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"Dance de La Mort" Cruise.
It's almost impossible to get onto such a fancy cruise as a commoner, almost a luxury for those who aren't born aristocrats. Just its name carries a weight that'd be so heavy on the shoulders of an irresponsible person. Yet, despite the name and the origin of such an event, the cruise is as peaceful as ever. The security is of a high quality, the delicacies exported from the different corners of the world just for you to enjoy, the music quietly playing in the background. And since the family who's leading the cruise, the Sakasaki family specializes in fortune telling, you can get your future be foretold, card reading, divination, and all that stuff.
Now let's talk about the one who's leading the cruise. Sakasaki Natsume, the only child of the Sakasaki family, and the Fortune Teller of the "Dance de La Mort" cruise. He's the one who could sense the chaos before it even comes, the one whose gaze filled with warmth and respect, but could pierce the gods' will. He's a respectable figure of the family, and his divination readings were one of the notable things about him. They always came true, no matter how bad they were. And now, he's the one taking over his family's yearly event, since his parents had an urgent meeting in France. Natsume would spend his time watching over the guests, assuring their safety, and also making the security's job a bit easier. Despite being an aristocrat, he has a strong sense of justice, and he'll help people in need no matter their status.
And Natsume was also spending time just having fun. After all, it's not often he could let go and just relax like this.
Natsume was also aware of the criminal activity around the country, so he made sure the cruise was safe for everyone, but even someone like him, who knew the danger was about to come even before it came couldn't predict the chaos that came on that event.
But this chaos didn't intend to ruin the party. Or take someone's life.
The chaos came to steal Natsume. All for himself.
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Kagehira Mika. He's been dreaming about having the son of the Sakasaki family all to himself, just thinking about his made him motivated to do his criminal work. Even his colleagues noticed the sick, twisted excitement in his eyes. And every single day, Mika just felt more and more excitement bubbling up in his chest, the butterflies in his stomach just from thinking about the red haired male being his.
Before the cruise, Mika spent days, if not weeks perfecting his plan on how to sneak in there, but he couldn't think of anything good. Once again, his thoughts always went to Natsume.
The expressions he'd make when he saw him, the things Mika would do to him, and FOR him.
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"Mika-kun, don't you think you're a bit too excited? It's just an event, nothing special." Izumi scoffed at Mika's blabbering about Natsume. Just how many times Mika has mentioned the redhead? 10 times? 30 times? More? Izumi couldn't even recall, it's like all Kagehira could think of is this guy.
"Ngaa, but ya don't understand, Sena-kun.."- Mika whined. Just how he couldn't understand WHY was it more exciting than usual? "It's a rare opportunity. His parents ain't going to be there, it's just 'im!" Mika was really excited to see Natsume on the event, considering the fact that his parents were in another country. Good, he didn't have to encounter more obstacles.
"Kuku, Mika-kun is just as joyful as ever. But if you want to go there, you do realize you need a good plan, right?" Rei spoke, while chuckling to himself. This kid was SO in love, it seems. And it seemed so genuine too. "But just know that we'll support your every decision, and back you up, of you run into some trouble. Again." Rei couldn't resist the urge to tease the raven haired guy, remembering how Mika got into a lot of trouble on his past missions just because he was thinking about Natsume, and they had to drag his ass out of there.
"SAKUMA-SENPAI! YA PROMISED T' NOT REMIND ME OF THAT!" Mika yelled at his colleague, embarrassed about the past situation that occured a few days ago, because of him daydreaming about Natsume on a mission.
"Fufu, I don't think it's appropriate to tease our colleague like that, Sakuma-sama. Considering his fragile emotional state and such a frantic behavior." All Yuzuru could do is chuckle, while preparing tea for himself and his "friends".
"But, Kagehira-sama, if you'd allow me, I can help you out with your. Desperate situation." Yuzuru suggested. His voice was as calm as ever, yet there was something sharp in his tone. Mika only looked at him with a curious gaze. It's rare for him to see Yuzuru so secretive.
"Nhaa? What do ya mean, Yuzuru-kun?" Mika asked him, while holding the cup of tea Yuzuru prepared.
"Did ya have a similar situation?"
Yuzuru could only smile at that, but the way he put down his cup told everything. He was mad. If not at Mika, then at the situation he got reminded of. Mika immediately noticed that, and started apologizing, to which Yuzuru just interrupted him.
