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darkficsyouneveraskedfor · 5 years

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kiss me in the d-a-r-k .epilogue ii.

the weekend

masterlist

Warnings: dub con sex (oral, intercourse)

This is dark!(dad)Steve and explicit. 18+ only.

Summary: The reader meets Steve again.

Note: Okay, I kept going and here is the next part. I’m sorry if the following one doesn’t post as soon but I dunno. I’m feeling it. You’re feeling it. I’m the fic daddy over here giving you what your need so here you go! I really hope you enjoy. 💋

<3 Let me know what you think with a like or reblog or reply!

...

Steve drove you home. It was past midnight and you were exhausted. He offered for you to stay the night but that seemed too much. You were glad you lived alone in the cramped bachelor. Your summer of work paid off your rent in advance. It was meagre but affordable and close to campus.

He kissed you goodbye. Hungrily. You imagined that if you spent the night in his suite, he'd not have let you sleep long. His stamina was surprising. You thought older men were supposed to be tamer. You bid him a quick goodbye and he idled outside your building until the door closed behind you.

You laid awake for an hour. You could feel him still. When you finally closed your eyes, you saw him in your dreams. It felt almost as good as the real thing. You woke in a sweat and the autumn clouds set grey shadows across your apartment. The kitchen, bedroom, and living all shared the same open space. It looked so dreary in the dim chill and after your evening in Steve’s lux suite.

You dragged yourself to the shower. You let the hot water wash away the filth and shame. Steve was in your head again. You thought of the summer. The night he’d removed your bathing suit and touched you; the first time he’d tasted you; the last night when he’d taken it all. Your fingers were between your legs as you snapped back to reality and the steam blurred your vision.

You stepped out onto the tile and sat for a moment as you gathered yourself. You had a long day of studying ahead of you. The scent of old paper and stale coffee in the uni library would help you focus. A typical weekend bent over a table full of textbooks and notes as Kylie pestered you to come over.

You stopped by the campus cafe on your way to the library and headed to the top floor where the tables were often empty. You parked yourself at one in the furthest corner and strategically set out your laptop, phone, and books. You rubbed your eyes and sipped from your latte as you started your weekly readings.

An hour, maybe two before you drew your eyes from the cramped text. You yawned and grabbed your phone as your stomach growled. Your half-toasted bagel had barely been enough. Your screen showed the usual texts from Kylie and the school emails piled up in your inbox. Another name flashed across the screen; well, a single letter as his moniker: ‘S’. Keying in Steve’s full name had seemed more sinful than your little tryst.

‘Meet me at the Beer Garden. 6pm.’ As always, to the point and more than just a request.

‘I’m studying for midterms.’ You replied.

‘All day? I know you’re probably nose deep in those books already, sweetie.’

‘7’ You replied.

‘That works.’ He accepted and you replaced your phone on the desk.

You were hoping he’d forget about you for the rest of the week. He said he had business and a friend he wanted to see. For a moment, you’d wondered if this friend was another woman but the worry quickly faded. You didn’t care if he had another woman, this was just sex. Easier to keep it that way considering. With another to keep his attention, you’d not be the centre of it. Maybe this thing would die quick enough that you’d both forget and you’d have nothing to hide from Kylie.

You stepped off the subway and rushed through the tunnels. You hated the underground. It was eerie and claustrophobic. Above ground, you checked your phone and stared at the map as it pointed you in the opposite direction. You didn’t travel far from the university and catching the right train had been enough of a chore to have you overwhelmed.

The Beer Garden was upscale and above your pay rate, which at the moment consisted of scholarship money and inconsistent cheques for amateur online articles. You entered the tinted glass doors and looked around the bar with dread. You checked your phone, you were right on time.

Your heart froze as you spotted Steve across the bar. You smiled at him as he looked up and saw you. As you stood dumbly in place, another ambled into you as they emerged from the hallway marked ‘restrooms’. You looked over at the man and gasped. Your heart sank as you stared up at him.

“Hello,” He steadied you with a hand on your arm. “Funny to bump into your here. Quite literally it seems.”

“I, uh, yeah,” You stuttered like an idiot. “I was just...meeting a friend here.”

