Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Evelyn remembered the exact moment Astra staked her claim on her heart. She had been assigned to destroy the singer’s career, regardless of the cost, even if it meant New Eridu’s most beloved star would lose her life. But after only a few months in Astra Yao’s care, Evelyn found herself irrevocably changed.

Now, she wanted nothing more than to protect her. From threats, from fate whatever it took.

Her loyalty. Her life. All of it belonged to Astra.

But Astra had always wanted more. Raised in the hollow-scarred ruins of Old Eridu, she'd grown up with nothing but a voice and a song to keep her alive, but that hunger shaped must’ve shaped her. She clung to anything that fed her fire passion, devotion, power and she never let go.

And the newest spark that kept Astra’s fire burning? A silver-haired boy who worked at a dingy movie rental shop. As far as Evelyn could recall, it must have started after the fiasco with Lady De Winter and the attack at Astra’s concert. After they’d seen the pair off and climb into the limo, Astra kept waving until their figures faded into the blur of city lights.

“I want him.”

It was the first thing the singer said once she flopped back into her seat, streetlights illuminate the interior with each passing. Evelyn nearly choked on the water she’d been sipping.

When she pressed for more, Astra said nothing, only stared out the window, watching the cars pass by in silence. 

A few weeks later, Evelyn began noticing changes. Subtle, but

Since Astra’s personal life was carefully guarded, only Evelyn saw the shifts, the small details that hinted at something deeper was stirring the songstress heart, She'd caught Astra stalking Wise’s social pages in the dead hours,  asking him personal questions about the people he keeps around then searching said people names on knot just to complain to her guard about their looks, or what they post but of course, Eveyln couldn’t tell anyone this that would put only put more eyes Astra’s life.

Still, Astra seemed to be getting bolder with her secret excursions to try and meet the boy. Four times she had snuck out to visit Random Plays, and four times she was nearly recognized by fans out on the streets. And five time, Evelyn had to swoop in and rescue her.

However, the fifth time though, She had followed Astra’s last taxi all the way to the manager’s shop, and by the time Evelyn caught up, she could hear Astra’s muffled yelling from inside. The words were indistinct, but the fury was unmistakable. Evelyn barely had time to pull the woman away before she made a full scene in front of the store.

“Lady Yao, what are you doing?!” Evelyn practically seethed as she dragged her ward into a nearby alley, away from prying eyes.

“You didn’t see it, that pink-haired skank in there was all over him,” Astra sneered. “Apparently she owes them money, and instead of paying them back, she starts getting all sultry, flaunting her chest like some air-headed bim—”

Evelyn clamped a hand over Astra’s mouth just as a pair of pedestrians strolled by one eating a cheeseburger, the other dressed in red and metal. They paused for a moment, curious, but moved along without a word.

Only once they were safely out of earshot did Evelyn lower her hand. Thank goodness Astra had decided to wear something different today, at least she wasn’t instantly recognizable. The bodyguard sighed, this was starting to spiral out of hand. She was going to have to take more drastic measures.

“Astra, you’re letting this get out of hand,” she said, voice firm. “If you keep this up, I’ll have no choice but to bar you from seeing them.”

Sometimes, talking to Astra felt like reasoning with a rebellious teenager. But Evelyn couldn’t let her risk her entire career over someone flirting with Wise for a discount. Honestly who even rented that many overdue movies?

Astra's expression shifted into one of betrayal, her eyes narrowing in a glare aimed straight at her bodyguard. But just as quickly as it came, it melted into a devious smirk. She stepped closer slowly, deliberately until only inches separated them. 

Evelyn stiffened. She knew that look far too well, It was the look Astra wore right before she got exactly what she wanted. what was she about to do? Then, the singer raised a hand and gently cupped Evelyn’s cheek. It was hauntingly familiar to the time  Evelyn broke down onstage, guilt-ridden

the guard tensed when Astra’s thumb brushed softly across her skin, her gaze locking onto Evelyn’s with unnerving precision. The smirk never wavered. “Evelyn, you made it your duty to protect me, didn’t you?” she said, still cradling Evelyn’s face in her palm.

She winced, of course, und not just by her word, but by her very blood, if that’s what it took while the words didn’t leave her mouth Astra smiled, raising her other hand until she held Evelyn’s face in both palms.

“And that’s why I cherish you,” she murmured. “You protect more than just my image. You shield my passion, my goals… even my body.”

That last word caught in Evelyn’s breath.

“From harm,” Astra added, almost teasingly.

Whether Evelyn managed to keep her stoic expression, she couldn’t tell. But whatever flickered across her face was enough to make Astra giggle.

“But my interests,” Astra continued, voice low and smooth, “can also be yours.”

Evelyn followed her gaze.

Wise had left the shop and now stood in the middle of Sixth Street, glancing around in confusion. He hadn’t spotted them yet.

But Astra surely, she wasn’t implying what Evelyn thought she was.

Did she even like Wise like that? Or any man, for that matter? Evelyn’s instinct to protect Astra Yao had always eclipsed everything else duty, desire, even reason. And now, for the singer to suggest that kind of interest…

It rattled her.

Still, there was a kind of understanding between her and Wise. A quiet, mutual respect forged not through words, but through the shared burden of caring for someone as brilliant and as impossibly bratty as Astra.

Or in Wise’s case, his sister version of her.

He was kind that much was simple, cared for his friends, and was a good ear whenever she needed to voice her frustration about Astra’s antics. 

“My love could be shared and yours too… if you let it.” Astra whispered, “Wouldn’t it be nice,” Footsteps approached. Evelyn could hear them drawing closer, but she couldn’t tear herself away from Astra’s gaze mesmerizing, inescapable.

“Astra, stop—” she tried to say, but her voice faltered.

Astra pressed her lips to Evelyn’s, and just like that, every trace of resistance dissolved.

Evelyn leaned in instinctively, as if answering an unspoken command one she’d been waiting to hear her entire life. The kiss was slow, deliberate, a soft claiming that sent a shiver down her spine.

In that moment, nothing else mattered. Not discipling or resistance.

Only Astra.

Until a voice called out to them.

"There you two ar—”

Evelyn didn’t even let the first word leave Wise’s mouth before breaking the kiss and shoving her away, panting like a dog in heat. Without so much as a greeting to the proxy, she turned and fast walked away toward the car, cheeks blazing red as she reached into her pocket.

Wise, oblivious to what transpired, stared after Evelyn’s retreating figure before glancing at Astra for some kind of explanation. “What was that about that?” he asked. Before Astra could answer her phone rang, looking down at the screen seeing a message from Evelyn.

“What will you have me do?”

Good girl.

"Nothing~," she hummed, stepping a little too close to Wise for comfort. "Say, Wise… how do you feel about coming to a private show later this week?" Her lips curled into a smirk at his startled expression, it was too good not to mentally snapshot.

"So? What do you say?"

Wise recovered with a small laugh, brushing back the surprise. "Well, if the great Astra Yao is extending an invitation, how could I possibly say no? I’ll let Belle know the time—"

She raised a hand, cutting him off gently.

"Actually… I only managed to snag one ticket. And considering the little scene I made in your shop, I figured this could be my way of apologizing."

That just made Wise cross his arms, unimpressed.

"Or," he said flatly, "you could apologize to Nicole for calling her that word and making assumptions based on how she dresses." That made Astra’s eye twitched at the mention of that harlot, Evelyn dragged her away from.

Like hell she would!

That flat ass slut shouldn’t have even looked in his direction, let alone chatting him up to clear her debt. So, what if Astra assumed she was a prostitute? With the way she was acting, what else was she supposed to think? 

But for her plan to work, she’ll need Wise to have his guard down.

"Sure," she said, flashing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I just wanted to make sure no one was trying to take advantage of your kindness, that’s all, how about tomorrow, I’ll come by and apologize face to face.”

She tilted her head slightly, returning to the offer. "So… how about it?" Wise paused, his expression thoughtful for a moment then he smiled.

"Sure. I’d love to."

Astra let out a delighted squeal, skipping over to plant a quick kiss on his cheek making the manager blush something fierce before pulling out her phone.

"I’ll text you the details. Wear something loose," she added with a wink before texting Snap to bring the car around. Now what was left was to text Eveyln the plan.

One week later...

The sun was already halfway over the horizon as Astra adjusted her sunglasses, stepping out of the sleek black car and surveying the venue. Entering the fancy establishment with high status to match the air of the place. A bellhop at the entrance greeted her with a practiced smile. “Miss Yao, what a pleasure to meet you face to face. I must say, you look absolutely stunning today.”

Astra resisted the urge to roll her eyes. The same line, delivered to hundreds who passed through those doors most likely. Flattery worn thin from overuse.

“And what a pleasure to be here,” she replied with a perfect smile of her own. “Would you mind showing me to my dressing room? My performance will be starting soon, and I’d like to prepare.”

“O-of course! Right this way,” the bellhop stammered, quickly stepping aside before hurrying to take the lead. “Your guard is already inside, just as you requested.”

He led her along the wall of the auditorium, a shortcut stopping at an unmarked door that opened into the backstage area. With a quick, practiced motion, he held it open for her, bowing his head as she passed.

Her perfume lingered in the air rich, intoxicating leaving him momentarily dazed as she disappeared inside.

His head was quite low…maybe he could sneak a quick peek—

A fiery glare from her guardian met his eyes the moment he tried. Scampering back up.

“I-Is t-there anything else, you need ma’am.” He asked nervously.

“Not at the moment,” she said with a sly smile, “but I do have a very special guest coming, so please prep the special viewing booth and make sure, he is not to bothered for the rest of the show."

The bellhop nodded so fast it was a miracle his head stayed on, then practically sped walked away from her and Evelyn, prompting the singer to giggle.

“Remember what I said about protecting my body?” she teased, tossing a wink over her shoulder. Evelyn blushed as she quietly closed the door behind them.

“Rooms clean. No bugs, no cameras,” Evelyn reported, her voice all business again.

“Good. And did you get what I asked you to retrieve?”

Evelyn didn’t answer right away, just reached into her bag and produced a small pouch. Astra’s smile widened, practically feline now.

“Perfect,” she purred. “Now all we need is the final piece.”

*Buzz*

Astra glanced at her phone. The notification lit up the screen. Judging by the message, he had arrived. Just in time.

A knock on the door brought her back to attention.

“Ms. Astra Yao.”  A voice muffled on the other side. “You’re on in a hour.” 

Well…time for the show.  

Wise slipped his phone into his pocket after setting it to vibrate because nothing says “cool under pressure” like jumping at your own ringtone. Now standing at the entrance of the auditorium, he took a look around, it looked like everyone was dressed to impress.

He glanced down at himself: suit pants, a button-up shirt, and a black tie. Technically dressed up… but compared to the human chandeliers around him, he looked like a salesman. And to top it off, he didn’t know a single person in the room. Fantastic.

“Wise, your here.”

Oh, thank the gods.

“Evelyn, thank goodness,” he said with a bashful smile. “I’ll admit, glad to see you, I’m way out of my element here.”

She gave a knowing nod, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. “No doubt. Come on your seat’s this way.”

Without another word, she led him out of the auditorium and toward the backstage area. He hesitated for half a second, confused but figuring the ticket Astra gave him must’ve been some kind of fancy VIP backstage pass. Shrugging, he followed obediently, trying not to bring attention to himself.

