and so began his murder spree. Mikey couldn't get himself to look at Izana, fearing his brother's actual reaction the next morning. What if Izana actually left him this time like he always threatened to do? Mikey couldn't have that so he ran first.
Ending up in Manila and sending Takemichi that letter was a spontaneous decision but he realized there was one more left to kill— the first to leave him.
Takemichi went to the Philippines with Naoto. The letter contained a message and an address. He knew right away it was from Mikey. There was no doubt about it. He was standing in front of the run-down building despite the dangers Naoto told him about. If Mikey killed the others, he could kill him too. But there was no guarantee Mikey was in there. However, if he is then it'll be the first time in any of Takemichi's time leaps to the present that he'll be meeting Mikey. As Takemichi walks through the ruins of the building he wonders what Mikey of the future was like. What was he going to say to him? Mikey no doubt changed after 12 years— he killed everyone so that means something. He might kill Takemichi the second they meet. Takemichi gulps at the thought. He turns the corner and remembers Mikey's words about the engine.
It was beneath a suffocating gray sky. In a building abandoned with the ceiling collapsed under a huge scrap pile.
Looking around Takemichi realizes this was the place Mikey's brother found the CB250T engines. "Takemitchy?" A voice calls startling him
Startled, he followed the sound and there he was—Sano Manjiro. Despite the years that had passed, Mikey's eyes held the same intensity. His appearance had changed—his hair was now black, cut short with an undercut, and he bore Draken's dragon tattoo on the side of his neck and a gold necklace. Mikey exuded maturity and confidence, a stark contrast to the boy Takemichi once knew. Finally, Takemichi stood face-to-face with the future Mikey for the first time since he started time leaping. "Um... Have you been well?" Takemichi stumbled over his words, unsure of what to say.
Mikey's smile was warm and familiar. "Yeah," he replied simply.
Takemichi thinks he's gonna cry. No, he just starts to cry. "I'm sorry" he cried
"Still a crybaby that hasn't changed huh" Mikey says with a smile and stands up "I brought you here because I have a favour to ask you"
"huh?"
"I came here to remember my memories with my big brother. I'm overwhelmed with many memories. When I was young I fought with many people. I learned a few things, laughed, and cried too. That's how I grew with Toman." Mikey smiles sweetly at Takemichi "It makes me nostalgic"
"Mikey" Takemichi whispers
He knew it. Mikey couldn't have killed them. No way. Not after everything. Mikey looks up at the sky. "Toman has changed a lot, Takemitchy" He says "Why did you leave Toman? I wanted us to stay together. I wanted you to stay with me like a big brother would..."
"w-what?"
Takemichi stands in disbelief as he absorbs Mikey's words, his mind reeling with confusion and guilt. How could he have left Toman in this future? The realization hits him like a ton of bricks, a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions and the ripple effect they've had on the lives of everyone around him. "I tried to fix everything by myself. Tried to save her. But I couldn't control everything. I'm never gonna be like I was in the past" Mikey says with a solemn look on his face
Takemichi's breath catches in his throat as he listens to Mikey's solemn words, each syllable weighing heavily on his conscience like a leaden burden. The gravity of the situation dawns on him with crushing force, the realization that his actions have altered the course of fate sinking in deeper with each passing moment. "Mikey, what do you mean?"
Mikey's gaze is piercing, his eyes reflecting the weight of the burden he carries. "I tried to stop you from quitting Toman but Ken-chin and Mitsuya stopped me"
Takemichi feels sick again. "That means that... Those two..."
"They were the last to leave Toman and I'm the one who killed everyone. That Toman no longer exists. The guys are... and everyone... I killed them" Mikey tells him "That's why I want you to stop me. Kill me Takemitchy. I want it to all end here"
Takemichi's mind races as he grapples with the enormity of Mikey's request. Kill him? The thought is unimaginable, unthinkable. But as he looks into Mikey's eyes, he sees the pain and anguish that he carries, the burden of his past sins weighing heavily upon him. "What are you talking about, Mikey? Stop. I don't get it," Takemichi stammers, his voice trembling with emotion. Tears blur his vision as he looks into Mikey's piercing gaze, searching for answers in the depths of those haunted eyes. "You ask me to kill you right after we meet. But me, I just wanted to see you again."
"I just wanted to see you again" Mikey repeats, his voice tinged with a macabre sort of melancholy. "Hakkai also said something like that the moment he died"
"The moment he was dying...?" he echoes, his voice barely a whisper as the weight of Mikey's words settles like a stone in the pit of his stomach.
Mikey's gaze drifts upward, his eyes fixated on the vast expanse of the sky above them. "It's hard to achieve his dream," he murmurs, his voice heavy with resignation. "Open a new era. Toman was on the right track, and suddenly everything ended like this."
"Like... this?" Takemichi's voice trembles with uncertainty as he seeks clarification, his heart pounding with apprehension.
Mikey's lips curl into a bitter smile, but there's a glint of something unsettling in his eyes. "When I killed for the first time, I didn't feel anything," he confesses, his words laced with a chilling nonchalance. "And I thought that the difficulties of this world can be fixed with murder. All is well when you eliminate those who get in your way."
The casualness with which Mikey speaks of murder sends a shiver down Takemichi's spine. Anger boils within him, fueling a surge of defiance as he confronts his former friend. "This isn't right!" Takemichi's voice rises in protest, his fists clenching in frustration. "You can't just—"
Before Takemichi can finish his sentence, Mikey lunges forward, seizing the front of Takemichi's shirt and slamming him forcefully into the rubble below. The impact knocks the breath from Takemichi's lungs, leaving him gasping for air as he stares up at Mikey in shock. "What part of this do you not understand?" Mikey's voice is low and menacing, his grip tightening on Takemichi's shirt. He presses the cold muzzle of a gun against Takemichi's cheek, the metal chilling against his skin. "Take that gun, Takemichi. If you don't kill me, you'll be the one that dies."
Takemichi's tear-filled eyes reflect the turmoil raging within him, but before he can even process the overwhelming emotions, he notices tears cascading down Mikey's face. The rhythmic pattern of tears falling on Takemichi's cheeks echoes in the tense silence, each drop a poignant reminder of the anguish they both carry. As Mikey gazes down at Takemichi, his tear-streaked face is a portrait of sorrow and regret. Despite the gravity of the situation, Takemichi remains frozen, his gaze fixed on Mikey's trembling form. The gun lies untouched beside him, a silent witness to the heart-wrenching scene unfolding before him. "We can't go back in time," Mikey's voice is heavy with resignation, the words hanging in the air like an unspoken truth.
And then, in a sudden motion, he collapses to his side, the sound of a gunshot ringing out through the desolate surroundings. "Are you okay, Takemichi?!" Naoto's voice pierces through the chaos, his concern palpable as he rushes to Takemichi's side.
Shock and disbelief grip Takemichi as he registers the scene before him. Blood stains the ground, a crimson pool forming around Mikey's motionless form. Naoto's gun trembles in his hand, the realization of what he's done sinking in. "Mikey!!" Takemichi's voice is raw with panic and desperation as he scrambles to Mikey's side, his hands trembling as he reaches out to his fallen friend.
"TAKEMICHI, DON'T GO NEAR HIM!!" Naoto's voice rings out in a frantic plea, the urgency clear in his tone. But his words hang in the air, halted by the sight of the gun that lies discarded at Mikey's side.
The safety catch remains engaged—a small detail that sends a shiver of realization down Naoto's spine. "He never... intended to kill him?" Naoto's voice wavers with horror as the implications of the situation begin to dawn on him.
Meanwhile, Takemichi's cries echo through the desolate surroundings as he kneels beside Mikey's growingly cold body, his grief palpable in the air. "Tachibana Naoto..." Mikey's voice is weak, barely a whisper in the stillness. "Takemichi would've never been able to kill me."
The weight of Mikey's words hangs heavy in the air, each syllable laden with the weight of a lifetime of suffering. Takemichi's breath comes in ragged gasps as he struggles to process the enormity of the moment. "No, Mikey! Don't say that!" Takemichi's voice trembles with desperation, tears streaming down his face. "I can still change it. I can change the past. I can start all over again! I would do anything to change the future. I don't want to... I'm not gonna give up! Don't say such sad things."
A bittersweet smile graces Mikey's lips, his gaze distant as his strength begins to wane. "Thanks, Takemitchy," he murmurs softly, his words tinged with gratitude. "Your words comforted me. Even if you're telling me lies... I'm happy." As the cold embrace of death envelops him, Mikey's voice grows faint. "Takemitchy... Your hand is... so warm. Just like hers."
And with those final words, the chapter of Sano Manjiro's life comes to a close. On January 20th, 2018, amidst an altercation with a Japanese police officer, Tachibana Naoto, in Manila, Philippines, Sano Manjiro breathed his last breath, leaving behind a legacy of pain, regret, and untold stories.
On January 20th, 2018, Hanagaki Takemichi goes back to the past.
Now back in Japan, as Naoto sifts through the evidence, a heavyweight settles in his chest. The scene is eerily reminiscent of the others he's investigated, each one bearing the same haunting resemblance—a life cut short, a story left unfinished. Sanzu Haruchiyo's body lies in stark contrast to the chaos that often accompanies violent crimes. There are no signs of struggle, no desperate attempt to fight for survival. Instead, there's a sense of resignation, an acceptance of fate that speaks volumes about the relationship between Sanzu and Manjiro.
Naoto's mind races as he contemplates the implications of what he's uncovered. Sanzu, the most loyal of them all, had met his end at the hands of his childhood friend, Sano Manjiro. It's a grim reality that Naoto struggles to come to terms with—a testament to the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of even the closest relationships.
He remembers all the times he met Sano Manjiro as a kid, finding the older man too childish to be a leader. But now, now he can believe it. Now, the invincible Mikey lies in the morgue in the basement of the hospital, waiting for his family to come and claim his body, but not without taking a few lives before that.
Mikey's demise was not the result of a violent struggle or a battle with a formidable adversary. Instead, it was a deliberate choice—a final act of defiance in the face of a world that had grown increasingly dark and unforgiving.
What exactly was it that made Mikey want to die so bad?
So many questions but so few answers. It's then that Naoto's eyes shift onto something glimmering among the evidence. It feels like his heart is in his throat as he picks up the plastic baggie in the tray with Mikey's wallet and other belongings. His fingers tremble as he puts on latex gloves and opens up the translucent bag and pulls the gold necklace out. Naoto's eyes drift over to the report from the Diener saying that this necklace is what Sano Manjiro was wearing. Naoto feels sick. He knows it. He recognizes it. It was hard not to since it wasn't among the evidence retrieved with Maya's body—
—so what the fuck was it doing around Sano Manjiro's neck?
Naoto's mind races with a flurry of unanswered questions as he stares at the gold necklace clutched tightly in his gloved hand. The glimmering pendant seems to taunt him, a silent reminder of the mysteries that still shroud Mikey's final moments. With trembling fingers, Naoto carefully examines the necklace, his heart pounding in his chest as he tries to make sense of the unsettling discovery. How could Mikey, the enigmatic leader of the Tokyo Manji Gang, be connected to Maya's necklace? And more importantly, what could it possibly signify?
As he scrutinizes the intricate design and delicate craftsmanship, memories of Maya flood Naoto's mind—her gentle smile, her laughter, the warmth of her embrace. But now, as Naoto stands on the precipice of a chilling revelation, he can't shake the gnawing sense of dread that grips him. There's something deeply unsettling about the idea of Mikey wearing Maya's necklace, something that hints at a connection far more sinister than he dares to imagine.
Was he right then? Was that body they mourned not Maya's but someone else's? Had Maya really been alive this whole time?
There is a sense of accomplishment in Naoto for knowing his gut feeling had been right about Tokyo Manji Gang being involved in Maya's disappearance but he feels queasy again realizing he was right.
Maya was alive and she had been taken by the Tokyo Manji Gang.
The bile that rises in Naoto's throat is not just from the grim realization of Maya's fate but also from the haunting possibilities of what she might have endured at the hands of her captors. The mere thought of her suffering sends a shiver down his spine.
Sano "Mikey" Manjiro is dead and he just murdered all his friends. He doubts Maya is still alive. She may have been before but not anymore. She couldn't be. If Sano Manjiro died wearing her necklace, there was no way Kaneko Maya was still alive. Tears well up in his eyes. Naoto hadn't cried when Maya's 'body' was discovered. Back then even before he found out that her necklaces were among the belongings, perhaps he had a gut feeling that wasn't her. But now he knows she's dead.
As Naoto grapples with the grim reality of Maya's fate, a heavyweight settles in his chest, suffocating him with a sense of overwhelming grief and despair. The thought that Maya may have endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of her captors is almost too much to bear, threatening to crush him beneath its crushing weight.
Sano "Mikey" Manjiro's death and the revelation of his heinous actions only add to Naoto's anguish. The fact that he wore Maya's necklace in his final moments serves as a chilling reminder of the darkness that had consumed him, a darkness that ultimately led to the demise of not only Maya but also all of their friends.
Tears blur Naoto's vision as he struggles to come to terms with the devastating truth. He had hoped against hope that Maya might still be alive, clinging to the faint possibility that she had somehow survived the ordeal. But now, faced with the undeniable evidence of her death, he feels a profound sense of loss and regret wash over him.
As Naoto sifts through the evidence, his mind races with questions, each one more unsettling than the last. What could have led Maya into the clutches of someone like Sano Manjiro and the Tokyo Manji Gang? Had she unknowingly crossed paths with dangerous individuals, or was there something more sinister at play?
The faded love bites and scratches on Mikey's body only serve to deepen the mystery, hinting at a tumultuous and perhaps intimate relationship between him and Maya. But the thought of Maya being subjected to such treatment fills Naoto with a profound sense of unease and disgust. It's a possibility he can barely bring himself to contemplate. Perhaps Maya had stumbled into the gang's territory by accident, or maybe she had been targeted for some other reason altogether. Whatever the case, the mere thought of her being caught up in the violent world of the Tokyo Manji Gang sends a chill down Naoto's spine.
Just what had his sister and Maya done for them to deserve death?
Takemichi comes back to the future barely a week later with news. "I see... So if Kisaki truly is a timeleaper... We have to kill him" Naoto says lowly with a dark look on his face
Takemichi had explained his theory of Kisaki Tetta possibly being a timeleaper but this surely wasn't what he expected to hear back from Naoto. "Eh? B-But Naoto—"
"There's no point in all this if he keeps messing up the things you've fixed" Naoto says seriously, leaning back in his chair "Therefore killing him in the past is the only way"
Takemichi's breath catches in his throat, his mind reeling at the implications of Naoto's words. The idea of taking a life, even Kisaki's, fills him with a profound sense of dread and unease. "No way!"
"I'm kidding" he says dismissively, but Takemichi can't shake the feeling that there's truth in his words.
"Naoto! Can you please read the situation?!"
As Naoto rises from his chair, the creak of the furniture echoes through the room, adding to the heavy atmosphere that surrounds them. Takemichi's gaze follows Naoto's movements, his heart pounding with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. The whiteboard looms before them, a visual representation of their investigation, adorned with a collage of photographs, newspaper clippings, and scattered notes. "I wonder what the hell Kisaki was aiming for..." Naoto's voice is a low murmur, barely audible above the sound of their own breathing.
His brow furrows in concentration as he studies the array of evidence before him, his fingers tracing over the photographs and articles with a sense of purpose. Takemichi's eyes flicker across the whiteboard, searching for any clues that might shed light on Kisaki's motives. And then, amidst the chaos of images and text, something catches his eye—a photograph of a girl, tucked away in the corner of the board, connected to Mikey's picture by a drawn arrow. The girl in the photo has an ethereal beauty, with porcelain skin, piercing blue eyes, and long, black hair cascading around her shoulders. Despite the solemnity of the situation, her radiant smile seems to leap off the page, drawing Takemichi's attention like a magnet. "Kaneko... Maya...?" Takemichi's voice is tinged with confusion and concern as he points to the photograph.
His mind races with questions, wondering who this girl is and what connection she has to their investigation since he doesn't remember meeting anyone with that name in the past. Naoto's frown deepens, his expression growing sombre as he meets Takemichi's gaze. "Just a casualty of this timeline," he replies gravely, his voice heavy with regret. "She was never a part of the other timelines, so you don't have to worry about her."
Takemichi's heart sinks at Naoto's words, a pang of sadness washing over him as he realizes the tragic fate that has befallen this unknown girl. Despite his relief that she wasn't involved in their past endeavours, the knowledge that she had become a victim of the tangled web of events in this timeline only serves to deepen his sense of despair. Takemichi's eyes dart back to the whiteboard, scanning the array of cut-outs and clippings with a newfound intensity. Among the myriad of images, another photograph catches his attention—a striking portrait of a man with an enigmatic gaze and an air of undeniable charisma. Beneath the image, the name "Kurokawa Izana" is printed in bold letters, sending a ripple of recognition through Takemichi's mind.
"Kurokawa... Izana?" Takemichi murmurs to himself, his brow furrowing in perplexity as he tries to piece together the puzzle before him.
The name triggers a memory, a fragment of a conversation from a past encounter that resurfaces in his mind with startling clarity. He recalls the warehouse in Yokohama, the chaotic scene unfolding before him as Tenjiku's assault on Toman Division reaches its peak. Amidst the chaos, a fleeting mention of a certain Kurokawa Izana lingers in Takemichi's memory, a name uttered in hushed tones by Kakucho, as if shrouded in secrecy and intrigue. "Kurokawa Izana... Tenjiku's leader?" Takemichi's voice is laced with confusion as he speaks aloud, the pieces of the puzzle beginning to slot into place in his mind.
Turning to Naoto for answers, Takemichi seeks clarification on the identity of this mysterious figure. "Naoto, who's Kurokawa Izana?" he inquires, his tone tinged with a sense of urgency.
Naoto's response is swift, his voice carrying a note of authority as he imparts his knowledge on the subject. "Oh, he's one of Toman's top brass. I heard he was Black Dragon's leader too," Naoto explains, his words punctuated by a furrow of his brows as he contemplates the significance of this revelation.
Takemichi's confusion deepens at Naoto's words, his mind struggling to reconcile the conflicting information. "But there are no records of a gang called Tenjiku" Naoto continues, his expression betraying a hint of frustration at the lack of clarity surrounding the situation.
Takemichi feels a surge of frustration welling up within him, a sense of helplessness washing over him as he grapples with the discrepancies between the past and present. The information he possesses from his previous experiences feels obsolete in the face of this new reality. "If you're saying in the past this guy is Tenjiku's captain then it seems that he's important to investigate on" Naoto says in a serious tone and Takemichi agrees
Takemichi and Naoto part ways after that to get some clues. It's how he ended up at the Church where he fought Shiba Taiju. He was wondering what Inupi and Koko were doing and it eventually led him to said church. He met Taiju there and asked to talk to him. Takemichi called Naoto up and Naoto showed up at the Church. They end up at a restaurant Taiju owned. "listen here" Tajiu says "I don't give a shit about cooperating with the cops but through Hakkai, I too have connections with Toman. So it's an exchange of information. I want to know what the cops know as well. Whatever we discuss stays here"
"Understood" Naoto replies with a respectful nod, his demeanor serious and attentive.
"So... You want to know about Kurokawa Izana and the Black Dragons right?" Taiju asks
"Kurokawa Izana is the captain of Tenjiku isn't he?" Takemichi ventures, seeking clarification on the matter "Why did he become Black Dragons Captain and how did he end up in Toman?"
Taiju's laughter rings out, accompanied by the soft glow of his cigarette. "You're mistaken"
Takemichi cocks his head like a puppy in confusion. "eh?"
"You got it in the wrong order" Taiju blows out a puff of smoke "First let's start with Black Dragons. I was the commander of the 10th generation, you remember that much right?"
"yes"
"Do you know who created Black Dragons?" Taiju asks and takes another drag of his cigarette
"Who?" Takemichi is going to be honest, he didn't know much about gangs, not even the one he was in
"The first-generation captain is Sano Shinichiro," Taiju reveals, his voice tinged with a note of reverence as he speaks of the gang's origins. "The one that started it all was Mikey's brother."
Takemichi's eyes widen in astonishment at the revelation, his mind racing to process the implications of Taiju's words. "Mikey's brother?" he echoes, the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fall into place in his mind.
As memories of Mikey's anecdotes about his brother flood his thoughts, Takemichi finds himself grappling with the weight of this newfound knowledge. "The first generation of Black Dragons was legendary," Taiju continues, his voice tinged with a sense of reverence for the gang's storied history. "The second and third generations continue to hold that. Eventually, the baton was passed down to Kurokawa Izana, the eighth-generation captain."
"The eighth generation... That means he was there before you," Takemichi observes, his mind racing to connect the dots between the past and present.
Toman was formed when the ninth generation was around, which meant the eighth generation predates the gang's inception. "So, Kurokawa Izana must be older than you," Takemichi concludes, his tone tinged with a sense of realization as he pieces together the timeline of events.
"Yup, two years older, the S62 generation," Taiju confirms, his voice carrying a note of authority as he elaborates on the gang's hierarchical structure.
The mention of the S62 generation triggers a flicker of recognition in Takemichi's mind, a realization dawning upon him with startling clarity. "S62? Tenjiku's members!" he exclaims, his eyes widening in realization as the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.
"Kurokawa Izana retired from Black Dragons and made Tenjiku three years later," Taiju continues, his voice tinged with a note of solemnity as he recounts the events that shaped the gang's tumultuous history. "Fucked Toman over, and then the Kanto Incident happened."
Kanto Incident. Kisaki said that to him at the beginning of Tenjiku's ambushes 12 years ago. "Who won, Toman or Tenjiku?" he inquires, his voice tinged with a sense of trepidation as he braces himself for the answer.
Taiju's response is grim, his expression clouded with a shadow of regret as he recounts the outcome of the fateful confrontation. "You should know since you were there, but I'll answer your question anyway," he replies, his tone tinged with a note of resignation. "Tenjiku won. As a result, Sano Manjiro at the top, Kisaki Tetta as number two, and Kurokawa Izana as number three..."
The revelation sends a chill down Takemichi's spine, his mind reeling with the implications of Taiju's words. "But yeah, Kisaki is dead," he interjects, a note of uncertainty creeping into his voice as he attempts to reconcile the conflicting reports surrounding Kisaki's fate.
Taiju's response is cryptic, his gaze lingering on Takemichi with an intensity that borders on scrutiny. "Is he really dead, Tachibana Naoto?" he muses, his words laced with an undercurrent of skepticism.
Naoto's expression tightens, a flicker of unease crossing his features as he weighs his response carefully. "I've investigated things about Kurokawa Izana," he begins, his voice measured as he addresses the looming spectre of uncertainty. "He somehow has a huge amount of influence in the police. Kurokawa is much bigger than we first thought."
Taiju's chuckle is mirthless, a sardonic twist of his lips betraying his amusement at the irony of the situation. "Kisaki was made to be dead, right?"
"Murder, assault, theft. Kisaki was alleged with various crimes, so he escaped overseas. It seems there was a body prepared to pose as Kisaki," Naoto explains, his words punctuated by a nervous gesture as he rubs his palms against his trousers.
"S-so Kisaki is..."
"Alive" Taiju confirms, his voice devoid of emotion as he extinguishes his cigarette in the ashtray with a decisive flick of his wrist.
With a heavy sigh, Takemichi absorbs the weight of this revelation, his mind swirling with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. "Sano is dead. Kisaki is overseas, and therefore Toman's top is now Kurokawa Izana" Taiju concludes, his tone matter-of-fact as he summarizes the current state of affairs.
Takemichi's fingers tighten around the photograph of Kurokawa Izana, his features contorted in a mask of anger and frustration. "Why him?" he demands, his voice tinged with a note of incredulity as he struggles to comprehend the inexplicable allure of this enigmatic figure.
A dark look passes over Taiju's features, a shadow of regret clouding his expression as he contemplates the question. "I don't know," he admits, his voice tinged with a note of resignation. "But Sano trusted Izana more than Ryuguji Ken."
Takemichi's mind reels at the revelation, his thoughts swirling with confusion and disbelief. Mikey trusting someone over Draken? It sounded inconceivable, a betrayal of everything Takemichi had come to believe about the unshakeable bond between the two friends. As he grapples with the implications of Taiju's words, Takemichi is left to ponder the enigma of Kurokawa Izana—a figure shrouded in mystery and intrigue, whose influence extends far beyond the confines of Toman's hierarchy. Just who the hell was Kurokawa Izana, and what role did he play in the tangled web of alliances and betrayals that defined the world of gang warfare? "Well, well, well!" A familiar voice rings out, drawing the attention of the trio. "If it isn't both my former bosses? Having a private conversation, are we? That sucks."
It's Koko and Inupi, their presence igniting a spark of tension in the air. Taiju's anger simmers just beneath the surface at their unexpected intrusion. "You fuckers bringing Toman's minions into my place! What do you want?!" he growls, his voice laced with a palpable edge.
Inupi's voice remains devoid of emotion as he delivers their ominous message. "Under Kurokawa's orders, we've come to seize you all," he states matter-of-factly, his words carrying the weight of authority.
Koko, on the other hand, wears a smug grin, his eyes gleaming with malice. "There's a sneaky rat from the police sniffing around, I see... Sitting face to face with my former leaders" he taunts, relishing in the discomfort he elicits.
"You guys are prying into Kurokawa Izana, and therefore, you are all Toman's enemies" Inupi declares, his tone betraying no hint of sympathy or remorse.
Taiju's laughter cuts through the tension like a knife, his sadistic grin sending shivers down Takemichi's spine. "You guys, my enemies?" he scoffs, his voice dripping with disdain. "The guy who has clung onto Black Dragons and Black Dragon's wallet! Does Izana meet your requirements, Inui?! And are you still Toman's fucking wallet, Kokonoi?!"
The situation feels dire, with so many men from Toman surrounding them. Takemichi knows that fighting and winning would be impossible. If what Naoto said about the police being corrupted by Kurokawa is true, then calling for backup would be futile as well. "Hanagaki, escape from the back door..." Taiju's voice cuts through the chaos, his gaze flickering to Takemichi "Tachibana Naoto, please tell me the truth about Hakkai's death. I don't believe Sano did it. I don't know how he ended up at Sano's hideout, but I'm sure Izana was behind it. Please clear Hakkai's regrets."
Takemichi's heart clenches at the plea in Taiju's words, a surge of determination coursing through his veins as he resolves to uncover the truth behind Hakkai's demise. With a nod of affirmation, he meets Taiju's gaze, silently vowing to honour his request and bring closure to the lingering shadows of the past. "Taiju," Takemichi calls out over his shoulder as Naoto begins to pull him away, a sense of gratitude swelling within him. "Thank you for everything."
Taiju's response comes in the form of a gentle smile, a silent acknowledgment of their unspoken bond. "It's my debt to you," he replies, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity that resonates deeply with Takemichi.
With a nod of appreciation, Takemichi and Naoto break into a sprint, their footsteps echoing through the empty alleyways as they make their way towards Naoto's car. But amidst the rush of adrenaline, Takemichi's mind churns with thoughts and revelations. The mention of Black Dragons and their enigmatic leader, Kurokawa Izana, triggers a sudden realization within Takemichi. Inupi and Koko, with their ties to Toman and the underworld, could hold the key to unravelling the mysteries surrounding Izana and the Kanto incident. "NAOTO!" Takemichi's voice rings out, cutting through the heavy breaths of their hurried escape.
Naoto halts, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. "What's wrong, Takemichi?" he inquires, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.
"I think we should go back," Takemichi declares firmly, his eyes ablaze with determination. "They both know more. I want to know more about the Kanto incident. I'll go back."
Without waiting for Naoto's response, Takemichi pivots on his heel and races back towards the fray, his heart pounding in his chest with a newfound resolve. Naoto's voice cuts through the air, halting his sprint. "Takemichi..."
The glint of metal catches Naoto's eye first, a chilling premonition of danger. Reacting on pure instinct, Naoto lunges forward, pushing Takemichi out of harm's way just as the trigger is pulled. The deafening crack of gunfire fills the alley, followed by a sharp cry of pain as Naoto takes the bullet intended for his friend, his body jolting from the impact before collapsing to the ground. "Takemichi..." Naoto's voice wavers, strained with agony, as he lies in a growing pool of crimson, his strength ebbing away with each passing moment.
Takemichi's heart clenches with fear and despair at the sight of his injured friend. "N... Naoto," he whispers hoarsely, his voice choked with emotion as he rushes to kneel by Naoto's side, cradling him in his arms.
"Hang in there!" Takemichi pleads, his hands trembling as he desperately tries to stem the flow of blood.
But Naoto, his face contorted with pain, offers a weak smile. "Run" he grits out through clenched teeth, his voice barely a whisper.
Takemichi's eyes well up with tears, his heart breaking at the sight of his friend's suffering. "No, I can't leave you!" he protests, refusing to abandon Naoto in his time of need.
However, Kisaki's cold laughter echoes through the alley, a sinister presence looming at its entrance. "Hmph," he sneers, his expression twisted with malice. "That was a bad choice."
With Naoto's limp form cradled against his chest, Takemichi braces himself for whatever horrors await them, his resolve steeling as he prepares to face the looming threat head-on. Amidst the chaos of the alleyway, a new voice slices through the tension like a knife. "Oi, oi, oi," it rings out, masculine and unfamiliar. "Tachibana Naoto was mine to kill."
Takemichi's heart pounds in his chest as he turns to face the source of the voice, his eyes widening in disbelief. Standing before him is a figure shrouded in darkness, exuding an aura of menace that sends shivers down Takemichi's spine. White hair frames a face etched with malice, and piercing eyes gleam with a predatory light. This must be Izana, the sinister force behind the chaos that has engulfed their lives. Kisaki's laughter cuts through the tense atmosphere, his voice laced with amusement. "Sorry, Izana," he replies casually. "This fucker pushed Takemichi out of the way."
The mention of Izana's name sends a chill down Takemichi's spine. This is the man who is responsible for so much suffering. "You guys killed my Mikey" Izana growls, his voice dripping with malice.
Takemichi's blood runs cold at the mention of Mikey, his mind reeling with disbelief. "My Mikey?" he whispers, the words barely escaping his lips.
But before he can process the implications of Izana's words, another figure emerges from the shadows. It's Kakucho, his presence commanding and authoritative. Takemichi's heart sinks as he realizes the danger he's in. "Kill him" Izana commands, his voice devoid of emotion as he turns away, leaving Kakucho to carry out his orders.
Tears well up in Takemichi's eyes as Kakucho levels his gun, the weight of his impending doom crashing down upon him. "Kaku-chan" he chokes out, his voice trembling with fear and desperation.
In the face of imminent death, Kakucho hesitates, his resolve momentarily faltering at the unexpected nickname. But duty compels him forward, and he pulls the trigger without hesitation. Pain sears through Takemichi's body, a white-hot agony that threatens to consume him. "I'm sorry, Naoto," Takemichi gasps, his voice choked with pain and regret. "I'm sorry."
Naoto's gaze is steady, even as his life ebbs away. He begins to speak, his words heavy with finality. "When I first found you in the future timeline, you got me depressed," he admits, and Takemichi's heart clenches at the confession. "I thought to myself, can this pathetic wimp really commit to all this?... I thought about how my sister could fall in love with you."
Takemichi listens, his heart breaking with each word, but he finds no anger in Naoto's honesty. Instead, there's a strange sense of acceptance, a recognition of their shared journey. "Now that I think of it," Naoto continues, "no matter how much you failed, you always came back to me. That's how a hero would act like... You never gave up when you've failed so many times."
Tears stream down Takemichi's face as he listens to Naoto's final words. "Takemichi-kun," Naoto says, his voice growing faint. "You are my pride."
"Naoto..." Takemichi whispers, his voice choked with emotion.
"This is our final handshake," Naoto says, reaching out his hand.
Takemichi grasps Naoto's hand tightly, his fingers trembling with grief and determination. This wouldn't be the end. He would rewrite this tragedy, undo the pain and suffering that had brought them to this moment. He would save Hina, Mikey, Mitsuya, Draken, Chifuyu, and everyone else.
With a silent vow, Takemichi swears to himself that he will rewrite this fate, even if he must endure endless cycles of suffering to do so.
As Takemichi travels back to the past, Naoto is still clinging to his last few breaths. Kisaki, Kakucho and Izana are still there in the alleyway talking amongst themselves, probably waiting for the clean-up crew. "W-What did he want with her?" Naoto choked out, trying to lift his head off the ground to look at them
It didn't take a genius to understand he was talking about Maya. Izana grins and steps out of the alleyway, standing over Naoto's body. Something slides out of the front of Izana's coat. Maya's other necklace dangles over Naoto's face as it was strung around Izana's neck. Oh. Oh no. Naoto feels tears well up in his eyes. What he was thinking earlier was nothing compared to reality. "She was cute. That's all" Izana says with a lazy tone "It's too bad she had to die"
He feels sick. So so sick. Something way worse happened to Maya than he thought. "She was adorable, Tachibana. Had her with me while you were running around like an idiot looking for her" Izana taunts as he crouches down over him and pulls the necklace off, dangling it over his face "Sweetest thing I've ever met"
Thing. Izana was talking about Maya like she was an object. Naoto can't do anything but breathe heavily like he just ran a marathon. He's dying. The gunshot wound in his torso is hot and his clothes are quickly soaking with his blood. Maya had been alive this whole time and with the way Izana is talking about her it seems she died recently. Izana leans closer and whispers "made the sweetest sounds when I fucked her too... Would've loved to take her virginity but it's too bad Matsuno beat me to it."
Naoto's eyes widen. Oh god. He feels like he'll vomit. "it's too bad my little bunny died" Izana says then stands back up, fastening the necklace around his neck again
Izana walks away from him and as Naoto takes his last breaths he hopes that this time, Takemichi is successful.
Izana's first memory of the Sano house was of meeting Sano Mansaku. The short old man simply raised a brow and asked who he was. Izana just shrugged and told him his name and the old man scoffed and told him Mikey was in the shed. Izana couldn't help but roll his eyes at the man before heading over to the shed. It had been months since the Kanto incident back then and there was no sign of Mikey since Emma's funeral. Tokyo Manji Gang was currently under the supervision of Draken who hadn't even bothered to come to the Sano residence to check up on Mikey. Izana thought that was fucking stupid. His plan couldn't come into action if Mikey was missing. So he showed up at the Sano residence and immediately felt sick at the thought of Emma running around the yard he was currently walking in and Shinichiro sitting on the deck smoking.
As he made his way into the shed he felt gross. The shed was turned into a room with a vibe too old for someone 15. Everything in the shed belonged to Shinichiro. Izana without a word made his way over to the lump beneath the blanket on the twin-size bed and pulled the covers off Mikey to a sight he hadn't expected. Mikey had gotten significantly skinnier, looked like he hadn't showered or eaten in ages and his blonde hair was matted and tangled. Izana remembers feeling sick to his stomach as he forcibly pulled Mikey out of bed. Izana had to stop himself from shaking when he felt how frail Mikey was. This was not the Invincible Mikey he watched take Shion down back during the reign of the 9th gen Black Dragons. No, this was a weak sad kid who looked like he was seconds away from death.
As much as Izana hated him, he couldn't let him die either. That would mean he came this far for nothing. So as he drags Mikey into the main house he sees Sanzu who's cooking, probably to coax Mikey to eat. Sanzo goes wide-eyed at the sight of him and Mikey and Izana just pushes Mikey into the bathroom and has to bathe him. After that Izana spends time to try and fix Mikey's hair while Sanzu sits in front of Mikey and feeds him by hand. His hair was way too matted and barely salvageable. He cuts off what he can't untangle and Mikey ends up with short hair and throws up what he ate at the sight of himself in the mirror. It seems Mikey kept his hair long for a reason. He couldn't bear to see Shinichiro staring back at him the mirror even if it was with different coloured hair.
It wasn't hard for Izana to whisper suggestions into his ear and even easier for Mikey to listen and merge Tenjiku and Toman together.
What Izana hadn't expected or realized was that Mikey genuinely saw him as his big brother. It made Izana sick to his stomach but also gleeful.
How easy it was going to be to make him suffer.
The members of the Tokyo Manji Gang made it even easier. One by one, starting from that little shit Hanagaki Takemichi, they started leaving Mikey after absolutely berating him.
Mikey of course was devastated. Bawling his eyes out in Izana's chest each time someone left. Mikey was completely dependent on him and Izana loved it. All he had to do was act like a loving older brother and Mikey would do whatever he asked. Only, Izana hadn't expected Mikey to barge into his room in the middle of the night looking for comfort because he could still feel Emma taking her last breath and her heart stop.
Mikey would cry in his sleep— sob, whimper and beg. Sometimes it was for Shinichiro but most of the time it was for Emma to wake up. It was hard for Izana to ignore it. He wasn't sure what to do. Kakucho told him he needed to comfort Mikey so Izana did. Izana told Mikey he would never leave him but simultaneously told Mikey to listen to him or else he would leave. Of course, Mikey complied, clinging tightly to Izana in fear he would actually leave.
As Mikey grew older he really started to look like Shinichiro, even though at first Izana liked it. He liked that he got his big brother back in some form. Mikey dyed his hair black, the same shade as Shinichiro's too. But eventually, it started making both him and Mikey sick. So when Mikey started growing it out again and wearing it all messy in front of his eyes, Izana didn't stop him nor tell him to fix his hair. After all, it wasn't healthy for Mikey to keep throwing up every time he looked at himself in the mirror.
Perhaps over the years, Izana began to actually become fond of Mikey. Listening to him mumble a little "I love you Aniki, good night" before bed and ask for random things. Izana had become fond of him. Izana wonders if Mikey knew that he had in fact begun to love him and didn't see him as a simple tool. But there was no point in that now because in front of him sat both Sanzu Haruchiyo and Sano "Mikey" Manjiro's photos, surrounded by too many flowers for Izana's liking. There's incense burning between both photos and Izana can feel his eye twitch.
He often dreamed of this day when he was younger.
The death of Sano "Mikey" Manjiro.
He thought it would bring him happiness. He'd have Shinichiro all to himself as well as Emma. Then he'd even convince Shinichiro to adopt Kakucho as well. But now there is no Shinichiro, no Emma and no Manjiro. There was no one. No family except Kakucho.
Manjiro's death didn't bring Izana the satisfaction he thought it would. Instead, he felt empty.
"KUROKAWA IZANA! YOU FUCKING BITCH!"
A familiar voice yells from the entrance of the funeral hall. Izana already knows who it is. Some of his minions are holding her back. "Should I get rid of her?" Kakucho asks lowly as the other members of Tokyo Manji Gang here to mourn Manjiro and Haruchiyo start to look confused as well
They're sitting at the front of the hall, Kakucho next to him. Haruchiyo had no family. He had long denounced Akashi Takeomi and Kawaragi Senju as family. Kakucho told him Mikey would have liked it if they did both funerals together so, they posed as Haruchiyo's family as well. "no" Izana says and gets up off the mat "I'll talk to her"
He walks over to the entrance toward the screaming woman also in an all-black mourning outfit like his own. She probably just got back from Tachibana Naoto and Hanagaki Takemichi's funeral. His men are holding her back from entering the hall and they step aside as soon as Izana walks over. She's about to lunge at him but Izana simply grabs her wrist and drags her out of the hall. She's still yelling even as they stand at the back of the building. "You never shut up do you, Yuzuha?" Izana says as he leans against the wall
Yuzuha's jaw drops at his words. "is that really what you have to say right now?" She's angry, rightfully so "Mikey may have killed my brother but I know it was you that killed Naoto and Takemichi"
Yuzuha is clenching her fists, visibly resisting the urge to punch him and Izana is resisting the urge to get a cigarette. Maya told him he wasn't supposed to smoke. "So what? What's done is done" Izana shrugs
Izana isn't even sure why he's entertaining this. Oh man, he kinda wishes Manjiro killed this bitch too. "What done is done?" Yuzuha repeats and takes hold of his black suit jacket, tugging harshly at the lapels "Everyone is fucking dead Izana! All because you're a selfish bitch"
Okay, now she was going too low. Izana holds her wrists and stares at Yuzuha with darkened eyes full of anger. But just before he could say anything, she saw the necklace. "This is..." Yuzuha's eyes widen in horror as her eyes shift between him and the gold butterfly pendant necklace looped around his neck "You killed her too?"
Just as she's about to touch the pendant Izana pushes her away. She struck a sore spot. "Shut the fuck up" Izana hisses "I may have gotten my men to get rid of Hanagaki and Tachibana but not her"
Yuzuha looks confused but then she starts to laugh— hysterically, like he said something funny. Izana is really resisting the urge to shoot her right now and make Shiba Taiju mourn another sibling. How dare she accuse him of killing Maya? His Maya. His bunny. He would have never killed her. She was never meant to die. His little brother made a mistake and that was fine, he forgave Manjiro but never in his life would he want to kill the girl that brought him so much joy and excitement and— "Mikey killed her didn't he?" Yuzuha asks with a grin like it is funny
"What's so fucking funny about it?" Izana asks annoyed
Yuzuha laughs even more. It seems grief has turned her crazy. Can grief make you crazy? "You never wanted her dead. You love her and Mikey killed her"
"It was an accident" He surprises himself by saying that
Izana had no reason to be defending Manjiro right now but it just happens. "an accident? You sure it wasn't because you fucking ruined his life?" Yuzuha spits back taking a step forward
Oh, now he was mad. "I ruined his life? I did? Are you so fucking sure about that?"
Izana takes a step forward and forcibly grabs Yuzuha by her upper arms and pulls her against him. She flinches and tries to pull away but Izana holds her even tighter. "Remind me just how long Ryuguji Ken took over Toman after Emma died? Remind me how long it took any of you to even fucking notice he wasn't around?" He's a few decibels away from yelling in her face "If it weren't for me, Manjiro would have died"
Yuzuha looks scared. Good. She should be. She should learn to think before she speaks. She should have looked at the facts before accusing him of some bullshit. "I got Manjiro out of bed, I stopped him from starving himself to death, I fixed him up, I fed him, I kept him alive..." Izana says angrily "Tell me Yuzuha, just in what way did I ruin him?"
"His friends—"
"They left on their own and you know it too" Izana cuts her off immediately
Yuzuha is speechless. "Everyone left him and I was the one that stayed" He continues and finally loosens his grip on her arms to let her go "I may have been the villain but I was still his big brother..."
Never in his life would Izana thought he'd be saying that to someone willingly. Never in his life did Izana think he'd call himself Manjiro his big brother in such a manner that wasn't patronizing or for a cruel game.
Can grief make you crazy?
When Izana flips open his wallet the first thing he's met with in the clear pocket is a Polaroid picture. Among the Black Cards and cash is a Polaroid picture of him, Manjiro, Maya and Kakucho. They're sitting on the beach and Izana has an arm around Maya and Kakucho and Manjiro is sitting on the other side of Maya, arms around her waist. Maya is kissing Izana's cheek hard in an attempt to annoy him.
Nothing about that moment had been annoying. He's smiling widely in the picture, tugging her and Kakucho close and by extension, Manjiro too. The only bad thing about it was that Maya wasn't sober. She was high off a whole bunch of drugs and to date, months after her and Manjiro's deaths, he still doesn't understand how she didn't die of overdose. Oh well, it seems he'll never know.
The people are gone and now all he'd got left are pictures and the stupid necklace he's wearing.
It had been months and he was avoiding coming back to the beach house. It was something he had bought for Manjiro. His little brother loved the sea and what better to buy him a place that was far from anyone else and safe for him to leave without any security? Manjiro loved this place and at one point so did Izana. But now he hates it.
Izana can still smell Manjiro's cologne and body wash on the sheets, his clothes are mixed in with his and there are even a few pieces of his hair still lying around here and there. It seems no matter how many times he gets the place cleaned up, hair still shows up somewhere. It makes him sick.
Sometimes it feels like his lungs are rejecting air. It seems that he'll die before he ever learns how to breathe without Manjiro again.
But it wasn't just Manjiro's things that were bothering him, it was Maya's too. Her makeup, her clothes, her hair ties, her scent— it's everywhere. She stayed in that house, even though unwillingly, for only a month and a half and her traces were everywhere. There are still footprints too small to belong to his other men in the sand and fingerprints on the glass of the windows and doors. Sometimes he can still feel her skin under the tips of his fingers and her scent on his clothes. It was like her essence had woven itself into the fabric of the house.
It's like she's everywhere and he can't get rid of her. Maya kept her promise and now she was haunting him in the worst way possible.
(Sometimes he hears Manjiro's laughter and Maya's drunken giggles. Other times he hears Manjiro gagging and sobbing, whimpering out Emma's name and Maya's pitiful moans and breathy whimpers, pleading to go home)
Izana is sitting at the front of the house rather than at the back of the deck facing the beach. He's sitting on the porch, tapping his fingers against his knee, now craving a cigarette more than ever. "Kakucho you have—"
"no" Kakucho shuts him down immediately
Even after her death, Kakucho hasn't forgotten that Maya told him smoking isn't good for a recovering addict. Izana can't help but curse at Maya for that. She's probably doing the same. Or maybe not.
Part of Izana hates Manjiro for killing her. But the other part doesn't blame him. When so many people in your life have left you, of course, the last straw would end up with you doing something drastic. Manjiro didn't mean to kill Maya. Izana should have stayed up that night and held Manjiro as he slept. Then maybe he wouldn't have gone on a killing spree and ended up getting shot in the head by that stupid Detective Tachibana. Izana should have stayed awake that night and maybe that was one of his biggest regrets next to just taking Manjiro to Tokyo with him for the deal in Tokyo and leaving Shion and maybe Rindo and Ran with Maya at the beach house.
Maybe Izana should have never let Kisaki kill Emma in the first place...
He feels bitter and angry. He hates this stupid beach house with its walls filled with Manjiro and Maya's laughter and he knows Kakucho hates it too because he's visibly itching to leave. Manjiro and Maya's shoes are still there by the front door and Izana can't help but curl his fingers around the butterfly pendant necklace he's wearing.
Sano Manjiro and Kaneko Maya at one point belonged to him. They were both his. But now they've gone so far. Too far. There was a bitter irony in it all, a cruel twist of fate that mocked his earlier assurances to them. He had once promised Manjiro that he would always follow, that their paths would remain intertwined no matter where life took them. And to Maya, he had sworn that he could always catch her no matter how far she ran from him.
But now those promises rang hollow, mere echoes of a time long past. Manjiro had ventured into the depths of darkness, consumed by a path that Izana could not follow. And Maya, with her promise to go so far he wouldn't be able to catch her, had slipped away like smoke in the wind, leaving nothing but memories in her wake. Manjiro and Maya had slipped through his fingers, venturing into realms beyond his reach
How stupid it was for Izana to be grieving the brother he once upon a time wanted dead and the girl he tortured and somehow fell in love with.
Izana stares at the patch of rotting daffodils under the tree across the beach house on the other side of the road and laughs hysterically while Kakucho watches in silence.
Perhaps grief does make you crazy.
—fin
notes: thank you for reading Dead Girl's Beach, I hope you enjoyed!
thank you to my university profs who went on strike in february(2024) all the way to the end of the semester, I would have never finished this fic this fast otherwise(mfers give me back my money).
chapter title from can't catch me now by olivia rodrigo
extra special thanks to monika/layla(wherever you are now) for all the detailed reviews you left after each chapter. I genuinely appreciated it. Thank you ♡
DEAD GIRL'S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
TWELVE — his dead girl's beach
"Guarded and evasive, Mr. Kurokawa deflects introspection, avoiding confrontation of his inner demons. This avoidance hints at his discomfort with facing vulnerabilities and traumas, as he prioritizes projecting strength and control."—KANEKO MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: Mikey thinks about the past while Maya tries to remember what she missed. Izana helps Kisaki choose an engagement ring.
warnings: dark content 18+, self-loathing, mental health issues, mentions of scars, mentions of burns, drug addictions, drug use/misuse, withdrawal mentions, mental breakdowns, emotional manipulation, stockholm syndrome, past noncon, infantilization, possessiveness, emotional incest, mommy issues, dehumanization, oral sex(f receiving), cunnilingus, fingering, implied multiple orgasms, slight hair pulling(m receiving), praise kink, dacryphilia, dom/sub undertones, overstimulation, aftercare, slight ooc!Kisaki, draken & og toman slander, mental health issues, depression, vomiting, toxic and unhealthy relationships, implied emotional abuse, past character death, past picture taking, implied voyeurism, scars, memory loss, kissing, smut, handjob, piv, no prep, dissociation, creampie, use of guns, blood and gore, depiction of corpses, major character death
word count: 20 446
series masterlist
How do you put yourself back together? After breaking apart over and over, how do you put yourself back together? Maya has done it a bunch of times but...
What do you do when someone's taken a few of your shattered pieces with them?
It's not just her own brokenness she has to contend with, it's the pieces of herself that others have stolen away. Mikey and Izana, each wielding their own brand of manipulation and control, have taken parts of her that she may never get back. With a heavy heart, Maya realizes that she can't simply piece herself back together as she has done in the past. Those missing fragments, those stolen pieces of her soul, leave behind a void that cannot be filled by her own efforts alone. With a heavy heart, Maya realizes that she can't simply piece herself back together as she has done in the past. Those missing fragments, those stolen pieces of her soul, leave behind a void that cannot be filled by her own efforts alone.
The love she had for Chifuyu once seemed like a beacon of light in the darkness, a source of strength and solace amidst the chaos of her life. But now, tainted by the knowledge that his feelings may not match her own, she wonders if returning to him would only deepen the wounds that already mar her fragile heart. Would his embrace bring her the comfort she so desperately craves, or would it serve as a painful reminder of all that she has lost?
And what of the invisible scars that mar her body, each one a testament to the pain and suffering she has endured? The burn on her back may have healed, but the memory of the agony she endured at Izana and Mikey's hands remains etched into her very being. Will time erase the pain, or will it linger like the scar on her shoulder, a constant reminder of the violence and betrayal that has marked her existence?
Alone in the dimly lit master bedroom, Maya sits on the edge of the bed, her mind consumed by a storm of emotions. The silence weighs heavily upon her, a suffocating blanket that smothers any semblance of peace. In the midst of her turmoil, she is unaware of the faint creak as the door swings open, admitting a sliver of light into the shadowy room. Izana steps inside, his presence felt before he even speaks. His smile, devoid of warmth, watches her like a predator observing its prey. "Hey bunny," he says softly, his voice dripping with false concern. "Are you alright?"
She looks up, startled by his sudden appearance, her heart sinking as she meets his gaze. His eyes gleam with amusement, a silent mockery of her struggles. She forces a nod, unable to muster the strength to speak in the face of his calculated indifference. Izana moves closer, his smile widening as he takes a seat beside her. His touch, though seemingly gentle, sends a shiver down her spine, a cold reminder of his true nature lurking beneath the facade of concern. "You don't have to face this alone," he says, his voice honeyed with deception. "I'm here for you, bunny. Always."
Maya doesn't pull away from his touch, nor does she say anything. "hm... looks like you need to be taken care of more than me, bunny" He says with a small laugh
Izana moves himself so he's sitting with his back against the headboard and pillows. He gestures for her to come closer. Without hesitation, Maya crawls over and sits across his lap comfortably. She nestles closer to him, her head resting against his chest. It's a moment of vulnerability, of allowing herself to be vulnerable in his presence. Izana's lips curve into a satisfied smile as he feels her relax against him. He revels in the power he holds over her, relishing in the knowledge that she has surrendered herself to him willingly. As Maya settles against him, Izana gently runs his fingers through her hair, a gesture that feels both comforting and possessive. He relishes in the feeling of her body pressed against his, the subtle rise and fall of her chest against his own. "You know, bunny," Izana murmurs, his voice soft yet tinged with a hint of smugness, "you always seem to find your way back to me, no matter how hard you try to resist."
Maya's breath catches in her throat at his words. She knows he's right, knows that despite her best efforts to break free from his grasp, she always ends up back in his arms. "Izana," she whispers, her voice barely audible, "this... this isn't how it's supposed to be."
His grip tightens ever so slightly around her, a silent reminder of the power he holds over her. "But this is how it is, bunny," he replies softly, his tone tinged with a sense of finality. "And as long as you're mine, it's how it will always be."
Maya sighs and presses her face against Izana's chest. It had been about two and a half weeks since the whole ordeal. In total, she was held in this beach house for a month and 3 weeks. Izana is running his hands through her hair, the rough pads of his fingers scratching against her scalp. Izana was doing pretty well with the withdrawal. It seemed like having a different atmosphere really did help with recovery. Mikey is in the shower and the sun is still rising. It's way too early in the morning but they all somehow woke up at the same time— or well, Maya pretended to be asleep so Mikey didn't drag her to the shower with him. "You know..." Izana starts, resting his chin on top of her head "We didn't mean to get you addicted... we just got carried away"
Maya's heart sinks as Izana's words wash over her, the weight of his confession settling like a heavy fog in the room. "You just looked so cute high... You were clingy as hell..." He sighs, fingers trailing down the back of her neck, tracing the knobs of her spine "Sounded so cute every time you said my name so I just got carried away... Manjiro too"
Maya's mind reels at the realization of how easily they succumbed to their desires, how they let themselves be swept away by the intoxicating allure of her altered state. It's a bitter truth to swallow, knowing that their actions were driven by selfish impulses rather than genuine concern for her well-being. "I... I don't remember much of it" she admits, not looking up at him
Izana sighs, sounding almost remorseful. "Of course, you don't..." his tone changes quickly though as if remembering a fond childhood memory "You were adorable though... Could barely even sit up on your own and were so fucking clingy"
Izana's gaze softens as he watches Maya, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes before he speaks again. "But hey," he murmurs, his voice gentle, "we took care of you, okay... You didn't die, isn't that what matters?"
Maya remains silent, her eyes downcast as she absorbs his words. She doesn't dare contradict him, knowing it would only lead to more conflict. Instead, she nods slowly, a gesture of silent agreement. Izana hums and runs his fingers through her hair again, glancing sideways as he hears the shower turn off. "There are some polaroids though... In case you wanna get a few glimpses of what happened during those 2 weeks" He tells her
Maya's heart clenches at Izana's mention of the polaroids, a mixture of dread and curiosity swirling within her. She knows she shouldn't want to see them, shouldn't want to revisit those moments of vulnerability and manipulation, but there's a part of her that can't help but wonder. "Maybe later," she mumbles softly, her voice barely audible as she tries to push aside the nagging desire to see the evidence of her own(possible) degradation.
Izana nods understandingly, though there's a glint of mischief in his eyes that Maya can't quite decipher. "Whenever you're ready" he replies, his tone almost teasing as he leans in to press a kiss to the top of her head.
Maya forces a small smile, though it feels brittle and fragile on her lips. She wonders how things were during those 2 weeks. The weight of the past hangs heavy on her shoulders, burdening her with questions and doubts that seem to have no answers. She wonders how everything spiralled out of control so quickly, how she ended up trapped in this web of deceit and manipulation. Izana's steady heartbeat beneath her ear offers a semblance of solace, a reminder that amidst the chaos, there are still moments of calm. Yet, even in his embrace, Maya can't shake the gnawing feeling of despair that gnaws at the edges of her consciousness. "Hey... Bunny..." Izana says holding her tighter against him "You're shaking"
Maya's breath catches in her throat as Izana's voice cuts through the haze of her thoughts. She hadn't even realized she was shaking until he pointed it out. "Sorry..." she mumbles, her voice barely audible as she tries to steady her trembling limbs.
She feels exposed, vulnerable beneath Izana's scrutinizing gaze, as if he can see straight through the facade she's been desperately trying to maintain. Izana's arms tighten around her, his touch both comforting and suffocating all at once. "Don't apologize," he murmurs, his breath warm against her ear. "Just breathe..."
Maya feels vulnerable and sad. She can't help herself right now. Tears well up in her eyes for a reason she isn't too sure of. She doesn't feel too good. As tears blur her vision, Maya's chest tightens with an overwhelming wave of emotion. She feels like she's drowning, suffocating beneath the weight of her own despair. Each breath comes harder than the last as if the air itself has turned to lead in her lungs. "Izana..." she whispers, her voice trembling with unspoken anguish. "I can't do this anymore..."
Her words hang heavy in the air, a desperate plea for release from the suffocating grip of her own mind. Izana's grip tightens around Maya, his arms enveloping her in a protective embrace. "Hey, hey, it's okay," he murmurs, his voice a soothing balm against the storm raging within her
But Maya can't shake the feeling of isolation, the sense that she's adrift in a sea of darkness with no shore in sight. "I can't..." she chokes out between sobs, her voice breaking with the weight of her despair. "I can't do this anymore, Izana... I wanna go home..."
Izana's grip tightens around Maya, his embrace becoming suffocating rather than comforting. "Bunny," he murmurs, his tone stern even while using that vile pet name, "this is your home now. You belong to me, remember? You don't get to leave whenever you please. So no more talking about that and no more asking for it either... Understand?"
Her tears wet Izana's shirt, but he doesn't seem to mind. Instead, he holds her even tighter, his touch strangely comforting despite the suffocating weight of his possessiveness. "Shh, I know... I know," he murmurs softly, his voice a soothing balm against her turmoil. "Stop crying."
Maya sniffles, trying to silence her sobs, but the tears keep flowing, unstoppable as a river. "I-I'm sorry... 'm sorry..." she apologizes, her words choked with emotion. "I'm tired."
"You don't have to apologize for feeling tired," Izana reassures her, his voice calm and steady. He runs his fingers through her hair in a gentle gesture of comfort. "It's perfectly natural for you to be tired."
"Just... don't ask to go home again" he warns softly, his tone tinged with a hint of possessiveness as he squeezes her tightly in his arms.
Maya continues to apologize between trembling breaths, her grip on Izana tightening as if she fears he might slip away. Each apology feels like a plea for forgiveness for something she didn't even do, a desperate attempt to soothe the turmoil raging within her. "I-I'm sorry... I didn't mean to... I just..." Her words dissolve into a choked sob, her entire body shaking with the force of her emotions.
Izana's arms remain wrapped around her, offering a sense of security amidst the chaos of her own mind. He doesn't respond to her apologies, instead choosing to hold her close, his touch a silent reassurance that she isn't alone. For a moment, Maya allows herself to forget the weight of her despair, to lose herself in the warmth of Izana's embrace. But even as she clings to him like a lifeline, she can't shake the nagging feeling of emptiness that gnaws at her from within. Each breath feels like a struggle as if the weight of her despair threatens to crush her from within. "I-I don't know what to do..." she whispers hoarsely, her voice barely audible amidst the turmoil.
She feels lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty, with no beacon to guide her to shore. The walls of the beach house seem to close in around her, suffocating her with their oppressive presence. "I can't... I can't do this anymore..." she murmurs, her words a desperate plea for release from the prison of her own mind
Izana's touch is a lifeline amidst the chaos, his arms a refuge from the storm that rages within her. He holds her close, tight, his touch is warm. "It's okay, bunny," he murmurs, his voice a soothing melody in the midst of her turmoil. "I've got you... You don't have to do anything... Just let yourself feel... Let it all out..."
In the quiet intimacy of the moment, Maya's tears begin to subside, her sobs tapering off into soft, shuddering breaths. She rests her head against Izana's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear. "I'm sorry..." she whispers, her voice barely above a whisper, laden with exhaustion and remorse. "I didn't mean to... I just..."
Izana brushes his fingers through her hair, his touch gentle and reassuring. "Shh~, it's alright," he murmurs, his tone soft and understanding. "You don't have to apologize, bunny. You're just tired... You've been through so much..."
Maya nods weakly, her body still trembling with the aftershocks of her breakdown that probably hasn't ended yet. She feels drained, emotionally and physically spent from the weight of her own despair. Maya didn't know what she was apologizing for but she kept saying it anyway and each time Izana just hushed her. "hey, hey... Look at me" He said and put a tanned finger beneath her chin, making her look up at him
She looks up at him, her blue eyes watery and sad. "Good girl" Izana murmurs, rubbing his thumb against the thin skin under her eye, fingertips brushing against her bottom lashes "I know you're tired, I know you've been through a lot but I promise... I promise everything will be okay from now on"
Izana presses a kiss to her forehead and then continues speaking. "Everything here is for you. The house is yours, the beach is yours... You'll never have to worry about anything again, hm. We'll take care of you"
As Maya gazes up at Izana, her eyes reflect a mix of weariness and vulnerability. His gentle touch beneath her eye elicits a soft sigh from her lips, a subtle reassurance amidst the turmoil of her emotions. She leans into his caress, finding solace in the warmth of his affection. "Okay..." she whispers, her voice barely audible, her words a whispered plea for comfort.
Izana's lips curve into a tender smile, his thumb continuing its soothing motion against her skin. "You're doing so well, Bunny," he murmurs, his voice a soft murmur that washes over her like a gentle breeze. "I'm proud of you. Me and Manjiro"
As the bathroom door swings open, Mikey emerges, his presence commanding attention even in the dim light of the early morning. Maya's gaze flickers towards him, momentarily distracted from the cocoon of comfort she finds in Izana's arms. Mikey's appearance is casual yet striking, his toned physique accentuated by the absence of a shirt, and his sweatpants hanging loosely on his hips. He runs a hand through his damp hair, ruffling the dark strands as he steps further into the room. "Morning" he greets, his voice low and gravelly from sleep, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he takes in the scene before him.
Izana's arms tighten around Maya. "Morning" he echoes, grinning lazily at his younger brother
Maya's heart flutters nervously in her chest. She shifts uncomfortably in Izana's embrace, torn between the conflicting desires that tug at her heartstrings. Mikey's gaze meets hers, a flicker of something unreadable passing between them before he breaks the momentary silence. "You alright, Maya?" he asks, his voice soft with genuine concern.
Maya isn't able to answer. She knows for a fact the moment she opens her mouth to speak she'll cry again. So instead, she presses her face against the crook of Izana's neck, clinging to him tighter. Izana's fingers gently stroke her hair as he speaks, his tone carrying a note of understanding. "our bunny had a little meltdown, Manjiro" he explains, his voice soft and patronizing.
Mikey nods, his expression softening with empathy. "Oh, poor thing" he murmurs, his eyes flickering with concern as he steps closer to them, laying a hand on the back of her neck "It's alright..."
Maya nods weakly, unable to find the words to express the tangled mess of emotions churning inside her. She feels like a child, overwhelmed and lost in a world she can't comprehend. But in the arms of Izana and Mikey, she finds a fleeting sense of security, a sanctuary from the storm raging within her soul. Izana's hand continues to stroke her hair in a soothing rhythm, his touch a silent reassurance that she's not alone. "Just rest now, little bunny," he murmurs, his voice laced with a strange mix of tenderness and possessiveness. "We'll take care of everything."
With a heavy heart, Maya allows herself to sink into the warmth of their embrace, seeking solace in the arms of those who claim to care for her. As Maya buries her face in Izana's neck, she feels a rush of conflicting emotions coursing through her veins. She's torn between the comfort of their embrace and the unsettling realization that she's become dependent on them for comfort. Izana's fingers continue their gentle caress through her hair, his touch both comforting and suffocating in its possessiveness. Mikey's hand on the back of her neck offers a sense of grounding amidst the turmoil raging within her. His words of reassurance are like a lifeline in the midst of the storm, anchoring her fragile sense of self amidst the chaos. But beneath the surface, Maya can't shake the gnawing feeling of unease that gnaws at her soul. She wonders how she ended up in this tangled web of manipulation and control, and whether there's any way out.