“Oh, me too,” He smiled. “What are the odds?”

“Yeah, well, I don’t see my friend,” You said. “So I guess I’ll just wait outside.”

“Outside? Why don’t you join us for a drink while you wait?” He asked.

“Us?” You frowned. “Who are you--?”

“My friend,” He supplied, “Don’t worry, you’ll like him. And we don’t bite. We’re too old for that.”

“I dunno,” You wrung your hands and glanced over at Steve who watched you curiously. “Okay. One drink.”

“Great.” He turned and waved you along. “Just over here.” He led you across the bar and your nerves began to storm as you got closer and closer to Steve. When Professor Barnes stopped you at the same table, your head swelled in panic. “This is my friend, Steve. Steve this is Y/N. She’s one of my students.”

“Oh, nice to meet you,” Steve reached out cordially and offered his hand. You shook it and he smirked. “I can’t imagine having this know-it-all as my professor. You’re a brave one.”

“I couldn’t handle you as a student,” Barnes replied shortly.

“Heh, yeah,” You climbed up on a stool, “Professor Barnes isn’t too bad. I’ve had worse.”

“You can call me Bucky here,” He corrected you, “This isn’t a seminar.”

“Okay,” You smiled nervously as he waved over your head and a waiter appeared at the table.

“We’ll take a pitcher for the table. And another glass.” He ordered and the server went quickly to retrieve it.

“I...I’m not of age yet,” You said shyly.

“They won’t card you here, don’t worry.” Bucky flicked away your complaint. “You good for another round, Steve?”

“More than,” Steve assured him and his eyes peeked over at you. “So, are you failing or is he actually being reasonable these days?”

“She’s one of my best students,” Bucky retorted. “Don’t listen to him. He does this. He thinks he’s more successful than me because he lives out in the suburbs.”

“I know I’m better than you,” Steve returned and the waiter came back to set the pitcher and extra glass on the table. “Your stuffy little office and dozen degrees don’t mean anything.”

You laughed awkwardly as Bucky filled each glass and shook his head. “I don’t mind his class. Even if it is on Friday.”

“Ah, yes, I forgot the uni girls all love their weekends.” He pushed the third glass towards you. “And yet here you are with us geezers on your Saturday night.”

“There is wisdom in years,” You jibed, “As questionable as the source may be.”

Bucky chortled and took a drink. Steve chuckled under his breath and tilted his head as he considered you. You could see the thoughts behind his blue eyes as he glanced between the two of you. You stifled your nerves with a mouthful of beer. It was going to be a long night. If not disastrous.

You were done your drink. In fact, you were on your second. The night had worn on and you checked your phone. Two hours! You glanced over at Steve but he was distracted by whatever Bucky was saying. You found it hard to keep track as you tried to balance the two of them. Tried to keep boundaries with your professor and hide your secret crush from the man you were fucking.

“So what about that friend of yours?” You were startled by the question. You blinked and looked at your phone again.

“I...It looks like they’re not gonna make it,” You gave an exaggerated sigh. “It’s happened before. It’s whatever.”

“Aw, damn,” He frowned. His laugh lines showed beneath his thick beard and you couldn’t help but admire the way his blue eyes sparkled. “Well, at least you got to waste your time with us.”

“Uh, yeah, well,” You tapped your half-empty glass with your fingernail. “I think maybe I should just call it a night. I’ll have it out with my flaky friend tomorrow.”

“Finish your drink first.” Bucky said. “Might as well. Oh, you need a ride?”

“Oh, it’s cool. I don’t live too far and pass is subsidized through tuition.” You shrugged. “Really, I’m fine.”

“Alright, just be safe.” He warned. “Oh and don’t forget about Monday.”

“I won’t.” You promised as you drain the last dregs of your beer. You stood and pulled your jacket on. “Looking forward to it actually.”

“Monday?” Steve wondered.

“Writing workshop,” He explained. “A little extra experience for the students and some useful knowledge on how publishing actually works.”

“Oh, that nerd stuff,” Steve kidded and turned to you. “Well, it was nice meeting you. Good luck with this one.”

“Yeah, thanks,” You gulped. “Have a good night.”

“You sure you don’t need a ride?” Bucky asked.

