It has occurred to me that I am sort of terrible. I have severe writer's block when it comes to how I want to continue Cuffs, but, as I wrote this more and more, I found that this was more fun (or at least more interesting) to develop. It's been a while, so review if you like and let me know what you think.

This chapter starts the story off as more of setting the stage than outright lemon from the gate. Needless to say, there will be more...let's just say the stuff I've been writing.

Day 2

Normally, Souji was the epitome of a morning person; a quick glance at the clock told him that he was about an hour past his alarm. He made to get up, but a warm form snuggled against him kept him in place. Looking down at the disheveled blue hair belonging to the girl that was still slumbering peacefully, he dimly noted that she was nude. Upon closer inspection, so was he. Aside from wrestling with whether he should consider this good or bad, the events of the day before slowly came back to him. His head fell back on the pillow as he stared at the ceiling, noting that what had transpired was quite real. A soft hum came from Naoto as she curled against him and relaxed, looking up at him with tired grey eyes. "Mm...good morning, Souji-kun…"

"Um...morning, Naoto."

She covered her yawn with her hand and pressed her cheek to his chest, closing her eyes as she did. "Did you sleep well?"

Surprisingly…"Yeah. I hope you did, too…?"

"Mmhm."

Naoto hugged his chest as Souji decided to go with the flow, wrapping his arms around her waist and putting his chin to her hair. He remained silent as Naoto slowly drifted back to sleep, unable to do anything but let his gaze wander and blush at his audacity.

And that was how Souji's morning started.

An hour later, and the two were much more awake. Blushes were evident between the two of them, and they went through the motions of sheepishly handing each other their scattered clothes. Souji had just pulled his slacks back on as he muttered, "Something feels wrong about this…"

"What do you mean?"

He shrugged, unsure of what to say next but unwilling to let this conversation go. Naoto watched him for a moment before smiling slightly and concentrating on buttoning her shirt. "...I don't know. Hard to say."

"It was consensual."

He blushed slightly at that but retained his natural composure. "That's not what I meant."

Naoto tied her hair into a low, messy ponytail before sauntering over and putting her hands on his shoulders, her fingers gently massaging some tension out. He eyed his shirt lying on the floor next to the bed but ignored the urge to grab it in favor of Naoto's massage. "Are you still unsure about our new...situation?"

"That's an understatement."

"I must apologize then...I put a lot of pressure on you in such little time."

"I just want to ask...are you okay with...with all this?"

"Hm? Oh, of course. I thought it through and I stand by my decision to ask you."

Day 1

"Y-you want to what? With me?"

"Well, yes. I'm abroad often, and...I have to admit, having these, erm, frustrations can impede my focus."

What had been a meeting for coffee had quickly spiralled into something that even Souji hadn't expected. Naoto was wearing a soft blush along with her casual business attire. After all, she was asking him something that was...out of the ordinary, to say the least.

"And here I thought you were the most composed out of all of us."

"I believe you still lead that department, Senpai."

"...Thanks. But are you-"

"As I said, I'm not looking for anything special. I just want to unwind. What's the proper term for it…? Friends with benefits."

Hearing the 'proper term' made it that much more real, and Souji found himself downing half his cup and sighing before stealing a glance at her. The few years since the case hadn't diminished her beauty in the slightest, what with the longer hair and generally more relaxed appearance. It made his heart throb, but there was a slight problem.

Friends with benefits. Not boyfriend and girlfriend.

He'd chosen to go single that fateful year, particularly because he couldn't find the time to work out his feelings for the detective. As such, he'd been given a while to let those feelings fester, and that had only fueled his desire to meet her more often. Obviously, this wasn't what he was expecting.

...He still had time to confess. Maybe…

"Senpai?"

Shit.

"I'll...take you up on that. Could be beneficial for both of us, huh?"

Great plan.

She smiled fondly at him, nodding and taking a draft of her coffee. "Right. Now, I was hoping you could point out any good apartments in the city-"

"You don't have to worry about that. You can live in my place."

For whatever reason, she blushed at his offer. "O-oh. Really, you don't need to-"

"I don't. But I will."

He turned in his seat and grinned at her. "Benefits, y'know?"

Naoto looked troubled for a moment before she took another sip and nodded affirmatively. Turning in the same manner he did, she reached over and took his hand in hers. The contact forced a gentle blush out of both of them, but she smiled and tightened her grip slightly. "Thank you. For everything."

"Mhm. Just...one condition."

"Of course. What's on your mind?"

"Call me Souji."

"...Alright. Whatever you ask, Souji-kun."

"Hah. That'll do, for now."

"If it makes you feel any better, you are my only choice."

"Huh?"

"You were the only person I was going to ask regarding this."

"...Why?"

"Well...I-"

Pi-pi-pi-pi-pi…

Naoto sighed and patted his shoulders, murmuring, "I'm sorry. We can talk later, okay?"

"Sure. Bring the spare key with you."

"Thank you."

She was heading towards the door, and Souji had half a mind to grab her arm and tell her to stay for just a little while, but when he saw he purposeful stride and the phone in her hand, all he could say was, "Naoto."

She turned and looked toward him, a silent question gleaming in her eyes as she put her hand over her phone's receiver. "...Be careful. Okay?"

His answer was a reassuring smile, followed by a curt nod as she showed herself out. Souji watched the door for a few moments more before reaching for his shirt and slipping it on. He rested his face in his palms and muttered, "...Dammit."

The email he received later confirmed his theory; Naoto was off on another case. It was a relatively important one too, judging by how she was travelling abroad for it.

From: Naoto Shirogane

Senpai,

I must apologize, but I've been hired to handle a case overseas. I may not be back for a few weeks, but I estimate I can put this to rest in two at most. I'd be glad to talk with you over the phone or through email if you so desire, just let me know when is a good time.

Naoto

Souji smiled as he shut his phone, picking his book back up and idly turning the page. "See you soon, then."

Thanks for the read, and here's hoping you were interested to some capacity. I haven't seen something like this for this particular pairing, so I was curious how I would handle it.

Till next time, K4no signing off.