A/N: I was going to try and finish this in one chapter, but it got too long so I split it (hah). Sorry I ended up deviating from my 'was doing so good' update schedule; I was just really busy with work and haven't had any personal time to work on stuff until just recently.

Warnings: NSFW (hah).

[Sio]: omg Asao-san I can't believe it O_O

[Asao]: ?_? Did something happen?

[Sio]: we...actually did it...! or okay not exactl y but some thing! shfiosadfheior sf hdaf h

[Asao]: ? Wait what? Do what? Hang on, let me call you instead

The phone rang once before the sniper snatched it up. "Ohmygod Asao-san! I can't believe it but we, we..."

"Are you alright Sio-chan?"

"Ah, iya iya, sorry—I'm fine, it's nothing bad, it's just...well...!"

"...Did something happen?"

Something happen? That was the understatement of the century. "Y-You could say that...it's just...I'm still kind of in shock..."

Her friend made a disgruntled noise on the other line. "What happened Sio-chan? It wasn't something bad, was it? You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"R, Right..." Still, the sniper was hesitant; this was a pretty big milestone in terms of relationship progression, and it wouldn't be a lie to say things had happened fairly quick. "It's just...we did...that!"

"...That? What's 'that'?"

"U-Um, well, y-you know, like..." She squirmed in embarrassment, fidgeting with her sheets until they were wrinkled. "W, We...touched each other...! Like, down there..."

"Oh. I...see..."

"...Yeah. It just...kinda happened..."

"...Well, was it good?"

"Asao-san! Really, that's all you can say?!" Sio nearly screeched into the phone, her face a brilliant red but her friend couldn't help but laugh on the other end. "Moou..."

"Sorry, sorry," there was a pause as Asao caught her breath, "I'm not sure what more to say, except you probably wouldn't have done it if you didn't want to? But, it sounds like you enjoyed it?"

Now it was Sio's turn to be flustered. "Y, Yeah...it...felt really good, actually..." she mumbled as her body flushed hotly. The roughness of his fingers, yet he was gentle and touched her with such finesse, despite his strength. "A-And I...rubbed his...you-know-what...and it actually was all hard, like everyone says it is..."

Asao's light giggles floated through the speaker. "Aww, my Sio-chan is growing up! Well, congratulations on your first intimate experience! I hope it wasn't too awkward or forced? It'd better not have been..."

"No no, he was really kind about it! Like, I mean okay, yeah it was kinda awkward, but..." As she recalled how she and Adam fumbled with each others' bodies, trying to figure out what worked and what felt good, the sniper couldn't help but smile. "But Adam...he really made sure I was comfortable with it first...and he's so cute when he gets all nervous and stuff..." Sio giggled. "Whenever he blushes, it's sooo cute; I can't believe he's Jack the Ripper."

"Ah okay, well I'm glad to hear that. So I guess you two really are serious about each other, huh?"

"Ah...yeah, I guess so..." It'd always seemed obvious, but now that her friend brought it up, Sio wondered. Would it be okay to continue this relationship after they got back to DOGOO? Adam had made it pretty clear he was willing, but would it really be alright? "I mean, I hope so...though, I think we're both in agreement to keep it on the down-low for now. At least until we can figure out how to...y'know, spill the beans. Or I don't know, maybe everyone else will just figure it out eventually."

"Sou sou. I think that's a good idea," said Asao. "Still, I'm very happy for you, Sio-chan. And I'm grateful you trust me enough to talk to me about this type of stuff. I know it's probably really awkward for you..."

"A-Asao-san..." The sniper was touched by her friend's sincerity. "Of, of course...if anything, I really should be thanking you for being such a good listener; honestly, I don't think I could've made it through this whole time, much less with all these things going on, if you hadn't been there for me..."

"Heheh, well that's what friends are for, right? You're always welcome to talk to me about anything, truly. Even if you think it's something mundane or weird, trust me I won't mind. I'm always happy to hear from you."