“You sure you don’t? You’ve had your fair share.” You returned.

“Cab fare then?”

“I’m good,” You assured him one last time. “See ya Monday.”

You skirted away before they could suck you back in. They both seemed all too eager to keep you out all night. Steve didn’t surprise you but Bucky did. Rather, Professor Barnes. Always a laidback professor but you didn’t think him that friendly. You wondered how the odds had stacked up against you. The two of them; friends. Fate surely favoured you.

As you stepped out into the brisk evening, your bag vibrated and you stopped to check it. ‘Hotel. Lobby. Twenty minutes.’ You glanced back at the bar doors and texted your acquiescence. It’d take at least that to get over there on the subway. You wondered if Steve could beat you there.

He did. When you arrived he was in the lobby on a long leather chaise. He sat patiently. His eyes found you as you walked in and he stood to greet you. He held his jacket over his arm and held out his other hand for you to take. He pulled you to him and kissed you. His arm wrapped around you and you struggled to part from him.

“Steve…” You looked around. “Not here.”

“How many people do you know in the city, hmm? No one even cares.” He lowered his arm and squeezed your ass. “Let’s go before I lose all my self-control.”

He guided you to the elevator. His hand never left your ass despite your wriggling. He was warm against you and the beer made him irresistible. You leaned into him and your bag hung heavily from your arm. He led you down the hall and swiped his card at his door. He nudged you ahead of him and the door shut with a snap behind him.

“That whole time we were sitting there, I couldn’t stop thinking about your ass. About everything I wanna do to you.” He snarled. “Sweetie, you’re driving me wild.” He rubbed the front of his pants. “I need you naked. Now.”

You complied almost instantaneously. You wanted him too. Wanted to feel the same electricity as before. You were tired of denying yourself. Of burying that urge that grew so overwhelming as you fingered yourself in your bed. Your jacket was thrown over a chair, your shirt, pants, and underwear followed. Your shoes and socks littered the floor beneath and you stood before him expectantly.

“Jesus,” He inhaled deeply and unbuckled his pants. “Will you treat me nice, sweetie?”

You neared him as he undid his fly and ran you hand over his crotch. He groaned and let his pants fall open. You rubbed him through his briefs and he shuddered. He played with your hair and caressed your arm as he watched you. You dragged you fingers tantalizingly along his cock and relished the noises it drew from him.

You pushed his briefs down past his cock and got to your knees. You had only done it that one time. You were almost intimidated as you knelt down before him and he gripped the base of his cock. He bent his knees as you wrapped your fingers around his shaft just above his own. He let go and you flicked his tip with your tongue.

“Do you remember what I taught you, sweetie?” He purred and tickled along your cheek. “Just relax. Take it slow.”

You swirled your tongue around his tip and he twitched. You repeated the motion and he hissed. You stretched your lips around him and tasted his salty precum. His hands went to the side of your head and rested there lightly. He groaned as you took him deeper and pressed your tongue along his length.

You did your best not to gag as you pushed past your reflex. You still couldn’t take all of him and pulled back slowly so that your saliva coated his cock. Your hand followed your mouth and you did it again; again; again. Faster each time; hungrier. You’d never expected to like it so much and each stroke had you wanting more.

His thick breaths floated in your ears and you looked up at him. He was watching you intently, his blue eyes intent; hot. His fingers spread along the back of your head and he pulled you off him. He smiled at the small pop as his cock fell out of your mouth.

“Sweetie, you keep that up and I’m gonna cum already,” He purred. “Stand up.”

He tugged on your hand until you were on your feet. You were almost dizzy; the mixture of lust and beer had you wild.

“On the bed.” He directed. “Tell me how you want it.”

You blinked at him and pouted. “I don’t...I don’t know.”

“Go on. Show me what you want.”

You clamped your lips shut and turned to look at the bed. As you edged away from him you heard the rustle of his clothing. You peeked back at him as he unbuttoned his shirt. He nodded for you to continue.

You stepped up to the bed and touched the mattress. The first night you were together, you’d mostly been on your back. He used his mouth more than his cock. There was so much left undone. Perhaps that was why you were here now.

