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Chapter 30 - Chapter - 30 A Message & A Rescue?

Gracie's Point Of View

Gracie hummed down the hall of the penthouse floor, pushing her maid attendant trolley. She stopped at room 50525, it was the last room on her rounds.

"Haah... Last room, then it's quittin time." She said while she raised her arms high, bending and stretching left and right.

She pulled out her key card and scanned it, then slowly opened the door. She got to work putting the used towels set out for laundry into her hamper. She made quick work of wiping down all the surfaces, and restocking the toiletries.

She then made her way to one of the three bedrooms and stripped the bed, then replaced the sheets with fresh ones.

She did the same to the next room, as well. When she got to the third room, she immediately halted. Aside from all the sex dungeon devices placed in the room, there was a young man chained to the bed. She wasn't sure of what to do, since she couldn't change the sheets with him still atop them.

She walked closer, thinking to ask the only resident if they would like her to change the sheets and such, but stopped short. He was breathtakingly beautiful, but that hadn't been why she hesitated. Even though he was asleep, he had tears streaming down his cheeks, and he was moaning and groaning in his sleep. She touched his arm, flinched, and then gasped. He was burning up with a fever.

"Sir?... U-Um... Sir?"

His eyes suddenly snapped open, then she gasped and stepped back. His eyes seemed unfocused for a bit, as he looked around searching and breathing heavily. Then he locked eyes with her, and his eyes widened.

"You... how did you... get in here?"

"I'm just a housekeeper...?"

"You shouldn't be here... it's dangerous." The man said, once again searching the room.

He then beckoned her closer, and softly whispered, "If anyone asks you, you didn't see me here. They could kill you just for knowing that. However, I need you to do me a huge favor."

Gracie wasn't sure about any of this, the young man looked well and truly freaked out.

"Will you help me? I don't know how much time we have, so please decide quickly."

She nodded, he didn't look like a bad person. He also looked extremely sick, and malnourished.

"I need you to find a man named Stephen Coolwater. He is the owner of this hotel, and a dear friend. I need you to tell him that Mizuyuki Shin is being held captive here. I don't know the room number, so you will have to give him that information. Do not tell anyone else, there's no telling who among the staff was paid off to not say anything about my presence here. But if you help me, I'll make sure you are compensated handsomely. Enough to retire tomorrow, if you want. To be honest, I'm not even sure what day it is, or how long I've been here. You're the first normal person I've seen, since I was brought here."

Gracie's head was swimming with all the information he had given her. She wanted to help him, and not for the money. He looked like he needed medical attention, and soon. He was so pale, and emaciated.

"Stephen Coolwater... Mizuyuki Shin... Understood."

"Yes... If you can't find Stephen, then Sebastián Mason."

Gracie's eyes lit up at that name. She knew him very well.

"I know Baas! I might even have a good number for him still. I'll do what you asked. I Promise!"

"Okay... Now leave... You have to go... If they catch you, they'll kill you without hesitation."

"Right... I'll be going now."

Gracie hurriedly left the suite, pushing her trolley fast. She saw the elevator coming up to the penthouse floor, and quickly ducked into an empty suite to wait.

As far as she was aware, there was only one occupied room on the penthouse floor. Meaning, the ones coming up the elevator right now, were the people the man had warned her about.

She listened as their foot falls came closer, then receded past her. She waited until she heard a distant door close, then let out a sigh of relief. Since she had partially cleaned the room, she wasn't sure if she should head down via elevator, or ditch her trolley and take the stairs. She had been entrusted with a heavy burden, but she felt as though she had to save the helpless man.

She walked deeper into the empty suite far enough away from the door, before she took out her cell phone. Then, she dialed the number saved under 'Baddy Baas'.

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Sebastián's Point Of View

Sebastián was exhausted, pissed off, and depressed. He hadn't slept in days, canvassing the city with Stephen, was becoming a huge nightmare. Stephen had long since snapped, and was basically in kill mode all day, everyday. He, too, hadn't slept in days.

To top it all off, there were major disturbances at a few of his hotels. A fire had been set at one– forcing him to completely shut it down– they may even have to tear it down and rebuild. The fire had spread to three floors in no time at all, and the sprinkler system had been tampered with. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but it had been a huge blow.

There was a massive drug influx at one of their resorts, causing drug overdoses and deaths. This ultimately brought the police snooping around, which was never a good thing. After running around and putting out both literal, and metaphorical fires... Wednesday came around, and Mizuyuki was nowhere to be seen at the auctions.