Yet for now, she pushes aside her doubts and surrenders to the warmth of their embrace, seeking refuge in the illusion of safety they offer. As she closes her eyes and drifts into the embrace of sleep, she knows that the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty, but for now, she allows herself to be carried away by the currents of their affection, hoping against hope that they will lead her to calmer shores.
As Maya drifts into a peaceful slumber, Izana carefully lays her down on the bed and tenderly tucks her in, ensuring she's comfortable. Mikey observes silently from across the room, his gaze lingering on Maya's sleeping form as he buttons up his shirt. There's a moment of quiet between them, punctuated only by the soft sounds of Maya's steady breathing. Mikey's expression is unreadable, a mixture of concern and resignation playing across his features as he watches over her. "she doesn't remember y'know... Should've seen it coming but I think it's a little disappointing" Izana says "She thinks we did something crazy to her during those two weeks"
Mikey's expression tightens slightly at Izana's words, a flicker of frustration crossing his features before he composes himself. Izana's voice carries a note of accusation as he turns to face Mikey, his gaze piercing. "It's your fault she doesn't remember," Izana continues, his tone tinged with frustration. "You kept getting carried away, giving her more pills than she needed. Now look at her."
Mikey's tone is defensive as he responds to Izana's accusation. "I only did it because I couldn't help myself," he admits, his voice tinged with remorse. "She looked so... vulnerable. I just wanted to make her feel better, even if it meant going too far."
Izana just chuckles. "You get obsessed so easily, don't you?" He says amusement evident in his tone "My poor bunny thought all this time I was the one hurting her and giving her those pills when it was you that kept giving her more"
Izana is making fun of him now. Mikey's expression tightens, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features as Izana's words hit home. "It's not like that," he retorts defensively, his voice tinged with frustration. "I was just trying to help her."
Izana's laughter rings out, a mocking sound that echoes in the quiet room. "Help her? More like suffocate her," he quips, his amusement turning sharp and cutting. "If Kakucho hadn't stopped you, you would've ended up overdosing her. And that's huge coming from someone who doesn't even take drugs that aren't prescribed to them"
Mikey's jaw clenches, a surge of resentment bubbling up inside him at Izana's taunts. "I know what I'm doing," he snaps back, his tone defensive. "You don't need to lecture me. And stop acting like such a saint. You were the one that gave that to her first"
As tension simmers between them, the air thick with unspoken frustrations and resentment, they both know that their dynamic is far from simple. With Maya caught in the middle, their conflicting desires threaten to unravel the fragile balance they've managed to maintain. "Yeah, I did and I admit that. But I made it clear to her from the start what I wanted from her. You on the other hand you lying manipulative little shit..." Izana says insulting him but also looking impressed "Got 'er wrapped around your finger by playing the long game. Fuck, I don't have the patience for that shit"
Mikey rolls his eyes and says "Is that why you told her the truth? 'Cause you were jealous I got her heart first?"
Izana's smirk widens into a sly grin, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Maybe," he quips, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Or maybe I just got tired of watching you manipulate her like a puppet on strings."
Mikey's expression darkens, his frustration boiling over as he meets Izana's gaze head-on. "You don't get to play the hero here, Izana," he snaps, his tone laced with bitterness. "You're just as twisted and messed up as I am."
The room crackles with tension, the air heavy with unspoken accusations and resentments. Maya's sleeping form serves as a stark reminder of the tangled web they've woven, each thread pulling them deeper into the darkness of their own making. Izana's laughter rings out once more, a cold sound that sends a shiver down Mikey's spine. "Maybe so," he concedes, his voice low and dangerous. "But at least I'm not the one lying to myself about it."
With that, the room falls into a tense silence, the weight of their shared secrets hanging heavy between them like a dark cloud. In the quiet stillness of the early morning, they are left to confront the truth of their own twisted desires, and the consequences that threaten to tear them apart. The silence stretches on, heavy with unresolved tension and unspoken words. Mikey's gaze flickers away from Izana's, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. He knows that Izana's words hold a grain of truth, but he can't bring himself to admit it.
Meanwhile, Izana reclines back on the bed next to Maya, a smug smirk playing at the corners of his lips. He watches Mikey closely, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and satisfaction. For Izana, this moment is a victory, a chance to assert his dominance and remind Mikey of his own shortcomings. But beneath the facade of confidence, Izana's own insecurities gnaw at him, a constant reminder of the fragile balance he's trying to maintain. Despite his bravado, he can't shake the feeling that he's losing control, that Maya's presence in their lives is a threat to the carefully constructed walls he's built around himself. In the midst of their silent standoff, Maya stirs in her sleep, a small whimper escaping her lips. The sound pierces through the tension, drawing both Izana and Mikey's attention back to her. "shh~" Izana murmurs, being uncharacteristically gentle in front of Mikey for the first time
Izana caressed her hair, leaning down till his nose was pressed to her cheek in a soft comforting manner. As Izana leans in to comfort Maya, Mikey watches with a mixture of frustration and resignation. His fists clench at his sides as he struggles to contain the storm of emotions raging within him. "You think you can just play the caring lover now?" he scoffs, his voice dripping with bitterness.
Izana doesn't respond, his attention fully focused on Maya as he brushes a stray strand of hair from her face. There's a tenderness in his touch that Mikey finds unsettling, a stark contrast to the manipulative persona he usually wears like armour. Frustration boiling over, Mikey steps forward, his eyes narrowed in defiance. "You're not fooling anyone, Izana," he says, his voice low and menacing. "We both know what you're really after."
Izana's gaze flickers up to meet Mikey's, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "And what exactly am I after, Manjiro?" he asks, his tone deceptively calm.
Mikey grits his teeth, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. "You want control," he snaps, his voice rising with anger. "You want to keep her all to yourself, like some kind of possession. Or I dunno. A fuckin' pet?!"
Izana's smirk widens, a flash of something dark glinting in his eyes. "And what about you, Mikey?" he counters, his voice dripping with malice. "What do you want?"
The question hangs heavy in the air, and the silence that follows is filled with tension and uncertainty. Mikey's jaw tightens as he struggles to find the words, torn between his own desires and the tangled web of manipulation that binds them all together. Mikey's gaze flickers between Izana and Maya, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. He wants to protect her, to keep her safe from the chaos that surrounds them, but he also knows that he's part of the problem. "I want..." he begins, his voice trailing off as he struggles to articulate his thoughts.
Izana's smirk deepens, a knowing glint in his eyes. "You want her, don't you?" he taunts, his words like a dagger aimed at Mikey's heart. "You want her just as much as I do."
Mikey's fists clench at his sides, his frustration reaching its breaking point. "It's not like that," he insists, his voice tinged with desperation. "I care about her, Izana. I don't want to see her hurt."
Izana's laughter rings out, cold and mocking. "Oh, spare me the act, Manjiro," he sneers, his tone dripping with disdain. "You're just as possessive as I am. Admit it."
Mikey's chest tightens with frustration, his jaw clenched as Izana's words hit uncomfortably close to home. He knows there's truth in what Izana says, even if he's reluctant to admit it. The weight of his conflicting emotions bears down on him, leaving him feeling trapped in a web of his own making. As Maya's soft whimper fills the air once more, Mikey's resolve wavers. He knows he needs to confront his feelings and the reality of the situation, but the thought of acknowledging his own possessiveness fills him with a sense of shame. With a heavy sigh, he looks away, unable to meet Izana's gaze as the truth hangs heavy in the air. Izana's voice breaks through the tension, his tone soft and gentle as he soothes Maya's restless slumber. With practiced ease, he reaches out to stroke her hair, his touch tender and reassuring. "Shh, little bunny," he murmurs, his voice a soothing melody in the stillness of the room. "It's alright. You're safe here."
Maya's whimpering subsides, her breathing gradually steadying as Izana's comforting presence envelops her in a cocoon of warmth. Mikey watches silently, a knot of conflicting emotions churning in his chest. He can't deny the sense of relief that washes over him as Izana calms Maya, but beneath it all, there lingers a lingering sense of unease. As the tension in the room eases, a fragile truce settles between Mikey and Izana, their silent standoff momentarily forgotten in the face of Maya's vulnerability. Izana is humming a soft melody into Maya's ear, and Mikey freezes at the sound of the familiar tune. "Izana..." Mikey says lowly, realizing exactly what was going on just from that damn song he was humming—
—Realizing exactly why Izana hadn't just killed her that night. "you're messed up..." Mikey says breathlessly "Majorly fucking messed up"
Mikey's voice cuts through the soft melody, breaking the fragile calm that had settled over the room. Izana's humming falters for a moment, his gaze flickering up to meet Mikey's with a hint of annoyance in his eyes. "And you're not?" he retorts, his tone laced with bitterness. "We're all messed up here, Manjiro. Don't act like you're any different."
There's a raw honesty in Izana's words, a stark reminder of the darkness that lurks within each of them. Mikey's jaw clenches, his fists tightening at his sides as he struggles to contain the surge of anger threatening to consume him. "You're pretending she's her" Mikey argues, clenching his fists
He can't stand the thought of Izana projecting his past onto Maya, using her as a substitute for someone who can never come back. Mikey can't stand hearing Izana hum the same melody Emma would to him after Shinichiro died. Izana's eyes narrow at the accusation, a flicker of defensiveness crossing his features. "And what if I am?" he challenges, his voice low and dangerous. "What if I need Maya to be her?"
Mikey's chest tightens with a mix of anger and pity, his gaze hardening as he meets Izana's defiant stare. "Then you're not just messed up," he says quietly, his words heavy with disappointment. "You're delusional. Maya looks nothing like her—"
"Oh, and she looks so much like that little shit, Hanagaki, yeah?" Izana shoots back
Mikey's chest tightens at the mention of Hanagaki Takemichi, his jaw clenching with frustration. "That's not what I meant," he retorts, his voice sharp with irritation. "You're twisting my words."
Izana's smirk widens, a flash of malice glinting in his eyes. "Am I?" he taunts, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Seems like you're the one who can't handle the truth, Manjiro."
Mikey's gaze hardens, his frustration mounting with each word Izana utters. "Don't play games with me, Izana," he warns, his voice tinged with anger. "You know exactly what I meant. Maya is not Emma"
Izana scoffs. Izana's smirk falters for a moment, replaced by a calculating glint in his eyes. "It was all fun and fine until Emma was brought up, wasn't it?" he retorts, his voice carrying a sharp edge of accusation. "You can't handle the truth when it hits too close to home, can you, Manjiro? So what if Maya doesn't look like her? I don't care. Honestly, she shouldn't look like her— Like Emma and that stupid bitch"
Mikey frowns but before he can say anything back to his brother, Maya stirs again, whimpering a little. They both watch as one of her hands comes up and fists the satin material of Izana's red shirt, grasping at it for dear life. Mikey's frown deepens, his gaze softening as he watches Maya's restless movements. The sight of her clutching onto Izana's shirt tugs at something deep within him, a mixture of concern and affection welling up inside him. "She's just a kid" he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper.
"She's 22" Izana interjects, pulling Maya into his arms
Mikey rolls his eyes. Okay so Izana could infantilize her as much as he wants but the moment he does it, it's wrong? Mikey's frustration bubbles to the surface, his brows furrowing at Izana's retort. "That's not the point, aniki," he counters, his tone edged with irritation. "You know what I meant."
Izana's smirk remains, but there's a flicker of annoyance in his eyes at Mikey's defiance. "Always so sensitive, Manjiro," he chides, his voice tinged with amusement. "But fine, let's focus on the present then. Maya is staying here, why I want her shouldn't be your business. Okay?"
Mikey's frustration lingers, but he relents with a heavy sigh, realizing the futility of further argument. "Fine" he mutters, his tone resigned
Izana expects Mikey to leave but he doesn't. Instead, Mikey climbs into bed with them on the other side of Maya and puts an arm around her waist, pressing his face into her hair. Maya, nestled between them, finds solace in their embrace, her breathing steady against the backdrop of their shared silence. Maya shifts slightly, instinctively seeking comfort from the warmth of their embrace, and Izana and Mikey hold her close, their arms forming a cocoon around her exhausted form. In the intimacy of their shared embrace, the tension between Izana and Mikey begins to ebb away. Izana brushes his fingers lightly over her hair, a subtle assertion of his presence in her life. Beside him, Mikey's arm around her waist speaks volumes, a silent declaration of his shielding stance. "Aniki..." Mikey murmurs
"yeah?"
"do you miss her?"
"Emma?"
"Yeah"
"Sometimes..."
After a moment of silence, Mikey speaks up again "Do you regret it?"
Izana's jaw tightens, a flicker of conflict crossing his features as he wrestles with his answer. His gaze drifts to Maya once more, her innocent slumber a stark contrast to the complexities of their shared history. "I don't know," he confesses, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Maybe... Do you think Emma's cursing at me?"
"100%" Manjiro answers, sliding a hand under Maya's shirt to feel her skin beneath his palm and the tips of his fingers
Mikey's response is immediate, his touch gentle yet possessive as he seeks solace in the warmth of Maya's skin. Izana watches in silence, his own thoughts swirling amidst the tangled web of their emotions. The intimacy of the moment is both comforting and suffocating, a reminder of the complexities that bind them together. "You really think so?" Izana murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper as he traces a finger along Maya's cheek, his touch feather-light yet tinged with a sense of longing.
Mikey's gaze remains fixed on Maya, his fingers trailing over her soft skin with a tenderness that belies the turmoil within him. "Yeah," he replies, his voice soft yet resolute "Maya probably hates us"
Izana chuckles. "no she doesn't."
Mikey's brows furrow at Izana's certainty, a mixture of confusion and disbelief crossing his features. "How can you be so sure?" he asks, his tone tinged with skepticism.
Izana brushes Maya's messily cut fringes away from her forehead. "she loves like a dog"
Mikey's eyes widen slightly at Izana's comparison, a hint of surprise mingling with the confusion in his expression. "Like a dog?" he echoes, his tone laced with uncertainty.
Izana nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips as he watches Maya sleep peacefully between them. "Yeah," he explains, his voice gentle yet matter-of-fact. "She's loyal, forgiving, and loves unconditionally, no matter what we do."
The weight of Izana's words hangs heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the quiet intimacy of the moment. Mikey's gaze softens as he watches Maya sleep, her features relaxed in the innocence of slumber. "she's like... hm... Like a stray dog on the street but... instead of begging for food she begs for love even in places she shouldn't..." Izana continues, looking at Maya fondly despite what he's saying
Mikey's brow furrows deeper, his mind grappling with the analogy Izana presents. "A stray dog?" he murmurs, his voice reflecting both contemplation and a touch of sadness. The comparison paints a vivid picture in his mind, one that he can't quite shake off.
—after all, abusive relationships come easy when loving like a stray dog.
"Hey, how're you feeling now?" Mikey's voice is gentle as he takes Maya's hand and guides her onto his lap as he sits on the single-seat couch
It's early in the afternoon now. Maya had showered and was surprised to find that the door of the master bedroom connecting to the rest of the house was unlocked. Taking a chance she went out and found Kakucho in the kitchen cooking with Izana and Mikey sitting in front of the tv watching reruns of some anime. Despite having slept for a lot longer, Maya felt tired. But even then she forced herself to get out of bed and shower. She's wearing shorts and a random shirt that she's pretty sure belongs to Mikey. Maya settles onto Mikey's lap, his arms wrapping around her in a tight embrace. She leans into him, feeling strangely comforted by his possessive hold. "I'm okay," she murmurs softly, her voice barely above a whisper as she(almost reluctantly) nuzzles against his chest, relishing in the warmth of his presence.
Mikey's grip tightens around her, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he strokes her hair gently. "You're such a delicate little thing, aren't you?" he coos "You slept at night then had another nap in the morning 'n you're still tired. Kinda like a little baby"
Maya nods slightly, feeling a pang of guilt at Mikey's words for some reason, barely noticing how patronizing he was being. "I'm sorry," she murmurs softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I didn't mean to sleep so much."
Mikey's smirk widens, his tone taking on a hint of amusement. "Don't worry about it, baby," he says, his fingers tracing idle circles on her back. "You need your rest. We'll take care of you."
There's something in the way Mikey speaks, a subtle insistence that leaves Maya feeling simultaneously comforted and uneasy. She knows she should assert her independence once again, but the warmth of Mikey's embrace is too tempting to resist. Mikey continues to stroke Maya's hair, his touch gentle yet possessive, as if he's claiming her as his own. "You know, Maya," he murmurs, his voice low and coaxing as he repeats "you don't have to worry about anything when you're with us. We'll take care of you, make sure you're safe and happy."
Maya's heart flutters at his words, a mixture of gratitude and apprehension swirling within her. She appreciates Mikey's concern, but there's an underlying sense of unease nagging at the back of her mind. Still, she finds herself nodding in agreement, unable to resist the allure of his soothing words. "Good," Mikey says, his tone tinged with satisfaction
With that, he pulls her closer, enveloping her in his embrace as if shielding her from the uncertainties of the outside world. But then again, the only uncertainty here was him. But still, Maya nodded, finding comfort in his words despite the unease that gnawed at her. "Okay" she relented, allowing herself to relax into his embrace.
"That's my girl," Mikey said, his voice filled with satisfaction then repeated, "Now, just relax and let us take care of you."
That's my girl
Maya hates herself for being so weak for simple words. A sense of warmth washed over Maya, but beneath it, a nagging doubt lingered. "I know," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I still feel guilty for sleeping so much."
Mikey's smile widened, his fingers tracing gentle circles on her back. "You have nothing to feel guilty about," he assured her
Just before Maya could say anything else, Kakucho came over with two cups of coffee on a tray. She suddenly feels very conscious of the position she's currently in— sitting on Mikey's lap, wearing his shirt, nestled into his chest with his arms around her. Sure Kakucho has seen her in relatively... worse positions but, right now as she's still mad at him, Maya doesn't like it. Kakucho however, doesn't bat an eye because he in fact has seen much worse. He simply set the tray down on the coffee table, his gaze lingering on Maya and Mikey for a moment before he spoke. "Coffee's ready" he said, his voice calm and collected.
Maya nodded, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she awkwardly shifted on Mikey's lap, attempting to create some distance between them. "Th-thanks, Kakucho," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mikey chuckled softly, tightening his grip around her waist so she doesn't try to slide off. "Don't be shy, babe," he teased, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Kakucho doesn't mind."
Maya's cheeks grew even hotter at his words, a mixture of embarrassment and frustration swirling within her. She shot Mikey a pointed glare before turning her attention to Kakucho, forcing a polite smile onto her lips. "Thanks for the coffee," she mumbled, reaching for one of the cups with trembling hands.
Kakucho nodded in response, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He must think she wasn't mad at him anymore since she wasn't glaring at him. "Anytime," he replied, his tone gentle. "Let me know if you need anything else."
With that, he turned and walked away. Maya watched Kakucho's retreating figure, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions. She couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort that lingered in the air, a silent reminder of the tension between them. Despite her attempts to appear calm and composed, Maya knew that her anger towards Kakucho had not dissipated. Mikey's arms around her provided a sense of security, but Maya couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her insides. She shifted uncomfortably on his lap, her thoughts racing as she struggled to make sense of the situation.
"Are you okay, Maya?" Mikey's voice interrupted her thoughts, his concern evident in his tone.
Maya forced a small smile, hoping to conceal the turmoil raging within her. "Yeah, I'm fine," she lied, her voice betraying her true feelings.
Mikey studied her for a moment, his gaze penetrating yet oddly comforting. "You don't seem fine" he remarked, his fingers tracing soothing patterns on her back.
Maya sighed, feeling the weight of her emotions pressing down on her. "I'm just really tired" she mumbles, fingers wrapping around the hot ceramic cup
She doesn't think telling Mikey that she was mad at Kakucho was a good idea. She vaguely remembers Kakucho often getting in trouble and beaten by Izana because of her. Maybe she was really mad at him but Maya doesn't want Kakucho to be punished. Mikey's expression softened, his concern deepening as he studied Maya's tired features. "You should rest then," he suggested gently, his thumb brushing against her cheek in a tender gesture. "We can talk about it later if you want, but for now, just focus on taking care of yourself."
Maya nodded gratefully, appreciating Mikey's understanding of what she wanted him to think. She took a sip of the steaming coffee, relishing in its warmth as it spread through her body. Despite her exhaustion, Maya couldn't shake the lingering unease that tugged at her thoughts. As she leaned back against Mikey's chest, she couldn't help but wonder about the complexities of her relationship with Kakucho. Despite his past actions, Maya couldn't bring herself to harbour genuine resentment toward him. She knew that his intentions were often misguided, but somehow she felt he was almost in a similar situation as her. Deep down, Maya knew that her anger towards Kakucho was born out of frustration and fear rather than genuine animosity. She feared the repercussions of her actions, knowing that any misstep could result in punishment for Kakucho.
Lost in her thoughts, Maya found herself clinging to Mikey's comforting presence, seeking solace in the warmth of his embrace. As Maya nestled into Mikey's embrace, she caught sight of Izana entering the room, a cup of coffee in hand. His presence sent a shiver down her spine, reminding her of the tension that simmered beneath the surface of their interactions. Izana settled onto the sofa across from them with his own cup, his gaze flickering over to Maya with a calculating expression. "Feeling better, I see," he remarked casually, his tone devoid of warmth.
Maya forced a smile, trying to mask the unease that churned within her. "Yeah, just needed some... rest..." she replied, her voice sounding small in the vastness of the room filled with natural sunlight.
It's a beautiful fucking day outside. It seems like nature is mocking her. Mikey's grip around her tightened subtly. Izana took a sip of his coffee, his eyes lingering on Maya with an intensity that made her squirm uncomfortably. "Good," he said finally, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "You should take care of yourself, Maya. After all, you're the most valuable asset we have right now."
"I don't see how I am..." Maya replies, feeling kind of uncomfortable now
Izana chuckled softly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Oh, but you are," he insisted, his tone laced with thinly veiled menace. "You have a... unique skill set that could prove quite beneficial to our operations."
"Aniki stop fucking with her" Mikey says rolling his eyes, guiding Maya's hand up and taking a sip out of her cup rather than getting his own that was sitting idly on the coffee table "he's just being stupid"
Maya felt a surge of gratitude towards Mikey for intervening, his protective gesture providing a fleeting sense of relief amidst the oppressive atmosphere. Izana's smirk widened, his gaze flickering between Mikey and Maya with a knowing glint. "Ah, but she's such fun to tease," he remarked casually, though there was a dangerous edge to his tone. "Aren't you having fun, bunny?"
"no not really" Maya says as Mikey continues drinking from her cup
Mikey's lips twitched into a faint smile as he took another sip from Maya's cup, his eyes never leaving Izana's. "See, Maya's not amused," he quipped, his voice laced with subtle defiance.
Izana's smile faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of annoyance before he regained his composure. "Well, we can't have that, can we?" he replied, his tone taking on a mockingly pleasant quality. "After all, what's the point of having you here if you're not going to entertain us?"
Maya's stomach churned at Izana's words, a cold shiver running down her spine. She could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating, as the power dynamics between Mikey and Izana played out before her. "Have you ever considered not being an asshole?" Mikey asks his brother
"No actually but I'll consider it someday, Manjiro" Izana says teasingly, taking another sip out of his cup
Maya thinks this guy just enjoys being an asshole which isn't surprising. She would psychoanalyze him but her head is still a complete mess and she hasn't completely recovered from withdrawals to even want to think. "Anyway, I'm going back to Tokyo with Kakucho tonight. We're finalizing the deals with the Korean mafia, I'll be back in 2-3 days" Izana tells Manjiro
"Hm? Oh, do you need me too?" Mikey asks
"Nah, just stay here," Izana says "Kisaki said the fewer people involved in the deal, the better"
Maya's heart sank at the mention of Izana leaving, a mixture of relief and apprehension flooding her senses. She couldn't deny that a part of her was glad to have a temporary reprieve from his unsettling presence, but she also couldn't shake the nagging feeling that his absence would only bring more uncertainty and chaos. As Izana's words hung in the air, Maya found herself bracing for whatever came next, knowing all too well that the calm before the storm was often the most deceptive.
"w-wait" Maya slurs weakly as Mikey sucks lazily at her clit
She just feels the vibration of his lips when he hums against her, his fingers thrusting in and out at a slow pace. Her fingers tighten their grip on Mikey's hair, torn between pushing his head away and pulling him even closer. He's pulling the nth orgasm out of her of that night. Izana and Kakucho had left hours ago and how she ended up like this was really beyond her at this point. Her thighs are squeezing Mikey's head as she breathes heavily, letting out a mixture of moans and whimpers of his name. "M-Mikey... 's too much" Maya slurs weakly, pulling more on his hair
He groans against her cunt and she whimpers at the vibrations that go through her. It feels good. Everything feels good. Mikey learned what her body likes and what it doesn't. Mikey knew how to make her feel good and it's both a blessing and a curse. When she seemed even a little bit angry or her mood seemed off, Mikey would slide right between her legs and work his magic to make her feel better even if it wasn't him that was the cause of her negative emotions/attitude. "you can do a few more f'me, baby" Mikey coos sweetly after releasing her clit
Just how can she say no when he's asking so nicely? His thumb makes slow figure 8s on her clit and her legs wrap tighter around his head as her eyes roll back. Maya's fingers grip desperately at the sheets, her body so torn between keeping him close and pushing him away. "hey baby, ya' gotta ease up" Mikey says as he uses his free hands to pry her legs apart "I know it feels good and as much as I love you squeezing my head like that, ya' gotta ease up"
Maya's whimper sounds more like a sob this time as his fingers speed up after he slides up her body, pressing his forehead against hers. His hand stays nestled between her thighs with a knee keeping her legs spread for him. "A-Ah Mikey!" She whines, her eyes filling with tears and immediately spilling like an overflowing sink, her hands desperately grabbing at his clothed shoulders
Mikey is looking at her with dark eyes filled with both adoration and lust. "you're such a pretty crier" He coos sweetly, his lips brushing against hers
His fingers are working expertly on her cunt in a way he knows feels good. It almost wasn't fair how good this felt, how good he was making her feel. "M-Mikey... I... I can't" she whines, her nails digging into his clothed shoulder
Mikey simply hushes her, looking down at Maya with a look that makes her stomach twist. "You can take it" he murmurs, voice laced with encouragement as his free hand brushes her messily cut fringes away from her sweaty forehead "You've done so well for me so far, baby. 'm so proud of you... Don't you want to make me even prouder?"
That wasn't fair. Mikey knew how weak praises like that made her. How could she not want to make him proud? How could she not want to make him happy? How could she not give in when he was looking at her so softly and talking to her in such a gentle tone? "'kay... o-okay... c-can do it..." Maya's words come out slurred as another orgasm approaches when Mikey's fingers start moving faster
Maya squeezes her eyes shut but Mikey suddenly slows the pace of his thumb on her clit. "hey. eyes on me. keep them open" He demands, the tone of his voice slightly changing from soft and sweet to authoritative and stern
She's gasping out for air at this point. Her body is overly spent and her mind is exhausted but she listens to him anyway, glazed blue eyes meeting endless black ones. "good girl. good girl. Now keep them open for me. I want to see your eyes when you come"
It feels like there isn't enough air but also too much at the same time. Maya has lost count of the amount of times Mikey has made her come. It feels like her brain is melting into a pile of mush and her nerves are on fire. But still, nothing hurts yet. She just feels so overwhelmed by pleasure it's simply too much. Maybe it's the combination of how he's touching her, how he's talking to her and how he's looking at her that makes everything just too much all at once. "Mikey... M-Mikey... 'm gonna..." She can't even finish her sentence
Usually, if Mikey was in the mood of being a little bit mean, he'd make her say it. But right now he's not feeling that way and instead encourages her. "shh, go ahead sweetheart. come for me"
So she does. Maya is trembling as she comes around Mikey's fingers, her nails digging into his clothed shoulders and tears running down her cheeks like an endless stream. Her thighs tense up and not once does she close her eyes because Mikey asked her not to. How could she deny him when he asked so nicely? Mikey's fingers keep expertly working on her cunt in just the way he knows feels good for her, helping her ride out her orgasm and simultaneously using his knee to keep her thighs spread. Her orgasm ends and Mikey's eyes are wide, looking at her with eyes full of awe. "M-Mikey, I... I can't" she whimpers weakly, trying to push his hand away from her cunt
Mikey just hushes her. "hm, but you looked so pretty... Your eyes look so pretty when you come"
It sounds like he's crooning at her. Or well, Maya thinks he is. She can hear her own heartbeat in her ears at this point. Everything feels like too much and she thinks if she comes again she'll really pass out. "Mikey—"
"C'mon baby, one more for me. I wanna see your eyes look like that again"
And just how can she say no when he's asking so nicely?
Maybe she does pass out or something because Maya doesn't remember how she ended up in the shower with Mikey. He's washing her hair and has a small smile on his face. She struggled to piece together the events that led her to this moment, the sensation of warm water cascading over her body and Mikey's gentle hands massaging shampoo into her hair. She turned her head slightly, her gaze meeting Mikey's as he stood behind her, gently massaging shampoo into her hair. His expression was serene, a small smile gracing his lips as he worked, his fingers moving with practiced care. "Mikey?" Maya's voice was barely a whisper, hoarse from disuse as she tried to piece together how she had ended up in the shower with him.
Mikey's smile widened at the sound of her voice, his touch gentle as he continued to wash her hair. "Hey there, baby," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "You passed out, so I thought I'd help you freshen up a bit."
Maya's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the realization that she had lost consciousness, her memory hazy and disjointed. He's practically holding her up or well somehow holding her up because her knees are weak. "close your eyes" he murmurs, hand on the knob of the shower to turn on the rain head shower above them
Maya obeys without a word and closes her eyes as he turns it on, warm water raining down on them both. Mikey runs his fingers through her hair as the shampoo is washed out of her hair. This entire thing feels oddly domestic and... She likes it. Maybe, just maybe, she can get used to this. It was horrible to be thinking that way. Giving in so easily. It was wrong but maybe after fighting for so long, after going through so much, she could. She should be allowed to right? It wasn't like she gave in after the first day. Maya fought for a month and 3 weeks. Sure she didn't remember two weeks out of that time but, she still fought for herself. Was it wrong to give in and give up? No, there was no one here to blame her for it when all they wanted from the beginning was for her to stop running.
Izana wanted her to stop, Mikey wanted her to stop and eventually, Kakucho did as well.
No one was going to miss her anyway. She was an orphan and had no friends. Chifuyu would move on from her death, the world would keep spinning and the sun would still shine.
No one will miss her and it would be okay because even if Izana is a sociopathic fucking asshole, Kakucho is a recanting bastard and, Mikey a liar— at least they're still here and at least they want her.
They want her and to Maya that's all that matters.
"and where are you going?" Izana asks Kisaki who is being uncharacteristically fidgety
"Just... Need to pick something up" Kisaki says pushing his glasses up his nose "You can go on ahead, no need to wait for me"
The city of Tokyo is bustling in the early afternoon. Their meeting with the Koreans was later in the evening and everything for that was already taken care of. They could do whatever they wanted for now but it seemed Kisaki had something to do and whatever that was is making him jumpy and nervous. Kisaki Tetta, Tokyo Manji Gang's number 2, nervous? Oh, Izana needed to know why. Izana narrows his eyes, observing Kisaki's unusual behaviour with keen interest. He's never seen Kisaki like this before—usually so composed and calculated, it's unsettling to witness him so agitated. "Is there something on your mind, Kisaki?" Izana inquires, his voice deceptively calm as he studies his second-in-command. He can sense that there's more to Kisaki's sudden restlessness than meets the eye.
Kisaki shifts uncomfortably under Izana's gaze, his usual facade of confidence wavering slightly. "It's nothing, Izana," he replies, attempting to brush off Izana's concern with a dismissive wave of his hand. But Izana isn't fooled by the nonchalant demeanour.
"Nothing?" Izana repeats, his tone laced with skepticism. "You seem rather preoccupied with 'nothing.' Don't make me repeat myself, Kisaki. What's going on?"
Kisaki hesitates for a moment, his gaze flickering away before meeting Izana's once more. "It's just a personal matter," he mumbles evasively, a hint of unease creeping into his voice. "I'll be back soon, I promise."
Izana's lips curl into a knowing smirk as he watches Kisaki's feeble attempt to deflect his inquiries. He may not have all the answers just yet, but one thing's for certain—whatever Kisaki is hiding, it's bound to be interesting. "Nope, I'm coming too"
"You're gonna get bored"
"I don't care"
To Izana's surprise, they end up at a high-end jewelry shop. Oh. Oh. Oh my god. "shut up you're proposing?" Izana has to resist the urge to laugh in Kisaki's face as the jeweller sets out designs of different engagement rings in front of them
Due to an unfortunate drunken confession some years back, the top members of the Tokyo Manji Gang knew about Kisaki Tetta's pining toward Tachibana Hinata. They laughed at him obviously because how in the world was Kisaki losing against Hanagaki-fucking-Takemichi who is an absolute loser and a literal moron with no fashion sense. Izana never let him live it down nor did Sanzu and Hanma. But now, it seemed that Kisaki was going to propose. It seemed like a stupid fucking idea in Izana's opinion but he won't voice that out loud because he wanted to see things crash and burn just for fun. Kisaki shoots Izana a glare, his embarrassment is evident in the crimson hue that tinges on his cheeks. "Shut up, Izana," he grumbles, though there's a hint of fondness underlying his exasperated tone.
The jeweller, sensing the tension between the two men, wisely decides to give them some space as they peruse through the selection of engagement rings. Izana leans back against the counter, folding his arms across his chest as he watches Kisaki with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. He never thought he'd see the day when Kisaki would be considering marriage, let alone to someone like Tachibana Hinata. "So, Tachibana Hinata, huh?" Izana remarks casually, raising an eyebrow inquisitively. "Never took you for the romantic type, Kisaki."
Kisaki's expression softens at the mention of Hinata's name, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "She's different," he admits quietly, his gaze distant as he recalls memories of their time together. "She's... she's everything, Izana. I can't imagine my life without her."
Izana observes Kisaki's genuine affection with a mixture of amusement and intrigue. Despite his outwardly cold and calculating demeanour, it's evident that Kisaki harbours deep feelings for Hinata, feelings that Izana never expected to witness firsthand. It's a side of Kisaki that few have ever seen, and honestly, it's really fucking weird considering the supervillain type of shit Kisaki does. This was the first time they were even talking about girls in a way that wasn't vulgar and just plain wrong. This was odd and Izana isn't sure he wants to continue this conversation because he'll actually have a stroke if he hears any more of that cheesy-cringy bullshit. "Well, then," Izana says with a smirk, pushing himself off the counter in hopes Kisaki takes the hint and drops it "Let's find the perfect ring for your perfect girl, shall we?"
Kisaki's eyes light up at the suggestion, his earlier nervousness replaced by a newfound determination. Together, they sift through the array of rings, each one more exquisite than the last. "What about your uh..." Kisaki pauses trying to look for the right word to describe whatever Kaneko Maya was for Kurokawa Izana
Kisaki's question about Maya prompts Izana to pause, his fingers hesitating over the delicate jewelry. "My bunny?" he repeats, the term rolling off his tongue with a mixture of macabre fondness and possessiveness. "She's... special."
Kisaki watches Izana closely, sensing the underlying complexity in his tone. Kisaki doesn't even know why the fuck he's asking. It seems that no matter how smart he is, he still can't avoid or stop himself from asking these weird and awkward questions. "Special how?"
Izana's gaze flickers with a myriad of emotions—affection, frustration, and a hint of vulnerability. "She's... like a wounded animal," he murmurs, his voice tinged with morbid fascination. "Broken and fragile, yet resilient in her own way. It's quite amusing to see"
Kisaki nods in understanding, recognizing the depth of Izana's feelings for Maya beneath the veneer of detachment. "And what are your intentions toward her?" he asks, his curiosity piqued now because the only person Kisaki himself would describe that way is Hanagaki Takemichi
Izana's lips quirked into a rueful smile, his eyes distant as he struggled to articulate the complexities of his emotions. "I don't know" he admits easily
Kisaki listens in silence, his expression is contemplative as he absorbs Izana's confession. He understands all too well the struggle between love and control, the desire to both nurture and possess. It's a delicate balance, one that Izana seems to grapple with on a daily basis. Kisaki also feels really bad for this girl. From what he'd heard from Sanzu and Shion, this girl was going to literal hell. Oh well. It's not his problem. As long as she doesn't become an obstacle in his plans, he could care less what happens to Kaneko Maya. "You think Tachibana will say yes?" Izana asks him all of a sudden
Kisaki's thoughts momentarily shift from the enigmatic nature of Izana's relationship with Maya to the more straightforward matter of Kisaki's own impending proposal. He blinks, taken aback by the sudden change in topic, but quickly recovers. "Tachibana?" Kisaki repeats, his mind refocusing on the matter at hand. "I... I hope so." There's a flicker of uncertainty in his voice, a rare display of vulnerability from the usually composed second-in-command of the Tokyo Manji Gang.
This was a weird conversation to have, especially after everything but, Izana had insisted on coming along, they were having an extremely uncomfortable conversation. Not extremely but it was just fucking weird to have with Kurokawa Izana of all people. "Well, then," Izana says, his voice tinged with a hint of mischief. "Let's make sure she can't say no, shall we?"
Kisaki's lips twitch into a small smile, a glimmer of hope igniting within him at Izana's words. "Yeah," he agrees quietly
Part of Mikey feels bad for Maya particularly when he sees her zoned out. But it is late in the afternoon, the sun is low and lighting up the master bedroom of the beach house in orange and yellow through the glass double doors leading out to the beach and he's lying on top of her, ear pressed to her sternum right where he can hear her heartbeat the loudest. It's perfect. Absolutely perfect. Maya isn't crying about going home anymore, neither is she under the influence of drugs to achieve that. Maya looks rather calm about being here which was a first. She'd been like that last night since after they showered together. Mikey was happy. He was so happy. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore provides a soothing backdrop to their shared intimacy, a reminder of the tranquillity that exists just beyond the confines of their secluded sanctuary. Mikey's fingers trace idle patterns on Maya's skin, his touch gentle yet possessive. He can't help but marvel at the sight of her lying beneath him, her features softened in the warm light. For the first time in what feels like an eternity, she seems at peace—no longer plagued by the torment of her past or the uncertainty of her future.
His heart swelled with a mixture of tenderness and guilt. He knows he shouldn't feel this way, shouldn't revel in the calm that comes from holding her captive against her will. But at this moment, with the world outside their little sanctuary fading into obscurity, it's easy to forget the consequences of their actions. Maya stirs slightly beneath him, her fingers tracing idle patterns against his back. Her eyes flutter open, meeting his with a gaze that's both questioning and vulnerable. "Mikey" she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mikey brushes a strand of hair away from her face, his touch gentle yet possessive. "Shh, it's okay," he whispers, his lips pressing against her forehead in a silent promise. "You're safe with me."
Maya doesn't say anything but her gaze doesn't shift from his eyes. She's just, looking at him. It feels nice. Mikey likes the way she's looking at him. He feels warm all over. It had been so long since someone made him feel like that. Her thumb brushes against his cheekbone and Mikey resists the urge to nuzzle into her palm even though he knows he can. "are you hungry? I can make you dinner" Maya says gently, her tone quiet
Mikey's stomach growls loudly in response to Maya's question, betraying his hunger despite the tranquillity of the moment. He chuckles softly, his lips quirking into a sheepish grin as he meets Maya's gaze. "Yeah, I could eat," he admits, his voice tinged with amusement. "But only if you let me help."
Maya smiles warmly, her eyes softening as she nods in agreement. "I'll think about"
Mikey's grin widens at the playful designation, his heart swelling with warmth at the prospect of spending more time with Maya in the kitchen. It's a simple gesture, but one that holds a deeper significance—a reminder of the ordinary moments that make life worth living, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Together, they make their way to the kitchen, their laughter mingling with the sound of sizzling pans and clinking utensils. And as they prepare their meal side by side, Mikey can't help but marvel at the simple joy of domesticity. "You're really forgetful, aren't you?" Maya asks him as he's stirring the pot since it was the only thing he was good at
"hm, how?"
"Izana and Sanzu are always reminding you to eat" Maya says as she's washing something in the sink
Mikey thinks for a moment. "yeah. They are"
"That's nice of them. Izana's an asshole didn't think he had it in him to be a caring older brother"
Mikey's expectations were shattered when Maya didn't react the way he anticipated. He had braced himself for her to hurl accusations of laziness or belittle him like others had done in the past, particularly Draken. But instead, Maya's response was one of understanding and compassion.
He had been prepared for judgment, for being seen as weak or incompetent. After all, getting out of bed had become an insurmountable task after Emma's funeral 12 years ago. Draken's absence during this time, despite his own grief over Emma's passing, had left Mikey feeling abandoned and forgotten. Yes, Draken was grieving too but, Emma wasn't just anyone to Mikey; she was his sister, his anchor in a world of chaos and the reason he hadn't gone completely crazy. And when she was gone, Mikey found himself adrift, lost in a sea of grief and despair.
Mikey's downward spiral had been rapid and relentless. He couldn't muster the strength to get out of bed, shower, eat, or attend gang meetings—even with Sanzu's persistent attempts to rouse him. It wasn't until Izana intervened that Mikey began to see a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to consume him.
Izana's arrival at the Sano household marked a turning point in Mikey's despair. With unwavering determination, Izana pulled him from the confines of his bed, coaxing him into the shower and gently tending to his neglected appearance. Mikey's hair was matted and unkempt after spending months in bed. Izana tried untangling his matted locks while Sanzu fed him. Izana salvaged what he could without shaving it all off and he ended up with short hair. Mikey threw up his food when he looked in the mirror and saw Shinichiro staring back at him.
Instead of admonishing Mikey for his self-neglect and vomiting, Izana offered comfort and reassurance in the simplest of gestures. Handing him a toothbrush with toothpaste.
Izana took care of him. When no one was there, Izana was the one that was still there. Izana took care of him alongside Sanzu. Had it not been for both of them, Mikey probably would have rotted and died in his room and no one would have noticed.
After months of radio silence when Mikey announced a gang meeting to get things back in order, no one was happy about merging Tenjiku with Toman. His so-called friends began to leave him one by one. They never let him explain himself, they didn't let him see Takemichi and they berated him for being around Izana who clearly had other intentions.
Sure Izana was manipulative, cruel and mean but Mikey was okay with that. Draken wasn't there for him when he needed him the most, nor was anyone else so why was everyone mad at him? Why did everyone else leave him while telling him he was the one to blame for Emma's death? Why was it his fault? It's not his fault. She died in his arms so why was everyone comforting Draken and not him? Why did everyone leave him? The memory of Emma's death weighs heavily on Mikey's heart, a constant reminder of the pain and loss that he carries with him every day. He can still feel her life slipping away beneath his fingertips, and hear the echo of her final breaths as they fade into the darkness.
And yet, amidst the turmoil and despair, there is one constant source of solace—the unwavering presence of Izana by his side. Despite Izana's harsh words and cruel demeanour, Mikey finds a strange sense of comfort in his older brother's presence, a reminder that he is not alone in his pain. "Yeah... Would probably die without him" Mikey says with a small smile
In return, Maya smiles. Maybe she knows. Maya looks like she knows Mikey isn't doing well and she just reaches over and brushes a stray black lock behind his ear tenderly. "do you psychiatrists have a 6th sense or something?" he asks playfully "At your graduation do they give you the power of telepathy?"
Maya laughs and shakes her head no. "I just know"
It was nice. Having someone around who understood. It was nice having Maya around and he hopes that her acceptance of the situation isn't temporary. Mikey leans over and presses a light kiss to her lips. She's smiling, he's smiling. Maya is looking at him with those pretty eyes of hers and he likes this so much. Mikey hopes things stay like this and Maya doesn't fall out of the illusion she's put herself into.
If Maya were to ever turn away from him, to reject the love he so desperately craves, Mikey knows that he would do whatever it takes to keep her by his side. Even if it means resorting to drastic measures—to drugging her and starting all over again. Mikey would do it all again without batting an eye. He'd drug her, bring her back through the whole cycle of addiction and withdrawals and be right there for her as a saviour. "Does it taste good?" she asks as he eats
Mikey just smiles and nods and asks her to feed him which she does without question. Mikey is happy. He's been feeling that way since she got here and nothing, nothing in the world will take this away from him. Not again. He'll cling to Izana, he'll keep Maya. Mikey could care less about the voice in his head telling him they'll leave. He doesn't care. Mikey doesn't want to feel sad anymore. He refuses it. Mikey wants to stay happy and be selfish for once.
If his happiness is at the cost of Maya's freedom, so be it.
It's late. About 11 pm. Maya stirs from her slumber, her senses gradually awakening to the hushed stillness of the night. The soft rhythm of Mikey's breathing beside her lulls her back to consciousness, his presence a comforting anchor in the darkness. As she lies there, enveloped in the warmth of their shared bed, memories of the past few weeks flicker through her mind like fragments of a half-remembered dream. Since arriving at the beach house, her days have blurred together in a haze of sleep and solitude, punctuated only by the occasional interaction with Mikey or Izana. And yet, despite the tranquillity of their surroundings, Maya can't shake the lingering sense of unease that gnaws at her insides. Izana's presence looms like a shadow over her thoughts, a constant reminder of the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic existence. But for now, in the quiet stillness of the night, Maya finds herself grateful for the reprieve from Izana's torment. Sure, he's been mean and cruel in the past, but at least he hasn't hurt her recently. At least he hasn't forced pills down her throat or subjected her to his twisted games. In the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the window, Maya watches Mikey's sleeping form beside her, his features softened by the gentle embrace of sleep. "so... pretty..." she murmured quietly, brushing a stray black strand of Mikey's hair away from his forehead
He's snoring and kind of drooling into the pillow but it's still cute. Mikey looks pretty. Maya's fingers linger on Mikey's forehead, tracing the gentle contours of his face with a tenderness that belies the tumult of her thoughts. In the soft glow of the moonlight, his features are softened by the embrace of sleep, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. She doesn't understand how someone this gorgeous could be on Japan's most wanted list. For all his faults and flaws, Mikey is a paradox—a complex tapestry of light and darkness, kindness and cruelty, love and loss. And yet, in the quiet stillness of the night, he is simply Mikey—vulnerable and imperfect, yet undeniably beautiful in his own way. As Maya sits up, her gaze drifts away from Mikey's sleeping form, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks at the realization of how long she's been watching him sleep. She chides herself inwardly for indulging in such a seemingly intrusive habit, feeling like an unwelcome voyeur in the sanctity of Mikey's rest.
Shaking off the unease, Maya reaches for the glass of water on the bedside table, the cool liquid soothing her parched throat as she takes a sip. The silence of the night surrounds her like a heavy blanket, punctuated only by the soft rustle of the bedsheets and the distant murmur of the ocean beyond.
Despite her best efforts to quell her racing thoughts, Maya finds herself unable to drift back into the embrace of sleep. She puts the glass back down and her hand knocks against the bedside table. "ow" she mutters, rubbing the back of her hand and turning on the small lamp
She looks over at Mikey hoping he didn't wake up from the sound. Relieved that Mikey remains undisturbed by the sound, Maya exhales a soft sigh and turns her attention back to the bedside table. The dim light of the lamp casts a warm glow across the room as she opens the drawer, curious to see what lies within. Inside, nestled amidst a jumble of miscellaneous items, Maya finds a small black box. She picks it up without thinking and opens it. Inside are... Polaroid pictures?
Oh.
Oh.
Maya knows what these are without even looking at them. These were the Polaroid pictures Izana was talking about. The pictures taken in those 2 weeks she has no memory of. Maya's heart skips a beat as she gazes down at the box of Polaroid pictures, her fingers trembling slightly as she contemplates what lies within. A sense of curiosity washes over her, tinged with a hint of apprehension, as she lifts the lid and peers inside. As she sifts through the photographs, a sense of wonder washes over Maya. The images are surprisingly tender and intimate, a testament to the unexpected romance that unfolded during those lost weeks.
Was this...
No way. Maya expected something crazy to have happened during those two weeks. She expected to see pictures where she was crying or something absolutely disgusting happening to her but no. None of that is in any of the polariods. Rather... Something else.
Maya's fingers tremble slightly as she gingerly lifts the first Polaroid out of the box, her heart fluttering in her chest at the anticipation of what she might find. But as her eyes land on the image before her, her breath catches in her throat, her cheeks flushing crimson at the sight of the intimate photograph. In the picture, she and Mikey are locked in a passionate embrace, their lips pressed together in a tender kiss. The angle of the shot obscures their faces, leaving only their silhouettes illuminated by the soft glow of the room. Mikey's bare chest is visible, the contours of his muscles highlighted in the dim light, while Maya's own form is shrouded in shadow, leaving her uncertain of her own state of dress. A wave of embarrassment washes over Maya as she realizes the implications of the photograph—that someone else must have been present to capture this intimate moment between her and Mikey. She puts the photo down back in the box and looks at the next.
Maya's breath catches in her throat as she lifts the next Polaroid from the box, her eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected sight before her. In the photograph, she finds herself straddling Kakucho's lap, their bodies pressed close together in an intimate embrace. Despite the darkness obscuring her face, Maya can feel the heat rising in her cheeks at the sheer intimacy of the scene. Unlike the previous picture with Mikey, both she and Kakucho are fully clothed, a small relief amidst the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her. Kakucho's face is illuminated by a soft glow, his lips curved into a gentle smile that sends a flutter of warmth through Maya's chest. She can't help but notice the split in his bottom lip Her face remains hidden from view, shrouded in shadow, but Kakucho's expression is clear for all to see. She doesn't remember this moment, doesn't recall ever being in such close proximity to Kakucho in such a seemingly intimate manner. And yet, there they are, captured in a snapshot of time. She doesn't at all remember this and kind of hates that she lost this memory. Maya's heart skips a beat as she notices her index finger tracing the scar that mars Kakucho's face and his arms wrapped around her.
That was enough for her to look at. She puts it back into the box and picks up another which is of her and Mikey. Unlike the previous picture of them, this looks a lot more... Softer? No, cute would be the right word. Her face is visible for once and her pupils are blown out, eyes red-rimmed. She's clearly high in the picture. She's smiling— laughing— her lips smudged with lipstick and Mikey's face is littered with lipstick kisses. Maya puts that picture down after long minutes of just staring at it and picks up another.
It seems that this was of the same day. This next picture was just of Kakucho. It's his side profile. He's lying down somewhere with a cigarette between his lips, lipstick kisses littering his face as well and what looks like her hand tangled in his black locks. Maya turns as red as the lipstick and puts it back in the box.
The next picture makes her almost choke on her own spit. Her face isn't visible. Actually, there isn't anyone's face. It's just Maya's body and Izana's hand. She's fully clothed in it. Izana is barely in the picture, the only thing there is his hand that rests possessively on her chest, tanned fingers curled around her breast in a brazen display of ownership. She feels so shy looking at it. It's odd, she thinks, that Izana hadn't shown her this picture earlier, hadn't used it to mock her or make some crude comment. In fact, as she studies the photograph, a sense of curiosity overtakes her, a desire to understand the intentions behind Izana's actions.
Polaroids couldn't be copied, she realizes, which means this was the only copy there was. She could destroy it, erase it from existence, and yet, a part of her hesitates. Despite the discomfort and embarrassment she feels, there's a strange sense of intimacy in the image, a connection that defies logic and reason. Closing her eyes, Maya takes a deep breath, willing herself to calm the tumultuous storm raging within her. She knows she should feel outraged, should feel violated by Izana's brazen display of dominance. And yet, there's a part of her that can't help but be drawn to the raw intensity of his touch even through the photograph. Even with this picture, just like the rest, it's obvious someone else had taken it.
She puts the picture back and picks up another. It was another one of her and Izana, this one in the living room and a lot softer compared to the last. Izana is lying on his back on the couch and Maya is on top of him. Her head is on his chest and his arms are wrapped around her. In this photograph, Izana and Maya are captured in a moment of rare vulnerability, their bodies entwined on the couch in the living room. Unlike the previous pictures, there's a palpable sense of intimacy in this one—a tenderness that belies the tumultuous nature of their relationship. It's as if time itself has stood still, freezing this fleeting moment of connection in amber for eternity.
As Maya continues to sift through the Polaroids, she discovers a series of images that range from intimate to erotic, each one revealing a different facet of her relationship with Mikey and Izana. Some depict tender moments of affection, while others capture more passionate encounters, their bodies entwined in a dance of desire and longing. But amidst the array of photographs, there's a common thread that runs through them all—the undeniable bond that exists between them, forged in the fires of adversity and strengthened by the trials they have faced together. As Maya gazes at each image in turn, she can't help but feel a sense of awe and disbelief at the depth of emotion captured within each frame.
The problem, however, lies not in the content of the photographs, but in the absence of memory that accompanies them. Maya struggles to reconcile the images before her with the blank canvas of her own recollection, unable to recall a single moment of the intimacy they portray. It's a disconcerting realization, to say the least. Here she was, expecting to uncover evidence of unspeakable acts, only to be confronted with a series of tender moments that she can't even remember experiencing. Mikey and Izana had indeed taken care of her, as they claimed, but the extent of their efforts had been shrouded in a fog of oblivion. Closing her eyes, Maya takes a deep breath, attempting to make sense of the conflicting emotions swirling within her. On one hand, there's a sense of relief that the truth isn't as sinister as she had feared. On the other hand, there's a profound sense of loss at the realization that she had been robbed of the memories of those two weeks. "Baby?" She hears Mikey say, his voice groggy from sleep "Whatcha' lookin' at?"
Mikey's arm goes around her waist and his chin hooks over her shoulder. "Ah," he murmurs, his fingers tightening slightly around her waist. "You found them, huh? Izana must've left them there."
Maya turns to look at him, a furrow forming between her brows. "Why would he leave them there?" she asks, confusion evident in her voice.
Mikey shrugs, his lips quirking into a small smile. "Probably forgot about them," he replies nonchalantly, though there's a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Or maybe he wanted you to find them."
Maya's gaze flickers back to the photographs, her mind racing with questions and uncertainties. What was Izana's motive behind leaving them there? Was it a gesture of remorse, or something more sinister? As she searches for answers in the images before her, Maya can't help but feel a sense of unease settle over her. The Polaroids offer glimpses into a world she can't remember, a world filled with intimacy and connection that she struggles to reconcile with her own fragmented memories. "I... I didn't expect to find... this. I'm... Trying to... make sense of everything." she mumbles, her voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.
Mikey's grip tightens around her waist, his touch offering silent reassurance in the midst of her turmoil. "You don't have to make sense of everything, pretty," he whispers, his lips brushing against her ear. "Just take it one day at a time."
Maya is silent, trying to think— to remember but— "Don't think so hard, baby" Mikey says, pulling the box easily out of her hands and reaching over her to set it on the bedside table "Everything's fine. Let's just get to sleep"
Maya nods wordlessly, grateful for Mikey's reassurance. She watches as he sets the box back on the bedside table, her mind still swirling with unanswered questions and unresolved emotions. But as Mikey pulls her close, his warmth enveloping her like a comforting blanket, Maya feels a sense of calm wash over her. "Yeah, you're right," she murmurs, turning off the lamp before she snuggles closer to him, seeking solace in his embrace. "Let's just get some sleep."
Mikey presses a gentle kiss to the top of her head, his arms tightening around her as they settle back into the soft embrace of the bed. In the quiet darkness of the room, Maya allows herself to relax, the weight of the Polaroids and their implications fading into the background as she drifts off into a peaceful slumber.
As the first rays of dawn filter through the curtains, painting the room in a soft, golden hue, Maya stirs from her slumber, feeling more rested than she has in weeks. The weight of exhaustion that had plagued her for so long seems to have lifted, replaced by a sense of tranquillity and contentment. Beside her, Mikey is still asleep, his features softened by the gentle light of morning. Maya watches him for a moment, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she recalls their conversation from the night before. After their first night together weeks ago, Mikey had confessed, in a sleepy murmur, that he hadn't slept that well in ages without the aid of sleeping pills. It had been a vulnerable admission, one that had touched Maya in ways she couldn't quite explain. Now, as she watches him sleep, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm, Maya can't help but feel a surge of affection for the man lying beside her. Despite the tumultuous circumstances that had brought them together, there's a sense of peace and belonging that settles over her like a warm embrace. With a gentle sigh, Maya reaches out to brush a stray lock of hair away from Mikey's forehead, her touch light and tender. As her finger is about to trail down the side of his face, he suddenly grabs her hand and Maya gasps in surprise. Mikey's grip on Maya's hand is firm yet gentle, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. Startled by his sudden movement, Maya meets his gaze, finding a mix of emotions swirling in the depths of his dark sleepy eyes. "s-sorry did I wake you?" she whispers
Mikey's grip on Maya's hand tightens slightly, his thumb tracing circles over the back of her hand as he shakes his head slowly. "No, you didn't wake me," he murmurs, his voice still thick with sleep. "I was already awake."
Maya's heart skips a beat at the intensity of his gaze, the raw vulnerability that flickers in the depths of his dark eyes. There's something in the way he looks at her, something unspoken yet undeniable, that sends a rush of warmth flooding through her veins. For a moment, they simply gaze at each other, the air between them heavy with unspoken words and unspoken emotions. It's as if time has slowed to a standstill, allowing them to exist in this moment of quiet intimacy, where nothing else matters except the connection they share. Feeling emboldened by the silent exchange, Maya leans in closer, her breath mingling with Mikey's as she closes the distance between them. Their lips meet in a gentle kiss, soft and tentative yet filled with a depth of emotion that words could never convey. As they pull away, Maya finds herself lost in the warmth of Mikey's embrace, his arms wrapped around her in a silent promise of love and protection. In this moment, surrounded by the soft light of dawn and the gentle rhythm of their breath, Maya knows that she is exactly where she belongs—wrapped in the arms of the man she loves.
Or well, the man she thinks she loves. This is love, right? It has to be. Mikey makes her heart flutter, he makes her feel warm. So, it has to be love right? Right? Is it too soon to call this love? Too soon to surrender herself to the intoxicating allure of Mikey's embrace? Or is she merely fooling herself, grasping at the illusion of love in a desperate bid to fill the void within her heart? It has to be love. This is what books described love to be. So that's what it has to be. She has to be in love with Mikey. "So," he says, his voice lightening with amusement, snapping her out of her thoughts "what's on the agenda for today?"
Maya chuckles softly, the tension of the moment dissipating as she meets Mikey's gaze with a playful glint in her eyes. "Well," she begins, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, "I was thinking we could start with breakfast. And then, who knows? The day is full of possibilities."
Mikey's eyes light up and then go dark. She's pushed onto her back, Mikey's knee slotting between her thighs as he gets on top of her, pinning her to the mattress. "how about a little snack before breakfast?" He murmurs, the tip of his nose knocking against hers
Maya's breath catches in her throat as Mikey's sudden change in demeanour catches her off guard. Her heart races in her chest as she feels the weight of his body pressing down on her, his proximity sending a thrill of anticipation coursing through her veins. His knee between her thighs sends a jolt of electricity through her, igniting a fire that smoulders in the depths of her being. For a moment, time seems to stand still as they gaze into each other's eyes, a silent exchange of desire passing between them. The playful banter of moments ago is replaced by an electric tension, thick with unspoken longing and primal need. As Mikey's breath ghosts across her skin, Maya's pulse quickens, her senses heightened by the intoxicating proximity of the man she yearns for. She can feel the heat of his body seeping into her skin, his scent enveloping her like a warm embrace. With a soft gasp, Maya surrenders to the magnetic pull between them, her fingers tangling in the soft black strands of Mikey's hair as she pulls him closer. In this moment, there are no doubts, no uncertainties—only the raw, unbridled passion that courses through their veins, binding them together in a dance as old as time itself.
As their lips meet in a fevered kiss, the world falls away, leaving only the two of them lost in the throes of desire. And as they lose themselves in each other, Maya knows with a certainty that transcends words—this is love, in all its messy, beautiful glory.
Mikey pushes his shorts and boxers down just enough to pull out his cock. Mikey's lips never leave her's as his hand pumps up and down his length to bring himself to full hardness. Maya brings her hand down and she does it for him. As soon as her hand wraps around his length, Mikey whimpers into her mouth and Maya thinks her head exploded.
He sounds so pretty.
Sure she had heard him whimper before— many times actually— but right now he sounded so pretty. Maya feels a surge of warmth floods her body, igniting a firestorm of desire that consumes her from within. His vulnerability, his raw need, it's all laid bare in that single sound, and Maya finds herself utterly captivated by the beauty of it. Oh god, she wanted to hear it again. So when Maya tightens her hand around his cock, Mikey makes the same pretty sound. Her hand moves her and down his length, thumb brushing over the sensitive tip. She can feel Mikey's thighs twitch and the hand that is resting next to her head to keep himself over her grip the pillow tight. They're not even kissing anymore. Mikey is just panting against her lips, inhaling and exhaling her air.
She has never done anything like this for him before. It was usually just him pleasuring her. She's never done this before but it's clear she's doing the right thing with all the pretty noises Mikey is letting out and all the precum dribbling out of his tip. Each of his sighs, each halting, excited breath, sent pleasant shivers through her body, pooling in her center. Oh her cunt was throbbing just by listening to the noises Mikey makes. Her eyes open as Mikey finally pulls away from her mouth, pressing his face into her neck instead, letting out small broken moans and breathy whimpers she just couldn't get enough of. "Maya~" he chokes out, voice all shaky
Just from the sound of him whimpering out her name had her head spinning. Oh, he just sounded so pretty. Mikey's thighs twitched and she could tell he was about to come. She speeds up the pace of her hand on his cock but he suddenly stops her, grabbing her wrist. "F-Fuck wait" he mumbles, pulling her hand off him "Wanna come inside you"
Her shorts are loose and thin and easy to push aside. Mikey does the same with her panties and hastily flicks at her clit making Maya choke out a whine. She was soaking without him even having to do much— just by listening to him her cunt is soaking. Mikey presses his tip to her hole and just when she thinks he's about to push in, he doesn't. Instead, he looks at her, eyes heavy with lust and desire but also a different kind of emotion. "Hey. I don't want you spacing out after we're done" He murmurs, tone stern "I want you awake"
She did that a lot—space out after sex. But she couldn't really help it. It just happened. Maya knows thinking of the psychological aspect of her issue will only bring her more unhappiness and pain so she doesn't. "Okay... Okay I w-will— ahh~" she choked out, a moaning slipping from her lips when Mikey used his cock to slap against her clit
He pushes in, inch by inch, sighing with his eyes rolling to the back of his head. Maya trembles at the feeling of Mikey sliding in with no prep at all. The stretch burns so good but it barely hurts which is always surprising considering how fucking huge he is. Mikey hooks her knees up over his hips and doesn't even wait for her to adjust to his length as he starts thrusting right away. Maya whimpers out his name shakily, eyes rolling back and legs wrapping around his waist. Mikey makes her feel good. Every fucking time he makes her feel fucking amazing because he knows her body and what feels good to her. "fuck fuck s'good baby" Mikey groans, rutting into her hard
The breath is knocked out of her legs and her head is up in the clouds. It feels so good. The slight sting of pain and the pleasure of him hitting each sensitive little spot inside her cunt each time. "Mikey, Mikey, Mikey—" she moans out his name like a desperate prayer
Both of them feel like they're falling apart. Everything feels so damn good. "f-fuck 'm gon' come" Mikey whimpers and Maya mumbles the same
He starts thrusting faster and Maya's hand comes down to rub shaky figure 8s on her clit. It feels so good she doesn't know what to do with herself. Mikey and Maya come with little cries and whimpers, trembling and twitching from the earth-shattering orgasms. Her head is spinning and fogging up as she barely even feels Mikey pull out or fix her panties and shorts back over her cunt. She didn't realize it until Mikey suddenly grabbed her face harshly, fingers digging into her cheeks, forcing her to look at him. Maya barely can look at him as she feels an odd fog wash over her mind after she recovers from her climax. His eyes bore into hers, intense and searching as if trying to anchor her to the present moment. "Hey," he says, his voice soft yet urgent, "stay with me, okay? Don't drift off."