You climbed up on all fours and glanced back over your shoulder. His eyes sparked as he freed himself from his pants. You wiggled your ass and he grinned. You turned back as he stepped towards you and the city winked at you through the tall windows. The distant traffic and street lights so far away.

His hands surprised you as they gripped your hips and crawled down the back of your thighs. His hot breath was even more surprising and you looked back again. He was on his knees as he grabbed your ass. He leaned in and his cool tongue dipped between your warm folds. You gasped and your head spun back around. You closed your eyes and pushed your head back.

You moaned, a long relieved moan as he licked you. He played with your clit and sucked at it. His teeth tenderly grazed you and he drank you in. You grasped at the blankets and arched your back.

“S-S-Steve,” You came with a sultry stammer and he carried you through it with his mouth. “Oh, oh, oh god.”

“Yea, sweetie,” He parted and stood. “You want me to fuck you like this?” He slapped your ass.

“Yes, yes,” You were surprised by your desperate plea. You needed it more than ever. “Please.”

His hands were on your hips again. He held you steady and his cock poked your folds as he lined himself up. He plunged into you in a single motion. You squeaked at the sudden intrusion. It sent an overwhelming wave through you. His fingers kneaded your flesh as he started to thrust.

“Mmm, you’re so good, sweetie.” He brought his pelvis flush against you and you whimpered. You were so full. “Can you feel that? How tight you are. How good you feel around me.”

“Yesss,” You said breathily and dropped down to your elbows. You hung your head as he pulled back and kept his pace steady. You could hear how your walls longed for him; how they tried to cling to him.

“Tell me what you want, sweetie? How do you want it?”

“Faster,” You said without thinking. “Harder.”

You leaned into him and he impaled you. He sped up and you let out a delighted cry. His cock hit all the right spots as it filled you over and over. Your muscles tensed as you were drawn to the edge and you plummeted down to your orgasm with a roar.

“Yes, sweetie, that’s it.” He kept his hips moving just as quick. “Tell me where to cum.”

“On my ass. It’s...fine.” You gulped as your breathing turned erratic. “Oh. oh, oh, oh…”

Your chant continued as another orgasm followed. You’d never cum so easily. He pulled out suddenly and a warmth spilled down your ass and thigh. Your thighs quivered as he stroked himself to his peak and you slowly pushed your legs out from beneath you to lay flat.

He fell down beside you as the cum dripped down the side of your leg. He stretched his arm across your back and nestled closed. You turned your head to face him and gave a dopey smile. He smiled back but it was more than the afterglow.

“You wanna fuck him, don’t you?” He asked.

You blinked and shook your head against the mattress. “What?”

“Bucky.” He ran his fingers up your spine. “I can tell you want to. You should. If that’s what you want.”

“He’s my professor.” You stiffened and turned onto your side. You grabbed his arm so that his hand stilled.

“And? He wants to fuck you too. I know him well enough.” He chuckled. “He doesn’t socialize with students. Not like tonight. And the way he perked up when he ran into you.” He tutted. “He’s a dirty professor. Not that blame him.”

“I’m not going to fuck him,” You insisted and sat up, the cum sticky on your leg.

“Alright,” He said coolly. “Just...if you change your mind, don’t worry about me. I want you to explore yourself. Even if it’s not with me.”

“Please,” You laughed off his suggestion and bent to kiss him, if only to shut him up. “I’ve got enough to worry and not enough time to worry about it.”

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mobius-prime · 4 years

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69. Knuckles the Echidna #1

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The Dark Legion (Book One): Army of Darkness

Writers: Ken Penders and Kent Taylor Pencils: Manny Galan and Andrew Pepoy Colors: Karl Bollers

We've finally come to the first long-running companion series of the comic, the Knuckles the Echidna comic! I'm really excited for this one, honestly. I've talked about it before, but I know that tons of people hate Ken Penders, not just because of the whole copyright controversy that necessitated the reboot of the series, but also just because they find his writing bland, uninteresting, contrived, etc. While I will concede that certainly some of his writing comes off as… eh, unskilled and stilted, I did still find myself enthralled by the worlds he created when given the chance to work on his own project - namely, this series. In exploring the Knuckles comic, I hope that I can at least get readers of these analyses to understand why I enjoy it so much, and what exactly I'm getting out of it, and maybe pass on some of this passion to others who didn't like this series at first, in much the same way that I've done for others concerning Sonic '06 (which anyone who knows me will know I have an unbridled passion for).