Stephen had gone catatonic at one of his hotels, and even Myah was turning into a rage demon. It fell to Sebastián to keep everyone under control, which wasn't easy in the slightest. It was now Friday, and Sebastián was currently riding around with Stephen. They had decided to visit all of his properties, one by one.

They had just left the Golden Palace, and were currently heading towards his Clearview Resorts, when his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID, and frowned in confusion. He hesitated to answer it for a moment, before answering it and put it on speaker.

"What's up, Gracie? I'm kinda busy right now... So I can't play with you today, love."

–No... It's not that, Baas... I have a message for Stephen Coolwater, but I don't have a number for him. Can you tell him for me? No way could I call the Owner of my job... That's so frikkin terrifying. But... I think it's an emergency.

"He's right here listening with me. Why are you whispering? Are you in trouble? Is something happening at The Amethyst Hotel?"

–Well, I'm not sure... I was cleaning the Penthouse floor. I picked up the shift because Tabby was sick, and I ran into a guy here. He looks so sick... I'm worri–

"A guy? What guy? Is it drugs? Explain things properly, Gracie."

–That's what I'm trying to do, don't interrupt me!

"It's fine, Ms. Gracie... Tell us what you know. If it's good intel, I'll compensate you for your troubles." Stephen said. He had already turned around, and started heading for the hotel.

–Thank you, Mr. Coolwater... Well, what I know is, the guy chained up in a penthouse suite told me to tell you that his name is Mizuyuki Shin, and he needs your help. He didn't know the room number, but it's 50525. He doesn't look good, boss. He also said the people holding him there would kill me, if they found out I was there. I've been hiding in another penthouse suite ever since.

Stephen stepped on the accelerator at the mention of Mizuyuki's name. Meanwhile, Sebastián took out both of his guns and checked their clips.

"Are the men there in the suite now? If not, how long have they been gone? You gave great intel, Gracie. I know it's dangerous, but I need you to keep me abreast of the situation as best you can, without getting caught. Those men will definitely kill you, or do something far worse, making you wish they'd kill you instead."

–When I left the suite, the elevator was coming up to the Penthouse floor. I panicked, and slipped into another suite. I listened for their foot steps, and it sounded like they headed for the room. I was too scared to make the call by the door... I'm in the bathroom now... I don't think I was supposed to clean the whole room, because they had left all the linen by the door... I'm guessing either Tabby was being paid extra to not clean the whole suite, or paid extra to keep her mouth shut. But they would notice that someone cleaned all but one room, and get suspicious, right? I'm scared, Sebastián... What do I do?

"It's fine, Gracie... We are 4 minutes away. I'm going to call security, and have them shut down the elevators until we get there. Just sit as close to the suite door as you can, and text me if you hear anything else. Keep your phone on silent, so my calls and texts don't get you caught. You're the best, Gracie. Stay safe until I come for you, okay?

–Understood. Thanks, Baas.

*Click*

"Stephen, how do you want to handle this? I've got no qualms crippling my old man, after the week we've had."

"Call Myah... Tell her to send the calvary... I'll call security." Stephen said, not slowing down and not answering the question. Sebastián knew what that meant. If his father refused, a shoot out would definitely occur.

"Understood."

Riiiing.... Riiiing....

–What's up? Any news? We just got the last of that 'Ecstasy-Cocaine' drug off another one of your properties.

"Yeah... Thanks, Myah. We found him. Send everyone to The Amethyst Hotel... We are pulling up now. It's room 50525, come loaded and ready for war."

–You don't have to tell me twice... If he even looks tired, I'm shooting someone! We are right up the road... 7 minutes tops!

*Click*

"Let's go, Sebastián... I called security already. We are heading there first. No more just missing him, I want to be certain."

"Yeah, boss... We'll get him this time, for sure."

They climbed out of the car but didn't give the keys to the valet attendant who looked confused, until he saw Stephen's face. They walked in, and headed straight to the security room.

"Show us the penthouse floor for the last two hours." Stephen demanded.

The Head of Security didn't even hesitate. He pulled up the penthouse floor's CCTV, and played it at 2.5 times the speed. It didn't show their fathers leaving within that time, but they definitely popped up getting off the elevator with shopping bags in their hands. They didn't have a security detail either, which showed their confidence in not getting caught.