Once inside, he was quite surprised on being lead into a dressing room.

"Um, Miss Evelyn, isn’t the performance about to start? Why are we heading in here?” Wise asked, glancing around with growing confusion.

“Do not worry,” she replied calmly, gesturing toward a narrow staircase. “There’s a special viewing booth up these stairs normally reserved for scouting talent during performances. Tonight, it's been reserved just for you.”

“Oh,” he blinked. “Well… I’m honored. I’ll have to thank Astra.”

Evelyn gave a small, knowing smile. “Don’t worry. You’ll have plenty of time to thank Mistress Astra.”

Wise raised an eyebrow at the unexpected title but let it slide. She was working for the singer maybe "Mistress" was just part of the theatrical branding. He’d seen weirder.

At the top of the stairs, he stepped into the booth and took in the view. They were so high up, he half-wondered if he could reach out and brush the ceiling. He gave it a try, just in case.

Nope.

He settled into one of the plush cushion seats and leaned forward, peering down at the stage far below.

“Man,” he muttered to himself with a smirk, “Belle’s gonna throw an absolute fit when I tell her about this.” 

“You do not need to worry about privacy up here, as cameras are not allowed, however that also applies to cellphones, if you may.” Evelyn outstretched her hand.

Wise nodded and gave the woman his phone, who quickly pocketed it and took a seat beside him. Which surprised the young man.

“Eveyln, aren’t you going go backstage to keep an eye on Astra?” He asked.

“Mistress Astra gave me strict orders for you to be under my care until the end of the show."

“Are you sure, I cou—” she pressed a finger to his lips shushing him as the lights started to dim and for a heartbeat, the entire auditorium held its breath. Then, a single spotlight flared to life, casting a golden glow onto the stage as she emerged graceful, deliberate, and utterly magnetic.

She didn’t just walk onto the stage; she claimed it. Every step echoed with quiet confidence, her heels clicking like punctuation marks to an invisible rhythm. Draped in a shimmering gown that caught the light with every movement, she looked as if she’d been poured from moonlight and stitched together with stardust. Before she sang a single note, she already had them. And when she finally did?

It was a spell.

As Astra sang, Evelyn stole a glance at Wise. He was completely enraptured, eyes fixed on the stage, caught in the spell of her voice.

Perfect.

With him distracted, Evelyn quietly moved on to the next step of her mistress’s plan. On the small table besides, her sat two bottles of water, already prepared.

“Wise,” she offered, lifting one of the bottles, “are you thirsty?”

He barely looked away from the stage as he took one from her, murmuring a quick “Thanks,” before downing the water in one go. his attention returned to the performance.

The song was unfamiliar, powerful but kind, laced with haunting energy that felt almost too strong for a public stage. Had Astra just written it? It felt like a secret whispered through melody, meant for one person alone.

Her gaze found him in the shadows of the balcony, and it didn’t waver. And it felt deliberate smoldering. Her eyes raked over him like velvet, her lips curving ever so slightly as she sang. Every word rolled from her mouth with the weight of meaning, every note a soft caress.

“Mine.”

“No one else’s.”

They felt aimed sharp and possessive, cutting straight through the music and into him.

Suddenly, he felt hot. Very hot.

He tugged at his collar, but the fabric offered no relief. The heat inside him was rising, spreading through his chest like a slow, burning wave. His breath grew heavier, uneven. A flush crept up his neck and across his face, and no matter how many times he wiped his skin, it only seemed to burn hotter. 

When he glanced over at Evelyn, she remained stoic eyes fixed on the stage, her expression unreadable. But the same flush had crept across her cheeks, a subtle betrayal of her composure. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, but her fingers gripped her sleeves with just a bit too much tension, as if trying to anchor herself even she wasn’t immune to the heat pulsing through the air, stirred by Astra’s voice.

Suddenly, she jumped up and before he could react, she climbed onto his lap like a saddle before grabbing his tie and pulling him toward her. Their mouths soon clashing together, eyes closed, dominating the proxy’s mouth with relative ease.

Their hands explored each other, tracing every curve and contour they could reach. Wise couldn’t think straight his mind felt hazy, driven by something inside of him, the effect only intensified by the sound of Astra’s singing.

He didn’t know how long they’d been making out, but they snapped halfway back to their senses when the lights came on and a roar of clapping and whistling rose from the booths below. Astra bowing to the crowd, roses being tossed on the stage.

“Come. She requests your presence,” Evelyn said, still breathless as she stood, returned to her chair, and grabbed her coat. She reached for a napkin, dabbing at her smeared lipstick with quick, practiced strokes.

Wise, however, was still catching his breath. His face was streaked with smudges of her lipstick undeniable evidence of their fevered encounter.

He didn’t feel entirely present, like part of him was still lost in the heat of it. His legs felt leaden, his balance off, the tightness in his pants impossible to ignore.

He tried to stand, to say something anything but the words slipped away, his mind blurring into static.

When he fully came back to his senses, he took notice of his new surroundings, no longer in the booth but inside the dressing room instead.

 “You’re finally awake, I must’ve put on quite the performance but judging by the lipstick marks on your face, it seems you and Evelyn had quite the private show on your own.” Astra teased, swirling around the makeup chair to grin at proxy.

“I-What happened?” Wise slurred, the room was spinning in his eyes.

“Not what happened, but what’s about to happen, my Love~”

“L-Love?”

Astra didn’t answer right away, getting up from the chair and grabbing something from the vanity, a glass of water and…a small pouch?  

She took out a small circler object from the pouch, dropping it into the water, and begun stirring. The object dissolving almost immediately.

“Evelyn, is it set up?”

“Yes, Mistress.”  Wise followed her voice to the corner of the room, where was Evelyn setting a tripod with...was that his phone?  

“You’re just doing wonderful today, come here~” Astra took a sip of the water, bringing Evelyn close before kissing her. Swapping the liquid back and forth until they both swallowed, Wise couldn't look away, throat drying at the sight, the blush returned but this time on both their faces, the singer now grinning as her body began to get hot.

“As for you, my Love. We’re just going to make sure the other skanks in your life learn that they’re place.”

She approached him with the same glass of water, crouching down, and gently pressed it to his lips. But he kept them closed, instead letting the liquid spill on to his shirt, making her frown. “Tsk, don’t be difficult now, I know you want this.”

But he still kept his mouth shut.

“Come on~ this here will make sure that you only think of the moment and nothing and no one else.”

But he still refused.

Finally fed up, Astra let out a slow sigh. He was leaving her no choice.

She had wanted their first time to be about love. About consent.

But so be it.

With a snap of her fingers, Evelyn moved. In a blink, she gripped Wise’s face pinching his nose shut with one hand while the other clamped firmly around his jaw, forcing it open.

When the need for air overwhelmed him, he gasped and Astra seized the moment, tilting a bottle and pouring water straight down his throat.

He choked, sputtered, coughing violently but the effects were immediate. Stronger, His throat began to go numb, his muscles burned with a restless energy, he tried to control himself but started to pant while his cock was already starting to stir.

“Now we can start the show~”

At home Belle sat alone in her room, Six on her lap as she watched random inter-knot videos on her computer. When Wise had left to go to a secret performance by Astra Yao, Belle debated on knocking him out and taking his place, A joke of course…. Yeah.

Now here she was, bored out of her mind as she watched another yet another anime video about giant mechs and aliens,

“Shinji, crank that soulja boy.”

“Yeah Shinji, crank that soulja boy!” Belle repeated before stuffing her mouth with more chips.

*Buzz*

“Hmm? A message this late, I swear if Wise is flexing going to an after party.” Six handed the phone to Belle from the computer desk. She unlocked it with same rehearsed movement, squinting at a new chat log that appeared on messages.

Wait a message from Lucy?

Then another from Ceaser?

And another from Miyabi? 

Holy hell, her phone was blowing up almost all of their friends were messaging her, and she couldn't catch them all. 

Lucy: Where is your brother! What did I just get sent! 

Seth: Hey Belle, is everything okay at the shop, Captain called me in, is ordering us back at the station in full force, saying something had happen to Wise? 

Billy: Manager, did something happen to Wise!? Nicole is crying his name and Anby isn't talking to anyone, me and Nekomata are worried.

Asaba: Proxy! I could use some assistance over here! Yanagi and Miyabi are thoroughly pissed and not at me this time. Their roaming the streets, seriously I don't know what set them off, but they are armed and dangerous! 

Belle was starting to feel overwhelmed by the various messages she was getting especially since ninety-nine percent of them were about her brother. Taking a moment, she messaged Lucy, the only one that seemed to be ACTUALLY waiting for a reply and seemed to have some idea what was going on.

Belle: What’s going on? What's happening with my brother!? 

... 

There were the three dots, Lucy was typing.

Lucy: You tell me! I was around the campfire with the rest of group when I get added to large group chat by your brother with only a video sent!

Belle: A video? What group chat, who's in it? 

Lucy: Me, Ceaser, Burnice and Piper and some others, Wise seems to keep on his phone. 

Belle: Add me to the chat, immediately! 

...

Lucy is typing...

...

Lucy is typing... 

Now Belle was starting to panic. What was happening to her brother and why were all his friends being added to a group chat with a single video?

Her hands began to shake as scenes from all those movies she’d watched flooded her mind the ones where friends and family receive a single video about a loved one those never ended well.

Lucy has added you to "He's busy right now"

Inside the group chat, she saw many different names, some she recognized and others she didn't, all in a flurry of texting or had already done in the most recent tab. 

Ceaser: When I get there, you whores are dead, you hear me DEAD! 

Zhu Yuan: You sick monsters! I'll make sure your you never see the light of day outside of a cell or end up at the receiving end of the needle! 

Miyabi: Make peace with your God.

Each threatening message deadlier than the last as Belle skimmed through as she scrolled up to the start of the chain, finally seeing the video sent that started it all. 

All alarms in her head told her don't do it but she did. Pressing on the play button. She watched it.

"Hnngh, how does he feel? Amazing?" 

"Yes, Mistress, dear God, yes." A panting voice replied, Belle watching as a woman ride her brother’s cock with ferocious intent. Hands placed his stomach to steady herself as she did. 

"You hear that, Wise? You're doing such a good job." Another woman praised while sitting on his face, facing toward the other woman, as she grinded.  Both of their faces have been cropped out by a black square with the audio being purposely lowered by the sender making their voices barely audible no matter how much Belle raised the audio. 

There was lipstick from his chest up to his neck and face, she couldn't fully see her brother face, but she could see his legs and arms tied by some thin wire as the two had their way with him 

"Mistress, I-I could f-feel him getting close!" The sounds of slapping flesh were louder than the woman speaking, her fingers starting to dig into her brother's skin. the slamming into his pelvis sending ripples through her ass.

"G-Good so am I, lets celebrate our love t-together!"  

Belle wanted to look away, wanted to throw her phone but she couldn’t. Her eyes stayed glued to the screen even as her grip tightened around it. 

They didn't last much longer, both women bodies leaning close to one other before sound of kissing could be heard, that was soon followed by a simultaneous moan from both, their bodies trembling as Wise’s essence begin leaking out of the riding woman womb and on to his crotch. 