Maya blinks, trying to shake off the disorienting fog that clouds her thoughts. She feels a sense of detachment creeping in, like she's floating away from herself, from the world around her. It's a familiar sensation, one she's experienced countless times before—after sex with either him or Izana. "Stay with me," Mikey's voice is urgent, his eyes searching hers with a mixture of sternness and desperation. "Don't go away, Maya. Stay here with me."
It's hard though. Maya feels like she's floating but Mikey doesn't seem like he'll let up. He had told her he wanted her awake before they even started. She should try for him, shouldn't she? Her hands come up, weakly holding his wrists. "that's it. that's it" Mikey encourages "Stay awake"
So Maya tries to focus on something. Something that will keep her awake like Mikey wants. Focusing on the dull ache in her thighs wasn't enough so she thought about Izana instead and how he was coming back later that evening. Somehow, that works. Not as well, but she's still somewhat conscious. "good girl. good girl. You're doing well. Just stay awake"
As she focuses on his voice, his touch, Maya finds a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, a flicker of strength that fuels her determination to stay awake, to stay with Mikey, if only for a little while longer.
Mikey often thinks about his past. From losing his mother— to permanently scarring Haruchiyo— to losing Shinichiro and then Baji— to losing Emma and then the rest of his friends. Mikey thinks he's been through a lot. It wasn't really fair. Perhaps tragedy was just in his blood. Genetic probably? His cheating father met his end in a car crash and his mother died of terminal illness still loving her unfaithful husband. Maybe this was genetic or a generational curse.
All Sano's face a terrible end and an even more miserable life.
Had it not been for Izana, Mikey probably would have died. Mikey wonders if Izana is exempt from this curse as he did not take the Sano name nor was he Sano by blood. Izana was simply his brother because Mikey, Shinichiro and Emma said so. But did that exempt Izana from the curse? Mikey hopes it does. His big brother, his only family, didn't deserve to live miserably like he does— like they all did. But maybe that's what Maya was here for. She was like a dark in the light, someone who made the gross things in his head shut up for once. Oh did he adore her. "do you want to go out?" Mikey asks as they're watching tv
It's late in the afternoon. They've had their lunch and were just lounging around and Izana should be arriving around sunset. "hm?"
Maya is looking at him surprised. "outside?" She says the word as if she had never heard it before
Mikey nods and smiles. "uh huh. Outside. I remember you telling me you've never been on a motorcycle before. I wanna take you on mine"
Of course, she probably doesn't remember saying that but it doesn't matter. Maya's eyes widen with anticipation, her lips curving into a hesitant smile. "I... I'd like that," she murmurs, her voice tinged with uncertainty
Mikey grins and stands up, pulling her off the sofa with ease. He isn't concerned about her trying to run. After all, the double doors in the master bedroom has been unlocked for days now. "Alright, let's get dressed then"
Maya seemed to be a lot more excited about getting ready than actually go out and in Mikey's opinion, it was quite cute. It wasn't like he'd be taking her near non-Toman members. He couldn't have that. She wouldn't be safe. But it was cute seeing her pick out an outfit from her untouched clothes. She wears black jeans and a white crop top with this corset style lacing at the front and a black cropped cardigan. It was pretty new to Mikey considering he's only ever seen her in pyjamas or wearing his or Izana's clothes. She looks cute. Mikey himself gets ready too, watching her out of the corner of his eye as he puts on his leather jacket and gloves. He can't shake the feeling of protectiveness that washes over him, a primal instinct to shield her from harm, to keep her safe from the dangers that lurk beyond their doorstep.
In that moment, Mikey grapples with conflicting emotions. He isn't sure why he's thinking of this now but watching her clip her gold necklaces into place made him remember his conversation a few days with Izana where he had told him that Maya was just a kid and Izana replied that she was in fact not a kid but a 22 year old with a university degree. Mikey will admit that Izana was right with the implication that he was infantilizing her.
Mikey may have been infantilizing her but at least he wasn't dehumanizing her like Izana.
At least he still treated her like another human being with feelings rather than a pet like Izana.
When Izana wasn't torturing her mentally, physically, spiritually— and any other way a person could possibly be tortured— he treated her like a wounded and sad animal from a shelter.
When Mikey wasn't emotionally manipulating her, he treated her like an abused baby he adopted from an orphanage.
He isn't sure which one is worse and which one is better.
"Okay, when I'm going too fast, tap me twice" Mikey instructs as he fixes the buckle of the helmet underneath Maya's chin as she stands before him on the driveway
The visor is flipped up letting him see her pretty blue eyes. Maya nods in understanding, her gaze meeting Mikey's with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Got it," she confirms, her voice muffled slightly by the helmet.
Mikey smiles, his fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary as he adjusts the helmet strap. Despite the protective gear concealing her features, he can still see the glimmer of anticipation in her eyes, the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She's beautiful, he realizes, in a way that transcends mere physical appearance. With a final pat on her shoulder, Mikey steps back, admiring the sight before him. Maya stands before him, her eyes alight with excitement. It's moments like these that remind Mikey why he's drawn to her—her resilience, her courage, her unwavering spirit that reminds him too much of— oh. No. Mikey shouldn't think of him right now. "Ready?" he asks, a hint of excitement in his voice as he gestures towards his motorcycle, the engine humming softly in anticipation.
Maya nods eagerly, a sense of adventure flickering in her eyes. "Absolutely," she replies, her voice brimming with anticipation.
With a grin, Mikey swings a leg over the motorcycle, settling into the driver's seat with practiced ease. Maya follows suit, straddling the seat behind him, her arms wrapped snugly around his waist. As he starts the engine, the roar of the motorcycle fills the air, drowning out the sounds of the world around them. With a flick of his wrist, Mikey guides the motorcycle onto the open road, the wind whipping past them as they speed towards the horizon. For a moment, time stands still, and all that exists is the two of them, bound together by the promise of adventure and the thrill of the open, empty road.
As they ride along, the world seems to blur around them, the scenery passing by in a kaleidoscope of colours and shapes. Maya holds on tight, her heart racing with a heady mix of excitement and exhilaration. The wind rushes past them, tousling her hair and filling her senses with the scent of freedom. For Mikey, there's a sense of liberation that comes with the open road, a feeling of escape from the weight of his past and the burdens of his responsibilities. With Maya's arms wrapped around him, he feels a sense of connection and belonging that he hasn't felt in a long time.
They ride for miles, the landscape unfolding before them in an ever-changing tapestry of fields, forests, and winding roads. With each twist and turn, Maya's grip tightens, her trust in Mikey evident in the way she clings to him.
There's not a house in sight. Nothing near the beach house for miles. Maybe that's why Izana brought her here in the first place. So she would be completely helpless and nowhere to run to even if she somehow did manage to escape the beach house. No, he shouldn't think of that right now. He should think happy thoughts and hope Maya's fingers don't brush against the pistol concealed under his leather jacket. It was just in case after all.
Despite the remote surroundings, Mikey focuses on the present moment, determined to make this ride a memorable one for Maya. He steers the motorcycle with practiced ease, navigating the winding roads with confidence as they continue on their journey.
As they ride, Mikey steals glances at Maya through the rear view mirror. He can't see her face due to the helmet but he knows she's smiling. He can feel the vibrations from her chest against his back with each giggle she lets out. With each passing mile, the tension in his shoulders begins to ease, replaced by a growing sense of contentment. He knows that he should be vigilant, that danger could lurk around any corner, but for now, he allows himself to simply enjoy the freedom of the open road. As they round a bend in the road, the sun begins to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. The beauty of the moment is not lost on Mikey, and he finds himself smiling despite the weight of his worries.
For now, all that matters is the road ahead and the woman beside him, her trust in him evident in the way she clings to him.
They make it back to the beach house. The sun is about to set and Mikey drags her to the beach behind the house to watch it. As they step onto the soft sand, the vibrant hues of the setting sun paint the sky in shades of pink, orange, and gold. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore fills the air, creating a serene backdrop for the breathtaking spectacle unfolding before them. Mikey leads Maya to a secluded spot on the beach, away from the prying eyes of the outside world. They settle down on the sand, side by side, their shoulders brushing as they watch the sun sink lower on the horizon. For a while, they sit in silence, lost in the beauty of the moment. The weight of their worries fades away, replaced by a sense of peace and tranquillity. In this moment, it's just the two of them, sharing a rare moment of intimacy amidst the chaos of their lives. Mikey turns to Maya, his gaze soft and affectionate. "Thank you for coming with me," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper.
Maya smiles softly, her eyes reflecting the light of the sunset. "Thank you for bringing me," she replies, her voice filled with warmth and gratitude.
Maybe this was love, Maya thinks. It had to be. What she felt for Mikey(and maybe even Izana) was love. Mikey's presence beside her is both comforting and exhilarating. His warmth seeps into her, thawing the icy tendrils of doubt and uncertainty that have gripped her heart for so long. However, that doesn't last. "I..." Mikey says something then pauses for a moment "I'm sorry..."
Mikey's sudden apology catches Maya off guard, and she turns to him, her brow furrowing in concern. "What for?" she asks softly, her voice laced with confusion.
Mikey shifts beside her, his gaze fixed on the sand as if searching for the right words. "For everything," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. "For lying to you, for drugging you, almost making you overdose, for forcing myself on you weeks ago, for..." He trails off, his words fading into the gentle sound of the waves.
Immediately, it was like those rose-coloured glasses Maya had been wearing all this time had been ripped off her face. A sick realization overcomes her as she remembers where she was and why and how. The weight of Mikey's words hangs heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the serene scene before them. Maya's heart clenches as she listens to his confession, each word landing like a blow to her chest. She feels as though the ground has shifted beneath her feet, leaving her adrift in a sea of uncertainty and doubt. For weeks, Maya had been living in a haze of false comfort, clinging to the illusion of love and safety that Mikey had provided. But now, faced with the harsh truth of his actions, she can no longer ignore the reality of her situation. The memories come flooding back— the drugs, the manipulation, the violation— and Maya's stomach churns with nausea. Her mind races, grappling with the enormity of what Mikey has just admitted. How could she have been so blind, so naive, to trust him so completely? The realization hits her like a punch to the gut, leaving her reeling and disoriented.
Mikey's apology is feeble, his excuses flimsy and hollow. He tries to justify his actions with half-hearted explanations, blaming his behaviour on everything from his troubled past to his misguided intentions. But Maya knows better than to believe his lies. She sees through his facade, recognizing the manipulative tactics he's using to deflect responsibility and avoid facing the truth. "Maya, I didn't mean to hurt you," he says, staring at the horizon "I was just trying to protect you, to keep you safe."
Maya feels disgusted so quickly. Not in Mikey but herself. How had she let it get this far? How could she have let him, Izana and Kakucho stop her from running? How could she stop fighting? Had she really believed her own toxic mind when it told her there was no one waiting? Mikey told her Chifuyu was looking. He implied people missed her. Even if she was declared dead by the police shouldn't they welcome her back and help her? There was a reason Chifuyu left Tokyo Manji Gang after all.
Oh Chifuyu.
How could she forget him? Even if he didn't love her back it didn't mean he didn't love her. Her feelings of romance may have been unrequited but her feelings of friendship weren't. Chifuyu missed her and she knew it. Kazutora too. He had to. They both had to. "I just loved you so much. I didn't know what to do and I didn't want you to leave me like everyone else did so I did all of that" Mikey confesses, unaware of what is going on in her head
She gets up, slow and steady as Mikey's eyes are still on the horizon. She wouldn't stay here. Maya wouldn't let this illusion take over her life. She was only 22. Maya won't let her life be wasted by being a plaything for some crazy psycho brothers. Her life was her own and she'll decide when it ends. Slow and steady she starts making slow steps back. She doesn't know where she'll run but she will. Maya will run and she won't come back. They won't catch her this time. "Maya...?" He noticed she wasn't sitting next to him anymore
She starts taking quicker backward steps, her sneakers crunching against the sand. Maya is fast. She knows she's fast. She can outrun him. In theory, that is. But Sano "Mikey" Manjiro was no Olympic speed runner. He was a fucking gang leader. She can outrun him. "Maya" his voice quickly turns more stern as he snaps his head around to see she is already so far from him
Mikey gets up fast. "What do you think you're doing?" There's a look of both anger and betrayal in his eyes
Maya doesn't let her resolve waver. She will get away. "Maya I swear to fucking god, come back here right now" he realizes she's trying to run
Maya's heart pounds in her chest as she continues to back away from Mikey, her mind racing with fear and determination. She can feel his eyes burning into her back, his voice ringing out across the empty beach, but she refuses to falter. Every step she takes is a step closer to freedom, a step away from the suffocating grip of Mikey and Izana's manipulation. She knows she can't stay here any longer, trapped in this toxic cycle of abuse and control. She'll get out of here even if it means dying in the process. "Maya, stop!" Mikey's voice echoes behind her, filled with desperation and anger as she turns her back to him and starts to run
She can hear the sound of his footsteps pounding against the sand, getting closer with each passing second. But Maya doesn't slow down. She pushes herself to run faster, to outrun the demons of her past and the chains that bind her to this place. It's faint but she can hear Mikey start to come after her. "I SWEAR TO GOD MAYA! STOP"
He's yelling and the sound is chilling. Her footing is unsteady on the long stretch of sand, making her a little slower. It reminds her of when she first got to this beach house. When Izana ran after her. But she was under the influence of some shitty drugs back then. Right now, she's completely sober. Maybe Izana was right. She was a bunny or a rabbit after all. A rabbit like her surrounded by wolves either learns to hop fast or grow its own claws. Maybe at one point she did grow claws. But Kakucho probably shaved them down. "I'LL TEAR OUT YOUR FUCKING HEART MAYA!" Mikey yells
She hears a clicking sound far behind her but it's muted by the sound of her own heart pounding loudly in her ears. Her legs ache with exertion, the sand dragging at her feet with each step. She can feel her breath coming in ragged gasps, her lungs burning with the effort of her escape. But still, she pushes on, driven by the primal instinct to survive, to break free from the chains that bind her. Mikey is far behind her. She can hear his footsteps getting faint. She thinks she's done it. She has right?
Her body hits the ground after she hears a loud bang. After Maya hits the ground, she feels the pain. It's not the same way they show in movies. Getting shot didn't make her scream but rather everything felt too hot and her heartbeat was all she could hear now. She's lying face down on the sand, trembling, twitching from the sharp pain. She gasps anguished, and breathes heavily as her chest feels too hot. Her mind reels with shock and disbelief, struggling to comprehend what has just happened. The world around her blurs into a hazy blur, her vision swimming with darkness and light. She can feel the warmth of blood seeping from the wound, staining the sand beneath her in dark, crimson hues. With each ragged breath, Maya's chest burns with intensity, her heartbeat thundering in her ears like a drumbeat of doom. She tries to move, to push herself up from the ground, but her limbs refuse to obey, weighed down by the heaviness of her injury.
Mikey shot her and she was going to die.
Oh, what a fitting end.
Deep down as she was running, Maya knew Mikey would catch her. She knew Izana wouldn't rest till he got her back either. Maybe this death was necessary. Her death was necessary because living wasn't an option anymore. With her death, Mikey and Izana don't get to have her.
Maya had grieved her own death the moment she got to this shitty beach house. So it was okay that she was dying.
Izana and Mikey wouldn't be able to catch her and that was all that mattered.
She won.
"where is he?" Izana asks Kakucho as they stand over the unmoving body on the sand
"Inside with Sanzu" Kakucho answers
The beach is silent minus the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. The sun will completely set soon and it will be dark. Izana is crouched over Maya's quickly growing cold body, staring at her face, making out a slight smile on her cold lips. He scoffs. Around him stand Ran, Rindo, Kisaki and Kakucho. All of them are silent. Izana's gaze shifts down to Maya. Even in death, she was gorgeous. Eyes shut, skin paler than usual, white top soaked red.
Mikey shot her in the heart.
Izana reaches over and brushes her hair off her neck. He notices she's missing one necklace. Mikey's name comes to mind but he doesn't say a word and instead pulls her gold butterfly pendant necklace off her. Maybe he shouldn't have been gone for so long. "bury her and... plant daffodils on top" Izana orders, his tone casual despite the severity of the situation
Kaneko Maya was already declared dead. Getting rid of her body would be a easy task for Tokyo Manji Gang. Kisaki pushes his glasses up his nose and says "They'll die after a while. Daffodils aren't meant for this soil or this environment"
Everything here is for you. It's yours bunny he said to her earlier. His bunny's beach. His girl's beach.
Izana only smiles, flicking a curly strand away from her cold forehead. "That's alright. She wasn't meant for this environment either"
His dead girl's beach.
"Why would a wolf look for love in the worn-down bones of a rabbit if not to eat her after gaining her trust?" —unknown
notes: um haha. this is technically the last chapter. after this is the epilogue which transitions into the canon storyline. I am also really sorry if this went too fast or isn't satisfactory. I tried my absolute best on this chapter. Also for the last quote, can someone plz tell me where it's from so I can credit it properly. I hope you enjoyed the chapter :)
visuals of what I imagined the polaroids to look like(Pinterest links below) in order of mention(WARNING some nsfw pictures below):
DEAD GIRL'S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
ELEVEN — what was i made for?
"There's a chilling sense of control in Mr.Kurokawa's demeanour, as if he's always one step ahead, anticipating the reactions of those around him. It's as if he views the world as his own personal chessboard, with everyone else merely playing their roles." —MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: Izana gets carried away and Kakucho and Maya do damage control, bringing them right back to the start.
warnings: dark content 18+, character death, depiction of corpses, corruption, slight religious themes, suicide mention, suicide attempt, suicide ideation, self-loathing, slight hanagaki takemichi slander, scarring, bite marks, implied relapse, drug use/misuse, mentioned drug addiction, withdrawal symptoms for unnamed drug, possibly unrealistic/inaccurate withdrawal care, possessive!izana, betrayal, mentions of past torture methods(noncon drugging, waterboarding, noncon, noncon waxplay, first degree burns), emotional manipulation, mental health issues, MAJOR dubcon, unprotected sex, no prep, piv, making out, nipple play, hair pulling(m), multiple orgasms, tummy bulge, creampie, implied cockwarming, implied dissociation, aftercare, possessive!manjiro, noncon, mirror sex, coercion, forced orgasms, hair pulling(f)
word count: 13774
series masterlist
Naoto often thinks about Maya. When he starts thinking about her, he doesn't stop. He thinks about her death, goes through the evidence over and over and doesn't stop till Hinata tells him that it was enough. But just how was he to explain to his sister that things didn't add up with Maya's death when the only answer he'll get from Hinata is: "You're looking too deep into it... I know you liked her but you're feeling guilty... that's all"
His poor sweet sister. Hinata had no idea she was hanging out with people that are affiliated with the gang that caused her death in 5 other timelines. Naoto is frustrated and there is no one he can confide in. Alone with his thoughts, Naoto finds himself consumed by a sense of helplessness, a gnawing frustration at his inability to uncover the truth and protect those he cares about. Maya's memory haunts him, her death a stark reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary lives.
As Naoto meticulously pores over the evidence from the scene of Maya's supposed suicide, his keen eyes catch a crucial detail that sends a chill down his spine. In the photographs of Maya's charred remains, one glaring absence stands out—a distinct lack of the necklaces she always wore. Furrowing his brow, Naoto zooms in on the images, scrutinizing every pixel for any sign of the delicate chains that adorned Maya's neck without fail. But no matter how closely he looks, there's no trace of it, not even a glimmer in the ashes.
It's a discrepancy that can't be ignored. Maya cherished those necklaces— they were real gold. She wore it every day, never once removing it so why wouldn't it be here or in the evidence or among her stuff recovered from the apartment she booked? Maya fucking loved those necklaces so there was no way she wouldn't be wearing them.
The realization hits Naoto like a ton of bricks. This isn't just an oversight—it's a deliberate omission, a glaring inconsistency that casts doubt on the official narrative surrounding Maya's death. With a sinking feeling in his gut, Naoto realizes the implications of this omission. If Maya's necklace isn't among the evidence, then it's possible that her death wasn't a suicide at all—it could have been staged.
As he sifts through the photos once more, Naoto's mind races with possibilities. Was Maya's death orchestrated to look like a suicide? And if so, who would go to such lengths to cover up the truth? The pieces of the puzzle start to come together in Naoto's mind. Kurokawa Izana was discharged the same day the hospital director of Sunshine Grove reigned and disappeared off the face of the earth, the other employees resigning and disappearing as well and that day being the last Maya is seen. But who would benefit from Maya's death, and why?
Could Kurokawa Izana be connected to Maya's disappearance? And if so, what role did he play in her supposed death?
But as Naoto considers the pieces of the puzzle, a new, daring possibility takes root in his mind. What if Maya isn't actually dead? What if she's still out there, waiting to be found?
The idea ignites a spark of hope within Naoto, driving him to redouble his efforts in unravelling the truth behind Maya's disappearance. With determination burning in his heart, he sets out to follow this new lead, determined to uncover the fate of the woman who has captured his thoughts and haunted his dreams.
(At this point, no one could be trusted. Not even Matsuno Chifuyu and Hanemiya Kazutora. Anyone wit affiliations with the Tokyo Manji gang, whether present or past, was now a threat.)
Maya's mother was a surgeon and her father was a mechanical engineer. They weren't exactly religious either. Maya wonders if they were, would she be going through this? As Maya ponders her parents' professions and lack of religious affiliation, a wave of nostalgia washes over her. Memories of her childhood flood back, painting vivid scenes of her family's home and the moments they shared together. Her father, with his tinkering tools and inventive mind, would regale her with tales of his latest engineering projects, sparking her curiosity and igniting her imagination. Their home was a sanctuary—a place of warmth, love, and acceptance. Maya was free to explore her interests, pursue her dreams, and chart her own course in life. It was a far cry from the dark and twisted world she finds herself trapped in now. But as Maya reflects on her upbringing, a sense of longing creeps into her heart. She yearns for the safety and security of her parents' embrace, for the comfort of their words and the strength of their presence.
She feels worse as she realizes she no longer remembers what their faces looked like or how their voices sounded. It had been so long since her father's passing and her mother's suicide. She was 13 then and now she's 22. As Maya grapples with the weight of her memories, a profound sense of loss settles over her like a heavy blanket. The passage of time has blurred the lines between reality and remembrance, erasing the sharp edges of her parents' faces and the cadence of their voices from her mind. She closes her eyes, trying in vain to conjure up their images, to recall the sound of their laughter and the warmth of their embraces. But all she finds is an empty void— a void filled with echoes of the past, faint whispers of a time long gone. At this point, she might as well have been an orphan all her life.
But her parents loved her of course.
Her father loved her.
Her mother loved her.
But her mother didn't love her enough to stay alive after the passing of her husband.
Maya had never been enough for anyone— not even her own parents. Part of her hates Chifuyu. Just why did he have to be at the park the evening she was going to kill herself? Dying would have saved her from a whole bunch of pain. She wouldn't have lost her virginity to Chifuyu and been rejected, she wouldn't have been drugged, and she wouldn't have been kidnapped out of her fucking workplace, waterboarded, tortured, burned, and then betrayed by a false saviour.
No one in this stupid beach house had made anything easier for her. Not Izana, not Mikey, not even Kakucho.
Kakucho had seemed like a healer at first— reviving her after Izana drowned her, constantly patching her back together, helping her with the burns on her back. But at the end of the day, he was still a gangster, he was still Izana's closest aid, and he was still the dark knight. Not her knight in shining armour but Izana's dark knight with dented and bloody armour.
Kakucho is not a friend and might as well be someone involved in Izana's ploys of breaking down her spirit and betraying her. Maya could care less about who Kakucho thinks she's like. She isn't that guy. She's her own person. She refuses to let Kakucho's nostalgia for whatever childhood friend he lost shape her future or how and why she runs from Mikey and Izana. That other guy that ran just seemed like a damn coward. Running because he didn't like where Tokyo Manji Gang was headed, running even though he had so much influence over Sano "Mikey" Manjiro, running when there was no actual threat to his life.
Maya hates him.
She hates him, Kakucho, Izana and Mikey.
Fuck all of them.
Fuck that motherfucker, fuck Kakucho, fuck Izana, fuck Mikey, fuck Chifuyu, fuck Kazutora, fuck the Tokyo Fucking Manji Gang. She hates all of them and hopes they all go to hell. She hates them all for making them feel this way.
She always had so much love but nowhere to put it. It's as if she's been searching for something or someone to share her love with, but each time she reaches out, she's met with rejection or betrayal. Whenever there is someone to love, they suck it out of her greedily. Just keeping taking and taking and taking till there's nothing left to take. Maybe it's her own fault. She wore her heart out on her sleeve and just gave love to everyone that wanted it. Why did being kind and loving only give her pain in return? Why did everyone like to only take from her?
Why is it that she never learned her lesson after getting he heart torn out over and over.
"Maya..." Kakucho is at the door of the master bedroom
It's early in the morning, about 9:30 am, she feels like actual shit even after showering. The bite mark on her shoulder from Izana has healed but it will scar. "Yes?" She asks
Mikey was still out with Sanzu for some business thing. Apparently, he'd be returning either today or tomorrow. "Uh well..." Kakucho looks nervous and stressed
His hair is a mess and he's wearing his glasses. He wasn't even dressed yet. "So uh... Izana is having withdrawals..."
Maya's eye twitches in annoyance, her inner doctor coming back after so long. "and who's amazing idea was it to give drugs to a recently recovered addict?"
Kakucho just shifts uncomfortablely. "please can you just... can you come help me? You're a psychiatrist and you helped him before at the other hospital... You can do it now too"
Maya's muscles tense as Kakucho's words sink in, her frustration bubbling to the surface. Dealing with Izana's withdrawals is the last thing she wants to do, especially after the ordeal she's been through herself. But she knows she can't ignore Kakucho's plea, no matter how inconvenient it may be. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Maya meets Kakucho's gaze with a resigned expression. "Fine," she concedes reluctantly. "I'll help."
As they make their way towards Izana's room, Maya can't shake the feeling of dread settling in her stomach. Dealing with Izana in this state is bound to be challenging, to say the least. But Maya knows she has to do whatever it takes to prevent the situation from worsening. Maybe she doesn't like him but as a doctor, she has an obligation. As she steps out of the master bedroom she realizes this was the first time she had been out of the room. The house was decorated similarly to Mikey's bedroom with huge windows displaying the beach outside and just an overall homey feel. She never thought a place like this would be her prison. Kakucho leads her to Izana's room and Maya hesitates. She could run now. She really could. There was no one else here but her poor weak heart would just feel too much guilt.
stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid she keeps thinking as she enters Izana's room. The blinds and curtains were drawn and the lights were off. There is a lump under the covers and if she looked close enough Maya could see it trembling. She hadn't been present for the start of when Izana was admitted into Sunshine Grove. She didn't know what his withdrawal symptoms were or how he was doing through it. She was only there during the detox. This right here, was new territory. "what are his symptoms?" Maya asks quietly to Kakucho
"um... similar to yours but no hot flashes. Just cold and he's got really bad mood swings" Kakucho says looking really nervous "Headaches, he threw up earlier... Uh... He was hungry..."
Maya nods and reluctantly walks over to Izana and kneels on the bed next to the lump under the comforter he is under. She feels a knot form in her stomach as she realizes the weight of the situation she's stepping into. This isn't just about providing medical care; it's about navigating the delicate balance of emotions and power dynamics that exist between her and Izana. Gathering her resolve, Maya gently pulled back the covers to reveal Izana curled up beneath them. His breathing is shallow and uneven, his face drawn with discomfort. Despite her own reservations, Maya can't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him in this vulnerable state.
Oh god did she feel so stupid.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Maya reaches out to brush a lock of white hair away from Izana's forehead. His skin feels clammy to the touch, and she can sense the tension radiating from his body. "Hey," Maya murmurs softly, her voice barely above a whisper
Izana's response is a low, guttural groan as he shifts restlessly beneath the covers. Maya sighs inwardly, steeling herself for the challenges that lie ahead. This won't be easy. She flinches when he suddenly grabs her hand and presses it to his cheek. He shudders and mumbles something unintelligible under his breath. Maya watches as he curls into himself, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Had she been like Izana, she would have made him beg like he did to her. But she isn't like Izana so instead she asks "Does your head hurt?"
As Maya waits for a response, she can see the struggle playing out on Izana's face. His brows furrow in discomfort, his teeth chattering slightly as he curls tighter under the covers. She senses his agitation, the chill seeping into his bones and exacerbating his withdrawal symptoms. Finally, Izana manages a hoarse denial, his voice strained. "N-No," he stammers, his breath coming out in shaky puffs. "I'm f-feeling really f-fucking c-cold."
Maya's heart aches at his words, her empathy for him warring with the lingering resentment she harbours. Before Maya could say anything, Izana suddenly sat up and pulled off his hoodie, throwing it to the floor and leaving him in just a white undershirt. "Izana what are you—"
Before Kakucho can even finish his sentence, Izana is pulling Maya down onto the bed, laying on top of her. "H-Hey—" she tries to say
"Shut up" Izana mutters, his face buried into the crook of her neck "You're warm"
Maya's initial instinct is to push him away, to resist his sudden closeness, but she finds herself frozen in place as Izana's weight presses down on her. His warmth envelops her, a stark contrast to the coldness that had gripped him moments ago."Izana, this isn't—" Maya tries, but her protest is cut short by another one of Izana's hushed commands.
His words send a shiver down her spine, but she can't deny the underlying vulnerability in his tone. For a moment, Maya hesitates, unsure of how to respond to Izana's unexpected gesture. A big part of her wants to push him away, belittle and humiliate him the same way he did to her but... Maya was too weak. She couldn't get herself to do that to him and Maya hated herself for it. Instead, she avoids Kakucho's gaze and pulls the blanket further up Izana's shoulders, covering his bare arms and his exposed shoulders. "Do you... Need anything?" Kakucho asks slowly
"No..." Is all Maya says
Kakucho nods and leaves. A shudder goes through Izana as he clings to Maya tight. She goes stiff when his hands slide under her shirt and rest on her ribs. His skin is cold to the touch. Maya wants to belittle him. She wants to make him beg. She wants to humiliate him. But she can't get herself to and it's probably the worst feeling ever. She was never an eye for an eye person. She wasn't like that. Maya was too nice for her own good, even at her own expense. So instead of doing all the horrible things she wishes to do, Maya wraps her arms around Izana's shoulders, running the nails of one hand up and down the back of his neck. Izana sighs and just rests all his weight on her.
In the quiet of the room, Maya finds herself grappling with conflicting emotions. She's torn between the desire to protect herself and the innate compassion that compels her to offer comfort to Izana in his time of need. It's a battle she's fought countless times before, and yet, each time, it leaves her feeling conflicted and uncertain. But as she feels Izana's breath steady against her skin, his grip loosening ever so slightly as he starts to fall asleep on top of her, Maya finds herself relenting to the quiet intimacy of the moment. With a heavy heart, Maya resigns herself to the role of reluctant caretaker, knowing that she's bound by duty to tend to Izana's needs, even as she struggles to reconcile her conflicting emotions. And as they lie entwined in the darkness, Maya can't help but wonder how they ended up here, bound together by threads of fate and circumstance, their destinies intertwined in ways they never could have imagined.
She's just there, in his bed, crushed under all his body weight, pinned between him and the mattress with his cold hands under her shirt looking for warmth and face in the crook on her neck. She shifts slightly, trying to find a more comfortable position beneath him, but his grip remains firm, holding her in place against the mattress. The intimacy of the moment hangs heavy in the air, the warmth of their bodies mingling in the confined space of the bed. Maya can feel the steady rhythm of Izana's breath against her skin, the soft brush of his lips against the curve of her neck sending shivers down her spine.
Despite the tangled mess of emotions swirling within her, Maya finds herself instinctively running her fingers through Izana's hair, the strands soft against her touch. With each gentle stroke, she feels a strange sense of calm wash over her, a fleeting moment of peace amidst the chaos that surrounds them. Izana lets out a low, contented sigh at her touch, his grip on her softening ever so slightly. His breath tickles the sensitive skin of her neck as he nuzzles closer, seeking solace in her warmth. It isn't long till the shivering stops and he has fallen asleep, completely lax on top of her and crushing her with his weight. He's pressing down on her ribs and it's hard to breathe but Maya doesn't dare complain.
They come back a full circle.
Izana as the patient and Maya as the doctor.
This time, there was no pristine white doctor's coat, secure rooms with magnetic locks, CCTV cameras or security guards— only this time, she knew what was wrong with him.
There was just Maya and Izana and her all-too-soft heart.
"Why did you cut your hair?" Izana asks, lazily twirling a short curly strand of Maya's hair between his fingers
Hours later he was awake and was making no move to get off her. Maya hesitates for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected question. She shifts slightly beneath Izana's weight, the pressure of his body against hers a constant reminder of their closeness. "I... I needed a change" she replies softly, her fingers still idly tracing patterns on the back of his neck.
Izana hums in response, his grip on her tightening ever so slightly. His other hand is still under her shirt, no longer cold thanks to her body heat. "Is it 'cause Matsuno broke your heart?" He asks casually "I heard girls cut their hair when they get their heart broken"
Maya's breath catches in her throat at the mention of Chifuyu. She hadn't expected Izana to bring him up, especially not in this vulnerable moment. How is it that Izana is still vying for control even while he's so vulnerable? She closes her eyes briefly, gathering her thoughts before responding. "Yes..." there was no point in lying to him when he already knew the truth— having forced it out of her weeks ago "I wanted to forget everything Chifuyu said about me so I cut my hair... Someone once told me hair holds memory so I cut it and then I felt better..."
Maya's admission hangs heavy in the air, the weight of her words settling between them like an unspoken truth. Izana's fingers pause in their gentle exploration of her hair, his gaze searching hers with a mixture of curiosity and something else she can't quite decipher. "I see," he murmurs, his tone neutral but his eyes betraying a hint of something deeper "But I have to admit, I liked your hair long much better. It suited you. I was pretty disappointed when I saw you cut it so short"
Maya's heart flutters nervously at Izana's unexpected confession, his words stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within her. She hadn't anticipated him expressing any sentiment about her appearance, let alone disappointment over her haircut she did herself weeks ago. It's a strange sensation, hearing him speak so candidly about something as trivial as her hair when there are far weightier matters hanging between them. "Sorry to disappoint," Maya murmurs, a faint hint of sarcasm lacing her words as she avoids meeting his gaze or just looking down at him in general while he's lying on her chest
She's acutely aware of the warmth of his body pressed against hers, the way his fingers linger in her hair, and it's all she can do to keep her composure in the face of such unexpected intimacy. Izana chuckles softly, the sound sending a shiver down Maya's spine. "No need to apologize," he replies, his tone light but tinged with something that feels uncomfortably like possessiveness "but don't cut it again, alright? I want you to grow it out long"
That wasn't a suggestion but a demand. Maya's heart sinks as she recalls the promise she made to Izana, the weight of it settling heavily on her shoulders. She had vowed to be his, to submit to his desires, and in that moment, it felt like there was no escaping the hold he had over her. With a resigned sigh, she nods slowly, her voice barely above a whisper as she agrees to grow her hair out. "Okay," she murmurs, her tone heavy with defeat as she concedes to Izana's demand. "I'll grow it out."
Izana's grip on her hair loosens slightly, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips as he leans back, his gaze lingering on her with a possessive gleam. "Good girl" he purrs, his words sending a shiver down Maya's spine
She wonders just how absolutely shameless this guy could be. Just hours before he was shivering and trembling, desperately curling into her arms for warmth and now he was being a little shit again as if none of it happened. Izana shifts himself more so he's fully on top of her again, crushing her ribs, knocking the breath out of her lungs, his thigh pressed between her legs. "You're so sweet to me, y'know that bunny" Izana murmurs, his face in Maya's neck again, lips brushing against her skin "Came here to take care of me... So sweet"
Maya's breath catches in her throat as Izana's weight presses down on her, his closeness suffocating yet strangely comforting. She can feel the heat radiating off his body, the tension in his muscles palpable against her skin. Despite the discomfort of his position, Maya finds herself unable to push him away, her resolve weakening under the weight of his words. "I... I just want to help," she stammers, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggles to maintain her composure.
The intimacy of the moment leaves her feeling exposed and vulnerable, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. Izana's lips brush against the sensitive skin of her neck, sending shivers down Maya's spine as she tries to suppress a gasp. His touch is both electrifying and terrifying, a potent reminder of the power he holds over her. "You're so good to me, bunny," he murmurs, his voice low and husky against her skin. "So sweet."
He goes still again after that. His lips just rest against the curve of her neck. They're both silent again and if it wasn't for Izana's fingers rubbing circles into her ribs, Maya would have thought he was asleep. Izana's hands ignite a firestorm inside her. Had this situation been any different, she would have craved it— craved him. But it's not an ideal situation, this danger. "Hey bunny..." Izana murmurs
"Yeah?"
"How did you feel when Matsuno broke your heart?"
It's an odd question, something she didn't expect him to ask her. "I was sad"
"Yeah fuckin' obviously. But what did you feel?" Izana moves himself, his hands on either side of her head as he's now hovering over her face
She's staring up at him. He isn't his usual golden-tanned colour due to the utter shit he was going through due to the withdrawal. His breath is hitting her lips. He isn't so close to her face but it feels like he is. "I felt like shit... I didn't wanna come to work that day but they wouldn't give me a day off" Maya says quietly
Izana brushes a curly strand away from her forehead. "hm... So you came late that day 'cause you got your heartbroken...?"
"Would you want to come to work if the person you liked for years broke your heart?" Maya counters back
Izana's gaze softens, his fingers tracing a gentle path along Maya's jawline as he considers her question. "No, I suppose not," he admits, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his voice. "But I don't have the luxury of letting my emotions dictate my actions. I have responsibilities."
Maya can sense the weight of Izana's words, the burden of his role as the number 3 of the Tokyo Manji Gang weighing heavily on his shoulders. She knows all too well the pressure he faces, the constant need to maintain control and uphold his image of strength and authority. Even being in a gang is hard work she supposes. "I understand," she replies softly, reaching her hands up, her fingers threading through the strands of his hair as she tries to offer him comfort.
Despite everything, she can't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him, a glimpse of the vulnerability beneath his tough exterior. Izana leans into her touch, his eyes closing briefly as he savors the warmth of her embrace. "Thank you, bunny," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. "For being here."
Her eyes widen at his words, not at all having expected him to say that. He's saying that as if she choose to be in this damn beach house. No wait. Izana mean thanks for taking care of him. It's odd. Seeing him suddenly be so vulnerable. Just what did he want from her this time? What stupid trick was he playing on her? But she doesn't ask, and instead says "how are you feeling now?"
His skin isn't that cold anymore but he's still very clearly feeling like shit. "I've been better"
She isn't too sure what else to say, going stiff when his thigh presses against her crotch. "D-Do you want me to make you something to eat?"
Izana presses his forehead against her's and sighs quietly. He takes one of Maya's hands and laces their fingers together, pinning it down beside her head. He's acting sweet. Izana has been acting this way ever since he revealed that Mikey was lying to her— since the day Maya promised to be his. Maya's heart pounds in her chest as Izana's actions send a jolt of unease through her. She can't shake the feeling that there's something more to his sudden change in demeanor, something lurking beneath the surface that she can't quite grasp. She watches as Izana's eyes search hers, a hint of vulnerability shining in their depths. "Izana..." Maya begins, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggles to find the right words.
But before she can say anything else, he leans in closer, his lips hovering just inches from hers. "Stay with me," he murmurs, his breath warm against her skin as his forehead stays against hers. "Just for a little while longer."
With a silent sigh, Maya relents, allowing herself to be drawn into the web of Izana's embrace once more. He's being sweet, somewhat, he won't be like this for long. Maya can't help but wonder— if Izana had played the long game with her the same way Mikey did, would she have felt just as betrayed as she did when finding out what Mikey had done? Would Maya have felt her heart shatter the same way? She isn't able to look away from his orchid eyes as she brings her free hand up to his hair, tangling in the white strands. After a while Izana moved his head back away from her so he could look at her face properly then said "You're gorgeous. Have I ever told you that?"
That was unexpected. Her fingers stay tangled in his hair. "Well... You call me a lot of things"
"I feel a lot of things for you too" Izana admits
She's silent for a moment, her nails gently scratching against his scalp. "Is that why you won't let me go?"
"Yes... I'm greedy... I want you for myself"
"I know" Her voice comes out as a small, breathless whisper before she says "Would you like something to eat? You need something to be eating properly while recovering"
Izana takes the hand he's holding and kisses the back of it. Maya isn't too sure how to react. These were the things Mikey did to her, not Izana. Izana was calculated words, control, the need for dominance and control, he was fear and terror and uncertainty. Maya didn't know Izana could be like this and she isn't sure if she likes it better, especially after Mikey. Oh god, Mikey didn't even know that she knew yet. He hadn't been back home since Izana revealed the truth to her. "Yes... I'd like that" Izana says then moves off her
Izana is no longer crushing her ribs but it still feels like she can't breathe.
The sun is shining through the large windows of the beach house. Maya is cooking, stirring the pot of soup. Kakucho is sitting on the bar stool in front of the kitchen island with an unknown expression on his face. Izana on the other hand, is standing behind her, arms around her waist and his chin hooked over her shoulder. He's holding her like he's her lover and Maya really isn't sure how to feel. Maya can feel Izana's warmth enveloping her, his presence both comforting and suffocating at the same time. She tries to focus on the task at hand, stirring the soup with more force than necessary, trying to ignore the way his arms tighten around her waist. Kakucho's gaze flickers between Maya and Izana, a mixture of concern and uncertainty evident in his expression. He opens his mouth as if to speak, but then closes it again, seemingly unable to find the right words to say. As the silence stretches between them, Maya can't help but feel a sense of unease settling over her. This domestic scene feels foreign and surreal, a far cry from the chaos and violence that usually surrounds her. She wonders if this is just another one of Izana's games, another way to exert his control over her. "I fuckin' hate vegetables so this better be good" Izana mutters, his hands slipping under her shirt to rest on her bare lower stomach
She can feel the heat of his hands against her skin, his fingers tracing idle patterns on her stomach, sending a shiver down her spine. His skin is no longer cold but it might as well be with the way he's making her feel. "It will be... You can take my word for it" Maya replies quietly
Kakucho shifts uncomfortably in his seat, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Uh, maybe I should help with something else," he suggests, looking for an excuse to leave and not be a third-wheel
But before Kakucho can make a move, Izana tightens his grip on Maya's waist, his touch bordering on possessive. "No, you stay right there," he says, his tone laced with a hint of warning.
Maya's heart sinks at the possessive edge in Izana's voice. With a heavy sigh, Maya focuses on stirring the soup. "U-Uh Kakucho you can take out the bowls" she says, in hopes of making the situation a little lighter
Kakucho nods, grateful for the chance to escape the palpable tension in the kitchen. He quickly stands up, grabbing a few bowls from the cupboard and setting them out on the counter. "Sure thing," he says, his voice a bit strained as he busies himself with the task.
Meanwhile, Izana's grip on Maya tightens slightly, his fingers digging into her waist possessively. "You're mine, aren't you?" he murmurs, his breath warm against her ear.
Maya's heart skips a beat at his words, a mixture of fear and uncertainty swirling inside her. She doesn't know how to respond, torn between the promise she made to Izana and the lingering doubts in her mind. "I... I don't know," she admits quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Izana's hold softens slightly, his touch gentler as he leans back to look at her. "You said you are," he says, his gaze intense as he searches her eyes for any sign of resistance "You told me you'd be mine so are you still mine?"
Maya's heart pounds with conflicting emotions as Izana's grip tightens around her waist. She felt the weight of her promise pressing down on her, the words she uttered in a moment of weakness now binding her to him. Despite the uncertainty swirling in her mind, she knows that she can't go back on her word. "I... I am," Maya whispers, her voice barely audible above the sound of her own racing heartbeat
The admission feels like a betrayal to herself, but she knows that denying Izana now would only lead to more pain and turmoil. Izana's expression softens slightly, a hint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes as he leans in closer. "Good girl," he murmurs, his breath warm against her ear. "You belong to me, bunny. Don't ever forget that."
Maya just hums, not knowing what else to say. Izana presses a kiss to her ear and she resists the urge to shiver. "Uh... Sanzu texted. Said he and Mikey will be here tomorrow morning" Kakucho says
Maya's heart sinks at the mention of Mikey's impending return, a mixture of apprehension and uncertainty swirling inside her. She knows that his presence will only complicate things further, adding another layer of tension to the already fragile dynamic between her and Izana. "Great," Izana mutters, his tone laced with irritation, burying his face in Maya's hair "Just what we need..."
Maya's stomach churns at the thought of facing Mikey again, her mind flooded with memories of their complicated history together. She knows that their reunion will inevitably bring up painful emotions and unresolved issues, and she's not sure if she's ready to confront them. She doesn't know if she'll be able to pretend that she doesn't know he was lying to her. Oh god, Maya thinks she'll be sick.
Soup was soon ready and Maya finished eating first. She excuses herself and goes back to the master bedroom— Mikey's room. Alone in Mikey's room, Maya sinks onto the edge of the bed, her thoughts swirling with a tangled mess of emotions. The familiar surroundings offer little solace as she wrestles with the conflicting feelings that weigh heavily on her heart. She stares at the view of the beach in front of her and stands up. She stands in front of the double doors, staring at the beach past the deck. The waves crash against the shore. Unconsciously, her hand comes up to the doorknob. She knows it's probably locked but just as she's about to twist it, the door swings open, revealing Kakucho standing there, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he steps into the room, closing the door behind him. Standing beside Maya, he joins her in staring out at the beach, the rhythmic sound of the waves filling the room. "you okay?" Kakucho asks as Maya lets go of the doorknob
Maya nods stiffly. "Yeah... 'm fine"
A moment of silence washes over them but only for a moment. "Maya about what I said to you..." Kakucho starts "About running..."
She looks at him. "yeah?"
"Stay."
She furrows her brows in confusion. "W-What?"
Kakucho rubs the back of his neck, a look of guilt in his eyes. "Stay with Izana. Stop trying to run"
Maya's heart sank as Kakucho's words hit her like a heavy blow. The sense of betrayal wells up inside her, mingling with frustration and confusion. Just a few days ago he told her he believed in her that she could get away just like that guy that did years ago. So why did he change his mind? "Why?" she asks, her voice trembling with emotion.
Kakucho meets her gaze with a solemn expression, his eyes reflecting a mixture of regret and concern. "Izana wants you and... and you're good for him"
"But what about me?" she demands, her voice cracking with emotion. "What about what I want?"
This wasn't fair. This wasn't fucking fair. Why was this happening to her? It felt like she was being robbed of her agency, forced to sacrifice her own desires for the sake of someone else's happiness. It wasn't fair. None of this was fair. Kakucho's expression softens, his gaze filled with empathy as he reaches out a hand to gently touch Maya's shoulder. "I know it's hard, Maya. But sometimes, we have to make sacrifices for the greater good" he says softly, his voice tinged with sadness.
Maya pulls away from his touch, her fists clenched in frustration. "And what about my happiness? What about what I need?" she challenges, her voice trembling with emotion "There is no greater good in this situation, just a fucking sociopath that wants a pet and that pet happens to be me"
Kakucho's eyes widened, a conflict evident in his expression as Maya's words pierced through him. He took a deep breath, mustering the courage to speak. "Maya, I... I can't let you leave," he admitted, his voice wavering with uncertainty. "I care more for Izana than I do for my own morality."
Maya's heart sank at his confession, feeling the weight of his words bearing down on her. She struggled to comprehend how someone she trusted could prioritize the well-being of another over her own autonomy. "So, what? I'm just supposed to sacrifice my happiness for yours and Izana's?" she retorted, her voice tinged with bitterness.
Kakucho's gaze faltered, guilt flickering across his features. "I know it's not fair to ask this of you," he began, his tone heavy with remorse. "But Izana... he's not in a good place right now. He needs you, Maya. And I... I need to protect him, even if it means making difficult choices."
Maya's fists clenched at her sides, frustration boiling inside her. She felt trapped, suffocated by the weight of Kakucho's expectations. "That's not fair... That's not fucking fair" Maya says angrily "I got drugged and kidnapped right out of my workplace, drugged again, waterboarded and drowned—"
"Maya" Kakucho tries cutting her off but she just keeps going
"—drugged till I was addicted, went through withdrawals, taken against my will multiple times"
"Maya"
"got hot wax poured down my back, had first-degree burns on my back all while I was going through withdrawals," She says, her eyes teary now "Just why should I stay for him, when all he's done is hurt me?"
Kakucho's expression softened, his gaze filled with sorrow as he listened to Maya's anguished cries. He reached out a hand to gently touch her shoulder, offering what little comfort he could in the face of her pain. "I'm sorry, Maya," he murmured, his voice heavy with remorse. "I know it's not fair, but Izana... he's not well. He needs help, and you're the only one who can give it to him."
Maya shook her head, her heart heavy with the weight of her suffering. "But what about me?" she whispered, her voice barely above a sob. "What about my pain? Who's going to help me heal?"
There was a moment of agonizing silence as Kakucho struggled to find the words to comfort her. He knew there were no easy answers, no simple solutions to the pain she had endured. All he could do was offer his support and hope that Maya would find the strength to persevere. "I wish I had an answer, Maya," he admitted softly. "But all I can offer you is my support. I'll be here for you, no matter what."
"no, you won't Kakucho..." She whispers
He doesn't answer after that and only sighs. Maya watches Kakucho reach into his pocket and pull out a key. Maya watches in silence as he puts it into the keyhole and she hears it... lock? Her heart drops at the realization that the door has been unlocked this whole time. "W-What?" she whispers
Her freedom was right there. It was right there and now it was... gone. Her freedom was right there. It was within reach, tantalizingly close, and now it was slipping through her fingers, lost to the cruel whims of fate. The realization hit her like a wave crashing against the shore, overwhelming her with a sense of helplessness and despair. "It was unlocked this whole time?" she choked out, her voice trembling with emotion.
Kakucho's gaze remained fixed on the door, his expression unreadable. "I'm sorry, Maya," he murmured, his voice heavy with regret. "I can't let you leave. Not now."
Maya's heart pounded in her chest, panic clawing at the edges of her consciousness. She felt trapped, suffocated by the confines of the room, with no escape in sight. Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to contain the flood of emotions threatening to consume her. "Please," she pleaded, her voice barely audible. "Let me go."
But Kakucho remained silent, his gaze fixed on the locked door, his decision final as he left the room. And as Maya sank to the floor, her spirit broken and her hope extinguished, she knew that her fight for freedom had come to an agonizing end.
"what cha' thinkin' 'bout?" Izana asks
He's lying on top of her again, his weight pressing down on her ribs, not letting her breathe properly. Maya's heart skipped a beat as Izana's voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the suffocating reality of the present moment. She swallowed hard, her throat feeling dry as she struggled to find the right words to respond. "Nothing," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes fixed on the ceiling above.
But Izana wasn't one to accept evasive answers. He shifted slightly, his weight bearing down on her even more as he leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear. "You're lying," he accused softly, his tone tinged with amusement.
Maya tensed beneath him, the weight of his body pressing down on her making it difficult to think. "I... I was just... thinking about everything," she admitted reluctantly, her voice barely audible. "About... about how we got here, I guess."
Izana hummed in response, his fingers idly tracing patterns on her stomach. "You're mine now, Maya," he murmured, his voice sending shivers down her spine. "And I'm not letting you go."
Maya's heart sank as she heard Izana's possessive declaration, his words a stark reminder of the chains that bound her to him. She closed her eyes, a heavy weight settling in the pit of her stomach as she whispered softly "I know."
A short silence washes over them, Izana's face resting in the crook of her neck again. He had a headache earlier which made him pretty fucking irritable but now it was gone. "Izana..." she says quietly
"hm?" his lips created a slight vibration against the curve of her neck
"What if I didn't come to work that day? What if I just stayed home that day and didn't show up to the hospital?" Maya asks him, her fingers tangled in his white hair
Izana's response is a low, contemplative hum as he shifts slightly, his breath warm against Maya's skin. "If you hadn't shown up that day..." he begins, his voice trailing off for a moment as he gathers his thoughts. "Well, things would've been different, wouldn't they?"
Maya's heart clenches at his vague response, a flood of uncertainty washing over her. She had expected him to offer some reassurance or clarity, but his words only served to deepen the sense of unease gnawing at her conscience. "Different how?" she presses, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Izana's grip on her tightens slightly, his fingers tracing idle patterns on her back as he considers his response. "I suppose we'll never know, bunny," he murmurs cryptically, his tone betraying a hint of amusement. "But even if you didn't show up, I would've brought you here anyway... Would've dragged you out of your little house."
Maya's breath catches in her throat at Izana's words, a chill creeping down her spine at the realization of just how little control she had over her own fate. She had always suspected that Izana's intentions toward her were far from benign, but hearing him admit it so casually sent a shiver of fear coursing through her veins.
"You would've... dragged me here?" she echoes, her voice barely above a whisper, her mind reeling with the implications of his words.
Izana's grip on her tightens even more, his touch bordering on possessive as he presses his lips against the sensitive skin of her neck. "Of course, bunny," he purrs, his breath hot against her skin "It wouldn't have been as fun as chasing you through the hospital but you would've been here with me"
Maya doesn't know why she expected a different answer from Izana when she already well knows how this crazy bitch thinks. After all, she's seen firsthand the lengths he's willing to go to get what he wants. But knowing doesn't make it any easier to accept the reality of her situation. "It was cruel of you to do that all that the same day I got my heart broken" Maya mumbles, trying to lighten the situation
Izana chuckles softly, the sound sending a shiver down Maya's spine. "Cruelty is my specialty, bunny," he replies, his voice dripping with amusement. "Besides, it's not like I planned for Matsuno to break your heart that day. It just happened to work out in my favour."
Maya forces a weak smile, trying to play along with Izana's twisted sense of humour. "Lucky me" she mutters under her breath, her attempt at levity falling flat in the oppressive atmosphere
A thought passes through her head and then she asks "What about Mikey?"
"Manjiro? What about him?" he replies, fingers tracing circles on her ribs again
"What will he think about all this?" Maya clarifies
Izana's fingers pause their motion, his expression turning slightly contemplative at Maya's question. "He's got his own world to worry about," he replies nonchalantly, his touch resuming its gentle circles on Maya's ribs. "Trust me, he won't mind."
Maya's brow furrows in concern, uncertainty gnawing at her. "why won't he mind?"
Mikey seemed like the possessive type— even more than Izana was. So just why wouldn't he mind? Izana chuckles softly, the sound carrying a hint of amusement as he meets Maya's gaze with an enigmatic smile. "Because, bunny, you're mine and Manjiro is mine too"
Maya's brow furrows further, confusion evident in her expression as she tries to decipher Izana's cryptic words. "What do you mean, we're both yours?" she asks, her voice tinged with uncertainty
But that's when it hit her. Izana saw her as a pet, a possession. Something to own. She was a toy for him to play with. Izana saw Mikey the exact same way. Mikey was a toy for Izana to play with, the same way Maya was a pet for him. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, Maya's heart sinks with the weight of understanding. Izana's twisted game becomes clearer, his manipulation extending beyond just her. She recalls faint memories, fragments of conversations heard through the haze of drugs and confusion. Izana's whispers poisoning Mikey's mind, turning him into a pawn in his cruel game. The realization hits her like a punch to the gut. Izana saw them both as objects to manipulate, to control, to possess. Mikey, his own brother, is reduced to nothing more than a pawn in his relentless pursuit of power and dominance. Anger simmers beneath the surface of Maya's composure, fueled by betrayal and indignation. How could Izana be so callous, so cold-blooded, to toy with the lives of those closest to him? And how could Mikey, blinded by loyalty or perhaps ignorance, allow himself to become ensnared in his brother's web of deceit? Mikey may have lied to her but what if she wasn't looking deeper into it? What if there was more to Mikey's lies that Izana hadn't told her about? But she holds back these thoughts, feeling even more sick as she keeps thinking and decides to change the subject. "Why did you take drugs again?" She asks looking at the back of his head "You recovered didn't you?"
Izana hums into the curve of her neck, seemingly accepting the topic change. "yeah... I dunno... I felt like I needed it and I got carried away without Kakucho noticing and then this happened"
Maya listens to Izana's response, a mixture of frustration and concern bubbling inside her. "But you were doing so well," she murmurs, her voice gentle, not wanting him to think she was in any way disappointed because she wasn't— Maya knows and has seen how hard it is recovering from addiction "Why would you risk everything by taking drugs again?"
Izana's grip on her tightens slightly, his breath warm against her skin as he shifts his weight. "I don't know, bunny," he admits quietly. "Sometimes, it's just hard to resist the temptation."
Maya's heart aches at his words, the complexity of Izana's struggles weighing heavily on her mind. Despite everything, she can't shake the feeling of empathy towards him, even as she grapples with her own conflicting emotions. "You know you can talk to me about these things... I'm still technically a psychiatrist..." she says softly, her fingers gently stroking his hair
Izana chuckles softly, a wry smile playing on his lips as he turns to face her. "You're a persistent one, aren't you?" he teases, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of amusement and affection. "But I suppose that's part of why I keep you around."
Maya feels a little stupid for being this way with Izana after all he's done. Maybe it was because not once he had lied to her. Because he had been truthful the entire time. She feels stupid for unconsciously looking for affection in such a violent place and from such a violent person. Yet, there's a raw honesty to Izana that she can't ignore. He may be brutal and ruthless, but he's also authentic in a way that few others are. In a world filled with lies and deceit, his transparency is both refreshing and unsettling. But Maya knows she can't continue to delude herself. She's playing a dangerous game, dancing on the edge of a cliff with Izana as her partner. Maya is about to say something until she feels one of Izana's hands start to trail up higher on her ribs, the tips of his fingers grazing against the band of her bra. "lace?" He murmurs "lemme see"
Maya's breath catches in her throat as Izana's fingers linger on the edge of her bra, sending a shiver down her spine. The gentle touch of Izana's fingers against her skin ignited a firestorm of conflicting desires. "I-Izana" she mumbles nervously as he lifts himself off her, hovering over her body
Izana's lips curve into a knowing smile as he leans in closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Don't worry, bunny," he murmurs, his voice low and seductive. "Just wanna take a look"
But Maya can't shake the feeling of vulnerability that grips her, the sense of being caught in a web of desire and deceit. She knows that she should resist, that she should push him away and reclaim control over her own desires. But as Izana's lips brush against her neck, igniting a spark of desire deep within her, she finds herself unable to resist the pull of his magnetic presence. With a trembling sigh, Maya surrenders to the intoxicating allure of the moment, allowing herself to be consumed by the passion that burns between them. At that moment, she knows that she's playing with fire, dancing on the edge of oblivion with Izana as her partner. But for now, she chooses to embrace the flames, surrendering to the tumultuous whirlwind of desire that threatens to consume them both. "Arch your back" he mumbles
Maya's heart races as she complies, arching her back in response to Izana's whispered command. Every nerve in her body tingles with anticipation, her senses heightened by the intoxicating proximity of his touch. She can feel the heat of his breath against her skin, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through her veins. As she arches her back, Izana's hands slide gently along her sides, tracing the contours of her body with a feather-light touch. His fingers dance over her skin, leaving a trail of fire in their wake, as he explores the curves of her body with a tender reverence. Izana slides his hands under her back and with one movement lifts her off the bed like she was a child. She's now in his lap, straddling his thighs, chest pressed against his. Maya gasps as Izana effortlessly lifts her off the bed, her body instinctively wrapping around him. She looks into his eyes, searching for any hint of hesitation or doubt, but finds only a smouldering intensity that sends a thrill of anticipation coursing through her veins. "can I?" Izana whispers softly, a look of vulnerability in his eyes "Will you let me this time?"
With trembling hands, Maya reaches up to trace the contours of Izana's face, her touch gentle yet filled with fierce longing. She feels a surge of electricity shoots through her body at the contact, every nerve ending alight with sensation. Izana's hands roam freely over her body, igniting a firestorm of desire that threatens to consume them both. Their breath mingles in the air, hot and ragged, as they lose themselves in the dizzying ecstasy of the moment. "Is that a yes then?" He murmurs, a small smile playing on his lips
With a soft exhale, Maya nods slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes," she breathes, her fingers still tracing the contours of Izana's face, her touch a silent affirmation of her consent
Oh god did she hate herself for this. But maybe she was too tired. Too tired after fighting, too tired after realizing there was no one on her side. Izana's smile widens, a glimmer of satisfaction dancing in his eyes as he leans in closer, his lips hovering just inches from hers. "Good"
Maya's heart races as Izana's lips draw closer, anticipation mingling with trepidation in her chest. She feels a surge of conflicting emotions—desire warring with self-loathing, longing battling against resignation. Their lips meet in a searing kiss, sending a jolt of electricity coursing through Maya's veins. It's a whirlwind of sensation, overwhelming and all-consuming, as they lose themselves in each other's embrace. In that fleeting moment, there is no past, no future, only the raw intensity of their connection, binding them together in a fiery passion that defies reason and logic. "now lemme get a look" Izana says, pulling away from the kiss
Izana pulls her shirt off with ease, throwing it to the side, and falling onto the floor. He sighs softly, his thumb brushing over the baby pink lacy strap on her shoulder. Maya's cheeks flush with heat as Izana's gaze roams over her exposed skin, his eyes tracing every curve and contour with a hunger that sends shivers down her spine. She feels exposed under his intense scrutiny, vulnerable yet strangely exhilarated by the raw intensity of his desire. "Beautiful," Izana murmurs, his voice low and husky as he reaches out to caress her cheek with gentle fingers
She leans into his touch, her own fingers trailing lightly down his clothed chest, tracing the lines of his muscles with a reverence born of awe and longing. Izana's gaze shifts to her shoulder to the scar from where he had accidentally bitten her too hard. Maya feels a surge of mixed emotions flood her being as she watches him study the mark with a mixture of regret and a weird look of fascination. "I'm sorry," Izana murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper as he traces the scar with gentle fingertips
Maya isn't too sure if he actually means it though. But she doesn't feel like doubting it right now. Maya doesn't want to feel like shit anymore. She's tired of feeling that way. "It's fine" she mumbles, thumb tracing over his jaw "It'll fade"
Izana sighs, leaning down to press a kiss to her scarred shoulder. "I've hurt you so much, hm..." She knows he's not just referring to the physical scars but also the emotional wounds he's inflicted upon her. "I'll make it up to you, bunny... Promise"
And so Izana kissed her again, all tongue, licking desperately into her mouth like he was starved. Maya's mind swirls with conflicting emotions as Izana's lips meet hers once more, his kiss desperate and hungry, as if trying to erase the pain of the past with the intensity of the present. She can feel the raw desire coursing through him, his touch igniting a firestorm of longing within her. Izana is being oddly sweet for someone who waterboarded and burned her.