"Continue to monitor this floor. Text or call me if you see any movement, no matter how small. Understand?"

"Yes, boss. Understood."

"Turn the elevators back on, and hand me your master key card."

The man nodded and handed it over without question.

"Oh, also... Myah and her men are on their way. Send them up with another master key card when they arrive."

Stephen turned on a dime, then headed for the elevators, with Sebastián right behind him. As they waited for the elevator, there was a commotion behind them near the main doors. Sebastián turned to see what the issue was, with his hand on his gun. It was Myah, and a slew of men, too many to count.

"C'mon, Myah... The elevator is here." Sebastián said, waving her over.

She was dressed head to toe in murder gear. Her outfit was a tight black leather seamless suit, with multiple straps and metal studs. The suit had so many knives and small blades strapped across her entire body, that both Stephen and Sebastián gasped audibly in surprise. To top it all off, she had a double gun harness secured around her chest and shoulders, with a gun in each holster.

"Some of your men will have to take the second elevator. There's clearly too many of them to fit." Sebastián said.

"Yes, indeed. Todd, you're obviously coming, while 10 more of you ride with me, as well... 15 take the other elevator, 10 of you split up and take the stairs, while 15 of you wait here, just in case someone tries to escape, or comes to rescue them. Once everyone's gotten to the top, have security shut the elevators down once more. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, Princess!"

"Good... Let's go save Yuki, boys!"

Sebastián and Stephen climbed into the elevator first. Then, true to form, the men followed her instructions to a T. The second elevator chimed a beat later, and the second group consisting of the selected 15 men to assist us briskly walked into it, accordingly.

When the elevator doors closed, and the slow, agonizing, ascent began, everyone began to check and re-check their weapons. The tension was so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

Once they reached the penthouse floor, everyone climbed out of the elevator immediately. At the same time, the other elevator chimed as it opened up, as well.

"Ten of you stay here and block off every single possible exit, and group up with the Ten who will arrive via the stairs." Myah commanded.

Sebastián held up a hand to halt their movements, before pulling out his phone and dialing Gracie's number.

"Gracie... Come out now, quickly."

He hung up the phone when he heard a door opening up next to him. Gracie hugged him immediately, she was trembling like a leaf in the wind. Then, she looked around in wide-eyed shock.

Stephen was next to approach her, "Thank you, Gracie... I really owe you a great deal. Whatever you want that I can give, is yours... Same goes for Myah over here. We'll do what we can, to honor your wishes." Stephen said on a relieved sigh.

"Umm... Why me too?" Myah asked, clearly perplexed.

"Because without her help, we probably would have never found him. She called us, and relayed Mizuyuki's message. We found multiple flight manifests that our father's had set up, like a shell game. They had planned to leave tomorrow or Sunday on all of the flights, but something tells me they were all decoys, and they're going to take a private jet tonight."

Myah walked over to Gracie, hugged her a bit, and then kissed both her cheeks.

"Indeed, I owe you everything. Stay with my men, they will take care of you." Myah said, tears brimming her eyes.

Even though Stephen loved Mizuyuki... It was Myah who became unhinged after the auction, first. She had tracked everyone down, except their fathers. Sebastián felt bad for her. She had assumed it would be a simple task to locate the men, but both Daimian and Malykai had easily gone off the grid for almost 5 years. Doing so in their hometown had been child's play.

Once Sebastián and Stephen learned that Mizuyuki had been taken by their fathers, the stress and anxiety had overwhelmed them.

"Men, to your designated stations! Let's go! I don't want him to suffer another moment with those stupid bastards!" Myah commanded, as she led the way.

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Mizuyuki's Point Of View

Mizuyuki was a shell of his former self... The drugs had addled his mind so much, that he could no longer ascertain what was a hallucination, and what was reality. He had long since lost his mind, and subsequently given up on any thoughts of a rescue or escape. He thought he had finally talked to someone other than the depraved assholes who kept him here, but he couldn't be sure. The countless drugs, and dreams of escape had warped his mind, and his reality had become askewed.

I lay on the bed trying not to move any part of my body. Once the drugs wore off, everything became so painful, that it was hard to even breathe. The door to the room swung open, and I thought it might be the mysterious maid. I didn't look up however, because the pain was wracking my body in nauseating waves. The withdrawals from the drugs, made me feverish and drenched in a cold sweat.

