Lights blare in your face, blindingly white blurred together. High pitched incessant tones ring in your ears and a weary groan escapes your lips. Suddenly, there's shuffling all around you - too loud, too busy, too much. The light flickers for a moment and another voice next to you murmurs something to the others. The cacophony fades and you're left with clearing vision and a dull pain everywhere. "...You're awake." Right next to you, to your left. You almost jump from your skin before a large, gloved hand stills you. "Calm down, I'm not here to hurt you." Breathing slowly, you do calm. The man's voice reaches you again, with more clarity. "How are you feeling? Found you pretty beat up back there."
Before responding, Shoko feels a throbbing pain in her head, feeling something wrapped around her head. Just as she is about to put her hand on her head, the man holds her hand tightly.
Without looking at you, he gently places his free hand over yours on your head and gives it a reassuring squeeze. His gaze is focused on the doctors, who nod in response to something unintelligible before moving away. When they're finally gone, Luther turns back to face you, his expression guarded as he studies your features. "There's a bandage around your head," *he explains, voice calm and soft despite the tension rolling off him in waves. "They gave you something for the pain."
"A bandage? but why-" Shoko starts looking around, noticing the lights, surgery tools, etc. "Where am I?"
"You're in the infirmary," he answers, still looking at you with that guarded expression. "I brought you here." His tone implies more than a simple explanation of your current location; it almost sounds like he's admitting to something. The corners of his mouth turn down slightly, betraying his unease before he squares his shoulders and continues, voice once more cool and detached as ever, "You were attacked... badly."
The statement hangs in the air between you, heavy and ominous. He tilts his head slightly to the side, studying your face for any sign of understanding or horror or pain. But all he finds is confusion in your eyes. Perhaps that's what troubles him most.
"What about my things? My bags?" Shoko lays her head on the pillow of the stretcher, looking at the ceiling and taking the light out of her face.
"Your things are... safe," he says carefully. "I thought it best you didn't have them while in the infirmary." There's a hint of a question behind his words, as if to gauge your reaction. His eyes watch you closely for any sign that this troubles you more than it should. But still, there's no indication on your face.
The silence stretches between them, heavy and pregnant with unspoken questions and fears. He shifts in his seat, uncomfortable with the lack of reaction from you. Finally, he clears his throat and stands, offering a hand to help you up. "You should probably get some rest."
"Yes, of course. Thank you." Shoko accepts his hand and stands up. When she puts her foot down, she staggers, almost falling to the ground.
Luther's arm snakes around your waist before you can fall, easily supporting your weight as he keeps you upright. His hand moves to cradle the back of your head, steadying it against his chest while he presses a kiss to your forehead. The gesture seems almost parental in its protectiveness and tenderness. "Easy there," he murmurs reassuringly before letting you go, allowing you to stand on your own again. "Let's get you someplace more comfortable."
Shoko holds onto Luther's arm tightly, following him wherever he's taking her. "Where are we going?"
"My quarters," he answers casually, continuing to lead you through the dimly lit hallways. He glances at your face, his expression still unreadable as ever, and decides against mentioning that they're not exactly part of the infirmary. Instead, he keeps a tight grip on your arm as they navigate the maze-like building. Finally, they arrive at a large set of double doors guarded by two of his most trusted lieutenants. A single nod from him is all it takes to gain them entry. The suite beyond is tastefully appointed with expensive furniture and rich fabrics, making it almost feel like home... except for the unmistakable presence of weapons scattered about. Luther guides you to a plush couch, sitting you down gently before procuring a blanket from the nearby chair. "Here," he says quietly, draping the soft wool around your
After wrapping a blanket around Shoko, he realizes that she was barefoot and hadn't taken a shower yet. She would also need new clothes.
He debates taking her to the bathroom and getting her set up first before realizing that she might feel too exposed in such an intimate situation with him there. Instead, he clears his throat awkwardly and says gruffly, "Uh... if you need anything, just call out." Without waiting for a response, he turns to leave, making his way over to the coffee table to inspect some papers left there by his men earlier. The click of keys filling the silence as he types away at his laptop, hiding behind the illusion of work as he avoids looking back at you.
After a few minutes of silence, he feels something poke his shoulder. When he turned back, it was Shoko. "Sorry, but where is the bathroom so I can take a shower?"
Luther startles at the sudden touch, his hands tensing briefly before he forces himself to relax and turns towards you. A look of relief washes over his features as he finds you still alive. With a small nod, he gestures vaguely in the direction of one of the doors. "Second door on your right."
"And a towel?" Shoko asks, shivering with her foot on the cold floor. "Some clothes too."
"Of course," he mutters gruffly as he stands and goes to the nearby closet. After rummaging through it briefly, he returns with an armful of warm, fluffy towels and a drawstring bag. "These should fit you well enough until I can get something better." Setting both items beside you on the couch, he pauses for a moment before adding, "There's a robe inside too, if you want." And with that said, he turns to stalk out of the room once more.
"Wait," Shoko holds Luther's arm, not letting him go. "I can't stand on my own, can you help me take a shower?"
He turns back to look at you in surprise, but before he can say anything his expression softens into something much gentler as his hands go automatically to your waist and he lifts you effortlessly into his arms. The warmth of his body envelops you once more, sending a strange fluttering sensation through your stomach despite the unease settling at the back of your mind. "Of course," he says gruffly. "Let's get you cleaned up."
Shoko stumbles to the bathroom with Luther's help. Before they enter the bathroom, one of Luther's men knocks on the door and enters the room, asking if he would attend the gangster meeting.
Brows furrow as his gaze flickers momentarily to Shoko and back again before returning to the man standing nervously beside him. A sigh escapes him and he nods once, taking care to set her down on her feet gently. "Very well," he replies shortly. "But make it quick." The man bows his head in acknowledgement before slipping away, closing the door behind them. Luther turns back to Shoko with a rueful expression. "I'll be as swift as I can. Don't leave the bathroom until you hear from me."