Oh well.
He unclips her bra with ease, throwing it in the same place he threw her shirt. She's soon lowered back onto the bed. He's kissing down her throat, ending at her sternum, sucking love bites into her skin while her fingers tangle into the thick white strands of his hair. Izana sighs against Maya's skin and she shivers then he shivers too. "Fuck... I'm cold again" he groans, his fingers digging into her waist
She forgot he was still going through withdrawals. Izana is going through another cold flush like earlier. She can feel the chill emanating from his skin, a stark contrast to the fire burning within her own veins. With a mixture of concern and tenderness, she reaches out to caress his cheek, her touch gentle yet filled with an unspoken promise of comfort. "It's okay, Izana," she murmurs soothingly, her voice a soft whisper against his ear. "I'm here. I'll keep you warm."
Izana's grip on her tightens, his fingers digging into her waist with a mixture of desperation and longing. "I need you, Maya," he confesses, his voice raw with emotion, using her name for the first time in a long time
At that moment, Maya knows that she can't deny him what he seeks, no matter how temporary or fleeting the relief may be or how much she hates him. With a silent nod, she pulls him closer, enveloping him in the warmth of her embrace, determined to offer him solace in the midst of his torment. So their clothes scatter and Izana pushes in, slowly, inch by inch, knocking the air out of her lungs. "f-fuck" a whimper leaves Izana and Maya lets out a shuddery breathe, squeezing her eyes shut
Her nails dig into his shoulders and her legs go around his waist, not sure if she wanted him closer or further. Maya is breathing heavily and shaky, her head up in clouds from the stretch caused by the lack of preparation from both herself and Izana. "god, you're so warm" Izana moans, his face pressed into the crook of her neck
He hasn't moved his hips yet, probably being nice for once and trying to let Maya adjust to him first. She wraps her arms around his neck and sighs, fingers tangling in his hair. "I can be on top" She offers, voice shaky
Izana's teeth graze against her throat. "as much as I'd love the view bunny, I wanna be on top... I'm trying to make it up to you remember" He hisses a little, mumbling how tight she was
Maya's heart flutters at the intimacy of their exchange, a mixture of desire and uncertainty coursing through her veins. She hesitates for a moment, torn between her own desires and Izana's request. But ultimately, she nods in silent agreement, trusting him to lead them in this dance of passion and a twisted kind of redemption. "Okay," she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his back. "I trust you, Izana."
Honestly speaking, no she didn't. Just because Izana was truthful to her didn't mean she had to be truthful to him. She could lie to him as much as she wanted. She had no reason to be honest. So as Izana start to thurst she whimpers out his name over and over. It felt good. So fucking good. The drag of his cock against her walls and each time his pelvis brushed against her clit. It felt so fucking good. "I-Izana" she whines as he thrusts in slow and lazy
His lips meet hers in a just as lazy but desperate kiss. Maya didn't know Izana had the capability to kiss like that— soft, full of passion, desperation and eagerness. Fuck it felt good. Being treated that way by someone who's only ever treated you violently felt so good. She whimpers into his mouth as his fingers find her nipples, lightly rubbing against them before pinching. Her legs tighten around his waist and her fingers tug at his white locks. Izana begins kissing down towards her jaw now, till her throat, collarbones, and sternum and then Maya feels him smile against her skin before he takes one of her nipples in his mouth. A shuddery breath leaves her lips at the feeling. He sucks at it, soft, but his teeth graze against it almost threateningly. Maya feels like she's having an out-of-body experience when he tugs at her other nipple and his free hand goes down to rub at her clit. There's so much going on at once that she already feels so overstimulated and comes from the sheer feeling of all of it. Izana chuckles as she comes down from her high. He stops thrusting momentarily as he presses his forehead against hers. "so sensitive, hm bunny..." Izana sighs softly "Wish I took your first..."
He doesn't give her a chance to respond as he starts thrusting again, this time rougher, harder. Her eyes roll back as he pulls his head away from her. "oh fuck..." Izana mutters as he slows down but keeps going just as hard "Look at that"
Izana is looking down at her stomach, right at the small bulge on her lower tummy every time he thrusts into her cunt. He fucking giggles, like it's something cute, like he's not practically fucking her guts. Oh god, she should be horrified but it just turns her on even more. A sob-like moan leaves her when Izana speeds up and presses down on her lower stomach. She feels good. Everything feels good and even if it's only momentary, Maya wants it so badly to last. No matter how overwhelming, no matter how sensitive. Because it seems that only during sex is when the pain truly stops. "please" Maya whimpers desperately, pulling him in as close as possible when he pounds into her cunt
"Please what, hm?" He asks, the tips of his fingers pressing bruises into her waist "wh-what-f-fuck... what do you want bunny?"
Izana's voice is shaky as he speeds up even more, feeling himself getting closer. "a-ah~ want more" Her moan sounded more like a sob
Izana smiles, his eyes dark with lust as he leans down, capturing her lips in a rough messy kiss. It's all teeth and tongue and eventually, they're both just breathing heavily into the other's mouths as they come at the same time. Izana doesn't pull out after that though. He simply shifts their positions so they're both lying on their side and keeps his cock buried in her using the excuse that he was still cold. That was probably his first lie but Maya was too tired to say or do anything so she just complies. She's tucked away in his arms. Izana is holding her tight and close like he's afraid she'll slip away at any moment. Maya on the other hand can't focus on anything other than the feeling of him still inside. "One thing I adore about girls like you is how prettily you suffer." Izana whispers as his fingers trace along her spine "How could anyone want to comfort you when you look this fuckin' pretty when you're miserable?"
Mayas closes her eyes and just falls slack in his arms. It's dark out now. "You're gorgeous, you know that my pretty bunny? Everything about you is breathtakingly beautiful" He whispers and she opens her eyes to look at him
Maya doesn't say anything to Izana. Everything just felt too good for her to really even try to speak or move. "You're so pretty... The way you suffer is so pretty too so I just can't help but hurt you..." Izana murmurs and presses a kiss to her cheekbone
After a while, he pulls out with a small hiss, leading her silently to the shower. As the water cascades over them, washing away the physical remnants of their encounter, Maya's mind drifts into a haze of numbness. The weight of their tangled emotions hangs heavy in the air, suffocating her as she struggles to make sense of it all. Izana's words echo hollowly in her ears, his attempts at reconciliation falling on deaf ears as she retreats into the depths of her own thoughts. In the midst of the steam and the warmth of the water, Maya feels a profound sense of emptiness, a hollow ache that gnaws at the edges of her soul. She can't shake the feeling of being adrift, lost in a sea of uncertainty and despair. Each drop of water that falls against her skin feels like a reminder of the tears she's shed, the pain she's endured, and the scars that mar her body and soul alike.
As they step out of the shower, Izana gives her a pill, his voice a distant echo in the recesses of her mind. Maya accepts it mechanically, her movements robotic as she goes through the motions of getting cleaned up. She doesn't bother listening to Izana's words anymore, the pretty lies and empty promises ringing hollow in her ears. Wrapped in a towel, Maya allows herself to be led back to the bedroom, the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders. She lets Izana hold her naked body against his chest, but the embrace offers little comfort, a fleeting illusion of solace in a world devoid of warmth and light.
As he kisses her forehead and murmurs empty reassurances into her ears, Maya can't help but feel a sense of profound sadness wash over her. This moment of tenderness feels like a cruel mockery of the pain and suffering that has brought them to this point. She knows that no amount of physical closeness can erase the scars that mar their relationship, nor can it mend the broken pieces of her shattered heart.
One can only dream, she figures.
Mikey is back the next morning. She ignores him as best as she can. Maya didn't want to even look at him after knowing he had been lying to her this whole time— giving her false hope that he'd convince Izana to let her go when Mikey might as well be an accomplice. The air in the beach house feels heavy with tension as Mikey's presence looms over Maya like a dark cloud. But despite her efforts to ignore him, Mikey's presence is an ever-present reminder of the lies and deceit that have plagued their relationship or whatever twisted relationship they had in the first place.
She doesn't know how to face Mikey, how to confront the betrayal that cuts to the core of her being. All she can do is bury her pain deep within her heart, shielding herself from the raw vulnerability of her shattered trust. But even as she tries to push him away, a part of Maya longs for answers, for closure to the questions that have haunted her since the truth came to light. She knows that confronting Mikey won't undo the damage that has been done, but she can't help but yearn for some semblance of understanding in the midst of the chaos that surrounds her. "Thanks again, Maya" Kakucho says with a smile "Really."
Izana had fallen back to sleep after breakfast, still needing a lot of rest. Thankfully this time the detox process shouldn't take too long since he wasn't in that damn shitty hospital with shitty care. "It's nothing" Maya mumbles dismissively
She was still mad at Kakucho. Almost as much as she was mad at Mikey. Maya had the right to be mad after all. She resents his gratitude, feeling as though it's a hollow gesture in the wake of his betrayal. But beneath her anger lies a deep well of hurt and confusion, emotions that threaten to consume her if she lets them. The lies, the deceit, the manipulation—all of it weighs heavily on her heart, dragging her down into a pit of despair. She can't shake the feeling of betrayal that gnaws at her from within, leaving her feeling lost and alone in a sea of uncertainty. "really though... thanks for helping him" Mikey says with a soft smile
Maya resists the urge to sneer at him the same way she would at Izana when she was first brought here. Mikey had been lying to her, giving her false hope. That was probably worse than Kakucho going back on his word. "Sure" Maya replies tersely, her voice lacking the warmth that once coloured their conversations
She can't bring herself to meet Mikey's gaze, her eyes fixed on some distant point in the room as she struggles to contain the storm of emotions raging inside her. Mikey's smile falters slightly, a flicker of concern crossing his features. "Hey, is everything okay?" he asks, his voice laced with genuine worry.
Maya's jaw clenches as she fights to keep her composure, the urge to lash out at Mikey almost overwhelming. But she knows that giving in to her anger won't solve anything, and won't change the past. So she forces herself to take a deep breath, to push aside her hurt and frustration, if only for a moment. "Yeah, everything's fine" Maya replies, her tone flat and devoid of emotion
She retreats to the master bedroom. Bad idea honestly speaking. It wasn't her own room, it was Mikey's. Stupid idea for her to try and hide from him in there because he just followed her inside. "no... everything's not fine. What's wrong?" Mikey asks with a frown, his black hair tied back in a messy ponytail
Maya's heart skips a beat as Mikey enters the room, his concerned voice cutting through the heavy silence that hangs between them like a suffocating fog. She can feel the weight of his gaze on her, a silent plea for her to open up and share her burden. But Maya remains silent, her emotions roiling beneath the surface as she struggles to find the words to articulate the storm raging inside her. "It's nothing, Mikey," Maya finally murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I need some time alone."
Mikey's frown deepens, his brows furrowing in concern. "You can talk to me, Maya," he insists, taking a step closer to her. "Whatever it is, we can work through it together. I told you I'm here for you"
Maya shakes her head, heading for the bathroom to get inside and lock the door so she can get some alone time but Mikey gets inside before she can even get the door closed. "don't avoid me" He speaks more demandingly this time "You haven't even been looking at me since I got back! Didn't you miss me, baby?"
The petname which used to make her heart flutter is now making her stomach churn. "Mikey, I really don't wanna do this right now" Maya says, digging her nails into her palms, feeling a mixture of panic and anger fill her
"Maya, please," Mikey pleads, his voice tinged with desperation as he reaches out to gently grasp her arm. "I just want to understand what's going on. You've been avoiding me ever since I got back, and I can't shake this feeling that something's not right."
Maya's heart pounds in her chest as she feels the weight of Mikey's gaze on her, his eyes searching hers for answers she's not ready to give. "I really don't want to talk to you right now"
But Mikey's grip tightens on her arm, his expression filled with determination as he refuses to let her pull away. "No, Maya," he says firmly, his voice tinged with frustration. "We need to talk about this. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."
With a heavy sigh, she meets Mikey's gaze with a sense of resignation, steeling herself for the difficult conversation that lies ahead. "Okay," Maya whispers, her voice barely above a whisper as she takes a deep breath, preparing herself for the storm that is about to come. "Let's talk."
Mikey nods and gestures for her to continue. "You're lying to me" she says
He furrows his brows. "what?"
"you were lying to me" Maya repeats trying to sound more angry than sad "You told you asked Izana to let me go when you really didn't. You want to keep me here too"
Mikey's expression shifts from confusion to determination, his features contorted with earnestness at Maya's accusation. "Maya, you've got it all wrong," he protests, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation. "I know it may seem that way, but I was only trying to keep you safe. I asked Izana to let you go, but he's unpredictable. I was worried about what might happen to you if you left."
Maya meets his gaze with a mixture of skepticism and sorrow, wrestling with the conflicting emotions swirling inside her. "Keeping me safe?" she echoes, her voice heavy with disbelief. "By keeping me prisoner with you and your sociopath brother? How is that supposed to make me feel safe?"
Mikey steps closer, his eyes pleading for understanding. "I know it's hard to see it now, Maya, but believe me, I was only trying to protect you," he insists, his voice tinged with genuine concern. "I didn't want you to get hurt. I thought I was doing what was best for you."
Tears well up in Maya's eyes as she grapples with the painful realization of Mikey's deception. She had put her faith in him, believing that he had her best interests at heart. But now, as she stands before him, the truth laid bare, she can't help but feel a profound sense of betrayal. Mikey takes her face in his hands as she's standing with her back against the counter. "Baby, it's not just all that, hm... I wanted you and there was no other way to make you stay" he completely shifts his point now "It's so dangerous out there for you and I wanted you anyway so making you stay was the best option"
Tears start to run down her cheeks. "You watched what I went through... This isn't fair" Maya whimpers sadly
Mikey's expression softens, his features contorted with a feigned sympathy as he steps closer to Maya, reaching out to gently wipe away her tears. "I know, baby, I know," he murmurs, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "But you have to understand, I did it because I care about you. I couldn't bear to see you in danger out there, not when I knew I could keep you safe here with me."
Maya's heart aches at his words, torn between the desire to believe him and the nagging doubts that linger in the back of her mind. "But you didn't have the right to make that decision for me," she whispers, her voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and anger. "You took away my freedom, Mikey. How can you expect me to forgive you for that?"
Mikey's gaze hardens, a flicker of frustration crossing his features as he takes a step closer, his hand tightening around Maya's arm. "Because I did it out of love, Maya," he insists, his voice tinged with possessiveness. "I did it because I love you and I can't bear the thought of losing you. Can't you see that?"
She sniffles, trembling a little now after his sudden love confession. "Why couldn't you have just told me the truth?"
"Would you have stayed if I did?" Mikey asks lowly
Maya's breath catches in her throat, her heart pounding with the weight of Mikey's question. His words hang heavy in the air, suffocating her with their implication. "I don't know," she whispers, her voice quivering with uncertainty. "But I deserved to know the truth."
Mikey's expression hardens, a glint of possessiveness flashing in his eyes as he takes a step closer to Maya, his hand reaching out to grasp her arm firmly. "You would have run, Maya," he says, his voice low and commanding. "And I couldn't let you go. You're mine."
Maya recoils at his touch, her eyes widening with a mixture of fear and disbelief. "Mikey, please..." she pleads, her voice trembling with emotion. "This isn't right. You can't keep me here against my will."
But Mikey's grip tightens, his fingers digging into her skin with a painful intensity. "I'm doing this for your own good, Maya," he insists, his tone tinged with desperation. "You're safer here with me. You belong with me."
Tears well up in Maya's eyes as she struggles against Mikey's hold, feeling trapped and powerless. "Let me go, Mikey," she begs, her voice choked with emotion. "Please, just let me go."
But Mikey's expression hardens further, his resolve unyielding as he stares down at Maya with a possessive gleam in his eyes. "You're not going anywhere," he declares, his voice dripping with determination. "You're mine, Maya. And you're staying right here where you belong."
It was weird. Just weeks ago she had the same conversation with Izana and now she was having it with Mikey. Just like then, she's weak. Weak as Mikey turns her around to face the mirror in front of the bathroom sink, weak as takes her right there in front of it. "so fuckin' pretty" He moans as he watches her through the mirror "Takin' me so we-well, baby"
There's a thin coat of sweat on her forehead and her hair is sticking to her skin. Mikey keeps running a hand up and down her spine, seemingly enjoying the way it arches as he thrusts into her. He's being rough, moaning, mumbling praises. All Maya can do is take it, grasping desperately at the counter, her moans breathless and whimpers pitiful. Once again she hates how good it felt. One of the things that wasn't fair was how good Mikey knew how to make her feel. She almost regrets letting him take the time to get to know her body, to let him know all those other nights what she liked and what she didn't because now it was her downfall. "You're mine, hm?" He grunts "Yeah baby?"
She's gasping, trembling as he's forcing a second orgasm out of her while rubbing on her clit. "I-I... 'm yours"
It's too much. Way too much as he just keeps going. "say it. say my name"
"Mikey"
"again"
"M-Mikey"
He forces the third out of her. Mikey grabs Maya by her hair and pulls her till her back is pressed to his chest while he fucks her. "look at you" He murmurs shakily into her ear "so fuckin' pretty..."
Had this situation been any other, she would have agreed. God, she looked so damn hot being fucked by him like this. Mikey is holding her so tight against him. Her eyes are glazed over and her hair sticking to her skin. She's trembling, biting at her already red, bruised lips, her fucked out expression looking so damn pretty. "Who do you belong to?"
"Mikey..." She gasps breathlessly
He finishes inside her finally. Her head is a mess when Mikey turns her back around to face him. He's hugging her tight, right up against his chest as if to try and keep her together. Maya can feel his cum dripping down her inner thighs. The feeling is odd. She shivers and just lets him remove all her clothes so they can shower together. She feels boneless and exhausted. He's whispering apologies into her ear for being too rough, asking her where the scar on her shoulder had come from then tells her he'd tell Izana to be more gentle with her. Maya answers each, quietly and shaky. She's so tired and it's only 12 pm. "I love you... okay?" Mikey murmurs as they stand beneath the shower
"I love you too" she murmurs, her voice barely audible over the sound of the running water
There isn't much she can really do about it now. All the roads to freedom have been blocked off and there was no longer a way out. Maya is exhausted and now she just wants to stop fighting.
But the question remains:
Just when will Mikey and Izana be done taking from her?
DEAD GIRL'S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
TEN — i don’t smoke
"while therapy may offer some insight into his psyche, it's doubtful that Mr.Kurokawa's fundamental nature would be altered. despite what studies say, some individuals are simply predisposed to nefarious behaviour." —MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: Kakucho forces Maya to face the reality of her situation and Izana reveals some not so nice things
warnings: DARK CONTENT 18+, unreliable narrator!Maya, vomiting, drug use/misuse, withdrawal symptoms, possibly inaccurate depiction of at-home withdrawal care/survival, first-degree burns, depictions of injuries and burns, blood and gore, hickeys, bite marks, kissing, thoughts of self-harm, emotional manipulation, slight infantilization, betrayal, dehumanization, depiction of corpses, mention of suicide, MAJOR noncon(not detailed), noncon to dubcon, allusions to sex, unprotected sex, forced orgasm, coercion, implied creampie, memory loss, dissociation, past torture, past waterboarding
word count: 7534
series masterlist
She's thrown up for the 3rd time today. Kakucho holds her hair back and holds his breath. He knows if he gets a whiff of it he'll be throwing up right next to her. He makes Maya brush her teeth then instead of lighting a candle he uses those febreeze small spaces air freshener thing and sets it up in the bathroom instead. Kakucho would rather not take care of any more wax-related burns. "come on, drink" He mutters to Maya, kneeling in front of her on the bed, holding a bottle of pocari sweat to her lips
He has to hold the bottle for her. Maya's hand keeps shaking from the pain and the sudden cold and hot flushes are making things hard for her. But, at least she isn't hallucinating which is a good thing. Else Kakucho remembers when Izana— no, he'd rather not think about that right now. "Just a little more" He coaxes gently as Maya tries pushing the bottle away "You've been sweating and throwing up so much, you need it"
She continues to drink again and he sighs in relief, holding up the bottle for her. One of Maya's hands shakily comes up and holds his wrist. Her skin is hot to the touch. He should probably put a cold cloth on her forehead but that wouldn't be a good idea with the random cold flushes. Or Maybe he could. Kakucho isn't sure. He isn't the doctor, Maya is. "there we go, good girl" Kakucho murmurs, screwing the cap of the bottle back on and then putting it on the bedside table
Maya looks like she's out of it. No, she definitely is. Her eyes are closed and her breathing is shallow. She was wearing shorts and one of Mikey's silk pyjama shirts as it was the only material that wasn't irritating her back that was filled with first-degree burns from the hot wax Izana poured on her back yesterday night. Kakucho sighs and brushes Maya's bangs away from her eyes. "Turn around, let me see your back"
Maya turns around in a lazy fashion and Kakucho can't help but sigh once again seeing she wasn't unbuttoning her shirt. He reaches around her and starts unbuttoning her shirt. Maya winces when his chest brushes against her back "Sorry, sweetheart, sorry" Kakucho murmurs, the petname slips out without knowing
He unbuttons her shirt all the way then pulls it off the rounds of her shoulders and moves back to see the burns. She's sitting crossed-legged and kind of hunched over, Kakucho can clearly see all the places Izana had poured the wax. Starting from the base of her neck and trailing all the way down her spine to the small of her back are red irritated trails. There are small red dots on the backs of her ribs and more trails on her ribs. It's only first-degree burns but they obviously hurt. "rate your pain" Kakucho asks
"0 out of 10" Maya mumbles
He raises his brow. He can't see what face she's making right now so it's hard to tell what she means. "huh?"
"do not recommend"
Oh my god. How could she be like this right now? "You're insufferable" Kakucho mutters, pulling out a tube of burn cream
Gently squeezing a dollop of cream onto his fingertips, Kakucho applies it to Maya's burns with tender care, his touch light and soothing. Maya winces occasionally, but she doesn't protest, allowing him to tend to her injuries without complaint. Kakucho decides to ignore the hickeys on her lower back and the teeth marks on her shoulder in favour of saving her and himself from embarrassment and an unwanted conversation. As he works, he can't help but notice the subtle tremors running through Maya's body, a sign of the withdrawal symptoms she's battling alongside her physical injuries. "How are you feeling?" Kakucho asks softly, his voice filled with genuine concern as he continues to apply the cream
He knows that the pain from the burns is just one aspect of her suffering, with the withdrawal symptoms adding an additional layer of torment to her ordeal. Maya's response is a weak murmur, her words barely audible as she struggles to articulate her thoughts amidst the haze of discomfort and pain. With a sigh, Kakucho continues to apply the cream, his movements gentle and deliberate as he works to alleviate Maya's pain as much as possible. Gently guiding Maya, Kakucho helps her shift onto her stomach, ensuring that she's positioned comfortably on the bed. He fluffs up the pillows beneath her chest, providing extra support to ease the strain on her back. "Here, let's get you settled," Kakucho murmurs, his voice a soothing presence amidst the turmoil of Maya's pain and discomfort
She isn't wearing a bra and if this weren't a completely different situation, Maya probably would have been really uncomfortable but right now, it didn't matter. Kakucho fully removes the silk shirt from her arms and hangs it on the edge of the headboard. "comfortable?" he asks
Maya nods weakly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Kakucho," she murmurs, her gratitude evident in her eyes as she gazes up at him.
Kakucho offers her a gentle smile, his heart swelling with a mixture of tenderness and concern for her well-being. He brushes a stray strand of hair away from her face, his touch light and reassuring. Kakucho gently runs his fingers through Maya's hair, his touch tender and comforting as he watches over her. "Does anything else hurt, Maya?" he asks softly, his voice infused with genuine concern
Maya shifts slightly, her movements slow and deliberate as she tries to find a comfortable position. "My legs... they're sore," she murmurs, her words slurred with exhaustion and discomfort
Kakucho gets off the floor and sits on the bed by her feet and starts massaging her legs. As Kakucho's fingers glide along Maya's legs, he applies just the right amount of pressure, his touch firm yet gentle. With each knead and stroke, he focuses on releasing the tension that has built up in her muscles, working methodically from her ankles upward. He can't shake the guilt gnawing at him, knowing that she's endured so much pain and suffering.He wants to apologize to her, to beg for her forgiveness, but the words stick in his throat like bitter bile. How could he face her after what he's done, after the role he played in her torment? He wishes he hadn't intervened, wishes he hadn't pleaded with Izana to spare her life. Maybe then she wouldn't be lying here, broken and battered, her spirit all but crushed beneath the weight of her pain.
Maya didn't deserve any of this. She was an innocent caught in the crossfire of their twisted world, a pawn in a game she never asked to play. And yet, here she is, paying the price for his mistakes.
Death would have been a merciful release compared to the agony she's enduring now. But Kakucho knows he can't undo the past, can't erase the scars that mar her body and soul. All he can do is offer what little comfort he can, hoping against hope that it's enough to ease her suffering, if only for a fleeting moment.
As Kakucho's skilled hands glide along Maya's tired limbs, he focuses intently on the task at hand. With practiced precision, he applies just the right amount of pressure, his fingers kneading away the knots of tension that have accumulated in her muscles. Her skin is soft against his calloused hands. Each stroke is deliberate, each movement purposeful, as he works to ease the discomfort that plagues her. With each pass, he can feel the tightness gradually give way, the knots unravelling beneath his touch. He pays close attention to Maya's reactions, adjusting his technique accordingly to ensure her comfort. As he works his way up from her ankles, he can't help but marvel at the resilience of the human body, the way it responds to the healing power of touch. Despite the weight of guilt that hangs heavy on his shoulders, Kakucho finds solace in the simple act of offering Maya some measure of relief. He knows that he can't undo the pain she's endured, but in this moment, he's determined to do everything in his power to ease her suffering. "this okay?" Kakucho asks her
"hm..." Maya hums sleepily
This isn't his first rodeo with withdrawal. He hoped with Izana it would be the last but he really didn't expect to be taking care of Izana's hostage after that whole shitshow. Kakucho eyes drift upwards to her thighs. Her legs are slightly spread and on her inner thighs, he can see hickeys. Kakucho feels like he's 15 again, flushing at the sight of girls with hickeys on their necks stumbling out the Haitanis and Izana's rooms, picking up Mikey from some random girl's house, looking away from Shion who's got a girl in his lap— don't get Kakucho wrong, he's slept with girls before. A bunch actually just... Pretty girls like Maya made him weak.
That and the fact that she looked like and acted a little like—
Kakucho doesn't want to think about that right now. "Hey, what are you doing?"
He goes stiff and looks at the door where Mikey is standing with his arms crossed over his chest. There is this obsessive look in his eyes and it makes Kakucho sick. Kakucho's heart skips a beat as he's caught off guard by Mikey's sudden appearance. He quickly pulls his hands away from Maya's legs, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up his neck. "I, uh... Just trying to help her relax," he stammers, his voice betraying his unease.
No doubt the entire thing looked scandalous. Maya's laying on her front with no shirt on and Kakucho is massaging her legs. Okay, maybe it wasn't that scandalous but still. It was embarrassing to be caught by Mikey like this. Maya's voice, barely above a whisper, cuts through the tension-filled air. "Mikey..." she murmurs, her eyes fluttering open as she reaches out towards him
Kakucho's hands freeze in mid-air as Maya's soft voice pulls him out of his thoughts. He watches silently as Mikey's expression softens at the sound of her voice, a flicker of concern crossing his features. Mikey walks over and kneels next to her on the floor, running his fingers through her hair. Kakucho takes that as his queue to leave and slides off the bed. Mikey kisses her forehead. There is a slight anger he feels as he watches Maya let Mikey touch and caress her like he is her lover.
But it wasn't because he was jealous.
It was out of disappointment.
"what's all this stuff for anyway?" Mikey asks as Maya uses a dropper from a tiny glass bottle to apply some kind of solution to his face
They're the bathroom. The mirror is fogged with steam from the shower. Mikey has a towel wrapped around his hips and Maya has one wrapped around her chest beneath her arms, their hair damp, sticking to their necks. She's sitting on the counter and Mikey is standing between her knees, hands on her bare thighs as he gazes into her eyes with an emotion that looks like love. "hydration" Maya tells him, using the tips of her fingers to rub in water solution she put on his face into his skin "we've got the same skin type so my products work for you too"
Mikey simply hums at her answer and lets his eyes fall shut as she works the product into his skin. When he opens his eyes, he's got a soft smile playing on his lips. MIkey admires her for a while as she works the same product into her own skin, using delicate motions and pressure. "You're beautiful..." He says quietly, thumbs rubbing circles into her bare thighs
Maya's cheeks burn with a rosy hue as Mikey's words catch her off guard. She averts her gaze, feeling suddenly bashful under his admiring stare. "Oh, uh, thank you," she mumbles, her voice soft and barely audible.
Mikey's smile softens at her reaction, his thumb continuing its gentle caress on her thigh. He tilts his head slightly, studying her with affectionate eyes. "You don't have to be shy, Maya," he reassures her, his voice warm and reassuring. "I mean every word I say."
Maya's heart flutters at his sincerity, a warmth spreading through her chest. She steals a glance at him, her lips curling into a shy smile. "you're pretty" Mikey says again, pressing a light peck to her lips
"I'm pretty?" She repeats
"The prettiest"
For some reason, being called pretty felt a lot nicer than beautiful. It was a weird way to think but, Maya liked it. Although Mikey did call her both, pretty and beautiful, so she was happy. "now what other little skincare thing you have left to do?" He asks, looking at her as if she was something precious
Looking at Maya like she was the only thing in the world looking at, looking at her like— like how Maya wished Chifuyu would look at her. For a moment she's snapped back to reality. She was in a beach house in the middle of nowhere, being drugged and tortured, with a bunch of gangsters that had Japan under their boot and now she had just showered with said gang's leader.
How fucking great.
Mikey seems to notice her change in mood and he frowns. "Hey, baby. You 'kay?"
Maya just nods. Her heart beats fast, her mouth suddenly feels dry and her head is hurting again. As Mikey's question hangs in the air, Maya's mind whirls with a flurry of conflicting emotions. She forces a smile, attempting to mask the turmoil brewing within her, but her facade feels paper-thin against the weight of her thoughts. "Yeah, I'm okay..." she replies, her voice sounding unconvincing even to her own ears.
Mikey's concerned gaze lingers on her, his brows furrowing with worry. "You sure?" he asks softly, his thumb gently tracing circles on the back of her hand.
Despite the tenderness in his touch, Maya can't shake the feeling of unease settling in the pit of her stomach. She inhales deeply, attempting to quell the rising tide of anxiety threatening to overwhelm her. "Yeah, just... a bit tired, I guess" she mumbles, her words feeling hollow even as they leave her lips "my head hurts"
Mikey's expression softens, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. "Alright, let's get you to bed then" he murmurs, his voice a soothing balm against her frayed nerves
They dry their hair and get dressed and Mikey leads her to bed. She's stiff as she lays there in his arms. Mikey is rubbing her back probably thinking her unease was because of the withdrawal. The burns on her back healed fairly quickly with constant care and now all that was left was the migraines she got from the withdrawal. She didn't feel like dying but swallowing a bullet seemed much more appealing at times. But the withdrawal wasn't the problem here, it was the fact that Mikey had made her completely forget she was being held against her will. The fact that she had been too caught up making love with Japan's most ruthless gangster, she forgot where she was.
Mikey's gentle ministrations soothe the tension in her muscles, but beneath the surface, Maya's mind churns with a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. She knows she should feel grateful for his care, for the semblance of normalcy he brings to her tumultuous existence. Yet, with each tender touch, a wave of guilt washes over her, threatening to drown her in its suffocating embrace. "Mikey" She whispers, looking up at him
They're both lying on their sides, her head on his bicep. "Hm?" he asks, brushing a finger away from her forehead
Maya's gaze meets Mikey's, finding a warmth that envelops her like a soft blanket on a cold night. His eyes, pools of understanding and compassion, seem to hold her entire world within their depths. But no, she couldn't melt again. "C-could..." She pauses, not sure how to word her question
"It's fine, tell me" Mikey encourages
So Maya takes a deep breath and asks "can you tell Izana to let me go?"
Mikey's expression shifts, a flicker of uncertainty dancing across his features before being masked by a carefully crafted facade. Maya senses the tension in the air, a palpable silence that hangs between them like a heavy curtain. "I..." Mikey begins, his voice trailing off as he searches for the right words.
He hesitates, his gaze flickering away from Maya's for a moment before returning, filled with a mixture of concern and conflict. "Maya, you know it's not that simple," he finally responds, his tone gentle yet tinged with a hint of resignation. "Izana... he's not someone you can just ask favours from."
Maya's heart sinks at his words, a wave of disappointment crashing over her like a relentless tide. She had hoped, perhaps naively, that Mikey would be able to intervene on her behalf, to offer her a glimmer of freedom amidst the suffocating confines of her captivity. But now, faced with the harsh reality of their situation, she feels a sense of despair wash over her, threatening to drown her in its depths. "But... But you're the leader are you not?" Maya whispers quietly, a dejected look on her face "You're the leader of Tokyo Manji Gang, not... him"
Mikey nods and presses a kiss to her forehead. "Yes I am the leader but Izana is my older brother... And because he is older, he tends to abuse that. I am leader but my brother is older"
Maya's heart sinks further at his words, a heavy sense of disillusionment settling over her like a suffocating blanket. She had clung to a sliver of hope, however naive, that Mikey's leadership might offer her some semblance of protection from Izana's grasp. But as the truth unravels before her, she realizes the bitter reality of their familial dynamics, the hierarchy that reigns even within the Tokyo Manji Gang. The weight of Mikey's confession hangs in the air, casting a shadow over their already dire circumstances. Maya struggles to process the implications of his revelation, grappling with the cruel irony of their situation. The leader of the gang is unable to protect her from his own brother's tyranny. As Mikey's lips brush against her forehead in a tender gesture, Maya's heart aches with a profound sense of loss. The fleeting comfort of his touch offers little solace in the face of the insurmountable odds stacked against them. "I'm sorry, Maya," Mikey whispers, his voice tinged with remorse. "I wish I could change things, but... but I'm bound by more than just my position."
"oh..." Is all Maya is able to say
In response, Mikey simply wraps his arms around her, holding her tight against his chest. His embrace is a silent comfort, offering solace in the midst of her despair. There are no words spoken, but the warmth of his embrace speaks volumes, reassuring Maya that she is not alone in her struggle. "for now let's focus on helping you get better" He murmurs gently "Most of the withdrawal symptoms are gone, you look like a lot better too... Just having headaches yeah?"
Maya nods weakly against Mikey's chest, grateful for his understanding and support. "Yeah, just headaches" she admits, her voice barely above a whisper.
The throbbing ache in her head feels like a relentless drumbeat, a constant reminder of the turmoil she's endured. Mikey brushes a gentle hand through her hair, his touch soothing against her skin. "We'll figure it out" he assures her softly, his words a balm to her battered soul.
She buries her face into his chest again, trying to blink back her tears. It had been 4 or 5 days since that whole thing with Izana. Her back was healed and she was recovering pretty quickly from the withdrawals. So she should have been here for about 2 and a half weeks? Right? Maya isn't too sure but that's what she thinks. She shifts her head and looks at the double doors in front of the bed. The sun is shining, it's a nice day out. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore is faint but soothing. Maybe it was the view that really made her feel better. Had she been locked in some shitty hospital like Izana was, even she would take 2 months to recover. "hey" Mikey tells her
She looks up at him with eyes filled with tears. Mikey sighed and shifted their positions so she was now lying on her back and Mikey hovering over her. He's putting most of his weight onto her hips and thighs like he usually does. "I feel like I'm hurting you when you look at me like that..." he murmured, pressing his forehead against hers
There is so much she wants to say. So many things she wants to tell him but can't. "You're not hurting me, Mikey," she ends up saying, her voice trembling with emotion. "It's just... everything. It's been a lot."
Mikey's gaze softens, his eyes reflecting the depth of his love and understanding. He leans into her touch, seeking solace in the warmth of her presence. "I know, sweetheart," he murmurs, his breath mingling with hers. "But we'll get through this together, okay? You and me."
There was an overwhelming silence that lingered between them. Maya didn't have anything to say and Mikey didn't seem to want to continue this either. Finally, Mikey leaned in for a gentle and slow kiss, a hand next to her head, holding himself up over her all the while coaxing Maya wordlessly through the affectionate kiss. Maya sighed, she knew Mikey wasn't the best at expressing his emotions despite being devoted to catering to her emotions— or whatever Mikey's version of catering to her emotions was.
After pulling away, Mikey wrapped her arms around him and dug her face into his neck, feeling utterly defeated. "I'm sorry" she muttered into his neck, not really knowing what she was apologizing for
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Maya," he murmurs, his voice tender against her ear, lips brushing against her skin with each word. "You're going through a lot right now, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed."
He presses a chaste kiss to her neck and then rolls off her. "Let's get you to sleep, hm... You need rest"
Maya nods faintly in agreement, her exhaustion weighing heavily upon her. She allows Mikey to guide her into a comfortable position, curling up beside her as she sinks into the welcoming embrace of sleep. Despite the turmoil raging within her mind, the rhythmic sound of Mikey's steady breathing beside her serves as a lullaby, soothing her frayed nerves and offering a fleeting sense of peace amidst the chaos of their circumstances.
As sleep begins to claim her, Maya finds herself clinging to the fleeting hope that Mikey's promise of finding a way out will ring true.
Something's pressing her, suffocating her. Not to the point of being unable to breathe, but discomforting. Maya hated this. What's happening?
What's—
"Izana?" her eyes glazed over, heavy with sleep when she pried them open to the sight of a blurry figure, dark in the moonlit bedroom.
Her eyes cleared out to the familiar outlines of Izana's broad frame, hovering over her, his face hidden in the shadows of the moon. When she tried shifting up on her elbows, she couldn't lift a finger. Both her wrists pinning above her head, Izana holding them both in one of his hands, caging her in. Sirens went off in her head. "Izana," she slurred out, sleep bleeding out of her head in urgency.
Even in the darkness, Izana's irises were a ring of lavender, glimmering and predatory in the dim lighting of the room, illuminated by the bright white moon staring at them through the window in its full glory. Maya's goosebumps broke out. "For a child, you're quite lovely," Izana says, smiling "I don't think anyone I have met in all my time on earth has been so sweet to me... I wonder if you taste as good as you are"
Maya thinks she might throw up or scream or something— because what the fuck was going on? Mikey had left earlier due to some work in Osaka and oh man had she known Izana was here she would have pleaded for Mikey to stay. "You're so easy on the eyes bunny..." he murmured, brushing her hair away from her eyes
This was terrifying. This is the first time she's facing Izana while not under the influence of some drugs or going through withdrawal since he abducted her. "You...what is this?" She whimpered out, hoping he was just going to scare the shit out of her and leave
"To put your faith in a low-life creature like Manjiro. How kind of you bunny," Izana said, feigning innocence over Maya's demands. The corner of his lips curled up into a smirk. Menacing. "How naïve."
"Wh-What?" Maya whimpered out, not understanding what he meant
"Manjiro has done all this work to get you to let him in. I must say I'm a little jealous" Izana murmurs "He did it so easy by being fake about his intentions... Lying to you... While I... I've been being truthful this entire time"
"What're you going to do?" Maya dodged, fighting back the lump threatening to crawl out of her throat and chest as her heart broke and shattered underneath her captor
Mikey was lying to her about something. Something? What? Her head feels like a mess still despite having recovered from the withdrawal almost completely. Izana dove down and kissed her, taking Maya off-guard. The struggle she put in was minuscule compared to the sheer amount of power Izana exuded from just pressing her down with a single hand, she kicked and thrashed but Izana didn't budge, undeterred. Like Maya's attempts were nothing but mere swats of flies. Izana ripped away, eyes widening a fraction. Maya's chest heaved with huge gulps of breath, teary from the assault upon her. Izana's tongue poked out to swipe over her lower lip. Maya whimpered, feeling horrible. Izana grinned at her. It wasn't like she didn't know he was fucking evil.
Maya had no reason not to believe Izana. After all, he had been truthful to her about what he wanted from her the entire time.
A sick type of revenge.
Punishment for something she wasn't even aware of.
"This isn't fair... I didn't know" Maya tried standing her ground despite being held down like this.
Her will was slipping, she was grasping on loose sand at this point. But she won't give in. She couldn't. "I didn't do anything Izana! I didn't know!"
"Of course, you didn't, bunny" Izana says with a laugh, pressing more of his weight down onto her to keep her still "I don't care though"
His words hang heavy in the air, suffocating her with the weight of his twisted intentions. Despite her desperate protests, she knows that Izana's ruthless resolve leaves little room for mercy or redemption. With each passing moment, Maya's sense of helplessness grows, her heart pounding with fear and uncertainty. Trapped beneath Izana's relentless hold, she feels the walls closing in around her, suffocating her with the harsh reality of her captivity. Despite her attempts to reason with him, she knows that Izana's twisted sense of justice leaves no room for mercy. "Please, Izana, let me go," Maya pleads, her voice trembling with desperation while she continues to try and free her wrists from Izana's grasp "I won't tell anyone about this, I swear."
Izana's laughter rings out once more, cold and merciless. "Oh, little bunny, you don't seem to understand," he sneers, his grip tightening around her wrists
Tears well up in Maya's eyes as she realizes the depth of Izana's depravity. "You're sick," she whispers, her voice barely above a whimper.
Izana's smile widens into a cruel grin. "Perhaps," he replies, his eyes gleaming with malice. "But not as sick as Manjiro"
It still confuses her. Why is he saying that? Just what did Mikey lie to her about? As if sensing her turmoil, Izana leans in closer, his breath hot against her ear. "You think Manjiro is your saviour, bunny," he murmurs, his voice dripping with venom. "But he's nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing."
Maya's heart pounds in her chest, her thoughts spinning wildly. She wants to believe that Mikey is different, and that he truly cares for her, but Izana's words plant seeds of doubt in her mind. Could she have been so blind? So naïve? Maya watches Izana pull out his phone and then play a video, putting the screen in front of her face. It was from the news, dated 2 weeks ago. "A body has been found near the docks of Yokohama pier in a car that was set to blaze. Police identified the body as newly graduated psychiatrist, Kaneko Maya, ruled as a suicide as a note was found on the scene. Kaneko had been missing for the 2 and a half weeks and—"
Maya's heart drops. "W-What?" she whispers as the clip continues to play
She was dead. She'd be declared dead. She thinks she might throw up. If she was declared dead that meant no one was looking for her. Maya thinks she might as well actually be dead. "Y-You did this..." Maya chokes out, trying not to sob
Izana giggles like she said something funny. "Not me... Manjiro"
Maya's mind races, trying to make sense of the betrayal she's just witnessed. She can't shake the feeling of betrayal, the sense of being utterly abandoned. The weight of it all threatens to crush her spirit, leaving her feeling hollow and lost. "He got a call from Chifuyu one day... The same day you and him were out playing in the ocean like a bunch of children. Chifuyu asked his precious Mikey-kun for help with looking for you"
Chifuyu was... Looking for her?
"Of course, Manjiro had other plans," Izana says with a laugh "He wanted to keep you. I don't blame him though... You're so pretty, bunny... Even I wanted to keep you"
Maya's mind reels at the revelation, her heart torn between disbelief and despair. Chifuyu was searching for her all along, yet Mikey chose to betray her trust and keep her captive. The realization hits her like a tidal wave, leaving her feeling battered and broken. Tears blur Maya's vision as she struggles to process the magnitude of Mikey's betrayal. How could he have deceived her so thoroughly, leading her to believe in a false sense of security while he orchestrated her captivity? The pain cuts deep, slicing through her already fragile heart like a knife. That meant it wasn't because Izana was older that Mikey couldn't tell him to let her go— it was because Mikey wanted to keep her here too. But she's barely even able to process this when Izana presses all his weight down onto her at once. "I wonder," Maya's breath hitched when Izana dropped down, grazing his teeth across the skin of her neck "How much will it take for you to break..."
In one moment Maya was glaring at the back of Izana's hair, trying not to cry, fearing for her life, a moment of stillness with the waves of cold breath against Maya's neck. "I don't think it would be much since I know how fragile that mind of yours is"
In the next, she's flipped onto her front.
So Izana takes her. Forcing it on her. Not that it mattered to him but it did to her. It was the first time she was in her right mind when Izana did this. The room is spinning as Maya is flipped onto her back again, dizzy and drunk from all the overwhelming feelings, throat is scratchy after screaming and crying for help that never came. He's drilling his hips down on Maya, deeper and punching the breath out of her and choking on her spit.
Somewhere along the way, Maya hadn't noticed Izana had released her wrists, the skin there throbbing from having been constricted of blood supply for so long. Only coming to realize when Izana lifted her up by the small of her back to press against his chest, her fragile little body in his lap now, swallowing her cries and letting her scratch the skin of his back, a small attempt of refusal or a distraction from the overwhelming sensations she's experiencing, weakened by time.
Maya tasted her own blood as she cried into his chest, her head feeling like it was stuffed full of compact cotton balls, her mind swirling but not numb to the pain. This is wrong. It hurts, hurts so much she feels like she can't breathe properly.
But the pleasure is undeniable. The gratifying surges of electricity at every thrust Izana gives her grow intoxicating, overwhelming her to the point if this were in a very contrasting setting, she would have loved it, craved it.
But it's not. This is Izana growling into her ear, dragging his teeth threateningly over her jugular and drawing out whimpers and cries from Maya's trembling lips, his every touch leaving burning trails and deep indigo bruises all over her skin. Maya put a hand over her eyes, crying into it as the other scratched at his back and shoulders. "Do it," Izana tempts and lays her body back onto the bed, still connected
"No..." Maya hiccups as Izana pried her hands away from her face, intertwining their fingers deliberately and pinning them to the bed.
Maya tried facing away, but Izana yanked her face forward, smashing their lips together and she could only take what was given to her. "Please," Maya blinks through her tears, fat droplets wetting her cheeks like soaked sheets. "Stop it. End this."
"Come for me," Izana replies, his teeth baring deadly "Bunny..."
Maya caved in with a cry, body convulsing underneath Izana's weight as she released, Izana leading her through the hazy fog in her head with soft words, encouraging if she will. "That's it, that's it... Good girl... my pretty bunny"
Her legs fall slack beside Izana's waist, Izana hitching them back up at his hips as he picks up pace once again. Maya's body follows in the rhythm of Izana's hips, dragged over the sheet and the friction burns the skin of her back, yet she could only let out shuddery moans and whimpers in response when feeling something warm and wet spilling into her. Overstimulated and overwhelmed, Maya cried even harder this time. It felt good yet it hurt so bad.
Maya's consciousness almost slips away, blurry from exhaustion. "Take me, Maya," Izana allures, cheekbones glistening with sweat from the moonlit, using her name for the first time after a long time "Accept me, and you will be granted with everything you desire in this world."
"No," affirmative despite the shakiness in her voice.
Maya's eyes still burn with profound hurt and betrayal as they glare at him. Izana's face darkens, his aura wafting out of him in waves of death, instilling fear further inside Maya even in her subconsciousness. "Just take whatever that is given to you like a good girl."
At this, Maya is shocked, the phrase bringing back memories. Maya sees herself being alone as a child, the isolation from her peers as the whereabouts of her family circulated the town— the death of her father, her mother's suicide and Maya's own attempt. Growing up without friends and without any love— Chifuyu rejects her after taking her virginity, being betrayed by Mikey.
Only being able to take what was given to her and unable to ask for more.
Maya understands the whole point of this memory walk is to accentuate the very aspect that had shaped her into who she is now: lonely. Misunderstood. The unwanted child simply was taken away from her home and became a plaything for two eccentric monsters.
An unwanted starving stray dog that begged for love like it was food.
Maya cries, pressing balled-up fists to her eyes in hopes of stopping the rewind of her memories. It was stupid. Why was this happening now of all times? Why and how was Izana able to evoke such emotion in her? "That first night you joined Sunshine Grove, you were just there, in your scrubs and white coat with no safety precautions taken like the other doctors and nurses. I could have easily taken you, overturned you. Made you mine," Izana softly says. Maya feels his icy cold fingers stroking her cheeks, flicking away her tears. "Why did I go through all those troubles just to bring you here?"
It's like Izana is talking to himself rather than questioning her. How should she know? What's gotten him so fixated on Maya that he's willing to go to this length to be accepted? "I want you to want me," he whispers into her ear
"Don't you want to have someone with you, at all times? To be there for you no matter the situation?" Izana peels her hands away, and caresses her face with a gentleness void of the callousness and aggression from before, yet the tears trickle down Maya's cheeks like a river.
A solid proof of how affected she is still by her past, however, he even knows about any of it. "You won't ever have to be lonely. Ever again."
Izana sees right through her, sees the cracks in her armor that she's fought so hard to conceal. It's as if he knows the depths of her pain, the scars that mar her soul, and he's using them against her. "What do you want from me," Maya demands, lips wobbling because she can't take this anymore.
This heartache, the pain.
"I want you to surrender," he murmurs, his voice dripping with a sinister allure. "I want you to give yourself to me completely, body and soul. I want to possess you in every sense of the word."
"All of you," Izana says, truthfully, angrily as he whispers against her mouth, his breath hot against her skin, carrying the weight of his insatiable hunger "I want all of you."
So Maya succumbs.
Izana pushed back in. Gentler this time. He let Maya wrap her arms around him, crying into his neck, legs going around his middle. "How cute" he cooed, using one hand to caress her side
He leaned down and kissed her, tongue slipping into her mouth. This time it was softer. He pulled away, a string of saliva connecting their lips. "gonna make you feel so good Maya" he murmured, picking up the pace of his hips "my pretty little bunny"
His hands went up and down her body, pressing into bruises and making new ones. He suddenly drilled his hips into her again. Her nails scratched his back whimpering louder as the pressure in her body returned. "Will you be mine sweetheart?" He peppered kisses to her shoulders "I promise to take care of you"
"I'll be yours"
[END SCENE]
"Do you know how long you've been here?" Kakucho asks as he patches up the bloody bite mark on Maya's left shoulder
She's barely consious, not even mentally there in the room with him. Was it possible for someone to be such a mess after sex? Apparently yes. She doesn't even think she felt this way after sleeping with Chifuyu or after Mikey. Why is it that everytime after after Izana she feels like she's been through absolute hell? "U-Um..." Maya tries to think for a moment "2... 2 and a half weeks"
Maya wants to go to sleep but Kakucho wasn't letting her. "Wrong. You've been here for a month"
That wakes her up. "W-What?"
Maya's mind races as she struggles to comprehend Kakucho's words. A month? Had she truly been trapped in this nightmare for that long? The realization hits her like a physical blow, leaving her feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. "I-I don't understand..." Maya stammers, her voice trembling with disbelief. "How could it have been a month?"
Kakucho's expression is grim as he meets her gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of sympathy and unease. "Time flies when you're not having fun," he murmurs, his tone laced with bitterness. "You were out cold for most of it, thanks to the drugs Izana kept pumping into you... Izana and Mikey"
Maya's heart sinks at the revelation, a cold knot of dread settling in the pit of her stomach. The thought of losing entire chunks of time to Izana's cruel machinations and Mikey's obsession fills her with a sense of profound horror. How many moments had she missed? How much had she suffered while trapped in the depths of her drug-induced haze? As the weight of the truth sinks in, Maya's mind races with a million unanswered questions. How had she lost track of time so completely? A bout of hopelessness overcomes her. A month. She missed an entire 2 weeks. No she forgot two weeks. Her memory of it wasn't there. "Listen... I didn't ask Izana to spare you just so you can fuck Mikey and pretend everything is okay" Kakucho says bluntly
Maya's heart lurches at Kakucho's words, his blunt honesty cutting through the haze of confusion and despair that surrounds her. His words are like a cold splash of water, jolting her out of her stupor and forcing her to confront the harsh reality of her situation. "I-I didn't..." Maya stammers, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never wanted any of this..."
But even as the words leave her lips, she knows they ring hollow. She had willingly offered herself up to Izana, believing his promises of protection and salvation. She had chosen to trust Mikey, to believe that he was different from the monsters that surrounded her. And now, faced with the consequences of her choices, Maya feels a crushing weight of guilt settle over her like a suffocating blanket. "I'm sorry..." she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion. "I'm so sorry..."
Kakucho sighs as he puts the last piece of medical tape on the gauze, securing it to the wound. He buttons Izana's red silk shirt she was wearing back up and says "It's not me you should be apologizing to... It's yourself"
Maya's heart clenches at Kakucho's words, his gentle admonishment piercing through the fog of her self-pity. She knows he's right. She had been too quick to trust, too eager to believe in the possibility of salvation amidst the darkness that surrounded her. "Listen to me, Maya" Kakucho says lowly, barely above a whisper as if fearing someone else would hear him
He cups her cheeks and forces her to look at him. "I know you feel really fucking helpless and I shouldn't even be helping you right now but..." He pauses again and sighs " I know someone who got away from Mikey long ago and hasn't been caught since"
Kakucho stares at her. Bright blue eyes, pale skin, faint freckles, curly hair. Fucking hell they were almost the same. Almost. "He was weak as hell, couldn't fight for shit but he didn't ever give up..." Kakucho then laughs a little "You got fucking waterboarded and continued to try and run despite the consequences... If it hadn't been for the drugs I think you would have succeeded"
He's encouraging her but Maya doesn't know if she wants to trust him or not. After that whole betrayal with Mikey she feels... Wrong. But then again, she should have expected it from the leader of Tokyo Manjio Gang. Kakucho had been nothing but kind to her this entire time, patching up her wounds, helping her through her withdrawal and other things but... She felt hesitant. This could possibly be a ploy. Izana could have put Kakucho up to this. "If he can get away from Mikey unscathed then you can get away from them both" Kakucho tells her, his thumbs rubbing against her cheekbones "Mikey and Izana..."
Right now, Maya had no reason to trust Kakucho.
Not after everything she'd been through. Kakucho wouldn't help her escape. He wasn't going to betray Izana like that. Right now, he was just giving her encouragement for some reason— just because she reminded him of someone. Maya had no reason to trust him and she wouldn't.
She wasn't a fucking disney princess and Kakucho was far from a prince or a knight in shining armour.
Kakucho was knight of course, but not for her, but for Izana. His armour is dented with the blood of people he's killed for Izana and Maya will not make the mistake of trusting anyone else affiliated with the Tokyo Manji Gang ever again.
She'll escape all on her own—
—even if it entails her demise along the way...
notes: okay so I got all my info for the drug withdrawal care from here. How accurate it is, idk but it's reddit so 🤷♀️ none of the stuff I write I say is accurate, this is all merely for fun. according to my research, no one recovers that fast from addiction(special cases maybe). But yeah, just for fun so don't take any of this seriously.
Gatored is banned in Japan so I searched for an alternate which is Pocari Sweat which is drunk widely in Japan for the same purpose.
I really couldn’t get myself to write the smut detailed for very obvious reasons.
title of this chapter is from the song: i don't smoke by mitski
DEAD GIRL'S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
NINE — spider
"there's an unsettling aura of unpredictability surrounding Mr. Kurokawa as if he's capable of anything given the right circumstances. It's difficult to gauge the extent of his moral compass if he even possesses one at all." —MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: with a drug deal gone awry, and multiple drug rings raided, Izana decides that he and Mikey need to blow off steam.
chapter warnings: dark content 18+, unreliable narrator!maya, stockholm syndrome mentions of suicide, depiction of corpses, blood and gore, character death, funerals, murder, mentions of drugs, police raid, use of weapons, corruption, bribery, mentions of suicide, implied memory loss, implied dissociation, torture, forced drugging, withdrawal symptoms, addiction, vomiting, power imbalance, dehumanization, humiliation, drugged sex, MAJOR dubcon, noncon(tagging this just in case), no prep, unprotected sex, p in v sex, extortion, hickeys, bondage, ruined orgasm, voyeurism, drug use/misuse, fingering, threesome(kinda), making out, unsafe sex, temperature play, waxplay, dacryphilia, sadomasochism, creampie, aftercare, first degree burns
word count: 8455
series masterlist
"Hey pretty" Mikey murmurs as Maya lays her head on his bicep
Calloused fingers brush her bangs away from her forehead and he smiles. Maya's heart fluttered at the softness in Mikey's voice, a stark contrast to the rough exterior he often projected. She shifted closer to him, enjoying the warmth of his body against hers. "Hi" she whispered in response, her voice barely above a breathy murmur
The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room as the two of them lay entwined in each other's arms. Mikey's arm tightened around her waist, pulling her closer to him as he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. The gesture filled Maya's heart with warmth, banishing any lingering doubts or fears that had haunted her during the night. They just had breakfast and showered. Maya didn't think this guy knew how to cook but apparently, he did. As Maya basked in the warmth of Mikey's embrace, she couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquillity wash over her. It starkly contrasted the chaos and uncertainty that had defined her life in recent weeks. With Mikey by her side, the world seemed to slow down, the troubles of yesterday fading into insignificance. It's about 9:30 in the morning. It's... Wednesday? Yes, it's Wednesday. Maya hasn't seen Izana very often recently. Through eavesdropping, she heard about some important deal going on with the Korean mafia that has him occupied. She's more than grateful for that after all. As Maya reveled in the comfort of Mikey's embrace, she found herself drifting into a state of blissful contentment. The weight of the world seemed to lift from her shoulders, replaced by a sense of peace and security that she had longed for since arriving at the beach house. "Hey, you okay?" Mikey's voice broke through her reverie, his concern evident in the furrow of his brow
Maya nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Yeah, I'm good," she reassured him, her voice soft and warm.
Mikey returned her smile, his eyes sparkling with affection. "You know, you're pretty cute when you're all relaxed like this" he teased, his tone light and playful.
Maya's cheeks flushed with warmth at his words, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "shut up" she mumbled
The sound of Mikey's laughter filled the room, echoing off the walls in a joyful symphony. In that moment, Maya felt a surge of gratitude wash over her. Despite everything they had been through, she had found a sense of happiness and belonging in Mikey's arms. As the morning sun streamed through the window, casting a golden glow over the room, Maya couldn't help but feel a sense of serenity wash over her. She shifted slightly in Mikey's embrace, nestling closer to him as if seeking refuge from the outside world. Mikey's fingers traced gentle patterns on her back, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "You know," he murmured, his voice low and husky, "I could get used to waking up like this every day"
Maya's heart skipped a beat at his words, a rush of warmth flooding her chest. She tilted her head up to meet his gaze, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Me too," she admitted softly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips
Their laughter filled the air, mingling with the soft rustle of the sheets as they shifted closer to each other. At that moment, Maya felt a sense of peace settles over her, a quiet reassurance that everything would be okay as long as she had Mikey by her side. Lost in the tranquillity of the moment, Maya's mind drifted to thoughts of the future. She imagined days filled with laughter and shared adventures, where every sunrise brought with it the promise of a new beginning. With Mikey's arm wrapped around her, she felt a sense of security she hadn't known in a long time. But beneath the surface of their idyllic morning, Maya couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease that lingered in the back of her mind. The memory of Izana's ominous presence loomed like a dark cloud on the horizon, threatening to overshadow their newfound happiness. Despite Mikey's reassuring presence, Maya couldn't help but wonder what would happen when Izana inevitably returned. Would their fragile bubble of bliss be shattered, or would they find a way to weather the storm together? For now, Maya pushed aside her worries, choosing instead to focus on the warmth of Mikey's embrace and the love that bound them together. As they lay intertwined in each other's arms, Maya allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, they could carve out their own slice of happiness in a world fraught with uncertainty. "I don't think I've slept this good in years" Mikey admits, pressing his forehead to hers
His words and gestures, once foreign and intimidating, now brought her a sense of comfort and familiarity that she craved. She revelled in the simple pleasures of their daily routines, finding joy in the mundane tasks they shared and the quiet moments they spent together. Mikey's laughter became her melody, his touch her anchor in a sea of uncertainty. As she gazed into Mikey's eyes, she saw not the leader of a dangerous gang, but the man who had offered her solace and protection in a world gone awry. "me too"
And in that moment, Maya found herself falling deeper into the web of Mikey's influence, unaware of the dangerous hold he was gaining over her.
2 whole weeks. Maya had been missing for 2 whole weeks. They found her body in Yokohama. Suicide or maybe an accident as Naoto told Chifuyu. He didn't get to see her body. Naoto said there was nothing to see. Chifuyu didn't think he'd want to see either. The car they had found her in was a rental, taken out under her name. She had booked an apartment in Okinawa apparently. The owner said she was to move in 2 after her body was found. Maybe it wasn't a suicide, maybe it was just an accident, maybe maybe maybe maybe. None of them knew because now Maya was dead. "hey" Mitsuya said to him "eat something"
Chifuyu stared blankly at the array of food laid out before him, his mind consumed by a whirlwind of unanswered questions and lingering doubts. He couldn't bring himself to eat, couldn't even muster the appetite to do so. Maya was gone, and the weight of her absence hung heavy in the air, suffocating him with its crushing finality. "Hey," Mitsuya's voice broke through the haze of Chifuyu's thoughts, pulling him back to the present moment.
He looked up to see Mitsuya's concerned expression, a silent plea mirrored in his eyes. "Eat something" Mitsuya repeated gently once again, his tone tinged with empathy.
Chifuyu forced a small nod, his throat constricting with emotion as he reached for a nearby plate of sushi. The taste of the rice and fish felt foreign and distant, a stark reminder of the emptiness that now permeated his life. Maya should have been here, should have been laughing and joking with them like she always did. But instead, they were gathered in a sombre hall, mourning her untimely passing. As Chifuyu mechanically chewed his food, his gaze drifted to the makeshift altar adorned with Maya's photograph and offerings of flowers and incense. She looked so serene in the picture, her smile frozen in time, forever out of reach. A lump formed in Chifuyu's throat as he struggled to reconcile the vibrant, vivacious Maya he knew with the lifeless image before him. Beside him, Mitsuya offered a supportive pat on the back, a silent gesture of solidarity in their shared grief. But even as Mitsuya's presence provided a semblance of comfort, Chifuyu couldn't shake the nagging feeling of unease that gnawed at his insides. Something about Maya's death didn't sit right with him, didn't add up. "It's gonna be okay Chifuyu" Draken says, resting a heavy hand on his shoulder
The car Maya was found in was burnt to a crisp and so was her body. They identified her through dental records and DNA. Chifuyu nodded numbly at Draken's words, his mind still reeling from the shock of Maya's sudden and tragic demise. The weight of Draken's hand on his shoulder felt both grounding and suffocating, a tangible reminder of the gravity of their loss. "It's gonna be okay, Chifuyu," Draken repeated, his voice tinged with an earnestness that Chifuyu struggled to believe.
How could things ever be okay again when Maya was gone, her vibrant spirit extinguished in a cruel twist of fate?