"Mizuu."

"Yuki."

Both captors sang my name, a little too excited for comfort. They came around to the other side of the bed, and placed bags down beside me.

"Stop calling me those damn nicknames. It makes my skin crawl."

"Ah... The drugs already wore off. He hates us again." Daimian chuckled, forcefully grabbing my chin and turning my head.

"Such a shame... Two hours ago, he was clinging to us like a loving pet." Malykai chuckled.

"Do you want more drugs, Mizu? We need you to be a good boy for this next part, okay?" Daimian asked.

I shook my head, "They're too strong... They make me sick... I don't want anythi– Ah! Hngh... Fucking pricks." I couldn't properly protest, Daimian had already stabbed me in the neck.

"Well, too bad. You'll keep getting injections until you accept that no one is coming for you, so just enjoy life with us instead. Why is that so hard for you to grasp? Why can't you act lovingly without the drugs?"

"Because I fucking hate you! You're sick, and a piece of filth! I don't want anythi– AHH! Stop!"

"I'm growing tired of your insults, Mizu. Would you like me to put my cock inside of you, instead of my fingers? Is that why you keep throwing a fit, because you want to be fucked?" Daimian asked, violently twisting his fingers inside me.

"Daam, we don't have time for that. We have a plane to catch, remember?"

My body tensed up at his words...

'A plane? I'm getting on a plane... With them?'

"Uhh... Your ass tightened up so well just now. Do you want to ride a plane, Mizu?"

"N-No! No, please. Let me go... Uhh... You had your fun, so just... Hngh... Stop! Let me go home!"

"Yes, we had fun... But now, we'd like to keep you. You're so beautiful, and entertaining."

My rapid pulse spread the drugs faster throughout my body. The familiar high I had become accustomed to only heightened further, as he cruelly moved his fingers around roughly inside me. I was about to cum, and I couldn't stop it.

"Ugh...Ngh! Haah... Ah! Hngh... Cumming..."

Afterwards, my body went slack, and my mind fogged over. Their voices came to me stilted and muffled. I could no longer make out what they were saying.

Then, they dumped out the bags beside me, and I was mortified. They were filled with women's wear, and apparel.

The chains rattled, as I attempted to move away from the perverted assholes currently looking at me like a piece of meat. I didn't want to go with them, much less in women's clothes! Daimian used the covers to wipe me, and his hand off. Then held up the outfits in contemplation. Just then, a loud clatter sounded outside the room.

"YUKI!"

Daimian pressed the barrel of his gun to my forehead, and a shudder ran through my body, while he pressed a finger to his lips. I thought the sound was another hallucination, because it sounded so distorted, I couldn't even be certain who it was. Next, doors could be heard slamming repeatedly all around, slowly getting closer.

Then, the door to the room slammed open, and a stifled scream could be heard.

"Take your gun off Yuki's precious face! Or you will never fire a gun again! Make no mistake, my blade is faster!" Came a sharp yell.

"And who the hell are you to give me such an ord–" Daimian's words died in his throat, as multiple heavy footfalls resounded immediately.

I slowly turned my head to see what he was staring at, and my eyes widened in shock. There were so many men, and at the helm was Myah. Tears brimmed in my eyes, as I prayed that this wasn't a dream. The last men to file in, made me audibly gasp. It was Stephen and Sebastián.

"Ah, looks like the gangs all here. Truly a surprise. I had thought you'd be out chasing the distractions we made for you."

"Daimian, I'm only going to say this once... You'd best move out of my way, and give him back to me!" Stephen yelled.

"Yeah yeah. I know when I've been beat. Well played, son." Daimian said, taking a step back, gun raised in surrender.

"I'm no longer anything to you, you stupid bastard!"

Myah ran up to me, and took my face in both hands. The burning fury in her eyes, was comforting.

"Yuki, I'm so sorry we took so long. Please forgive me." She said, kissing my face all over.

"Myah, you... are you... really here?"

"Yes, I'm here to take you home, Yuki. Would you like to go home?"

My tears fell unrestrained, as I sobbed in her arms.

"Uncuff him, NOW!" She demanded, pointing her gun at Daimian.

Instead of Daimian, Malykai took out the keys, and dropped them onto the bed. Myah then pointed the gun at Malykai.

"I do believe I spoke English, and didn't stutter. I said uncuff him, not give me the keys."