"Mmn!" Sio wiped her eyes. A friend like Asao seemed almost too good to be true, sometimes. "B-But, yeah...I'm glad Adam and I were able to...er, do something intimate like that. Even though I was really embarrassed at first, and I don't think either of us really knew what we were doing...it felt, comfortable with him. I wasn't scared or anything."

"It's because you trust each other now, Sio-chan, I'm sure of it," and Sio nodded at her friend's words. "Well, I know you said you're heading out of there soon, so hope you two can make the most of your time!"

In the beginning it seemed like forever until they could leave, but now, on the eve of their departure (pick-up was scheduled for tomorrow morning, just after breakfast), it seemed like it all passed in a blink of an eye. Sio looked at her half-stuffed duffel, groaning as she remembered she still had to finish packing the majority of her belongings before going to bed. Just before the group scattered after dinner, Adam reminded everyone that tonight was their final night in San Francisco, and to make sure they had everything.

'I don't know exactly when they're arriving, but best be ready by then. I don't want anybody suddenly remembering they left their phone or whatever when we're halfway back to the Logan.'

Swinging her legs, she got off the bed and folded up the rest of her laundry, packing it neatly into her bags. As she smoothed the clothes in, she quirked a smile. 'Heh, hard to believe when I first came here, I didn't even know anything about laundry, and now I'm washing and folding my own clothes. When I go home, I'm sure mom will be surprised...' Not just laundry; but also cooking, taking care of herself, making decisions on her own... Sighing, Sio felt that wave of nostalgia creep up again, only this time it was in anticipation of departing.

'This place...sure was an experience, huh? I learned a lot of things...not just about myself, but everyone else...'

Sitting around the table and bantering about movies after dinner, or arguing over which restaurant was worthy of a return order. Fiddling with the ancient record player, and playing so many rounds of board games she lost track of how many they actually ended up playing... To her surprise there was an ache in her chest, as the sniper realized there might very well never be another time she would get to experience such a lifestyle. Even though these bonds and memories would last long after they returned to their base, it wouldn't be the same. To live and get to know each other beyond comrades, and see her teammates as friends and family, and even more than that... Sure, the hovering threat of COVID-19 always stayed in the back of their minds, but overall, this had been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

And Sio didn't want to trade anything for it.

Finally stuffing the last of her clothes in except for her uniform, she glanced around the room one last time. With most everything packed away, it was finally (almost) as neat as the day they'd arrived; when Adam first visited her, she could see the way his eyebrows raised at the way her clothes were flung haphazardly across pieces of furniture; her belongings just strewn all over the tables and chairs. Especially when it contrasted with the spic-and-span appearance of his room.

"Huh, I wonder if he's done already? Knowing him, probably." The sniper glanced up at the attic staircase, where the door was shut. Luckily the temperatures had cooled again to a more reasonable range, otherwise Sio had a feeling Adam might've actually taken up her offer to sleep in her room. Not that she would've complained. Gingerly she crept up the stairs, gently knocking on the door. "Adam? Are you there?"

"If you're looking for Adam, I think he's still in the shower," Sio whirled around at Jess' voice. "Last I saw, anyway. Did you need something?"

"Oh, Jess-san...not really, I guess I just...feel kinda restless." The sniper hopped down the stairs to the landing, where her blonde teammate was toweling her hair off. "So you're packed and all that?"

"Pretty much; I didn't bring that much to begin with, and you know how Adam is about being punctual." The two shared a laugh at that comment. "So, any plans for our last night in this quasi-house arrest?"

"Uh...not really. I've just been packing up and making sure I haven't forgotten anything. What about you?"

"Me? Well, likely nothing special; mostly just taking in the view, enjoy sleeping in a real house one last time. You know, the small things."

Sio nodded. "Yeah...heh, it's weird to think that tomorrow, we'll be going back to being e-gene holders and all that stuff."

There was a warm hand on her shoulder, Sio looking up in surprise at Jess' thoughtful expression. "This time we spent together here...it's something special, isn't it? Of course, I think everyone would agree it would be best if this pandemic didn't happen in the first place, but I think this proves, that even in times of crisis, there are good things to be gained." Giving the sniper one last pat, the blonde went off to her own room.