The details of Maya's death only adds to the surrealness of the situation. The burnt car, the charred remains, the painstaking process of identification—it all felt like a nightmare from which Chifuyu couldn't wake. The reality of Maya's absence loomed large, casting a dark shadow over everything they once held dear. As Chifuyu grappled with the enormity of their loss, a sense of helplessness washed over him, leaving him feeling adrift in a sea of grief and confusion. Maya had been his anchor, his guiding light in the darkness, and now she was gone, leaving behind a void that seemed impossible to fill. He felt like this was all his fault.
Had he not gotten drunk that night with her, had he not slept with her, had he not rejected her, none of this would have happened. She would still be here next to him. As the weight of guilt settled heavily upon Chifuyu's shoulders, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that he was somehow to blame for Maya's tragic fate. The memories of that fateful night replayed in his mind like a relentless loop, each moment etched with painful clarity. "If only..." Chifuyu whispered to himself, his voice barely audible amidst the sombre atmosphere of the funeral hall
If only he had made different choices if only he had been more careful with Maya's fragile heart, if only he had seen the signs of her distress sooner. But dwelling on the what-ifs offered no solace, no redemption for the guilt that gnawed at his soul. Maya was gone, and he was left grappling with the crushing weight of his regrets. His friends offered words of comfort, and assurances that Maya's death was not his fault, but their well-meaning platitudes fell on deaf ears. How could they understand the depth of his guilt, the overwhelming sense of responsibility that consumed him? With a heavy heart, Chifuyu bowed his head in silent prayer, his thoughts a tumultuous whirlwind of grief and remorse.
As Chifuyu remained lost in his thoughts, memories of Maya flooded his mind, each one a painful reminder of the vibrant spirit that had been extinguished far too soon. He remembered her laughter, bright and infectious, and the way her eyes sparkled with mischief whenever she teased him. He recalled their late-night conversations, filled with dreams and aspirations, and the warmth of her presence that always brought him comfort in times of need.
But alongside these cherished memories lurked darker thoughts, haunting reminders of the moments he wished he could erase from his mind. The arguments, the misunderstandings, the pain he had caused her—all of it weighed heavily on his conscience, casting a shadow over their once-budding relationship.
Lost in his reverie, Chifuyu barely noticed as his friends gathered around him, offering silent support in their shared grief. Mitsuya's hand on his shoulder, and Draken's reassuring presence by his side—they were constants in his life, pillars of strength in the face of adversity.
But even their unwavering support couldn't silence the doubts that plagued Chifuyu's mind. Was there something more he could have done to save Maya? Could he have been a better friend?
He had called Mikey. He called and asked for help. Maybe Mikey would help is what he thought. Maybe Mikey would help find Maya with all the connections he had but he couldn't. It was too late now.
As the funeral procession continued, Chifuyu resolved to confront these questions head-on, searching for answers in his heart's depths. For Maya's sake, and for his own, he knew he couldn't afford to dwell in the shadows of regret any longer. "Hey" Kazutora says as they sit outside the memorial hall after the end of the funeral
"hi" Chifuyu says quietly
Kazutora settles down next to Chifuyu, their shoulders almost touching as they sit in solemn silence. The weight of Maya's absence hangs heavy in the air, casting a sombre pall over their surroundings. "You holding up okay?" Kazutora asks, his voice was soft with concern
Chifuyu nods, though the gesture feels hollow. "I'm trying," he replies, his words barely audible above the gentle rustle of the wind.
Kazutora offers a sympathetic smile, a silent acknowledgment of the pain they both share. "It's gonna take time, Chifuyu," he says, his tone gentle yet firm. "But we'll get through this together, alright?"
Chifuyu manages a weak smile in return, grateful for Kazutora's unwavering support. In that moment, amidst the grief and uncertainty, he finds solace in the simple act of companionship, knowing that he doesn't have to face his pain alone. "Yeah," he murmurs, his voice steadier now. "Together"
"Chifuyu. Kazutora" Naoto says walking over to them
Naoto looked just as bad as Chifuyu did. Naoto had been the one to go see Maya's body as he was in the police force. Chifuyu and Kazutora turn to face Naoto, noticing the anger etched in his features as he approaches them. His eyes, usually warm and welcoming, are now clouded with frustration and regret. "Hey, Naoto," Chifuyu greets him cautiously, sensing the tension in the air.
Naoto's jaw tightens as he nods curtly in response, his gaze flickering between Chifuyu and Kazutora. "I'm sorry I missed the funeral," he says tersely, his voice laced with bitterness.
Chifuyu's expression softens with understanding, recognizing the turmoil Naoto must be grappling with. "It's okay, Naoto," he assures him gently, reaching out a comforting hand.
Kazutora offers a nod of agreement, his expression sympathetic. "We know you had your reasons," he adds, his tone reassuring.
Naoto's shoulders tense with the weight of his emotions, his fists clenching at his sides. "I should have been there," he mutters, his voice heavy with regret.
Chifuyu places a reassuring hand on Naoto's shoulder, offering him a small smile of understanding. "We understand, Naoto," he says softly. "We're just glad you're here now."
Kazutora noticed Naoto was in a different outfit than usual. He's wearing all black with a bulletproof vest on top and a body cam on. He's wearing black fingerless gloves and his gun strapped to his side. Was he going on a raid? The stark contrast to Naoto's usual attire is impossible to ignore, and Kazutora can't help but wonder what has prompted this sudden change. "Naoto, what's with the getup?" Kazutora asks, his tone cautious as he gestures to the equipment Naoto is wearing.
Naoto's expression remains stoic as he meets Kazutora's gaze, his jaw set with determination. "It's... work-related," he replies cryptically, his voice tight with tension.
Kazutora's frown deepens at Naoto's evasive response, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach. He knows Naoto's line of work often involves danger, but something about the situation feels off. "Is everything okay?" Chifuyu interjects, his voice tinged with concern as he observes the exchange between Kazutora and Naoto.
Naoto hesitates for a moment before offering a terse nod. "Yeah, everything's fine," he replies, though the tension in his voice betrays his words.
Kazutora exchanges a glance with Chifuyu, a silent exchange of concern passing between them. Whatever Naoto is involved in, it's clear that it weighs heavily on his mind, and Kazutora can't shake the feeling that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. As the tension lingers in the air, Kazutora's gaze shifts to Naoto's gun, his mind racing with questions. He knows better than to pry too deeply into Naoto's affairs, but the sight of the firearm only adds to his unease. "Be careful out there, Naoto," Kazutora says, his voice laced with genuine concern. "Whatever it is you're dealing with, just... watch your back."
Naoto offers a tight-lipped smile in response, a silent acknowledgment of Kazutora's words. "Thanks, Kazu," he says, his tone softened with a hint of gratitude.
With a nod, Naoto turns to leave, the weight of his mission evident in the set of his shoulders as he disappears into the distance in a car waiting for him. Kazutora watches him go, a sense of foreboding settling over him like a heavy shroud. Chifuyu breaks the silence that follows, his voice filled with uncertainty. "What do you think Naoto's up to?" he asks, his eyes fixed on the spot where Naoto had vanished.
Kazutora shakes his head, his expression grim. "I don't know, Chifuyu," he admits, his voice tinged with worry. "But whatever it is, it can't be good."
As Naoto spearheaded the raid on the suspected drug lab, a simmering rage burned within him, fueled by the memory of Maya's untimely demise. The air crackled with tension as he led his team forward, his mind consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. The stench of chemicals assaulted his senses as they breached the door, flooding the dimly lit interior with blinding light. Naoto's grip tightened around his weapon, his knuckles turning white with fury as he surveyed the scene before him. "Freeze! Hands where I can see them!" Naoto's voice boomed, his tone laced with barely restrained anger.
His heart pounded in his chest, each beat a painful reminder of Maya's absence. As chaos erupted around him, Naoto couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right about Maya's death. It gnawed at him, a festering wound that refused to heal. He had failed to protect her, and now he was determined to uncover the truth behind her tragic end. With each step deeper into the drug lab, Naoto's resolve hardened, his anger fueling his determination to seek justice for Maya. He would tear through the lies and deception, no matter the cost, until he unearthed the answers he so desperately sought. But as the raid unfolded, Naoto knew that the road ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty.
Amidst the chaos of the raid, Naoto and his team moved swiftly, their training and experience guiding their every move. The lab was a labyrinth of corridors and rooms, each one potentially hiding danger or evidence of criminal activity. As they advanced, Naoto's senses were on high alert, every sound and movement scrutinized for any hint of resistance. His heart hammered in his chest, a mix of adrenaline and anger coursing through his veins. Suddenly, shouts erupted from one of the adjacent rooms, followed by the unmistakable sound of gunfire. Without hesitation, Naoto and his team rushed toward the commotion, their weapons drawn and ready.
They burst into the room to find a fierce exchange of gunfire between his team and a group of armed thugs, likely members of the Tokyo Manji Gang. Bullets whizzed past them, the air thick with the smell of gunpowder and the acrid scent of smoke. Naoto's training kicked in as he took cover behind a nearby stack of crates, returning fire with precise aim. His heart pounded in his ears as he focused on neutralizing the threat, his mind clear and focused despite the chaos around him. The firefight raged on, each moment fraught with danger as Naoto and his team battled against the criminals.
As the last of the gunmen fell, Naoto's chest heaved with exertion, his body buzzing with adrenaline. The room fell silent save for the faint echoes of their victory, a testament to their skill and resolve in the face of danger. But even as they secured the area and began to gather evidence, Naoto couldn't shake the gnawing sense of unease that lingered within him. Something was wrong. As Naoto scanned the room for any signs of additional threats, his gaze fell upon a group of figures darting towards the exit. Recognition flickered in his mind as he caught sight of Kurokawa Izana, Kisaki Tetta, and Sano Manjiro among them, their faces illuminated by the dim light filtering through the smoke-filled room.
Without a second thought, Naoto's instincts kicked in, his body moving on autopilot as he raised his weapon and gave chase. Naoto remembers Sano Manjiro briefly from his childhood. The man was odd. He always thought Sano Manjiro was a very odd person when he was younger. How could someone so childish lead a gang? Of course, his perception had been wrong as now Sano Manjiro led the largest and most powerful gang in all of Japan.
Despite Naoto's efforts, the trio managed to slip away into the night, disappearing into the shadows before he could catch up to them. Frustration boiled within him as he reached the exit, the sound of their footsteps echoing faintly in the distance. He cursed under his breath, his grip tightening on his weapon as he surveyed the scene before him. The drug lab lay in ruins, evidence of the gang's illicit activities scattered haphazardly amidst the debris. But amidst the chaos, one thought gnawed at Naoto's mind: Maya's death.
Anger flared within him as he realized that the answers he sought were slipping through his fingers once again. He couldn't shake the feeling that her death wasn't an accident or a suicide. It didn't make sense for it to be either, especially since her student loans were paid off.
Naoto's mind raced with possibilities as he made his way through the debris-strewn lab, his senses on high alert. Every clue, every shred of evidence, seemed to point to foul play. Maya's death couldn't simply be brushed aside as a tragic accident or a desperate act. There had to be more to the story. As he sifted through the wreckage, his thoughts turned to Maya's last moments. What had driven her to that fateful decision? What secrets had she been keeping, hidden beneath the surface? Naoto wouldn't rest until he had answers— until he uncovered the truth behind her untimely demise.
He felt so angry. There was just no way. Nothing added up. Her student loans paid off, a new apartment was booked, and the rent for her previous place was paid in full. None of it added up and all his suspicions pointed towards Tokyo Manji Gang.
The day of her resignation at Sunshine Grove Hospital was the same day Kurokawa Izana was supposedly released from there for cocaine addiction and the same day the hospital director disappeared. It could be a major coincidence but his gut said otherwise. There was just no way and Naoto intended to prove it.
"You know, I understand he's Hinata's younger brother but you're not marrying him, you're marrying her. Can't we just get rid of him?" Sanzu mutters in annoyance to Kisaki "Fucking Tachibana organized 8 raids at the same damn time and now we've lost practically all our labs"
Multiple drug labs were raided. 8 in total. Thankfully there was nothing in labs that led back to Tokyo Manji Gang or any of the members but the police weren't fucking idiots to know it would be anyone other than them running this many. It wasn't uncommon for their labs to be raided. But it was usually only 1 or 2 a month, not 8 in one fucking night. "don't overexaggerate Sanzu" Kisaki says lighting himself a cigarette as he drive "We have 15 more"
"15 more, 15 less. Our labs were fucking raided by your stupid future brother-in-law" Sanzu sneers "Did you even confess to Tachibana yet or are you just—"
"First off, fuck off. Don't forget who's the one—"
"Shut the fuck up" Mikey hisses and instantly the entire car is enveloped in silence
Everyone is pissed off. 8 Drug labs raided. All the ones they had in Tokyo were now practically useless. The car is silent minus the sound of Mikey taping his black-painted fingernail against the car window. After minutes of uncomfortable and scary silence, he says "I thought we paid off the commissioner. What the fuck is this shit?" He's really fucking pissed off and it wasn't a good thing when Mikey was pissed
"Yes we did but—" Kokonoi who's sitting next to him starts but Mikey just glares even harder and they all know that any excuse he gives won't be enough
"But what Hajime?" Izana asks Kokonoi
Izana doesn't look angry. No, not the same way as Mikey. In fact, Izana is smiling and half of them resist the urge to shit their pants. "But he wanted more money," Kokonoi says slowly and very hesitantly "I threatened him that if he asked for more we'd expose his corruption but I guess he got too cocky"
Izana and Mikey laugh. It's scary. Had it been years ago, Sanzu probably would have started laughing too but they were no longer 5 and that laughter from Mikey wasn't of a child but an evil spirit. "Get rid of him" Mikey says lowly and no one dares to disagree
The car is enveloped in silence once again till Izana says "Kisaki, drop Mikey, Kakucho and me at the airport and Sanzu book us a flight to Okinawa" Izana says
Kisaki raises a brow and starts heading for the airport. "Haven't you guys been spending too much time there?"
"Just do as you're told Kisaki" Sanzu mutters as he books the flight "Don't question them on this one"
Maya is lying in bed again. It's nothing new. It's been the same since she got here. It had been about a week and 3 days if she was correct. It's Thursday. A week and 3 days since she was abducted from her workplace then tortured by Izana and now 3 days since she slept with Mikey. Maya's body felt heavy, weighed down by the lingering effects of the drugs that had been pumped into her system. Every movement was a struggle, every breath a laborious effort. Withdrawal symptoms ravaged her, leaving her trembling and nauseous, her mind clouded by a thick fog of confusion and despair. This was the second time she hadn't been drugged and now she understands why. This was a new form of torture. Somehow, unknowingly, she got addicted to whatever bullshit concoction Izana was giving her and now she was suffering the aftereffects.
She's going through withdrawal.
Maya's body felt like a leaden weight, each limb heavy and unresponsive as if shackled by invisible chains. The withdrawal symptoms clawed at her from within, relentless in their assault on her senses. Waves of nausea churned in the pit of her stomach, threatening to engulf her in a sea of sickness. Every movement sent jolts of agony coursing through her veins as if her very bones were rebelling against her.
It was sickening and embarrassing. She's a psychiatrist and she's going through withdrawals. She's here fucking dying over the need for more drugs when she treats people for the same thing—
When she treated Izana for the same thing.
A thick fog enveloped her mind, clouding her thoughts and blurring the boundaries between reality and nightmare. Memories of her ordeal with Izana danced on the edges of her consciousness, taunting her with their twisted echoes. The pain, the fear, the degradation—each memory a fresh wound reopening in her psyche. The drugs had wormed their way into her system, poisoning her from within and leaving her helpless in their grip.
Summoning every ounce of strength she could muster, Maya forced herself to sit up, her muscles protesting with every movement. The room spun around her, blurring into a disorienting kaleidoscope of shapes and shadows. She gritted her teeth against the waves of nausea that threatened to overwhelm her, focusing instead on the single-minded determination burning within her.
Slowly, painstakingly, Maya swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet finding uncertain purchase on the cold floor below. Every step was a battle, a testament to her resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. She stumbled forward, her vision swimming as she made her way towards the bathroom. The journey felt endless, each step an eternity of agony and despair. Nausea overwhelms her and her mouth fills with saliva. She reaches the toilet only seconds before she throws up. It's gross. The scent of it makes her gag and she throws up again just from the smell. It's disgusting. She's shaking by the time it's over and barely able to stand. "ew" she mutters as she flushes the toilet
She walks over to the sink and with trembling hands, she reaches for the faucet, splashing cool water onto her face in a desperate bid to quell the inferno raging within her. As the water cascaded over her skin, Maya felt a brief respite from the relentless onslaught of withdrawal. The coolness seeped into her bones, soothing her frayed nerves and offering a fleeting moment of solace amidst the chaos. But she knew it was only temporary, a brief reprieve before the storm descended once more. She brushes her teeth to get rid of the gross scent and taste of vomit in her mouth. Maya searches around the cabinets for painkillers or really anything that will make this feeling go away but there is nothing. All there is the damn smell of vomit in the bathroom and the bedroom. "I hate this" she mutters
It's dark out. She hasn't had anything to eat due to her nausea and now all she can smell is vomit. There is no air freshener in the bathroom but there are candles so she lights up a bunch. setting two in the bathroom and the rest in the master bedroom. This is probably a fire hazard but burning to death sounded way more appealing than continuing to go through withdrawals. She lays back down and stares at the ceiling as the room is now filled with an odd mix of cherry blossom and some kind of citrus smell. The citrus candle had deep red wax and the cherry blossom had light pink. They were quite pretty but if her head didn't hurt so bad she would have probably admired them and the smell. But right now, her head hurts and she's getting cold flushes but also sweating. She doesn't feel good. Maya doesn't feel good at all.
She hates that she wants more drugs.
Maya hates that she needs more.
Despite her inner turmoil and the relentless onslaught of withdrawal symptoms, Maya found herself trembling uncontrollably, her resolve weakening in the face of overwhelming need. With each passing moment, the insidious craving for drugs grew stronger, gnawing at her from within and drowning out the rational voice of resistance. As her head throbbed with agony and cold shivers wracked her body, Maya felt herself teetering on the edge of surrender. The relentless hunger for relief threatened to consume her, driving her to the brink of desperation. Despite her best efforts to resist, the pull of addiction was relentless, drawing her inexorably closer to the abyss.
As Maya succumbed to the relentless grip of withdrawal, her body convulsed with tremors, each shudder sending waves of agony coursing through her veins. The room spun around her in a dizzying whirlwind, her senses overwhelmed by the ceaseless onslaught of nausea and disorientation. A cold sweat broke out across her fevered brow, her skin clammy to the touch as chills wracked her body. With each laboured breath, she felt as though she were suffocating, the air thick and oppressive in her lungs. Her muscles seized with cramps, contorting with spasms of agony that left her writhing in torment.
The torment of withdrawal bore down on her with merciless intensity, stripping away the last vestiges of her strength and resolve. Every fibre of her being screamed out for relief, for respite from the relentless assault on her senses. As Maya lay trembling and wracked with withdrawal symptoms, a dark presence loomed in the doorway, casting a shadow over the room. Izana stood there, his expression a twisted mix of amusement and satisfaction, his eyes glinting with malicious intent. "Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Izana's voice dripped with mock concern as he observed Maya's suffering. "Seems like my little bunny's not feeling too good. Should I take her to the vet?"
Maya's stomach churned with a mixture of fear and anger as she met Izana's gaze. It was his fault she was in this state, his insidious manipulation that had led her down this path of addiction and despair. But beneath the rage, there was also a gnawing sense of helplessness, a realization that she was at his mercy. "You did this to me," Maya whispered, her voice barely above a hoarse murmur "You're the reason I'm like this."
Izana's smirk widened at her accusation, a cruel glimmer in his eyes. "Oh, I'm fully aware of that," he replied, his tone dripping with malice. "But isn't it fascinating to see just how far you've fallen? How easily you've succumbed to your own weaknesses?"
There is a short pause. "Do you want more?" Izana's question hung in the air like a poisonous fog, suffocating her with its implications.
Maya's heart pounded in her chest, torn between the agony of withdrawal and the terror of giving in to Izana's demands. The pain coursing through her veins was unbearable, a relentless torment that threatened to consume her entirely. For a fleeting moment, Maya entertained the thought of relief, of succumbing to the drugs that promised to numb her suffering. But even as the temptation whispered seductively in her ear, she knew deep down that yielding to Izana would only lead to further despair. With trembling hands and a voice barely above a whisper, Maya forced out her response. "No" she choked out
Izana's expression darkened, a glint of irritation flashing in his eyes before a chilling smile swiftly masked it. "Suit yourself" he murmured, his voice dripping with venom as he turned to leave
But the pain gets worse and Maya feels nauseous again. "N-No wait!" she says without thinking
Maya's voice wavered, her resolve crumbling under the weight of her suffering. Every fibre of her being screamed for relief, for escape from the relentless agony that consumed her. Izana's footsteps halted, his form casting a menacing shadow across the room as he turned back to face her. His gaze bore into her with icy intensity, a predatory glint flickering in his eyes. "What is it now?" Izana's tone was tinged with impatience, his patience wearing thin as Maya's desperation reached its peak
Maya's breath came in ragged gasps, her trembling fingers clutching at the sheets as she fought to keep her composure. "I-I..." she stammered, her words faltering as nausea threatened to overwhelm her once more.
Her mind reeled with conflicting emotions, torn between the primal instinct to escape the torment and the sickening allure of the drugs that promised temporary relief. In her moment of weakness, Maya's resolve crumbled, her voice barely a whisper as she uttered the words she knew she would come to regret.
"I... I want more."
How she ended up underneath Izana after that was beyond her. But no, she wasn't just underneath him, their clothes were scattered on the ground and he was bullying his cock into her cunt from behind. Maya's face is pressed into the pillows, her hips in the air and back arched in a way that Izana probably really likes since he keeps smoothing his hand down her spine. "shit your fuckin tight" He groans as he bottoms out inside her
Maya whimpers helplessly into the pillow as another cold flush passes through her. Izana promised he'd give it to her after he was done. He told her he'd make it better. But fuck she needed it now. It didn't matter what he gave her, she needed it now. "Izana..." she moans pitifully into the pillows, her voice muffled "please..."
"shhh~" Izana coos, holding her hips tights "You'll get them. I'll give them to you. Just let me make you feel good first"
All the air is knocked out of her lungs when he thrusts. Maya's eyes roll back and she moans breathlessly into the pillow, unable to do anything but take it as he starts to go at a steady but quick pace. Izana's hard thrusts make her back bend more, her chest now nearly pressed against the mattress as well. "Izana.." she whimpers into the pillow, grasping desperately at it
It feels so good it almost makes her forget about the body aches and pain from the withdrawal. Izana is fucking huge and the stretch feels so good. He's pressing his hand down where her back arches as he thrusts into her hard and relentlessly as if to keep her down, to keep her from moving. Not that Maya wanted to go anywhere. She needed to feel better. She needed to stop feeling like utter shit. She needed Izana to give her relief. "f-fuck you're cute, bunny... takin' me s-so well" Izana groaned
His other hand slides underneath her, pressing his palm flat against her stomach and leans down over her, sucking hickeys along her spine and scattered on her loin. Maru's moaning and whimpering and kind of sobbing at this point which all the contrasting feelings just overwhelming her to the point of overstimulation— and she hasn't even orgasmed yet. "so fuckin good f'me, bunny"
She's grabbed both her wrists and Izana holds them with ease in one hand behind her back. Maya whimpers helplessly, unable to do anything as he ties them together with his necktie. She's completely helpless now. It feels like her brain is melted into a mush as Izana's calloused fingers dig into her skin and his cockhead is probably pushing against her cervix. She weakly clenches her fists, unable to hang onto anything and just sobs pitifully into the pillow. It's hard to breathe but now all she can think about is Izana's huge dick, coming and getting her drugs. Unfortunately, she doesn't get to as right as she's about to, and Izana stops. "Manjiro are you just going to watch or are you going to join too?"
Maya barely registers Izana's words, too focused on her ruined orgasm and the damn pain in her body that was back. A sob leaves her again. Familiar calloused hands grab her shoulders and pull her off the mattress. Her position shifted and now she's up on her knees, back against Izana's chest and she's still buried to the hilt inside her. In front of her is Mikey, looking at her with an unknown expression on his face as he holds Maya by her shoulders. "She's going through withdrawal" Mikey says narrowing his eyes at Izana over her shoulder
Maya feels Izana shrug behind her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "she's been so good so far... I promised to give her a pill after she let me fuck her, but I think I'll give her one now" Izana says condescendingly then whispers sweetly into her ear "Don't you want one now, bunny"
Maya nods frantically and Mikey has a look of annoyance on his face. He's about to say something but Izana cuts him off "Yeah, yeah fuck I know... But we'll start on her little rehab tomorrow. For now, have some fun." Izana bites her shoulder and she barely feels it, unable to take her eyes away from Mikey "Let all the stress out"
So Mikey grabs a pill and pushes it between Maya's lips which she swallows greedily. The pain stops not too long after and everything feels good. Izana thrusts slow and lazily into her and Mikey's shirt is thrown off onto the ground joining the pile of clothes. Mikey's rough fingers caress the skin on her lower tummy and she melts immediately into his gentle touch. Her reaction triggers an emotion of awe in Mikey's eyes. He looks at her as if she's the most precious thing he's ever seen and it makes Maya's head swirl. As his fingers trail lower Mikey leans in to kiss her. She gasps into his mouth as his thumb rubs against her clit while Izana continues with his lazily slow thrusts. Maya can feel Izana's smile against her shoulder as she and Mikey make out. She feels good. Everything feels good as her hands stay tied tightly behind her back, constantly grazing against Izana's abs, nails digging into her palms. "how fucking sappy" Izana murmurs into her hair a little breathlessly
Mikey's thumb finds her clit again and he doesn't stop kissing her neither does Izana stop pumping into her cunt. Just with that, she's brought to the brink of coming and graciously, they let her. Her eyes roll back and Maya moans helplessly and Mikey sucks on her tongue. She falls forward into Mikey's chest and Izana digs his fingers into her waist, pressing bruises into her skin. "fuck squeezing me so tight" Izana groans "Manjiro you want the other hole?"
Mikey stops kissing Maya, staring at Izana in disbelief. "she's high"
"And?" Izana asks as he picks up the pace of his hips, drilling even harder into her making her let out a sob-like moan "It's not like she'll say no"
Maya's head is limply lying on Mikey's bare shoulder, barely registering both brothers' conversation, too focused on how good everything feels right now. Her skin is scorching hot and Mikey's feels cold. It feels good— the way Izana is hitting all the right spots inside her, how Mikey's rough calloused hands are caressing her skin and how he'd kiss her. She's too caught up in the moment to even listen to anything, to even remember where she was and why she was here. Maya flinches when something hot is poured onto her back. "a-ah!" she yelps and Izana just hushes her as he pours the wax from the candle on her back, dripping down her spine
"fuck that's cute" Izana coos and more wax is poured onto her shoulderblades
As more wax dripped onto her skin, painting intricate patterns of sensation, Maya found herself collapsing against Mikey's chest, her body seeking solace in his embrace. His fingers tangled in her hair, his gaze tender and unwavering as he looked down at her with a mixture of concern and adoration. Mikey's voice cut through the haze of sensation, his words a welcome anchor in the swirling storm of her mind. "You're doing well, Maya," he murmured, his tone laced with genuine admiration and encouragement
As Maya basked in the comforting embrace of Mikey's words and touch, she found herself momentarily lost in the intimacy of the moment. The gentle rhythm of his fingers in her hair, the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek, it all served to anchor her in the present. But the sudden shift in atmosphere jolted Maya back to reality. Izana's presence loomed over them, his amusement was palpable as he continued to pour wax onto her skin with a twisted sense of satisfaction. Despite the pain and discomfort, Maya's senses were heightened, each sensation registering with crystal clarity. The scent of burning wax mingled with the salty tang of sweat, the warmth of Mikey's body contrasting sharply with the cool touch of the wax. As Izana's actions grew more relentless, Maya's body tensed involuntarily, a soft whimper escaping her lips as she struggled to endure the sensation. Yet, beneath the surface, a strange sense of exhilaration pulsed through her veins, mingling with the pain and igniting a primal desire she couldn't quite name. "It's too hot" Maya slurs helplessly
The searing heat of the wax seemed to seep into her very bones, scorching her skin with an intensity that bordered on unbearable. Mikey's grip tightened protectively around her, his concern evident in the furrow of his brow as he glanced between Maya and Izana. "Izana, ease up" he growled, his voice laced with a hint of warning.
But Izana merely chuckled, the sound dripping with amusement as he continued his ministrations with a perverse sense of satisfaction. "Aw, but look at how pretty her back looks, Manjiro," he taunted, his tone mocking "Aren't the little sounds she's making so cute"
Maya's senses reeled from the onslaught of sensations, her mind a maelstrom of confusion and distress. The agony of the wax mingled with a strange, almost intoxicating euphoria, blurring the lines between pleasure and pain in a twisted dance of sensation. Mikey's gaze softened with a mixture of concern and tenderness as he watched Izana's sadistic amusement unfold before him. His voice, a soothing melody amidst the chaos, cut through the air like a lifeline in the storm. "Hey, hey, it's okay," Mikey murmured gently, his words a balm to Maya's frayed nerves. "You're doing great, Maya. Just focus on me, okay? I'm right here with you."
Izana keeps going, drilling his hips into her even harder after Mikey grabs the candle from him and sets it back on the bedside table. Pressure builds up in her lower stomach again and her eyes roll back. It seemed that Izana was close too because he picked up the pace and pounded even harder into her. Maya's eyes roll back and tears run down her cheeks from the overwhelming pain and pleasure coursing through her. As tears cascaded down Maya's cheeks, her senses teetered on the brink of oblivion, caught in the tumultuous whirlwind of agony and ecstasy. The searing pain of the wax melded with an intoxicating rush of pleasure, blurring the lines between torment and euphoria in a dizzying haze. Mikey's heart clenched with anguish at the sight of Maya's suffering, his fingers gently tracing soothing patterns along her trembling form. His voice, a soft murmur against the chaos, offered her a lifeline amidst the storm of sensations. "Shh, Maya, I'm here," Mikey whispered, his words a tender reassurance amidst the cacophony of emotions. "Just hold on a little longer, okay? You're doing so well for us"
Mikey says 'us' but Maya hears 'me'
As Maya continued to mumble incoherently, her mind caught in the tangled web of agony and pleasure, a sense of disorientation washed over her. The distinction between Mikey and Izana blurred in her fractured consciousness, their names swirling together in a jumbled cacophony of sound. Izana's lips curled into a smirk as he observed Maya's struggle, finding amusement in the chaos unfolding before him. Her fragmented words were like music to his ears, a symphony of delirium that fed his sadistic fascination. "Listen to her, Manjiro," Izana chuckled, his voice tinged with wicked delight. "She can't even distinguish between us anymore. Isn't it cute?"
Maya feels herself on the brink of release but also on the brink of passing out. "Mikey..." she slurs helplessly "... can't"
Mikey only hushes her. She can't see it but he's glaring at Izana. "s-shit" Izana groans as he's rutting even harder and faster into her. Maya's eyes roll back again and she's sobbing breathlessly when Mikey's thumb finds her clit again
Izana comes first and she whimpers at the feeling, wrists pulling at the fabric that binds them together. She comes not too long after, vision going white. Maya thinks she passed out for a second because when she comes to, Izana is no longer there and Mikey has untied her wrists and is guiding her limp arms into his black dress shirt he had thrown to the floor earlier. "hey, baby" Mikey murmurs, brushing her sweat-slicked fringes away from her forehead "you back with me?"
She can't really speak. Her mouth feels dry and the high from whatever drug Mikey gave to relieve her withdrawal symptoms kept her under the influence. Mikey coaxes her to drink some water before he lifts her with ease and heads to the attached bathroom. Maya's body isn't aching just yet but she knows when she wakes up she's going to feel like absolute shit. Her back is stinging from the wax and her skin feels sweaty and gross. All she can do now is curl into Mikey's chest while he carries her bridal style. "Mikey..." she mumbles
Before Mikey could answer, there was a new voice. "I'm leaving burn cream here" Kakucho says in a monotonous manner
Maya doesn't look at him. She just curls further into Mikey's chest, hiding her face in his shoulder. "Yeah, alright" Mikey says dismissively and enters the bathroom
He then looks down at Maya. "What were you going to say?" He asks her gently, setting her down on the cool marble counter
She barely looks up at him when she says "think 'm gonna pass out"
He runs his fingers through her hair and says "That's okay, pass out. I'll take care of you. I'm here"
With that, Maya passes out.
[END CREDIT]
It's about 11 pm, Maya is fast asleep and Mikey is holding her tight to his chest, tucked away in his arms beneath the blanket. They showered, cleaned and clothed. Izana watches from the door. His smirk widened as he observed the scene before him, a twisted amusement dancing in his eyes. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest as he savoured the sight of Mikey and Maya entwined in each other's embrace "What a sick little head," he mused aloud, his voice laced with a mixture of disdain and amusement "Your love always turns into obsession"
Mikey stirred slightly at the sound of Izana's voice, his grip on Maya tightening instinctively as he shifted to face his older brother. "What do you want, Izana?" he grumbled, his tone betraying a hint of irritation.
Izana's smirk widened into a wicked grin as he sauntered into the room, his gaze never leaving Maya's sleeping form. "Oh, nothing much," he replied nonchalantly, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Just checking in on my favourite lovebirds."
Mikey shot him a glare, but Izana merely shrugged off the hostility, his attention still fixated on Maya. "Enjoy it while it lasts, little brother," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Because we both know how these things tend to end... Especially with you"
With a final smirk, Izana turned on his heel and sauntered out of the room, leaving Mikey to stew in his own thoughts. As the door clicked shut behind him, a sense of foreboding settled over the room, casting a shadow over the fragile peace that had momentarily enveloped them
notes: For some context, Maya thinks she’s been at the beach house for about a week and a half but in reality it’s been 2 and a half weeks.
DEAD GIRL'S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
EIGHT — open water
"Mr. Kurokawa harbours a deep-seated resentment towards his younger brother, stemming from a sense of inadequacy and inferiority. he speaks of his brother with a fond tone but i doubt 'fondness' is what Mr. Kurokawa feels for him" – MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: After a phone call with Chifuyu, Mikey and Maya begin to drift closer like two boats caught in a storm and Izana watches with great interest, getting ready to crash down on both of them when the time is right.
chapter warnings: dark content 18+, corruption, bribery, implied/referenced prostitution, wet dreams, masturbation(m), jerking off, narcissist!manjiro, mention of past waterboarding, torture, noncon drugging, dehumanization, (slight)humiliation, hand kink, finger sucking, murder, dom/sub undertones, making out, soft dom!manjiro, praise kink, fingering(f receiving), overstimulation, biting, hickeys, multiple orgasms, cunnilingus, slightly unrealistic sex, smut, p in v sex, vaginal penetration, dacryphilia, creampie, unprotected sex, aftercare, brief mention of Korean + Japanese history, gang activity, mention of suicide
word count: 13318
series masterlist
Naoto sat at his desk in the dimly lit police station, his gaze fixed on the paper before him. A frown creased his brow as he absorbed the disappointing news: his request for a search warrant targeting Ran Haitani, the owner of several notorious clubs and a key figure in Japan's most ruthless gang, the Tokyo Manji Gang, had been denied. Frustration simmered within him as he clenched his jaw, his mind racing with thoughts of Maya's safety. Ran Haitani's reputation preceded him—he was known for his connections to the underworld and his penchant for exploiting vulnerable women, especially those as striking as Kaneko Maya. Naoto's thoughts drifted back to Chifuyu's account of that fateful night when they all went out together. Chifuyu had mentioned Mitsuya Takashi pulling Maya away from Ran at the club when she was intoxicated—a detail that had set off alarm bells in Naoto's mind. Slumping back in his chair, Naoto weighed his options, his determination flickering in the face of adversity. Despite the setback, he refused to abandon their pursuit of the truth. Maya's safety was at stake, and he couldn't afford to let obstacles derail their investigation. She could have really just left town and moved to a different city but the chances of that were low. Naoto's frustration simmered as he pushed himself away from his desk, his resolve firm. He couldn't accept defeat, not when Maya's safety hung in the balance. With determined strides, he made his way out of the precinct and toward the police commissioner's office. Naoto found himself face-to-face with the commissioner, who was counting a stack of bills with a casual air. His expression was aloof, barely acknowledging Naoto's presence. Without a preamble, Naoto launched into the reason for his visit, his tone firm and unwavering. "Commissioner, I need to know why my warrant to investigate Haitani Ran was denied" he stated bluntly, his gaze piercing.
The commissioner glanced up from his task, his gaze icy as he regarded Naoto. "Tachibana, you're wasting your time" he replied dismissively, his voice laced with indifference.
Naoto bristled at the response, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "But we have reason to believe that Haitani may be involved in Kaneko Maya's disappearance," he argued, his voice tinged with urgency "Not to mention he's been accused multiple times of human and drug trafficking!"
The commissioner let out a disdainful snort, rolling his eyes as if Naoto's concerns were trivial. "And without evidence, your suspicions are worthless," he retorted, his tone dripping with condescension.
Naoto's jaw clenched in frustration, but he knew arguing further would be futile. With a curt nod, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the commissioner's office. As Naoto left the commissioner's office, a gnawing suspicion began to take root in his mind. The commissioner's dismissive attitude and casual demeanour while handling money raised red flags. Could there be corruption within the department? The thought sent a chill down Naoto's spine. If there were indeed corrupt elements within the police force, it could explain why his warrant for investigating Ran Haitani was denied despite the compelling evidence. With a sense of urgency, Naoto resolved to tread carefully. If corruption existed, he couldn't trust anyone within the department. Maybe he had to do this on his own. "Hey nē-chan," Naoto says pressing his phone to his ear as he leaves the station and gets into his car "Are you home now?"
"yeah, I got home a little while ago. I'm going out with Takemichi in a while" Hinata answers "Taking a longer shift tonight?"
Naoto sighs, starting the car. He puts the phone on speaker and set it in the cup holder next to him. "Yeah... Kinda"
There is a short moment of silence till Hinata speaks up again. "any news on Maya?"
Naoto isn't too sure what to say. He feels like shit. Hinata had encouraged him to go after her, to court Kaneko Maya because he wasn't able to stop himself from asking questions about her after seeing her at Chifuyu's house. She was pretty. Kaneko Maya was gorgeous. But he wouldn't be stupid to think she'd like him back. It was obvious to Naoto that she had a thing for Chifuyu. There was no harm in showing interest though right? He wasn't being pushy, he was being respectful about his attraction to her. But of course, that whole thing went down the drain when he got a call from Chifuyu telling him that she went missing. Part of him was angry at Chifuyu because maybe there was nothing that happened to Maya and she just ran because she got her heart broken. But it was way too clean of an escape.
How the hell did she pay off her student loans so fast?
There were just so many red flags about the situation. She couldn't have just cut off contact and moved. There was absolutely no way. He had a gut feeling and he'd follow it. "Naoto" Hinata says and he pulls out of the parking lot "What's wrong?"
Naoto sighs. He was never able to hide anything from his sister. How he hid that her boyfriend was a whole fucking time traveller is beyond him. "I was talking about getting a warrant against—"
"Haitani Ran, yeah I heard you and Chifuyu talking about it" Hinata says
Naoto narrows his eyes at no one in particular. Of course, she was eavesdropping. "Anyways" Naoto mutters "It got denied"
"huh? Why?"
"corruption probably," Naoto tells her, then getting quickly agitated half yells "I'm a fucking detective and I can't do my job because my superiors want to bow down to a bunch of criminals! What the fuck am I supposed to do?"
Hinata is silent after that and so is Naoto. Neither of them said anything for a while. Naoto didn't like Tokyo Manji Gang; especially after learning that they would kill his older sister in the future. The date Hanagaki Takemichi had initially told him had long passed but he still felt wary. It was bad enough that Hinata hung out with the former top members of Tokyo Manji Gang. What if something happened to his sister when he wasn't paying attention and— "Naoto..." Hinata finally speaks, her voice still sounding soft even through the phone "You know you can tell me what's wrong..."
He couldn't. What the fuck was he supposed to say? Hey nē-chan, your boyfriend is a time traveller and I'm his trigger and we're working together to stop you from fucking dying. That doesn't seem like it will be an easy conversation. "I just..." His eyes blur with tears when he stops at the red light "I'm scared something might happen to you..."
Naoto hears Hinata let out a shaky breath and now he feels bad. She was probably crying now. Oh man did he hate making his sister cry. She always worried about him and this probably made her worry more. Older sisters were just like that. "Naoto..." Her voice is a little shaky this time "You know I'll be fine"
Naoto's grip on the steering wheel tightened as he fought to keep his emotions in check. He couldn't burden Hinata with the weight of his fears, especially not now when she needed reassurance the most. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Naoto forced a calm facade. "I know, Hinata. I just... I worry that's all" he replied, his voice strained with emotion.
Hinata's silence hung heavy in the air, the unspoken understanding between them palpable. Naoto hated seeing his sister upset, but he couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger that loomed over them Naoto heard Hinata let out a shaky breath, and guilt washes over him. He didn't want to make her worry, didn't want to see her cry. But he couldn't shake the nagging fear that plagued him. "Naoto," Hinata's voice is steadier now, filled with quiet resolve. "Just focus on finding Maya, okay?"
Her words offer a sliver of comfort, a reminder of the strength they both carried within them. With a nod, Naoto swallows his fears and steels himself for the challenges ahead. Maya's safety was paramount, but so was his sister's. And he would do whatever it took to protect them both. "Okay," Naoto murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Just... be safe, Hinata. Especially when you're with Takemichi."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, filled with unspoken understanding. Hinata's relationship with Takemichi was a source of concern for Naoto, given his ties to the dangerous world of the Tokyo Manji Gang. Sure Hanagaki Takemichi had long left the Tokyo Manji Gang when the latter was in high school but he felt a little wary about it, especially with how close he used to be with Sano Manjiro. But he trusted Hinata's judgment, even if he couldn't shake the nagging worry in the pit of his stomach. "I will, Naoto," Hinata replied softly. "I promise."
With a heavy heart, Naoto bid his sister goodbye, his mind still consumed by worry even as the call ended. He couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger, the constant fear that something would happen to those he loved most. As he resumed his drive, Naoto's thoughts drifted back to Maya and the investigation at hand. Despite the obstacles in his path, he was determined to uncover the truth and bring her home safely. But even as he focused on the task ahead, a part of him remained haunted by the ghost of danger lurking in the shadows. With a silent prayer for the safety of his sister, Naoto pulls into the visitor parking lot of Chifuyu and Kazutora's apartment building. He gets out of his car and locks it then walks up to their apartment and knocks on the door. Not too long later, Chifuyu opens it. "so?" Chifuyu says letting Naoto in
"Denied"
Chifuyu's face falls as he closes the door and locks it. "Denied?!" Kazutora calls from the living room
They walk into the living room and Naoto takes a seat on the couch as does Chifuyu next to Kazutora. The TV was playing a Korean drama as Chifuyu had been obsessed with them lately after Hinata forced him to watch one. "I suspect corruption in the station" Naoto says with a sigh "The warrant against Haitani Ran was been denied"
"That's fuckin' stupid!" Kazutora said "Everyone and their mom knows that guy is a fricken pimp. Why "
The three of them try to come up with plans on their own but it's hopeless. "hey... What if..." Naoto says but then stops
It was a stupid idea. "what?" Chifuyu asks "Even if it's stupid might as well say it"
They're all tired and failure after failure has made them open to really anything at this point. Naoto sighs and says "What if you try contacting Sano Manjiro?"
It was a stupid idea to contact their former leader. Chifuyu and Kazutora were no longer a part of the Tokyo Manji Gang. Even if Chifuyu left on better terms than Kazutora did, it was still a very heavy gamble. Tokyo Manji Gang was no longer what it was in the past and Sano "Mikey" Manjiro wasn't the same anymore either. As Naoto's suggestion hung in the air, a tense silence enveloped the room. The mere mention of Sano Manjiro's name stirred a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within Chifuyu and Kazutora. Chifuyu's jaw tightened as he considered the risky proposition. Contacting their former leader was a gamble they couldn't afford to take lightly, especially considering their tenuous ties to the Tokyo Manji Gang. Kazutora's gaze flickered with uncertainty, his brows furrowing in contemplation. The memories of his cataclysmic departure from the gang still lingered, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. But as they weighed the pros and cons of Naoto's suggestion, a sense of desperation crept over them. Time was running out, and they were no closer to finding Maya than they had been before. "We don't have much of a choice, do we?" Chifuyu finally spoke, his voice laced with resignation. "If it means finding Maya, then... I'll do it."
Naoto nodded in agreement, his expression determined. "We need all the help we can get. And if reaching out to Sano is our best shot, then we have to take it."
With a heavy sigh, Kazutora relented, his shoulders sagging with defeat. "I'm not going to be doing any talking for very obvious reasons. This is on you Chifuyu... You call him"
The tension in the room lingered, thick and palpable, as they grappled with the weight of their decision. But amidst the uncertainty, one thing remained clear: they were willing to do whatever it took to bring Maya home, even if it meant confronting their past and risking everything they held dear.
In a dimly lit room, Mikey lay sprawled on his bed, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains. His features were relaxed in sleep, his chest rising and falling rhythmically with each breath. As he drifted deeper into slumber, his mind conjured vivid images, blurring the line between dreams and reality. In the depths of his subconscious, he found himself enveloped in a steamy haze, his senses ablaze with desire. In the dream, he stood amidst a swirl of passion and longing, his body pressed close to the intoxicating figure before him. Her presence was electric, igniting a fire within him that burned with an intensity he couldn't deny. Their lips met in a fervent embrace, a symphony of desire and longing as they surrendered to the primal urge that pulsed between them. Each touch sent shivers down his spine, awakening a hunger that threatened to consume him whole. Maya is there. Right underneath him. Her body is a blur to his hazed mind but fucking hell she's gorgeous. "so pretty" dream him coos at her
Her moans sound gorgeous. He couldn't get enough of them. As Mikey's dream unfolded, Maya's presence engulfed him in a whirlwind of desire and longing. In the hazy depths of his subconscious, she was there, her form a blur of beauty and temptation that left him breathless. In the dim light of his dream, Maya's features were a tantalizing mystery, her essence intoxicating and irresistible. With every caress, every whispered word, Mikey felt himself drawn deeper into the depths of ecstasy, lost in the intoxicating spell of desire. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the heady rush of pleasure that pulsed between them, binding them together in a fierce embrace. But as the dream reached its peak, a flicker of awareness stirred within Mikey's subconscious, a fleeting whisper of doubt that threatened to shatter the illusion. With a jolt, he was wrenched from the depths of his dream, his eyes snapping open to the harsh reality of his surroundings. For a moment, he lay there in silence, his heart still racing with the echoes of passion. But as the remnants of the dream faded away, a sense of longing washed over him, leaving him with a profound sense of emptiness. "god fucking damn it" Mikey cursed
With a heavy sigh, Mikey pushed himself upright, his thoughts drifting to the enigmatic figure that had haunted his dreams. Maya's presence lingered in his mind like a tantalizing memory. He remembers hearing her say to Izana that she would haunt him but right now— even since he met her— it felt like she was haunting him and not Izana. He couldn't get her out of his mind. Mikey gets out of the guest bedroom bed and heads over to the bathroom. He's so fucking hard and it's so annoying. He locks the door and turns on the exhaust fan and then the lights. "shit" Mikey mutters as the light hits his eyes
He stands in front of the sink and ties his hair back then washes his face with cold water, hoping it would make his stupid boner go down. But obviously, it doesn't. He looks at the mirror and stares at himself. Mikey knows he looks like a damn mess but wow was he a hot ass mess. His skin is pale and even though he looks like he hasn't slept in days he sure makes eye bags work. His hair is perfectly messy, tied back. He looks really good and all that admiring just made him even harder and Mikey bites back a groan. He can't help himself as he slips his hand down his shorts. He hisses as the tips of his fingers touch his cockhead then takes hold of his shaft. fuck it felt good. "shit" He mutters and pushes the front of his shorts down to fully expose his cock and make getting himself off easier
His mind shifts back to Maya as he slowly starts to move his hand. Mikey remembers overhearing a conversation between Maya and Izana where Izana had practically forced out a confession from her that she liked Matsuno Chifuyu, that he took her virginity and rejected her. Yeesh. Apparently, it happened the night before Izana abducted her. Mikey couldn't believe it. How the fucking hell had Chifuyu taken Maya's virginity and he didn't leave any marks. Absolutely fucking unbelievable. "ahh~" Mikey tries to keep his moans silent since everyone was still awake
Mikey couldn't stop thinking about Maya the moment he saw her lying by the water after Izana waterboarded her. He vividly remembers her bloodshot eyes and flushed cheeks, the way her hair stuck to her skin, and her watery blue eyes. Mikey just couldn't get her out of his head. Maya was gorgeous, breathtaking, beautiful— there was no word in any language in the world he could use to properly describe her beauty. Maya's beauty was just unworldly. Not to mention those noises she was letting out the other day when he interrupted her and Izana. "shit, shit" He groans, staring at himself in the mirror as he gets himself off
Mikey uses his free hand to pull the end of his shirt up and holds it between his teeth as he gets himself off. He looks good. Really fucking good. His eyes are glossed over, cheeks flushed, he's getting a little sweaty and his bangs are sticking to his forehead. His abs are still just as impressive(maybe even more) as when he was a teen and his dick is fucking beautiful. Mikey can't help himself but imagine how much better this scene could get if he had Maya here, bent over the counter while he thrusts into her rather than his hand. He can imagine her flushed cheeks and watery eyes as he gets her to look into the mirror and show her just how pretty she looks. Mikey wanted to see it. He wanted to see how pretty she looked. He wanted to watch her eyes roll back, her hair stick to her skin due to the sweat, her hands desperately grabbing on the counter— he wanted to hear her breathy moans and helpless whimpers. "o-oh~"
When he first heard the confession from Maya's mouth the other day, he couldn't believe it— Chifuyu took her virginity but he rejected her. How? God, had he been Chifuyu he would have taken Maya and kept her all to himself. To make things worse they got drunk and then he took her virginity? That was even more absurd because there was not a single mark left on her skin. Her thighs were bare of any scratch, any bite and it's so absurd because if it had been him, Mikey would've marked her up. He would have hickeys on her throat and left marks of his teeth on her inner thighs. He would have left her memories of the night on her skin. Mikey would've made Maya feel real special in more ways than one. Instead, Chifuyu was a little bitch and lost the most gorgeous girl ever— and holy fuck those sounds she makes. "f-f-fuck" he lets out a small whimper as he comes undone all over his hand and abs just at the memory of the noises she was making with Izana the other day
The sight of watching himself come and hearing his own noises makes him come even harder. He breathes heavily, using his free hand to just take off his shirt so he doesn't stain it and he throws it to the floor. Mikey decides he might as well shower now. He washes his hands and fully strips then gets into the shower. As the steam from the shower dissipated into the air, Mikey's thoughts swirled with a heady mix of desire and arrogance. Maya's image lingered in his mind like a tantalizing puzzle waiting to be solved, her presence igniting a fire within him that he couldn't quite quench. With each passing moment, his obsession with her only seemed to grow, fueling his ego and stoking the flames of his narcissism.
poor girl.
The words echoed in his mind, a testament to the empathy he felt for Maya's plight. But beneath the guise of sympathy lay something deeper, something darker—a growing obsession that he couldn't quite shake. He found himself fixating on her, her image etched into his mind like a permanent imprint. Mikey hadn't bothered to inquire about Maya's past, too consumed by his own thoughts and desires to delve into the depths of her suffering. His admiration for her resilience mingled with a twisted fascination, a desire to unravel the mysteries that surrounded her. He couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden behind her eyes, what demons lurked beneath the surface of her stoic facade. As the warm water washed over him, Mikey's mind wandered to the possibilities that awaited him in Maya's world. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame, unable to resist the allure of her enigmatic presence. With a heavy sigh, Mikey stepped out of the shower, his thoughts consumed by visions of Maya. Maya had ignited a fire within him, a hunger that burned with an intensity that he couldn't ignore. "Want her to be mine" Mikey mutters to himself as he dries off his body with the towel and then dries his hair
As Mikey's thoughts continued to swirl with visions of Maya, a burning desire ignited within him—a desire for reciprocation. He couldn't shake the craving for Maya's affection, the yearning for her to want him back with the same fervour that consumed him. In his mind, it wasn't enough for him to simply possess her; he wanted her heart, her soul, her every thought to be consumed by him. The idea of Maya pining for him, longing for his touch, sent a thrill coursing through Mikey's veins. He couldn't help but imagine the rush of satisfaction that would wash over him when she finally succumbed to his charms when she surrendered herself to him completely. It was a heady thought—one that fueled his ego and spurred him on in his pursuit of her. "Mikey" Sanzu was knocking on the bathroom door "there's a call for you"
Mikey sighs as his childhood friend interrupts his fantasizing. It was probably karma for all the times he had cockblocked Izana this week. "Just a second, Haru" Mikey says and wraps the towel around his waist and unlocks the door and steps out
Sanzu stands in front of him looking annoyed. "Matsuno's calling" he holds up the burner phone that was currently ringing
Mikey narrows his eyes. He had given one to each of the former captains and vice-captains after they left Toman. No one has ever used it to call him. For the first time in years, someone was calling. "huh... talk to him" Mikey says and walks into the guest room taking a seat on the bed
Sanzu answers the call. They had a short conversation and then Sanzu sighed in annoyance and said "Mikey he wants to talk to you"
Mikey just holds out his hand for the phone and Sanzu gives it to him. "hello?" Mikey keeps his tone low and nonchalant
"Hey, Mikey-kun... It's me Chifuyu. I know it's been a while but I really need your help"
Maya fumbled with the bobby pins, her fingers trembling with a mix of determination and desperation, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of futility that gnawed at her insides. The drugs Izana had given her had left her in a haze, her movements sluggish and her mind clouded with confusion. These weren't the usual drugs Izana administered to her; they were potent substances that sent her spiralling into a state of euphoria and disorientation. The drugs had rendered her movements sluggish and her mind sluggish, making it nearly impossible for her to muster the clarity of thought needed to pick the lock. Trapped in a fog of intoxication, Maya's thoughts swirled incoherently, her senses dulled by the overpowering effects of the drugs. It was as if she were floating on a cloud, disconnected from the world around her and adrift in a sea of uncertainty. "Well, well, well," Izana purred, his voice dripping with thinly veiled amusement. "What do we have here? Little bunny still trying to hop away?"
It's Monday again. It's been a whole 7 days since the worst day of her life when Chifuyu told her it was a mistake sleeping with her and Izana kidnapping her after an unfair game of cat and mouse. Oh man was she exhausted of trying to escape every day at any moment she got. Her knees were bruised from all the crawling to the double doors and kneeling in front of the lock to pick it and the view of the beach through the glass was just mocking her at this point. As Izana's voice pierced through the fog of Maya's drug-induced haze, she couldn't help but feel a wave of exhaustion wash over her. As Izana strolled over and dragged a chair beside Maya, a mocking grin crept across his lips, sending a chill down her spine. She remained kneeling on the floor, her muscles tense with apprehension as she anticipated his next move. "You know, bunny," Izana began, his voice laced with mockery "I can't help but wonder what drives you to keep fighting for something so futile. Here I am, offering you everything on a silver platter—food, shelter, a picturesque view of the beach—and yet you still yearn for something more."
As Izana lounged back in his chair, a self-satisfied smirk playing on his lips, Maya struggled to focus through the haze of drugs clouding her mind. Her limbs felt heavy and her thoughts sluggish, making it difficult to muster the strength to resist his taunts. "it's a little ungrateful, don't you think?" He continues
As Izana leaned forward, his movements smooth yet purposeful, Maya's hazy mind struggled to comprehend his proximity. She felt his hands reaching out, their touch rough and calloused as they gently cradled her face. A shiver ran down her spine at the unexpected sensation, her senses overwhelmed by the contrast between the softness of his touch and the hardness of his hands. "You're such a feisty little thing, aren't you, little bunny?" Izana murmured, his voice low and hypnotic as he traced his fingers along the contours of her cheeks
Maya's eyelids fluttered as she fought to stay focused, her senses dulled by the intoxicating mix of drugs and Izana's proximity. Izana's gaze bore into hers, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her breath catch in her throat. "You have such fire in you," he continued, his voice laced with a mixture of admiration and amusement. "It's almost... intoxicating."
Maya's heart pounded erratically in her chest, her thoughts spinning as she struggled to make sense of the conflicting emotions swirling within her. Part of her recoiled at Izana's words, repulsed by the thought of being under his control. But another part, a small voice buried deep within her subconscious, whispered tantalizingly of the allure of surrender. She stares up at him from where she's kneeling on the floor, not realizing he had shifted the chair in a way that she was now knelt between his legs, his feet on either side of her thighs. As Izana's grip tightened on her face, Maya's resolve wavered, torn between the desire to resist and the temptation to succumb. "Izana..." her voice comes out slightly slurred
There was a predatory gleam in his gaze, a hunger that seemed to devour her very soul as he studied her with unsettling fascination. Maya felt a chill run down her spine as she met his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to decipher the emotions swirling in his eyes. There was something unsettlingly possessive in the way Izana looked at her as if she were nothing more than a prized possession to be toyed with at his whim. His gaze seemed to strip away the layers of her defences, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable beneath his penetrating stare. It was as if he could see right through her, peeling back the mask she wore to reveal the raw, unfiltered truth that lay beneath. "got such a pretty mouth" Izana murmured, his thumb rubbing against her slightly parted lips
As Maya sank deeper into the haze of drugs and desire, a sense of euphoria washed over her, drowning out the nagging voice of reason that had been her constant companion. Every touch, every caress from Izana sent a jolt of electricity coursing through her veins, igniting a fire that burned with a feverish intensity. His hands roamed her skin with a possessive fervour, leaving a trail of heat in their wake as they traced the contours of her body. "so pretty" he whispered again and his thumb slipped between her lips into her mouth
She could taste the saltiness of his skin, feel the calluses rough against her tongue, and yet she found herself welcoming the intrusion with a desperate hunger. "hey little bunny" Izana mumbled, his thumb pressing down lightly on her tongue
Maya watches as Izana puts a hand on his belt buckle and through her drug-hazed mind she finds a bit of her common sense and and pulls her mouth away from his thumb. "I... I've never..."
Izana holds her chin again and stops himself from unbuckling his belt. "you've never given a guy head?"
She hates how casually he says it. Izana then laughs. "oh yeah I forgot you were a little virgin until what? 7 days ago?" He murmurs and oh she suddenly feels like shit again "Don't worry bunny, I'll show you how. We'll have a little trial run"
Maya is as high as the clouds. Her limbs aren't listening to her and she can't help herself right now. So when Izana so sweetly, his tone a little mocking, tells her to open her mouth for him, she can't help but part her lips. Izana sighs and without warning slides two of his fingers into her mouth. As his fingers slid into her mouth, Maya's senses were inundated with a dizzying array of sensations. The taste of his skin, slightly salty and musky, danced across her tongue, sending a shiver down her spine. The rough calluses on his fingers grazed against the delicate flesh of her mouth, a stark contrast to the softness of his touch. "suck" he whispers
Her heart pounded in her chest as she sucked gently on his fingers, her lips forming a tight seal around them as she surrendered herself to the pleasure of the moment. As Izana's fingers lingered in her mouth, Maya closed her eyes and allowed herself to be carried away by the currents of pleasure, her body humming with anticipation of what was to come. "there we go, relax your throat" Izana murmured as he slides his long fingers all the way in as she gags a bit on his middle and index finger
The gold ring on his middle finger scrapes against her teeth and she could taste the metal on her tongue. The drugs that Izana had administered had enveloped her in a fog of euphoria, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. Yet, beneath the surface, a storm of conflicting emotions raged within her. On one hand, Maya couldn't deny the intoxicating allure of Izana's touch, the way his fingers ignited a firestorm of sensation within her. It was as if he held the key to a realm of pleasure that she had never known existed, and she was powerless to resist its pull. "no teeth 'kay. Just your tongue and your lips" he guides, sounding sweet and encouraging with a heavy condescending undertone
Slowly, he starts to move his fingers in and out of her mouth but not all the way pulling them out. His ring scrapes against her lips with each thrust of his fingers and she gags a little every time they hit the back of her throat. Mingled with the ecstasy was a gnawing sense of unease, a voice of reason that whispered warnings of the dangers that lay ahead. Maya knew all too well the depths of Izana's depravity, the darkness that lurked beneath his charming facade. And yet, despite the rational part of her mind screaming for her to flee, she found herself drawn inexorably closer to him, unable to resist the magnetic pull of his presence. "there we go... Look up at me"
Maya's eyes flutter open and she tilts her gaze up to look at him. Izana was looking down at her with dark eyes. Something twists in her stomach. In that moment, Maya was caught between two worlds: the world of reason and caution, and the world of passion and desire. It was a precarious balance, one that threatened to tip at any moment, plunging her into the abyss of uncertainty. But for now, as Izana's fingers lingered in her mouth and the world around them faded into insignificance, Maya surrendered herself to the intoxicating rhythm of their embrace, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and longing. There was a thrill to this. Maybe that's what she liked.
Maya liked the thrill.
She liked how this whole thing was straight out of a dark romance novel.
She liked—
Maya liked how easy it was to pretend there was nothing inherently wrong with this whole situation. In that moment, Maya surrendered herself completely to the allure of the forbidden, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and longing. There was a twisted beauty in their embrace, a dark romance that defied logic and reason. And as the world around them faded into insignificance, Maya allowed herself to be consumed by the darkness, revelling in the thrill of the forbidden. It feels like that only goes on for a few minutes but her throat already feels a little achy and it was just his fingers. "awe you're a natural" Izana coos then pulls his fingers out of her mouth
She's left with the taste of metal on her tongue from his gold ring and a light ache at the back of her throat. Maya hasn't gotten any sober, the drugs still swirling in her system. "Such a shame," Izana remarked casually, his tone dripping with feigned sympathy as he watched Maya with a predatory gleam in his eyes. "I was hoping you'd put up more of a fight. But I suppose you can't help but crave my touch, can you, little bunny?"
Maya's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his words, a mix of shame and frustration swirling within her as she struggled to make sense of the conflicting emotions that warred within her. She knew she should be repulsed by Izana's manipulation, should despise the hold he had over her. But despite her best efforts to resist, a part of her couldn't deny the twisted thrill she felt at being under his control. As Izana leaned in closer, his words dripping with temptation, a sudden interruption shattered the charged atmosphere of the room. The door creaked open, and in strode Mikey, his presence a jarring intrusion on the intimate moment between Izana and Maya. "Aniki, where the hell are my socks?" he demanded, his voice brimming with impatience as he eyed Izana with a mixture of annoyance and disdain.