Malykai, having no other choice, took the keys and unlocked the chains. Myah then held me tighter in her embrace, rubbing my hair.

"Stephen, carry him. Sebastián, find something to wrap him in, and get out."

"Myah I can–"

"I said to Get. Out!" Stephen's words were cut short at her harsh command.

Sebastián quickly disappeared, then reappeared with a blanket. Stephen wrapped me in it and picked me up, kissing my lips gently, before walking towards the door. I looked back at Myah, and saw her unsheath two blades from each of her wrists before all the men in suits blocked my sight, forming a semicircle around Myah and the exit.

"Todd, go with them. Do for Yuki, what I cannot right now."

The men parted to let Todd through, and I locked eyes with Myah before Todd closed the door behind him. It wasn't long before the sound of several guns cocked, and Myah's inaudible yells were heard.

"Fuck, she's so damn terrifying! Not that I mind either way, but I do wonder if they will survive." Sebastián said.

I looked over at him, and he smiled at me saying, "I'm sorry... I didn't know you were still in the house at the time. I didn't think they would attempt to drug you a second time. Do you hate me?"

I was having a hard time adjusting. I couldn't discern if this was real or not. I had imagined my rescue several times, and dreamt it even more. So it was hard to know if I would wake up back in that room or not.

Stephen stopped walking once we exited the suite. Sebastián placed a hand on my forehead, and then my cheek, as he brushed away my tears.

"Are you in shock? Can you hear me?"

"Is this... really... happening? Did you... really come... for me...? If I'm dreaming right now... then I want to die... anything is better than... waking up... in that nightmare... ever again... Sebastián... Stephen... this, this isn't a dream... right?" I asked through my sobs.

"Yeah, buddy... This isn't a dream. You'll never go back to that room again. I promise. Isn't that right, Stephen?" Sebastián asked, slapping Stephen on the shoulder.

"Yeah, that's right. Never the fuck again." Stephen said, resuming his stride to the elevators, squeezing me tighter.

"But, how did you find me–" My words died in my throat, as I saw the woman I had thought was an apparition in the room before, standing amongst men in black suits.

"You?! You were real? I thought... I was hallucinating... You really... helped me... didn't you?" I asked the woman.

She slowly stepped toward me and bowed slightly, "I'm really glad you weren't crazy. And I'm glad your safe... I was worried it was all some kind of sick joke, until they came with an army."

"You risked... your life... for me... I am forever grateful... You'll reward her... right, Stephen?"

"Yes, no need to worry, Sir. Myah and Stephen promised to reward me. You should rest now, and focus on recovery. Your pupils are dilated, and they were earlier as well... It's probably why you can't filter realities right now. They gave you drugs, didn't they?"

Both Stephen and Sebastián inhaled sharply, while looking me over. I felt like a small germ under a microscope.

"Yes... a lot... all day long... without them... everything... everything hurts..."

"It'll be okay... detoxing will suck, but so many people care about you. I hope you feel better. Mr. Coolwater, Sir? And Sebastián? When I saw him before I called you, he had a terrible fever. That was most likely due to the drugs wearing off. Don't let him overheat once they wear off. Call a physician right away to start him on a detox medication. The possibility of him dying will skyrocket without proper care. I lost my brother to drugs, I don't want you guys to suffer that fate."

"Thank you, Gracie. Have two of these men escort you home, and wait for my call. If you need anything at all, ask them and they'll get it for you. The rest of you, I suspect Myah might need to be restrained. Go help her in any way that you can." Stephen said.

"Hey, it's Sebastián. Turn on the elevators and keep them on, we're heading down now."

A moment later, the whirring of the elevators could be heard. Sebastián pressed the button, and the doors opened immediately, as if they'd been waiting for us the whole time. We all got into the elevator, while some men went off to help Myah. Todd was the last to enter.

"Yuki, today is Friday. Do you know roughly when it was that you were brought here?"

My body began to slowly shake, as my teeth started to chatter. I could tell immediately that the drugs were beginning to wear off. I looked up at Todd, and reached a shaky hand out to him. He clasped it in both of his hands, and gently kissed my palm.

"I... I saw you... here in the lobby... when they first... brought me here... I tried to call out to you... but I was already... in the elevator... and the doors closed... I wasn't sure... if you... heard me."

Todd looked up at Stephen, then they seemed to share some unspoken words with each other, before Stephen placed me gently in Todd's arms. Todd gently squeezed me, as he gently rubbed my hair.