"It's quite alright, Kagehira-sama. I just had. A flashback, so to say" Yuzuru spoke with a forced calm tone. Mika noticed that, but he knew better than to say something that could potential get your sent into the stratosphere by Yuzuru. After a few moments of silence, Yuzuru continued speaking.
"Kagehira-sama, if you really want to attend the event for the man you're in love with, you'd need a fake identity." Yuzuru spoke. Just the way he said it told everyone in the room that the bluenette was speaking from experience.
"Fake identity?"
"You're correct. I'll help you find someone of a noble nature, but you have to make sure that they're deceased, so you can attend the cruise under their name. I'm quite sure they don't check if the person they're talking to is truly there." Yuzuru spoke with a smile on his face, while taking small sips of his tea. He spoke about this so casually, as if he was discussing weather with them. Although, it is probably nothing surprising to talk about in the criminal world.
Just as Yuzuru was about to continue, Nagisa entered the room, carrying a few of the well polished gemstones. "I've listened to your situation, Mika-kun, and I decided to help." Nagisa mumbled, his voice was quiet, but calm, as he put a gemstone into Mika's hands.
An emerald.
"Nhaa? What's this fer, Nagisa-kun?" Mika asked, while looking at the emerald stone, admiring how clean and well polished it was. Nagisa was actually preparing to help Mika with Yuzuru, he just never told him.
"Yes. It is a gemstone often used by the aristocratic families." Nagisa spoke in a "matter of fact" tone.
"Ah yes, about that.." Yuzuru chuckled in a sheepish manner. "Me and Nagisa-sama wanted to help you. Seeing you being so in love with the son of Sakasaki family was pretty cute, but the sooner you get to act, the better, isn't it?" Yuzuru couldn't really lie to Mika. Not when he saw how he was yearning for Natsume.
"We made sure your plan will be executed perfectly." Yuzuru assured Mika, while Nagisa smiled at him. Mika could only look at the two of them in a confused manner.
"So.. Does tha' mean ya two have been helpin' me out, while I was frying ma' brain with ideas?" Mika couldn't help but pout. He wanted to do this by himself, but he didn't even know his colleagues were helping him. But he appreciated their help, knowing he couldn't think of something like faking his identity to attend the event where his crush is.
Mika then heard Rei giggle beside him.
"Why of course, Mika-kun. Seeing how you're so desperate to meet your little crush, we decided to help you out." Rei spoke, which only caused Mika to be more confused. And a bit angry.
"SO YA TWO ALSO KNEW? AND YA NEVER TOLD ME?" At this point, Mika was beyond embarrassed. Not only his colleagues were helping him, they also his the fact that they were from him. Mika's embarrassed behavior only made Rei giggle once more.
"Oh, Mika-kun, don't be mad at the grandpa. Sob sob. I just wanted to help you out.." Rei sobbed in an exaggerated manner, which made everyone in the room but Mika laugh.
"But while we're at it, here's what we have for you, Kagehira-sama." Yuzuru spoke, while handing a stack of papers to Mika.
"Nhaa? And what's that?"
"Information, obviously." Izumi spoke in his usual annoyed manner. "Your obliviousness is SO~ annoying."
"Oi." Mika almost wanted to whack Izumi with a book.
"Now now, "Sena-sama. We wouldn't want Kagehira-sama to fail because you distracted him with your behavior, right?" Yuzuru smiled, which caused Izumi to let out a scoff. Never in his life he was countered by someone.
"GAH-?! YOU-" Izumi wanted to scold him, but calmed himself down. In a way, Yuzuru was right about that. "So annoying.."
Yuzuru, Nagisa and Rei only giggles at Izumi's annoyance, before turning to Mika.
"So, Mika-kun. Are you certain you want to proceed with the plan?" Rei asked. Mika could only exclaim in excitement and anticipation.
"Ya askin'? Of course!" Mika smiled, already feeling his heart beating faster at the single thought of being there. With Natsume.
For Natsume.
And only Natsume.
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For the past few hours, Yuzuru, Nagisa and Rei helped Mika change his appearance to the one on the photo. The appearance of the deceased person of some aristocratic family that was known for its antique shops all around the world.
Mika could only be amazed at how. Different he looked now. This was perfect for Mika's case, to look different so his identity wouldn't be revealed easily.