Izana's expression darkened, his irritation palpable as he tore his gaze away from Maya to glare at his younger brother. "Can't you see I'm busy, Manjiro?" he snapped, his tone laced with veiled annoyance
Mikey merely shrugged, unfazed by Izana's obvious irritation. "I don't care if you're busy or not," he retorted, his tone bordering on insolent "I need my socks, and you're the one who always moves them"
aya's cheeks burned with embarrassment as Mikey's eyes flickered over her and Izana's compromising position. She could feel the weight of his gaze lingering on her, his scrutiny like a spotlight that illuminated every awkward detail of their interaction. Despite her best efforts to maintain her composure, Maya couldn't help but feel a wave of self-consciousness wash over her, her cheeks flushing crimson as she shifted uncomfortably under Mikey's scrutiny. Izana's irritation seemed to intensify at Mikey's continued presence, his jaw clenching with barely restrained frustration. "You do this every fucking time" he muttered, his tone clipped as he stood up and walked over to a nearby drawer and tossed a pair of socks in Mikey's direction. "Here, take them and get out."
Mikey caught the socks with a smirk, his eyes flickering briefly to Maya before turning back to Izana. "Thanks, Aniki," he said, his tone tinged with a hint of mockery as he sauntered out of the room, leaving Maya and Izana alone once more
Izana looks over at Maya who was still on the floor and he groans in frustration, running tan fingers through white hair. "that fuckin' cockblock ruined my mood"
Izana's gaze bore into Maya, his expression unreadable as he scrutinized her. "Can you get up by yourself?" he asked, his voice laced with impatience.
Maya's heart sank as the weight of his words settled over her like a suffocating blanket. She struggled to push herself up from the floor, her limbs heavy and unresponsive. Each movement felt like a monumental effort as if she were wading through molasses, her muscles protesting with every strained motion. With a grunt of exertion, Maya managed to prop herself up on her elbows, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She glanced up at Izana, her eyes pleading for mercy. "I... I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper
The drugs still held her in their grasp, clouding her thoughts and sapping her strength. Izana's lips curled into a snarky smile as he watched Maya struggle. "Pathetic," he muttered under his breath, his tone dripping with disdain "Kakucho!"
Seconds later, the door creaked open, and Kakucho entered the room, his imposing figure casting a shadow over Maya's prone form. His expression was inscrutable as he surveyed the scene, his eyes flickering briefly to Izana before settling on Maya. "Izana, what do you need?" Kakucho asked, his voice low and gravelly
Izana gestured towards Maya with a nonchalant wave of his hand. "Help her up," he ordered, his tone casual yet tinged with a hint of malice.
Without a word, Kakucho moved towards Maya, his steps deliberate and purposeful. In one swift motion, he scooped her up into his arms, cradling her against his chest in a bridal hold like she weighed nothing. Maya's breath caught in her throat as she found herself enveloped in Kakucho's arms, his touch both firm and surprisingly gentle. Despite her predicament, a flicker of warmth stirred within her at the unexpected tenderness in his actions. As he approached the master bed, he lowered her gently onto the soft mattress, his touch surprisingly tender as he arranged her in a comfortable position. The room fell into an uneasy silence, broken only by the sound of their breathing mingling in the air. "Make sure she doesn't try anything funny again," Izana instructed, his voice tinged with a dangerous edge. "We can't have our little bunny hopping away, now can we?"
Kakucho's expression remained impassive as he nodded in response to Izana's command, his eyes betraying no hint of emotion as he cast a final glance in Maya's direction. "Also find out where the fuck she keeps getting those stupid hair pins from. Did you say you took them all away?" Izana says in annoyance as he sits on the bed next to her legs
"She hid a bunch in her hair last time" Kakucho says and Maya now wants to cuss him out
This motherfucker. "That's smart" Izana says with a grin and scoots closer to her
She flinches a little. Maya's heart raced as Izana drew nearer, his proximity sending a shiver down her spine. She fought the urge to recoil, her muscles tensing with every inch he closed the distance between them. The weight of his gaze bore down on her, suffocating her with its intensity as he leaned in closer, his breath hot against her skin. "Smart indeed," Izana murmured, his voice sending a chill down Maya's spine. "But not smart enough to outwit me, it seems."
His fingers tangled in her hair felt oddly comforting, a fleeting moment of intimacy in the midst of chaos. She couldn't help but marvel at the sensation of Izana's touch, the rough callouses of his fingertips grazing against her scalp. The fear of captivity mingling with a sense of unexpected pleasure was a strange comparison. As Izana's hand combed through her curls, Maya found herself strangely captivated by the feeling, a small part of her relishing the sensation of his fingers threading through her locks. Finally, Izana's fingers closed around something hidden within Maya's hair, and a triumphant smirk crossed his lips. "Gotcha," he muttered, his voice laced with a mixture of satisfaction and amusement. "Looks like you're not as clever as you thought, little bunny."
Izana pulled out the last bobby pin she had in her grasp. He takes it and now she's got nothing to pick the lock with. Maybe she could go through her makeup bag later to see if she had more but she doubts it. Maya had nothing to pick the lock with. She had to come up with another plan. Kakucho leaves the room not long after, taking the bobby pin away with him and Maya feels hopeless. Izana is still here. He had an unknown look in his eyes. "Why are you doing this to me?" She asks
Izana's lips curled into a wicked smirk, his gaze piercing as he regarded Maya with a mixture of amusement and malice. "Why, my dear little bunny, because it's entertaining," he replied, his voice dripping with a twisted sense of satisfaction "You provide me with endless entertainment with your feeble attempts to escape."
Maya's stomach churned at his callous words, a surge of anger rising within her at the sheer audacity of his response. "This isn't a game," she retorted, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and defiance "You're holding me captive against my will. You're torturing me."
Izana's smirk widened into a grin, his eyes gleaming with a malevolent glint. "And yet, here you are, still fighting," he observed, his tone laced with thinly veiled admiration. "You've got spunk, I'll give you that."
Maya's jaw clenched, her fists balling up at her sides as she fought to suppress the overwhelming sense of despair that threatened to consume her. "Is this about the medication? The stupid IV bag?"
Maya doesn't know how Kakucho convinced Izana to stop giving that awful shit to her but she's most thankful to him for it. "Yes and no" Izana answers
Kakucho had told her what happened and why they killed the hospital director and the other doctor and the two nurses. The hospital director had gotten herself involved in drugs and hadn't been able to pay back the money she owed Tokyo Manji Gang. So, she had to sell her body for it and eventually met her demise. The hospital director was exacting his revenge on the gang by making Maya give Izana the wrong medication for a whole month on purpose. Maya had no idea about any of it. A knot of guilt twisted in her stomach as she grappled with the weight of his revelation. She had been unwittingly caught in the crossfire of a vendetta she knew nothing about, her life manipulated and endangered by forces beyond her control. "I didn't know," she whispered, her voice barely above a hoarse whisper "I had no idea."
Izana's gaze softened slightly, a hint of sympathy flickering in his eyes as he regarded Maya with a mixture of pity and contempt. "Ignorance is no excuse," he replied, his tone tinged with bitterness "But it seems Kakucho has taken a liking to you which is why I didn't kill you that night at the hospital with the stupid director and the other doctor"
Kakucho's unexpected intervention had spared her from a fate she couldn't bear to contemplate, yet the reason behind his mercy remained a mystery to her. "Why would he do that?" she ventured, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes searching Izana's face for any hint of an answer.
Izana's lips curled into a sardonic smile, the corners of his mouth twisting with a hint of amusement. "Who knows?" he replied cryptically, his gaze drifting away from Maya's probing stare. "Perhaps he sees something in you that I don't."
Izana chuckled softly, the sound laced with a touch of derision. "Kakucho has always been soft on women," he remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of contempt. "He sees them as fragile creatures in need of protection, even when they're nothing more than liabilities."
"Then what do you see me as?" Maya asks him
"You're a means to an end, a tool to be used and discarded as I see fit." Izana continued, his voice dripping with a mixture of amusement and malice
Maya's breath caught in her throat, a wave of despair washing over her as she realized the depth of Izana's manipulation. She had been nothing more than a pawn in his twisted game, her life manipulated and controlled by forces beyond her comprehension. "And what end is that?" Maya asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she braced herself for Izana's response.
Izana's lips curled into a sinister grin, his eyes gleaming with a malevolent light. "The end," he replied cryptically, "is whatever I desire it to be."
A while later, Kakucho and Sanzu come in accompanied by a man and they use dental impressions to take an imprint of her teeth. What do they need it for? Maya didn't think she'd like the answer so she didn't ask.
Mikey can hear it as he stands outside the master bedroom. She's crying. He looks at his phone and sees the time show 5 pm. With a shallow breath, he decided to enter the room, his curiosity and fixation overpowering any genuine concern for Maya's well-being. As he stepped inside, he found her curled up on the bed, tears streaming down her face. The sight should have evoked empathy, but instead, it fueled his infatuation even further. "Maya?" Mikey called out, his voice laced with an unsettling mixture of intrigue and possessiveness
He approached her with a predatory grace, his eyes gleaming with an intense fixation as he observed her distress. She was curled up in his bed, on his pillow. He knelt beside her, not out of genuine care, but out of a selfish desire to be close to her. "Hey," he said softly, his words tinged with a hint of impatience. "Do you have a hair tie? I need one."
His touch was light, but there was an underlying intensity in his gaze, a hunger that betrayed his true intentions. Maya quickly wiped her tears as Mikey approached, his presence both unsettling and strangely magnetic. She nodded in response to his request, her voice wavering slightly as she spoke. "Y-yeah, there's one in my makeup bag," she managed to say, gesturing towards the washroom with a trembling hand
Her pupils weren't dilated. She was completely sober right now. Perhaps the effects of the drugs went down. Mikey goes into the bathroom and sees a medium-sized baby pink makeup bag on the counter. He didn't just wanna take one and leave so Mikey looked into the mirror, ruffled his hair to make it more messy and picked up the makeup bag. As Mikey emerged from the washroom, he held Maya's makeup bag in his hands, a look of slight confusion crossing his features. Placing it gently in front of her, he shook his head in dismay. "I couldn't find one," he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration
As Maya unzipped her makeup bag, her fingers fumbled slightly in their haste to retrieve what Mikey needed. With a quick search, she managed to find a hair tie nestled among the assorted cosmetics and accessories. Holding it out to him with a small smile, she said, "Here you go."
Mikey accepted the hair tie with a grateful nod, his eyes lighting up with appreciation. "Thanks," he said, a hint of relief in his voice.
But before Maya could respond, Mikey surprised her by asking, "Hey, do you mind tying my hair back for me?"
Taken aback by the unexpected request, Maya hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure," she replied softly
Mikey sits on the bed with his back to her. He feels the bed shift behind her and she gets up on her knees. With practiced ease, she gathered his hair in her gentle fingers, her touch delicate yet sure as she skillfully secured it in a tidy ponytail. Despite her efforts, some of his messy bangs stubbornly escaped the tie, but Mikey didn't mind. "Done" she murmurs after tying his hair
"Thanks" Mikey says, shifting himself around to face her
Maya is sitting with her back against the headboard. Her cheeks were a little red, her eyes bloodshot from crying and her lips a little bruised. Yet, even with her dishevelled appearance, there was an undeniable beauty about her, accentuated by the bruised tint of her lips. Mikey found himself captivated by her, his admiration evident in the way he looked at her. Mikey's gaze wandered to Maya's makeup bag, partially unzipped beside them. He reached out and grabbed a bottle of nail polish, examining it curiously. "What's this?" he asked, holding up the bottle for Maya to see.
Maya's eyes flickered to the nail polish, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. It's the first time he's seen her smile. "Oh, that's just nail polish" she replied, her voice soft
Mikey's eyes flicked over the assortment of nail polish bottles in Maya's makeup bag, his curiosity piqued. "Hey, can you paint my nails?" he asked, his tone casual yet intrigued.
Maya blinked in surprise at his request. "O-Oh... Yeah why not" She says "Pick a colour"
Mikey considered for a moment before pointing to a bottle of black nail polish. "This one," he said decisively, handing Maya the bottle
Maya nodded, uncapping the nail polish and carefully applying it to Mikey's nails. Something was mesmerizing about the way her slender fingers moved with practiced precision, uncapping the bottle and expertly swirling the applicator brush within its depths.
As Maya began to paint his nails, Mikey found himself captivated by the fluid grace of her movements. Each stroke was deliberate and controlled, her touch gentle yet confident as she expertly coated his nails in black. Mikey couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between Maya's delicate hands and his own rough, calloused ones as she carefully selected a bottle of deep blue nail polish from her makeup bag. Her fingers were slender and graceful, a stark contrast to his own, which were marred by bruises and scars from years of fighting and violence. As Maya began to paint his nails, Mikey found himself mesmerized by the gentle touch of her soft hands against his own. Her movements were precise and controlled, each stroke of the nail polish brush leaving behind a trail of dark colour that stood out against the backdrop of his weathered skin. Despite the pain and hardship he had endured, there was something undeniably comforting about the feeling of Maya's hands on his own. They were smaller and softer than his own, yet they exuded a quiet strength and resilience that left him in awe. "Done" Maya says, closing the bottle and putting it back in her makeup bag "Blow on them so they dry faster"
Mikey brings his hands up closer to his face and blows at his nails. This was odd. He wasn't too sure why he asked her to paint his nails. He remembers back when Emma was still alive she'd sometimes convince him to let her paint his nails and... Mikey's expression pales at the thought of his dead little sister. As Mikey's mind drifted back to memories of his sister Emma, a wave of sorrow washed over him, mingling with the bittersweet nostalgia of days gone by. He could still picture her infectious smile, the way her laughter filled the room with warmth and light. But now, all that remained were the echoes of her laughter, haunting him like a ghost from the past. Maya's voice cut through his reverie, bringing him back to the present moment. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice laced with concern as she regarded him with searching eyes.
Mikey forced a tight-lipped smile, masking the turmoil swirling within him. "Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, his tone clipped and dismissive
As the nail polish dried on his fingers, Mikey's mind drifted back to Maya, away from Emma. He couldn't shake the feeling of exhilaration that surged through him whenever he was near her. It was a sensation unlike anything he had ever experienced before, a heady mix of desire and obsession that consumed him from the inside out. "they're dry" Mikey tells her
Maya looks at them and nods. She's not really looking right at him. She's looking at the view behind him— at the beach visible through the glass double doors. Mikey cocks his head to the side and asks "Do you wanna go for a swim?"
Mikey watched Maya's hesitant response, her uncertainty palpable in the air between them. He couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration mingled with disappointment. Why was she always so hesitant, so unwilling to embrace the opportunities he offered her? Didn't she understand how much he wanted her to be by his side, to share in the experiences that made life worth living? With a tentative smile, she finally nodded. "Yes, I'd love to go for a swim," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "But I don't have a swimsuit."
As Maya's uncertainty hung in the air, Mikey's thoughts churned with determination. He wouldn't let a mere swimsuit deter him from his plans. There was a flicker of excitement in his eyes as he contemplated the possibilities, relishing the challenge of finding a solution to Maya's dilemma. He'd make it happen, one way or another. "whatever that's fine" He says "Panties and bra are the same thing as a bikini, is it not? Just wear that"
Maya's brows furrowed in hesitation, a mixture of surprise and disbelief flashing across her features. She opened her mouth to protest, but the words caught in her throat as she met Mikey's intense gaze. "Okay," she murmured, her voice barely audible, "I guess that works."
A grin tugged at the corners of Mikey's lips as he relished his victory. The thought of her in nothing but her underwear sent a surge of heat coursing through his veins, igniting a fire that burned with a feverish intensity. He couldn't wait to see her, to touch her, to make her his in every sense of the word. Suppressing a smirk, Mikey nodded in response, his eyes alight with anticipation. "Great," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of satisfaction "Let's go then." With a sense of purpose, he rose from the bed, his mind already racing with the possibilities that lay ahead.
Mikey gets off the bed and holds out his hand to her. "c'mon"
She looks hesitant and nervous. He hopes she doesn't run. Mikey knows she's still a fairly fast runner under the influence of drugs but right now she was completely sober. He'd hate to have to shoot her down. "hm?" Mikey asks again
Maya looks down at his hand, up at his face, then at his hand again.
She takes it.
They're standing in right in front of the water, toes in the warm sand and Maya is trying her absolute best not to stare right now as Mikey removes his shirt. Mikey's pale skin glowed softly under the warm sunlight, accentuating the definition of his toned, lean muscles. Every movement he made was fluid and precise, a testament to the hours spent honing his body to perfection. As he reached up to remove his shirt, the fabric clung to his sculpted torso before falling away, revealing the chiselled lines of his abdomen and the sinewy strength of his arms. His chest rose and fell with each steady breath, the rhythmic motion drawing Maya's gaze like a magnet. Maya couldn't help but admire the sight before her, the raw power and confidence radiating from Mikey's form. His physique was a testament to his dedication and discipline, a stark contrast to the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded them. Despite herself, Maya felt a surge of attraction stir within her, her heart fluttering in her chest as she struggled to tear her gaze away. As he turned his attention back to Maya, a faint smirk tugged at the corners of his lips, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of mischief and desire. "Ready to go for a swim?" he asked, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down Maya's spine
She nodded in response, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and excitement. Mikey's already getting into the water, quickly going over to the deeper side, hip deep. Maya takes that moment to remove her shirt and then her cotton shorts, leaving her in just a bra and panties. Oh man was she grateful she was wearing a nice and matching set. It was baby pink with a little lace. Not too much where it would be considered lingerie but just enough where it looked cute. As Maya stepped into the water, the cool embrace of the waves enveloping her, she couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration coursing through her veins. The weight of her clothes had been shed, leaving her feeling light and free, the gentle caress of the water against her skin sending shivers of pleasure down her spine. As she waded deeper into the water, her heart pounding in her chest, Maya couldn't shake the feeling of being on the edge of something exhilarating and dangerous. The thrill of the unknown coursed through her veins, igniting a fire within her that she couldn't deny. With each step, the distance between them closed, until they were standing mere inches apart, the water swirling around them in a hypnotic dance. Maya could feel the heat of Mikey's body radiating against her skin, sending a shiver of anticipation down her spine. "Nice set," Mikey remarked, his voice low and husky, his eyes smoldering with desire "Very cute."
Maya's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and excitement, a shy smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She felt a surge of confidence wash over her, buoyed by the knowledge that she had captured Mikey's attention, if only for a moment. With a playful glint in her eyes, Maya splashed Mikey with water, laughing as he recoiled with mock anger. The tension between them dissolved in a cascade of laughter and playful banter, leaving Maya feeling lighter and freer than she had in a long time. For a moment she forgets that Mikey is the leader of Tokyo Manji Gang and the younger brother of her sociopathic captor.
Right now, as they splash water at each other, they're just Mikey and Maya.
The sun is setting around them and the water is no longer cold. The sky is lit up in shades of orange, yellow, pink and purple. It's gorgeous. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Mikey pulled her towards the deeper waters, the cool embrace of the sea enveloping them as they waded further out. Maya's feet barely touched the sandy bottom, the water rising up to her shoulders as she struggled to maintain her balance. But Mikey was there, his strong arms steadying her as they navigated the shifting currents together. As they stood there, the water lapping at their skin, Maya couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her. "c'mere lemme help ya'" Mikey says and held her waist
Without warning she's lifted off her feet with ease, the water making her body essentially weightless. "put your legs around my waist" He tells her
With a slight nod, Maya wrapped her legs around Mikey's waist, her pulse quickening as she felt the warmth of his body against hers. It was an intimate gesture, one that sent a jolt of electricity coursing through her veins. Despite the lingering doubts and fears that gnawed at the edges of her mind, in this moment, all that mattered was the exhilarating rush of being held in Mikey's arms. Maya rests her hands on Mikey's shoulders as she looks at his face lit up by the sun setting next to them. He had long pulled the hair tie out of his hair, the long and short strands now sticking to his wet skin like her own hair was. Without thinking she carefully brushes his wet bangs away from his forehead. She stares. Maya can't help it. After a whole week of torture, there was someone finally treating her with kindness. She can't help but whisper "You're beautiful"
Mikey just smiles at the compliment. Their skin is lit up in shades of yellow and orange and Maya feels breathless. She wants to kiss him. Fuck it was a stupid thought considering just who Mikey was but she couldn't help it. Her legs tighten around his waist and his smile gets wider, holding her waist tight in return. Hesitantly, Maya wraps her arms around his neck. The water slouches around them, small waves crashing against their shoulders before making their way to shore. Maya doesn't think she's ever felt like this before. Mikey's smile gets a little softer when he sees her looking at his lips. Maya can't help it. She leans in but Mikey pulls his head back. Her eyes widen in surprise and embarrassment. "O-Oh sorry—"
She goes to apologize and pull herself out of his grasp but Mikey just holds onto her tighter, one of his hands sliding down her waist to thigh, giving it a squeeze. "You gotta ask for what you want, baby" He murmurs, voice sounding low and just as soothing as the waves crashing against the shore
baby baby baby baby baby
The word echoes in her head. Suddenly her body feels too hot and the water is no longer cold enough. "I... I..." Maya isn't able to get her words out
But Mikey just leans his face in closer and holds her even tighter against him till their chests are pressed together. Maya wonders if Mikey can feel her heart beating. "It's 'kay, baby... I won't deny you of what you want" his hand on her thigh comes up to her face and brushes a wet strand of her hair off her cheek "You just gotta use your words and ask"
Her stomach should not have dropped as low as his voice. He sounds sweet yet authoritative and it's doing something bad to her heart. She can't help it. There is not a thought of Chifuyu in her head right now. Just:
Mikey Mikey Mikey Mikey Mikey Mikey Mikey Mikey
"I..." She sucks in a short breath "Wanna kiss you"
Mikey smiles. It's all soft and sweet. "see that wasn't so hard"
He leans in and kisses her.
As Mikey's lips met hers in a tender embrace, Maya's world seemed to shift on its axis, every nerve in her body tingling with a surge of electric energy. Maya's heart pounded in her chest, a steady rhythm that echoed the pounding of the waves against the shore, as she surrendered herself to the irresistible pull of Mikey's embrace. In that fleeting instant, as their lips met in a fervent embrace, Maya felt a sense of euphoria wash over her, a feeling of completeness that she had never known before. Mikey's kiss was gentle yet filled with raw intensity, sending a jolt of electricity coursing through Maya's veins. His lips moved with a practiced tenderness, caressing hers in a way that made her heart flutter with anticipation. Without warning his tongue slips into her mouth and the taste of... chocolate? fills her mouth. He licks along the back of her teeth before he pulls back just enough to say "Stick your tongue out f'me"
Maya does as he says and instantly his lips wrap around her tongue and he sucks at it. Maya thinks her head just exploded. She moans into his mouth and her fingers tangle in his wet locks. In return, the tips of Mikey's fingers dig into her waist. She wants more and more and more. Maya doesn't think she's ever felt this damn greedy in her life. They kiss for, however long. It's messy and raw, saliva running down their chins, and now her mouth is filled with chocolate taste. Neither of them wants to pull away but their lungs burn with the need for air. They pull away just enough and a string of saliva connects their lips together. It feels good. Everything feels good. Even better she's sober so she'll remember this feeling later. "Let's go inside hm?" Mikey says breathlessly "It's getting late"
Maya nods but reluctantly lets her legs unwrap from his waist. He leads her back to shore and picks their clothes off the now-cold sand. Mikey holds her hand the entire time as they walk up the deck and back into the beach house. Two towels are already neatly folded on the bed for them. Mikey takes one and gives it to her. As they're drying themselves off, they can't help it. Neither of them can. It's weird. Maya's never felt like this before. She doesn't know what to do with all this built-up desire inside of her so when Mikey takes her towel and lays it on the bed and lowers her onto it, she lets him; when he kisses her again, she lets him; when he unclips her bra, she lets him; when he pulls her panties off, she lets him. "look at chu'" He coos sweet, his thumb brush over her already hard nipple, a small gasp leaving her lips "what a pretty thing"
What made the moment even better was that he was looking at her eyes and not her body. "Can I make you feel good, baby?" Mikey asks, his forehead pressing against her's while his fingers brush over her pelvic bone
She nods but he doesn't go any further. Instead, he says "You've gotta use your words"
So shakily Maya whispers "Yes"
Mikey's fingers trail down and collect her slick on his fingers. Her legs are hooked over his thighs and he's moved back, kind of sitting up so he could see her. His thumb lightly rubs against her clit and she's already seeing stars. "so wet f'me already" he murmurs then spreads her lips apart and looks at her cunt in a way that was filled in admiration "You're so pretty here too baby"
Maya's cheeks flush at his words. "Mikey" she mumbles in embarrassment
"shh" He hushes then gets to work
He starts with one finger and then gradually adds a second. Mikey comes up to kiss Maya while his fingers work inside her. "So tight, hm... Gonna need a lot of work before I could even fit" He whispers between kisses
Maya barely hears him. She's too overwhelmed with all the pleasurable sensations in her body. Her hands come up to grasp at his shoulders, digging her nails into his pale skin. Mikey starts pressing kisses to her neck, letting his teeth graze over her jaw. Maya's eyes roll back as a coil tightens in her lower belly. "f-fuck 'm gonna—"
"ask for it" He whispers into her ear "ask me if you can"
Maya whimpers helplessly as Mikey's fingers move faster inside her and thumb rubs little figure 8s on her clit. "a-ah wa-wanna come... please" she half sobs
She feels Mikey smile against the fold of her ear then whisper "come"
and without warning, she comes all over his fingers. But he doesn't stop after that. Mikey slows down the pace of his fingers but doesn't stop yet. It becomes slightly painful and she whines. "W-wait Mikey"
"Shhh" he just hushes her and keeps going
Soon it starts to feel good again and now he's sliding down her body. Maya feels his lips on her lower belly, sucking bruises into her skin there then moving to her hip bones and then to her inner thighs. During all that his fingers never stop. It felt so good. Her fingers desperately cling to the towel she is lying on as she whimpers out his name over and over like a prayer. His thumb suddenly moves off her clit and something warm envelopes it instead. Her breath gets stuck in her throat as Mikey sucks on her clit. "w-wait o-oh" Her eyes roll back as she comes again without warning
Maya is gasping out heavy uneven breaths when his fingers slide out of her and Mikey is lapping up at the mess she made, humming softly as he does. A shiver runs through her her. Finally, Mikey sits back up and removes his boxers and oh... It's fucking huge. Mikey sees her reaction and giggles. He fucking giggles. Maya watches as he moves closer again, hooking her legs over his thighs again and lays his hard cock on her stomach, almost as if measuring till where he'd reach. The tip is right against her navel and just the thought of how deep Mikey will reach makes her walls clench on nothing. "looks like it's gonna be a tight fit, hm" he says softly "Can you take it all f'me, baby?"
And just how could Maya say no when he was asking to fuck her into next week so sweetly?
Mikey lines himself up and slowly pushes the tip in. He's not even in all the way, barely actually, and it feels like too much already. "hands at your sides okay" He takes her hands off his shoulder and lays them on either side of her head "No touching me unless I say you can"
He sounds authoritative yet sweet at the same time and it does something to her. Inch by inch he's pushing into her and once he's all the way in, Mikey curses under his breath and presses a kiss to her forehead. "so fuckin' tight"
He's got one hand holding her waist and the other next to her head, holding himself up over her. Maya on the other hand is trying to breathe. He's huge. Really fucking huge and it feels so good. He prepped her so well it barely even hurts. The stretch feels amazing and she feels full. Mikey pulls back from her but keeps himself buried to the hilt in her cunt. He looks down at where they're connected and groans. He presses a finger beneath her navel and murmurs "'m right here, feel it?"
Maya can't even respond. Her head is up in the clouds. It feels so good and even better when he starts moving his hips. He's slow at first then starts speeding up. The sound of skin slapping against skin fills the air, mixed with Mikey's groans and Maya's helpless whimpers and breathy moans. As her hands fly up to hold his shoulders again, Mikey grabs her wrists and pins them back down on either side of her head “Hey— I told you hands at your sides”
Maya weakly whimpers out apologies as her eyes roll back when he hits a particular spot. "f-fu-fuck 'm gonna..."
"ask for it baby... ask for it" Mikey encourages as his hips move at a faster pace and his thumb finds her sensitive clit again "won't ever deny you... all you gotta do is ask for it"
Maya's back arches off the bed. She's barely able to get her words out. Everything feels so good. Sparks of pleasure keep running through her and she feels so good. "w-wanna come... Please Mikey... wanna come" She moans out weakly, fingers clenching and nails digging into her palms
Mikey is pressing kisses to her collarbones now, muttering in a shaky voice "come"
With just a little more encouragement, Maya came for the third time that night. Mikey hasn't pulled out, neither has he come yet. Just as she's coming down from her high, Mikey flips their positions so now she's on top, straddling his hips and he's laying under her. Maya choked out a small sob at the change of position, feeling like he was even deeper inside of her now. "a-ah wa-wait Mikey" she whined, her hands on his abs to keep herself upright on top of him
Mikey holds her waist and sighs in satisfaction. "can do one more f'me too..." he wasn't really asking her but Maya wasn't complaining either as she started moving her hips at a slow shaky pace
She doesn't think she's doing this right but as Maya hears Mikey let out a moan, maybe she is. It feels good. Really fucking good but her thighs are burning and her cunt is pulsing from the overstimulation and oversensitivity. "sh-shit 'm close" Mikey says digging his fingers into her waist "Gon' finish inside, yeah baby? I'll give—ah— you a pill in—hngg— the morning"
Maya's too far gone to really comprehend what he's saying and she just nods frantically as she feels her own release coming again. Mikey gets her to lift her hips up and lean forward, her hands now resting on either side of his head. He grips his waist tight and starts thrusting up into her frantically, chasing after his release. Maya's eyes roll back and tears run down her cheeks. "fuck... I'll fill you up s'good" he groans, moving even faster "So fuckin pretty sh-shit~"
Maya comes first followed right by Mikey. Her body collapses onto his, whimpering weakly at the feeling of him coming inside. It felt warm and her brain felt like it had melted into a pile of mush in her skull. She feels warm and comfortable despite the oversensitivity. Maya is laying there on top of Mikey, her head on his chest and him still buried inside. His fingers caress along her spine and through her hair. "Hey baby, you still with me?" Mikey asks
Maya just hums. She can hear Mikey's heart thrumming where she lays on his chest. It's so comfortable here. She almost didn't wanna get up. But of course Mikey had different plans, he sits up slowly, still inside her and Maya lets out a small whimper. "c-can't again"
He hushes her and presses a kiss to her shoulder. "don't worry baby, won't make you go again... Let's just go get cleaned up"
Mikey slides out and they both hiss from the sensitivity. He carries her to the bathroom and they shower together. Mikey washes her hair and she does the same for him. Even as their wrapped in towels, Mikey helps Maya with her little skincare routine, calling it cute and lets Maya do the same steps with him. It sweet and domestic and Maya almost forgets where she is. No. She did forget where she was. There was not a thought of Izana or the torture she faced— her head was filled with Mikey and Mikey only. "you feel okay?" Mikey asks after she turns off the blow dryer "did I hurt you?"
She shakes her head no, but her eyes showing just how much he had exhausted her body. Once they're both dressed, Mikey lifts her up again and carries her back to his room. The master bedroom belonged to him after all. Maya couldn't help but notice the sheets were changed and their clothes were already picked up off the floor. It's dark out as Mikey tucks her into bed next to him and holds her body close. Maya doesn't think she's ever felt think good in a long time. She's tucked away in his arms, hidden under the blanket. Maya feels... safe.
for now at least.
But that's not what she's worried about. As she looks up at Mikey she can see something. She's only known him for a week but it looks like he hasn't felt more alive in years.
Maya feels the same.
[FEW HOURS EARLIER]
Izana taps his finger against the table. Korean mafia was annoying. He hated dealing with them but Kisaki said they would rather talk to someone who wasn't fully Japanese than some who is. Not that Izana really blames them. Sure he didn't really go to school but he isn't a stranger to the amount of war crimes committed by Japan against Korea. "Well Mr. Kurokawa, I think we have a deal" The Korean man in front of him says in English
Izana gives him his best business smile and hold out his hand. "It will be a pleasure working with you Mr Jeon" He answers back in the same language
With the deal closed, Izana starts walking back to the car with Kakucho, Kisaki and Rindo. The y get in the car and Rindo starts to drive. Due to habit, Izana opens up the live CCTV footage of the beach house. He skims through it and his eyes narrow as he catches something on the feed. He watches Maya and Mikey play in ocean, splashing water at each other. Amusement fills him, his lips curled into a smirk. He observed them with a mixture of amusement and intrigue, noting the way they splashed water at each other, their laughter carried by the gentle breeze. For a moment, Izana's mind wandered back to his own memories of carefree days spent by the shore, before the weight of his responsibilities had burdened him. There was something oddly nostalgic about watching Maya and Mikey, their laughter echoing against the backdrop of the setting sun.
But as quickly as the sentimentality had surfaced, it was replaced by a calculating glint in Izana's eyes. He knew better than to let his guard down, especially when it came to Maya. There was a game to be played, and he intended to emerge victorious. With a satisfied smirk, he continued to watch the scene unfold on the screen, already formulating his next move.
[END SCENE]
"A body has been found near the docks of Yokohama pier in a car that was set to blaze. Police identify the body as newly graduated psychiatrist, Kaneko Maya, ruled as a suicide as a note was found on scene. Kaneko had been missing for the 2 and a half weeks and—"
Chifuyu chokes back his sobs and turns the news off.
asks, likes and reblogs are very much appreciated <3
DEAD GIRL'S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
SEVEN — the sano family
"he told me he was the cause of his sister's death. if a man hates himself, he takes it out on the woman that loves him" — MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: Maya learns the shocking truth and the tragic life of the Sano Family, all while Chifuyu and Naoto search for answers.
chapter warnings: MANGA/ANIME SPOILERS, bribery, noncon drugging, mentions of different torture methods, past waterboarding, vomiting, murder, mommy issues, implied child abuse/neglect, cheating, dehumanization, dubcon, noncon, coercion, choking, thigh riding, humiliation, making out
word count: 7712
series masterlist
"fuck fuck fuck, I should call her back shouldn't I?" Chifuyu mutters as he and Kazutora open up the petshop Tuesday morning
Kazutora narrows his eyes at the other man. "You haven't called her back yet?"
Chifuyu pulls his bottom lip between his teeth. "no..."
Kazutora sighs, pinching his nose bridge. "you absolute idiot"
That was Tuesday. It is now Friday afternoon and Naoto and Chifuyu are talking to Maya's landlady, trying to figure out exactly where she went. "So... She paid her this month's rent but... She packed up all her stuff and just... left?" Naoto repeats what the old woman said, looking at her skeptically
The old woman just nods and sighs. "She left her key in my mailbox with a note and when I came to check the place it was spotless. All her stuff was gone like she didn't even live there. I didn't think it was something to report since she never made a mess or anything but now that the police are getting involved it seems that maybe something is wrong"
Naoto and Chifuyu look at each other. "So... Did you notice anything weird? About her behaviour or maybe the surroundings lately? Anyone suspicious visiting or hanging around the area?" Naoto asks
The lady shakes her head no. "None I'm afraid," she says with a look of sadness "This is a quiet and very safe street especially since it's mostly the elderly and parents with little children that live here. Maya was my first tenant after a while too. She never made a mess and there was never any complaints about her from the neighbours. I don't understand what could have happened."
Chifuyu sighed and stepped away realizing there was nothing the woman could tell them that was of use. "Thank you, ma'am. Here is my card, please call me if you remember anything" Naoto says
The lady nods and bids the police officer goodbye, slipping back into her home. Naoto catches up to Chifuyu as he's walking to his car. "Hey, we'll find her" Naoto says unlocking the car
Chifuyu just nods and sits in the passenger seat. Naoto sits in the driver seat and locks the door before asking "Why didn't you pick up her call Monday night?"
Chifuyu instantly goes stiff at the question. He had been avoiding it. He didn't want to tell Naoto what happened between Maya and him, the drunken... mistake. He couldn't forget about the utter look of heartbreak in her eyes. It haunted him. Fuck he felt so bad. If only he hadn't gotten so drunk. To make things even worse, Chifuyu didn't even remember what happened that last. He just woke up and there he was naked in bed with Maya in his arms. He probably stepped all over her heart with how he spoke to her. Chifuyu wished he could go back in time and let her down a little easier or maybe stop himself from even drinking in the first place so that night didn't happen— so he didn't break her heart. "I just... It's complicated" Chifuyu says
Naoto looks annoyed. He sighs, his frustration palpable. "Complicated doesn't cut it, Chifuyu. Maya's missing, and we need all the information we can get. Whatever happened between you two might be relevant."
Chifuyu clenches his jaw, torn between guilt and defensiveness. "I know, I know... It's just..." He trails off, unable to find the words to explain the mess of emotions swirling inside him.
Naoto's patience wore thin as Chifuyu nervously fumbled with his words. "Come on, Chifuyu, we need to know everything. What happened on Monday night?"
Chifuyu swallowed hard, his hands trembling slightly. "Okay, okay... It's just... Maya and I... got drunk together. And... things happened. We slept together," he confessed, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment
Naoto's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he quickly masked his reaction with a stern expression. "Go on," he urged, his tone sharp.
"After we woke up in the morning, Maya... she confessed that she had feelings for me," Chifuyu continued, his voice barely above a whisper "But I... I couldn't reciprocate. I rejected her, and she left."
He was barely able to mutter out the fact that he probably took her virginity too and it made Naoto's irritation flare as he processed Chifuyu's revelation. "You're telling me that Maya confessed her feelings for you, and you told her it was a mistake and rejected her? That's... that's low, Chifuyu" he admonished, disappointment evident in his tone
Chifuyu winced, feeling the weight of his actions bearing down on him. "I know, I know... I messed up," he admitted, his voice heavy with remorse. "But right now, we need to focus on finding her. I just... I don't know what to do."
Naoto's brows furrowed in disbelief and he thinks of something. "Wait, you mean to tell me that you had no idea Maya had feelings for you?"
Chifuyu shook his head, his expression earnest. "No, I honestly didn't. I mean, we were just friends, you know? I never picked up on any signs."
Naoto sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Well, that complicates things even more. Maya's disappearance might have something to do with what happened between you two."
Chifuyu's stomach churned at the thought. "You think someone might have targeted her because of me? Like some idiot I beat up in the past? Or maybe she packed up and left because of me?"
"It's a possibility we can't ignore," Naoto replied grimly. "We need to consider every angle in this investigation."
They fell into a tense silence, both lost in their own thoughts. The weight of Maya's absence hung heavy between them, a constant reminder of the urgency of their task. There was a huge possibility that Maya just picked up and left after getting rejected but they doubted it. Especially after finding out her student loans were paid back in full. It was like she disappeared off the face of the earth. Naoto glanced at Chifuyu, his expression grave. "Chifuyu, I need to be honest with you. Given the circumstances, we have to prepare for the worst-case scenario. If something bad did happen to Maya..."
Chifuyu's heart sank at Naoto's words, a wave of despair washing over him. He clenched his fists, struggling to maintain his composure. "I know," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't give up hope, Naoto. Not yet."
Naoto placed a reassuring hand on Chifuyu's shoulder, offering him a small, sympathetic smile. "I understand, Chifuyu. And I'm not saying we should stop searching. We'll do everything we can to find her. But we need to be prepared for all possibilities."
Chifuyu nodded, his resolve hardening. "Right. We'll keep searching, no matter what."
As they returned to their investigation, Chifuyu couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease that lingered in the back of his mind. Maya's disappearance was shrouded in mystery, and the more they delved into it, the more questions arose. But amidst the uncertainty, one thing remained clear: they wouldn't rest until they uncovered the truth and brought Maya home, whatever that truth may be.
As Naoto and Chifuyu pull away from the quiet street, the landlady inside her house counts the large wad of cash with a smile on her face and dials a number. "hello, Kisaki-san... yes there was a detective that came back, his name is Tachibana Naoto... no don't worry I didn't tell him anything... yes... yes of course... thank you so much sir"
The landlady cuts the call and sighs with a smile. "poor girl must have done something wrong to get involved with Tokyo Manji Gang" The woman murmurs counting the crisp bills one by one "Oh well..."
"You really don't know when to quit do you?" Kakucho says with an irritated sigh
It's been 3 days since Maya got here. Each day she's been drugged with some weird concoction Izana comes up with and each day she still tries to escape— just like right now. Maya is kneeling on the ground in front of the double doors, once again, trying to pick the lock with bobby pins. The doors had huge panes of glass in the middle which gave the view of the beach and you might be asking: Maya, why haven't you tried breaking the glass?
1. That would make too much noise and she won't have enough time to run
2. When Izana catches her, he might make her eat the glass
3. the glass is acrylic
Maru had hit the glass with a chair but obviously, it didn't work out well. The chair bounced back and almost hit her in the face so she stuck to trying to pick the lock instead. Kakucho approached Maya, his steps resonating with authority. Squatting beside her, he regarded her bruised knees with a mixture of disdain and a hint of sympathy hidden beneath his stoic facade. "Do you ever tire of these ineffective attempts?" Kakucho's voice dripped with exasperation, his frustration evident in the crease of his brow.
Maya's eyes flickered with determination, despite the haze of drugs clouding her senses. "I won't give up" she rasped, her voice barely audible but laced with an unwavering resolve.
Kakucho shook his head, a mixture of annoyance and begrudging respect playing across his features. "Stubbornness will only bring you more pain" he warned, his tone laced with a hint of regret
But Maya remained undeterred, her fingers deftly working the bobby pins in the lock, her bruised knees forgotten in her single-minded pursuit of freedom. As Maya's efforts continued, Kakucho's patience wore thin. Without a word, he lifted her effortlessly into his arms, her protests falling on deaf ears as he carried her back to the large king-sized bed in the middle of the room. The journey was silent save for Maya's strained breaths, her struggling futile against Kakucho's unwavering strength. Despite her resistance, he couldn't help but admire her tenacity, a flicker of admiration stirring within him. Kakucho gently set Maya down on the bed, his gaze piercing as he regarded her. "Where are you getting these bobby pins?" he demanded, his voice firm but tinged with curiosity.
Maya's defiant glare met his own, a defiant spark igniting within her eyes. "I have my ways" she replied cryptically, her lips curling into a determined smirk.
Kakucho sighed in resignation, knowing that Maya's spirit could not be easily quelled. "I'll have to search you more thoroughly next time," he muttered, a note of frustration creeping into his voice. As Maya lay there, her breaths coming in ragged gasps due to the drugs in her system, Kakucho's gaze narrowed as he began to search her belongings. He rummaged through her pockets, checking every nook and cranny for any hidden tools or contraband. But it wasn't until he ran his fingers through her curly hair that he felt something catch. Frowning, he tugged gently, and to his surprise, a cascade of bobby pins spilled from her locks, clattering softly onto the bedspread. Kakucho stared at the pins in disbelief, a mixture of frustration and admiration swirling within him. "Ingenious," he muttered under his breath, a grudging respect for Maya's resourcefulness blossoming within him.
Maya watched him with a smug satisfaction, her eyes sparkling with defiance. "Told you I had my ways" she quipped, her tone laced with triumph.
Kakucho couldn't help but crack a faint smile, his annoyance tempered by a begrudging admiration for Maya's determination. "I'll have to remember to search your hair more thoroughly next time" he replied, his voice tinged with amusement as he gathered up the bobby pins and shoved them into his pocket
It's then the door opens and in comes Mikey who doesn't even acknowledge them and heads for the closet. He's currently in pyjamas, his hair an even bigger mess than usual. Maya watches in silence while Kakucho watches her. Mikey pulls out clothes from the closet and then looks over at Maya. They make eye contact, just staring right into each other's eyes for a moment. It's a little weird but it's happened so many times that it doesn't even phase her anymore. Mikey is the first one to look away and walk out of the room yelling "Aniki! When are you going to kill her? I want my room back!" probably to Izana
In which Maya is about to yell "Motherfuck—"
But Kakucho slaps a large hand over her mouth, the other on the back of her head. "don't be stupid" He hisses at her
Maya narrows her eyes at him as Kakucho keeps his hand firmly over her mouth. "Izana is number 3 but Mikey is number 1"
Oh. Oh... Maya was about to call Tokyo Manji Gang's number 1 a motherfucker. That probably would have been a quick death. Maya's eyes widened in realization as Kakucho's hand remained firmly pressed against her mouth. She swallowed hard, the gravity of her near-miss sinking in. Calling out Mikey, the top member of the Tokyo Manji Gang, with such language could have resulted in dire consequences. With Kakucho's hand still muffling any potential outburst, Maya shot him a glare filled with frustration and anger. She understood the delicate balance they were treading, but the sense of powerlessness grated against her fiercely independent spirit. Kakucho's gaze held a warning, his eyes reflecting the seriousness of their situation. Slowly, he removed his hand from Maya's mouth, but the tension in the room lingered like a palpable weight. "watch yourself okay..." Kakucho says and removes his hand from her mouth
As Kakucho turned to leave, Maya's voice halted him in his tracks. A quiet plea laced her words, mirroring the vulnerability etched across her face as she gazed at him, her eyes searching for answers in the depths of his own mismatched eyes. His steps faltered momentarily before he pivoted back toward her, his expression a complex tapestry of emotions woven with threads of nostalgia and sorrow. "Wait" Maya implored, her voice soft but weighted with an unspoken longing, her heart aching for the solace of understanding.
Kakucho hesitated, his gaze flickering with uncertainty before he relented, closing the gap between them once more. There was a rawness in Maya's gaze that resonated within him, stirring echoes of his own inner turmoil. "What is it?" His voice, though gentle, carried the weight of a lifetime's worth of memories, each one a testament to the tangled bond he shared with Izana.
Maya's lips parted as she gathered her thoughts, the silence between them pregnant with the weight of unspoken truths. "Why are you helping him?" Her words hung in the air, heavy with uncertainty, her voice a fragile whisper amidst the vast expanse of their shared history.
For a fleeting moment, Kakucho's mind wandered back to the streets of Tokyo, to a time when he and Izana were merely children, their fates intertwined by the capricious hand of destiny. But the memories were fleeting, overshadowed by the harsh reality of their present circumstances. "It's not about helping him," Kakucho murmured, his voice tinged with a quiet resignation, the weight of their shared past bearing down upon him like a burden too heavy to bear alone. "It's about survival."
Maya's brow furrowed, a flicker of confusion dancing within the depths of her eyes. "Survival?" Her voice trembled with uncertainty, her heart yearning for a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to consume them both
Kakucho nodded, his gaze distant yet oddly impassioned. "Izana... he's not someone you can just walk away from," he explained, the words heavy with the weight of bitter experience. "He's powerful, and he doesn't take kindly to betrayal."
Maya's breath caught in her throat, the gravity of Kakucho's words settling over her like a suffocating shroud. "But that doesn't mean we have to be his puppets," she protested, her voice tinged with a defiant resolve born from the depths of her soul "You know this is wrong too"
For a moment, Kakucho regarded her with a mixture of admiration and sorrow, his gaze piercing yet strangely distant. "Maybe not," he conceded, his voice softening with a hint of nostalgia. "But sometimes... there are no other options."
Their conversation hung heavy in the air, the unspoken truths lingering between them like ghosts of a past they could never truly escape. Maya searched Kakucho's face for any sign of reassurance, but all she found was a well of sadness that mirrored her own. As Kakucho turned to leave once more, Maya's voice stopped him yet again. "Thank you," she whispered, her words a fragile echo of the gratitude that swelled within her heart, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness.
For a fleeting moment, their gazes met, a silent understanding passing between them, bridging the chasm that separated their souls. But before Kakucho could respond, he simply nodded, his expression a mosaic of conflicting emotions that mirrored Maya's own. Then, with one final glance back at Maya, Kakucho slipped out of the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the lingering echoes of their shared past, a silent testament to the fragile bonds that bound them together in a world fraught with uncertainty.
3 days. It had been 3 whole fucking days since Maya had been abducted by her job after a shitty cat-and-mouse game. She'd been waterboarded, drugged up and held captive in this room. The only good part was the three meals a day she would get and the very pretty view in front of her. But even with the free food, the great living arrangements and the amazing view, there was obviously something very wrong with this whole thing.
1. She's drugged out of her mind and barely able to walk
2. sure she has food but half the time she ends up throwing it all up anyway
3. Izana
As Maya lay on the bed, her mind fogged by the drugs coursing through her system, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread that gnawed at her insides. Each passing moment only served to deepen her sense of unease, as the weight of her captivity pressed down upon her like a suffocating blanket. She cast a weary gaze toward the double doors that stood between her and freedom, their imposing presence a stark reminder of the barriers that held her captive. Despite her best efforts to escape, each attempt had been met with failure, leaving her bruised and broken both physically and mentally. It was a beautiful day outside of course. Not that she was even able to enjoy it with the stupid acrylic glass and that damn lock that wouldn't budge no matter how hard she tried. The sound of footsteps echoing in the hallway outside snapped Maya back to the present, her heart pounding in her chest as she braced herself for whatever came next. Would it be Izana, with his cold, calculating gaze and twisted sense of control? Or perhaps Kakucho, with his conflicted loyalties and veiled hints of sympathy? The door creaked open, and Maya's breath caught in her throat as she tensed, readying herself for the inevitable confrontation. But instead of her captor, it was Mikey who entered the room again, his dishevelled appearance and casual demeanour a stark contrast to the gravity of their situation and his high position in the gang. "You're weird" He mutters
His muttered words cut through the silence like a knife, a jarring reminder of the absurdity of their circumstances. Maya's brow furrowed in confusion, a mixture of frustration and disbelief bubbling up within her. Did he really come here to tell her that? "What do you mean?"
Mikey glanced at Maya, his expression unreadable as he shrugged nonchalantly. "You're weird," he repeated, his tone lacking any hint of malice or amusement, very different from the condescending way Izana would speak to her
Maya's confusion deepened, her mind struggling to make sense of his cryptic remark amidst the chaos of her captivity. "Weird?" she echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you talking about?"
Mikey simply shrugged again, his indifference bordering on indifference. "You're always trying to escape" he said, as if stating the most obvious thing in the world.
Maya's jaw clenched, frustration simmering beneath the surface as she struggled to maintain her composure. "And what's wrong with that?" she snapped, her tone sharper than intended
She wants to hit herself for talking to Mikey that way. Izana may be playing with her but it was clear that Mikey was the leader for a reason. He would probably end her without batting an eye. Mikey regarded her for a moment, his gaze piercing in its intensity. "Nothing," he replied simply, a flicker of something akin to... fondness? glinting in his eyes
There is a moment of silence till he speaks again. "You know," Mikey began, his tone casual yet tinged with an underlying curiosity, "I've been wondering. Why are you so bad at picking locks?"
Maya's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at the question, her pride wounded by the implication of her failure. She shifted uncomfortably on the bed, avoiding Mikey's gaze as she struggled to formulate a response. "It's not as easy as it looks," she muttered defensively, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mikey raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Clearly," he remarked dryly, his lips quirking into a faint smirk.
Maya scowled, frustration bubbling up within her as she bristled at his teasing tone. "It's not like I have years of experience escaping from kidnappers," she shot back, her tone laced with sarcasm
Mikey's smirk widened into a grin, his amusement evident in the twinkle of his eyes. "Fair point," he conceded, a hint of respect colouring his words.
There is a moment of silence till she finally asks "Can you ask him to let me go?"
Mikey's grin faltered at Maya's question, his expression growing sombre as he regarded her with anger. Was this guy also bipolar like Izana? "Do I look like a fucking people person?" Mikey retorted, his tone edged with frustration. "How do you know I'm not as bad as him, kid?"
Maya's heart sank at Mikey's blunt response, the weight of her desperation crashing down upon her with crushing force. She had hoped that perhaps Mikey, with his seemingly carefree demeanour, might offer her some semblance of solace amidst the darkness of her captivity. But his words served as a stark reminder of the harsh reality she's in. She didn't wanna be an idiot and say Mikey was different. He was the fucking leader of Tokyo Manji Gang after all. She wasn't sure what to say to that. She stays silent and thankfully, Mikey speaks up first "You know, kid, I admire your spirit," he said quietly, tone genuine but eyes showing no emotion "Most people would've given up by now, but not you. That takes guts."
Despite herself, Maya couldn't help but feel a glimmer of satisfaction at his admission. As Mikey lingered in the doorway, Maya found herself studying him with newfound curiosity. There was a complexity to him that she hadn't expected, a depth hidden beneath the surface of his seemingly carefree demeanour. There had to be more to him. After all, he is that psycho Kurokawa Izana's younger brother. With a final nod of acknowledgment, Mikey turned and left the room, leaving Maya alone once more with her thoughts and the relentless determination to defy the odds stacked against her. As the door clicked shut behind Mikey, leaving Maya alone once again, a sense of unease settled over her like a suffocating blanket. Her mind buzzed with a whirlwind of emotions, from awe at Mikey's unexpected skill to a gnawing sense of dread at the thought of Izana's inevitable return. Sure enough, it wasn't long before the door creaked open once more, and Izana's imposing figure loomed in the doorway. His presence sent a chill down Maya's spine, the air growing heavy with the weight of his malevolent intent. "hey little bunny," Izana purred, his voice dripping with thinly veiled amusement as he stepped into the room, his eyes fixed on Maya with a predatory gleam. "did ya' miss me?"
Maya bites her tongue so she doesn't groan in annoyance and give him a reason to hurt her. "I would have survived a little longer" she mutters sarcastically while trying to sit up in the large king-sized bed but failing miserably and falling right on her back again
The drugs were a double-edged sword, blurring her senses and numbing her body, yet somehow allowing her to maintain a semblance of awareness. Maya couldn't decipher what Izana had given her, but she silently thanked whatever higher power that she maintained control over her faculties. Izana's smirk widened at Maya's failed attempt to rise, his amusement palpable as he sauntered closer, his presence casting a shadow over her prone form. "you know, you're adorable" he coos, taking a seat next to her
Maya's skin crawled at his proximity, her muscles tensing as she fought to keep her composure in the face of his taunts. "Save your sweet talk," she retorted, her voice dripping with disdain. "I'm not falling for your games."
Izana chuckled, a dark sound that sent shivers down Maya's spine. "Oh, my little bunny," he murmured, his tone oozing with false sympathy. "You have so much to learn about me."
As he leaned in closer, Maya could feel the heat of his breath against her skin, his gaze burning into her with an intensity that made her squirm. She wanted to recoil, to shrink away from his touch, but she forced herself to hold her ground, refusing to show him any weakness. "I know a lot about you" Maya says
Then, Izana pulled out her notebook she would take notes about him while she was still at the psychiatric hospital working as his psychiatrist. He flips it open and grins. "How about we read what you know about me together?"
Maya's breath caught in her throat as she watched him pore over the pages, her mind racing with the implications of what he might find. Every detail, every observation she had made about him during their sessions was laid bare before him, a damning testament to the secrets she had uncovered. But even as fear threatened to consume her, Maya refused to let Izana see her falter. With a defiant glare, she met his gaze head-on, her resolve burning brighter than ever in the face of his twisted games."I have nothing to hide," Maya declared, her voice ringing with a steely resolve "Read all you want. It won't change a thing."
Izana giggles, his hanafuda earrings making a clinking sound as his head moves. "of course not. I know everything about you too after all. We've got nothing to hide from each other, bunny"
Maya's stomach churned at Izana's words, the unsettling sound of his giggles sending a shiver down her spine. She resisted the urge to recoil as his hanafuda earrings tinkled with each movement of his head. "Nothing to hide?" Maya echoed, her voice laced with skepticism. "You know everything about me?"
Izana's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light. "Of course," he replied, his tone dripping with false sincerity. "We've shared so much together, haven't we, bunny?"
Maya's jaw clenched, a surge of anger rising within her at Izana's twisted manipulation. "You don't know anything about me," she spat, her voice tinged with venom.
But Izana merely chuckled, unfazed by Maya's defiance. "Oh, but I do," he countered, his gaze boring into her with an unsettling intensity. "And soon, you'll see just how much we have in common. Now let's start"
Izana mused, his tone dripping with mockery as he scanned the pages of the notebook. "Ah, here we go. 'Mr. Kurokawa displays classic narcissistic traits, with a distinct lack of empathy towards others.' How charming."
Maya's jaw clenched, her fists balling up at her sides as she fought to maintain her composure in the face of Izana's cruel scrutiny. She could feel the weight of his gaze bearing down on her, as if he were relishing every moment of her discomfort. It felt so weird that Izana was reading all the things she wrote about him out loud. But Izana showed no sign of remorse as he continued to read, his voice growing more taunting with each passing moment. "'He also exhibits sociopathic tendencies, with a penchant for manipulation and control.' How delightful."
Maya's cheeks burned with embarrassment, her pulse quickening with each damning detail Izana revealed about him. It was as if she were staring into the abyss of his twisted psyche, unable to look away despite the horror of what she saw. "And here's the pièce de résistance," Izana said, his voice dripping with scorn as he turned to the final page of the notebook. "'Patient harbours unresolved mommy issues, likely stemming from childhood trauma.' How touching."
Izana's smirk widened as he continued to read Maya's notes, relishing every word as if savouring a delicious meal. His eyes danced with amusement, feeding off Maya's growing discomfort like a predator toying with its prey. "'Mr.Kurokawa's manipulative tactics often stem from a deep-seated fear of abandonment,'" Izana read aloud, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How quaint."
Maya's heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of dread and defiance coursing through her veins. She had written those words in an attempt to understand Izana's behaviour, to grasp the tangled web of emotions that lurked beneath his cold exterior. But hearing them spoken aloud by the very person they were about only served to amplify her sense of vulnerability. "And here's a gem," Izana continued, his tone laced with mockery as he turned to another page. "'Mr. Kurokawa's inability to form genuine connections with others is a direct result of his own insecurities.' How insightful."
Maya's cheeks burned with humiliation, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. She had thought she was being clever, analyzing Izana's behaviour from a clinical perspective. But now, it felt as though her words had been weaponized against her, twisted into cruel barbs by Izana's manipulative hands. "And let's not forget this little nugget," Izana said, his voice dripping with scorn as he turned to yet another page. "'Patient's constant need for validation stems from a profound sense of inadequacy.' How touching."
He flips the page and reads another page "'He told me he was the cause of his sister's death. If a man hates himself, he takes it out on the woman that loves him'..." Izana's voice gets quiet by the end of the sentence
It seemed that for once, Maya's notes hit a nerve. As Izana's voice trailed off at the end of the sentence, a palpable tension filled the room, thickening the air with an unsettling weight. Maya's heart pounded in her chest, her breaths coming in shallow, ragged gasps as she watched Izana's expression shift, a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability flickering behind his usually impenetrable facade. For a moment, the room hung in a tense silence, the weight of Maya's words echoing in the air like a solemn refrain. It was as if she had peeled back a layer of Izana's carefully constructed armour, exposing a raw, wounded soul beneath. But just as quickly as the moment had come, it passed, replaced by Izana's trademark smirk and a glint of something unreadable in his eyes. "How touching" he remarked, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he closed the notebook with a sharp snap.
He throws it, the notebook sails through the air, spinning gracefully before colliding with one of the mirrors with a resounding thud. Maya flinched at the sound, her heart racing as she watched it clatter to the floor, pages splayed open. For a moment, the room was filled with a deafening silence, broken only by the sound of Maya's ragged breaths and the faint echo of Izana's mocking laughter. The tension that had filled the air moments before hung thick and heavy, casting a suffocating pall over the room. Maya's gaze flickered from the fallen notebook to Izana, her mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. She had struck a nerve, that much was clear, but what would come of it remained uncertain. Would Izana lash out in anger, his fragile ego bruised by Maya's words? "You wanna know a story little bunny?" Izana says and climbs into bed next to her
No. No she did not. She also did not want him so close. Izana drapes an arm over her shoulders and pulls her tightly into his side, holding her the same way a lover would. She fought the urge to recoil from his touch, to push him away with all the strength she could muster. But she knew that any resistance would only provoke him further, fueling his twisted sense of control. "nope not really... It's 1 in the afternoon... Don't you think it's early for bedtime stories?" Maya mutters
Izana laughs at her and coos. "You're so funny. That's why I like you so much"
With a resigned sigh, Maya allowed herself to be pulled into Izana's embrace, her body stiffening at the touch of his skin against hers. She knew that she had to play along, to bide her time until she found a way to escape this nightmare once and for all. But deep down, she knew that the road ahead would be long and treacherous, filled with dangers she couldn't even begin to imagine. As Izana began to speak, his voice a sinister whisper in the darkness, Maya closed her eyes and braced herself for whatever twisted tales he had in store. "My sister... Emma... She was 4 years younger than me... I loved her so much" Izana murmured, twisting a strand of her hair between his fingers "but our mother was a little bitch"
Oh. That got vulgar fast. "she liked to gamble... One day, Mother decided she didn't want us anymore so she sent Emma off to her father's place and me to the orphanage"
Maya furrows her brows. Why wasn't Izana sent with Emma too? "Emma lived with Manjiro and Shinichiro and I lived in the orphanage" He doesn't sound sad but rather amused "The orphanage is where I met Kakucho"
According to the names and their definitions, Shinichiro was the oldest and Manjiro was the next born. Maybe Emma was the youngest. "I found something out about that shitty man that was Emma's dad. He cheated on Manjiro's mother. That's how Emma came into this world. He cheated on Manjiro's mother because she was sick and dying"
Maya has to stop herself from making a horrified face. "But even then, Manjiro loved Emma so much... So did Shinchiro"
This was not a nice story at all. Maya's mind reeled at the implications of Izana's words. Despite the betrayal and abandonment they had suffered, Manjiro and Shinichiro still found it in their hearts to love their younger sister unconditionally. It was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a flicker of light in the darkness of Izana's twisted narrative. But even as Maya struggled to process the horrors of Izana's past, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled over her like a suffocating shroud. "Shinichiro came to see me at the orphanage... He always did until one day... He died" Izana murmurs
"He... Died?" Maya speaks up for the first time since this shitty story started
"Uh huh... Killed by Manjiro's friend" Izana says then whispers in her ear, his lips brushing against her skin "Hanemiya Kazutora..."
What the fuck? is all that goes through Maya's head. There was no way— oh wait. Kazutora went to jail. He was in jail. Maya is really starting to doubt every friendship she's ever made in her life. "Then years later I finally see Emma again... She looked too much like that bitch" Izana says with disdain but then smiles as if there was nothing wrong with what he said "so then she died and I start taking care of Manjiro and here we are today!"
Maya internalizes what he says.
Then years later I finally see Emma again... She looked too much like that bitch
That bitch.
His mother.
Emma looked like their mother.
Izana said he was the cause of Emma's death and Emma looked just like the woman he hated.
Izana has mommy issues.
Pieces start coming together. "You killed your sister because she looked like your mother" Maya tells him with a horrified expression
Men with mommy issues were terrifying. People say daddy issues turns you into a people pleaser but mommy issues clearly turned you into a fucking sociopath. As the weight of her words hung heavy in the air, Maya braced herself for Izana's reaction. Izana's eyes narrowed, his gaze boring into Maya with a chilling intensity. For a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Maya's heart hammered in her chest, her breaths coming in shallow gasps as she waited for Izana's response. But instead of lashing out in anger or denying her accusation, Izana's lips curled into a predatory smile, sending a shiver down Maya's spine. In a quick movement, she's on her back, Izana on top of her, a large tanned hand wrapped around her throat. She's getting deja vu from 3 days ago. "Oh, little bunny," he purred, his voice dripping with malice. "You think you've figured me out, don't you?"