"I'm so sorry, Yuki. I was worried that that was the case. That day, I had gotten a tip that some high rollers had booked a penthouse suite for 4 days. I headed here and spoke with the personnel, shared your picture with the staff, and asked them to contact us immediately if you were seen. I thought I heard you call for me, but I didn't see you. I foolishly chalked it up to me being paranoid. And since no one reported seeing you, I didn't think much about it after that day." He said, trembling softly while hugging me.

Just like Sebastián, it had been a near miss again, and it must have been eating him up inside, knowing I was here the whole time.

"It's not your fault. To be honest, I was more to blame than anything. They threatened to kill you, so I didn't try to stop the elevator, or put up much resistance, when I knew you'd do anything to save me. I was just too afraid to watch you die." I said, pressing my forehead to his and taking in his warmth.

I looked over at Sebastián, who was also looking a little green around the gills. I tried to reach my hand out to him, but it fell limp towards the ground. When I tried a second time, my body went slack, as well. Frowning, I looked up at Stephen, then at Sebastián. Their green eyes were filled with so much concern, that it warmed my heart.

"Sebastián... Pick me up." I said, looking at him with a stern expression.

He flinched, then looked at Stephen, who hadn't taken his eyes off of me, since he handed me over to Todd. Sebastián made no move to retrieve me, and I rolled my eyes.

"Pick me up right now. Or I'll never talk to you, or Stephen ever again." I commanded.

At that, you could practically feel the air leave the elevator.

The cute ding of the elevator sounded, and everyone but Todd, Sebastián, and Stephen got off immediately, clearly trying to avoid the awkward situation.

"Todd, if you take a single step outside of this elevator before he picks me up, I will not speak to you either."

"Hahaha! As you wish, young master." He chuckled while laying my arm across my lap, and repositioning my head from dangling any further.

"Sebastián, do as he says." Stephen said through clenched teeth.

Todd walked over and placed me in Sebastián's arms, taking care to put both of my arms in my lap, and my head against his chest.

"Sebastián... You did your best. I know you were the one holding Myah and Stephen back from rampaging. Everyone looks like they haven't slept in days. And even now, you're trying to be considerate, you're a good guy. I see now why you and Stephen have been friends for so long. I'd give you head pats for a job well done, but my body is useless at the moment. My capture was not your fault. You did everything you were supposed to. In fact, had I fought for a bit longer, you might have burst in, and saved me properly. It means the world to me, all that you did and have done. Stop beating yourself up about it now. You did everything right. Those bastards were just more prepared. The fact that you came right away, means so much more to me, okay?"

Sebastián looked at me, and his eyes were bloodshot, with unshed tears brimming in them. He took a deep breath, and nodded slowly.

"Good. Maybe someday in the near future, we can all have a meal together, and get to know each other more. I'd like that, Y'know. And Stephen might not admit it out loud, but he's a pretty lonely guy, so the more the merrier."

Sebastián chuckled at that, finally looking much better. Then he nodded his head saying, "Yeah, I'd like that too. Can't let Stephen stay lonely for too long, he starts having crazy ideas... Hahaha!

"Yes, exactly... Okay, we'll let Stephen decide the time and place, after my recovery... Okay, now hand me back to Stephen... I would like to go home now."

Stephen wasted no time scooping me up. He held me higher than the others, making sure my head was nestled in his neck. Then, Sebastián pushed the open door button, and we left the elevator and Hotel behind.

Sebastián drove, as Todd sat shotgun. I sat in Stephen's lap in the backseat, as he rubbed my arms and fingers.

"Will you kiss me again?" I asked.

I wanted constant confirmation that this was real. Stephen obeyed and kissed me softly. I closed my eyes against the comforting feeling.

"Again."

"Again."

"One more time."

By the fourth kiss, Stephen had finally cracked a smile while asking, "Why do you keep making me kiss you like this?"

I stiffened just a bit while saying, "In all my dreams and hallucinations, we never made it this far. I just wanted to be sure this time. I missed you... so, so much... you pervert."

Stephen looked crestfallen as he kissed me all over my face, just like Myah had done back at the hotel.

"I missed you so much more, Mizuyuki."

I smiled slightly as I slumped back against his chest.

"I'm tired. I'm going to sleep now. Protect me, Stephen.

"Always." He replied, encasing me in his warmth as I drifted off to sleep.

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