It had been a year before he even registered it, a year of the team recovering and mourning in their own ways, a year of the scar on his stomach stitching together and finally healing, a year, without Yasu. He'd been trying not to think on it much, but as the day grew closer it occupied his mind more, and with nothing else to distract him, he began to feel increasingly depressed about it all, eventually seeking out Tio for some kind of advice.
"Hey Tio, you know it's nearly the anniversary, do you think we should do something?" Just letting the day pass by without some kind of event seemed wrong to him, but he had no idea what to recommend, he wasn't the type to give long speeches, and since he still felt partially implicated for his death, he didn't imagine he'd be the right person to do it anyway.
Tio's expression creased up in confusion for a moment, taking a drink from his beer and crossing his legs on the sofa, then realisation set in and he frowned slightly, eyes downturned, "For Yasu?" Mizuki just nodded, trying to ignore the pang of hurt that struck him whenever he heard the name, which was very little these days, most of the team having managed to move on in a way he just couldn't seem to. "Hm, it's a nice idea, but what?"
"That's the thing, I just don't know." They had to do something, he knew that, to honour his memory and express that they hadn't forgotten about him, about his sacrifice, involuntary though it had been.
"Want me to ask the team? I'm sure one of them will suggest something good."
It was a nice gesture, to offer to take it on his own back when it was hardly a pleasant thing to have to do, but he shook his head, he knew he had to do it, as the team's leader he had to be there even when things got uncomfortable. "I'll do it, tomorrow at the meeting."
"Okay," it looked like he was going to leave it there, but he opened and closed his mouth again, looking troubled as his fingers traced the rim of his bottle absently. "You know nobody blamed you, right?"
"I know, just me." They left it there, because nothing anybody could say would remove any of the guilt from him, he knew he'd fucked up even if nobody else would blame him, the scar on his stomach a reminder every day of the mistakes he had made that led them to this, a year later and still blaming himself. He absently wondered what Sly would say if he could see him now, still mourning, still locked up in his own grief, but he pushed that thought to the back of his mind as he did all thoughts of him these days. He wasn't sure when it was he'd last seen him, the days blended into one but he knew it had been months, maybe four, maybe six, he didn't know why he had disappeared, felt almost bitter that the moment he felt he understood Sly even little he ran, but he supposed that was what he did. He still heard of him of course, tales of him stealing and getting into fights always a good source of gossip amongst his team and the islands population as a whole, so he knew he was still around somewhere living his life, Mizuki was just rather angry he'd been cut out of it.
"So, does anybody have any suggestions?"
There was silence, the mood had turned from jovial to sombre, people, friends who hadn't seen each other for weeks, since long before Christmas, now having to cut conversations short and suddenly be reminded of something that may have not even been on their minds.
"It can be anything, it just seems right to do something, to honour his memory."
There were nods and he knew they agreed without him even saying it, newer members looking mildly confused but quickly being filled in by their friends or working it out for themselves, expressions turning a combination of sad and surprised.
"Um," the voice was quiet and Mizuki barely registered it at first, only hearing it because of the oppressive silence that had spread across the bar, surprised to see Michi as the speaker, especially since he'd only become an official member a month ago and his tattoo was still healing. "There's something we always do for my Grandfather…"
He trailed off, maybe uncomfortable at suggesting something for somebody he'd never met, never even knew existed until a couple of seconds ago, but Mizuki nodded, because hell he'd take anything right now. "Um, we set off lanterns, like paper lanterns. We write messages in them sometimes, then wait til its dark and let them go, at the beach normally. It's just, um, they're quite pretty and stuff…" He squirmed a little, but some of the others were nodding thoughtfully, as if envisioning it, the pitch dark sky filled with the lanterns, pinpoints of bright orange flame that would float off over the sea and eventually disappear from sight.
Mizuki turned minutely to see Tio, who was nodding, expression oddly impressed, and he had to admit he agreed, the idea was a nice one, really nice, "okay, so that's one idea, anybody else?"
Now one person had spoken, others seemed willing too, ranging from the same idea but with helium balloons, to just having a casual drink where they could talk about him and reminisce, to getting some kind of plaque put up in his memory, or maybe planting a tree.
In the end, a quick vote led to the balloon and lantern ideas being the most favoured, and a second vote had the paper lantern idea winning almost unanimously, something Mizuki was glad of, because while the balloons would no doubt work well, there was something about how fast they would disappear that he didn't like.
"Okay, so paper lanterns. Michi, can you hook us up with the supplies?" He nodded, seeming excited but surprised that his idea had been chosen, and knowing Mizuki would reimburse him for any expense there'd be. "Awesome, so everyone meet here on the day at say… Six? Then we can write messages or decorate them if we want, then make our way down to the lake."
The lake had been Shin's idea, and as Yasu's best friend, it had been universally agreed that he'd know best where their informal ceremony should be held, briefly explaining that the small lake had been his favourite place to walk his much loved dog, saying with an almost shaky voice that he'd like it to be there. Watching the hands that came silently to rest on his shoulders as he spoke filled Mizuki's chest with warmth, because as always his team was the best group of people he'd ever had the pleasure of knowing, they had become pillars of support for each other that he never could have imagined.
It was cold the day of the ceremony, ice had covered the ground overnight and they had to delay everything by half an hour to account for the longer journey times, at least two guys showing up with bruises where they'd slipped on a patch and tumbled to the hard ground. But still, they were all there, wrapped up in big coats and scarves and with beanies pulled low on their heads, giving sighs of relief when they entered the toasty bar, heating cranked up to full.
Michi had done his job with the lanterns and thirty of them lay neatly on the floor of the bar, he'd bought candles for them too and permanent markers so they could write their messages on the white paper before they sent them skyward. They were all finally assembled and Tio and a couple of other guys had taken it upon themselves to make and hand out hot drinks, people holding steaming mugs in cold hands or sharing, because Mizuki really didn't own that many mugs.
"Okay guys, we all know why we're here, to honour Yasu's memory, to remember his life and to celebrate him. Michi's got everything we need, and I think there's enough lanterns for a couple of you to have one each, but a most of you will have to share." He looked to Michi for confirmation and he nodded quickly, nibbling his lip nervously in the heavy atmosphere, "okay, so you don't have to write on them if you don't want to, it's completely up to you. So, um, let's start, I guess."
Nobody commented on his words trailing off, knowing how hard it was for him to be doing this in the first place, and Tio's hand coming to squeeze his shoulder as the guys began their task, picking up lanterns until they all ran out and forming pairs easily, pens held in nervous fingers and eyes sad as they wondered what on earth to write.