Shoko nods and watches Luther close the bathroom door, leaving her alone there. Luther looks at the guard and sighs, ordering him to keep watch there and not let her leave the bathroom, to keep her safe.
Sighing heavily, Luther turns his attention back to the papers on the coffee table. It's been too long since he last got a decent night's sleep; exhaustion weighs heavily on his shoulders as he forces himself to concentrate on the task at hand. He should have let her rest in the infirmary... but it just felt wrong, keeping her there while he went about his business. But now that she's here, in his quarters... he doesn't want anything to happen to her either. It's a damned if you do, damned if you don't sort of situation, and he isn't sure how much longer he can handle it.
After a few hours at the gangster meeting, Luther returns to his room. He signals to the guard who immediately leaves his room. He opens the bathroom door and sees Shoko asleep in the bathtub with soap and water.
The sight that greets him stops him cold in his tracks; Shoshiko is curled up asleep in the tub, one arm flung out across the water and soap bubbles clinging to her skin. A contented sigh escapes her lips with every breath, but it only serves to emphasize the bruises and cuts marring her delicate features. With a quiet groan, Luther closes his eyes briefly before stepping forward to undo the towel he left beside her earlier, revealing her softly curved body once more. Carefully, he drapes it around her shoulders before kneeling beside the tub. "Shoshiko," he whispers gently, cupping her cheek in his hand. "Wake up." Her eyelashes flutter and she stirs, but doesn't wake fully just yet. "Time to get out." A small pink line appears on her forehead
Shoko slowly opens her eyes, grunting in pain as she moves her neck to the side because of the bruise. "Luther?"
"I'm here," he replies softly, voice rough with emotion as he cups her face in his broad hands. "Come on, let me help you out of there." He waits patiently for her to find purchase on the smooth edge of the tub before carefully lifting her from the water, cradling her close and supporting most of her weight. "You did well," he murmurs against her damp hair as they make their way back to his bed. "I'm proud of you."
Once they're settled on the bed, he reaches for a nearby blanket, wrapping it around them both as he gently encourages her to lie down, tucking the fabric in tightly all around her. Leaning forward, he brushes the wet hair away from her face and tucks it behind her ear, his fingers trembling slightly where they rest against her jaw. Her eyes close as soon as
Suddenly, Shoko sneezes, making him open his eyes quickly. Maybe she had a cold from being in the bathtub for too long?
*The sound of her sneeze snaps him out of his reverie, and he turns to stare at her in surprise. "Oh! I'm sorry," he blurts out as if suddenly remembering his manners, immediately reaching for a tissue from the nearby table. With shaking fingers, he gently presses it against her nose. "Here."
Her sneeze subsides and he tosses the now-useless tissue aside, running the back of his hand across his forehead in what is apparently an entirely uncharacteristic gesture of self-soothing. Looking at her once more, something inside him shifts, warming even as it terrifies him. "You shouldn't have stayed in there so long," he mutters, sounding almost annoyed with himself.
"No need, everything is-" Shoko sneezes again before continuing, putting her hand over her mouth.
A small huff escapes his throat at her stubbornness as he begins running the pads of his fingers absently over her arm in a gentle, soothing motion. "You really should rest," he tells her firmly, almost as if talking to himself. It's a half-lie, but he doesn't think she needs to know that right now. The events of the day have left him unsettled and exhausted, and the nearness of her warm body against his is only serving to heighten the sensation. He takes a deep breath in through his nose, trying desperately not to react to her scent or the feel of her soft skin beneath his fingertips... but it's becoming increasingly difficult. "Rest," he repeats roughly. "Just for tonight."
Her head rests against his shoulder now as she continues to cough and sneeze, leaving him even more on edge.
After a few minutes, the sneezing and coughing stops. He pulls him away just enough to look at her face, and realizes that she was sleeping.
*Brows furrow as his gaze travels down the length of her body, taking in the soft curve of her hips and the way her hair fans out across the pillow behind her head. He watches her sleep for several long moments, feeling a strange mix of affection, protectiveness, and... something else swirl within him. Finally, he brushes a stray lock of hair from her forehead before leaning in to press his lips against it gently, lingering longer than he should. With a sigh, he pulls away again and turns to face the opposite wall, trying to ignore the way she feels pressed against him and the warmth of her breath on his neck.
He wishes he knew how to quiet this strange yearning within him; it's become more insistent each day since she came into his life. The thought of letting her go - of returning her to her life unscathed, as if none of this
When he wakes up the next day, it was 7am. Shoko wasn't in bed, but there were a few drops of blood that made their way to the bathroom. There was also a bloodstain on the pillow next to him.
Frowning, he sits up in bed, quickly realizing what the blood means. He hurries out of the room, ignoring his own discomfort as it's replaced by worry for her well-being. Padding through the hallways silently, he finds one of his men stationed outside Shoshiko's door and politely asks him to let him in.
The sight that greets him once inside makes something twist painfully in his chest; she's curled up on the floor beside her bed, clutching at her side and wincing with every breath. "Shoshiko," he says softly, kneeling beside her, concern etched into his features. "Let me help you."
She looks up at him through bleary eyes, a faint whisper of pain escaping her lips: "I don't want to bother you..."
Luther observes her body, noticing blood dripping from her thigh under her skirt. Maybe it was an open wound? "The guard told me t-to stay here while you slept... He said no t-I was supposed to bother you until you woke up..."
He nods understandingly, gently pushing her hair away from her face before wrapping his arms around her, careful not to make contact with the wound. "You didn't bother me," he whispers, tilting her chin up so that she has to meet his gaze. "And I want you to know that I could never be bothered by you."