"So... full" 

"Careful, I don't think today is a safe day~"  

When the video had ended, Belle didn't know what to think just staring at the black thumbnail, the replay icon staring right back at her. 

Six tugged at it boss's sleeve, trying to break her out of her trance. It didn't what happen, only hearing the strange noises that came from her phone and seeing her horrid expression.  

He climbed on to her arm to peer at her phone. Maybe she saw something scary? Those messages seemed very terrifying.

Wise: Let that be example for all you sluts. That tried to take what's mine, don't worry beg enough and I'll send the video of him, filling my pussy next~

Vivien: I'll kill you; I'll kill you; I'll kill you; I'll kill you; I'll kill you; I'll kill you; I'll kill you; I'll kill you; I'll kill you.

Wise: also, be warned, try and ruin our love and I'll gladly expose my love as the legendary Patheon, I wonder how many Raider thugs are inching for a piece of revenge. 

Harin: You're playing a dangerous game, Bitch. Let's see how long you can hide.

Six's mechanical insides shivered at the messages, why were these people so mad at his other master? Maybe it should call Securityboo.

"Six." 

It perked up at Belle’s voice, worrying at the dull expression she wore. 

"Go to your charger, please?" Knowing better than to argue with its boss, it nodded and rushed out the room, closing the door behind it as it did. Once Belle was alone, she turned off her computer and quickly fell into a spiral of thoughts, but mostly trying her brothers 

Chapter Text

Golden sunlight spills through the tall, sheer-draped windows of a luxurious hotel suite, casting long, dappled streaks across polished marble floors and plush furnishings. The light is soft yet radiant, filtering through the gentle sway of curtains like liquid warmth.

From the open bathroom door, heavy steam rolls out in thick, swirling clouds, blurring the edges of the opulence around it. The hot mist curls around the corners of gilded mirrors and velvet armchairs, fogging the cool air with a dreamy haze.

A beautiful voice vibrates from the bathroom wall, the vocals that even Ethereals would stop and listen, a dark silhouette lathering herself in front of a mirror, humming as she spread the expensive lotion across her legs and arms, wishing it was her love who was doing this, lying down below, his hands sliding against her skin.

But she did promise her guard, she could have him for a little while longer. Poor Evelyn always cared for her needs and not her own but now they had Wise. Of course, he still needed training to fully recuperate their love, but she understood, these things took time.

She should check on them.

 After adjusting the towel around her body, she stepped out of the bathroom. Feet sinking into soft carpet of the hotel room floor.

 “Evelyn? Love? Are you both awake?”

Her question, answered by a low moan from underneath the sheets followed by a tired groan. A smirk worked its way back to her face as she tore the sheet away. Evelyn taking the entire length of Wise’s cock her face planted on to his chest, tongue sticking out, lost in the moment.

“Sorry about that Love, we promise to let you rest but it seems Evelyn just can’t seem to get enough of you.”  Astra apologized while caressing Wise’s cheek just as Evelyn came down from her second orgasm of the morning.

“I should take on some of the blame myself, I didn’t think she could be such a nympho but here we are.” Whether she actually meant it or not was left to be seen.

Astra climbed on top of the two, pressing her body against Evelyn’s back. sandwiching the guard between her and her love. Her hands gliding against the blonde woman sides.

“But I much rather you smell like her than those succubus that scamper for your attention.” Looking at the two,  the sweat glistening off their bodies, the heavy breathing coming from the both of them. One of exasperation and the other of lust was starting to turn her on.

“Let’s see if you still have any left for me~” Astra smiled, her fingers playing at the top of her towel.

However, the rapid vibrating on the nightstand caught her attention. She assumed it was Wise’s they had left it on the stand as they tag team him letting the enraged hussies texting fuel her passion as they fucked.

But a quick scan at the phone case revealed it was Evelyn’s, said person shakily rising and grabbing the device, while still being sandwiched between her Mistress and her love.

“I-It’s a reminder, you have your shoots plus practice for next stage appearance.”  

Astra sucked her teeth in annoyance and here she was, hoping to spend the rest of the day training her love.

Oh well, duty never rests, she supposed.

“I-I should get cleaned up,” Astra smirked but moved to side to allow her bodyguard to get up but not before playfully swatting the woman on the ass while she was slowly taking out Wise’s cock from inside her.

As Evelyn went into the bathroom with the returning sound of the showerhead raining its water. Astra decided to lay next her love's, tired form.  He was all tuckered out, and as much as she wanted to finish, what Eveyln started, she was content just watching him sleep for now.

When Wise awoke, he wished he hadn’t. His mouth was dry, his muscles sore, and his head throbbed as if Koleda had slammed it into the foundation a dozen times. His legs felt like jelly his pelvis, no better. he blinked away his tired vision Where was he? A hotel room? How had he even gotten here?

"Morning, sleepyhead~"

The familiar voice made him freeze, resisting the urge to gulp, he turned to face the music.

Beside him lay Astra Yao, bathed in morning light, a soft smile playing on her lips as she looked at him. For most men or women, it would’ve been a dream: a beautiful woman lying next to you, dressed in nothing but a towel. Especially if that woman happened to be New Eridu’s top artist.

Then it all came rushing back.

The invitation.
The performance.
The make-out session with Evelyn.
Even the time in the dressing room.

All of it.

Without a word, Wise looked around the room in a panic. He forced his body upright, wincing at the sharp protest from sore muscles.

“Where am I?” he asked, his voice hoarse.

Astra rolled her eye but kept that knowing smile. “Good morning to you too,” she said, voice laced with sarcasm. “And really? You’re a Proxy. It shouldn’t take that much brainpower to figure it out.”

She shot him a wink, her teasing expression fully returned.

Wise wasn’t in the mood, and he made known by his facial expression. He scanned the room and upon seeing his phone on the nightstand, he grabbed and checked the time.

When he tried to get into his phone, it locked him out. His password incorrect, flashing above the text box.

“Did you change my password?”

“I did?” she mused, tapping her chin with exaggerated thought. “Hmm... I can’t seem to remember. Maybe a kiss would jog my memory.” no doubt Belle was panicking since he didn’t come home last night. Swallowing hard, he closed the distance between them. What he intended as a quick peck turned into something more. her hand moved to keep his neck in place, her tongue relentless, her eyes open staring at him the entire time. 

finally, she pulled away, allowing him to breathe again, whispering the last number into his ear, The phone unlocked, allowing access to its contents. the background that was once him and Belle and their Bangboos were know posing in front of a recently bought Random Plays was now gone.

 Replaced with a picture of passed out Wise, sleeping next to already sleep Evelyn, with only Astra fingers making a peace sign in the image.

The clock was already 9:30 in the morning and he had numerous miss calls from well…everyone. His voicemail inbox was completely full, as well as his message inbox was flagging half of his contacts as potential spam.

At the very least, he can make group chat for all of them to ease their worries and let them know he was alright….?

There was already a group chat recently made, sitting in his most recent. He looked over to Astra, the soft smile replaced with a dark grin and a mischievous glint in her eyes, as he clicked on it.

The flood of messages hit him all at once from dozen of friends all very…alarming. Many going into graphic detail on how they would ripe and eviscerate the person impersonating his name.

Scrolling to the top of the chat, he found the video that seemed to have started it all.

“Right there! Move your tongue!”

He slammed the power button without hesitation.

A sex video, sent to the entire group chat. Two of the three participants had their faces conveniently cropped out except his, which was all too visible, the times it wasn’t being sat on or between two legs. 

While he sat there, stunned by the video, Astra slid in beside him, her arms wrapping around his neck as she rested her cheek against his. “Like it, love?” she purred. “I’ll admit, I’m no Snap, my photography skills could use some work. But you’ve got to admit…I’ve got potential.”

“W-Why would send this to everyone! My friends!” the anger was evident in his voice, but it didn’t shake up the singer.

“Not everyone, I only added the ones that sounded whorish…so most of the females in your contacts.”

“That doesn’t matter! Corin or Soukaku could’ve seen it or my own sister!” He shouted.

The once mischievous glint in Astra’s eyes turned dangerously still, her smile shifting slightly downward as she stared right through Wise. The once bravado Wise held, vanished almost instantly, nervousness creeping into him as she just stared.

“Love, I advise you to never raise your tone with me again.”  Her arms begin to tighten around him, like a snake coiling around to squeeze the last resistance out it prey.

“After all, I've done nothing but showered with love and warmth ever since last night.”

"You—You had Evelyn drug me!" Wise's voice trembled. "I wasn’t thinking straight at all. I can barely remember last night… I need to go."

He scrambled out of bed no, practically launched himself from it managing to slip free of Astra’s grip. Panic surged through him as he frantically searched for his clothes, fumbling to unlock his phone, desperate to text Belle.

A simple message. Just tell her he okay...

“Love… put the phone away,” Astra said, her voice low, warning laced through every syllable.

Wise hesitated. Belle would be worried sick he had taken their van to get to the performance. Who knew where it was now?

“Astra, I just need to”

“Love. I’m warning you.” Her tone sharpened, colder now. It scraped against his nerves, his instincts telling him to stop but he pushed down and tapped Belle’s contact.

Just as he did, something thin and sharp wrapped around his wrist before doing the same to his throat, forcing him to drop  his on the carpeted floor before a forceful yank did the same to him.

 From the bathroom, Evelyn emerged. Her cord wrapped tightly around her hands, controlling him with precision. Droplets from the shower still trailed down her bare skin, glistening in the dim light, with no towel in sight.

“Mistress Yao are you alright?” she asked, voice calm but coiled with readiness.

“I’m fine, Evelyn, our love is simply being… tested.” Yao rose from the bed with slow, deliberate grace and made her way to Wise’s prone form. She crouched beside him, her gaze cool and unwavering.

“Please don’t make this difficult,” she said softly. “We truly love you. But I won’t hesitate to be stricter if I have to.”

She leaned in close enough for him to feel her lips brushing against his ear.

“I will ruin your fucking life…” She then giggled into his ear. “if you make me of course~”  she whispered coldly, then gave the curve of his ear a slow, deliberate nibble before rising to her feet once more.  

The weight of her words made Wise’s heart sink. This wasn’t the same Astra Yao he had first met on Lumina Square all that time ago now, she radiated something colder. A predator sizing up her prey.

And he was caught, with nowhere to run.

He swallowed hard and gave a stiff nod

In an instant, Astra’s demeanor shifted. Her eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands together with a bright smile. “See? That wasn’t so hard! Then, she turned to Evelyn still standing there, soaked and entirely naked a devious idea hit her.

“Wise,” Astra scolded lightly, pointing at her dripping bodyguard, “look at what you’ve done. You made poor Evelyn come out of the shower like this.”

Wise glanced at Evelyn, then quickly looked away, face flushing. “I—I’m sorry.”

Astra’s smile vanished. “Not like that…. on your knees.” Wise obeyed, the wire around his wrist slackened, finally releasing him though it remained coiled tightly around his neck like a warning.

Astra gave Evelyn a light push forward, her tone sweet but commanding. “Go on.”

“M-Mistress? What are you doing?” Eveyln stammered.