"Come on, Mizu, they left us one," he hadn't even noticed that somebody had placed a lantern and a black pen on the bar behind them, turning to see it and feeling the dread in his stomach building because he had no right to say anything to Yasu when he had let him die. But Tio had a hand on his elbow as he led him to a spare table, sitting down and taking the pen himself, pausing to think for only a few seconds before writing his message, turning the lantern over and pushing it over to Mizuki.
His heart had stilled in his chest as he looked around the bar, anything to distract him from the fact that he'd have to write something, not only to set an example but also to try and externalise some of the grief that was heavier than ever today. He glanced around, taking in the solemn faces of his family and feeling horrible that he had caused this, he was the reason Shin was staring at his lantern with his pen shaking in his hand and a horribly blank expression. He was the reason everybody looked so sad and mournful, he was the reason they were down a friend, the reason they were doing this was because he hadn't tried hard enough, and it was his fault.
"I don't know what to put," he admitted softly, seemingly mirroring the feeling of several of them, holding pens awkwardly and trying to peer at other people's messages, Michi looked beyond lost, having never met Yasu, but even he managed to write something.
"Just put what you feel," Tio shrugged, but his voice was gentle and he was all too aware of how hard this was for Mizuki, knowing he still blamed himself even now a year later and wishing he could somehow instil in him how wrong he was. "What do you want to say to him?"
"That I'm sorry," he hadn't meant to say it, hadn't intended on vocalising it, he hated that everybody in this room wouldn't blame him, would say he had nothing to do with it, would blame the guy who killed him rather than the one who failed to protect him.
But Tio had seemingly had enough of his moping over this, yanking the pen out of his hand with a stern frown, "I'm not letting you write that."
"Why? It's true," he frowned, not appreciating Tio's attempts to help
"Because you have nothing to be sorry for, Mizuki. None of us do, we couldn't have stopped it, you tried, okay, that's what matters." His hand was insistent on his shoulder, and something in his eyes was honest, it almost made Mizuki believe his words for a second, realising in that instant what he should write.
"Okay, give me the pen," Tio didn't look convinced, but he handed it over anyway, just sighing sadly as he saw what the bartender had written in neat letters and resigning himself to the possibility that Mizuki would never quite forgive himself for this. Taking the lantern off the table and looking round to see how everybody else was getting on, taking in Shin's still expressionless face and the nervous atmosphere of everybody else.
"Are we all ready to go?" He asked, and the various nods and noises of assent that trickled in were less than soothing, at least two pairs of eyes on Mizuki as if wondering why he had let Tio take charge but not asking, knowing better than that.
It was quiet on the way, there were light mumbles of conversation and somebody was trying to keep Shin together with minimal success, occasional sniffle leaving him because this was more like a funeral than a wake. The few people on the streets parted in their presence, clearing space for them to walk through the streets like a morbid procession, taking in the lanterns in their hands and offering respectful nods, horribly solemn as if they too knew what was happening. It was all Mizuki could do to nod back, unable to meet their eyes as if they would lock and somehow his guilt would be known to all, as if they would know what he had done, what he had failed to do. Tio was close by his side and the team pressed in all around him and behind, filling the narrow streets, but he didn't feel comforted much by it, almost wishing they weren't there, because he was sick of trying to be the perfect leader when he'd already fucked up so bad.
The lakeside was silent and serene, the moon was just beginning to rise and Mizuki was glad he'd at least timed it well, white light gleaming on the surface of the still water and the trees surrounding them rustled by the cold breeze. There was a mess of buildings to one side, all abandoned and in a state of disrepair, windows smashed and moss growing up their walls to curl into the holes where bricks had been. It was nice, and Mizuki understood why Shin had recommended it, it was the perfect place to say goodbye, or honour his memory, or whatever the hell this was meant to be, feeling like he'd forgotten even as he watched Michi hand out candles and matches to those who didn't have lighters of their own.
They worked in near silence, offering soft words to those of them who were most upset, carefully unfolding the delicate paper marred with their messages of regret or sorrow or loneliness, placing the small tealights into the slots at the bottom.
Mizuki supposed he should give a speech, just silently helping Tio unfold their lantern, paper crinkling worryingly and needing rather more delicate treatment than he'd expected, noticing Tio's mouth open then close more than once, as if he wanted to say something. But what could he say? Yasu was dead after all, that was why they were here, preparing for the ceremony in the near darkness with breath puffing out into clouds of smoke.
He didn't know who noticed him first, he just heard the mutters, the vague sounds of dissent that broke through the quiet, almost reverential atmosphere they'd created, people's faces looking away from the lanterns they were setting up and eyes turning cold and hard. But he couldn't see anything out of the ordinary, glancing around the trees and collapsing buildings that sat in the small clearing where the lake and trees lay, a quiet paradise on this bustling island.
Then Tio was at his side and his scowl was so out of place that Mizuki blinked in surprise, because he looked honestly murderous and he could feel the air bristling with indignation as if something horrible had just happened.
"He just can't keep his shitty nose out of our business for one fucking day," Tio swore sometimes, they all did, but never with so much vehemence, normally it was joking, laughing as Mizuki teased him and telling him to fuck off, or remarking that something was shit. Never normally with this much anger lacing every word, spitting them with such annoyance that Mizuki knew instantly who he was talking about, because who else was so hated?
"Oh fucking hell," he muttered as he followed the eye line of his group, green locking with yellow, almost gold in the dim light and just sighing exasperatedly as the cause of their anger jumped down from the building on which he perched casually. He was already approaching as Mizuki turned to Tio, lowering his voice and trying to pretend he couldn't feel his fingers twitching irritably. "Tell them to carry on, I'll get rid of him."
It looked like he wanted to object, but he just nodded once and headed back off to the main group as Mizuki walked a little way to greet Sly, noticing the confident swagger of his walk and the relaxed way he smoked his cigarette as he strolled over.
"Finally crawled back, huh?" He asked, voice colder than he'd expected and realising Tio wasn't quite out of earshot as he turned to stare at them for a second, blue eyes narrowed because he'd been suspecting something for a while now.
"What can I say," he smirked, taking a final drag of his cigarette and crushing it deliberately thoroughly under his heel before lighting another, packet crumpled and white tube bent out of shape. "You're too much fun for me to stay away from."
He snorted derisively at that, because whatever 'fun' Sly wanted wasn't the kind Mizuki was thinking of, feeling slightly disturbed under his intense look, yellow eyes lingering over his face and body as if trying to remember what he looked like after so long away. Not to mention that if Sly didn't consider a year a long time then he obviously had a completely different scale to Mizuki, who considered him to have completely abandoned his efforts to fuck him.
"I'm flattered," but his voice was flat and blank, there was no teasing now, he was already not exactly having the best day, memory of Yasu's death horribly fresh in all their minds and guilt heavy in his chest, without Sly turning up to cause shit. "So what do you want?"