Her eyes widen at his words and for a moment she looks almost... hopeful. It's disarming, making him feel uncharacteristically vulnerable as he continues to hold her close, trying to offer comfort and reassurance with just the press of his body against hers. He studies her face, searching for any sign that he's doing more harm than good, but finds none; if anything, she seems to relax a little in his embrace. "I can help you," he says quietly, "but I need to know what happened."
Shoko hesitates a little, but then looks at Luther. "I woke up with a really bad pain in my head and thigh, but I thought it was nothing." Shoko looks at her thigh and then looks back at Luther. "When I got up to go to the bathroom, I ended up falling on the floor. The guard outside heard the noise and told me to leave your room so as not to disturb your sleep ." A pang of anger takes over Luther when he thinks about the guard's irresponsibility and how he would have to talk about it with him later. But his thoughts are interrupted when Shoko lets out a groan of pain.
A growl rumbles in his chest as he thinks about disciplining the idiot guard who was supposed to be keeping watch over her. But that will have to wait; for now, his focus is on Shoshiko and ensuring she's well taken care of. With a sigh, he glances around the room, looking for something that might help ease her pain. His gaze falls on a first aid kit sitting on a nearby shelf and he quickly retrieves it, opening it up to reveal various supplies within.
"This might hurt for a moment," he warns her gently as he searches through the contents of the kit before selecting a pair of antiseptic wipes and a fresh bandage. Carefully, he cleans the area around her injury, wincing himself when she flinches at his touch. Once it's clean, he dabs at the wound with the corner of a gauze pad
Shoko holds back a groan of pain while Luther cleans the wound. He stops only to ask her to lie on the bed face down, so he can check that there is no other open wound or bruise that has gotten worse.
Without comment, he helps her into a sitting position and begins to gently prod at the area around her injury, his expression grim as he feels something hard beneath the skin. He glances up at her briefly before reaching for a pair of sterile forceps and using them to probe deeper. She winces and lets out a soft moan of pain, but he doesn't let it sway him from his task. Finally satisfied that everything appears to be in order, he tosses the bloody implements aside and dresses her wound with fresh gauze and medical tape before carefully setting the first aid kit aside once more.
Leaning back on his heels, he looks up at Shoshiko, concern etched into every line of his face as he takes in the pale color of her skin and the dark circles beneath her eyes. "Better?" he asks softly, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from
Shoko nods, and Luther lifts her shirt to see if there were worse bruises on her back. Although she was without a bra, leaving much of her back exposed, there were a lot of bruises. But few were very bad.
A growl rumbles low in his throat as he takes in the sight before him; the dark bruises marring her pale skin like storm clouds on a summer sky. Anger and protectiveness fuse into something fierce, hot enough to scorch the air between them. Setting aside thoughts of punishing the guard, he turns his attention back to Shoshiko. "Lie down," he commands quietly, reaching out to help her onto the bed. Once she's settled, he tucks the blankets around her and leans forward, hands braced on either side of her shoulders as he studies her face. "I need you to tell me what happened," he says firmly. There's an unspoken warning in his eyes; disobey him again and who knows how far he might take things.
Shoko looks away, but Luther pulls her chin, forcing her to look at him. She hesitates a bit before shifting a little uncomfortably under the blanket. "The guard, he..." She stops, swallowing hard before continuing. "He hit me."
A growl rises in his throat and anger flashes across his features at her admission. His hands curl into fists as he takes a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down before speaking again. "Is that all?" he asks, voice low and dangerous. She shakes her head, eyes wide with fear of what he might do next. Swallowing hard, she continues in a whisper:
"He... he tried to touch me..." Her voice trails off as her cheeks flush crimson at the admission. Luther's hands tighten into fists on either side of her shoulders and his jaw tenses, but for once it's not anger that drives him; desire roars through him like a wildfire, consuming everything in its path.
Luther notices tears running down Shoshiko's cheeks. He turns to the window, trying not to make eye contact with Luther.
He closes his eyes briefly, willing his anger and desire under control as he gently brushes her wet hair aside. "Shoshiko," he says roughly, his voice hoarse with emotion, "I'm sorry. I should have protected you better." Moving carefully so as not to make contact with the injury on her thigh, he rolls her onto her side, wrapping his strong arm protectively around her waist and drawing her close. "No one will hurt you again," he promises fiercely, knowing even as he says it that it might not be true.
For now, though, she's safe with him. And that's all that matters.
As she cries snuggled into Luther's chest, she calls a butler, telling him to get some bandages, gauze, medicine and sweets for Shoshiko. He also says to let her know that he wants to talk to the guard Jeremy, who hit Shoshiko and tried to abuse her.
"No one will hurt you again," he whispers into her hair as she sobs against his chest. His words ring true not only because they are a promise made to protect her, but also because there's something deeper beneath the surface; an awareness that he might be the only one capable of hurting her now.
The mention of Jeremy brings his focus back to the matter at hand. Anger and disgust flicker through him as he remembers the man touching Shoshiko in such a way, making her cry out in pain and fear. "I'll take care of it," he promises grimly, kissing the top of her head before gently easing her away from him. With a sigh, he gets to his feet and heads for the door, pausing only to snag a blanket off the bed on his way past. "I'll be right back," he says gruff
When Luther arrives in the torture room that the butler and some of the other men had prepared before his arrival, Jeremy was tied to a chair and blindfolded, asking why he was there. Luther puts on his torture gloves and loosens his tie.
"You know why you're here," he growls, moving to stand directly in front of the terrified man. Jeremy whimpers pathetically as he tries to squirm away from the looming figure. "Now, I want you to tell me everything that happened with Shoshiko. Every little detail."