So something worth noting right off the bat, actually - this issue, and the two issues after it, were in fact not intended to be the first three issues of a side series at all! They were originally branded simply as "Knuckles: The Dark Legion," something you'll probably notice if you look at the cover. From what I've heard, the three-part miniseries was so popular that Kenders was able to continue it on in a full-blown Knuckles companion series spanning thirty-two issues, simply rebranding these original three issues as the first three issues of the companion series after the fact.

Anyway, enough rambling from me. Intro page time! This one is maybe the most cryptic and weird so far - I mean, it's relevant to the story, talking about learning from the past and that younger generations build their knowledge on the back of the older generations, which is all true, but it's a bit strange sitting at the front of a Sonic - sorry, Knuckles - comic. Either way though, it notes how Knuckles has learned from his experiences with Enerjak, and how he's about to have to face new challenges. This issue and the two after it are quite interesting, actually, since at the same time we're following Knuckles in the present, we also get another window into the past, one that begins to explain what we're seeing unfold in the here and now. Parallels are drawn between Knuckles and those of the past between panels, by their poses and backgrounds, a really cool art design choice if you ask me.

The issue begins as Knuckles' father, still secretly observing everything from his secret base, gets an alarm alerting him of a sudden, mysterious invasion of the island by someone he refers to as the "Dark Legion" (hey, title drop already!). He can't just sit by and leave Knuckles to deal with this on his own, so he sends a telepathic message to Archimedes with whom Knuckles is currently hanging out, because hey, they can apparently just perform telepathy with each other now.

Forgive me if the issue jumps around a little bit from here - it honestly flows better when you read it than when it's described secondhand. We flash back to the "council rejects Dimitri and Edmund's proposal" scene from the last miniseries, only this time, we're seeing it from a different perspective - the sons of the respective scientists, sitting in the stands to watch the proceedings. Menniker, the son of Dimitri, and Steppenwolf, son of Edmund, basically share their parents' disappointment in the council's ruling. Also, can I just say like… Penders, what's up with these names man? I mean, Steppenwolf? Archimedes? They get even weirder from here too, and like, I guess I can't judge whatever names he wants to give his own characters, but they're so weird and out of place compared to names like Knuckles and Mighty. I get you don't necessarily want to name everyone after some cheesy noun that describes an aspect of their personality, but still, how many kids reading this even knew that "Archimedes" wasn't pronounced "archie-meeds" or something? Eh, whatever.

Anyway, in the present Knuckles and Archimedes set out to investigate Archimedes' mysterious "bad feeling" (aka telepathic message from absent papa) and discover an entire army roaming the forest - soldiers in robes piloting hovercraft, robots with heat sensors, giant tanks, and they're all clearly looking for something. Flash back to the past again, and we've already jumped ahead to Edmund and the council members' escape from Mount Fate after Dimitri's supposed death. Steppenwolf is overjoyed to see his kidnapped father alive and well, but Menniker, well…

Yeah. Not such great news for him, poor kid.

Back to the present! Knuckles and Archimedes realize that the army is picking them up on their sensors, and spend some time teleporting around and darting among the trees to avoid detection, certain that being found by these guys would only spell trouble. But as tense as this is, the really interesting stuff is happening in the past. We finally get to see what exactly happened when the government tried to put into place the whole technology ban thing, after Dimitri went crazy. Apparently, while the measure did indeed get a majority vote from the populace, there are obviously people who don't want to give up their precious tech. Edmund is stuck dealing with the more stubborn individuals, but Steppenwolf has an easier time of it, visiting Menniker who only too happily hands his own stuff over. I think this scene is meant to take place like, at least a year or two, probably a little bit more, after the whole Dimitri debacle, as the cousins seem a bit older here. As we see, however, Menniker's acquiescence isn't exactly fueled by obedience to the law…

Uh oh. Don't tell me this kid is trying to follow in his father's footsteps…

In the meantime, conflict between Knuckles and Archimedes and the pursuing army becomes inevitable, as there's just no more room to hide, so they elect to take a bit more of an aggressive approach.