Sly's eyebrow raised as if Mizuki had no right to be so rude to him, eyes narrowing as he lingered in the shadows of the trees, face distorted and hidden from the bartenders eyes, only occasionally illuminated by the light of his cigarette. "Got bored." He looked away from Mizuki, taking in the men behind him, still trying to set up for the ceremony while keeping a close eye on the talking pair, scowling and hating him more than ever. "What the fuck are you doing?"
"Paying our respects," he answered shortly, because he already knew about Yasu's death, and while he didn't know that the anniversary was today, surely he knew that this was important to them, hopefully he might get the message for once and just fuck off.
He took another drag of his cigarette, raising one eyebrow as if questioning the seriousness of Mizuki's words, exhaling long into the air, trail of smoke disappearing into the air before it reached the bartender. "Oh," he remarked shortly, not sounding at all bothered or apologetic, but then what had he expected? "Well I don't have any of that, so…"
He'd lifted a shoulder as if apologising silently, but Mizuki knew he wasn't remotely sorry, he'd probably come here deliberately to get a rise out of them, he knew exactly what they were here for and why, and he'd decided it would be a good laugh to try and annoy them. He might know the other, softer side of Sly, but he knew he was still a prick, through and through, proved by the arrogant expression on his face, as if he was better than everybody there.
"So fuck off," he didn't care that his tone was cruel, or that he and Sly had some kind of friendship once, he'd left that to rot when he'd disappeared for months on end with no sign or explanation for his absence.
"Don't think I will, thanks," his voice was biting, stony, and Mizuki knew that he was doing this on purpose, being obstinate to get him angry, because that was what he wanted, what he enjoyed. He didn't piss people off because he was a shitty person, although he was that too, he did it deliberately because he liked being the centre of attention, even if it wasn't the kind of attention any sane human would want. "Haven't had any entertainment in a while."
"And whose fault is that?"
He just stared at him for a second, as if trying to work out if he was really that stupid, exhaling a breathy laugh a second later and smirk softening remotely, "yours, if you'd just fucked me I wouldn't be here."
"Oh, well I apologise then," his voice was sarcastic but he could hear his resolve fading and cursed himself for letting Sly get under his skin again so easily, already feeling their usual banter filtering back into the conversation.
"Hm, I forgive you," his smile said he knew the bartender had caught on to what he was doing, stepping forwards and into the light, no longer hidden by shadows and ignoring the growing mutters of Dry Juice as he approached their leader with such confidence. Cocky and arrogant enough to step into his person space, to smile seductively up at him and walk his fingers up his chest. "I'm sure you could make it up to me."
"Don't think I will, thanks," he echoed his words back at him, slapping his hand away and glaring, too focused on the offending digits to take in the fact that his face was in full view now, bare and illuminated by the growing moonlight.
His breath caught in his throat, because for once his face was naked of bruises and grazes and damage, skin pale white and nearly shining, yellow eyes almost pretty even as they narrowed at him, watching him stare and raising a blue eyebrow into his hair which looked clean and well looked after for once. Fuck, he was actually more than a little beautiful and Mizuki wondered how he'd never noticed it before, blaming the flattering lighting and the fact that he'd never truly seen his face before, watching as his expression faltered uncomfortably.
Then he snapped out of it, surprised expression gone as if it had never existed and glaring because fuck he already knew he was done for as he stared at Sly's soft pink lips a second longer than was acceptable. "Just fuck off, Sly. We're busy."
"Hm, this is what you call busy? No wonder you're the most boring team on the island," he'd raised his voice deliberately and Mizuki shot him a disbelieving eyebrow, because if he wanted the shit beaten out of him he was off to a good start, aware of Tio at his side seconds later and knowing the rest of them had headed over. He might have said he'd get rid of him, but he was a persistent little shit if nothing else, and he never made anything easy.
"Mizuki, tell me we can beat the shit out of him," he didn't recognise the voice that came from somewhere behind him, and if he didn't know exactly why Sly was doing this, he'd probably beat him up himself.
Sly's laugh was dark and the eyes of the entire team were on him, Mizuki's warning, saying he wouldn't stop his guys from doing whatever they wanted, but Sly just smirked at him cockily as he opened his mouth. "Oh please, as if you'd dare."
His voice was condescending and the ripple of anger that spread through the assembled men didn't bypass Mizuki this time, sick of his attitude and his fuck everything personality and the way he just somehow managed to be here, as if it was a coincidence.
Kiko was the first to step forwards, and his intimidating height of over six foot didn't even vaguely bother Sly, who just eyed him calmly, as if disappointed this was the best they could do, "come on then, or are you scared you'll lose?"
He'd always been quick to snap, either in turf wars or just in arguments, always the first to start a fight or throw something more than words, and Mizuki's arm snapped out to stop him before he could register it.
"Leave him! He's not worth it," his voice was hard and he was suddenly aware that he was angry at Sly for more than just crashing their ceremony, he was angry because he had wormed his way into his life, made him worry then fucked off for months only to reappear now, at the most inopportune time possible. He had made the bartender warm to him, to see him almost as a friend, and then he had left without so much as a reason, had faded from his life so much that he hadn't even seen him in months. He didn't even know where he was, and his expression was firm as he tried not to straight up glare at him for using him like that, because that was how he felt now, used. "We're here for Yasu, remember?"
"Oh, that dead guy? Seems a bit pointless," Sly remarked absently, picking at his nails as if he hadn't just disrespected his memory in front of his friends, ducking the guy that swung for him easily and grinning like he was finally having fun.
He'd finally decided it was time to interfere in his life again, and of course he'd immediately turn back to the asshole persona that Mizuki knew was all a big lie to hide who he really was, already acting like a cunt and making his entire team bristle with indignation. His anger was real this time, not faked as it always had been before, because of all the times for him to show up this was the most terrible one, and what made it worse was that some part of him knew he'd done it on purpose. "Just fuck off Sly."
"I remember when you used to be fun," his statement might be innocent enough, spoken with boredom, as if this whole event was really very tiresome, as if he hadn't deliberately crashed it, but Mizuki could see Tio's eyes on him and everything he overheard just cemented his belief that they knew each other better than they let on.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Tio asked, and all Mizuki could do was pray that Sly's smirk didn't mean he was about to reveal everything, to loudly announce that he'd been hanging around the bartender for a while, that he fed and clothed him and let him shower in his apartment. Knowing Sly he wouldn't even have any qualms admitting that he'd sucked his dick once either, and he probably wouldn't say that he'd gotten him drunk and stupidly high first, because he'd want to cause as much damage as possibly.
All he could do was answer before he got a chance, speaking just as Sly's lips parted and his yellow eyes glimmered nastily. "He used to come drink at the bar sometimes, must have liked me," he made it sound mocking, as if he was disgusted at the mere idea that somebody like Sly might like him and Sly's lip twitched up at the side in the way he recognised all too well.