“Getting you a proper apology~” She answered until Evelyn’s stomach was reached to Wise’s face. She moved behind her bodyguard, pressing her covered chest against Evelyn’s back as her arm reached around and grabbed Wise by the hair not too rough but not too gentle either.  “Now this is an apology for his disobedience.” She guided his mouth to Evelyn’s folds. The blonde woman began to pant as his tongue slipped through.

It seems they might be a little late for practice but the two of them weren’t complaining

“You haven’t seen him either… okay, thank you.” Another name crossed off the list. Another tally added to the growing column on the worn piece of paper.

Belle wanted to scream. She wanted to rage. And in some dark, twisted corner of her heart, she wanted to storm into Wise’s room and tear it apart even if she didn’t know why.

Her friends had been coming in and out of the store almost constantly, but no one had found anything. In desperation, she had even begged Fairy to track his phone, but even she had her limits.

“I’m sorry,” Fairy had said, voice laced with frustration, “but the other Master’s phone has built-in security measures. It’ll take quite some time to crack let alone fully understand.”

Belle rubbed her aching eyes and dragged herself away from the H.D.D. She shuffled toward the backroom couch and collapsed onto the cushions, resisting the pull of sleep.

The computer system chimed in, clinical and unwavering. “Ms. Belle, you appear to be suffering from lack of rest. Sleep deprivation can have a wide range of short- and long-term effects on both physical and mental health: cognitive impairment, fatigue, headaches, depression-like symptoms—”

“Shut it for a minute, will you?” she growled, the list of symptoms only worsening her pounding headache.

“Irritability and mood swings,” the A.I. finished, undeterred. Belle seriously considered pulling the plug for the rest of the day.

Her eyelids grew heavier with each passing second. Then like the universe reminding her about the time of the day, the soft chime of the front door opening echoed faintly from the storefront,

She had told 18 to keep the store closed today. Or were people really that dense?

“Eh nana! (Other Master home!)”

Belle’s eyes snapped open. For a split second, she thought she was dreaming again just another cruel loop her exhausted mind had conjured. But the urgency in Six’s voice jolted her fully awake.

She bolted upright, nearly tumbling off the couch, legs heavy and clumsy with sleep. She didn’t even bother with her shoes as she rushed to the backroom door, flinging it open with such force she nearly bowled over poor Six.

Standing in the doorway, like he hadn’t vanished without a trace. Her breath caught in her chest as a thousand feelings crashed into her all at once relief, anger, disbelief, joy. Her lips parted, but no words came out. Only the sound of her heart pounding in her ears.

He looked tired. Paler than usual in different clothes then the ones he had on before he left.

Belle crossed the room in two strides and threw her arms around him, her body trembling as if all the strength she had left was pouring into that embrace.

Her brother stood stiff for a second, a brief flash of panic on his face before realizing who was hugging him before wrapping his arms around her, pulling her in tighter. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, and that was all it took.

He didn’t know how long they stayed like that just holding each other in the silence but at some point, she fell asleep in his arms.

Carefully, he lifted her and carried her to her room, her head resting against his shoulder, her breath soft and steady now. He gently laid her down on the bed, pulling the covers over her with as much care as he could muster.

But when he tried to slip away, her arms tightened around him in her sleep. Every time he moved to pull back, she clung to him harder, With a quiet sigh, he gave in, settling beside her on the edge of the bed.

There, in the stillness of the room, he stayed. Her breathing evened out, her grip slowly easing but never letting go completely.  

He felt terrible for putting his sister through this. Especially for just appearing at the front door without texting or calling  beforehand to let her know he was alright.

His phone had already been on low battery during those long, chaotic hours with Evelyn and Astra they hadn’t bothered to charge it the night before. By the time he was finally allowed to leave, it had died completely.

When he asked about his car, Astra simply waved him off.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “I’ll have someone bring it over.”

Then she handed him a change of clothes.
“Evelyn practically ripped your shirt open, so…”

He didn’t ask any more questions. He didn’t want to.
He just took the clothes and left, eager to put distance between himself and the two women.

If he was being honest with himself, it wasn’t just exhaustion or discomfort that gnawed at him, it was fear. Fear of having to face his friends again. Fear of what they’d think after what Astra had posted in the group chat.

Would they pity him?
Demand answers?
Or worse… feel disgusted?

They probably thought he was some kind of exhibitionist someone who got off on something like that. That video… He shut his eyes for a moment, the memory clawing at him. worst thing was he could never tell them the actual truth.

He was starting to feel the weight of exhaustion settle in. His muscles, sore and worn were finally getting a chance to rest. and the rhythm of Belle breathing softly lullabying his ears, hie felt himself soon joining Belle in slumberland.

*Click*

His body tense, the door suddenly closing even though he remembered it being opened when he carried Belle inside. so why did it close? Maybe it was one of the Boos…yeah that had to be it.

He was home, he was safe—

“Lord Phaethon~”  a soft-sing voice drifted beside his head.

It took every ounce of willpower or maybe his muscles were just too exhausted to keep from jumping and waking Belle.

There beside the bed, knelt a purple-haired girl, her bright red eyes fixed on him, eyes filled with unwavering adoration and reverent respect.

“Vivian?”

For a moment, he thought he might still be dreaming but she was real. Right there. Watching him. He didn’t know what unsettled him more: the way she’d appeared without a sound… or the look in her eyes, intense, reverent... unwavering.

“Where are they?” she asked…no demanded, her voice calm but carrying an eerie weight.

He swallowed hard. “I don’t know—”

Her hand moved suddenly, he tensed bracing for the worst but she gently placed her hand on his arm; the one Belle wasn’t holding on for dear life.

“Phaethon, please do not lie to me.” She said softly. “The sluts that defiled you and paraded their whorish behavior like the dumpsters they are to me.” Her tone remained steady, but there was no antidote for the venom laced within it.

“I watched as they used you like some toy,” she continued. fingers grazing his arm in a slow, deliberate motion. Her eyes never leaving his own. “Like you were nothing more than a tool for their pleasure.”

“Lord Phaethon” she said, leaning in so close that her breath brushed his skin. “Please… tell me the truth. Was that your first time doing something like that?” Wherever his gaze tried to escape. she followed, unblinking, unwavering.

But his silence was all she needed.

“They’re dead,” she whispered, voice like ice cracking. “I’ll make their final moments as agonizing as possible. Cretins… daring to taint your purity.”

Her ruby eyes had never looked so red. Bloodlust radiated from her something even Hugo would envy as her grip on his hand tightened.

“Tch. I can still smell the cheap chemicals they used on their bodies.” she hissed, staring at his skin with disdain.

He needed to feel clean again, to be pure again. To let those sullied marks be washed away like hands dipped lake untouched by life.

“So…full.”

 That bitch.

But she was pure, cleaner than any common street trash that dared looked his way. She held herself to those standards, she would clean him.

“Dear Patheon,” she said, her voice low and reverent. “Let me help you feel pure again.”

She took his hand, pressed it gently to her stomach, then slowly guided it downward until it hovered at the hem of her skirt. Her eyes were half-lidded, breath slow and deliberate.

"This is purity… untouched, unspoiled. Like a maiden’s blood," she murmured. "Let me cleanse you-”

Suddenly, she froze.

In a blink, her hand released his, reaching instead for her parasol and aiming it sharply toward the door.

Wise’s ears caught the sound a moment later muffled voices, rising with tension. An argument, perhaps. Then heavy footsteps thudded against the stairs, growing louder with each step.

Panic gripped his chest.

Had Evelyn been sent to retrieve him? Did they already know there was another woman this close to him?

The thought sent a jolt of fear through him, his heart pounding like a war drum in his chest.
He heard his door splinter open.
“Clear, He’s not in here.”

Wait he knew that voice.

Suddenly, Belle’s door was kicked in with the same violent force. A weapon’s barrel swung toward Vivian who, without hesitation, leveled her parasol in return.

“New Eridu Public Security! Hands in the air!”

Chapter Text

“Lower your weapon and step away from them.”  The words cut through the tension like a blade.  Zhu Yuan’s voice was calm but commanding, her stance unmoving as she aimed her weapon, but Vivian stood squarely in front of Wise, shielding him with her body, her glare as cold as steel.

Amid the tension, Belle stirred awake, confused by the voices and sudden loud noises. Groggy, she gripped Wise's arm, “W-What's going on? Is that Vivian and…. Zhu Yuan? Why are they here?"

“We’re here too, by the way.” Qingyi poked her head out from behind Zhu Yuan’s hip before now standing beside her captain. As well as Seth who emerged from her shoulder, giving a small wave. 

Zhu Yuan raised her hand in silence. “Enough with the introductions! ” eyes narrowed as they turned to the parasol-wielding stranger, “Mind telling me, who are you?”

“A protector of my lord the one you are intruding on. Leave while you are still capable of doing so on your own.” Vivian threatened not wavering under the threat of a three versus one, the parasol remained steady. 

I’m sorry, are you telling Pubsec officers, what to do?” Qingyi scoffed, staff already drawn as her captain took a step forward. Zhu Yuan studied Vivian's body, from her legs to her upper body, before her tone turned glacial. “Are you the one? The one from the video?”

Wise held his breath, painfully reminded of the video that started all of this.

“Video? What video?” Seth blinked. “Wait did I miss something in the briefing?” A cold stare from Qingyi silenced him before Zhu Yuan took another step forward.

“Not another step,”  Vivian warned

“Give hi- them to me, you're outnumbered.”

Vivian’s expression didn’t change. “Am I supposed to be scared? Take another step, and I’ll treat it as a hostile act.” Though her tone was cool, there was no mistaking the conviction behind her words. She meant every word.

Zhu Yuan didn’t flinch. She stepped forward, defiance blazing in her eyes as ether energy began to swirl from the barrel of her weapon. But before she could act, someone threw themselves between them.

“Both of you. Stop it please!” Wise pleaded, arms outstretched as he stepped firmly between the two women. They froze not because of his authority, but because they knew he would willingly put himself in danger to stop them if he could.

So reluctantly, both lowered their weapons.

Zhu took the opening to grab Wise's shoulder earning a death glare from Vivian “Wise, come with us,”

He opened his mouth to respond, but Vivian cut in sharply.

“And what reason would that be?”

Qingyi stepped forward before her Captain, who now looked as if she was reconsidering lowering her weapon in the first place.

“Wise is a victim. As Public Security’s our duty to apprehend those responsible and ensure justice is served. Interfering with that process carries serious consequences.”

However, Vivian wasn’t backing down her expression made that clear. Wise knew he had to act. There was already too much commotion around the shop, and the noises from downstairs told him the three likely forced their way in.

People would start asking questions if they went through the front, three Neps officers charging through. Random Play didn’t need that type of attention, which would put their job, the Boos, Fairy, and his sister under scrutiny.

He will never do that.

“Okay...I’ll go.” 

“If he’s going then so am I!” Belle got up and stood by her brother's side.

“I as well” Vivian added but Seth stepped in.

“Sorry,” he interjected gently, “but since you’re not related to the victim, I’m afraid you can’t come.”

“….." Vivian silently raised her parasol finger on the trigger until Wise stepped in, catching her hands in his before she could escalate things. His touch was firm but calming, she almost melted into it.

“Vivian,” he said softly, “I know I’m asking a lot, but… could you watch the shop for us until we get back?”