As Jess suggested, the bathroom door was indeed closed when Sio passed by. Remembering that embarrassing incident right on their first night, she made sure to knock quite loudly this time, instead of just barging in. "Um, Adam? Are you in here?"

"Yeh? What's up, Sio?" A second later the door creaked opened and her now-boyfriend stuck his wet, shaggy head out. "Sorry, did you need t' use the loo?"

"Ah, no it's not that; I just, was kinda looking for you, and Jess said you were probably still showering..."

"Well, I'll be done in a minute, if you don't mind waiting. And no, I'm sorry but you can't peek this time," he teased, Sio stuttering and blushing as she flattened herself against the wall.

"So, did you need something?" Adam emerged in a cloud of steam, still running his fingers through his damp silver locks. "You all good to go for tomorrow, then?"

"Yeah, pretty much...um, sorry to bother you and all..."

Adam shook his head. "It's not a bother, love. Anyway, did you want to do something, or...?"

At that question Sio turned a bit pink. Perhaps it was too much to ask, given that they would essentially be thrown back into the fire tomorrow, but then again maybe that was why now was a good time to just ask. "Um, I was just wondering if we could...kinda like, hang out and chill before bed or something. I-I mean, we don't have to do anything like watch a movie or play games, b-but just, uh, I figured since this'll be our last night here I just wanted to...spend some time with you..."

"...Why do you have to be so bloody adorable?" Sio only barely looked up in time before she was folded into his embrace; the sniper eagerly burying her face against his broad chest and enjoying his clean, just-out-of-the shower scent. "I'd love to, Sio. In fact, I was kind of hoping we'd be able to spend some more time together, before duty calls and all that. So, where do you want to go? My room? Or yours? Or would you rather just sit around in the den?"

"A-Actually, I...kind of like your room. I know you said it gets stuffy, but...well, maybe it's because attics are rare in Japan, but I dunno, it's kind of cool," she said shyly, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. "I think it's cozy."

Adam raised an eyebrow in amusement, but nodded. "Sure, if you're alright with it. Lucky for you it's not as beastly as it was yesterday..."

"Well, if it's too hot, you're always welcome to...share my room..." Sio mumbled, tugging at the hem of her shirt. "I don't mind..."

"Oh love..." Sighing, he scooped her into his arms, Sio squeaking a bit. "It's alright. I appreciate the offer, but it seems tonight'll be bearable. Of course, if it does turn out to be too much...I'll keep it in the back of my mind."

He winked, and Sio blushed. They slowly ascended to the attic, which was a lot sparser than it already was: most of Adam's belongings were neatly packed into a standard-issue duffle, alongside a sturdy backpack that presumably held his personal items, with only his uniform for the next day hanging neatly in front of the closet. The bed was, as usual, neatly made, and the only thing out on his desk was the laptop computer.

"Wow, so neat..." Sio couldn't help but utter as they stepped in, Adam chuckling at her comment.

"Eh, it's just my preference. Plus it's easier to find things when they're not scattered all over the place," he glanced at the sniper, who was busy making herself at home on the covers. Not that he demanded she become a neat freak, but certainly, tidiness did not seem to be high on her list of priorities...

"Mm, hard to believe it's all gonna be over tomorrow..." Sio sighed, suddenly feeling melancholy all over again as she snuggled against Adam's pillow. "It feels...weird. Like, logically it's nothing to be sad over, but still...I'll miss it. I'll miss...this."

There were no words, not even when she felt a pair of strong arms encircle her into a warm embrace. It always amazed Sio how she and Adam went from constantly arguing with each other about the smallest details, to now where they could sense each other's moods and thoughts.

"No one's saying we can't continue when we get back, you know."

"Yeah, that's true, but I meant more like...this. Y'know, just living together in a cool house, screwing around and playing video games, not having to worry about saving the world—well mostly..."

"Like a family, yeh?"