Maya's jaw clenched, her fists balling up at either side of her head as she braced herself for whatever twisted game Izana had in store. She had expected him to deny her accusation, to lash out in anger at the mere suggestion of his guilt. But his calm demeanour, despite having a hand around her throat, sent a chill down her spine, a sickening realization dawning upon her. "You have no idea what you're dealing with," Izana continued, his voice low and menacing. "You think you're so clever, so brave. But you're nothing more than a pawn in my game, little bunny. And trust me, I always win."
Maya doesn't say anything. He isn't sitting on her hips time, rather he's got one knee between her legs, pressing slightly against her intimate area. It makes her cheeks flush. She doesn't have enough control over her body to fight back. "you yap so fuckin' much but you're so pretty" Izana mutters, his face lowering, getting closer to her "Would've killed ya' long ago if you weren't pretty..."
Maya isn't sure if she should be flattered or what. His breath hits her lips. She doesn't dare move nor does she try. Not with the drugs in her system, not with knowing Izana could probably snap her neck with his large hand without any effort. He's just staring at her and it's so fucking scary. "Y-You know someone will notice I'm gone" Maya tries
They had to. Someone had too. But Izana just giggles. "Your rent for this month has been paid, your student loan paid, you've given in a resignation letter to your job, your house is empty, all your clothes are here..."
She hadn't done all of that. All of that was done by them. They paid her rent, they paid off her loans for some reason, the resignation letter was no surprise considering they probably murdered the fucking director of Sunshine Grove and yeah, all her clothes and her things were here but they brought them. "No one knows where you are..." Izana whispers with a little giggle
"So... They'll look for me" Maya says and Izana's hand around her throat tightens just a little
He has a mischievous smile on. "Even if someone does notice that there is something wrong, it's been 3 days..." He says and pauses for a moment, his lilac eyes gazing down into her blue ones "Hey little bunny, don't you know? If no one knows you're alive then you aren't"
She feels like she might be sick. "But you wanna stay alive don't you?" he coos, his lips touching her cheekbone
"Yes..." her voice is breathless
Suddenly he presses his knee harder between her legs creating an odd pressure on her crotch. A quiet whimper leaves her. "Izana" she chokes out
His pupils are blown out wide, looking dark. He still has his hand around her neck. "shh~" he whispers, his voice a soft croon "You wanna live don't you?"
It's weird. The feeling is odd and she knows she shouldn't like it. Maya knows she shouldn't be remembering those unnecessarily hot scenes from her dark romance novels but she can't help herself. Her body betrays her and so does her mind for even thinking of that right now. She can feel a wetness leaking out of her onto her panties and she internally groans in annoyance from it. No way this was happening. Weren't drugs supposed to ruin your libido? So why the hell— a gasp leaves her when Izana grinds his knee against her cunt. Her eyes fall shut. "uh, uh, uh. Eyes open"
As she opens her eyes again Izana murmurs "Ride my thigh and I'll think about what I wanna do next"
Maya gives him a look of shock. No way did he say that so casually. "h-huh?"
He just giggles. "c'mon bunny, I can feel how wet you are against my knee. Lemme watch you get yourself off"
She's about to protest but his hand around her neck tightens a little around her neck and she chokes out another gasp. He wasn't even squeezing but fucking hell it was scaring her. "c'mon... do it" Izana encourages with a condescending look in his eyes "you took such good care of me at the hospital, lemme take care of you now... Get yourself off, bunny"
It wasn't even an offer, it was a demand. Her cheeks burn in humiliation as she slowly ruts her hips against his clothed thigh. Oh, how Maya hated how good it felt. She gasps softly at the light friction. "so cute... feels so good doesn't it?" Izana murmurs, his voice low in her ears and for some reason, it spurs her on even more
She should say no, she should fight back but that was the least of her worries when Izana has a hand wrapped around her neck and could snap it like a twig. A soft whine leaves her when he jerks his knee up into her pussy. "I-Izana" Maya chokes out breathlessly
It's almost embarrassing how quickly a coil tightened in her lower belly. Her hips move slightly faster and Izana just keeps encouraging her to keep going. "Look at you... using my thigh, rutting against it like a bunny in heat" Izana whispers
As she feels her release coming, Izana tightens his hand around her neck. He wasn't pressing down on her windpipe but on the sides of her neck. Blood flow was cut off to her head and now Maya felt lightheaded and all the feelings were amplified. fuckfuckfuckfuck it felt so good and it wasn't fair. It wasn't fair this utterly humiliating thing felt so good. She's letting out breathy soft moans and helpless-sounding whimpers that are music to Izana's ears. He doesn't look away from her eyes the entire time. He coaxes her to keep them open. "c'mon bunny, you close?" He asks, his voice condescending and mocking and Maya hates how she gets wetter at the sound of it
The coil tightens to the max and she lets out a whine of his name as she comes. Her hips stop their movement but Izana starts moving his knee again, forcing her to ride out her orgasm. He tightens his hand even more and Maya's eyes roll back from the oversensitivity and her head goes blank. Her legs twitch and she whimpers weak and breathlessly as Izana finally stops his movement and lets go of her neck. She's breathing heavily, her eyes closed. She feels boneless. A kiss is then pressed to her lips again and Izana doesn't hesitate to slip his tongue into her mouth. She's too tired to resist and her body still feels good. Maya decides to think about the humiliation of this whole situation later.
After all that was her survival tactic. Izana wanted a challenge. He wanted someone to break. If she was already broken, he wouldn't have his fun and he'd just kill her. Maya had to be fun for Izana so she could live long enough to formulate an escape plan and actually execute it. "good girl" Izana mutters between kisses
For a moment Maya forgets whose air she's breathing. His hips press against hers and she gasps at the feeling of how hard he is. Izana's hand begins to slip into her shorts, rough calloused hands touching her skin, when the door opens. "Izana, I can't find my socks"
Izana pulls away instantly, a look of utter annoyance on his face. "Manjiro I swear to fucking god!"
Maya covers her face with her hands. If she wasn't humiliated before, she sure is now. Mikey is just standing there with a deadpan expression, not even batting an eye at their scandalous position. "My socks aniki..." Mikey says
Izana looks like he wants to shoot him in the head. Izana's mood was clearly ruined and Maya is unsure if she was happy or unhappy about that. She's just lying there on the bed with flushed cheeks, still breathing unevenly as Izana gets up. They're both arguing about something and end up leaving the room, the lock clicking behind them. She doesn't get up. Maya doesn't know how to feel right now. Her body felt good and it wasn't fair. Not at all and she hated that she would have let Izana go further if he wanted.
Her thoughts shift back to Chifuyu and her eyes well up with tears.
How utterly lovesick did you have to be to still be thinking of the guy who rejected you even while you're held captive and have your life under constant threat?
The answer is still inconclusive.
notes: sorry for how bad the smut is 😭 dk how to properly write smut but i hope it doesn't ruin the next chapter. also I have no idea how easy/hard it is to get off from thigh riding so please do not come at me due to inaccuracies, the author is a virgin !!
asks, reblogs and likes are very much appreciated!
DEAD GIRL'S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
SIX — the beach house
"He says he had an older brother. Izana says he hates his brother for lying to him. He didn't say exactly what the lie was but with the way his eyes look while he talks about it, I don't think I want to know either" — MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: willing or unwillingly, Maya takes up Izana's invitation and he shows her just what he was feeling the past two months he was admitted into sunshine grove.
chapter warnings: DARK CONTENT 18+, abduction, murder, chase scene, noncon drugging, blood and gore, vomiting, physical abuse, slapping, death threats, waterboarding, torture, drowning, near-death experience, dehumanization, objectification, noncon touching, enabler!shion, psycho!izana, PTSD(post traumatic stress disorder), panic attacks, making out
word count: 7163
series masterlist
Maya has read many dark romance books. She loves them. Give her a book about a stalker who is absolutely in love with their victim and would do anything, go to any lengths or kill for their victim, she adores the book. Give her a book with a serial killer, absolutely fucking amazing. A morally grey male lead, a gang leader, a cruel king or prince. Maya loves it.
She had an odd obsession with the Joker and Harley Quin when she was younger. She had no idea how her parents even allowed her to purchase the comics back then but oh man she was obsessed with it. Forbidden romances just did something to her. But she wasn't stupid enough or delusional to think that sort of thing would be ethical in real life nor would it be safe. Sure she had fantasized about it but jumping into a vat of chemicals did not at all seem very appealing to her.
Maya wasn't delusional enough to think she'd have some kind of forbidden romance with one of her patients. She had morals. As hot as Kurokawa Izana was, she wasn't stupid to think she'd have some Harley Quin and Joker type of romance.
(Now years later as a psychiatrist, Maya realizes just how messed up Harley Quin and Joker's relationship was and how she does not at any cost want someone like that or want to be in a situation like that. She'd rather not.)
Some things were only appealing in books after all.
It's bright. Too bright as Maya's eyes open. She feels dull and groggy and sleepy and so many emotions at once but at the same time, none at all. Her mouth is dry and she feels numb. The event of last night went through her mind at a slower pace than she'd like. It felt like a stupid realistic nightmare. As her eyes adjust to the light she sees a white paneled exposed beam ceiling and a chandelier-looking thing. She wants to sit up, to move around but her body feels heavy. This certainly wasn't a hospital. That wasn't hospital white and the ceiling looked way too much like those beach houses in Okinawa she's seen on Airbnb. Maya groans quietly. Maybe she died or something and now she was in heaven. Had Izana killed her? Maybe. It was the most likely outcome after all. Maybe her body wasn't able to withstand the drugs he gave her and she died. "sleeping beauty is finally awake"
A familiar voice fills her ears. Okay, maybe she's not dead. That was slightly disappointing. "Kakucho make her sit up"
Maya then sees Kakucho hovering over her. He slides a hand under her head and the other around her waist, pulling her to sit up. Maya lets out a quiet ground and her body is leaned forward against Kakucho while he adjusts the pillows behind her and then gets her to lean back against them, now sitting up a little bit. The first thing she sees is Izana sitting in front of her on the bed. His hair is cut short, no longer shoulder length, a little curly now and there wasn't any stubble on his chin. Then she sees the huge open double doors behind him that led out to a deck that gave access to a... beach.
She was in Izana's beach house.
Her breath gets a little shaky as she sees Kakucho leave the room after Izana waves his hand at him. She doesn't say anything. She isn't sure what to say. Her entire body feels heavy and she just feels gross. "you know I was really sure you'd overdose last night" Izana says leaning back on his hands "The dosage was pretty high... 'm surprised you lived"
The sunlight comes through the open door as well as a cool breeze. It's not really that hot out. It's probably still early in the morning considering she could see the sun still rising. The sky outside the doors lit up in shades of yellow and orange. The scent of salt water fills her senses and the calming sounds of waves crashing against the shore. But nothing about this moment was calming. Maru knows she should be panicking or at least trying to get up but her body feels oddly numb and exhausted. Her breath comes out shaky and eyes droop. She thinks she might pass out again as Izana moves closer, now sitting next to her. "You're taking this a lot worse than I did the first time they hooked me up with this shit" He mutters, his finger tapping against the top of her hand
Maya looked down and realized she had an IV in the back of her hand. It felt a little achy and kind of hurt. Izana takes hold of her chin and makes her look back up at him. "y'know what I'm givin' ya'?" He asks
Izana doesn't wait for her answer as he says the name of the drug slowly. Maya's heart drops. "you're giving me what they'd give you" she finally speaks, her voice cracking from the horrible realization
Izana was injecting her with the same drug the hospital director had told her and the other doctors to give him. The man glances over at the IV bag, a knowing smile curling his lip. Maya thinks she might throw up. An eye for an eye. Izana was the type who wanted revenge. That's why he killed Doctor Sawamura, the two other nurses and probably killed the Hospital Director too. Tears start to run down her cheeks without warning. A quiet sob leaves her. She can't move, can't get herself to do anything. Maya is terrified for her life right now and she doesn't know what to do. "awe~" Izana murmured with a mocking coo and cupped her cheek in one hand, gently brushing her tears away "Just givin' the same care you gave me, bunny. So whatcha' crying 'bout?"
Shuddery breaths leave her lips as she tries to silence her sobs. How was she even supposed to react? What was she supposed to do? It seemed like the only thing she was even able to do was cry. This whole situation was messed up. She wants to ask Izana, why her? Why hadn't he just killed her? Dying would have been a better outcome than being kidnapped. No one would even be looking for her. She was basically an orphan who lived alone with like 3 friends and student debt. Maya would just be at the bottom of the file of missing person cases— but that was if someone even noticed she was gone. If those guys with Izana had gotten into the hospital, killed a bunch of people and made it out without consequences then she doubts the police would even look into her. "who are you?" is the only stupid and cliche question she could get herself to ask
Izana just chuckles, letting go of her face. "I'm Kurokawa Izana... You already know that much" he says with a grin "I'm Tokyo Manji Gang's number 3"
Tokyo Manji Gang...?
Her mouth feels dry and now she just feels even more sick. Her 'patient' was Tokyo Manji Gang's number 3. He was a part of a fucking gang? Not just any gang but Tokyo-fuckin-Manji Gang that's on the news for all the heinous shit they do on the daily? A million thoughts run through Maya's head at once and the only conclusion she comes up with
"I'm fucked"
"Izana, there's a call for you" Kakucho calls from the door "It's Mikey"
Izana sighs in annoyance. "That brat never calls me and only ever does when I'm in the middle of something"
Maya has heard that name a few times. She thinks at least. "I'll be right back" Izana says and smiles at her
He smiles but she feels like throwing up on his face. Izana had apparently had his maid wash her and change her clothes because she was covered in blood. She felt a bit better knowing it was a woman who did so but also felt sick that someone had seen her naked. Izana ruffles her hair and gets up, leaving the room. Maya takes that chance. At this point, she'd take any chance she could get. Maya refuses to freeze up the same way she did back at the hospital. Her limbs are heavy but she moves her right hand over to her left and tries her best to pull the IV out as smoothly as possible. Izana hadn't offered her much explanation. He didn't tell her why she was here or why he was doing this. But then again Maya couldn't get herself to speak and ask either. It felt like she was using all her strength to pull the comforter off her legs and get off the bed. Her legs almost give out as she stands up. There were 5 doors in this room. One was the bathroom, another the closet, one to the rest of the house where Izana had just gone through and the double doors to the deck that led out to the beach. The choice of which to go through was easy. Maya stumbles over to the double doors, grasping at furniture on the way. "shit" she mutters as blood drips down where the IV had been pulled out
Medical bullshit aside, she couldn't afford to put pressure for two minutes with gauze. This was a life-and-death situation. As Maya grasps onto the door frame, her bare feet stepping onto the deck, the door of the bedroom opens again. Izana was back already. Maya's heart drops. God, she was so fucking scared. "Where are you going?" Izana however doesn't look mad but amused
"I don't know" Maya says, her voice shaky as she stumbles onto the deck
She had to get away from him. Without looking back to see if he was anywhere near her, Maya stumbles down the stairs of the deck, her feet hitting the warm sand. Her heart drops realizing there are no other houses around. Just the beach. For some reason, she runs towards the water. That was a stupid idea as there was really nowhere else to go. Izana was walking calmly towards her so she started to run along the shore. Maya's breath came in ragged gasps as she sprinted along the beach, the sand slipping beneath her bare feet like shifting dunes. Her heart thundered in her chest, a frantic rhythm matching the pounding of the waves against the shore. But with each stride, the drug coursing through her veins weighed her down, turning her limbs to jelly. Izana pursued her with the patience of a predator stalking its prey. His steps were measured, deliberate, as if he knew she couldn't escape. His eyes gleamed with a predatory light, a wolf toying with its helpless quarry. Maya could feel his presence looming behind her, a shadow growing darker with each faltering step she took. "Where do you think you're going, little bunny?" Izana's voice cut through the crashing of the waves, sending shivers down her spine "You can't outrun me"
Stumbling, she fell to her knees, the sand scraping against her skin like claws. Panic surged through her, urging her to rise and flee, but her body refused to obey. She pushed herself up, the world spinning around her in a dizzying blur. With every effort, she forced her legs to carry her forward, but they betrayed her, buckling beneath her weight. Izana's laughter echoed across the beach, a cruel melody that chilled Maya to the bone. He closed the distance between them with unhurried ease, his steps closing in like the final moments of a deadly chase. Each time Maya stumbled, he drew nearer, his amusement growing with every futile attempt to escape. "You're making this too easy, bunny," Izana taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "I told you there's no running from me."
Maya's chest heaved with each laboured breath as she struggled to keep moving, her feet sinking into the soft sand with each desperate step. "Let me go, Izana!" she yelled back, her voice raw with fear
But Izana's laughter rang out again, a chilling accompaniment to the crashing waves right next to them as she stumbles to the ground again. Determined to fight back, Maya scooped up a handful of sand and hurled it behind her, aiming for Izana's face. But her aim was off, and the grains of sand scattered harmlessly in the wind, missing their target entirely. Izana merely chuckled, his amusement growing with each failed attempt. "Is that the best you can do, bunny?" he taunted, his pace never faltering, never getting slower and never getting any faster than his leisure pace "You're just making this more fun for me."
Desperation clawed at Maya's throat as she pushed herself to her feet once more, her muscles screaming in protest. She knew she couldn't keep this up much longer, but she refused to surrender to Izana's twisted game of cat and mouse. With every ounce of strength she could muster, she forced herself to keep moving, praying for a miracle to deliver her from this nightmare. But as the distance between them dwindled, Maya knew that the wolf was closing in, and the bunny had nowhere left to hide. With a final burst of adrenaline, Maya pushed herself forward, her feet pounding against the sand as she raced toward the distant horizon. But her efforts were futile, her body betraying her with every stumble and falter. Izana's grin widened as he closed the remaining distance between them, his strides effortlessly closing the gap. With a swift motion, he lunged forward, his hand closing around Maya's arm like a vice. She cried out in protest, but it was too late. In one fluid movement, Izana twisted Maya around, pinning her down to the sand with a force that stole her breath away. She struggled against his grip, her muscles screaming with the effort, but he held her fast, his strength overpowering her own. "Game over, Maya," Izana whispered, his voice a sinister whisper against the crashing waves
Maya's breath came in ragged gasps as she wriggled beneath Izana's firm grasp, the sand scratching against her skin. Summoning every ounce of strength she possessed, Maya kicked out wildly, her bare feet connecting with Izana's shins. He grunted in pain, but his hold remained unyielding. Instead, he sits down on her hips, pinning her down completely, holding her wrists on either side of her head. "Let me go" she whimpers "Let me go, I want to go home"
Maya's breath hitched as Izana shifted his weight, his presence pressing down on her like a suffocating blanket. Tears welled in her eyes as she felt his grip tighten around her wrists, his strength overpowering her own. She thinks he's bruising her skin. "I can't do that," Izana murmured, his voice dripping with a chilling calmness "You don't get to go home."
Desperation clawed at Maya's chest as she struggled against him, her heart pounding in her ears. But Izana's hold was unbreakable. "Please," Maya pleaded, her voice cracking with anguish. "I just want to go home"
Izana's gaze bore into hers, a twisted mixture of amusement and contempt flickering in his eyes. "You don't belong there anymore, little bunny" he whispered
"stop calling me that" she cries as tears run down her cheeks
She probably has sand in her hair but that wasn't what she was worried about right now. The salty breeze whispered through the air, carrying with it the faint scent of the ocean. Maya's heart hammered against her ribcage as she lay pinned beneath Izana, her mind racing with thoughts of escape. But with each passing moment, his weight pressed down on her, crushing her spirit like a fragile flower beneath his boot. Izana's grip on her wrists tightened, his fingers digging into her skin like claws. "You can struggle all you want, bunny," he said, his voice cold and unyielding "But you'll never escape me."
Maya's chest constricted with fear as she stared up at him, her eyes blazing with defiance. "I'll find a way," she vowed, her voice trembling with determination
Izana's lips curled into a cruel smile, his amusement evident in the glint of his eyes. "We'll see about that," he replied, his voice laced with malice.
With a sudden surge of strength, Maya bucked beneath him, her muscles straining against his weight. But Izana remained unmoved, his dominance unshakeable. "Give up," he taunted, his breath hot against her skin "You're mine now."
But Maya refused to surrender to the darkness that threatened to consume her. With every ounce of strength she possessed, she fought against Izana's hold, determined to reclaim her freedom no matter the cost. But it was a task when that wretched drug was still coursing through her system. Izana was looking down at her the same way an owner would at their pet. She feels so sick and angry and scared. Izana's grip tightened around Maya's wrists, his hold unyielding as he leaned in closer, his face inches from hers. "You're mine, little bunny," he hissed, the words dripping with… possessiveness? "And there's nowhere for you to run."
Maya's breath caught in her throat at the venom in his tone. The nickname cut through her like a blade, a constant reminder of her vulnerability. She clenched her jaw, refusing to let him see the fear that churned within her even though he probably already knew she was terrified. But Maya refused to be in the same state as last night. She refused to freeze up and give in. "I'm not your bunny," she spat, her voice trembling with a poor attempt at defiance "I'm a person, not some helpless animal for you to toy with"
Izana's laughter echoed across the beach, a cruel sound that sent shivers down Maya's spine. "Oh, but you are, little bunny," he sneered, his eyes glinting with malice "And you'll learn to obey me, just like a good little pet."
Anger surged through Maya's veins at his words, fueling her determination to break free from his grasp. With a sudden burst of strength, she lashed out, kicking him with all the force she could muster. But Izana merely chuckled, his hold tightening even further. It was like all her attempts at getting free were mere swats of flies. As Maya continued to struggle against Izana's grip, a sudden commotion drew their attention. Footsteps approached from the direction of the beach house, accompanied by the low murmur of voices. Maya's heart raced with hope as she prayed for someone to intervene, to save her from the clutches of her captor. Izana glanced over his shoulder, his grip loosening ever so slightly as he surveyed the newcomer. It was Kakucho. Maya feels even worse now. "What's going on Izana?" Kakucho asks as more men walk over behind him
Izana chuckled softly, his grip on Maya tightening once more as he looked down at her. "Just a stray trying to escape," he replied, his tone casual
Maya's heart sank at the realization that there would be no rescue, no salvation from the torment that awaited her. Trapped beneath Izana's dominance and with Kakucho standing by his side, she knew that her chances of escape were slim to none. Shion's eyes narrowed as they fell upon Maya, his lips curling into a sneer of disdain. "Looks like your rabbit is more trouble than you anticipated, Izana" Shion grunted, his voice rough
Izana's expression hardened as he tightened his grip on Maya's wrists, his dominance asserting itself in the face of the newcomers. "Just a little problem that needs to be dealt with" he replied, his voice dripping with confidence
The atmosphere on the beach turned tense. Maya thinks she might either pass out, cry or throw up, choke on her vomit and die. Shion stepped forward, his massive frame casting a shadow over Maya and Izana as he loomed above them. "What do you want to do with her, boss?" he grunted, his voice a low rumble.
Izana's lips twisted into a cruel smirk as he regarded Maya with cold detachment. "We'll teach her a lesson" he declared, his tone sending a chill down Maya's spine
There was a short moment of silence but Maya already knew her fate was sealed. "Is that really necessary?" Kakucho asks in a cold tone looking at his watch "It's already 10 am and you have a meeting with the dealers from Saudi in a few hours and—"
"Come on Kakucho, don't ruin the fun" Shion says nudging him
Maya really wants Izana to agree with Kakucho and not with that motherfucker Shion. "Yeah don't ruin the fun, Kakucho" Izana mimics back, looking up at him
With Izana's words, she knew that her fate was sealed. With a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, Maya braced herself for the punishment that awaited her, her mind racing with thoughts of escape even as her body remained pinned to the sand. "Let go—" She tries again but this time, Izana slaps her across the face
He hits her so hard she bites her tongue. Any harder she would have bitten through her tongue. Maya's ears literally ring for a second and she thinks he could have sprained her damn neck with how hard that slap was. He slapped her a lot harder than Shion did last night but then again she was under the influence of Xanax during that and right now she was under the influence of some shitty sedative. "I don't remember any of us talking to you" He hisses lowly
Maya doesn't say anything after that. As much as she wants to get away, she also does not want to snap her neck due to the sheer force of Izana's slap. Instead she breaths all shaky, looking up at Izana who still hadn't gotten up from straddling her hips. He's just looking around for a moment then his gaze stops on the ocean right next to them. They're only a few inches away from where the sand is wet from the waves crashing onto it. "You guys wanna know a story?" Izana says all of a sudden
"Story?" the other random guy says
Izana giggles and Maya does not like the sound of it. "I once asked Manjiro what we should do. Y'know for a vacation... I was trying to be a good big brother" The white-haired man says as he looks down at Maya, putting more of his weight on her "Manjiro said we should go waterboarding in Guantanamo Bay"
Kakucho goes stiff as does Maya but Shion seems interested. "Where's Guantanamo Bay?" Shion asks
You're asking the wrong question Maya wants to scream at him but she stays silent. She really hopes this is going where she thinks it will. "Cuba" Izana says smiling all ominous and scarily
"Wait what's waterboarding?" Shion then asks
Izana looks down at Maya, a grin on his face. He doesn't answer Shion's question directly, just continuing his fucked up little story instead. "I told Kisaki, hey book our tickets, Manjiro wants to go waterboarding," Izana says giggling as if this was so fucking funny "Then Kisaki told me, Guantanamo Bay is a military prison to detain extraordinarily dangerous people and Mikey thinks he was being funny"
Yeah like yourself! Maya wanted to scream at him but kept her mouth shut. "And waterboarding is well..." Izana is still smiling as if anything about this conversation was funny "How about I give you a live demonstration, Shion? We have a few buckets don't we?"
As Shion and the other unnamed guy leave to get buckets a horrible realization dawns on Maya. No fucking way. No fucking way was Izana going to do that. Right? "W-Wait Izana let me go" she starts to squirm underneath him, hoping he'll get up or at least loosen his grip a little on her wrists so she could get loose and poke his eyes out and make him scream "Izana let me go!"
But Izana doesn't budge. He just smiles, looking down at her the same way an owner would look at their pet when they've accomplished a new trick. He's looking at her the same way a wolf looks when it catches its prey. Maya thinks she's going to be sick. "Izana..." Kakucho says slowly
Izana whips his head around and looks at Kakucho, his gaze is angry as he turns to him. "You already went against me once Kakucho. Shut up this time and just stand there and watch" That was a command
Tears run down her cheeks as Shion and the random thug come back with a bucket each and Izana instructs them to fill the buckets with ocean water. "Now, you'll aid me in demonstrating just what waterboarding is, right?" Izana's voice is low and condescending as he speaks to her
Maya frantically shakes her head no. "No, no, no, no— Izana" Maya cries desperately "Please no"
She thought last night was scary, running through the empty halls of Sunshine Grove while drugged with a dangerous combination of Xanax and Rohypnal, but no. Right now was scary. Last night wasn't torture. This is torture. This is real torture and real raw fear. "You're so cute when you beg, bunny" Izana murmurs "I can see why Matsuno kept you around"
What?
But before she could internalize his words, Izana pulled out a handkerchief and pressed it to her mouth and nose after letting go of her wrists. She tries to claw at his hands and even reach up for his face and poke out his eyes like she wanted but before she could, a bucket of water is poured onto her face. The ocean water is freezing cold and immediately, Maya's brain thinks she's going to die. Her eyes fall shut from the sting of the salty water. She's trashing around under Izana, pushing at his chest and arms to make him let go and panic quickly sets in. Water just keeps being poured onto her, wetting her and even Izana who's on top of her, still holding her down. It's even worse that the water is ice-cold since it was still so early. Even in those small intervals when the water wasn't being poured onto her, Maya couldn't breathe. She could merely let out small wheezes. At some point, Izana pulls the handkerchief away to let in some actual air but Maya's brain reacts too slow and water is poured onto her again right as she sucks in a desperate breath. The water is sucked into her lungs and nose and finally, finally, her world goes dark.
"shh~ shh~ let it out" Kakucho murmurs as he turns Maya onto her side after reviving her
She coughs out water, throwing it all up. Her fingers weakly grip the sand beneath her as she heaves in and out heavily, desperate to breathe again. Her vision is blurry, her damp hair is sticking to her neck and her clothes are wet. She's soaked to the bone and freezing cold. Her lungs hurt, her wrists are bruised and the gritty sand under her feels like sharp needles. Panic sets in. She almost died. No, she did just die. Maya almost drowned to death. She starts sobbing while Kakucho keeps her lying on her side in case her body needs to dispel any more water from her lungs so she doesn't choke on her own vomit and die. Izana wasn't here anymore, neither was Shion or that other guy. She turns onto her stomach trying to crawl away, her fingers digging into the ground as she tries to get up and run again. She crawls maybe just a few steps forward but Kakucho turns her over again onto her back. "Are you asking for him to do that again?" He hisses at her, pushing down a little on her shoulder "Stay down"
Maya just sobs pitifully. She wanted to go home, back to her bed, back to where she was safe. It didn't matter if she was alone there. She just wanted to go back home and away from this place. Away from Izana. As Maya lay on the sand, her body wracked with sobs and her mind reeling from the trauma of nearly drowning, another figure approached the scene. In her peripheral vision, she can see someone approaching them. Unlike the formal attire Kakucho, Izana and Shion were wearing, this guy was wearing shorts and a hoodie and he was barefoot. But Maya doesn't turn her head to look at the newcomer. She just stares up at the blue sky with scattered white clouds. It was a beautiful fucking day. It felt like the world was mocking her. She's still freezing even with the sun shining down on her. "Mikey..." Kakucho greeted in a low voice, his tone deferential yet tinged with an underlying tension
Mikey. Oh. Mikey was here. The motherfucker who gave Izana the idea of waterboarding. If it weren't for him this wouldn't have even happened. After a moment of silence, Mikey or Manjiro or whatever this guy's name was because everyone was calling him different things, speaks up. "What's going on here, Kakucho?" he demanded, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.
Kakucho hesitated for a moment before responding, his gaze fixed on Maya who was still heaving and sobbing. "Just a little mishap," he replied, his tone guarded
Mikey's eyes narrowed as he studied Maya, his jaw set in a hard line. "Is she going to be a problem?" he asked, his voice cold and calculating
Kakucho shook his head, his grip on Maya's shoulder tightening slightly. "No, she won't be," he assured, his tone firm
As Maya continued to sob, her body trembling with exhaustion and fear, Mikey's gaze softened imperceptibly. He approached her slowly, his footsteps measured and deliberate. Kneeling down beside her torso. Maya can see his face now. Mikey or Manjiro is hovering over her. She was expecting tan skin, lilac eyes and white hair like Izana's but instead, she was met with pale skin, bottomless black eyes, shoulder-length messy black hair and a single diamond stud in each ear. Unlike Izana, Mikey did not have even a trace of emotion in his eyes(But just like Izana, Mikey is also extremely attractive). It scares Maya so much that she stops sobbing, just silent tears running down the sides of her face and she's no longer hyperventilating. "This is the doctor, right? Kaneko... Maya...?" Mikey speaks slowly
Mikey hand comes up and Maya flinches, thinking he is going to slap her but instead, he touches her forehead, brushing the wet strands of her hair away from her face. Maya can't get herself to look away. She feels like she's losing herself in Mikey's eyes but not in the same way she'd lose herself in Chifuyu's eyes. Mikey's black eyes were a bottomless pit. Like a void. It was scary and unsettling. But his touch was oddly gentle. "yeah, she is" kakucho confirms
Another moment of silence filled with the waves crashing in the background as Mikey takes hold of the gold butterfly pendant necklace she was wearing. "she looks like..."
But Mikey doesn't continue what he says and lets go of the neck then just gets up and leaves without a word. A few moments later Kakucho lifts Maya up bridal style. She shivers. She was freezing cold and Kakucho's hands were warm. She looked up at Kakucho who was looking ahead as he carried her back to the beach house like she weighed nothing. There was a bruise on his jaw and his lip was split. Despite how shitty she feels right now, Maya can't help herself from asking "What happened to your face?"
Kakucho didn't look at her as he answered. "A punishment for opening the door for you"
Maya furrows her brows about to ask what he meant by that but then she remembers last night when she wasn't able to get the door of room 401 open in her drugged state. Kakucho opened it for her? And he got punished for it? Maya doesn't think she wants any elaboration on why so she stays silent and tries to figure out what to do next as her lungs continue to burn.
She's showered and clean, no longer smelling like ocean water. Maya hadn't been able to put her face directly under the shower, immediately reminded of the cruel torture she had been through and had just stuck to cupping her hands together to fill them with water and splashing it on her face, the same way you would when washing your face in the sink. Her clothes were here for some reason. Like the ones from her house. All her toiletries, clothes, jewelry, everything. Had they been in her house? Probably. Maya doesn't want to ask anymore more questions she doesn't want to know the answers too. "I hope the soup tastes fine" Kakucho says as he closes the double doors leading out to the deck and locks it with a key
Kakucho brought her food after she was done showering. She didn't feel like eating but he insisted that it would make her feel better after throwing up. "yes it's fine" she says quietly
Maya avoids looking at the IV bag hung up next to her. There is a bandaid on her hand on the area where she had ripped the IV catheter out. She can still faintly feel the effects of the drug in her. Her lap is covered with the comforter and a tray is in her lap with the bowl of soup. She drinks the soup slowly. Apparently Izana and Mikey or Manjiro or whatever were still here. She could hear another guy arguing with Mikey and telling him to dress properly for the dealer from Saudi as first impressions were key. "Why can't you let me go?" Maya asks Kakucho
Kakucho looks at her. He has a look of uncertainty in his eyes. "Y-You know this is wrong too! I didn't do anything... Can't you tell Mr. Kurokawa to let me go?" She was desperate at this point
Maya didn't want to go through any of what happened earlier this morning again. Kakucho knew this was wrong too. That's why he opened the door for her last night. He sighs and after a long moment of silence, Kakucho finally speaks. "It is immoral and wrong but I have sworn my life to him. Nothing you say or do or how much you cry and beg will make me go against him"
With that, Kakucho leaves, locking the door behind him. In the loneliness of the large room giving her the view of the beach, Maya breaks down again.
The sun is setting when Izana comes back, lighting up the room in shades of bright orange. Maya was unfortunately in a situation— kneeling in front of the double doors trying to pick the lock with bobby pins. Her hands drop from the lock, her cheeks flush from embarrassment and eyes fill with fear. It's two contrasting emotions that are making her brain confused. But she’s more afraid than anything. Maya hadn’t seen Izana since he literally waterboarded her. She’s afraid. Oh man does she hope he doesn’t do it again. Drowning was not a peaceful way to go, especially the torturous way of waterboarding. Right now, she expects Izana to be mad but instead, he laughs. He's mocking her. Maya's heart sinks as she hears Izana's mocking laughter echoing through the dimly lit room. She knows she's been caught red-handed, her attempt at escape thwarted by her captor's return. She rises to her feet, using the door as support as her body is still too weak to stand on its own, her hands trembling with a mixture of fear and frustration. Izana strides over to her, his laughter echoing in the large room. "Well, well, well," he says between chuckles, amusement dancing in his eyes "I must say, little bunny, you're full of surprises."
Maya's stomach churns at the cold amusement in his tone, but she forces herself to meet his gaze, her hands falling limply to her sides. "I... I was just..."
"Just what?" Izana interrupts, his smirk widening. "Trying to escape? I have to admit, I didn't think you had it in you, especially after this morning"
Despite the fear coursing through her veins, Maya's defiance flickers to life, pushing back the need to curl up and cry. "You can laugh all you want," she says, her voice trembling but firm "But I won't give up. I'll find a way out of here, no matter what. You can't keep me here"
Izana's laughter subsides, replaced by a calculating gleam in his eyes. "Oh, little bunny," he says, his tone almost pitying. "You really think you can outsmart me? You're in for a rude awakening."
With a cold smile, he reaches out and grasps her arm, his grip firm but not unkind. "But I admire your spirit," he adds, a hint of sincerity underlying his words. "Just remember, there's nowhere you can go that I won't find you"
Maya's eyes blaze with fury as Izana leads her away from the door, her heart pounding with a mix of anger and despair. They stand in the opulent master bedroom of the beach house, the soft hues of twilight painting the room in an ethereal glow.
Her defiance flares anew as Izana releases her arm, his gaze lingering on her with a mix of amusement and contempt. "You know, bunny," he taunts, his voice dripping with disdain, "this could be a lot more enjoyable for both of us if you just accepted your fate"
He makes her lay back down on the bed, supporting her body with an arm around her waist, doing it the same way she would do to him back at the hospital when the drug made it hard for him to stand. Izana sits next to her, twisting the stands of her hair between his fingers. "I'll kill you" she hisses angrily
"such big words from a doctor with iron deficiency" Izana mocks
That was childish. Izana leans down over her and her heart drops to her stomach. Izana's lips inch closer, and Maya's body feels like it's encased in concrete. The drug coursing through her veins makes every movement a laborious effort. She tries to lift her arm to push him away, but it feels like it weighs a ton. Izana's taunts echo in her ears, but Maya can't summon the strength to respond. She feels helpless, trapped in her own body as Izana looms over her. With each passing moment, Maya's world narrows to the sensation of Izana's breath on her skin and the overwhelming heaviness dragging her down. "You're so pretty" He whispers
Finally, his lips meet hers. It's messy. Mostly because Maya is trying to bite Izana but when he catches her bottom lip between his teeth and his hand wraps around her throat with his thumb pressing down lightly against her windpipe, she already knows what the threat is and stops fighting back. Her hands lay limply on either side of her head as he coaxed her mouth open to slip his tongue inside. The kiss is still messy but it was almost the same way Chifuyu kissed her. No, as Izana shifts himself on top of her and takes one her hands to lace their fingers together, it feels just like how Chifuyu kissed her.
With need. Raw desire that made her body tremble.
But this wasn't the same situation. She wanted that and this was just— "see" Izana murmured as he pulled away for a moment, a string of saliva connecting their lips "This can be so much easier and enjoyable if you just gave in. I wouldn't have to hurt you for being annoying like earlier"
Behind him, the sun is setting. The room is lit up in pretty shades of orange. This would have been so much more romantic if it was Chifuyu.
He knows you're pretty, he just doesn't love you.
Maya feels sick again. It was stupid to think about Chifuyu in a time like this especially when he didn't even pick up her phone. "Why don't you just let me go? My friends are going to notice I'm gone and—"
"You mean Matsuno Chifuyu?" He asks cutting her off
Maya's heart drops. "Or that bastard Hanemiya Kazutora?" Izana sneers the name
With each name it makes her feel even more hopeless and scared. "How about Manjiro's childhood friends Mituya Takashi and Shiba Hakkai..." Izana is giggling as if it's something funny but Maya thinks she's going to throw up hearing the words childhood friends "Maybe Manjiro's best friend Ryuguji Ken will save you!"
Her heart beats fast, pounding against her ribcage making her bone physically ache. Best friend? Childhood friends? What? "C'mon little bunny" Izana coos as he cups her cheek, rubbing his thumb against her cheekbone "They're all former Toman members. Why would they save you?"
All semblance of hope shatters in that moment. No one was coming for her. Maya was a fucking orphan, the guy she has been in love with since middle school was a former member of Tokyo Manji Gang and she lived alone. No one was coming for her. Maya didn't have any other friends from school she kept in contact with. It was hopless. This was hopeless. “No one saves a stray dog” he whispers
That was right. No one saves a stray dog. No one loves a stray dog. No one was coming for her so she'll have to save herself. "If you kill me I'll haunt you" she threatens, it's the only thing that she manages to say
Izana as usual, seems amused. "Oh, will you?" his breath caresses her lips as he leans down again
"You kill me I'll make sure you don't forget me... I'll fucken haunt you Izana" Maya hisses, one of her hands weakly coming up to grab his dress shirt, eyes filled with rage "I'll haunt your fucking soul. You won't forget me"
Izana smiles, laughing as he leans in to kiss her again. But that was a promise. Maya would leave her mark on him. The longer he drags this out the more she'll make him suffer with her. If no one loves a stray dog then she’ll be a mutt. She’ll be a vicious mutt and leave a scar of her teeth in Izana for him to remember her by even after he puts her down. She refuses to go down without a fight.
If she was going down, Izana was going down with her.
notes: Mikey wears earrings because I said so. Also uh, lol Maya has iron deficiency, the only things she’s fighting is standing up too fast and getting dizzy.
DEAD GIRL’S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
FIVE — little bunny
"He doesn't like it when I don't make eye contact while talking to him. He says it disrespectful but I think he just wants to show me that he's the one in control and not me."— MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: with the apparent lack of staff at the hospital, Maya has no choice but to clock in despite her begging for a day off and goes through an unforgettable night. good thing she's wearing running shoes.
chapter warnings: minor character death, suicide ideation, self-loathing, mentions of vomiting, corruption, exploitation, death threats, murder, torture, blood, gore, non-con drugging, unethical use of drugs, use of weapons, noncon/rape(not mc), noncon touching, mentions/implications of forced prostitution, inaccurate depictions of psychiatric hospitals, f!oc with zero self preservation skills
word count: 4910
series masterlist
Maya's mother was a surgeon and her father was a mechanical engineer. They met in university, fell in love and had her. Her childhood had been a happy one. That was until the day before Maya's 13th birthday, her father got into a really bad car accident. The surgeon in charge? Her mother. Maya's mother wasn't able to save her husband and it absolutely destroys her. Her mother drinks away her pain, sending her into debt and eventually but quickly to her death. The day Maya met Chifuyu in the park, she was going to kill herself. But rather than using the money she had to buy herself her favourite ice cream one last time, Maya used it to buy a first aid kit and treat Chifuyu's wounds.
Chifuyu didn't know that. She'd never tell him about that. But he somehow saved her that day. Who knew falling in love could give you a reason to live?
Or, maybe it was simply a distraction from how utterly tragic her life had suddenly gotten. Her childhood ended at 13 when her mother and father died but her inner child continued to cling to Chifuyu like it was the last thing she had left. But now that was over. That fantasy was over and it all came crashing down. There was no more pretending, there was no more dreaming. Chifuyu didn't love her back. What happened last night was a mistake to him— something he deeply regretted and now Maya had to deal with the emotional consequences of it. "I need to call in sick I—"
"Doctor Kaneko, we're very short on staff tonight. I'm literally a new hire and they have me working the first day with no training. Please come in" The new receptionist at Sunshine Grove pleads
Maya feels gross and sad and tired and exhausted and just a whole bunch of emotions at once. "I really don't feel well right now. I've never taken a day off since I got hired I... I really need this day"
"Yeah I know... I'm sorry... But really we're really really short-staffed. You'll get paid extra and you can come in late if you'd like!"
That didn't make any sense for her to be paid extra when she was just coming to her normal shift. Maya had always been to kind for her own good and the sound of the new employee's desperation made her ache so she gave in. Maya has been sitting on the floor of her bathroom since she got back. She's lightheaded and still needs to shower but she couldn't find the motivation to get up until she saw the time and that she had only two hours since her shift started. She called in to take her first ever day off since she started working but unfortunately, she had to come in. She wanted to cry. Maya didn't feel like doing anything right now. All she could think about was the harsh rejection she faced and Kazutora's words.
He knows you're pretty, he just doesn't love you.
She feels gross and used. If you told middle school Maya that Matsuno Chifuyu would make her feel this way in the future, she'd probably kick you in the shins and set your homework on fire. But Maya wasn't in middle school anymore and she had grown up long ago. Chifuyu was no longer someone she could use to cling to her childhood innocence. Chifuyu didn't love her back and probably never would, especially after last night. Maya lost her virginity to Chifuyu and he regretted the entire night, telling her it was a drunken mistake. She still had to shower, still had to eat something but she couldn't get up. The aching in her hips and thighs was gone but now her spine hurts from how long she'd been crouched over on the floor. Her phone buzzed at 9:30 pm with a text from the nurse who was assigned to the 4th floor asking where she was. Maya resists the urge to call the old lady and cuss her out. It wasn't like she did her job anyway. Maya was the one doing all the work. But she hadn't broken down enough for that yet. Her shift had already started and here she was still sitting on her bathroom floor, not showered and really fucking hungry. But time is money and maybe just going to her shift might make her feel better.
Maya gets into the shower and washes her hair, doing her entire routine and then—
Maya cut her hair. Chifuyu said he liked it long so she cut it short. She hated it. She hated everything, she wanted to change everything.
Chifuyu said he liked her hair long so she cut it short.
Maya hates endings; the endings of movies, the ending of a series or novel she invested herself in, the ending of an art project she poured her heart into. She thinks the inevitable ending of her and Chifuyu takes the cake though, the creme de la creme of endings, the one that sits at the tippy top of her shitty, neverending list.
She wants to say something so badly and thinks she finally understands what people say when they tell someone their unsaid words are trapped in their throat, almost choking them. It's in no way hard for a functioning person to pick up a phone and shoot a text, but when you're a fresh outta university Japanese girl who's wearing heartbreak like a badge contemplating sending a text to an unrequited lover whose contact sits in your phone with a heart next to their name, maybe it is a bit hard.
Maybe if she really wanted to, she could. She could pick up her phone, open iMessage, and at least cuss him out but the option seemed a little embarrassing more than anything. But embarrassment aside, she wants to protect herself, it's the only rational thing to do in this situation. If she sees the text message go green inside of blue paired with the red lettering on the screen beneath the text saying not delivered, Maya feels she might just rip her own skin off.
A bitter feeling fills Maya's mouth and she almost wants to run to the toilet and throw up, but she swallows it down. Of course, it was her fault things went sour like usual, wasn't it? Why'd she get drunk with him? Why did she even stay over? It was always Maya who was immature— too young— always her who didn't want to make any changes, and always her feelings that didn't matter. Was she protecting herself from the start? Possibly, but she couldn't find herself feeling bad for herself. She likes familiarity and the safety it provided.
But the familiarity is too comfortable now, so hours after her least favourite ending thus far, Maya cuts her waist-length black hair short around her shoulders. It took more time than she wanted for her to get the short wolf-cut style she wanted and surprisingly her hair feels so soft and new with all the dead ends and more cut-off— for the first time since this morning, she lets the smallest of real smiles settle upon her face.
Chifuyu really used to love her hair, loved how it was always soft and naturally a bit curly, long till her waist. But now Maya's hair is short, and when she tries to mimic the way Chifuyu would card through her hair, her fingers run through too fast due to all the length chopped off, pretending to ignore the fresh wave of heartbreak washing over her.
Deep down Maya knows that things will never be okay again, but at least she can pretend.
Maya often wishes things in life had a refresh button, or that things would be shut down and start up brand new like a laptop did when you held the power button down for too long. unfortunately, things never work out in her favour, and that's nothing more than a faraway impossibility.
Chifuyu said he liked Maya's hair long so she cut it short.
With the help of kitchen scissors and a YouTube tutorial, Maya hopes to forget anything Chifuyu ever said about her and heads to work.
Her shoulders are slouched as she heads through the front gate of the hospital, lazily showing her ID badge to the security at the gate. It's about 11:00 pm. "You're late" the man said
Maya was too tired to notice it wasn't the usual security guard. "yeah..." she mumbled as the man handed her badge back
Maya walks through the parking lot and up to the front doors, entering the silent building. She greets the new receptionist without really looking at him and heads into the locker room behind the front desk. She had come wearing her scrubs and had her coat in her bag. Maya doesn't really look in the mirror as she puts her bag in her locker and slides on her coat, clipping the pager to the waistband of her pants and the ID to the breast pocket. Maya sighs and takes a seat on the bench feeling tired. She didn't want to be here. She was exhausted and sad and felt like she could cry again at any moment.
He knows you're pretty, he just doesn't love you.
Kazutora's words ring through her head constantly. It's making her feel physically sick. She's nauseous. Maya wants to throw up all over the floor. She wants to go and— "Doctor Kaneko" Fingers snap in front of her face
Maya flinched and looked up seeing Kakucho standing over her(she was a bit too tired to notice he wasn't wearing his uniform but in a suit). "You're late," He says cocking his head to the side "Nurse has already given the patients food"
Maya nods. "That's a first. Usually, I'm the one doing her job"
Kakucho gives her a gentle smile. "New haircut?"
Her hand comes up to touch one of the newly cut short locks. "ah yeah... spontaneous decision" Maya says with a nervous laugh, hoping he can't see how fucking depressed she looks right now
Oh wait. It's Monday. Izana. The IV bag. The director.
Now Maya just feels even worse. Through her self-loathing and depression, she forgot about Izana. What she was going through was nothing compared to what had been happening to him for the past 2 months without his knowledge. "Uh so... Has the patient from 401 been discharged yet?" She asks standing up and adjusting her coat
Kakucho shakes his head no then looks at his watch. "Ah~ about that, Mr. Kurokawa said he wanted to see you before he left..." He says lowly, looking away from her "He's been discharged but he said he wanted to wait for you before leaving"
Maya's eyes soften. Now she just feels even worse. "O-Oh... I better hurry up then"
They enter the elevator and Maya can't help but feel like utter shit. She shoves her hands into the pockets of her white doctors' coat and she stares up at the small black display screen showing the floors they pass by. She'll tell Izana. She'll tell what's been happening and apologize. Maybe it'll make her feel a lot less shitty about what has happened today. After all, it wasn't her fault. Maybe she should have been a bit more critical of the orders given to her for Izana's treatment and it would have stopped and maybe Izana could have maybe switched hospitals. But now she figures Izana could sue after she tells him. At this point with how terrible she's been feeling, Maya wouldn't even blame Izana if he decides to get angry and lash out at her. Her shoulders slump and she doesn't notice Kakucho staring at her. "Doctor... Are you alright?"
She looks up at him and nods. "Yeah, I'm alright"
But the look in her eyes showed how utterly exhausted she was. Maya had attempted to do her makeup just like she always does before her shift but she ended up crying her mascara and concealer off so she was bare-faced, not wanting to be an absolute mess at work in case she cried again. Her dark circles were showing as well as the few little moles scattered on her nose and cheeks. The elevator stops and the doors open on the fourth floor. Kakucho lets her step out first and they walk side by side towards room 401 all the way at the end of the hall. "You look tired" Kakucho says "had a rough night?"
Maya laughs a bit.
He knows you're pretty he just doesn't love you.
"You can say that," she says then as they approach the door she speaks up again "Security unlocked his door right?"
Kakucho just hums. Maya doesn't press the bracelet to the scanner and just twists the doorknobs. An odd feeling of dread fills her but she's already opened the door all the way and Kakucho stands behind her, holding it open. Maya freezes.
Fight, flight or freeze are the three most basic stress responses. They reflect how your body and mind will react to danger.
Fight. When your body feels that it is in danger and believes you can overpower the threat, you'll respond in fight mode. Your brain releases signals to your body, preparing it for the physical demands of fighting.
Flight. If your body believes you cannot overcome the danger but can avoid it by running away, you'll respond in flight mode. A surge of hormones, like adrenaline, gives your body the stamina to run from danger longer than you typically could.
Freeze. This stress response causes you to feel stuck in place. This response happens when your body doesn't think you can fight or flight.
Unfortunately, Maya froze. Her heart pounded so loudly in her chest it was all she could hear. Her body trembles as she feels Kakucho's hand rest on her shoulder. "Well if it isn't my favourite doctor!" Izana croons happily as he folds up the sleeves of his black silk dress shirt "Been waiting a while for you"
He's no longer wearing the two-piece white cotton outfit all the patients wore. Instead, he's wearing beige trousers and a black silk dress shirt. His shoulder-length hair that's usually a little messy is slicked back and tied in a half up half down style and he's wearing Hanafuda full moon earrings. But what he was wearing wasn't the point, it was what was happening in the room that made Maya freeze. Near the window down on their knees were the two nurses in charge of the 4th floor, Doctor Sawamura who only showed up a hand full of times she had been hired and the hospital director. They were all bloody and bruised, Doctor Sawamura and the hospital director shifting in and out of consciousness while the nurses were trembling in fear, faces splattered with blood and necks turning purple. "Come in! Come in!" Izana says with a grin walking over to her "I've been waiting so long for you. I can see it's your new haircut that made you late"
Other than the staff, there were a few men inside as well, all wearing suits. Maya's heart drops recognizing one of the men, Haitani Ran, the club owner from Saturday. She's breathing shaky as Izana grabs both her wrists and drags her into the room. Kakucho walks in as well, and her heart skips a beat at the sound of the door clicking behind them. Izana's hands grip her wrists painfully tight then with ease shifts them both into one hand. "Shion, what ya' got?" Izana asks one of the men in the room
Maya is breathing shaky. Her knees are weak and she can't get herself to move. There are puddles of blood on the floor and the guy wearing glasses is fixing a silencer onto a pistol. Her throat feels tight at the sight of it and now she can't tear her eyes away from it. "Uh..." The Shion guy who's got a scalp tattoo on the side of his head says feeling around his pockets then pulling out two baggies and examining them "Xanax and Rohpynal"
Izana holds his hand out and says. "One of both" Shion puts a single pill of each into Izana's palm
"I don't think that's safe. You're tryna make her overdose?" Haitani Ran asks with a playful pout while leaning against the wall "Thought we could sell her. Pretty face could make us a bunch"
Maya feels sick and gross and she just wants to go home. She knew she should have stood up for herself and said she didn't want to come in for work. "Now unless you want Kisaki to shoot your brains out, I suggest you swallow" Izana says and without warning shoves both pills into her mouth
Maya swallows without thinking, her brain processing this slowly to protect itself. She's pushed down to her knees next to one of the nurses. Maya thinks she's having a panic attack of some kind. It sounds like she's underwater, their voices distant and she can't fucking move. Maya can't get herself to move. Her body trembles and her head hangs low, staring down at the floor. "It was her" One of the nurses says frantically, pleading to the men before them "It was all her we—"
A loud smack sounds and the nurse's body crumples to the floor right in front of Maya. Shion then grabs her by the hair and makes her sit up, the woman clawing at Shion's hand to make him let go. "Did any of us ask?" He says lowly, holding a gun to her temple
The nurse just whimpers pitifully. "Calm down Shion. Let's get our newest arrival up to date and tell her what's been going on" Izana says with a smile
The nurse is thrown to the floor again and towards a few men who were dressed a bit differently than Ran, Shion, Kisaki, Kakucho and Izana. "teach her a lesson" Ran calls to the men
"Shion snap her out of it" Izana says in a dismissive tone, leaning against the hospital bed
Without warning, Maya feels her hair being pulled so she's no longer looking at the floor and Shion slaps her across the face hard. She chokes out a gasp and Shion lets go of her hair while Maya cups her cheek. The slap snaps her out of her panicked state but the drugs also start to take effect. She starts to hear moans and cries from where Shion had tossed the nurse. She doesn't dare turn her head and look. She'd rather not throw up right now at the sight of her co-worker being violated. Maya didn't think she could speak. She probably shouldn't try to either. She doesn't want to end up like the nurse being defiled, nor the one next too her who was bleeding from her head. She doesn't want to end up like the other doctors either, bloody and bruised, looking like death. Izana is speaking but she only hears bit and pieces. "He made you his pawn ... and our resident slackers... supported him"
She doesn't understand. Her head is going fuzzy and his words are coming in from one ear and out from the other. Maya's vision begins to go fuzzy. Her mouth is dry and her head is empty. Her heart isn't even beating that fast anymore despite the terrifying situation she's in right now. It feels like she might sleep. No, she definitely will pass out. Izana force-fed her not one but two tranquillizers. Xanax and Rohpynal were not a good combination. If he wanted her out of it, just Rohpynal would have been enough. But she figures that he wanted her sedated enough to keep still and awake while the horrors around her happen and she wouldn't move a muscle. She hears a whipping noise and blood splatters across Maya's face and her clothes. The nurse next to her drops dead with a bullet through the brows, the muffler keeping the pistol quiet. Instantly, Doctor Nakamura and Doctora Sawamura start pleading for their lives. Maya's head falls again, staring down at her knees. She thinks she might pass out. But Ran grabs her by her hair and makes her look up again and watch as Shion slits Doctor Sawamura's throat, slowly, inch by inch. Blood splatters everywhere. "I swear to god if any of that gets on me" Izana warns and Shion simply salutes him and lets Sawamura's body fall to the floor with a thud
Maya's eyes begin to fall shut, unable to keep herself awake but Ran roughly pats her cheek and forces her to stay conscious. "Hey, don't fall asleep yet" Ran coos then laughs and turns to look at Izana "Shit you were right. she does have blowjob eyes"
Maya hopes they don't kill her slowly. She hopes they make her death quick and painless. She watches Shion pull out some kind of tool and start pulling each one of Doctor Nakamura's fingernails out. She flinches and her eyes fall shut. Her knees are wet with the blood from the dead nurse pooling around her, she's got it on her face and clothes. Maya wants to call Naoto and ask for help. She wants to call Chifuyu to come save her. She needs help. She's terrified but her body isn't responding to her. It seemed like she zoned out for a moment because she felt another set of roughing pats against her cheek but this time it was Izana. "look at you..." Izana coos, his voice a soft whisper so the other men couldn't hear him
Maya barely heard him over Doctor Nakamura's screams. "You know what you remind me of?" He asks, one of his hands coming up to grip her jaw
His fingers dig into her skin. His nails have probably left indents on her cheeks but Maya doesn't even flinch. She feels like she's melting. "there's something about you... you remind me of a bunny" Izana's words dripped with a sinister charm, sending shivers down her spine
Her senses dulled, and she struggled to comprehend his words, feeling a strange mix of confusion and fear. Izana's tone held an eerie fascination as if he found amusement in her helpless state. Maya tried to muster a response, but her limbs felt heavy, her thoughts clouded by the drug's embrace. In her haze, she couldn't grasp the significance of his comparison, only a profound sense of vulnerability enveloping her like a suffocating shroud. The Izana's gaze lingered on her, his expression twisted into a smirk of perverse satisfaction. "Yes, a bunny," he talks more to himself than her, his voice a soft whisper taking on a predatory edge
His words slithered into her consciousness, stirring a primal instinct to flee, but her body remained immobilized, trapped within the drug-induced haze. She fought against the encroaching darkness, desperate to break free from his sinister grip, but her efforts were futile against the potent cocktail coursing through her veins. It's then she hears an odd zipping noise and a nylon thread is wrapped around her neck. She's frozen and caught in a haze. Maya can't even bring her hands up to plead for her life. She's struck staring up at Izana's lilac eyes.
Was this going to be the last thing she saw?
Were Izana's eyes going to be her last memory of the living world?
But it seemed Izana had a different plan for her as he unloops the thread from around her neck with a grin. "tell you what, we'll play a little game" Izana says, talking in a normal tone again over Nakamura's screams as if his deal even made any sense "I'll give you 5 minutes. If you can get through the front doors of the hospital in 5 minutes, I'll let you go and we can pretend none of this happened"
Maya is finally able to get her words out. "and if I don't?" she whispers out breathlessly
Izana smiles at her. It's eerie and scary. He takes a strand of her freshly cut hair between her fingers and says "I'll decide when I catch you, little bunny"
Izana starts the timer and it takes Maya a while to even get up off the floor. The men in the room laugh mockingly at the way she stumbles like a newborn fawn. Her knees ache from kneeling for so long and just trying to get to the door wastes an entire minute. She can't get the door open. Her hands keep slipping due to the blood and standing upright is an entire task on its own. Just then a large hand grabs the doorknob and twists it, opening it for her. Maya doesn't even look at who it is and stumbles through the doorway. Maya's heart pounded in her chest as she stumbled through the dimly lit hallway, her footsteps echoing against the cold, unforgiving walls. Panic surged through her veins, fueled by the disorienting effects of the drug coursing through her system. Every step felt like a battle against the encroaching darkness, her mind a haze of confusion and fear. With each passing moment, the sense of urgency intensified, driving her forward toward the distant glow of the elevator's illuminated panel. She could hear the faint hum of its machinery, a beacon of hope amidst the oppressive atmosphere of her captivity. Adrenaline surged through her veins as she pushed herself to move faster, her instincts screaming for escape. As she finally reached the elevator's doors, her trembling fingers fumbled for the button, praying for salvation from the nightmare that had become her reality. "come on, come on" she mumbled, pressing the button repeatedly
Finally, with a soft ding, the doors parted, revealing the sanctuary she so desperately sought. Without hesitation, Maya stumbled inside, her breaths coming in ragged gasps as she frantically pressed the button for the ground floor. She felt helpless but with each passing floor, her hope grew stronger, fueling her determination to break free from Izana's clutches. She almost blacks out a few times, her heart rate slowing and it feels like she might sleep. But thankfully with another ding, the silver doors part again. With a desperate surge of adrenaline, Maya stumbled toward the front door of the building, her vision blurring at the edges as the drugs tightened their grip on her consciousness. She could feel herself teetering on the brink of unconsciousness, her limbs heavy and unresponsive as she fought to reach safety. But just as she reached out for the door handle, her strength failed her, and she crumpled to the ground in a heap of limbs and despair. "Fuck" she whimpers as she tries getting up
It's hopeless. Utterly hopeless. Her hands reach for her phone in her pocket. She forgot she had that. Maya calls the first person she can think of.
Chifuyu.
She waits and waits and waits but there is no answer. His phone goes to voicemail and Maya whimpers, leaning against the wall, desperately trying to regain her strength and just get up. Chifuyu wasn't answering. She tries to call someone else but her phone slips from her grasp and falls to the floor with a loud crack. Her eyes fall shut. Tears stung at the corners of Maya's eyes as she lay there, her body wracked with pain and exhaustion. She's covered in blood that isn't her's and she might just die if she doesn't get out. In the haze of her fading consciousness, Maya barely registered the sound of footsteps approaching, the echo of her Izana's chilling laughter piercing through the fog in her mind. "Oh~" he coos crouching down in front of her "looks like you lost little bunny"
He's mocking her. Maya doesn't even have the energy to cry. "How about you take up my offer and come to my beach house" Although it wasn't an offer this time "We'll have lots of fun together, bunny"
Then, with a sickening sense of dread, she felt strong arms encircle her, pulling her back into the darkness from which she had fought so hard to escape. As the world faded into blackness, Maya could only pray that somehow this was only a nightmare and she fell asleep on her bathroom floor.
[END CREDIT SCENE]
"What’re you gonna do with her?" Kisaki asks, watching Kakucho put Maya in the back seat of the car
Izana simply waves him off. "You worry about Tachibana, Tetta. Let me have fun with my pretty doctor"
Izana looked as happy as a toddler who just got a new toy. The cleaning crew is heading into the hospital the clean up the mess left. Kisaki makes a grunt kind of noise. "Oh, and where is Manjiro?" Izana asks, turning on the child locks just in case and shutting the car door "I thought that little shit was going to be here tonight"
"You know how he is," Kisaki says with a sigh pushing his glasses further up his nose "Mikey does what he wants"
Izana sighed and looked at the girl lying unconscious in the backseat of the car wearing scrubs, a white coat and smeared with blood on her knees, hands, white coat and face. "Tell him to come see me. I missed him."
How pretty.
notes: lol. I do NOT condone any of the actions in this fic. This is all fiction.
DEAD GIRL’S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
FOUR — drunk walk home
"I think he misses his childhood. He doesn't talk about it but he looks like he misses it. He says he used to have a sister. He says she's dead. I wonder what happened to her"— MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: Amidst the emotional turmoil of guilt due to her job and Izana's treatment, Maya is left to grapple with the harsh reality of unreciprocated love after spending the night at Kazutora and Chifuyu's place.