He just snorted, hiding the genuine emotion instantly, "you wish, Dry Juice."
"Trust me, I really don't. Now fuck off before I let my guys beat the shit out of you." They both knew that was a lie, he'd never let them do that, he never had before and nothing had changed now, he knew deep inside his chest that he'd let Sly worm his way back in so easily it would be as if nothing had changed. Maybe he was just weak, or maybe he was too kind for his own good, but he knew he'd never forgive himself if he got Sly hurt, even if he might seem to deserve it, he knew he only acted like that to hide himself from the kind of pain he couldn't stand, pain fists just couldn't give.
"Whatever, you're boring me anyway," he shrugged, biting his lip teasingly as he began sauntering off, running a teasing finger across the leather of his jacket and smirk seductive. "See you around, Mi-zu-ki." He just laughed again as the team growled as one, not appreciating the casual way he addressed their leader, as if he had any right to call him by his name and so seductively too, enunciating every syllable so it dripped off his tongue like honey, let alone his sheer bravery in actually touching him like that.
"He makes me feel a bit sick," Tio murmured as the team's anger persisted but began to bubble gently instead of boiling and hissing over like before, watching as the blue haired boy headed off, nimbly jumping and scrambling his way atop a small building, before disappearing into the maze of rooftops.
"Yeah, me too," his voice was too soft as he finally turned his eyes away, catching one last glimpse of yellow, almost cat like eyes staring at him from the rooftop, getting one last look maybe, or mocking him from afar. Who knew how many times he might have done that before now, hidden far above on a building and watched him go about his life, it was almost unnerving to realise how easily he could have done that. Maybe that was how he'd known about today, he could easily have broken into the bar and listened into their group meetings, or just followed one of the members and gathered from their conversation what was going to happen. But maybe that was just wishful, or paranoid thinking, maybe Sly really had grown bored of him and that was why he'd fucked off for so long, maybe he'd just been strolling past and seen them and decided to cause trouble, maybe Mizuki had nothing to do with it.
He knew even as he turned back to his team, trying to calm them down and remind them that they were here for Yasu, and that they shouldn't let an asshole like Sly ruin this, because this was important, it was important that they respect his memory, that Tio knew something. He kept sensing the blue eyes on him at different times, meeting his eye once or twice as he set up the lanterns and offering a smile that wasn't returned, just earning a confused look that soon faded as something, someone else caught his attention and he had to turn away.
"Shin, you knew him best, do you want to start?" His voice was warm and comforting, taking in Shin's wobbling bottom lip and the dampness of his eyes, not having let any tears fall yet but knowing they were only seconds away.
"Mm," he nodded, trying to offer a smile but not managing it, just taking a deep breath and stepping forwards, away from the group so he was silhouetted against the lake, gentle orange light from the lanterns yet to be released bathing him in pastel tones.
Silence fell, and this time it was peaceful, everybody thinking of Yasu, remembering what had made him such an awesome person and a valued member of their group, trying to focus on his life instead of his death. All eyes were on Shin, sympathetic and loyal and loving as they always were, watching as he paused just before the jetty, feet firm on the icy grass and breath misting out in front of him.
Nobody spoke as he lifted the lantern in front of his face, already filled with hot air and wanting to be released into the sky, white almost entirely covered in tiny inked characters, black ink pristine and fingers firm on it now. The stillness was almost heavy as he held the lantern carefully, planting a kiss onto the side and whispering something into the paper that was hidden under a sudden breeze that rustled the trees and sent a chilling wind through them all. Then he let it go, and it floated up fast, a single point of soft orange light in the night sky, travelling up to meet the stars.
When he stepped back he was crying, not bothering to wipe his cheeks as he sank down onto the frosty ground, watching as the others slowly let their lanterns go too, joining the first in a beautiful dance in the skies, lightly buffeted by the breeze and lingering against the black. Comfort coming to him fast, others joining him on the ground, an arm round his shoulder, a hand on his knee, fingers tangling with his, never letting somebody be alone with their grief, more tears now, on other faces, falling silently.
It was warming, to see them stood or sat in their little huddles, such a strong group, nobody left to stand alone, Tio offering Mizuki the smallest of smiles as they released their grip on the lantern they held between them, the last ray of light rising heavenward. But there were no tears on Mizuki's face, just a strange sense of peace amongst the emptiness, because after all it was right there, written neatly, 'I tried.'
They stood there in silence, watching them travel off across the lake, reflections glimmering on the water where Yasu had so loved to walk, Tio's form a strong pillar beside him, hearing his thick swallow and reaching across to join their hands easily. The squeeze back was weak and moisture glistened in his blue eyes, but Mizuki couldn't tear his eyes away from his team, own chest beginning to hurt as he watched them band together through this, strong despite everything they'd been through.
He might be their leader, the one who was meant to be strong and powerful and always know the right thing to do, but he'd be nothing without them and he knew it more than ever now, together, united as a team, they were stronger than he could ever be alone, and somehow that hurt.
He couldn't speak as the lanterns finally bobbed out of sight, to soar over the island or maybe even to reach the mainland, to travel far away from their sorrow with their messages of love and support and friendship that even death couldn't taint. He watched as the team began to stand, stretching out cold limbs and looking a lot more collected than they had before, Shin managing a weak, wobbly smile even as his cheeks remained streaked with tears. He knew there was a wake of sorts planned for after this, to have drinks and reminisce after the more formal ceremony, but Mizuki's soul was heavy and he didn't think he wanted to be around his team when he wasn't sure he was what was best for them anymore.
The walk out of the forested area was far more pleasant than the journey in, still sticking close together to offer support to those this was hardest for, managing half smiles and weak laughs as they emerged back onto the brightly lit streets again. There were still lanterns in the sky here, the occasional orange dot gleaming vividly above the ugly streets on which they parted, last hugs and pats on the back offered, words of support and comradery shared.
Then they were all but gone, Shin accompanied home by Kouhaku and Yuu with the promise that they'd look after him, Mizuki trusting their words inherently and trying to think of something to say even as they walked away, understanding his silence. Leaving him and Tio in the air that had dropped below freezing hours ago, finally able to heave out the sigh he'd been holding in for hours, knowing Tio would sympathise.
"You okay?"
"Mm, I just want to go home now, I feel like I could sleep forever," he tried to laugh but it came out too breathy and the cold hurt his throat as it caught there messily, breaking into pieces and dying.
"I know what you mean," his smile was genuine, always good at bouncing back in hardship and staying positive through so much, things that would topple other people. "It went great, Mizuki, he would have liked it."
"Yeah," his answer was short but Tio didn't push, just watching him pull up his hood with finality and light up a cigarette, flame reminiscent of the ones that had since disappeared from above them. "I'll see you tomorrow."