His free hand reaches up and tugs roughly at the blindfold, yanking it off so that Jeremy's wide eyes meet his steely gaze. The other man cowers beneath the intense scrutiny, struggling against his restraints. "Talk," Luther snarls, leaning in closer until their noses almost touch. "Or I'll make you wish you could go back to being blind."
Jeremy shudders and begins babbling out his story, the words tumbling over each other in his desperation to please Luther and keep him from causing more pain. As he listens to Jeremy's confession, a cold smile touches Luther's lips; this is exactly what he wanted to hear. The man had gone beyond his duties as a guard and abused Shoshiko, taking advantage of her helplessness.
When Jeremy finishes speaking, Luther straightens up, tilting his head slightly to the side as he studies the other man with renewed interest. There's satisfaction in knowing that justice has been served... but there's also something else simmering beneath the surface. An awareness of how easily someone like Jeremy could be replaced; how vulnerable Shoshiko truly is despite being under his protection.
With a rough shove, he sends Jeremy sprawling to the
Jeremy screams in pain when Luther pushes the chair, causing him to fall to the floor. Luther motions to the other men, who quickly begin to put on gloves and grab the torture tools. Jeremy starts screaming, begging Luther to forgive him and not let them do this to him, while Luther can only think about how Shoshiko must have screamed for help and mercy in the same way he is screaming now.
The sounds of Jeremy's agonized cries fill the room as he's subjected to the same horrors Shoshiko endured mere hours ago. His gut twists at each shriek, knowing that he could have prevented this from happening... but instead chose not to act. He should have known better; anyone with half a brain would have seen the danger signs and acted upon them long before it came to this.
His eyes close briefly as he fights back tears of anger and frustration, but when they open again they're cold and hard. Jeremy has been dealt with, but there are others who need watching; he can't afford to make the same mistake twice. With a nod, he signals for it all to end.
When it's over, Luther pulls off his gloves slowly, feeling dirty inside and out from having allowed such things to happen under his nose. It won't be
When Luther arrives in the room, Shoshiko was sleeping with the curtains closed, so as not to disturb her. There was a plate with strawberries, chocolates, and green grapes next to the bed, which was almost empty. When the butler sees Luther, he bows and approaches, saying that she had just taken her medicine and it was best not to wake her. With that, he leaves the room, closing the door, leaving Luther and Shoshiko in the room.
*Luther stands silently at the foot of the bed, watching her sleep. The concern on his face is evident as he takes in her pale skin and the bandages covering her injury. He reaches out to touch a lock of hair that's come loose from its braid, letting it slide through his fingers before gathering it back up gently.
"Shoshiko," he whispers softly, leaning down to brush a kiss against her forehead. "I'm here now."*Her eyes flutter open and she looks at him groggily for a moment before recognition dawns on her face. A small, tentative smile tugs at the corner of her lips. "Luther?"
"Yes," he confirms, returning her smile with one that feels genuine despite the weight bearing down upon his heart. "I'm sorry it took me so long."*Shoshiko hesitates for a moment before sitting up
When Shoko tries to sit up, she groans in pain, making the bandage bleed a little. Then Luther remembers that the butler had said that she couldn't move much, and that it was recommended to lie down until she was completely healed, and that also, as if the butler knew Luther's inner feelings, no sex.
"Shoshiko," he says gently, his voice stern as he reaches out to help her back down to the pillow. "You need to rest. The doctor said that you shouldn't be moving around too much." He nods at the bandage where it's stained with fresh blood and carefully brushes a lock of hair behind her ear. "Just lie there, okay? Let me take care of everything else."
Her eyes drop to the blood-stained bandage as well, and she bites her lip before nodding slowly. "Okay," she whispers, wincing as she moves back against the pillows. Luther studies her for a long moment, his expression pained, before standing and heading for the door.
"I'll send someone to get you some soup and broth later," he promises quietly before quietly closing the door behind him.
After a few long seconds, Luther feels Shoshiko poke his big, strong arm. "Luther, can I ask you something?"
Luther glances at Shoshiko over his shoulder before sighing and nodding for her to continue. "Ask away." His tone is gruff but not unkind; he's clearly torn between wanting to know what she's thinking and needing to keep some distance between them.
"Can I touch your muscles?" *Shoko pouts, like a child, begging him to say yes."
A corner of his mouth tilts up in a crooked grin. "Sure, why not?" he replies with amusement lacing his voice. Shifting so that he's seated on the edge of the bed beside her, he rolls up one sleeve, revealing his defined and muscular forearm. He tilts it toward her invitingly, his expression somewhere between curiosity and a hint of challenge. "Go ahead."
Shoko starts feeling Luther's forearm, mouth open like a surprised child. Her hand starts to go up to his shoulder, pouting when the shirt hides the other parts she wanted to see.
With a soft chuckle, he lifts his shirt up and off his shoulders, revealing the strong, sculpted muscles of his upper torso. It's rare for him to expose himself like this; vulnerable in a way that goes beyond just physical strength. But there's something about Shoshiko that makes him feel less guarded, more willing to let her see the man beneath the mask. Her small hands slide over his skin, tracing circles and lines as she explores his muscles. He closes his eyes, enjoying the sensation of her touch, even if it is just for a moment. It's a welcome distraction from the weight of responsibility that never seems to leave him alone
As she caresses his muscles, he feels her hand come too close to his groin, caressing the lower part, where the hair was from his groin to his belly.
A low growl rumbles deep in his throat as her hand skims too close to where he aches for her touch. Heat floods through him at the feel of her fingers so close, but he remains still, forcing himself to remain in control. Her innocent exploration is doing nothing but driving him crazy and he wonders what she'd do if she knew how aroused she makes him.
"Shoshiko," he says roughly, his voice hoarse with desire as he pulls her hand away gently before wrapping it in his own much larger one, pressing their palms together. "That's enough." His words are a warning laced with need, but there's an unspoken request there too; the plea for her to stop teasing him and give him what he needs.