Archimedes, seriously? Or rather, Kenders, seriously? You don't need to use Archimedes as a mouthpiece to compliment yourself on the new catchphrase you're giving Knuckles, man. These comics are already 90s enough!

In the past, things are heating up as well. Steppenwolf has apparently started getting wind of rebellion amongst his people, and brings his fears to his father, who merely blows him off. In response, Steppenwolf takes matters into his own hands, following a shady figure in a robe to a rally, only to find an entire crowd of similarly-dressed shady echidnas who appear on the edge of revolt about the technology decision. He's spotted, and forced to make a run for his life.

In the present, Knuckles and Archimedes meet up with the rest of the Chaotix, who happily join in the fight against the mysterious army. As formidable as the Chaotix are, however, six guys are really no match for the soldiers, and they have to beat another hasty retreat. Things go about as well for Steppenwolf in the flashback, as he jacks a hovercraft from the crowd only for it to be shot down, leaving a smoking wreck in an alley, and his fate unknown…

Unfortunately, Knuckles' luck is at an end. He and the others are finally cornered by the army and taken prisoner.

However, that's not quite the end. Who exactly is leading this army, you may ask? Why, it's this handsome fella!

Oh yeah, he looks trustworthy for sure! Yeah, you probably figured it out by now (if you hadn't read these issues before that is) - these guys are the descendants of those rebels from the flashback. But considering Knuckles still believed himself to be the last - or one of the last, anyway - echidnas, where did this entire army of ancient troublemakers come from? Guess we'll have to find out…

#nala reads archie sonic preboot #archie sonic #archie sonic preboot #sonic the hedgehog #kte 1 #era 2 the freedom fight #writer: ken penders #writer: kent taylor #pencils: manny galan #pencils: andrew pepoy #colors: karl bollers

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lostboywriting · 5 years

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TWEWYtober belated Day 23: Web, pt. 2

Previous: Web, pt. 1 | Next: Creature | From the top on AO3

(Note: I ended up needing this prompt for two things, so here ya go. Neku's first encounter with Vaugirard's Composer was in Light, pt 2)

The only warning Neku gets, before the Composer of Paris's 15th arrondissement appears in his borrowed studio for the second time, is a brief, blurry, dizzying moment where everything's haloed in light. He makes it to the nearest chair and sits down before the force of the Composer's aura bowls him over.

"Wear this," Vaugirard says without preamble, and holds something out. Neku's still blinking spots from his eyes; when he finally manages to focus, he feels like he's staring into one of those old Magic Eye tricks where you had to go cross-eyed to see the real picture. But he holds his eyes stubbornly still, and the world slowly resolves back into something like normality.

At least, as much normality as it can hold, when there's a glow-in-the-dark demigod standing in front of him and offering him a necklace. A smooth silver disc spins and winks on its chain, reflecting the Composer's light, and as Neku peers at it more closely he sees the delicate, glittering spiderweb carved into its surface.

"It won't hurt you," Vaugirard adds quietly. "And it will keep your imagination's effect on the world around you in better check, so you can avoid future… incidents."

Neku grimaces, but he reaches out to run his fingers along the length of the chain, watching the way the light glints along it. "No more closets full of gothic lolita, huh?"

A laugh ripples out of the Composer. "Not unless that's what you buy. But it doesn't strike me as your likeliest choice."

No more incidents. A week ago that would have felt like he was losing something, but—there was never anything there to lose, was there? His head's been playing tricks on him. Nothing more.

Neku takes the pendant and turns it over carefully, running his fingers over the web to feel the lines of the carving. It's beautiful, and what it offers is tempting; it tugs at him, even though the tugging is accompanied by a sharp twinge in his chest.

It's also a gift from a Composer, and he asks, carefully, "What's the catch?"

"No catch. This is to everyone's benefit, Neku." Vaugirard smiles, through the veil of light. "You won't be at constant risk of accidentally ruining your decor or turning yourself into a nightlight, and those of us charged with maintaining the stability of reality will breathe a little easier in your presence. Honestly, I'm surprised your Joshua didn't give you something similar years ago."