"Do you like the result, Kagehira-sama?" Yuzuru inquired, while letting Mika observe himself in the mirror. It was quite understandable, Mika has never done anything like this before, but for Natsume, Mika was ready even for this.
"I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!" Mika spoke with excitement. The realization that in just a few hours, he'll be in the same space with Natsume sent his heart in a marathon. But he needed to calm down.
Rei then put the glasses on Mika's face. They looked quite fancy, with a little chain attached to the frame. "And the final touch. Kukuku, I'm sure you'll succeed, Mika-kun.."
After a few more finishing touches, Mika was finally ready.
"So.. How do I look?" Mika asked his colleagues. He was quite anxious, but he was also excited.
"You look quite exquisite, Kagehira-sama."
"Hah, of course he looks exquisite. I helped pick out the outfit and the accessories that would match that family's vibe."
"You'll definitely succeed, Mika-kun."
"I feel like a proud grandpa seeing my grandchild getting married.."
They could only sigh at Rei's dramatic behavior, but they couldn't hide that they were proud of Mika. After all, the guy looked like he was cloud 9 just by thinking about being with Natsume.
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Mika then made his way to the yacht, at which the cruise was held at. He never saw anything so fancy before. But he wasn't there to stare at the yacht, or for the event. He was there for Natsume.
Throughout the event, Mika had only one thought. He needed to get close to Natsume, get him to lower his guard, and then the time will tell just what they'll do when they're alone.
Mika spent his entire time daydreaming about Natsume, until one of the security guards tapped his shoulder.
"Excuse me, mister." The guard spoke. "We don't want to interrupt your alone time, but we need your ID for safety reasons."
Just like Mika thought, the security here was top notch. Well, good thing he was prepared. Or more like, his colleagues helped him prepared. Mika handed over "his" ID, and waited for the guards to check it.
"Shimizu Hirito... Ah, Hirito-sama. It's nice to see you. Quite a disappointment that your parents couldn't attend." The guard spoke, as if recognizing Mika, or rather the person Mika was pretending to be.
"Ah, right. Ma' parents couldn't attend because o' sum urgent business in one of the shops. I wanted t' help, but they said that if they aren't able to go, that at least I should come here." Mika spoke, while fixing his glasses.
"Well, we're glad you could attend on behalf of your parents. Natsume-sama is quite a fan of your antique furniture and other trinkets." The other one spoke, while patting Mika on his shoulder. "Have a good time, sir." The guards spoke, before going to other people to check their IDs. Mika could only sigh in relief. But hearing that Natsume was a fan of this person's work, and considering that he's pretending to be that person sent a shiver down Mika's spine. It was as if Natsume was talking about Mika.
Mika then decided to find Natsume and talk to him. And when he found Natsume sitting by himself, watching over everyone and assuring everything was perfect, Mika was stunned.
He was even more beautiful up close.
All that was in Mika's mind is Natsume's beauty. The way he was sitting, the was his hair framed his face so perfectly, Natsume's suit, which had sparkly details and just how much thoughts and feelings were put into his outfit.
Mika could feel this familial excitement bubble up in his chest.
Mika was still admiring Natsume from afar, before a gentle voice interrupted his thoughts. He didn't even notice someone come up to him, until he turned around and saw him.
Natsume.
Natsume himself has come up to him to have a conversation with Mika. And while Mika knew that Natsume wanted to talk to the person whose identity he was faking and not him.
Still, Natsume's presence made Mika almost lose his composure and blow his cover. But when Mika flinched, Natsume quickly apologized.
"Ah, do excuse ME for catching you off guARD." Natsume spoke, his voice was ever so gentle and soothing. God, hearing his so close almost sent Mika on a cloud 9 from how flustered he felt.
"But I'd like to talk to yOU in private, Hirito-sama." Natsume put his hand on his chest, while pointing at the fortune telling table, where he had his Taro cards laid in a neat stock.
A private conversation with Natsume? Just them two, without any interrupting? God, just a thought of that almost made Mika burst from the amount of pleasure and excitement he felt.
Mika just let Natsume lead him to the fortune telling table without any resistance. I mean, how could he even resist? It was Natsume that was leading him.
The things Mika would do for Natsume- Damm it Mika, keep your desires to yourself.
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For the past hour or two, Natsume and Mika, aka "Hirito" spent their time talking, and Mika even got his fortune read by Natsume. It felt like the best day in his life.
And Natsume didn't seem to suspect a thing, for now.