He didn't wait for his reply, knowing he'd linger to watch him disappear like he always did, worrying about him even if he wouldn't admit it, those blue eyes boring into his back and making him feel strangely ashamed. The walk back to the bar seemed to take forever now he was alone, the streets abandoned and nobody around apart from the odd cat who ran in his presence, the guilt was still heavy in his chest. He didn't feel worthy to be the brave leader they all looked up to and respected, he was just a human, he was nothing special, he couldn't protect them, couldn't keep them safe. He made mistakes too, but sometimes he felt like they didn't realise that, he was flawed and foolish and stupid, and he knew that wasn't good enough. Keeping up appearances was hard, and right now he wasn't sure he cared what anyone thought, lighting another cigarette and wishing he could just quit this whole thing, then it wouldn't matter if he fucked up, at least nobody would get hurt except him.
His thoughts were too heavy and he scoffed at himself even as he unlocked his door, cigarette already thrown onto the floor outside and stamped out, he was thinking like an angsty teenager and he didn't much like it. Locking the door behind him and turning to hang up his coat and scarf, glad he'd left the heating on as his fingers began to defrost already, losing their unnerving blue tone, sighing again, but this time tiredly.
"Setting off lanterns for a dead person seems a bit useless."
"Fucking hell Sly," his shock at the sudden voice wore off remarkably fast, spinning around with an incredulous stare because this had happened so many times now he was barely even surprised, just waiting for his heart to stop its panicked beating as he pulled off his boots. "You really know how to time shit, huh?"
He didn't respond, just shrugged almost smugly and hopped off the dining table where he'd been perched, smoke billowing around his head as usual and face for once not quite so beaten up, pale skin almost completely undamaged. "It's a skill of mine."
"Huh, one of few," he muttered, but he knew the other had heard him by the soft scoff that escaped his lips as he moved to sit on the sofa instead, kicking off his shoes as if he belonged there, had been invited instead of presumably broken in. "Where've you been?"
The yellow eyes that darted up to his weren't clouded with anything for once, no drugs obscured his vision or made his thoughts damp and distant, they were crystal clear and almost as electric as his hair. His mouth twitched into a less than friendly smile, almost suspicious and it had been a long time since he'd seen that look focused on him, even before he disappeared, "miss me, did you?"
"Something like that," it was an answer Sly himself would give and he wasn't sure he appreciated the puff of air that left his uninvited guest as he turned his face away, laughing under his breath and shrugging his way out of his jacket, clearly too comfortable on his couch, in his apartment, back in his life again after so long. "So what happened?"
"Nothing, maybe I just got sick of trying to get into your pants," the stare that fixed him wasn't truthful and Mizuki knew already that he was lying. He had run away, fled after he'd started to show vulnerability, after he'd sought him out for comfort and been all too reassured by his presence, by the warm body next to his, it had scared him and he'd run. Mizuki didn't need him to say it to know that was the truth, the only truth.
"Oh? So this is attempt number two is it?" He asked, even though by now it was more like attempt fifty, how Sly could continue pestering after being knocked back so many times, Mizuki didn't know, maybe he thought that now he'd at least managed to suck him off his chances were higher.
"Something like that," and now Mizuki laughed, because fuck he was so screwed up it was impossible to have a normal conversation with him, subdued mood of the day suddenly wiped away in his presence and any lingering sadness from the memorial ceremony in the back of his mind. "It's been a year, huh?"
His expression grew tense because he wasn't in the mood for Sly saying anything more about Yasu's death or his ceremony, he was only glad he didn't know his name, he had the feeling if it spilled out of those lips he might do something he'd regret like punch him in the face. Though now he thought about it, there was a large chance he wouldn't regret it one bit, and his team would surely thank him for it, already resentful that they hadn't been allowed to fuck him up that day or several times before.
"Yeah," his voice was cold, but never as cold as Sly's could be, to the point and final, trying to tell him without saying that he wasn't in the mood for his shit right now, he'd spent the whole day overcome with guilt and sadness and an argument was not what he needed.
Sly just nodded slowly, sniffing and wiping his nose with the sleeve of a shirt Mizuki didn't recognise, wondering if maybe he'd been able to steal some new clothes since he last saw him, figuring the ones he gave him must be in a terrible state by now. "How's it healing?"
Oh, of course he meant that, he'd already given his opinion on Yasu today, calling bullshit on their thoughtful lantern ceremony and pissing off the entire team, and his thoughts at the time had differed from them now, a year later, so much they were almost unrecognisable as having come from the same person. He actually laughed when he realised what he meant, because he always had been a smooth talking asshole who was just determined to see him naked as much as possible, thinking to himself that he had almost missed this back and forth banter.
"Hm, quite well actually," he remarked casually, yanking up his shirt as if to merely look himself but well aware of the hungry yellow eyes that only lingered on the impressive scar a second before taking in as much of his exposed stomach and chest as he could. Mizuki watched as his gaze travelled from his bellybutton down the strip of hair that disappeared into the waistband of his boxers, almost amused at how little Sly tried to keep his desire hidden, nibbling at his lip absently.
"And here I thought it might spoil you," he smiled, not even pretending he hadn't just been ogling him as he shifted on the sofa, making room for when Mizuki joined him, eyes flitting over every inch of him as if trying to remind himself what he looked like after so long away. "Though it'd take a lot more than a stab wound to do that."
"You flatter me," he smiled, but he wasn't sure why the atmosphere was so different, crackling with something more than their usual banter, something flirtier in Sly's movements, his smirks and the way his eyes rested on him made him feel hot under the collar. He was angry, and tired and sad and ridden with horrible guilt, and he wanted to blow off steam, but God he knew if he continued this, let himself be human and make mistakes, make this mistake, he'd probably regret it. Not sure he cared as he headed into the kitchen, "want a beer?"
"You got something stronger?"
He smiled at that, genuine and unsurprised, because of course Sly wouldn't be happy with a casual drink, for him it was all or nothing, that was clear in his approach to getting into his pants, unless he got his fuck he didn't care much about anything else. But still he stood, knowing those eyes would be following him, glowing in the dim lights and sending a prickle up his back he wasn't sure if he liked yet. The vodka was easy enough to find, yet untouched where it sat atop his cabinet, frankly surprised Sly hadn't helped himself to it yet, grabbing glasses and coke even though he knew the other would happily drink it straight. Getting drunk wasn't exactly the best idea, he knew that, but after today he felt like all he wanted to do was crawl into bed, and since he obviously couldn't do that without Sly trying to follow him, getting wasted was the next best thing he could do.