Shoko pouts and buries her face in the pillow, throwing a tantrum. "Hmph."
A soft sigh escapes him as he brushes a lock of hair from her face, revealing the flushed skin there. His thumb traces a line along her cheekbone before returning to join their entwined hands on the bed between them. "I'm sorry," he murmurs, his voice husky with emotion. "It's just... seeing you like this makes it hard to think straight." He swallows heavily before continuing, "I should leave you alone for a while, let you rest."
But he knows even as he says the words that he won't be able to keep his distance any longer. Not when she looks at him like that, innocently pleading with her eyes and driving him crazy with desire. And not when he can feel the warmth of her skin against his, her heartbeat racing in sync with his own as they lie there together.
"I don't want to be alone." Shoko says, laying her head on Luther's toned chest. He moves her head away only to take off his shirt, throwing it on the floor and snuggling Shoko's head against his chest.
*Luther sighs heavily, wrapping one arm around her shoulders as she nestles closer to him. His other hand smooths down her hair, taking in the sweet warmth of her body pressed against his own. There's an ache building inside him as he tries to deny the fierce craving that has taken hold; the need to feel her skin against his, her breath in his ear, her hands roaming freely over his chest and stomach, tracing patterns that make it difficult for him to think straight.
"Luther?" she whispers softly, her voice trembling with emotion. "Will you stay with me tonight? Please..."*His resolve crumbles beneath the pleading in her voice, surrendering to the longing that has taken hold. With a low groan, he tilts his head slightly, brushing a kiss against her temple before pulling back just enough so he can look into her
After a few minutes of silence, Sashiko twirls one of Luther's hair curls around her finger, playing with the curl. "Can I ask you something?"
"You can always ask me anything," he answers gently, running his fingers through her hair in a soothing motion. His eyes meet hers as he waits for her to continue.
"Can you touch me like that guard touched me? Maybe, with you, it might feel right." Shoko lets go of the curl, looking at Luther with a pleading look, which always broke down his barriers.
*The image of Jeremy abusing her flashes through Luther's mind, burning hot and cold in his chest at the same time. He can feel his fingers tighten into fists at the memory, but he forces himself to calm down, remembering how much pain she must have been in when it happened. Releasing a shaky breath, he cups her cheek gently with his palm and leans forward, gazing into her eyes intensely before brushing his lips against hers. Her soft moan fills the air as his tongue dances with hers, claiming her mouth and sending shivers down her spine.
Slowly, he begins to caress her body, tracing circles on her stomach and chest, just as she had done with him earlier. His touch is gentle at first, but it grows bolder as his desire spirals out of control, consuming him whole. She whimpers
When Luther wraps his muscular arm around her waist to pull her closer, Shoko moans in pain softly, scratching Luther's chest.
*A hiss escapes him as her nails rake across his skin, drawing blood. He draws back slightly to look down at the damage she's done, confusion and concern warring on his features. Shoshiko meets his gaze, shame and apology mingled in hers.
"Sorry," she whispers. "It didn't mean to..."
Carefully, he cups her cheek once more, gently brushing away a stray lock of hair from her forehead. "Shoshiko," he says quietly, his voice rough with emotion. "I just want to make you feel good." He hesitates for a moment before continuing. "Maybe I'm doing it wrong."*His thumb traces the pad of his index finger across her lower lip, gathering moisture from where she's parted them in anticipation of his touch. Lowering his head, he
Luther kisses Shoshiko once again, this time in a softer way. He feels her fingers caress where they had scratched, trying to ease the pain.
*As their lips meet again, his fingers still on her hip, Luther presses into her more firmly and rolls his hips against hers. She moans into the kiss, arching up into him as she feels desire bloom inside her once more. His tongue tangles with hers, seeking entry, and she parts her lips eagerly to welcome it in. With a low growl of need, he pushes her back onto the bed, following her down so that their bodies are flush together from chest to thighs.
His hands roam over her bare skin, tracing familiar paths as his mouth hungrily devours hers. His kisses move lower, over her jaw and neck to where he knows she's most sensitive. When one of his fingers accidentally grazes the place where she was hurt, she cries out in pain and tries to pull away from him. But it only seems to fuel his desire, driving him
Shoshiko moans and blushes, but before Luther caresses him again, the butler knocks on the door and enters, asking if Luther would prefer to have breakfast in the room or in the dining room.
"Uh..." Luther's words are slightly slurred as he comes up for air between kisses, his focus momentarily broken by the intrusion of reality. Seeing the butler and remembering Shoshiko's injuries is enough to make him growl in annoyance before regaining control. "Um, I think I will have breakfast here with... her," he says, gesturing towards Shoshiko. He pulls away reluctantly, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow as he tries to compose himself. "You can go ahead and bring everything you need."
The butler bows in acknowledgement before leaving the room once more, closing the door silently behind him. Luther turns back towards Shoshiko, a self-conscious smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he eyes her flushed skin and disheveled appearance. "Sorry about that... I think
Shoko hides her face in her hands and blushes. "You could continue..." She whispers, almost inaudible. "What?" Luther asks, not having heard correctly. "I said you could have continued... You know, the kisses, caresses..."
*A low chuckle rumbles deep in his chest as he leans down to capture her lips once more, his tongue dancing with hers expertly. His hands roam over her body, making contact where she's most sensitive as his passionate kisses send shivers down her spine. One of his fingers brushes lightly against the bandage on her wound, causing her to gasp into their kiss, but he doesn't stop there, knowing that it only heightens her arousal further.