But Mika didn't realize.
That Natsume knew everything.
But, Natsume didn't tell Mika anything yet. It wasn't the time. And Natsume himself couldn't deny that he also found Mika quite intriguing.
The way Mika killed people with such grace, how he disposed of the corpses, how human bodies were like an open book to Mika. For an ordinary person, thinking that the way someone kills was attractive is quite nonsensical.
But for Natsume?
Thinking about how Mika killed sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine.
Mika over there was almost losing his mind over how Natsume was talking to him so calmly, while Mika didn't even know that Natsume was observing his every move and noted each time Mika fumbled and almost blew his cover.
But Natsume wasn't going to let the fun end so early. And he knew that Mika wouldn't want that as well.
He did want to talk to the raven haired male more, but Natsume had to "leave early".
"Well, it was veRY pleasant to talk to yOU like this. But it's a shame I have to leave earLY." Natsume stood up, dusting off his outfit, and Mika did the same.
Natsume then walked closer to Mika, to tell something that only he could hear.
"And don't be shy to ask for my assistance." Natsume then leaned closer, his lips just barely brushing against Mika's ear, but his warm breath could definitely be felt.
"Kagehira Mika~"
If Mika didn't feel nervous until this moment, then right now he did. Just how did Natsume know? When did he mess up? How did Natsume find out? And even if he knew from the start.
Why hasn't he done anything about that?
But just as Mika was thinking of a chance to run, or call one of his colleagues for a back up, Natsume stopped him by putting his hand on Mika's shoulder.
Mika noticed that Natsume's grip was firm, but gentle. And Natsume whispering in his ear like that. God, he was sure he'd melt right here- No, you can't think about that yet. Mika was trying to calm down, before Natsume interrupted him.
"Now now, you're not tryING to flee the sceNE, are yOU?~" Natsume whispered in Mika's ear once, knowing it'll make Mika go crazy, and he won't be able to form a coherent sentence without stuttering. Natsume could only smirk at that.
"Come on, my Dear Kagehira, you wouldn't want the fun to end so early, right? Tsk tsk, I'd be quite disappointed if you were to run away."
Natsume then put his hand on Mika's shoulder, while whispering in his ear once again. Natsume just knew what buttons to press to get Mika to fold. He just heard Natsume's voice go lower. More gentle, and more intimate.
"And I'm sure you wouldn't want it to end... Am I right?"
Hearing Natsume say that, while whispering in his ear, feeling his breath on his skin made Mika really, REALLY flustered. Just how well Natsume knew him, even without any prior interactions? Just as Mika's brain was procession the information, the close proximity, the way Natsume's voice sounded so intimate in his ears. It's like he could still hear him in his mind, whispering all those things to him. But Mika's daydreaming was interrupted by Natsume, who took his hand and led him to the private chambers, while warning his guards to not interrupt them and watch over the guests.
When they entered the private chambers, Natsume locked the doors, and made sure Mika couldn't get the key by hiding it in his sleeve. He then came closer towards Mika, which made the raven haired guy back up, until he was pressed against the table. Mika could only stare at Natsume, who was in front of him, pinning him against the table and looking at him with such intense, yet warm gaze.
"Y'know, my Dear. I'm quITE flattered that yOU went to such lengths just to see ME. But did you reaLLY think I wouldn't know you'd do thAT? I knew all alONG that you were pretending to BE him. After all, Shimizu Hirito has been deceaSED for 3 years." Natsume spoke, while taking off Mika's glasses.
"And those ARE decorative glasSES? Seriously, I thought you hAD better taste than THAT." Natsume put down the glasses on the table. Mika almost wanted to laugh at how casually Natsume called Mika's glasses distasteful, knowing well that Izumi was the one who picked them out. If only Izumi heard that, Natsume would be in one hell of a scolding. But Mika knew that Natsume wouldn't care about Izumi.
Mika was thinking about all the possibilities of Izumi cursing Natsume for calling his sense of fashion distasteful, he didn't notice that Natsume brushed back Mika's bangs so that his mismatched eyes would be shown to Natsume.
"And please, don't hide your eyes, my Dear." Natsume whispered to Mika, while brushing his fingers through Mika's hair.
"They're quite beautiful, after all. It's a shame you want to hide them."
And it only took Mika this phrase to finally lose his composure. Combined with Natsume running his hand through Mika's hair, his voice that was just so soothing and intimate, whispering in his ears, as if hypnotizing him. Mika just couldn't take it anymore.