This time Mizuki poured the glasses, those yellow eyes on them were making his hands tremble just slightly and he knew he was pouring more than he normally would, than he should, but he didn't care because Sly's noise of approval made it worth it. He wasn't even sure when he'd started seeking his approval, but some part of him didn't like having anybody cocky enough to talk down to him, especially since he was used to the exact opposite. He never thought he'd been the proud type, or the sort of person to try and impress, but somehow when it came to Sly he pushed his buttons in just the right way to make him turn into somebody different.
"So why'd you come back?" He was trying to keep the conversation light, but he knew Sly wouldn't take kindly to any more questions about his long disappearance or his sudden arrival in his life, his apartment.
He took his offered drink with a nod, the nearest to a thanks Mizuki would expect from him, drinking a large mouthful and frowning as if it wasn't quite strong enough, regarding him curiously. "Haven't gotten laid in a while, thought I'd take my chances."
Bullshit. It was all bullshit, every word that had left his mouth since he'd arrived was complete crap, no truth ever seemed to come from him, whether he'd gotten laid or not had never stopped him pestering him before. "Sorry to disappoint you."
"Oh I'm sure you wouldn't," and again that flirtatious, almost dirty smile that had never affected him before had suddenly gone to his head, making his throat thick and something in his head twist his mouth into an amused smirk because shit something here was different and he liked it.
"You really never give up, do you?"
His smile was doing strange things to his stomach and for the first time ever Sly registered that he was flirting back, heart doing some kind of flip in his chest and blood running hot as he just took another drink, licking his lips with deliberate slowness. "I have a habit of getting what I want."
"And what's that?" He knew what the answer would be before he even asked, but somehow he wanted to hear it come out of those damp, pink lips that were so distracting.
"Oh I think you already know what I want," he'd moved closer, body turned close into his, eyes not leaving his because damn he was good at eye contact when he needed to be and those yellow eyes were drawing him in like he'd been hypnotized.
"Humour me," because fuck it, if he was going to do this, and damn the part of him screaming no was barely a whisper now, he'd make sure he had his fun too, and god when Sly said dirty things in that voice of his he felt like he was melting.
He exhaled through his nose, clearly amused, stretching out to place his drink deliberately on the table, Mizuki's eyes following the curve of his spine, fingers twitching on his own cold glass with nervous anticipation because ah fuck this was a terrible idea but he'd always found those were the best ones to follow through with. He didn't even comment as Sly shifted back, movements confident and that was most of his appeal, he knew what he wanted, he wanted this and he wasn't afraid to get it and that was so different to most people it made Mizuki's worries all but fall away.
His shoulders were broad under Sly's hands, mounting his lap with ease, legs sliding down on either side of the bartenders with deliberately graceful movements. Making sure to flip his hair off his neck and deliberately biting his lip as he sunk down onto his legs, fingers soft on the skin of his hairline as they wound around his tanned neck. It was a move that looked well practiced but he'd truthfully never done before, certain it had worked as Mizuki's eyes trailed his movements and his stare was damned enticing as it watched his lithe waist sway as he seated himself comfortably.
"Obvious enough for you?" He asked, and his voice was as seductive as it was teasing, personality unchanged but swamped by this last ditch attempt to work his way into his bed because this was the closest he'd come yet and he could somehow tell that tonight he would finally get what he wanted.
"Just about," he whispered, because shit the visual of Sly on his lap, expression so alluring and more than a little captivating was more than enough to wipe away any more issues with this he might have. But then…
"You realise this is a bad idea?" He asked, though he didn't even believe himself as he spoke, words more enticing than scolding as he ditched his own drink because fuck it, he could always lie to himself and say it went straight to his head if he felt too guilty afterwards. He somehow didn't even care that his excuse of last time, being drunk and high, couldn't be applied now, because he wasn't drunk but neither was Sly and he was just giving into pressure, it wasn't like he'd wanted this from the start. "Like really bad," but his hands were already on his slim waist and he could feel his warmth through his shoulders, those yellow eyes so keen and pupils dilated so deliciously, his smirk so close he could kiss it away if he wanted to and damn he really did.
"What's the worst that could happen?" That was so provocative, the alcohol buzzing through his veins was making him unbearably warm and his mouth felt dry, because he was right, what was the worst that could happen? Even if Sly told his team he'd just deny it, say he was lying to try and get him into shit, they'd believe him over Sly for definite, no question about it.
What was so different about today? Was he particularly vulnerable to his charms because he was back to grieving again? Did he just want some distraction from the guilt that thrummed through his bloodstream, or had this always been coming? Was the reminder of death telling him to live while he could, to take full advantage of the offer in front of him? To enjoy himself while he could and fuck the consequences because he could die at any moment? Or was there just something in the soft lighting hitting Sly's face that made the glow of those intense eyes so alluring, the almost pretty way his face looked now it wasn't bruised or marred, because damn how had he never noticed how unfairly pretty he was until now?, tricking him into thinking this was okay.
"I could be terrible," that was a lie, he knew his own sexual prowess well enough to know that he was rarely, if ever, a disappointment, and that even if he was somehow terrible, Sly would manage to get his fun anyway, he seemed the type to have no issues taking control.
"I highly doubt that," and now he was telling the truth, tilting his head to the side to observe him better, taking in the almost nervous movements of his hands where they rested on his slim hips. "So you gunna fuck me or not?"
His lips twitched and Sly caught the exact moment he pushed his concerns aside, something in his eyes firmer than it had been before and making his heart pound in his chest because damn he looked almost starved and he absently wondered when the last time was he got any action. "I suppose I could."
He laughed at that, and it was almost cute, tongue between his teeth playfully and eyes smiling almost innocently, then it was gone and his eyes were lidded as he leaned in, moving fluidly and back curving against Mizuki's hand. "Finally."
It was like he knew he was still nervous, easing him into it and kissing slower than the bartender expected, letting him relax against his body and remind himself that this was fine, it was a one-time thing and damn it had been a long time since he so much as kissed somebody. He was warm and pliant under his hands and it didn't take long for him to assert his control, fingers growing firmer and kisses harder as his tongue pushed past the pliant line of his lips and he made a soft noise that went straight to Mizuki's head. Calloused hands pushed up into his shirt to touch warm, soft skin and trace lines into his back with his nails, enjoying the whimper when he scraped down hard and the body atop him arched into his, gasping against his mouth.
Then something in both of them snapped and hands were grabbing and tugging at clothing and Sly wormed him out of his t-shirt, fingers firm on hardened muscle and only separating to yank his own shirt off, blue hair falling against his pale shoulders like a waterfall. Scarred and flawed and with the huge slash mark across his stomach red and shiny against his flesh, arch of his neck irresistible to the bartender as he moved to mark the perfect skin. Biting down harder just to hear his moans grow louder, needier, only stopping when he drew blood and Sly whimpered, taste hot and metallic against his tongue. He slid his own pants off in what seemed like seconds and his lips were hot on his chest as he worked his way down to the buckle of the bartenders jeans, flicking them open easily and barely giving him time to kick his jeans and boxers onto the floor before he had his mouth over the heated flesh.