"I saw my doctor the other day for a check-up. He said to cut down on drinking and when I asked him what he was doing after work, he told me he was going clubbing" Kazutora says with a laugh
"Doctors are the world's biggest hypocrites," Maya says, gulping down wine from the glass that was too full than appropriate "I mean c'mon look at me"
It was Sunday night and she was spending the night at Chifuyu and Kazutora's apartment. Who said 20-something-year-olds can't have sleepovers? Maya had been drinking all weekend to forget about the mind-consuming guilt she was experiencing. The option was a very obvious one: report the director for abuse of authority, purposely drugging a patient and, not giving the care they needed. It wasn't even negligence but on fucking purpose. Maya knows she should. She really should but she's afraid. Maya has heard many similar cases and they all end with the person reporting it getting in trouble. The guilt is eating her up but this might just cost Maya everything. So, she's been drinking. A lot. "Slow down" Chifuyu says trying to grab her glass
Maya moves her glass out of his reach. "no"
"Brat" Chifuyu mutters and pours himself another glass
Your brat Maya wants to say but she isn't drunk enough to say that kind of bullshit yet. Instead, she takes another large swing from the glass, resisting the urge to down the entire thing in one go. Her head is spinning but she's no longer thinking about Izana. That's a good thing... Right? Maybe... Instead of just straight up reporting the hospital, she could tell Izana before he leaves tomorrow evening. He's rich and he doesn't seem to really hate her. She could tell him the truth. Yeah. Maya decides to do that. "Hey" Kazutora snaps his fingers in front of her face "you keep zoning out"
"h-huh?" she looks at him "Yeah, my bad... Just thinkin' 'bout work"
"Do you think working with crazy people makes you crazy too?" Kazutora asks
Which was completely insensitive but he also went to a psychologist bi-weekly because he apparently had issues and said he was allowed to be insensitive or something like that. Maya doesn't argue and just shrugs "Uh... I dunno..." and looks over at Chifuyu who was already pretty wine-drunk
He looks pretty. Chifuyu is so pretty. His black hair is a bit messy and his eyes are glossy red. He's resting his chin on the heel of his palm, staring right back at her as his cheeks are flushed red from the alcohol. He looks perfect. Chifuyu was perfect. "Fuck that's enough for me" Kazutora says putting down his empty wine glass "we have work tomorrow I don't wanna be hungover"
Kazutora gets off the floor and lays down on the couch. "We can just open late y'know... Who's gonna say otherwise? The owner?" Chifuyu asks then giggles "Oh wait, that's me"
Chifuyu owned a pet shop and Kazutora worked there with him. It was cute. Some days Maya helped out. Help meaning she'd play around with the cats or whatever animal was there. "Alright you have a point there" Kazutora says and closes his eyes
They're drunk. Kazutora tended to get sleepy when he was drunk while Chifuyu— he'd get touchy and flirty. Maya looks over at Chifuyu again and sees that he's still looking at her. It felt like her heart was in her throat. She looks away as her cheeks flush even more. She chugs down the rest of her glass and grabs the bottle to pour herself some more. "So what happened with Naoto? Chifuyu made him go pick you up on Friday" Kazutora asks, his voice a bit slurred and lazy, now on the verge of falling asleep
Maya just shrugs her shoulders. "'m not feelin' it. Don't like him" she admits "he's nice... but I don't like him"
Chifuyu scoots over to her on the floor, their knees now touching. "I guess that's fair... What's your type anyway?"
Maya bites the inside of her cheek. Her heart is beating fast and she knows her face is bright red right now. He's barely even touching her and she's already like this. "Maya likes bad boys. Criminals. It's all she attracts anyways" Kazutora answers for her, laughing as he speaks "I mean c'mon look at who she hangs around"
Maya cocks her head to the side in confusion. "What do you mean?" she turns her head to look at Kazutora but he's already asleep, snoring
A hand grabs her neck and forces her to turn her head. If she wasn't blushing before she sure is now. Chifuyu has a hand wrapped around her neck, not squeezing but just holding, making her look at him again. "Why do you keep looking away from me?" His green eyes are glossy red, pupils blown out wide and lids heavy
Okay that's hot. "am not" Maya curses at herself when her words come out as a breathy whisper
Chifuyu's hand is hot and heavy around her neck. It should be scary but it's not. Maya ready books. This shit is fuckin' hot, even better that it's the guy she's been in love with since middle school that's doing it. "yeah you are" he tugs her forward, squeezing her neck only briefly which makes her gasp but then goes back to his gentle hold
There are currently two options going through Maya's intoxicated head: die or kiss him. With the way Chifuyu is looking at her, the first option sounds very nice. "Have you always been this pretty?" He asks softly
Maya has drank with Chifuyu many many times(Kazutora has fallen asleep many times as well) but this has never happened before. Maya thinks she might just have a stroke. Did Chifuyu finally like her back? Did he feel the same now? Was he finally, after years of pining, reciprocating her feelings? There is a short moment of silence, before Chifuyu brings his face closer to her's, a soft sigh leaving his lips. "You haven't dated much, hm? Wonder why..." he asks, mostly to himself rather than her "Pretty girls like you deserve to be cherished"
They say drunk words are sober thoughts. Maybe this is real. Maybe this isn't just a drunken action. Maybe Chifuyu finally loves her back.
They end up in his bedroom somehow. Maya on her back and Chifuyu on top of her. The tips of his fingers caressed along the outside of her clothed thighs, going up along her waist, thumbs hooking into the waistband of her pyjama pants and stopping when hearing her gasp. He smiled and his knee slotted between her thighs. Maya's eyes were open and hands trembling as she stared up at him. She couldn't believe this was happening. Maya prays this isn't a dream. She was drunk out of her mind but fucking hell she hoped she would remember this in the morning. "you're so fucking pretty" Chifuyu muttered sweetly, one of his hands next to her head keeping himself hovering over her and the other took her's, kissing the tips of her fingers "lemme cherish you"
He let go of her hand and leaned down, pressing kisses along her jaw and cheeks, relishing in the little gasps she was letting out. Their lips would only slightly brush up against each other, her breath becoming more unsteady each time they did. Chifuyu pulled away from her face and chuckled lowly when Maya chased his lips despite not even having kissed her yet. "hey, I've barely done anything and you're already so worked up" he said with a cruel smile
Maya thinks her heart might just pop out of her chest at this point. "what do you want me to do to you, hm?" he grabbed her hand again and pressed kisses on the tips of her fingers
She hesitated before speaking, her lips quivering. "I—I... I want to kiss you" she whispered breathlessly
"How could I say no when you're asking so nicely" And finally, finally, finally, after years of pining, Maya finally gets a kiss from Chifuyu
He tilted his head and deepened the kiss further, licking into her mouth, groaning in satisfaction. Chifuyu pulled away, breathing heavily. "fuck you're so fun to kiss" he cooed, pupils were blown out dark with lust
He leaned in again, kissing her harder this time. Maya softly moaned into his mouth, head feeling dizzy. The harsh slant of the kiss and hard slide of Chifuyu's mouth made Maya break into shivers, even with her body flush against Chifuyu's warmth. Maya struggled, scrambling for purchase until her fingers find Chifuyu's shirt, crushing the material in her hands, before she bites down on Chiufyu's lower lip and reeled back, sucking in a greedy breath to clear her mind of the lust-induced fog.
The bruising kiss stained her rosy mouth a darker shade of red. Chifuyu had clucked his tongue when they broke apart, he had canted his head to the side, his tongue running across his lower lip, lapping over where Maya had bitten him before he smirked sinfully. Oh man she hopes she isn't a dream. It couldn't be. It felt too real. His thumb caressed along her brow bone affectionately. "Chifuyu" she muttered weakly
Wine can't cause hallucinations. This had to be real. "Yes?" He shot a wicked smile as he cupped Maya's face, drawing her for another kiss.
He stole the first one in a quick teasing swipe. Another. And another. Running the tip of his tongue along the seam of Maya's plump lips before melting her into a languid kiss that has her shivering against him with Chifuyu's name on her lips.
Chifuyu's mouth captured Maya's full lower lip, sucking it into his mouth before his teeth sunk into the bruised pink flesh. The sting of the bite drew out a delicious whimper from Maya but Chifuyu wasn't satisfied with stopping there. He pressed on immediately, licking into Maya's mouth with filthy flicks of his tongue, devouring any stray sound that escaped as the pretty girl clawed at Chifuyu's shirt, so badly wanted him to take it off. Chifuyu doesn't miss Maya practically trembling against him. His smirk grew, his drunk mind utterly pleased with how riled up she was, tilting his head to press a languid kiss to the corner of Maya's puffy mouth. It's mockingly chaste with the way it left a lingering burning sensation on her skin. There was nothing chaste to Chifuyu in his current mood, not with the wicked tilt of his mouth brushing against Maya's as he spoke. "Let's try that again..." Chifuyu drawled the command; his low velvet tone made liquid heat pool in Maya's gut, fanning a flame of need
"Haa..." Maya arched against Chifuyu with the hot contact on her sensitive skin; the moan dies on her lips when Chifuyu started mapping out searing open-mouthed kisses along the column of her throat and Maya can't help it, finally tilting her head back to give Chifuyu free reign
Chifuyu nipped along the skin teasingly, making Maya's breath hitch. But not soon after he pulled back. "Your mouth looks much prettier when you're chanting my name like this," Chifuyu's mouth slanted with his smug smirk, his thumb traced over the shape of Maya's mouth
"So cute" he muttered and leaned down to her neck once again, leaving hot open-mouthed kisses along her neck
Chifuyu pulls back and with one movement tugs his shirt over his head, throwing it too the floor. Maya is very much staring at his abs and Chifuyu can't help but laugh a bit at how openly she's checking him out. "Let's get this off hm" he says and grabs hold of her shirt "arms up, baby"
Baby, baby, baby. She'll have a stroke. She'll pass away. Maya thinks if it weren't for the alcohol, she would have passed away right when Chifuyu started kissing her. It feels a little different now that her shirt was off, leaving her in just her bra. He has much better access now. Chifuyu grasps tightly onto her clothed thighs pulling her legs onto either side of his, having her hips up high on his lap while keeping her back still against the pillows. Maya lets out a little noise when their hips press together because omghessobigwhatfuck. She can feel how hard he is against her.
Her arms go up around his neck pulling him in closer and tighter and Chifuyu smiles against her lips. It feels good— all the skin-to-skin contact. Both their top halves were bare, skin pressing against skin in this really really good way. Mays's skin is scorching hot while Chifuyu's feels cold under her hands. It's good, it feels really good. They're kissing again and Chifuyu's running his hands over all the newly exposed skin
Chifuyu's hands roamed her bare thighs once he finally got her pants off. Maya doesn't really remember how she imagined this moment would be despite dreaming of it for years. Not that it was finally happening, she felt jittery and unable to keep still as he pulled his pyjama pants off. He's left in just his boxers and his weight was pressing Maya onto the mattress mercilessly, restraining her movements like a predator that had caught its prey and was not planning on letting go until its hunger was sated. Not that Maya wanted to go anywhere. She was fine where she was, pressed to the bed with Chifuyu tongue in her mouth. "fucking hell" he groans
His hand reaches underneath her and with ease, he unclasps her bra and takes it off, throwing it to the floor, adding to the pile of their clothes on the floor. It happens fast. A lot faster than she would have liked to imagine. Once their clothes are off and he's positioned his cock to her entrance, there isn't much kissing anymore. He slides slow and smooth almost in one go, it has her seeing stars. His hands held her forearms tight, grip so hard, Maya knew she'd have bruises for days. Not that she minded now. Everything just felt good and she wanted it to last. This kind of pain didn't hurt, it felt good. Chifuyu let go of her wrists and laid one hand next to her head and the other sliding down to her leg so he could hook it up over his hip. Harsh breathes and whimpers filled the air of Chifuyu's apartment. "taking me so well, hm pretty thing" he whispers breathlessly "so fuckin' tight"
Maya's nails dig into his back, scratching along his skin, leaving long red marks along his well-toned back, letting out a slightly louder whimper of his name. Chifuyu bites at her shoulder as he moves his hips a little faster and harder. "fuck baby, you feel so good" he breathes and hooks her thighs up over his hips
It feels hot. Everything feels hot. The rush of emotions and sensations leaves every nerve ending on fire, Chifuyu's unfiltered groan making Maya so sensitive she feels like she's going to pass out. Being this close, there is barely a stretch of skin that isn't touching Chifuyu and Maya feels all the more thankful for it, not wanting to move just yet, wanting to feel so strongly it almost scares her for just a little while longer. She can hear the sounds she makes. Breathy moans and helpless whimpers. It stops hurting eventually and Chifuyu's hips snap at an even faster speed as he chases his release. It feels good. So fuckin' good, her eyes roll back as he hits a particular spot. "Shit shit shit" Chifuyu mutters, his hand gripping the pillow next to her head "so fuckin' tight... so-ugh fuck... so perfect"
Maya's arching her back and just whimpering out his name over and over like a prayer. It felt so good. It felt so good and all she could think about was him and not the fact that they were drunk— not the fact that Chifuyu had to be drunk to touch her like this. His hand slides down her body and finds her clit with ease, rubbing quick circles on it. She's seeing stars. "w-wait Chifuyu—" she choked out as a coil in her belly began to unwind
"shh~ let it out for me" He coos "Come for me"
So she does, caving in with a cry, digging her nails into his back as her eyes roll back. She convulses under his weight as she releases. Her legs fall slack on either side of him. He doesn't pull out and just looks down at her with wide glossy red eyes. "One more for me, hm?" Chifuyu murmurs and it doesn't give her much of a choice as he grabs her thighs and hooks them back up over his hips
Maya wishes this night would last forever.
The sunlight peeks through the curtains of the bedroom. Maya and Chifuyu wake up at almost the same time. Chifuyu groans as the sunlight hits his eyes and presses his face into the mop of curly hair under his— wait... His eyes snap open, sleep bleeding out of his head
His eyes clear out the familiar outline of the top of Maya's head and he prays to god that the naked body pressed against his own wasn't actually her and just some girl with black curly hair just like Maya. But it is her. He can feel her butterfly pendant press right to his bare chest and her familiar arms around his body. shitshitshitshitshitshitshit. He hears her groan and Chifuyu remembers all the events from last night. Shit. Maya looks up slowly with sleepy eyes. She looks the same as she did all those years ago when she approached him, still wearing her school uniform, in the park with a pack of bandaids after he had gotten his ass beat by Haitani Rindo for something he no longer remembers. Chifuyu feels sick. He's going to be sick. Without thinking he pulls away from her and sits up. Maya makes a soft struggled noise and groans as he moves away from her. The blanket falls from his shoulders to his lap. "Oh my..." Chifuyu is about to say something but he shakes his head and looks around the room for his clothes
Maya watches Chifuyu grab his pyjama pants off the floor and quickly put them on. Her heart drops at the realization of what was happening. She sits up slowly and holds the covers up to her chest. "Ch-Chifuyu" she choked out hoping this wasn't what she thought it was
No way. No way he regretted it. No no no no— "Maya..." Chifuyu says slowly once he has his clothes on
He's picked her clothes off the floor too and put them in front of her. He's looking at her the same way you'd look at a wounded animal or a crying child. She trembles and grabs her shirt, putting it on then lets the blanket fall to her lap. Chifuyu looks away as she puts her pyjamas back on. "Maya I'm sorry" He says gently and she tears up
"No" she whimpers with watery eyes
This couldn't be happening. She knew last night was too good to be true. "Maya I'm sorry" Chifuyu repeats "That was wrong. we were drunk and—"
She shakes her head. "No... That's not fair..."
She feels like a child. "It was a mistake" He murmurs reaching out for her hand
A single tear runs down her cheek. "it wasn't to me" she whispers and Chifuyu finally realizes why Maya looked so heartbroken
They're both silent for a moment. All it took was one tear for Chifuyu to realize Maya had been in love with him for years. "Maya" he couldn't get emotional and give her false hope
What happened last night was a mistake and something that shouldn't have happened. He should have been more in control of himself. "Maya what happened was wrong. I was drunk. You were drunk" He says sternly but as gently as he can "I took advantage of you—"
"No, you didn't. I wanted it. I let you" she argues and Chifuyu just feels even worse "I wanted it"
Maya on the other hand could feel her heart shatter with every word he says. It wasn't fair. This wasn't fair. She wished so desperately that last night hadn't ended and this was just a bad dream happening. She wished... She wished Chifuyu liked it as much as she did. Why didn't he? "Why can't you just love me back?" she whispers with tears now freely flowing down her cheeks
She felt pathetic begging for love. Pathetic. She's fucking pathetic. In love with a man that will never feel the same way. Letting that man take something from her and then hear him admit to her face that it was a mistake. "Maya listen to me" Chifuyu grabs her face and wipes her tears with his thumbs "I told you... I told you and I made it clear I don't like you. I made it clear. Maya I..."
He sighs and lets go of her face when she gives him an utterly heartbroken look. Chifuyu runs his fingers through his hair tiredly while Maya silently sobs. He doesn't know what to say to her and Maya doesn't know what to say to him. "It was a mistake and I'm sorry" He finally says
Maya thinks her heart just shattered. She doesn't know what to do or say— just that she needs to leave before she starts bawling her eyes out. "I... I have work" She quickly slides out of his bed, ignoring the dull ache in her hips and thighs
Chifuyu doesn't stop her. His head is lowered and he doesn't dare look at her as Maya grabs her bag off the floor. She aggressively wipes her tears off her cheeks and leaves his room. She turns the corner and sees Kazutora at the kitchen island holding a coffee cup in his hand. It seems like he knows. Of course, he does. He's looking at her with eyes full of pity. Of course, he knows. Kazutora puts his coffee cup in the sink and then walks over with a glass of water. "I'll drop you home" He shoves the glass into her hand
It wasn't an offer, he was telling her.
Kazutora and Maya sit in the car, the radio playing to fill the silence. Maya still has tears running down her cheeks and Kazutora has his eyes on the road, occasionally looking over at her. "H-Hey listen—"
"I don't wanna listen to anything" Maya mumbles, shutting him down
Kazutora sighs. "Maya... You knew he didn't like you back. You both were drunk and—"
"No... No, you don't understand"
She doesn't know where to start. She doesn't know how to tell Kazutora why this hurts so much. "A-Am I not pretty enough?" She whispers, hands clenching in her lap "Is that what it is? If I was prettier would he—"
"He knows you're pretty Maya... he just doesn't love you" Kazutora says
Oh. Maya stops crying after that. She stays silent and neither of them talk for the rest of the ride. Kazutora doesn't know what to say to her and Maya would rather he not say anything either. Kazutora drops her home and she just mumbles a thank you and leaves the car quickly and heads into her house.
She felt like shit. Her thighs ache and so do her hips. She's pretty sure she's got a hickey somewhere on her neck and it feels like her heart bleeding inside her chest. Maybe she needs to get an ultrasound done to see if her broken heart can be put back together again.
Maya loved Chifuyu like a rotting dog.
She loved him like her canines were falling out of her gums.
Like the rotting corpse of a dog on the side of a highway that still loves its owner even if they left it to die.
Like something not worth loving back.
Back at Chifuyu's apartment, his heart drops at the sight of blood on his sheets.
(and at Sunshine Grove Psychiatric Hospital, Kakucho holds a gun to the hospital director's head)
notes: this was my first time ever writing smut plz forgive me 😭 also yes, Chifuyu was the one to take her virginity if you couldn't tell. Next chapter is going to go zero to a hundred real quick.
the rotting dog analogy is all thanks to this and you will be seeing it more in this fic because if I'm sad then the rest of you have to be sad too(especially my mc)
DEAD GIRL’S BEACH ࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
THREE — iv bags and daffodils
"he looks at me like I'm below him. he doesn't say it nor does he act that way but his eyes say it all. patient likes loves power. he craves it" — MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: Maya faces a moral dilemma, trying to pick between her livelihood and ethics all while under the watchful eye of the hospital director and her patient, Kurokawa Izana.
chapter warnings: inaccurate depictions of psychiatric hospitals, mentions of alcohol, mentions of depression, drug use, allusions to sex, abuse of authority, power imbalance, unethical use of drugs, mentions of alcohol, mentions of rape, mentions of murder
word count: 4213
series masterlist
Pretty is what Kurokawa Izana would use to describe Kaneko Maya. She was so pretty. Kaneko Maya was cute, funny, pretty and just Manjiro's type. Had his younger brother not been a depressed little shit right now, Izana would have gotten Ran to gift her to Manjiro. Even if he did now, Izana doubts Manjiro would even do anything. He heard that depression affects the libido. Even before he was admitted into this shitty psychiatric hospital, no matter how many hostess bars he took Manjiro to, how many hookers he called over, how many strip clubs— Manjiro was just bored. For a while, he thought the guy was probably a nervous virgin who only knew how to fight but after a drunken conversation with Sanzu Haruchiyo, Manjiro's childhood friend, he finds out that was in fact not the case. Manjiro was pretty popular with the girls when they were in middle school(due to his shoulder-length blonde hair and girls having a huge thing for pretty boys with the deep voices). Manjiro was 100%, not a virgin and just depressed as hell. "Kakucho" Izana says holding the flip phone against his ear "How's everything going?"
Friday came by pretty quickly as usual. "It's fine as usual. You'll be out on Monday. Are you excited?" Kakucho, his childhood and right-hand man asks
Izana leans back in his shitty bed and stares out the window. It's about 10:30 am, the sun is still rising. "Yeah, about time. If it wasn't for the cute little doctor that gives me company during her night shift, would've gone fuckin' crazy for real"
"That sounds unprofessional" Kakucho mutters in disappointment
Izana laughs. "It's actually not like that. Cute kid, fresh outta uni"
Kakucho laughs. It's rare to hear Kakucho laugh. "I don't believe that one-bit Izana"
"Well, you better. Kaneko Maya, real eye candy" Izana hums and stares up at the white ceiling and starts to ramble about her "talks a lot and y’know I usually hate girls that yap but she's a real cutie. Thinkin' she can fix me and shit. It’s so fuckin’ cute. She's got this little notebook she takes notes on when she talks to me. Nosey as fuck but real cute. Got these blowjob eyes—"
"She's a psychiatrist, she's supposed to be nosey," Kakucho cuts him off before he can get vulgar, simultaneously ignoring the number of times Izana used the word cute to describe his psychiatrist "What did you say her name was again?"
Izana scoffs. "You gonna do a background check on my little doctor Kakucho? This late in too? 'M leavin' Monday"
"It's my job"
Of course, it was. Kakucho was protective. Overprotective at times. It was one of the reasons Izana kept him around. To feel wanted(and because he cared about him but Izana won't say that out loud). "Kaneko Maya. How 'bout ya’ tell me what cha' find when you're done"
"Of course"
And they end the phone call not long after. Izana sits in silence for a while and sighs tiredly. He stares down his left arm with the iv in it. Apparently whatever medication was being given to him was essential to his recovery but he really fuckin' hated it. He felt like actual shit. Tired all the time, sleepy as shit. He hated it. Oh well, he was getting out this Monday anyway. He had been here for 2 months and Maya had only been working here for a month. Perhaps had she been here the whole time the first month would have been more bearable as well. He was leaving Monday anyway. Maybe if Maya was that kind of girl she'd take up the offer of coming to his beach house and maybe she'd even put Manjiro in a good mood with those cute puppy eyes she has. After all, Manjiro has always had a fixation on cute and pretty things and Izana knew him long enough to know that. Izana hears his door click and inwardly sighs in annoyance at whoever was going to enter his room. He glares at the door but his harsh gaze immediately turns into one of surprise when seeing his night shift doctor. "what are you doing here?" He asks, narrowing his eyes at Maya
Maya is wearing her blue scrubs, her white doctor's coat sleeves folded to her elbows. She's got the pager clipped to her belt, the key bracelet thing around her wrist and her ID card securely clipped to the breast pocket on her coat. "wow no hi or good morning or how are you?" Maya asks sarcastically, the door shutting with a click behind her
Her eyes are slightly red and she looks exhausted. Her hair is tied back in a bun with a few curly strands framing her face. "Hi, good morning, how are you?" Izana says sarcastically then changes immediately to a more serious and authoritative tone "You ended your shift 6 hours ago. Go home"
Maya's shift starts from 9 pm to 4 am, she brings the patients dinner because the nurses pushed the job onto her, brings the trays back and down to the kitchen, then comes back up and sticks around as there wasn't much to do unless one of the patients/criminals, needed something which wasn't often. "Yeah... But I fell asleep in the breakroom after my shift and the old man in charge of the morning told me to take his shift and went home before I could say anything" she complained and plopped down on the chair and bolted down on the floor by his bed "I complained to the director but he told me that since I was here anyway I should just take the shift and he'd paid me extra"
Izana can't help but roll his eyes. She really wanted to pay off those loans huh? "I think that's called exploitation" He says
Which is huge coming from Izana considering what he does for a living. "Yeah but... Money" she shrugs "I get to leave at lunchtime though and don't have to come back for the night shift"
"Oh gee! How great!" Izana says sarcastically once again
Izana feels a bit odd being annoyed about the fact that his doctor is being taken advantage of. He's known her for a month and he knows she's kind and these other shitty old people employed here liked to take advantage of her kindness. To make it worse she rarely complained about it. Oh well, at least he gets to see her longer and talk to her for longer. "Haven't seen those before" Izana says looking at the two necklaces she was wearing
One was a gold oval pendant with a delicate border and the outline of a flower in the center of it. The second necklace, also gold, was a small butterfly pendant. Cute. "What's the thing in the center of the coin?" He asks "A rose?"
Maya looks down at her necklace and realizes they are untucked. It was a huge safety hazard considering she could be choked. But Sunshine Grove was a shitty psychiatric hospital and none of the employees really took safety seriously(Maya neither) so they rarely removed jewelry and just kept things like necklaces tucked under their clothes. "Ah~ it's a daffodil," Maya tells him, touching the pendant "my birth flower. My birthday's in March"
Izana chuckles. How cute. "Your birth flower, hm..."
One thing Izana liked about Maya was that she tended to ramble about random things that interested her. "Oh oh have you heard that greek myth story about daffodils?" She asks
Izana would usually be annoyed at this kind of rambling but perhaps Maya had the privilege to just talk. Pretty privilege is what Ran calls it. Izana forgot what he meant since he usually tunes whatever Ran says, out but he figures maybe this is what it is. "So basically there was this guy Narcissus. He was supposedly really good-looking. But he never found anyone that could attract him. He left a long trail of distressed and broken-hearted maidens, and one or two young men fell as well" she giggles a bit then continues the story "Then, one day, he happened to see his own reflection in a pool of water and, thus, discovered the ultimate in unrequited love and fell in love with himself. Obviously, this one-way relationship went nowhere, and Narcissus, unable to draw himself away from the pool, pined away in despair until he finally died of thirst and starvation"
Izana raises a brow. "What?"
"Yeah, and he turned into a daffodil. So another name for daffodils is Narcissus"
Izana can't help but laugh. What a stupid story. "I'm guessing this shitty story has a moral like all Greek myths"
Maya nods. "I think it was a warning not a moral. Something like ‘love and obsession lie closer together than we think’ or something"
Oh. Time passes by when Maya rambles. She was honestly the highlight of his day or well, night. But right now it was the day so she was the highlight of his day. He figures that since she's here right now she won't be here tonight and since it was Friday he won't see her till Monday. He’ll stay a while before he leaves on Monday to say goodbye. Time passes by fast and soon comes lunch. "You know doctor, if there's one thing I'll miss about this shitty place it'll be you talking my ear off" Izana says playfully
Maya laughs. "really well—" she pauses taking in his word "what do you mean? I'm still gonna be working here y'know"
"I'm leaving Monday. Getting discharged and will be back to my normal life" He tells her with a grin "what are you gonna miss me?"
He's being playful but the expression on Maya's face makes him confused. Why is she looking at him like that. He watches her pull out the little notebook of her's and flip through the pages. Izana watches as she mutters something to herself and all he hears are little curse. "Hey, doctor... What's wrong?" He asks in confusion
Why was this her reaction? Maya gets up and walks over to where his IV bag was hung up. She looks long and hard at the bag then turns to him. She's standing right next to him. She rarely gets this close. "You're leaving on Monday?" she repeats with a frown “like discharged and going home?”
Izana is starting to get worried and a bit aggravated, not understanding why she's looking at him like that. As far as he knew she knew nothing about him or what he did. So why was she giving him that look? "Doctor. I'd like to know why you're looking at me like that" Izana says slowly
He isn't nervous. Not at all. A man like him isn't nervous. He's concerned. There's a huge difference between the two emotions. He watches Maya take a breath. "Um... Mr. Kurokawa..." She pauses and looks at him nervously "What... What are you here for? What are you admitted here for?"
That question confuses him. Why was she asking him that? Shouldn't she know? "You should know what I'm here for" He tells her lowly, narrowing her eyes at him "You're my—"
"Mr. Kurokawa" Maya says, her voice a bit breathy
She looks scared almost and it's starting to annoy the hell out of Izana. "Cocaine addiction. Now tell me why you're making that face"
Maya looks nervous, scared and confused. So many different emotions swirl around in her eyes. "So... You're not a convicted criminal?"
He was 100% a criminal but not a convicted one. No one has caught him yet but Maya didn't need to know that. "No and why does that relate to this?"
Maya looks like she might throw up. "You're here for addiction but you're on the fourth floor and not second" She says
"Why should I be on the second floor?" He asks, his voice demanding and angry
Maya sucks in a breath. "second floor is where patients admitted for addiction stay... You're on the fourth floor where the convicted criminals who got off by claiming insanity"
Oh. Oh… Maya chews nervously at her bottom lip. She looks like she might throw up and Izana is pissed. He's fucking pissed. He watches Maya pat her pockets and she pulls out a piece of gauze and then takes his hand. He's about to ask what she's doing but then she puts the gauze pad over the insertion site as gently as she can. She starts to pull it out, increasing pressure as she smoothly withdraws the catheter. Izana stays silent and watches her stick a bandaid to the area. "keep pressure on it for a few minutes" she mumbles and grabs the IV bag
Izana puts his thumb over his wrist where the IV was inserted and watches her. She looked like she was going to be sick and it was pissing him off. What the hell? Maya is about to leave but he stops her. "Doctor... If this is what I think it is..." Izana says slowly
Maya just shakes her head and leaves his room. Izana narrows his eyes, staring at the door. He looks down at his wrist where the IV was just taken out of and was now replaced with a bandage. He stares for a moment longer then pulls out the flip-phone again and calls Kisaki.
"What's this?" Maya threw the half-empty IV bag onto the hospital director's desk
The hospital director, Doctor Nakamura, narrows his eyes at her. "I don't appreciate you coming in without knocking Doctor Kaneko" He says lowly
Maya wasn't going to back down today. She needed answers. She may be new, she may have just graduated a few months ago but what was wrong was wrong. "Why is Mr Kurokawa on the fourth floor and not the second? He's here for cocaine addiction not for a court order" Maya was going to get her answers today "Why is he being given a sedative and that too, that high of a dose?"
She didn't care about superiority or anything. It didn't matter. Not now when a patient was clearly not being treated for what he came for. This was against the ethics of a doctor. "Doctor Kaneko..." Doctor Nakamura says, grabbing the half-empty IV bag with a dark almost crazed look in his eyes "That man... That man is evil incarnate—"
Maya rubs her temples. "Cocaine addiction does not make a man evil incarnate. You run a psychiatric hospital you can’t say things like that. Whatever it is you did, whatever it is you're doing is wrong" Maya says sternly
This was making her sick. She couldn't believe this. She knew Sunshine Grove was shitty with how they'd push all the work onto her but she didn't think it was so shitty that they'd give a patient a drug they didn't even need. This was disgusting. "Doctor Kaneko. You don't know what he did. this is much deeper than cocaine addiction"
"He's getting out on Monday! Mr. Kurokawa has been here for 2 months" Maya argues "If he did something so bad, he wouldn't be leaving. He'd be in jail"
Doctor Nakamura doesn't look like he has the patience for this. But Maya doesn't either. What was wrong, was wrong. "Listen Miss Kaneko..." He says slowly, now looking very aggravated, no longer using her proper title "We'll have this conversation on Monday when your shift starts. How about you go home? You must be exhausted"
It wasn't a suggestion but an order. "Unless you want to start looking for another hospital that will hire you, Miss Kaneko"
Maya feels a lump rise in her throat. No. Nonononono. No. She can't lose her job. She can't. She stares at Doctor Nakamura with wide eyes. This wasn't fair. She was trying to do the right thing and— shit. She opens her mouth to say something, to try and argue, to at least give him a threat of reporting him for mistreating Kurokawa Izana but nothing comes out. Maya feels powerless. It was between her livelihood and her morals. Was this what her mother meant? Was this what she meant when she said it was hard to be a doctor? Maya thought psychiatrists were different. She thought... She thought... This wasn't fair. She clenches his fists and lowers her head. "Yes sir" she says in defeat and promptly leaves the office
Maya walks back to the lockrooms with her head down. She feels like shit. She can't believe she gave in that easily. She hates herself. She can't even get herself to go back up to Izana's room and give him an explanation. She's horrible. She's a shit person and she knows that the guilt is gonna make her sick till she throws up. Maya pulls her hair out of the bun and runs her fingers through it angrily as she walks into the locker room without paying attention to her surroundings. stupidstupidstupidstupidstupidstupidstupidstupidstupidstupid— "shit!"
Maya looks up at realizes she just had her book main character moment where she bumps into the really hot guy's rock-hard chest. The guy no doubt was very hot. He's a security guard by the looks of the uniform but doesn't look like anyone she's seen on duty before. He has black hair parted in the center, olive-toned skin and heterochromatic eyes, one red and the other silver. But what really caught Maya's eye was the scar on his face. Starting from his left ear, going over the corner of his left(silver) eye then up across his forehead and disappearing into his hairline. Maya stops staring and lowers her gaze. "S-sorry" she stutters out "I wasn't watching where I was going. My bad"
He's tall and oh... Wow, he's well-built. Maya has to will herself to tear her gaze away from his chest. This guy 100% had a fricken six-pack underneath that uniform. "It's fine..." He pauses and looks at her up and down "You look tired Doctor"
Maya laughs nervously. Oh man, this guy was hot. It's almost making her forget about the guilt. Oh wait, nope she remembered it again. "Well, I'm new and you know, these oldies like pushing their work onto the newbies," She says with a shrug "I'm going home right now though... I haven't seen you around though"
The man is staring at her ID card pinned to her coat. "Hm.. Yeah, I am... I'll be taking the night shift from now on. 4th floor. They're just gonna be showing me around today"
Maya's eyes light up. New eye candy for the 4th floor now that Izana was leaving? Okay, maybe that makes her feel a little better. "Oh I work night shifts on the fourth floor too" she gives the man a friendly smile "I'm Doctor Kaneko Maya"
The man nods. Professional but also somewhat friendly. "Hitto Kakucho. I prefer just Kakucho"
Hitto? That was an odd last name. She doesn't think she's ever heard it before. But his odd last name slipped her mind pretty quickly due to the guilt she was feeling and the unholy thoughts about Kakucho that were going through her head. Oh man, he's hot and these contrasting feelings are making her head hurt. "I'll be seeing you on Monday then Doctor" Kakucho says "Get home safe"
Maya nods and Kakucho brushes past her. The locker room is once again engulfed in silence and now all that's left is Maya's guilt. She sighs and texts Chifuyu to ask him to pick her up.
Maya sits outside in the reception area waiting for Chifuyu to come get her. She usually drives herself but last night Chifuyu insisted on driving her last night. Maya stares at the white tiled floor, sighing for the nth time. She felt like actual shit. The guilt is making her sick. Izana had been given that damn sedative for 2 months. Sometimes she'd administer it to him too. For what? For some messed up reason, she's still yet to find out. Maya feels guilty and gross and just horrible. She wants to cry. She hates this. None of this was fair. Why did it have to be her patient? Had she really just got herself caught up in something stupid all for the sake of money? Shit shit shit Maya really hated herself right now. "fuck~" she whines to herself and leans forward till her forehead touches her knees while she sits in the chair
She feels like a stupid idiot. She should have just asked Izana what he was here for on the first day instead of trying to be nice and let him open up on his own. Now look where being nice got her. Maya flinches as her phone vibrates. She gets up and grabs her bag off the floor. It was probably Chifuyu. She bids goodbye to the man at the reception and leaves the building at the sight of a black car outside. Except it's not Chifuyu leaning against the car, it's Naoto. Her cheeks flush. Of-fucking-course Chifuyu was trying to play matchmaker. Right now wasn't a good time with how sick she felt. "hey" Naoto says with a small smile
He looks shy and had it not been for her guilt, Maya knows she'd probably be feeling the same way. "H-Hey, did Chifuyu send you?" Maya asks nervously "I'm so sorry"
Naoto shakes his head and opens the passenger seat of his car. "Oh no don't worry. Was on a break anyway. Chifuyu said he was busy and told me to come"
Maya slides into the passenger seat and after making sure she's sitting comfortably he closes the door. Maya puts her bag on the floor of the car and puts on her seat belt. Naoto gets into the driver's side and starts the car. "I thought you had the night shift, what are you doing here so late?" He asks putting on his seatbelt
"They had a shortage... I'll be getting paid for overtime though so it's fine" Maya says trying to ignore the shitty feeling of guilt that just isn't going away
Oh man, she needed a drink. "You look exhausted. Should get some sleep when I drop you home" Naoto tells her as he pulls out of the parking lot and then out of the front gate of the hospital
"Yeah, I will.... gonna shower and just sleep and..." She pauses and thinks for a moment as they make it onto the main road "Can I ask you something?"
"You just did" Naoto points out with a small laugh and Maya can't help but laugh as well. "I'm kidding, ask away"
She thinks for a moment and tries her best to word her question. Perhaps getting an outside opinion would make her feel better. "You're a police officer, right? H-Has there ever been a time where you had to choose between your job or..." she pauses "Livelihood is a better word... Um... Has there ever been a time when you had to choose between your livelihood and your morals?"
Naoto looks surprised by her question. He keeps his eyes on the road as he answers. "W-well yeah... Have to all the time. Just last month I got called out on duty to arrest a woman for murder..." Naoto recalls then frowns "I asked her why she did it during interrogation she told me it was because the man raped her"
"Oh" Maya mumbles quietly
"You don't understand how badly I wanted to let her go. Murder is wrong but those cases... In those rare cases, even wrong can be right"
Maya takes in the information. She tries to apply it to her situation, to find just where the director was coming from but she couldn't. Kurokawa Izana didn't deserve that treatment. "But I have to say, Maya, if this is about work our situations are different... In other departments, things can be covered up by saying it was a fraud scam or corruption... In the medical department, however," He lowers his tone to "It's negligence of life... murder"
Maya's heart pounds. He was right. She didn't think of that. "Yeah... you're right" she mumbles
A silence washes over the car for a moment till Naoto speaks up again. "If there is something wrong at work, I can help you out"
It was a nice offer but what was she supposed to say? Where was she supposed to start? Maya feels stupid because she knows she can just tell Naoto but she can't get herself to. She feels stupid and guilty and the feeling doesn't cease even as Naoto drops her off at her place. Maya's shoulder slouch as she unlocks her door. She hates this so much. A shudder passes through her suddenly at the feeling of being watched. Maya looks around for a moment and sees no one. She shakes her head and brushes it off as stress and goes into her home, locking the door behind her.
From the other side of the street, Kisaki Tetta blows out a cloud of smoke and scoffs.
notes: I do NOT condone any of the acts committed in this fic. Next chapter is gonna be my first time ever writing smut so plz, if it's bad I'm sorry 😭
I would also like to point out that I am a criminology major and don’t know much about the medical field, especially psychiatry. Everything written in this fic is not supposed to be accurate but just for the plot.
DEAD GIRL’S BEACH࿐ྂ
KUROKAWA IZANA x f!oc x SANO MANJIRO
TWO — beachy dreams
“he had trauma stemming from childhood. abandonment issues? currently unsure. he says he has a house on the beach. rich? 100% sure. lol would he adopt me if I ask?” — MAYA'S ROUGH NOTES ON K.I
chapter summary: Maya finds herself at Chifuyu's place with his rowdy friends before hitting the club and she's drawn into flirtatious exchanges with a mysterious club owner. Tensions arise when a revelation links Maya's work to her social circle. Izana gives her an intriguing invitation.
chapter warnings: mentions of body image, clubbing, alcohol use, intoxication, mentions/implications of forced prostitution, mentions of gang violence, inaccurate depictions of psychiatric hospitals, f!oc with zero self preservation skills
word count: 4764
series masterlist
"didn't know you were keeping this pretty lady to yourself Chifuyu! How cruel" One of Chifuyu's friends, Mitsyua Takashi, says with a soft croon
It's 7 pm and Maya's just reached Chifuyu's place due to a change of plans. Originally it was supposed to be her and him going to some restaurant to catch up but Chifuyu's friends from middle school had also been pestering him to meet up which resulted in Chifuyu changing plans last minute and bringing Maya to his place to pre-game before going to a club. Chifuyu had picked her up from her apartment and brought her to his apartment where his friends had already come inside due to having the code for his door. "Mitsuya-kun, she's 6 years younger than you" Chifuyu hisses at Mitsuya, hiding Maya behind him
Maya felt her cheeks tinge pink at the attention she was suddenly receiving from all the people in Chifuyu's apartment. There were so many people there and she kind of hated Chifuyu for not warning her earlier. There were mostly only guys here and 2 other girls. Everyone was dressed in typical club attire. Maya herself was in a matching set, a lilac mini skirt and a matching crop top in the same colour. The crop top had a spaghetti v-neck line and was slightly cinched in the center. It was backless, held together by a button she had taken around 10 minutes to do by herself. Both pieces clung to her skin, accentuating her thin body and even somehow making her lack of boobs look bigger. Slightly that is(Maya unfortunately wasn't blessed in that area). The fabric of both pieces were slightly sparkly and she had done matching makeup with it and wore platform heels and a leather jacket on top and two diamond studs in her ears. Of course, she couldn't forget the two necklaces she was wearing. One was a gold oval pendant with a delicate border and the outline of a daffodil flower in the center of it. The second necklace, also gold, was a small butterfly pendant. Maya never exactly took these necklaces off. Yes, she was supposed to remove her jewellery for her job but Sunshine Grove was surprisingly lenient. But still, she always kept her necklaces tucked underneath her shirt and only ever wore stud earrings or none at all at work. "Oh well—"
"Oh my you're so cute" Maya feels her face being grabbed "Matsuno, where have you been hiding her!?"
Maya comes back to face with a tall girl with ginger hair and brown eyes. "Guys please stop scaring her and embarrassing me" Chifuyu grumbles in annoyance at his friends, pulling Maya out of the tall girl's grasp
Maya turned bright red and shifted on her feet, unsure of what to say in front of so many people who were clearly older. "This is Kaneko Maya. 5 and 6 years younger than all of us" Chifuyu says "stop scaring her I swear to god"
Maya waves nervously and the room gets quiet for a moment. She shifts. Oh man, this was a bad idea. She should have just told Chifuyu that they could reschedule but her damn lovesick brain just accepted the offer of going with him and his friends. What felt like hours to Maya was a mere few seconds to everyone else and they all started introducing themselves to her. Well, all except for the ginger-haired girl, Shiba Yuzuha's, younger but very tall model brother, Shiba Hakkai(he's apparently afraid of women). Maya doesn't usually drink much. So as the rest of them around her are taking a few shots, she sits on the sofa next to Tachibana Hinata who just doesn't drink at all. Maya can't help but notice the four leaf clover necklace she was wearing. "So when did you and Chifuyu-kun meet?" Hinata asks
Hinata seemed sweet. Like too sweet. Like an angel from fucking heaven. "uh... When I was in middle school... Like 7th grade"
Then comes Hanemiya Kazutora who leisurely takes a seat in front of both of them on the coffee table. Kazutora was Chifuyu's roommate and really the only other person Maya knew here. Maya knew about how Kazutora went to jail in his youth and got out recently but she didn't ask for what. "so how's your job with the crazy people doin' Maya?" Kazutora asks with a grin and Hinata gives Maya a confused look
Maya laughs nervously. "Uh... I'm a psychiatrist... I work at a psychiatric hospital"
"Oh wow... Must be hard work" Hinata says with a smile "That's great that you got hired this young. I heard hospitals rarely hire people fresh out of university"
Maya nods. "Yeah got rejected by everyone at first and ended up at this shitty psychiatric hospital, Sunshine Grove, just outside of Tokyo. They pay well but the place is scary"
"Sunshine Grove, huh" Kazutora says slowly as if trying to remember where he heard the name of the hospital
But Kazutora's thoughts are cut off by Draken, a super tall intimidating guy with a dragon tattoo on the side of his head, calling them and telling them it is time for them to leave. The room is filled with hooting from the boys. Maya can't help but laugh a bit. Chifuyu's friends were nice. "Come on Maya, we're gonna have so much fun tonight" Yuzuha says pulling her off the couch
They make it to the club not too long later. Maya is linking arms with Hinata and holding hands with Yuzuha. The lineup is pretty big and Maya wonders how long it will take for them to get in. But to her surprise, the boys are all walking straight up to the entrance. "Huh? shouldn't we get in line?" Maya asks Hinata
Hinata and Yuzuha look at each other for a moment then at Maya. "ah~ the boys know the owners" Hinata explains "we always come here since it's the safest out of all the ones they own"
Hinata's words raise a few red flags in Maya's head. Safest out of all the ones they own? What did that even mean? "a friend's I'm assuming" Maya says as they reach the bouncer
Yuzuha scoffs. "Please, the last thing any of them would call each other is friend"
That concerns Maya even more. If they weren't even friends, why the fuck were they here. They make it to the front of the line and instantly the bouncer starts letting them in but stops Maya. "Hey, she's with us too" Mitsuya says lowly and Chifuyu looks pissed now
The bouncer scoffs. "I know you guys are special guests of the Haitanis but I'm sure they wouldn't want a minor in the club either. ID"
Maya feels embarrassed by this. She pulls her phone out of the inside pocket of her leather jacket, takes her ID out of her case, and hands it to the bouncer. "Birth year?" The bouncer asks
Her cheeks burn in embarrassment as all of Chifuyu's friends watch the entire thing play out. "1996" She squeaks out
The bouncer looks between her and the ID card a few times then gives it back to her and lets her in. "Oh god that was embarrassing" Maya whimpers to Chifuyu who now has an arm around her shoulder, guiding her through the club up to the VIP section
"It's fine Maya" Chifuyu says with a laugh into her ear over the loud music "Can't control how young you look"
Her heart beats faster when she feels Chifuyu's breath against her skin. He guides her to sit in the VIP booth and then slides in next to her. His arm goes around her shoulders once again as he talks to his friends. Maya feels her face go pink. Thankfully the lights are dim and no one could tell. "let's go get the ladies some shots" Mitsuya says and drags Hakkai and Draken with him
"Fuck I have a feeling all of us are gonna black out tonight" Kazutora says with a laugh
The music is more muffled in the VIP section. Maya wonders if it's because of the connection Chifuyu and his friends have with the owners that they're able to be here. Honestly speaking, despite having known Chifuyu for so long, she's never been to the club with him. It was usually only restaurants, cafes, parks and just fun places like that. This was the first time Maya was out clubbing with Chifuyu. "You okay?" Chifuyu murmurs into her ear, her breath brushing against her skin
Maya's heart beats faster at the feeling and she suppresses a shiver. Chifuyu's arm around her shoulder tightens and he pulls her a bit tighter into his side. "listen, anything happens tonight, you're not feeling well, something does something, everyone is here for you. Not just me, okay?" He says and Maya almost flinches when she feels his lips brush against her ear "Understand"
She almost can't respond. "Y-Yeah... I understand"
Chifuyu is probably tipsy because he kisses her cheek and turns around to talk to Kazutora. Maya sits there stunned and if it weren't for the flashing neon lights, everyone would see how flushed her face was. She lets out a shuddery breath and gulps, hoping no one saw that. Thankfully everyone was too tipsy to actually notice and soon after Mitsuya, Draken and Hakkai bring more shots, they drink some more and everyone is drunk. Everyone except Draken and Mitsuya who were apparently the designated drivers for tonight. Jun thinks she's drunk, somewhat. She stumbles off the dance floor away from Hinata and Yuzuha to the bar where the music wasn't as louder. Everyone was scattered around, talking to girls or whoever. She's drunk out of her mind at this point and just one more drink away from blacking out. Just as she's about to call the bartender over, someone stands beside her. "haven't seen you before" someone says,
Maya looks up and sees a very tall guy. His hair is short, coloured purple and black. His skin is pale and his eyes are lilac. Woah he was handsome. "I doubt you could keep track of who comes and goes unless you're here every day" Maya tells him with a smile
The man chuckles. "This is my club sweetheart, I know who comes and goes"
Maya giggles drunkenly, too far gone to remember that Hinata and Yuzuha said the boys weren't that good of friends with the club owner. "Really? You're rich?" she asks and leans in closer
The man sighs and leans in closer as well, with a tentative finger brushing one of her wavy locks behind her ear. "All pretty girls are gold diggers huh?" he says it more to himself than to her
Maya pouts. "'m not a gold digger" She pokes his arms and has to tilt her head back to look at him despite wearing heels "I have student loans and need to pay them off y'know"
The man starts to laugh and he drapes an arm around her shoulders, pulling her in closer. Maya stumbles forward and he catches her against his chest. "I like honest girls..." He murmurs sweetly, sounding like he was crooning
Maya finds herself attracted to the club owner. Not just because of his money but he was definitely very charismatic. Her hands somehow find their way up, hooking her fingers into the belt loops of his pants and he smiles, seemingly satisfied by her action. His free hand comes up and cups her cheek, brushing his thumb against her cheekbone in a gentle affectionate manner. The same way she wanted Chifuyu to touch her. Maya's expression turns sour at the thought of her unrequited love and she turns away from the club owner. "Hey, what's wrong sweetheart?" he asks, holding her cheek again to make her face him "thought we were having a moment"
"Need a drink..." Maya says with a frown as the man keeps his arm tightly around her shoulder
He presses her into his side and chuckles. "yeesh, I know that look" he says and asks the bartender to make her a drink, on the house apparently
Maya looks up at the man and sees he's already looking at her. "So what's your name pretty lady?" He asks
"Maya" She answers, not smiling anymore
She needed more alcohol before she could smile again. The man, however, grins. He's charming and clearly doesn't mind Maya's mood swings. "Haitani Ran, owner of this as you already know"
Maya had a feeling she had heard this guy's name somewhere. She couldn't put her finger on it. But the bartender puts her drink in front of her so she doesn't think about it anymore and basically chugs it. Ran then decides to order shots and Maya might as well be blackout drunk at this point. But at least she wasn't thinking about Chifuyu anymore. "so cute, hm" Ran says pressing her into his side
His skin was warm and despite how sweaty the club was now, Maya couldn't help but like it. Ran smelled really good too. Like that expensive cologne she smelled at Sephora the other day when she went shopping with Chifuyu. Jo Malone if she remembered correctly. "You've got this lovesick look in your eyes" Ran says as he holds her cheek in one hand, making her tilt her head back so she is looking right at him
(Eye contact was important for Haitani Ran. It was the way into a woman's heart after all.)
"I do?" she mumbles drunkenly, practically leaning into Ran at this point who didn't mind, holding her up against his side
"Yeah, someone break your heart?" Ran's tone is condescending but also holds a sense of curiosity in it
Maya groans. "Not yet" she pouts, her words starting to slur together "he doesn't like me back... Haven't confessed to him 'cause I know he doesn't like me... Says 'm too young for 'im"
She feels dumb dumping all her feelings to a stranger but she's far too intoxicated to care. There was no harm done anyway. "poor little girl" Haitani Ran coos, his tone almost mocking as he runs a hand through her hair "I guess he's missing out on the fun of younger girls, hm..."
He sounds dangerous. Scary. Had Maya been sober she would have run far away from Haitani Ran the moment he came up to her. But with the mixture of the alcohol and her lovelorn state, it was hard to really get a grasp on reality and the dangers of this situation. "younger girls are adorable and real needy" Ran murmured, looking down at her "You sure are needy"
Maya wanted to retort, say something back but she finds herself getting a bit lost in her own head trying to come up with a response to him. She just stares up at him until she's suddenly ripped out of Ran's arms. "Hands off Haitani" A familiar voice warns as her back is now pressed against someone's chest
Maya looks down at her waist where a strong arm is tightly wrapped around her and she faintly recognizes Mitsuya's rings and watch. "Oh, this one of yours Mitsuya?" Ran says with a chuckle "C'mon don't be greedy. Was just havin' some fun"
She feels Mitsuya hold her tighter and Maya's knees feel weak so she leans back against him. "We all know what your version of fun is. Take videos and use them till they're dead. Leave her alone" Mitsuya says angrily
Maya can't see Mitsuya's face but she can assume he's probably pissed as hell. "What's going on?" she slurs, turning her head back to look at Mitsuya
Mistuya and Ran are having a staring contest— Mitsuya looking pissed off and Ran just smiling like nothing is wrong. Maya on the other hand is too drunk to really care. Mitsuya is pissed off and Maya is admiring how hot he looks angry like an absolute idiot. Were all of Chifuyu's friends this hot? She sighs dreamily, admiring the way Mitsuya's neck tensed when he got angry. God-fuckin-damn. "stay away from her Haitani" Mitsuya hisses
Ran only laughs. "You're not a part of Toman anymore Mitsuya, I have no need to listen to you" He walks closer to them and leans down so he's on eye level with Maya "We've only kept our hands off Shiba and Tachibana out of respect for Mikey and Kisaki and for the sake of old times... Else—"
"Shut up" Mitsuya says before Ran can say anything else and looks down at Maya, hoping she is too drunk to remember any of this
Chifuyu had explicitly told all of them he didn't want Maya to they used to be a part of Tokyo Manji Gang and Mitsuya wanted to respect his wishes. "Not her" Mitsuya says and it's not up for discussion
Mitsuya drags her back to the booth and makes her sit down. He's standing over her, holding her face in his hands checking for injuries or something. Maya doesn't know. Mitsuya's cold hands just feel really good to her heated skin right now. "You sure have a thing for attracting dangerous people, hm?" Mitsuya says with a laugh, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear
Maya just stares up at Mitsuya, openly admiring him now and he laughs. "fuck you're cute" He coos and ruffles her hair like she's a little kid
Maya doesn't really remember what happens after that. She was up with a pounding headache in Chifuyu's room, lying in between Yuzuha and Hinata who were snoring away. They were both still in their outfits from last night as well as Maya. But she had a familiar zip-up hoodie over her two-piece outfit. Chifuyu's grey hoodie sits on her shoulders and Maya's heart flutters. Had she not been feeling like absolute shit, she would have been squealing and kicking her legs like a middle school girl. But Yuzuha and Hinata were still sleeping so she kept herself quiet. She carefully gets off the bed, trying her best not to wake the other girls and picks her purse off Chifuyu's bedside table and heads to the bathroom connected to the room. She closes the door and turns on the light and gasp seeing her face. Her mascara was running down her cheeks like she'd cried and her lipstick was smudged. Maya shudders at the thought of all of Chifuyu's hot friends(and Chifuyu himself) having seen her like this and pulls out makeup wipes from her purse. It was a good thing she kept makeup wipes, moisturizer and things like that in her purse. Thank god for Sephora and other brands selling mini versions of their products. Once Maya gets her face clean and fixes her hair she leaves the bathroom and picks her phone up from the bedside table, leaving her purse there instead. As expected, her phone was dead. She puts it on charge and sighs. Yuzuha and Hinata were still dead asleep. The digital clock in Chifuyu's room shows it was 10:45 am. Maya zips up the hoodie about half way and heads out of the room silently so she didn't wake the other girls up. As she heads for the kitchen, she hears voices.
"Haitani is a fucking bitch" That was Draken
"Did he try anything?" Now Chifuyu
"She was too drunk to tell me anything but I don't think so" Next Mitsuya
Huh? What were they talking about?
"All that matters is that she's alright" Now that was a new voice
Maya pulls down the end of her mini-skirt and walks over to the kitchen. Immediately their conversation stops. The boys all look at each other nervously and before Maya could say anything, Mitsuya speaks up first. "Good morning Maya, I made soup. You probably feel like shit"
Maya just nods and looks at the newcomer who was wearing a suit and looks slightly awkward right now. "Oh yeah uh... this is Tachibana Naoto, Hina-chan's younger brother" Chifuyu says "and Naoto this is Kaneko Maya"
They both greet each other and Maya takes a seat at the dining table next to Kazutora who looks like he doesn't want to be up right now, his duel coloured hair sticking up in multiple directions. As Maya looked over at the couch she could see Hakkai knocked out, snoring away, sleeping in a somewhat uncomfortable-looking position. As Maya slowly sips the soup Chifuyu starts talking about what Naoto does. "He's a detective. Handling the Tokyo Manji Gang case right now" Chifuyu says with a grin
Maya nods. "Oh that's cool. I'm a psychiatrist"
Naoto seems genuinely interested. "Really? Where do you work?"
"Sunshine Grove. It's like outside the city—"
"Sunshine Grove?" Naoto's voice completely changes "You work at Sunshine Grove?"
Maya nods slowly. "Yeah..."
Naoto looks worried and that makes the rest of the boys worried as well. "Why what's wrong?" Draken asks the detective
Naoto shakes his head. "Uh... Insider info. I found out Toman's number 3 is possibly admitted in there for cocaine addiction"
Maya raises a brow. Now that was news. She had no idea someone like that was admitted to Sunshine Grove. "Wait seriously?" Kazutora is wide awake now and the rest of them have dark expressions on their faces
"Apparently," Naoto says "It's not confirmed but, it's what my sources say"
They all look toward Maya as she's drinking her soup. Her eyes widen realizing they were expecting an answer from her. "O-Oh... I wouldn't know. I don't work with the patients who are there for addiction. That's second floor, I work fourth floor with the criminals"
Mitsuya starts to laugh while Chifuyu groans. "C'mon I thought I told you to tell them to switch you to another floor" He complains
Maya only pouts. "4th floor makes more money"
Mitsuya laughs even harder at that. "see I told you. She just attracts bad people"
"Do not!"
Later when Hinata and Yuzuha wake up, Naoto insists on exchanging numbers with Maya. "I know there is this whole doctor-patient confidentiality thing and I won't push it... But um... If there is ever anything wrong, please tell me" The detective says with a small smile, his suit jacket now worn by his older sister
Maya nods and they exchange numbers. Hakkai and Yuzuha leave not long after and then followed by Mistuya and Draken. "I saw that~" Kazutora teases
Maya pulls the hood of Chifuyu's hoodie over her head and collapses on the couch. "Saw what?" she asks, bringing her bare feet up on the couch, sitting in a kind of fetal position
"Naoto's got the hots for you~" He says in a singsong voice
Maya narrows her eyes. "Nah uh!"
"100 percent. I saw it too" Chifuyu says teasingly from the kitchen where he is washing the dishes "he was blushing so damn hard. So fuckin' cute"
"Shut up" she grumbles
Maya had in fact not noticed any of what Kazutora and Chifuyu were talking about. She had been too preoccupied looking at Chifuyu to really look at Naoto. Now she just feels bad. Naoto was about 4 years older than her, of course, Chifuyu was encouraging this. Chifuyu had never been a huge fan of age gap relationships especially if it's more than 3-4 years. Maya, as a psychiatrist, does not blame him. But oh how she wished she was born earlier so Chifuyu would at least look at her as something other than a child that hangs around him. She figures it was alright. Even if she were the same age as Chifuyu, she wouldn't have confessed anyway.
Why?
He just doesn't like her that way.
Monday comes along pretty fast as usual. Maya clocks in and greets the other doctors leaving from the day shift. She does her usual, give all the 4th-floor patients their food, collect their trays, bring the cart back down to the 1st floor then come back up and give either Mr. Ueda company or talk to Mr. Kurokawa if he is awake. "You know, you're rarely asleep," Maya says taking a seat on the chair in his room "When do you sleep?"
"I'm in here all day, I sleep when I want," Izana says simply with a shrug "You on the other hand doctor, I still don't understand why someone as young as you would take the night shift. You still have a lot of living to do"
His words sounded oddly ominous. But Maya just shrugs that feeling off with the thought of it just being her nerves and not yet used to the night shift among criminals. "I do my living on the weekends, Mr. Kurokawa," Maya tells him "went out clubbing this weekend and got blackout drunk... Wait you don't have a problem with alcohol do you?"
Maya realizes she had a slip of the tongue. She wasn't supposed to be talking about alcohol or things like that with patients. "Calm down doctor, I think we're past the point of a normal doctor and patient relationship. I basically know everything about you. And no, I don't have an alcohol problem. I'm not here for that" Izana says with a lazy grin "How about you continue your story"
Maya shifts a bit in her seat. She looks at the small notebook in her hand and flips through the pages to where she had written down possible offences and the possible things wrong with Izana. She crosses off alcoholism. So far the ones circled were abandonment issues, mommy issues, narcissism and sociopathy. She was starting from scratch with him so she had to make some assumptions. "Um... Well... Went clubbing with that guy I told you about on Friday. He's..." She pauses trying to find the right words "Older... like about 5 years"
"You like older men, doctor?" Izana is teasing her and it works, her cheeks flush
Maya clears her throat. "Anyways..." she grumbles "I met his friends for the first time... They were nice. We went to a club, and got blackout drunk. Everyone ended up crashing at his place and in the morning one of the girl's younger brother came to get her... He was a police officer and now my crush is trying to set me up with him"
Izana laughs. "Police officer? A psychiatrist and a police officer. That sounds chaotic"
Maya just shrugs. "Forget that, he's trying to set me up with someone else and it's just... ugh" she groans
Izana laughs even more. He seems to be enjoying her misery. "Don't laugh at me" she whines "You're probably single too"
Izana gives her a mocking smile. "I don't have a lack of ladies, doctor"
Maya doesn't doubt him one bit. Izana was handsome. She can imagine him being the center of attention wherever he goes despite his condescending behaviour. Some girls were into that after all(Maybe Maya too). They end up dropping the topic and soon another starts and then another. Izana tended to avoid talking about his past, particularly his childhood. Maya would try her absolute best not to push it. However, after spending hours of the night just talking, the topics would shift into typical first-date or ice-breaker questions. "So if money wasn't a problem where would you live?" She asks
"Money isn't a problem, doctor. I'm rich" Izana tells her "I can live where I want. What about you?"
Maya thinks for a moment. "The beach"
"The beach?" He repeats "Really?"
Maya shrugs. "Yeah, why not? Warm weather all the time, nice view. It'd be nice"
Izana hums, seemingly agreeing with her. "I can agree with that. I have a beach house. Bought one recently because my younger brother likes the sea"
Oh? He has a brother? "that's sweet... how much younger is he than you?" Maya can't help but start jotting things down in her notebook again
Izana watches in amusement. "3 years. An annoying little shit sometimes but he does what I say because I'm all he has left"
Now that was ominous. "hm... What do you mean?" Maya asks slowly, furrowing her brows
Izana doesn't say anything after that. At the end of the night before Maya leaves, Izana speaks up. "You know when I get out of here, you can come visit my beach house" He suggests with his usual lazy grin
Maya laughs a bit. "I don't think that's very appropriate Mr. Kurokawa"
She bids him goodbye and Izana sighs, staring at the metal door. "Well see about that, doctor"
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