Mika put one of his hands around Natsume's waist, before spinning him around, so Mika would be the one pinning Natsume against the table. This sudden shift in Mika's behavior surprised Natsume, but it also excited him. And Natsume couldn't deny that the raven haired male looked quite adorable, trying to be all intimidating, while his face was beet red.
"So ya knew everythin'? And ya haven't even bothered t' tell me?" Mika asked Natsume, while trying to keep whatever control over himself he had. He knew that the red haired male noticed his behavior, judging from his smug, yet gentle smile, as Natsume ran his fingers through Mika's hair.
"Of course I knEW. After all, I'm alWAYS one step ahead of yOU." Natsume answered, looking Mika in the eyes. He always found them interesting and charming, despite their mismatched color. And Natsume liked unusual things.
"Did you really think I wouldn't find out about your little plan? But I must admit, I'm quite flattered that you went to such lengths just to see me. It almost seems like you're obsessed with me~" Natsume whispered in Mika's ear, knowing exactly what to say and how to act to make the guy in front of him go crazy.
Just hearing this made Mika feel more flustered. But then he remembered that Natsume isn't the only one with tricks up his sleeve. Mika then leaned closer to Natsume's neck, nuzzling his face against it. Mika knew this would confuse Natsume.
"Ya know, this isn't so noble of ya, t' tease me like that." Mika spoke in a quiet, intimate whisper.
"My dearest Nakkun~"
Mika knew, that for once he was the one who had the upper hand, and he intended to use it to his full advantage.
Mika's speech was followed by a bite on Natsume's neck, as if he intended to mark Natsume as his. Mika's grip on Natsume's waist also tightened, but not by much. After all, no matter how obsessed he was with the red haired male, he would never hurt him. Mika's action made Natsume gasp for air, his grip on the table tightening, as he tried to regain his composure. Mika, of course, noticed the way Natsume reacted, and bit his neck once again, but tried to soothe the bites with kisses.
"I would've done so many things to ya, Nakkun.." Mika said, while kissing Natsume's neck once more.
"But ya humans are fragile creatures. I wouldn't want to ruin ya just yet." Mika whispered once more, his free hand took off Natsume's glove, before bringing his hand to his face.
"But in some way. Ya do make me feel human.." Mika spoke with an unexpected sincerity and gentleness, which caught Natsume off guard. Just as Natsume was about to process what Mika said, the raven haired male started kissing his neck again, while whispering.
"I want to ruin ya, mark yer body and make sure people know yer mine.. I want to taste your skin, trace it with ma' fingers and feel every scar and imperfection.."
Mika spoke, his voice was now a quiet whisper, desperate and genuine, as he trailed his kisses up Natsume's neck, until he reached his ear.
"But I also want to worship ya. I want to protect ya and be with you every single day." Mika trailed the gentle kissed down Natsume's cheeks, almost reaching his lips.
But he didn't go for it. Not yet.
Mika then caressed Natsume's face with his hand, the calloused skin of Mika's fingers making contact with Natsume's smooth skin.
"So please.."
Mika whispered against Natsume's lips, letting Natsume have a chance to pull away. To curse him out and run away. But when Natsume didn't do that, but just the opposite. He relaxed, Mika knew that he could go for it.
"Let me prove my love and obsession.."
Mika then closed the gap between them and kissed Natsume. The kiss was strangely gentle, feather-light, as to not scare Natsume away.
"Let me love ya.." Mika whispered against Natsume's lips, being torn between wanting to keep kissing the red haired male or to finally say what he had in mind.
But Mika decided to just keep kissing Natsume. But Natsume pulled away, to which Mika wanted to ask why, before Natsume caressed Mika's hand that was on his cheek.
"You oblivious little thING.." Natsume whispered, before kissing Mika's hand.
"You really thought I didn't know?"
Natsume asked, not letting Mika answer, leaning in to kiss the raven haired male again with the same tenderness and warmth, while holding Mika's free hand in his, providing him reassurance. Mika didn't waste any time kissing Natsume back, trying to maintain the same gentleness.
This warmth.. This fire he felt in his chest..
Maybe, Mika could finally be loved for who he is, without someone running away after knowing who he truly is.
And now, Mika could finally learn how to love. Not as a murderer.
But as himself.
As a human.
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