"...Yeah. Family..." Her fingers gripped his arm and Adam tightened his hold; Sio wished she could burrow herself completely inside him, even though he was already wrapped around her. It was an inexplicable feeling of wanting to literally be one entity with him; to melt and join until she didn't know where she ended and he began. Nuzzling furiously, she squirmed and wormed her way to what felt like the deepest reaches of his arms—until her head rested firmly against his chest, the sniper curling into a tight ball against his entire body.

Well, that's new. Adam raised an eyebrow as the girl suddenly began wriggling around, as if she wanted to hide away somewhere... Finally she seemed to be satisfied, snuggled against his chest with her head buried just below the crook of his neck. He couldn't help but smile to himself as he gently patted her back, the girl seemingly appreciating the soothing gesture.

"...Don't fret, love. I'm sure this won't be the last time we experience something like this. Even if it means waiting until the war's over...that doesn't mean it's impossible."

"Hmm...I want that, too..." The pets along her back were very relaxing, the sniper feeling herself drift off as she listened to his heartbeat. So warm...everything about him made her feel safe and sound, content to just stay like this forever. "Mmm...I wish I could just sleep like this..."

"...Well, if you do want to, we can," Adam replied quietly, not wanting to disturb her peaceful state. Even though the thought of sharing a bed with her still made him a bit nervous (if only because he was worried about whether or not he could control himself), something told him to not squander what opportunities they had left. "I mean...if you really are comfortable with it, then I don't mind. After all, it is our last night here; might as well make the most of it."

That woke the sniper out of her nap. "E-Eh? R, Really...? I-I mean I didn't mean anything serious by it; just, um, that..." But that wasn't really true, was it? "Well...I, I'm sorry for imposing on you all of a sudden...but if you, you're okay...th, then, I'd...I'd like to." Then, as if finally realizing what she said, the sniper turned beet red and dove back into his chest again, Adam laughing all the while.

"Sure. Then, if you don't mind letting go for just a couple of minutes so I can set the bed up properly..." He cleared his throat slightly and Sio unwound her arms with a nervous laugh. "Don't worry; when we're all settled in for night, you're welcome to use me as a body pillow."

The sniper blushed and hugged a regular pillow as she stood to the side, while Adam spread out additional blankets and smoothed out the sheets.

"Alright, you're welcome back on now." Adam patted the blankets and Sio shyly scooted underneath, still flushing pink as she realized they were about to spend their first night.

Together.

'Calm down Sio, and get your mind out of the gutter! We're just going to sleep like regular people, not do like, like...that...' Indeed, if anything it seemed like Adam was quite calm about the whole situation, now leaning back against the pillows with what appeared to be a novel in his hands. Now she felt silly, as if she should have prepared something to wind down for the night as well. Unfortunately, Sio did not have the foresight to bring any books or whatnot, and so could only pull the covers up to her chin and lie there stiffly, wondering if it would be rude to ask Adam to turn off the lights too early.

Is she uncomfortable? Adam spared a side glance towards the girl, who was currently lying next to him as if she were in a coffin rather than his bed. Holding his novel closer to his face, he pretended to be engrossed in a particular line, instead of trying to cover his blush. Even though he suggested it, just knowing they were about to actually sleep—in the same bed—caused his heart to race, though he was better about not showing it compared to Sio.

'Do something, you idiot! No doubt she's feeling awkward about all this, and you're just off doing your own thing.'

"Um, Sio? Are you comfortable enough? I can grab some more pillows or another cover if you're cold?" He reached over and offered the girl an extra pillow, but she only shook her head, eyes averting his gaze as she pulled the blanket up even higher until just reached her nose.

"N, No...I'm okay, Adam."

"Well, alright...just, let me know if you need anything, yeh?"

"Hai."

The painful silence continued for a while longer, Adam attempting to read a few more pages of his book while Sio laid there, eyes staring at the ceiling even though she was quite tired.

"...Actually, Adam?"

"Yes, Sio?"

"...Do you mind turning off the light? I know you want to read, so I'm sorry—but it's kinda hard for me to sleep when the lamp is on..."