"Ah shit, Sly…" Mizuki gasped because oh fuck he was good at this, taking him in so completely his nose grazed the dark patch of hairs at the base, moaning as his tongue darted out to lick at the sensitive head and his hand worked at what he couldn't focus on right now.
The skilled bluenette just managed a grin as he continued to work him with skilled bobs of his head and flicks of his wrist, moans pouring from the bartender's mouth almost as frequently as breathing.
"S-stop," he managed to pant after only a few minutes, breath already gone, using the hand in the blue hair to push his head away and breaking the strand of saliva that connected him to his dick, not sure if that was disgusting or utterly arousing, but the rapid beating of his heart telling him it was definitely the latter.
"Stop?" Sly asked, not sure if Mizuki had changed his mind again, which would be troublesome for the both of them, or if there was some other reason, licking pre-come off his lips and savouring the unique taste of it for the second time. "No good?"
The smugness in Sly's voice let the both of them know he had every confidence in his skills in this area, Mizuki chuckling breathily and uttering a weak, rather reluctant, "very good." His hand began rooting around in the coffee table drawer beside them and Sly's face lit up in anticipation, he hadn't changed his mind after all, and Sly would be getting the fuck he'd waited so fucking long for. "Just- hang on a minute."
Sly rolled his eyes and merely watched Mizuki's expression slowly lose its lustiness as he continued his search, eyes gleaming a minute later as he returned his hand with a small bottle of lube clenched within it. "Bingo."
Sly was getting bored of waiting now, gripping burgundy hair with painful force and pulling Mizuki down so their faces were centimetres apart. "Mizuki, hurry up and fuck me."
There was an instant rush to comply, blue boxers landing beside the pile of scattered clothes on the floor, t-shirts having been lost somewhere under the coffee table, bartender adjusting them so he was hovering over Sly possessively, trapping him in a cage of arms.
Part of him was still regretting this, thinking what a bad idea it was even as his body disagreed because fuck it had been so long and jerking off only satisfied him so much. Sly's body was so soft, so hot and pliant under his fingers and he didn't waste any time in taking charge as Mizuki had expected, taking the bottle of lube and slicking up his fingers for him, raising his hips off the couch. His fingers now suitably coated with the gloopy liquid he swallowed hard because shit there was no turning back now but he wasn't sure he cared, fingers leaving a snail like trail up his impossibly soft inner thighs before one digit pushed in, Sly barely responding, he'd had much more up there before after all. A second finger came a second later, twisting and scissoring carefully, Mizuki still afraid of hurting him even though he had the feeling he liked it a hell of a lot rougher than most people might. Not noticing that Sly was beginning to get sick of waiting until he pulled the surprised man's tanned fingers away, raising a challenging eyebrow as he lay there, entirely naked and with his dick leaking onto his flat stomach. The view was remarkably appealing to Mizuki, the uncaring way he lay there, like he had no embarrassment about his nakedness at all was completely different to his past partners, Sly had wanted this so fucking long and he refused to wait any longer. The dark marks he had made on the pale neck were coated with a crust of dried blood and the possession they spoke of, his ownership of Sly, for one night at least, removed any need to be careful he might have had, making his hand confident as he finally reached for his dick.
"Ah!" his noise was more a startled inhale than a moan but God it was music to Mizuki's ears and his body jerked into his touch in such an uncontrolled way it was like seeing him come undone, gasping against his neck as hot lips trailed up to nibble the sensitive skin of his earlobe. "Mizuki…"
His voice was cracked and desperate in a way he had never heard before and fuck that this was wrong, that he was only sixteen, or was it seventeen now? Fuck his reputation and his teasing and his constant ability to piss everyone around him off, fuck his pretty yellow eyes and his white thighs that he parted more than willingly, holding his breath as Mizuki's dick nudged his hole. Fuck him for disappearing and for making him worry and for being so god damn seductive and-
But then he slid in smoothly and all thoughts left his head because oh shit he'd forgotten how damn good this felt, being surrounded by this hot pressure, dropping his head down onto his chest and breathing heavily. Nails scrabbling at his back loosely as Sly whined because he hadn't stretched him enough and they both knew that but his fingers were firm on his shoulders, pressing hard into his back and Mizuki knew he liked it, sadistic fucker that he was.
He almost wanted to laugh, hormones rushing to his head and apparently making him lose all sense because he was about to fuck Sly Blue on his couch and he wasn't sure he felt too bad about it anymore. But of course he wouldn't give either of them time to adjust, almost hissing into his ear, "what are you waiting for?"
He always rose to a challenge, even more so when it was Sly, warm up completely unnecessary now with sweat already beading on his forehead and his heart beating a thousand miles an hour as he let himself lose control. The noise that left Sly was almost a laugh and it was all Mizuki could do to not laugh too because this was insane, he was having sex with Sly Blue when he'd been refusing for months, all his morals blown away with a few choice words and the sight of those stupid fucking half lidded yellow eyes. They were locked on him even now, pupils blown wide and fluttering shut as he fucked into him, head sliding across the sofa as he eased himself back into it, feeling almost clumsy because it had been a really long time since he'd done this.
"You can do better than that," his voice was challenging but he was panting and every other noise that left his lips was a moan so Mizuki figured he wasn't doing too badly, laughing breathily anyway because only Sly would be this demanding. Re-angling his hips and pulling out completely only to shove back in hard and this time he moaned properly, nails sharp against his muscled shoulders, digging into the tanned skin and pulling him closer, burying his face in the tattooed neck. Moans and whimpers spilling directly into his ear and oh shit why had he waited so long to do this? He was just so real, so present and there and utterly honest, every noise he made sounded like it was ripped from his throat involuntarily, nothing was faked, not his fingers running over his back like he was trying to touch every inch of him, not the way he began fucking himself down onto him, to drive him even deeper. This was completely real and raw and hungry and Mizuki fucking loved it, there was no hiding here, no nervousness or expectations or feelings, just the sensation of his skin on his fingers and the taste of sweat on his lips.
But this wasn't enough, placing his hands in the undersides of Sly's knees and shoving his legs further apart, bending him almost double easily and forcing him to take his hands off his shoulders, missing the contact only a little as he slid in deeper with every thrust. God he didn't know where to look, at the way his dick thrusted into his tight hole so easily, or at his face, which was wide open and twisted with pleasure, lips parted and eyes either squeezed shut or so strangely vulnerable it only made him more aroused because shit he felt so dominating.