"Yeah, well," Neku mumbles. There's a warm sympathy in the Composer's aura that pulls gently on his words, urging him to speak. He can feel it easing him along, and a part of him digs his heels in, but then he thinks—screw it. He doesn't owe Joshua anything, except maybe a punch to the face. "Most helpful thing Josh ever gave me was a bullet to the head, so, you know." This comment passes without reaction, and through the haze Neku manages to file this away: either Vaugirard already knows that story, or Joshua's not actually as eccentric for a Composer as Vaugirard claimed. "I wouldn't really be too surprised. I don't think he's ever given a shit about making anyone's life easier."

"Even so, you can't have spent all your time in Shibuya?" Vaugirard hums at Neku's uncertain head shake. "But sending as volatile an imagination as yours into other districts on a regular basis—that would have been tantamount to a declaration of war."

Neku snorts. "I mean, for the guy I knew? That would've been on brand, probably."

"Still. You're lucky you haven't had trouble. If any one of the districts around Shibuya had taken offense… well." Vaugirard's light dims slightly, and he turns to gaze out the window, folding his hands behind his back. "No sense in dwelling on what didn't happen."

What didn't happen? Neku almost wants to ask, and then again he doesn't. He doesn't think he's quite ready to hear the details of whatever fate Joshua's apparently left him open to for the last ten years. The casual carelessness of it burns his throat and leaves a bitter taste.

He goes back to looking at the pendant, turning it over and over. "So—no catch," he repeats, softly. But he has the uneasy feeling he is the catch, that the instant he puts the thing around his neck the web's strands will spin out of their silver disc, and they'll stick, and he'll never get them off his skin.

He also doubts he's walking away from this conversation without putting the thing on, whether he wants to or not.

"Look, if you know how I got tangled up in the Game to begin with," he says, measuring the words out carefully, "you'll maybe understand why I'm a little… leery about Underground jewelry. However pretty it is."

"Ah. You're referring to the 2007 incident," Vaugirard says. "The red pins."

Neku's not sure if it's reassuring or not that the Composer's mind went there so quickly. "Yeah, got it in one."

"An understandable concern, from your vantage," Vaugirard concedes, and his light warms again, soft and kind. "Neku, there's no way for me to prove to you that that's not what this is. But will you believe me if I tell you that I have no desire to be the one starting a war? No one—well, no one sensible—wants a repeat of the incident you mention. It had repercussions enough that it's still fresh in the Underground's memory. If I were to start handing out mind-control devices, I'd be re-opening a very dangerous door, and my fellow Composers would take steps against me."

Neku digests this, and thinks: he could pretend he's actually being given a choice right now. It would be easy to pretend. It would be nice to pretend, but he's still never gotten comfortable with lies. "And if I don't put it on?"

Vaugirard sighs. "Then forgive me for being blunt, Neku, but I won't be the one starting a war." He meets Neku's sharp glare with placid calm. "I don't recommend it. You're one man, barely more than a child and far from home, with too much strength and no idea how to control it. If I acquiesce to your wishes and don't force that chain around your neck, someone else will."

Neku looks down. Well. He did ask.

"Or," Vaugirard continues quietly, "you go home to Shibuya now. And I do mean now; there will be a taxi at the curb by the time you reach the street, and first-class reservations awaiting you at the airport, if you so choose. You go home—to a Composer who has proven full well how poorly he values you, by the simple fact that he let you come here unwarned and unprepared—and you hope that whatever peculiar goodwill the rest of Tokyo has shown you, it continues to hold. And I suggest, once home, you leave as little as possible."

Neku stares at the web-laced pendant, and remembers a poem he had to read in an English class once, years ago. 'Won't you step into my parlor,' said the spider to the fly…

His movements feel stiff and strange as he lifts the chain and slides it over his head.

(Note: In other news, @surskitty is running a TWEWY gift exchange for fics, art, and icons/moodboards over on AO3. Signups are open until the 10th. So if that's your thing, come join us! \o/ )

#twewy #twewytober #twewytober2018 #twewy fic: afterimage #neku sakuraba #seldon writes things #please tell me the formatting worked tumblr is being appalling today #fanfic

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