Adam mentally slapped himself for being so insensitive. "Apologies; I should have thought about it or at least asked you. You must be right knackered, and you're right—we should get some actual sleep." Before Sio could say anything else he clicked it off, and Sio heard the sound of rustling fabric as he slid underneath the blanket.

"S-Sorry about that...I didn't want to interrupt your book..."

"Nah; it's not that important, I just like to wind down a bit before going to sleep. I'm sorry, next time I'll read outside so I don't disturb you."

Next time? Sio's heart gave a flutter as Adam casually mentioned it, though she tried not to read too much into it. 'I highly doubt Command's gonna like it if we keep sneaking into each others' rooms when we get back...'

"...Thank you, Adam. I appreciate it..." Even under the cover of darkness, the sniper couldn't help but be self-conscious about her blushing cheeks.

"You're welcome, Sio. Well...good night, then. But don't hesitate to wake me if you need something; I left the window open a crack for some air, but if you find it too drafty, go ahead and close it."

"Mnm-hm. O-Oyasumi, Adam."

Adam seemed to be taking all this in stride, as Sio heard his breathing slowly even out until she was sure he was asleep—or close to it, anyway. Alas for the sniper, while Adam preferred mundane activities such as reading to relax before bedtime, her own method was...a bit more, involved, so to speak. Especially as the object of her desires was literally lying right next to her, and although they weren't touching he was close enough for to feel the heat that seemed to be emanating off of him. To Sio's immense embarrassment, there was another part of her body that was heating up rapidly, as all sorts of kinky ideas started popping around her mind.

'No, I can't do that...! That'd be so wrong...masturbating while I'm sharing a bed with him...not to mention rude, to boot!' Still, even as she tried to convince herself, another part of her brain was already casually thinking of ways to keep her little self-care activity on the down-low.

'Maybe if I'm really quiet, and just go slowly he won't notice...ah stop it Sio, you perv! What the heck are you thinking...!' But the more she tried to squash those feelings, the stronger they bubbled up; before she knew it, a hand was already wedged between her legs, and with a few strokes the sniper resigned herself to obeying her hormones. 'Jeeze...and they say guys are the ones who are totally horny all the time...I'm starting to think that's not actually the case...'

Still, the sniper had enough sense to try and keep her movements to a minimum. The hardest part would be keeping quiet; most of the time she could swallow her moans or muffle them pretty well, but if she managed to hit a particularly sensitive spot... She forced her fingers to go slowly, keeping her legs shut instead of spreading them wide as she preferred. The pleasure didn't build as quickly as it usually did, but soon enough she felt her panties becoming damp, and gingerly she slipped a finger inside to stroke her swollen clit. A moan surged forth but Sio managed to clamp her mouth shut just in time, instead breathing hard as the same finger rubbed back and forth, teasing her slick nub. A wild sort of thrill started running through her, replacing the fear she felt minutes earlier. 'Maybe I really am some kind of pervert...getting all excited like this, masturbating in secret while trying not to get discovered...'

Next to her, Adam's breathing remained even and relaxed. For one second Sio wondered what would happen if she woke him up and asked him to touch her, but quickly shot it down. 'N-No, I can't...he'd probably be disgusted, or get upset about being woken up...' She got herself into this situation, so it was up to her to resolve it. Despite the restraints, Sio could feel herself edging ever closer; her insides were tightening up as she touched her clit, even sliding a finger in to let her walls convulse around something other than emptiness. As a precaution, she put one hand over her mouth, just in case. Sweat caused her t-shirt to cling to her body, Sio wishing she could fling the covers back, but that would wake Adam up for sure.

'A-Almost, there...I can't believe, I-I'm, actually gonna cum like this...!'

She gasped silently for air, breathing in great gulps to prevent herself from crying out. Now lying on her back, legs spread as much as she could without bumping into him while she fingered her slick hole, feeling the slippery juices run down her thighs as her thumb tweaked her sensitive clit that was about to send her straight over the edge...just a little more, another couple of tight circles and she could feel the sparks of pleasure as her body started twitching...