Her expression softened immediately. “Wise, you never ask too much of me. I cherish you more than life itself. I'll do anything for you, cherish you, honor you... She brought their clasped hands to her lips and kissed them. “lie on my back for yo-”

“That’s enough.” Zhu Yuan grabbed Wise’s shoulder, squeezing tightly steering him away from Vivian, who glared daggers at the officer but didn’t speak.

They left the room and headed downstairs, passing a worried looking Six and 18. Wise paused just long enough to pat both Bangboos on the head small gestures of comfort that everything was going to ok

Vivian followed them silently to the back door of the store, her eyes locked on her lord full of longing as they loaded into the police car all beside the Cat Thiren, who was talking to that sad excuse for an officer in quick whispers before leaving on foot.

She should’ve killed them in that room, but then Wise would never speak to her again.

She’d rather die than let that happen.

…

But maybe in a Hollow.

The ride was silent. Both siblings sat in the back of the security vehicle, while Zhu Yuan and Qingyi rode in front. The captain hadn’t said a word since they left. Without warning, Zhu made a sharp right turn, heading away from the main road from Lumina Square.

“This isn’t the way to Lumina Square,” Belle said, frowning. “Where are we going?”

“The stations crowded,” Zhu replied, casually but a bit too quickly. “After what you’ve been through, I figured you wouldn’t want prying eyes.”

Wise nodded slowly, but something didn’t sit right. A quiet unease crept in, though he kept it to himself. 

Eventually, they pulled up at the piers. All four stepped out of the vehicle.

Wise glanced around and noticed something a certain Cat Thiren was missing “Where’s Seth? He didn’t follow us?”

“He’s needed back at the station.” Qingyi gently grabbed his other hand, pulling him toward the bench, gesturing for him to sit down. Zhu Yuan taking a seat on the opposite side.

“Now, Wise,” Zhu said, her voice carefully measured. “Can you tell me… who were those people in the video? The ones on top of you?”

She watched closely as visible distress flickered across his face, only to be quickly masked by a forced smile.

“I’m sorry,” he said, “I don’t seem to recall that much—”

“Don’t lie to me.” That tone again cold as ice, sharper than before.

Because he knew what Astra meant when she said it could ruin him.

She wasn’t just anyone, she was the Queen of New Eridu. A multitalented icon, beloved by the media, adored by fans some more unhinged than others. If even a whisper of scandal pointed in his direction, he and Belle would be buried under public scrutiny for months to come.

She didn’t deserve that, He was the eldest, he was responsible. He had to protect her.

“I’m being serious. I was drugged—”

“Drugged?!” all three girls echoed, voices overlapping in shock.

If Belle’s grip on his arm got any tighter, he was pretty sure it would break. Her eyes had changed, something fierce was burning there. The same thing smoldered in Zhu Yuan and Qingyi’s expressions too, but theirs didn’t feel comfortable. Not in the slightest.

“Wise,” Zhu pressed, her voice clipped, professional again. “Where exactly were you at the time of your abduction? I can send—”

“I told you, I don’t remember.”

“What about their voices or did you see faces?”

“I-No. I didn’t.”

“He’s lying,” Qingyi interjected, calm and precise. “There was a micro-hesitation. A delay of 0.7 seconds before answering. Statistically significant. He’s either familiar with the perpetrator or at least had a brief encounter with them.”

“Wise, what are you not telling us? Why are you being like this? We’re just trying to help.” Zhu Yuan was no longer sitting instead leaning over the table to peer into him, like a detective in an interrogation room.

“I’m not! Just listen—”

Qingyi interrupted again, her tone clinical, almost indifferent. “The psychological profile fits. Victims in extended captivity often develop confusion trauma-bonding, even. A low-level form of Stockholm syndrome is common. Especially when power dynamics are blurred.”

Her voice shifted slightly.

“But... that doesn’t mean you’re to blame. If that’s what happened, Wise, it isn’t your fault. We just need to know the truth so we can protect you properly.”  Under the table, Qingyi placed a hand on his knee, unnoticed by the others. 

There was nowhere to run. To his right sat Belle, silent but watching. To his left, Qingyi, sharp and unyielding. And in front of him, Zhu Yuan, blocking any escape. He was surrounded, cornered.

“Wise, I’m not going to ask again, who are they—”

“Zhu Yuan, you lied to me.” The voice was new, but the mellow undertone was unmistakable. Its owner stepped into view, her eyes burning red as they fixed on her so-called friend.

Miyabi and Ms.Tsukishiro with a sheepish Seth following behind.

“Sorry, Captain I tried to explain things as best I could, but she was persistent.” The Cat Thiren apologized.

Zhu Yuan rose from the table, turning to address the Fox Thiren. “I didn’t lie to you, Miyabi,”  folding her arms. “I told you I’d contact you when I got to the station.” She gestured around her. “Does this look like the station?”

 Miyabi looked around before speaking, her voice remained flat, but a simmering heat colored every word. “As a friend, you only needed to call…but it seems your desires are a bigger priority." 

“Why would we need to?” Qingyi interjected, stepping up beside her Captain, matching Miyabi’s glare. “Last I checked things like this are a bit... low for the mighty Section 6”

“When it comes to what’s mi—our friend,” Yanagi corrected herself with a faint smile, “none of that matters. I expected you, to be the adult in this conversation.”

Qingyi scoffed. “Oh, please. Like you’re any better. Maybe try following your own advice for once though I suppose the market for single mothers can be quite barren.”

That seemed to snap something in her, a vein bulged on Yanagi’s forehead, but she closed her eyes and smiled. “As if a bucket of bolts like you can process these things.”

Some passersby cast glances, some curious while others seemed to recognize a few of the women. Wise couldn’t hear what they were whispering but it was easy to fill in the blanks.

“No way is that Miyabi!?”

“Not only her, but Yanagi Tsukishiro as well, why are they arguing with Neps officers?”

“Who’s that young man, sitting at the bench, with that young girl around his arms?”

“Aw man, what in the Isekai bullshit is that to be surrounded by those beautiful women.”

Wise’s breathing quickened, shallow and uneven. His chest felt tight, like the air was thinning around him. The voices of his friends felt sharp, heated, overlapping blurring into static in his ears. What was happening to him? Why did he feel this way? Was he suffering a panic attack, why now, he never had this happen before.

Then he felt a tug on his arm.

Belle looking up at him, concern on her face. "Wise let’s get out of here,” she whispered.

She stood, pulling at him, while the agents argued, distracted by their own fury, Belle guided him out of their line of sight. She moved with purpose, slipping through all their blind spots with quiet precision, a skill honed through countless dives into the Hollows, controlling Eous out of harm’s way. 

In just a matter of minutes, she was leading Wise away from the Pier as they walked Wise thought now would be a good time to ask the question his blood circulation had been dying to ask. 

“Belle, can you let go of my arm now,  it’s starting to go numb.” He asked with a usual sheepish smile, she looked conflicted but luckily did let go, mumbling a small apology.

An awkward silence settled over them as they walked.

“Wise, is it true? You know those women in the video?" 

Just as he was about to lie, he stopped. This was his sister, whom he could trust. She could also know when he was trying to lie about something, a byproduct of having to live with each other for so long but…he sighed.

“…Yes.”

“Then why—”

“Because they know about us.”

“Us?”  Belle blinked, an unclear look on her making him grit his teeth.

“Our business! All of our work, even our shop. They threatened that if I say anything then they’ll expose us!” He didn’t know why he snapped at her but immediately regretted maybe he was simply overloaded with today's events or the constant fighting between his friends.

“T-That’s—” she was trying to find the right words but settled on a single question. “Then what do they want?!”

He didn’t answer. Couldn’t. His eyes dropped to the pavement as they walked, a shameful pressing down on him like a heavy weight.

Belle stared at him, realizing dawning slowly until a rage took over.

“No. No… Fuck no!”

Wise blinked in surprise. Hearing her curse was rare. All those years of scolding her when they were still in school had finally broken. She grabbed both of his arms with her hands pulling down so that he could face her.

“You are not going back to them. I refuse it.”

“Belle, I can’t simply just—”

“NO!”

People walking by turned to look, their stares adding heat to the moment, but Belle in the heat of the moment, it was background noise to her. “I don’t care what you have to say. You are my brother, not some kind of plaything for them! I-I’ll lock you in your room if I have to!” She was getting louder with each declaration. 

A declaration that brought the attention of a certain individual just getting off the phone.

“Wise…Belle?”

He froze. A chill crawled down his spine. He knew that voice. The same voice that had once moaned his name when he was trapped between her legs.

Evelyn.

“What are you two doing here? I didn’t know you shopped in this area,” she said, stepping closer. Wise blinked, glancing around in confusion. Somehow, they’d wandered so far that they’d landed in a sleek, high-end shopping district storefronts gleaming with polished glass, smooth stone walkways underfoot, and soft ambient music drifting from luxury boutiques.

Belle let go of her brother. And in a move that even he didn’t expect, the younger Phaethon stepped forward, eyes blazing as she squared off against Evelyn. “Where were you when my brother was being raped?” Evelyn’s eyes widened. She glanced at Wise, but he quickly looked away.

“Raped? What are you talking about?” she aske

“My brother,” Belle snapped. “He left to go to Astra’s performance then the next thing I know, I get a video of him being assaulted.”

“a video? Belle… I’m sorry I had no idea,” Evelyn said, not knowing how to console the young girl.

“Where were you?” Belle demanded, voice cracking with fury.

“Belle,” Evelyn began, keeping her voice steady. “I only saw him at the performance. We spoke after and we bid him farewell. Whatever happened after that… I wouldn’t know, I’m assigned to Astra. That’s my job.”

Belle stepped closer, her voice like ice. “So, you remember seeing him, and you didn’t think to check on him? Not even a message? After everything we’ve done for you?”

Wise saw it, the façade of ignorance, cracking into one of annoyance on Evelyn's face. He approached the two, trying to ease his sister.

“Belle, stop it. What happened, happened. I was already gone before they left. There was nothing they could do.”

“But—”

“Belle, please…”

Belle grumbled but swiftly apologized to Evelyn, who took it in stride.

“Did you go to PubSec about it?” Evelyn asked, her attention already shifting from Belle to Wise. The question landed like a subtle probe.

“We tried... b-but they couldn’t find anything, so it might be a dead-end case.” Wise stammered.

The answer seemed to satisfy her, Evelyn nodded once, then glanced between the two.

“Are you parked nearby?”

“No, we came with a… friend.”

“Then allow us to drive you both home,” she offered smoothly, gesturing across the street. An unmarked limousine waited, sleek and black, the windows tinted so dark they looked like mirrors. But Wise could feel something, someone, staring at him from inside.

Then the window rolled down.

A head popped out, hair gleaming, smile wide.

“Yoohoo, Wise, Belle! Long time no see!” Astra sang out, waving enthusiastically.

Nearby pedestrians turned. Then someone shouted.

“Oh my god, it is Astra Yao!”

“Astra, please let me have your baby!”

Within seconds, a crowd formed fans pushing, yelling, shoving phones into the air. Some squealed with excitement; others tried climbing over each other for a better view.