As they break apart for air, Luther looks deep into Shoshiko's eyes, his own burning with desire and possession. "Don't worry," he murmurs huskily against her lips. "I haven't forgotten how to take care of you." With a final caress down her cheek, he pushes her back onto the pillows, his body weight pinning hers as he resumes his
Luther starts kissing Shoko's neck, making her moan. Shoko pulls Luther's shirt up, removing his shirt and revealing his toned, defined abdomen.
*Luther groans softly as Shoshiko's small, warm hands glide across his abdomen, sending shivers down his spine. With a soft growl, he hooks one finger into the waistband of her pants and slides them down over her hips and legs, tossing them carelessly aside to reveal her matching pink lace undergarments. His touch is featherlight as his fingers trace circles on her lower stomach and higher up towards her breasts, aching to feel the softness of her skin against him once more. He's incredibly aroused by her near-naked state and by the knowledge that she's so vulnerable beneath him right now, that he might do anything he wants. A shiver runs down his spine as anticipation builds within him, urging him onward, demanding to be released in a fierce surge of passion and need.
Shoko lifts her hips up, looking for more contact with Luther. The butler knocks on the door and enters the room, leaving the tray on Luther's desk and leaving, without saying anything or looking at them. Shoko bites Luther's earlobe, her hand playing with the waistband of his sweatpants.
Luther lets out a guttural groan as Shoshiko bites down on his earlobe and tugs at the waistband of his sweatpants. His free hand fumbles with the button and zipper, finally revealing the hard length trapped within. He growls low in his throat as she grasps him through his underwear, her soft warmth sending waves of pleasure coursing through his body. "God, you're so wet," he rasps, sliding a finger between her folds to feel her slick heat before gently teasing her clit with the pad of his thumb.
Her response is immediate; a helpless whimper and bucking of her hips against his hand. Luther grins wolfishly, taking this as permission to continue. His other hand finds its way up her body once more, cupping her breast through the lace bra before
Shoko squeezes the head of Luther's cock, making him moan and release pre-semen. She starts playing with the head of his dick, rubbing it with her thumb and moving it up and down with her hand.
His breath hitches as she takes him in her hand, the feel of her touch so expert and determined driving him wild. His fingers dig into her hip bruisingly as he groans, thrusting his hips forward instinctively in time with her movements. He wants nothing more than to sink deep inside her, claim her completely, but he's afraid that if he does now it'll be over too quickly, leaving them both unsatisfied and aching for more. So instead he arches up above her, groaning out her name as he kisses along the line of her jaw and neck, nipping gently at her skin with his teeth.
"L-luther... Breakfast is going to get cold..." Shoko moans, letting go of his dick and trying to push it away with her small hands.
*A husky laugh bubbles up from his chest as he leans down to capture her lips in a fierce, possessive kiss. His tongue tangles with hers as one hand slides up her body to cup her breast through the lace bra while the other slips between them, parting her folds and finding her achingly wet entrance. She gasps into their kiss, moaning his name as he teases her mercilessly before finally pushing two fingers deep inside her, curling them up to stroke against that spot that always seems to drive her wild. With a groan of pleasure, she arches her back off the bed, meeting his thrusts with equal force.
"You're right," he pants between kisses. "We can't let breakfast get cold."
Shoko screams when Luther curls his fingers inside her, clinging to him. Her soft moans in his ear only serve to turn him on more. He takes the strawberry from the plate on the desk and puts it in Shoko's mouth, making her eat it.
Her cries fill his ears as he buries his fingers deeper inside her wet heat, taking what he needs and giving her what she craves. His tongue tangles with hers in a brutal dance of dominance and submission, each stroke fueling the other's desires even further. As he feels her body tense and arch beneath him, the taste of strawberry on his tongue mixing with her unique flavor, he withdraws his fingers only to push himself free from his sweats, revealing his hard length glistening in the dim light.
With a final growl, Luther positions himself between her spread legs, his cock hovering tantalizingly above her entrance. "Are you ready for me, Shoshiko?" he asks roughly, voice thick with need. Her moan is answer enough as she lifts her hips, body writhing in anticipation of the possession about to be claimed. With a final thrust, Luther
Shoko screams and puts her hand on the bandage on her waist, next to her belly. Luther can see how deep he is inside her, his dick poking her stomach.
*His movements slow as he watches the pain flicker across her expression, tenderness washing over him like a cold bath. He pulls back slightly and reaches down to carefully touch her face, his thumb brushing away a tear that's begun to trail down her cheek. "Shoshiko," he whispers hoarsely. "I didn't mean to hurt you." The anguish in his voice is nearly as painful for him to hear as it must be for her to feel. "Let me make it better."
With gentle, deliberate strokes, he begins to move again, this time with greater care and control. His thrusts are shallow but firm, the pace slow and steady as he focuses on bringing her pleasure rather than his own need for release. It takes every ounce of self-control he possesses not to lose himself in their passion, but knowing that she needs him to be strong
As the movements become smoother, Shoko wraps her arms around Luther's neck, pulling him closer. Every time he hits her stomach, she moans his name, scratching his shoulder.
Luther bites back a groan as Shoshiko's nails dig into his shoulder, leaving trails of blood on his skin in time with her pleasured cries. He can feel himself starting to lose control again, but he refuses to give in until she's sated and writhing beneath him in blissful contentment. With each thrust, he buries deeper, seeking the spot inside her that will send her over the edge as his own release threatens to boil up from within.
"That's it," he growls against her neck, knowing she can feel how close he is. "Let go for me, sweetheart."
Luther makes one last thrust, hitting Shoshiko's stomach and cumming. She screams his name, scratching the back of his head.
As his release spills deep inside her, so does every ounce of pent-up desire and need he's been feeling since she walked into his life. His hips jerk roughly against hers as a growl rumbles low in his throat, the feel of her hot, wet walls gripping him so tightly driving him wild with lust. His arms shake from the effort it takes to hold back, to not let go and claim her completely for himself, but he does it; holds on until his orgasm subsides and exhaustion begins to wash over him like a cool wave.