His arms were up by his head, letting the bartender take control, for once not trying to be the one in charge, just letting him fuck into him and whimpering every time he deliberately slowed his thrusts down, making sure he could feel every inch of him sliding in before pulling out and slamming back in so hard he cried out. It was all swearing and whining and biting at his lip as his hips were pulled on and off his dick over and over, hands so hard on his flesh he knew he'd bruise but these he didn't mind, ones caused by passion not anger, a reminder that he'd finally gotten what he'd wanted.
"Mizuki harder fuck-" So dirty and needy and desperate as he put his own hands under his legs, holding them up so every single inch of his dick could slam in with every thrust, whining because it felt amazing but he just wasn't hitting the right spot where he needed him to, where he'd scream and oh fuck it'd feel so amazing.
But then he pulled out and Sly barely had time to be annoyed, disorientated and sudden loss of pleasure making his head spin, ribs heaving as he tried to catch his breath, "wha-?"
"Get on your knees," he ordered, voice short of breath and that was so delicious the words didn't register for a second, suddenly making sense and making him grin, trying to smirk but failing because Mizuki had fucked the ability to do anything but comply out of him. He wasn't ashamed to follow his orders, accepting for once the hands that helped him to turn on the couch, damp with sweat and more than a little gross, manoeuvring himself onto his knees and trying to ignore his legs shaking.
He wasn't sure what had happened, but the switch in him with the neat label 'morals' had been switched off and he didn't care anymore that this was a one-time thing, that he might feel grubby and guilty afterwards, it just felt so good to let go, to finally let himself give in and not care about anything other than the very willing body stretched out in front of him. He'd always found it a little strange, fucking somebody he didn't have some kind of feelings for, sure he'd had one night stands before and they'd been good but something about them had always made him uncomfortable, like it was wrong somehow. Even with Tio it had been strange, the sex had been awesome, but everything else had been odd, they hadn't been able to act the same way they always did and he didn't like it. But with Sly he knew they'd go back to exactly the way they had been, probably immediately afterwards, back to their bantering and flirty teasing and their lying to each other.
The knowledge that he could have him like this, slim back spread out in front of him, svelte waist warm under his fingers and ribs visible where he breathed, head lowered down where he didn't quite have the strength to raise it, was so enticing he took a moment to just stare. He ran a tanned hand down his spine, noticing him arching his back into the touch just slightly, hair sliding off his neck to show gradually bruising bite marks on his neck and the faintest crusting of blood where he'd bitten down so hard, too hard in his opinion.
"Hurry up already," but of course the moment couldn't last long, strength regathered and that familiar voice just making him chuckle, coming out darker and lustier than he expected, registering the shiver that travelled through Sly's waiting body. He slid in slowly again, savouring the second when the head of his dick passed his muscled walls and became engulfed in heat, Sly's soft noise barely heard over his harsh breathing as he started up again. His fingers were firm on his hips and he could see the soft flesh oozing out from between the tanned skin, holding him in place so he could pull him onto his dick even as he fucked into him hard and fast.
It took Sly a moment to work out the rhythm but when he did he began moving his hips back to meet the bartenders, driving him farther in and he had to muffle a cry into the arm of the sofa, head dropping down and elbows faltering as he finally found his prostate. Every thrust hit against it and it was all he could do to keep the rhythm, too busy trying to keep his composure because he could hear Mizuki grunting and his head was fuzzy with pleasure and his legs had started to shake.
"Fuck- I-" He tried to speak but the words choked off because a hand had slid round his body to wrap around his dick and it must have been dripping onto the sofa because his hand moved along it so fluidly that wet noises filled his ears. "Mizuki- oh shit-"
His name sounded so good in that voice, desperate and needy, begging him even as he gripped his hip harder, timing his thrusts with the movements of his hand on Sly's dick, thumbing at the head at the same time he slammed in deep and the coil of pleasure in his stomach was wound so tight he knew he wouldn't last much longer.
Sly's breath hitched and his whole body froze, stopping breathing for a split second before a cry almost like a scream left him and warmth covered Mizuki's hand, ass clenching around him as his movements grew sloppy, burying his face into his shoulder and barely registering that Sly was still moving his hips backwards. Orgasm crashed over him and he moaned into Sly's shoulder, lips against his skin and gasping as Sly's movements milked him until there was nothing left to give and he had to pull out, swallowing thickly as he watched his cum trickle out of his ass and down his thighs.
"Holy shit," he panted, managing an exhausted laugh as he flopped back onto the sofa, fully satiated in a way he hadn't been in months, utterly satisfied and watching Sly grimace as he reached behind himself, fingers coming away cum-streaked. Offering him the tissue box silently and taking in his expression, guard lowered and relaxed, just taking them and wiping himself clean as well he could before his knees started trembling too much and he ungracefully sank down onto the ruined fabric, careful to avoid his cum where it began to sink into the couch.
He knew Sly wasn't exactly the cuddling type, wondering absently if he was going to get up and leave immediately or whether he'd stay a bit longer and he could test his theory that nothing would change, just offering him an amused smile as he yanked his boxers back on. "Happy now?"
There was a pause before he shrugged, because he'd sure as hell enjoyed himself if his moans were anything to go by, but his response didn't reflect that, "not really."
"Well my apologies, did I not live up to your high standards?" He wasn't sure if he was offended or not, he had a feeling Sly's apparent unhappiness might be down to something not related to the act they'd just finished, the evidence of which was clear in the throbbing of his back, wondering if he'd left marks again and deciding he didn't care.
"It was okay," that was a lie and they both knew it, it was great, more than great, but his smirk belayed that to Mizuki, he was only lying to make a point. "I'm sure you'll do better next time."
"Next time?" He didn't even know why he was asking, because of course, of course Sly wouldn't be happy now he'd gotten what he wanted, no, he'd opened the floodgates and now he was apparently in another fuckbuddy scenario, just hopefully this one would end as well as the last.
"You didn't think I'd be satisfied after just that, did you?"
He didn't reply, but it was remarkably obvious that yes, that had been what he thought.
"Hm, take it as a compliment, it's not every day I get fucked that good." He was standing already, pulling on his clothes over sweat-damp skin, speckled with red marks from Mizuki's fingers and teeth, ignoring the fact that there was still cum on his stomach.
He honestly wasn't sure whether to be proud of his apparent sexual skill, or alarmed that Sly seemed to think this was going to happen again, but he supposed if they could be the same as always, if their sort-of-friendship could continue, and he could get sex on top, it might not be so bad.
"It's the perfect arrangement, you get to stop being a goody two shoes and actually get some action, and me? Well..." His eyes ran over Mizuki's body appreciatively, licking his lips distractedly. "It's obvious what I get."
Thanks for all your reviews and for sticking with me guys! But don't fear, this isn't the end for these two and I have a sequel planned!
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