Evelyn’s expression remained calm, but her tone sharpened “It seems you don’t have much of a choice,” she said, ushering them toward the limo.

The rear doors opened on their own. As soon as Wise and Belle were inside, they shut with a quiet click. Moments later, the limousine pulled away from the swelling crowd and disappeared into the traffic.

“Sorry about that guys, when I saw you, I got all excited, didn’t mean to bring attention to myself.” Astra apologized, but now moving from her original seat to sit beside Wise. 

“Now, come on tell me, what's been happening with your lives? Especially you Wise, you left right after my performance,” She smiled until she caught Belle’s and Evelyn's facial expressions.

“What’s wrong?” 

Belle opened her mouth to speak, but Wise beat her to it. “Nothing. Just… nothing. Thanks for the ride.” He smiled again, and his praise already had her feeling warm.

And other things.

“Oh Wise, I’ll give you a ride anywhere, anytime.” Holding the giggle as he hid his mouth with a cough.

Astra opened the small fridge beside the seats, pulled out a chilled water bottle, and turned to them with an innocent smile. “Can I offer you some water, Belle?”

The look on Wise’s face was priceless so much so that Astra had to fight the urge to giggle. Belle, however, shook her head. “No thanks. I’m not thirsty,” she replied, while Wise let out a quiet breath of relief.

Astra simply shrugged, uncapped the bottle, and downed the water in one long drink, winking at Wise without missing a beat, she reached for another, holding it out to Wise with the same innocent lilt. “How about you, Wise?~”

Her tone was sweet, teasing harmless on the surface. But Wise saw past it.

Drawn on the cap was a tiny heart, just barely noticeable. That subtle mark, paired with the glint in her eyes, told a different story. The same color of the pill, she put into the water when she—

“Wise, you, okay?”

“Y-Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.” He took the bottle but placed it at his side. “I’ll save it for later.”

She studied his face but fell back into her seat. “If you say so.”

Astra suddenly sprawled out, looking entirely too comfortable, tapping her fingers against her stomach. “Ugh, I’m starving.” she declared.

Evelyn raised an eyebrow.

“Didn’t they offer snacks and drinks at the recital?” Astra waved her hand dismissively toward her guard.

“Yeah, but it was all that zero-fat, zero-sugar, zero-flavor nonsense. I need something real something creamy or salty. Ooh! I know!”

She shot upright and slammed her hand on a button beneath the anti-viewing glass.

“Snap! Stop by the nearest convenience store, will you?”

“Peta nena! (Yes, boss!),” The Bangboo replied from the front all while Evelyn shot Astra a pointed look.

“What? I’m just being a good hostess for Wise and Belle here. And if I happen to get something more substantial than dried seaweed and mineral water in the process? Win-win!”

She grinned, unbothered, while Evelyn sighed in defeat as the limo slowed to a stop in front of a convenience store.

“Fine. But you’re staying in the car. We’re not repeating what happened twenty minutes ago.”

Evelyn placed a hand on the door handle but paused before getting out. She turned toward Belle and Wise.

“Either of you want to come with me?” Her gaze, however, lingered on Belle. Her eyes lingered on Belle.

He'll go—

"I'll go," Belle said, already rising to her feet. She moved toward the door without hesitation. "Wise, you just rest. Let your sis handle it." She offered him a smile, then followed Evelyn out of the vehicle. 

But Wise didn’t want her to go.

He didn’t want to be left alone with her.

The limo door closed behind them with a soft thunk, and moments later, he heard the locks click shut. He turned, uneasy, just in time to see Astra's finger leaving the lock button.

She was already sliding closer.

Her arm slithered around his shoulders slowly, deliberately like a serpent coiling around its prey.

"Wise~" she breathed into his ear, soft and syrupy. "You've been very naughty. Do you know how many times I called you? Texted you?” With each question, the coil tightened, now her breath was only centimeters from his ear.

“I was worried to death about you, never know when some slut or pervert could snatch you up. But here you were taking a stroll ignoring me. That hurts, it hurts a lot. Love.” Even it her voice was soft, there was no denying the hot cut that hid behind it as her arm tightened.

“I didn’t have my phone! I left it back home. I-I swear.” He quickly stated. So, with one hand cupped under his chin, the other roamed. Sliding across pocket to pocket, cupping his crotch as she did so.

Upon realizing there was nothing in his pockets, she pulled her hand away, now wagging a finger in disappointment like he had done something wrong.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Wise that isn’t very responsible. What if someone decided to snatch you up, there would be no phone to trace, no ID. You’ll simply be…gone” The look in her eyes when she mentioned gone made him shudder.

Before he could speak, she pushed him down onto the cushion, shushing him with a kiss, that trailed down from his lips to his collarbone only to stop as she traveled past his chest. 

"I did say I was craving something salty~"

"W-Wait stop, Belle-" he tried to protest, silenced by the tight squeeze of his cock and another tsk of disapproval by Astra. 

“Wise,” she said, voice smooth but trembling with heat, “what did we talk about? You thinking about other women?”

“Not like that!” he snapped, face contorting. “If she sees us like this—ah!” He gasped as her grip closed tighter, merciless and unyielding.

She leaned in, eyes burning, lips barely moving. “I don’t care if the whole world sees us. I don’t care if Belle walks in right now and screams. You.don’t.get to think about anyone else. Ever. Your thoughts, your body, your soul, they’re mine.”

His breath hitched. She squeezed again, harder this time, until he flinched.

“You belong to me,” she whispered. “Say it.”

“I—I belong to you,” he stammered, pain and panic flickering across his face.

Her expression softened like melting ice suddenly sweet, disturbingly fond. A giggle slipped from her lips, light and innocent in contrast to the storm behind her eyes.

“Good boy,” Astra purred. “Now, enough talking." her tongue swirled the tip, watching him squirm at sensation before taking him into her mouth as a whole. she took her time, taking slow motion so her tongue could feel over every inch. Passersbys walked, talked even glancing at the limo, unaware behind that one-way window was the world renown singer, sucking a store managers dick, for the next three minutes she teased him never increasing her pace nor never slowing down. 

"He's my brother, I'll do anything for him."

His sister’s muffled voice snapped him out of his dazed state. He turned his eyes toward the window, where two shadows loomed Belle and Evelyn deep in conversation while Astra paid them no mind.

“M-Mistr—” he stopped correcting himself “.Astra, stop They’re right outside,” he whispered, panic creeping into his voice.

She ignored him.

“Is something wrong with the door? It won’t open,” Belle’s voice filtered in through the glass as she jiggled the handle.

“Really? Let me try,” Evelyn replied, her voice muffled but close. A soft click followed, then silence. “Huh... Same thing. Maybe they went into another store?”

“He shouldn’t. He can’t leave my sight,” 

“Easy,” Evelyn said calmly. “I’ll call Astrea. Head to the front and knock on the glass tell Snap to unlock the door.”

Wise grabbed the sides of Astra's head; her eyes widened as he began to thrust into her mouth in a rush of panic before they could unlock the door and see them in such a position.

Though Astra wasn't complaining all that much, not that she could.

"mmph!? Mmph!...mmph~" surprised chokes becoming lewd noises of encouragement. Her fingers digging into his thighs urging him to go faster.

Outside Belle had gotten Snap the unlock the limo door, heading back to the backseat door grabbing the handle, the click of the door opening, allowing her to open it.

"Mmpfh!"

She paused. 

The sound was brief, muffled… but unmistakable.

Someone was choking.

Her pulse jumped. Wise.

In one motion, she yanked the door open hard. It nearly slammed into Evelyn, who recoiled with a startled glare

“Wise?!” Belle’s voice cracked. “Are you okay?”

!!!

.

.

To nothing looked out of place…

Astra was draped lazily against the armrest, one finger tracing her lips. Beside her, Wise sat upright rigid. His hands resting on his knees, panting lightly. Belle’s eyes narrowed. “Wise, I heard something, are you alright?”

"That was-"

“Oh, you heard that?” Astra cut in smoothly. “I was drinking some water and ended up choking.” Her hand moved to rub his shoulder, fingers lingering in a mock-praising gesture. “Then Wise here helped me.”

“Yeah, I was just helping a... friend,” he said, eyes fixed anywhere but on Astra.

“Oh, that you were~,” she purred.

Belle frowned. The flush on Wise’s face told a different story and he was clearly avoiding Astra’s gaze. But before she could press him further, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, frowning before raising it to her ear.

While Belle was on the call, Evelyn stepped into the car. She cast a raised eyebrow toward the two on the same seat as she handed a small bag to Astra. “A sweet cake? I knew you loved me, Evelyn,” Astra said with a wink, already unwrapping the plastic. Belle jumped in suddenly cutting in. “We need to get home. Now.”

“Why? What happened?” Wise asked, worry creeping into his voice.

“Something really important.” She turned to Astra. “Can you get us there fast, please?”

“No problem.” Astra swallowed a piece of the treat before tapping the intercom. “Snap, full speed to the siblings’ establishment but try to obey traffic laws, will you?”

The Bangboo on the other end spoke an acknowledgment.

A moment of silence passed.

Then the tires screeched as the limo surged forward. The sudden acceleration threw everyone back Astra used the momentum to pull Wise against her. Her hands slid across his torso in a fleeting but deliberate sweep before anyone could recover from the jolt, her mouth finding his, letting her tongue wrestle with his before stopping. "Do you like strawberries?"

Wise blushed, quickly prying himself away and moving closer to his sister. trying to pry for answers but wouldn't spill only anxiously looking at her phone as they speed down the road coming upon Sixth Street in record time. 

"Belle, tell me, what's going on-" 

She pulled him with her. Rushing down the alleyway to Random Play, he looked at the store. Everything looked in order, why was she acting like this-

*CRASH*

They both whipped toward the glass door, now shattered to thousands. The culprit skidding to halt, s shield and sword drawn, and a look of pure rage in her eyes behind a cool expression as she causally spat out a small spit of blood. 

"Not bad, and here I was thinking your nothing but some weird, obsessed fangirl. You got moves, I mean thrusters under the skirt?"  From the entrance Vivian stepped out, parasol outstretched with small cuts on her arm but still in good shape. 

"I already made the mistake of allowing another crazy harlot into their domicile. And as a result, he was taken away, I won't make that mistake again." 

Vivian eyes widen, ducking as a red blur flew from behind her head and into Howl stall, climbing out and clutching it's head dazed.

Vivian eyes pivoted to their direction, seeing the two and bowing at them. 

"Belle, you got my text. Do not worry I'll deal with these trespassers at once." 

But these weren't burglars, no. The biker gear, the familiar sword and shield but The Sons of Calydon more specifically Caesar King herself. The mention of that name also made Caesar turn. 

"Wise! Thanks, the gods. Come here, let's get you out of here." Caesar took a step forward, but an Ether blast exploded at her feet, halting her. she shot a death glare at Vivian, energy still steaming from the tip

"Lucy, What the hell are you doing?!" 

From behind Vivian, footsteps echoed from inside the shop. Lucy stepped out onto the sidewalk, one of her boars trailing close behind, a slingshot aimed at the purple-haired girl.

"Pulling Bricky out of the wall, she impaled it too." Showcasing the dangling boar with a hole in its chest before dropping it and readying her bat. 

"I'll of course be returning the favor." 