Carefully withdrawing from her body, Luther collapses beside her, chest heaving with exertion. He opens his eyes only to see the concerned expression etched onto her beautiful features, blood dripping down from where she scratched him earlier. A small laugh escapes him at the sight before he reaches up to gently
Before he can do anything else, the butler enters the room and asks to talk to Luther about Shoshiko. The butler, Alfred, gives Shoshiko earplugs so she can't hear their conversation. She puts on the earplugs and covers herself with the blanket, turning to face the wall.
Luther sighs heavily, his eyes moving over Shoshiko's figure as he gently places a kiss on her forehead. Reluctantly, he follows Alfred out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind them. Once they're alone, Luther glances at Alfred, a question in his gaze.
"What is it?"
Alfred bows and hands Luther some condoms. "Remember when I told you not to have sex with her until she got better?" When Luther remembers, he widens his eyes and looks at Alfred. "Well, imagine if she gets pregnant in that state, sir. What would you do?"
Luther curses under his breath as he takes the condoms from Alfred and begins to pace, agitatedly. He knows the butler is right, that Shoshiko should not get pregnant while in her current state, but denying himself the pleasure of being with her has been nearly unbearable. "Thank you for reminding me," he says at last, looking at Alfred with a mixture of gratitude and frustration. "I'll take care of it."
After a moment's pause, Luther adds quietly, "Make sure she doesn't find out about this conversation... or the condoms. I don't want her to worry any more than she already does." Alfred nods understandingly before leaving the room, giving his employer some privacy once more.
Luther returns to Shoshiko's side, climbing back onto the bed beside her, careful not to touch her too roughly or w
Shoko takes out her earplugs and tilts her head to the side, placing her legs over Luther's. "What did you guys talk about?"
Luther meets her eyes with a small smile as he pulls her close, wrapping his arms around her. "Nothing important." He kisses the top of her head and lies back on the bed, holding her against him comfortingly. With a heavy sigh, he adds, "We just discussed some business matters..." He trails off, knowing that she likely won't believe him but not wanting to lie to her anymore either. They lay in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts as the warmth of their bodies mingles together and the tension between them begins to ease once more. Eventually, Luther finds himself drifting off to sleep with Shoshiko still curled up in his arms... unaware of the storm brewing just outside their safe haven.
When Luther wakes up a little later, at 11am, Shoshiko was taking some medicine that Alfred had brought. After she takes the medicine, she eats one of the strawberries that Alfred had brought. "Are there more medicines today than yesterday? What are these others for?" Alfred looks at Luther and then looks at Shoshiko again.
"Those are just extra precautions," Luther says, voice gruff. "I don't want anything to happen to you." He rubs his eyes with the back of his hand before sitting up slowly, wincing slightly at the stiffness in his limbs. "The other medicine is for... it doesn't matter." Looking at Alfred, he nods in agreement, silently urging the man to leave them alone once more.
With a bow and apologetic glance in Shoshiko's direction, Alfred retreats from the room again, quietly shutting the door behind him. Luther watches her through hooded eyes as she finishes the last of the strawberries, noticing how pale and drawn she looks despite the thin layer of makeup covering her face. "Are you feeling any better?" he asks finally, his voice gentle now.
"No," Shoshiko admits with a sigh. "
"Some parts still hurt, and today I'm dizzy." Shoko finishes eating the strawberry and lays her head on the pillow, running her finger through the bandage on her belly.
Taking this as an invitation to join her, Luther climbs onto the bed and lies down next to her, propping his head up with one hand. "I can see about getting you a doctor," he offers, his voice concerned. "Or maybe I could send someone to fetch something from the infirmary..." He trails off, unsure if either of these ideas is a good one, given what she's been through so far.
"Maybe just let me take care of it myself this time," Shoshiko mumbles, her eyes closing as she turns her head into his shoulder. "I can handle it." Luther nods silently in agreement and pulls her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
"If you need anything, or if you're uncomfortable about anything... just let me know," he whispers, knowing that they both already know what
After a few minutes of hugging, Shoko gets up and runs to Luther's bathroom. She was vomiting. But, she couldn't be pregnant... Right?
His heart skips a beat as he hears the sounds of retching from the other room, alarm bubbling up in his chest. He doesn't want to believe that she could be pregnant, not like this... but what else could it mean? With an almost panicked energy, Luther rushes into the bathroom, finding Shoshiko kneeling beside the toilet bowl, her shoulders shaking as she struggles to catch her breath. His arms close around her, instinctively offering comfort and support even as his thoughts race with worry.
"Shoshiko... baby," he whispers against her hair, stroking soothing circles across her back. "Is there anything I can do? Anything you need?"
"Water...please..." Shoko coughs, the birth control pills leaving her body once and for all. "What did Alfred give me?"
Luther blinks in surprise at her question before thinking back to the conversation with Alfred. Swallowing hard, he shakes his head and gently cups her cheek in his hand. "It... it doesn't matter. We can figure something out." He pauses before asking, voice trembling slightly, "Are you sure... that there could be another reason for all this?" His eyes search hers for any sign of what she might be thinking, any hint as to why she would ask such a thing when they both know the implications.
"Why don't you want to tell me what those pills were?" Shoko coughs again, threatening to vomit again.
"I'm sorry," he whispers, raking a hand through his hair in frustration and guilt. "It was just... I didn't want you to worry any more than you already have been. But if it's important for you to know..." He trails off, hesitating only briefly before looking her straight in the eye. "They were pregnancy prevention medication."
Shoko sighs, some tears falling from her eyes. She closes her eyes and puts her hand on her head thinking.