"...! Mnnmph...!" In an instant Sio felt her body pulling tight, her inner walls clenching down on her finger as she breathed hard into her pillow while she trembled. Hot liquid gushed out around her hand, her insides pulsing as the orgasm made its way through her entire body.

She lay there, letting her body calm down from the high while she strained to hear Adam's breath. It still sounded the same, though who could actually say? Sio decided to not think about it too much and just feign ignorance. Like they say, out of sight, out of mind, right?

Unfortunately, in her post-orgasm haze, she forgot to be careful about spreading her limbs out and accidentally kicked him in the shins.

"Wha th—Sio? Is everything alright?"

"A-Ah, A-Adam I'm so sorry—" Mortified, she immediately pulled her hands out of her panties and desperately tried to wipe them on her pillowcase. 'Eww, gross...!'

"'S fine, it kind of comes with the territory..." Adam's voice certainly sounded as if he'd been asleep, though Sio thought she detected some odd tremble or other. "Anyway...you alright?"

"Y, Yeah...sorry, I hope I didn't hurt you..."

"No, you just...startled me."

At least, that was putting it mildly. What Sio didn't know was that Adam had most definitely not been asleep—not fully, anyway. Adam had always been a light sleeper, and now with the addition of his training as an e-gene holder, his senses were sharper than ever. So when he heard the sheets start rustling (very slightly), he thought nothing of it—until he realized there was a rhythmic pattern to it. At first he tried to ignore it; he was just imagining things, there was no way the sniper could ever think to do something as risqué as...touching herself, while they were sharing the same bed, could she? But the more he tried to will himself into sleep, the more he seemed to be able to hear; admittedly the sniper had done a good job in being subtle, and probably to anybody else it wouldn't have seemed suspicious at all. But Adam was no ordinary human, and as he adjusted to the night sounds, he realized not only was she moving rhythmically, but there was a very slight 'moist' sound, along with a sudden deep breath every so often...

Oh yeah. Sio had definitely been masturbating.

As soon as that realization hit, Adam felt himself get very hot...and to his horror, his own erection started perking up. Cursing at his hormones, he had debated on whether he should pretend to snort or something to get her to stop, or just lie there in a sweet torture; hearing his girlfriend discreetly pleasure herself but unable to do anything himself.

Well, mostly anything. At the time, Adam's reasoning was 'well if she's doing it then so can I', but when he found his hands stroking himself, it took every ounce of self-control to not just turn over and touch her right there and then. So both of them just lay there, each pretending to hide their lust from the other while simultaneously wishing they could just touch each other instead. And now he was left with a rather painful hard-on, while Sio managed to somehow finish herself off.

"Well, sorry about that...good night..." Sio ducked her head underneath, sighing with relief. Luckily it seemed like Adam didn't notice...though this whole deal made her realize that even something as normal as sleeping was drastically different when you were sharing a bed with someone else.

Just as Adam was debating about resuming his own activity, a pair of hands subtly slid around his waist, causing him to nearly jump out of his skin. 'Shit, I was the one who said she could cling onto me, too...'

"Mmm...you're so warm...and comfy..." Behind him, he could feel Sio nuzzling against his back, her slender body nearly wrapped around him like an octopus. Normally, he would've welcomed such a gesture, but as it was, it was all he could do to pray and hope her hands wouldn't touch that one very specific part of his body that was now literally stiff as a bone.

Unfortunately, it seemed Sio possessed a pair of wandering hands, and there was nothing he could do as he felt them gently brush against his torso, before they casually slid down and just brushed the tip of his erection.

He gulped.

Sio, meanwhile, froze the second her hands brush something incredibly hard and hot. 'Oh crap...is this his...and it's...!'

Both holders seemed frozen in place as this awkward situation developed. Adam could feel her heartbeat drumming against his back, just as surely as she could feel his pulse while being nearly smothered against him.

'Well Adam, what have you gotten yourself into now...'