"Stop!" Wise’s shout rang louder than anyone expected, ending in a dry cough. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d raised his voice like that.

Caesar stepped forward. "We were looking for you. We’re taking you to the Outer Rings."

Wise blinked. "What? Why?"

Lucy answered instead. "To protect you properly. You saw the chats, Belle. They threatened him. If they came once, they’ll come again."

"I'm not going anywhere, Lucy." 

"You don’t get a say in this, Wise. We’re doing this for your safety." She moved closer, deflecting another Ether blast from Vivian with her shield.

"Vivian, stop," Wise pleaded.

"And let this green gorilla walk up to you like she belongs? Never." Vivian sneered, eyes blazing.

He gritted his teeth, no one was listening to him, more interested in tearing each other apart for his safety than his own wants. his friends and allies. down the street, Mr.Chop was hiding behind his stall, Howl beside him. 

This was all Astra’s fault, she had done this to his friends by sending that video, the blame should be solely on her.

So why didn't he feel that way?

In a way, he blamed himself.

"Belle" he whispered. "Can you check on Fairy and the Boos, I'll try and talk to them"

his sister nodded and left his side, slipping past Lucy leaving him with the three agents, all locked in a cold standoff.

Then came the sound of sirens.

A dark vehicle swerved onto the scene, blocking the street. Its doors opened, and two figures rushed out—Zhu Yuan and Qingyi, weapons already half-raised.

"Wise! Why did you run off like that?! We can’t protect you if—" Zhu Yuan's voice cut off as she took in the scene.

A shattered front door. Civilians watching from a distance, terrified. And worst of all: three women circling Wise like predators closing in.

Zhu Yuan didn’t hesitate. She raised her suppressor. Beside her, Qingyi’s staff sparked to life.

Zhu’s  voice cracked like a whip. "What do you think you’re doing? Step away from him. Now."

"Please… everyone." Wise’s plea falling on deaf ears, as they advanced on each other. He needed to think of something, the once calm and collected of the siblings was now starting to panic. 

He was starting to feel like Eous, whenever the Bangboo would often find itself scurrying away when Ethereals were spotted while navigating the Hollows.

So he did just that.

Hititng feet, he turned ran from the scene, ignoring shouts from them as he ran through another alleyway. The mass of running footsteps behind him urging his legs to go faster.   

No longer was he focused but barreling past people and object. What was he doing. Why was he running in the first place. Maybe a part of him saw it as an opportunity to move them away from Sixth Street and Random Play.

But another part saw past that branding him as nothing more than a cow-

BEEP! 

A horn blared in his ear.

He skidded to a halt, yanking himself back just as a car shot past, screeching to a stop mere feet away.

A tuft of white and black fur popped out of the driver’s side window.

“Manager? Are you okay? I didn’t hit you, right?!”

The familiar voice belonged to the mechanical shooter of the Cunning Hares eyes wide, concerned. Wise opened his mouth to speak, however, with footsteps getting closer, he instead rushed to the car getting inside the passenger seat and ushering Billy to floor it.

Which he did albeit confused, speeding off just as multiple silhouettes were seen getting smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. 

Once they were no longer to be scene did, Billy asked the question "Manager, are you okay? You aren't in any trouble are you?"

"No." Wise collected himself. "There was just a minor...disagreement that's all." 

"Are you sure, because when that happens to the Cunning Hares, someone’s usually getting hit." 

"It's fine Billy,  thanks. Though what are you doing driving around by yourself." Wise deflected, attaching the seat belt. 

"Just doing some small errands for Nicole, she's been down in the dumps and hasn't been her usual self lately so me and Nekomata were planning on doing something for her back at the base." 

Wise frowned in acknowledgment. Nicole has always been a good friend to him and Belle, even coming to their aid when Section 6 tried to bring him in during Periman investigation then coming to help them again during the fight under the bridge.

Sure, she racketed up quite the debt but that never put a strain on their friendship. He wouldn't care if it was hundred years until she paid him back.

"You already do so much for us, Manager so I won't pry into your personal life. I'll drive you around for a bit then drop you off back home." Billy replied.

No that was the last thing he wanted right now.  Piercing swords and studded shields at his doorstep wasn't exactly something he was in a rush to get home too. Plus, he didn't have his phone so in sense in what Astra said before.

He was simply gone. 

"How about I hang with you guys for the rest of the day? I mean it's been quite some time since we hung out?" 

"Oh really!?" Billy glowing eyes light up. "Sweet! Nicole is going to be to so happy even Anby to. We gotta get popcorn and drinks." Billy said excitedly eyes still glued on the road. His voice, bubbly and animated, was a breath of fresh air. After everything, it was actually nice to just breathe, relax, and be around someone that didn’t want to fight for or over him.

"Hey Billy," Wise said, glancing over, "mind if I borrow your phone for a second? Left mine at home just wanna shoot Belle a quick text."

Without hesitation, Billy handed over his phone, eyes still focused on the road. Wise quickly typed out a message to his sister.

Billy:
Sis, it's me. Sorry about abandoning you, things just got too hectic.

Belle:
WISE!? Where did you go?! Tell me and I’ll pick you up.

He paused. Had the van already been returned?

Billy:
I’m with Billy right now. Just going to hang out for the rest of the day. Some ‘guy’ talk.

No response at first. No typing bubble. Nothing.

Then finally:

Belle:
Fine. But don’t go anywhere after, okay?

Billy:
Sure, Sis. Don’t worry, I’ll text you from Billy’s phone if anything. How’s the door?

Belle:
18 and Six are cleaning it up. Luckily, we can get a replacement today. You’re lucky I have to wait here for it. Apparently, Miyabi and Yanagi were called away.

Just promise me you’ll be safe.

Billy:
I promise. And I’m sorry again for leaving you with the mess. I’ll make it up to you.

…

…

Belle:
I'm sure you will, love you big bro.

Wise sighed in relief, because now. He was finally free, away to gather his thoughts and some piece of mind.  

Unaware of prying eyes that watched him leave with Billy.

She watched as the car carrying Wise drove away from a safe distance from the others that were insulting each other or walking away when they couldn't catch him.

There was no reason to stay so she began heading back to the parked limo, entering to find a thoroughly pissed off ward after relaying the information.

"He's gone, Astra." 

"You're saying he's been kidnapped by one of those bitches. I knew it was a bad idea to let him leave." 

"I don't think that's the case. He entered the car willingly with some kind of machine." She remembered the automaton, once at the Boo got talent event, and when she hid Astra away in that alleyway. 

"Yeah, I remember at the show, He's friend with that pink haired prostitute that owes Wise more than her body's worth." The singer held a scowl on her face, tapping aggressively on the armrest. 

"What would you have me do." Evelyn asked. 

"Nothing." 

This surprised the guard. "Really?" 

Astra motioned Evelyn closer, taking her cheeks into her hands, smiling deviously. 

"Wise willingly got away from those sluts that must mean he's starting to break, let’s this play out for now, when our love would seep through the cracks until it's the only thing that's keeping him together." She finished, pulling Evelyn close for a kiss, which she happily accepted.

Evelyn pulling away panting, a very familiar taste hitting her tongue. "You taste like strawberries and Wise." 

Astra giggled and winked. "So Wiseberries." earning a groan from the blonde. Mumbling "Stop." Before going back in, trailing kisses until she was under her skirt and her tongue found its target.

With Belle, she helped 18 dump the last of the glass shards into a trash bag tossing it into a bin, that Six pushed off with its small body. The Boos were alright if not startled from the confrontation.

What Six said. The two Bikers barged their way into the stor Demanding on his whereabouts until they heard noises from upstairs. 

18 only had a second to trail behind when the two made their way upstairs and barged into Wise’s room.

Last thing they remembered was shouting and weapons being drawn.

Fairy had been in lower mode making her oblivious to what was happening. Only had just now woking up to a red boar bouncing around the backroom.

Most of them had dispersed (a few colorful words had left her mouth) upon Belle’s request ignoring their questions about Wise's whereabouts

At least Lucy offered to pay for the damages at the very least.  

(Eh, Nana?)

Belle looked down to see 18 holding something up to her.

A water bottle?

She blinked, recognizing it the one Astra had handed Wise back in the limo. Had it been in his pocket this whole time?

He must've dropped it.

“Huh… never seen this design before. Is it a new flavor?” she murmured, taking the bottle. The cap was pink with a heart in the center. Bubbles clung to the inside of the plastic, gathering near the surface of the pale liquid.

The weight of the day was finally catching up to her. After everything that happened—and the meticulous cleanup of shattered glass from the shop front Belle was exhausted.

Wise had said he’d pay her back. And honestly, just looking at the bottle was making her thirsty.

She shrugged. “I’ll just add this to his tab.”

With that, she twisted off the cap and downed the whole thing in one go.

“Ugh bitter. How does Astra drink this crap?” She grimaced, recapping the bottle before turning to 18 and Six. “Come on, you two. Let’s wait for the replacement inside. whoa, I need to sit down. Yeah let's sit down inside."

Chapter Text

Wise watched the streetlights fly past his vision, listening to Billy going on about newest theories he learned online about Star knights while giving his opinion about them. As much as Wise liked the duel-wielding gunslinger he had tuned him out to think about his current predicament.

What the fuck was his life right now? He had just ran away from his home because he was afraid of what his friends were going to do if they caught up to him. They were just good friends that’s all, but the pressure was just too much.

Vivian bedroom visit where she wanted him to—, the standoff in Belle’s room, followed by the by questioning from Zhu and Qingyi which lead to another heated standoff between Section 6 and them, Belle got him away but only to end up right in Astra’s claws a place Wise wanted to be as far as possible from.

He combed through his hair, he felt bad for leaving Belle by herself but at the very least they won’t bother him and without his phone, he was pretty much incognito mode from anybody else.

Maybe there was a way to remedy this situation, trying to explain to them to cease hostilities but Astra’s goading with his name had left that a tough wound to cauterize. He understood that they just wanted to protect him but to keep under lock and key for his ‘protection’ was just too much.

“Manager?”

“Huh?” Wise snapped out his thoughts and looked over to Billy, who fixed him a look of worry.

“I said we’re here,” eyes gesturing to the Cunning Hares base of operations  “are you sure you’re okay, Manager you looked pretty distracted.”

“I’m fine,” Wise smiled, “Come on I’ll help you with the stuff inside.”

00

You know, he never actually saw the Cunning Hares hideout until know, Nicole was very hush-hush about it and now that he sees it…he made need to a put in call into Victoria Housekeeping.

By all means the place wasn’t filthy or dirty just cluttered, like Random Play when Wise and Belle first moved in, there were some small boxes scattered about near the entrance, he was guided to the living by Billy, a simple sized room with a couch and two cushion arms chairs on each side.

“Shoot, Nekomata should’ve been here with the drinks already, where is that nasty cat, Manager you stay I’m going to look for her.” Wise didn’t get a chance say anything, the slinger already heading out, hearing the front door closing right after.

With nothing else but an occupied mind, he paced around, first the living room then the halls until he came upon a door with the Cunning Hares symbol on it, the name of the leader etched at the bottom.