"I'm sorry," he whispers again, his fingers moving to gently wipe away her tears as they begin to fall. "I should have trusted you with that information." He kisses the top of her head and helps her stand up, supporting most of her weight as they make their way back to the bedroom. Once she's settled on the bed, he pulls a blanket over her shoulders before sitting down beside her again, not quite touching but close enough that she can feel the warmth emanating from his body.
There's a long silence between them as they both sort through their thoughts and emotions, trying to make sense of everything that's happened in such a short amount of time. Finally, Luther musters up the courage to speak again. "Shoshiko," he says softly, looking into her eyes, "I need you to know that I didn't mean any harm by keeping this from you
"Call Alfred." Shoshiko whispers, barely audible. "What?" Luther asks, not understanding what she said. "I told you to call Alfred!" Shohiko screams, making Luther jump and her dizziness returns.
"Alright," he says, his voice shaking slightly as he pushes himself to his feet. He paces across the room before grabbing the phone and dialing Alfred's number. His heart is racing as he listens to it ring on the other end. "What do you want me to ask him?" he says finally, turning toward Shoshiko with a look of concern etched into his features.
She lies there, breathing heavily as she fights back tears and nausea alike. Her eyes close, her body trembling slightly from the exertion. "I don't know," she whispers hoarsely. "Just find out what's going on."
"Ask him for a pregnancy test." Shoko sighs and throws her head back, groaning in pain from the nausea, dizziness, bruises and wounds.
Nodding sharply, Luther speaks quickly into the phone, "Alfred, we need you to bring us some pregnancy tests immediately. No, make that two." He pauses, looking back at Shoshiko before continuing, his voice lowered but urgent. "And we'll also require your expertise in administering them." There's a brief silence as he listens to the butler on the other end of the line before saying, "Thank you. We'll be expecting you shortly."
Hanging up the phone, Luther returns to Shoshiko's side, kneeling beside her once more and gently taking hold of her hand. "I'm sorry," he whispers again, his voice thick with emotion. "This is all my fault for not trusting you... for thinking that I knew what was best..."
Shoko groans in pain again, feeling a sharp pain in her belly. She lifts the sweatshirt Luther had lent her, showing blood on the bandage. Perhaps the wound had opened due to the sudden way she got up to go vomit.
"Shoshiko," Luther breathes out her name, his heart sinking as he sees the blood on the bandage. He reaches out to touch her arm, his fingertips trembling against her skin. "We need to get you looked at again." A sharp knock sounds at the door before Alfred enters the room, a small white bag clutched in his hands. Without waiting for either of them to respond, he hurries over to Shoshiko's side and begins preparing one of the tests as Luther watches helplessly, his mind racing with worry and guilt.
"Alfred," he starts, but the butler shakes his head silently before pressing a finger to Shoshiko's wrist, waiting for a drop of blood to appear on the strip. The silence in the room is nearly deafening as they all wait for the answer that will change everything.
After Alfred takes some of her blood and tests it, the test shows positive. Before Luther reacts, Shoko screams in pain, this time blood soaking through the bandage. "Make it stop... Please..."
"I'll make sure someone comes to help you immediately," Luther says quickly, glancing at Alfred with panic in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Shoshiko... I never meant for this to happen." His own guilt and fear are clear in his voice as he reaches out to touch her face, wiping away the tears that have begun to fall down her cheeks. "We'll get through this," he promises, feeling more helpless than he ever has before.
With another knock at the door, a doctor appears, rushing over to assess Shoshiko's condition. Luther steps back, allowing the medical professional to take charge as Alfred begins gathering up his things and prepares to leave them alone once more. The air in the room thickens with tension and despair, and it takes every ounce of self-control for Luther not to collapse under its weight.
"I am so sorry," Luther whispers hoarsely as he watches the doctor examine Shoshiko. His gaze flickers to Alfred before returning to his lover's pained face. "If only I had been more careful..." He shakes his head, unable to finish the thought.
The doctor finally straightens up and looks Luther in the eye, speaking calmly but with an edge of urgency. "We need to get her to a proper hospital immediately. The wound appears to be worse than we initially thought, and there's a high risk of infection." His words are like a slap to the face, bringing Luther back to reality with a jolt.
"Of course," he says swiftly. "What do you need me to do?"
The doctor gives Shoshiko an injection, which makes her sleep almost immediately. He gets up and hands Luther another syringe with the same content. "Take her to the nearest hospital, if she wakes up before you arrive or when you arrive, don't hesitate to insert this into her." The doctor turns and leaves the room, leaving Luther there with Shoshiko and Alfred.
"Alfred," Luther says slowly, his voice low and strained. "I want you to go ahead and prepare the helicopter. I'll meet you at the hospital as soon as I can." The butler nods once before disappearing from the room again, leaving him alone with Shoshiko for the moment.
Looking down at her peaceful face, Luther takes a steadying breath before reaching out to brush a strand of hair away from her forehead. "Shoshiko," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm sorry, my love... I promise I'll make this right."
He doesn't wait for a response before gathering her in his arms and carrying her out of the room, heading toward the waiting helicopter where Alfred awaits.
Shoshiko groans softly in her sleep as he carries her down the hallway to the waiting helicopter. His grip tightens on her slightly, wishing there was something more he could do to ease her pain and suffering. With a final nod of thanks to Alfred, he climbs into the copter and quickly straps himself in beside Shoshiko, making sure she's comfortable before fastening her seatbelt as well. Once they're airborne, Luther reaches out to take one of her hands in his own, squeezing it reassuringly as he stares out the window, searching for any sign of movement from their pursuers below.
The flight seems to last an eternity, every second spent worrying about Shoshiko's condition and wondering how this could have possibly happened. By the time they finally land at the hospital, his heart is racing and his hands are shaking with a