Nicole Demara

He hesitated, was she even in her room? He hadn’t heard from her since the day at the store, when Astra had shouted execrations at her before being dragged away by Evelyn leaving the pink haired woman stunned and Wise rapidly apologizing before leaving to find the two.

When he returned, she was nowhere in sight, not even replying to his messages.

But she was his friend, and he’ll be damned to see her suffer.

So, he knocked.

And a voice on the other end called.

“Billy, how many times have I told you to leave me alone!”

 “It’s not Billy.”

There was silence on the end, then a quick shuffle before hurried footsteps made it toward the door, there wasn’t a moment to prepare as the door swung open and he came face to face with Nicole. “Wise?”

She looked bedridden, her signature ponytails gone, her hair spilling freely over her shoulders. Even the makeup she usually doted over was absent. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out to touch his face.  

Wise didn’t move as her hand roamed his cheek, eyes searching for something until they lit up and soon he was embraced.

“You’re okay, thank the gods, you’re okay,” Nicole muffled into his shoulder, pulling away to look at him. “What happened to you!? Who was that in that video and why was it sent to me!?”  

He didn’t know if he could handle these same questions every time someone saw him, but he gave her reassurance pat on her back. Granted what could he say?

 ‘You know that woman that called you an escort, a couple days back when you visited the store? yeah so basically she’s was THE Astra Yao in disguise...Oh! can’t forget she also invited to me a concert where she drugged and had her way with me, the entire night then sent the video to almost all my friends as some sort of twisted—

“Wise?”

…Damn it, he was talking to himself again.

“It’s being…handled.” It was the only thing he could come up with to try and ease the leader’s mind “I haven’t heard from you in a while and wanted see you.” A half-truth but not a full a lie. Checking on Nicole was the goal, but he was pretty sure nobody knew where the Cunning Hares headquarters were located so an added bonus, he would finally get a moment of reprieve.

“You came to check on…us?”    

“of course, why wouldn’t I?” he answered, but she looked away mumbling something under her breath, that he could barely catch. “Because we’re just a joke…”  but she stopped herself, looking around as if remembering something until it hit her.

“Is Anby here, yet?”

“I haven’t seen her, Billy dropped me off before looking for Nekomata, a movie night, he wants us to do.”

She sighed. “Of course he does.” Grabbing Wise wrist, she then guided the proxy into her room before he could even an even voice his opinion, closing the door behind her with a click. A surge of anxiety went through Wise but calmed slightly when she sat down before him gesturing for him to take a seat as well, which he did.

“Wise…Why are you still in contact us?”

It was Wise’s turn to blink but in confusion, the question was surely out of nowhere and he didn’t know what she was getting at.  “I’m sorry?”

“Us, the Cunning Hares, why do you and Belle still keep in contact with us?” he could hear the slight tremble in her voice, was it anger? Frustration? And here he was thinking that he was good at reading people.

“Victoria Housekeeping, Belebog, Neps, hell even Section 6 is on your payroll makes you wonder why you keep us around though I guess fuck ups like us can give you a quick laugh.” A joke but it didn’t humor the proxy because he saw her eyes, and she was hurting on the inside.

Wise, wonder where this was coming from, for as long he knew Nicole, she was never the one to downplay herself or her team. “Nicole, you shouldn’t think like that, you, the Cunning Hares are more to us then some service,.” He moved his hand, hesitating before placing it on her shoulder as comfort. She stared into his eyes, a longing feeling swelling into her chest.

 “Wise.”

“Yeah?”

“We racked up quite the debt with you, didn’t we?”

“You could say that…why bring it up now?” He asked, she then grabbed his hand that was on her shoulder, placing it on her thigh instead as scooted closer to him, moving  closer to his ear to whisper.

“Then...how about I pay it off?”  

In just a blink, he was pushed on to her bed, Nicole looming over him with her hair cascading around his head, blocking the sight of everything around him.

Except her.

 “Wait Nicole.”

Nicole leaned back before straddling his lap and climbing on top of him holding a sultry look in her eyes, as her hands moved to the hems of her pink crop top, his breath caught his throat as she tossed the fabric over her head, leaving just her black bra just for his eyes. She grabbed his hand guiding it to the middle of her bra, pressing his fingers against the clasp. 

But before she could go any further, a click came from her door.

“What’s going on in here?”

In the doorway, her hand still on the knob was Anby Demara, her curiosity turning to shock as she looked at the scene in front of her. Nicole half naked laying on top of…

“Wise!?”

She at their side, regardless of her ‘sister’ state of dress, giving a small relived smile. “Wise, you’re alright and you came to us.” That smile gone when she looked at Nicole, becoming a thin line. Wise didn’t anger in her eyes just…disappointment?

“Nicole, we had an agreement.”

Nicole sighed. “I know, but what he said about us, the Cunning Hares. I couldn’t stop myself, Anby…how about we do it now?”

“Do what now?” Wise asked looking back and forth between the two, concern on his face. They didn’t reply instead looking at each other and sharing a look before nodding in silent agreement but just as Anby's knee touched the bed.

“Yo, yo! I’m back and I found Nekomata, hello?  Where is everyone?”  Billy voiced boomed through the base, his footsteps echoing off the hard wood.

To Anby’s fault, the young woman left, her leader’s door wide open, Billy catching sight of it and tilting his head in confusion.  Had Nicole finally left her room?

Heading over he peeked his head inside to see…

Nicole hurling a piece of clothing toward his face!

“Knock first you dolt!”

“Gah! It was already open!”

Wise left Nicole’s room, thankfully Billy’s sudden interruption allowed the grey-haired young man to excuse himself to follow the gunslinger toward the living room, but he could feel the their hot gazes boring into the back of his head.

Upon making it into the living he found Billy making his last preparations for his the night, fretting over the snacks over the table while audibly checking off the things he finished. “Snacks placed, guns resting, atmosphere perfect. This’ll cheer the gang right up!”  

Wise watched as Nekomata made her into room from the kitchen, a fish shaped treat in mouth, her lit up at the sight of the proxy. “Proxy!? What are you—” she coughed, chocking on the treat, hitting her chest to clear it. “Agh! Proxy, what are you doing here?”

“I was invited by Billy,” Wise answered, a little nervous on how she was going to react upon meeting him but seeing that she was still her usual mellow self. He couldn’t help but inquire. “Say, Nekomata…I didn’t happen to send you any video did I?” a question mark appeared over her head.

“Hmm? Did you? Anby snatched my phone, she exited me out of some group chat, she even blocked it! I wanted to ask but she had these scary look. So, I kept my distant” Nekomata shivered.

It seems the gods truly did bless him today, besides what happened in Nicole’s bedroom, he was fine.

“Nicole, Anby! Come on, we’re already waiting!” Billy shouted down the hall just as Anby walked in, still in her attire, with Nicole following behind, now back in her top.

“Alright, I heard you! You’re acting like we’re going to watch something other than Starlight Knights again,” Nicole huffed, glancing toward Anby. The two shared one last look before moving to the couch.

Just as Wise was about to sit down in one of the chairs, Nekomata leapt onto it, curling herself into as tight a ball as she could manage. “Sorry, proxy, but I already marked this as my spot,” she said, gesturing to the claw marks scratched into the leather.

Wise tried the other chair, but Billy had already taken it leaving only one place left to sit: with the sisters on the couch.

So, he gulped.

Halfway through the film, Wise had already tuned it out not, because he’d seen it more times than he could count with Billy, but because of Nicole’s and Anby’s constant touches. A hand brushing his arm here, a palm resting on his thigh there whenever the chance arose, and the chances were frequent. Nekomata was fast asleep, her head nestled against the armrest, and Billy was too absorbed into the movie to notice a thing so those two were out of the option.

Even if he did, they tossed a sheet over them, an excuse that they were both cold but a veil to continue their assault on his body without notice. He flinched when a hand pinched his stomach, while another squeezed his thigh. They were relentless. When an exciting scene played during the movie, and Billy leaned in, Nicole took that moment to assault a part of  Wise’s neck, licking and kissing with fervorous glee, her hands moving to pin his while Anby assaulted the other part, a hand going toward his buckle.

“W-wait-stop—”

“Shh, it’s ok just let it happen.” Nicole whispered before going back to his neck as Anby found her prize, moving it through the slit of boxers and stroking it, the best she knew how. She heard Wise hiss, at her roughness but it worked, soon enough his other self was standing high at attention under the cover. “Anby, your being to rough with him, here let me” Nicole licked her hand, taking over Wise’s cock, stroking with much more tenderness, while her thumb played with his tip as she whispered sweet nothing into his ear.

Anby not wanting to be left out, went for his balls, massaging them but with a lot more care than she gave his dick, squeezing and massaging with a concentrated expression as if it was the important job she has ever done. It was taking everything Wise had to be silent, Nicole was constant, never stopping the wet noises hidden under the volume of the tv. “It’s not fair, Wise.” she breathed into his ear. “Shouldn’t you be repaying the favor.” Taking his hand, she moved his fingers into her shorts, groaning into his ear when she pressed his fingers against her lips, Anby following suit with his other hand.

“Stay with us.” They said simultaneously in his ears, grinding against finger as they did so. “We can protect you.”  

“Forget those who touched you.”

“You came because you wanted us right?”

“Of course he did.”

“He wants this.”

Wise was nearing his edge and judging by their panting, so were they, silencing their climaxes by biting into his neck at the same time as a low groan escape his lips. Coming down, they leaned against his shoulders, red in the face, content.

“You guys alright?” They jumped up, Billy looking at them concerned, Wise quickly fixing himself under the cover, Anby letting a sharp gasp escape her lips when he pulled his finger out to do it.

“I-I need to go to the bathroom.” Wise got up and headed down the hall, Billy looking at the two with a confused expression. “Why are you all red in the face?” he asked pointing at his own face as reference.

“We’re…not feeling well?”

The bathroom, usually a place of simple necessity, had become Wise’s refuge, so much for a calm movie night, well at least he could check off voyeurism as thing he never expected to do. “What the fuck is my life,” he shivered if Astra finds out—no, she won’t find out. He’ll just go in the living room, announce that he is tired for the night and ask Billy for a ride back home. Right now, his guts was telling him to not stay the night and right now, he was incline to trust it as it wasn’t trying to force itself on him.

After washing his hands, he splashed cold water on his face. At least he was safe in here in the bathroom, after all who would break the rules of bathroom privacy.

“Psst, Wise~”

He froze. The whisper slithered through the air, soft but unmistakable. Slowly, he turned toward the bathroom window. A figure propped

“What the—what are you doing here-?”

A figure hovered just beyond the glass, its outline propped up against the windowpane. She pressed a finger to her lips, silencing him, then pointed behind him. Goosebumps crawled up his neck. He didn’t have to turn to feel the breath warm, deliberate ghosting over his skin.

The figure leaned away from the pane as a slight scuffle could be heard, pressing a finger against her earpiece. “We got him~ on our way back.”

Anby turned her head to the noise in the bathroom, a loud thud came from the inside, and it sounded quite heavy, grabbing her sword, she left in the hallway upon seeing Wise inside, Nicole room. Nicole followed after her, upon seeing the look of seriousness she had her face. 

"Wise, you okay in there?"

No sound.

...So, she kicked the door down.

To find no one, just an empty bathroom with the window wide open with a single note.

Mine now~