Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“You created this new future; you deserve to guide its direction. Your life should not end here.”

His eyes met hers beneath his mask. If only she could see them.

“In another life, Mavuika.” He grasped her shoulder firmly—this was the only time he allowed himself to touch her. The first, and the last time, that he could feel the Phoenix's warmth beneath his icy cold fingers. He wanted to embrace the brave warrior; she was worthy of admiration, respect, and love. Yet, there was a nation full of people who loved her dearly. Who was he to selfishly take her away from them? He had responsibilities to his own people—his own promise to aid their eternal rest.

She acknowledged him with a subtle nod as he walked past her, climbing to the throne where he would rest.

“I will never forget you, Thrain.”

She had never known—the Harbinger she had admired for so long was carrying such a burden. She had never realized that the man had been torturously protecting the souls of his hundreds of comrades in his heart. One vessel could only carry so many souls for eternity. After a while, the host would lose their mind. Sleepless nights, paranoia… For 500 years, he had been living a nightmare.

Tears swelled in the corners of her fiery red eyes. Her vision blurred as she bit down on her lip, willing herself not to cry in front of her friends. He must have been so tired, just as she was. Sacrificing oneself to carry a beloved nation’s burdens… If only she had met him sooner. She could have lent him a shoulder. They could have shared their despair, walked together on this lonely road of misery. Yet, there he was, taking her place in the seat of Death.

She watched him ascend the stairs, a hue of light surrounding him. The souls of his countless brothers and sisters stood aside to welcome him. She could see them, see the grateful smiles they shared. She could hear the songs the leylines sang as he confidently sat on the throne. A surge of power coursed through their veins, their bodies tensing with shivering cold.

Mavuika felt tired. It seemed her body was finally giving up after so many battles.

“Mavuika?” Traveler asked with concern.

“I just… feel… dizzy…”

---

“Ma…vuika…” She barely heard a voice calling her. A sharp pain stabbed behind her eyes.

“Mavuika, wake up.”

She slowly opened her eyes as the shining light seeped through the blinds of her office.

“Miss Mavuika, you're going to be late for your 11 AM meeting.” The voice had urgency.

She held her head between her hands, squeezing her temples in an attempt to get rid of the sharp pain.

“Are you okay?”

Her vision slowly returned. The blurry image of the blond intern in a finely tailored suit became clearer.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Aether. I must have fallen asleep. I couldn’t get a wink of sleep last night.”

“Want me to get you a cup of coffee?”

“Yes, please.”

She stretched, rising from her comfortable leather chair. She took a few steps to open the blinds of her windows, gazing upon the beautiful view of New Teyvat City.

What a weird dream it had been. She tried to remember any details, but only one name lingered in her mind.

“Thrain.”

Chapter Text

Natlan Security was the crown jewel of New Teyvat City, renowned as the most sought-after security contractor in the region. Under the command of the decorated and formidable Xbalanque, the company’s reputation was bolstered by its elite ranks filled with legendary professionals, each a master in their field. Together, they formed a formidable force, trusted by governments and corporations alike to handle the most complex and high-stakes operations.

Mavuika served as the Chief Operations Officer, the backbone of Natlan Security’s intricate workflow. She meticulously oversaw projects ranging from high-profile protection details to cutting-edge surveillance operations. By Xbalanque’s personal request, though it had taken weeks of endless pleas and the exchange of many favors, Mavuika was also appointed to manage the annual External Audit. The audit was mandated by New Teyvat City's regulatory body to ensure transparency across all major corporations.

In compliance with this mandate, Natlan Security, like every other Teyvat-bound company, was required to work with Schneznaya Inc.’s sister company, Fatui Accounting. It was an open secret that this requirement was heavily influenced by Tsaritsa’s far-reaching influence, ensuring that everything flowed through Fatui's watchful eyes and remained firmly within their grasp. While the Fatui auditors prided themselves on professionalism, their presence always seemed to carry a shadow of control, a reminder of the power Schneznaya held over the city’s operations.

This year, Mavuika’s task seemed even more challenging. Rumors swirled about the Fatui assigning their top team to Natlan’s audit, an intimidating prospect. For Mavuika, the burden of ensuring her company’s flawless compliance weighed heavily. Still, she met the challenge head-on.

Her heels clicked against the polished floors as she walked briskly down the hallway, her tailored white blouse tucked neatly into a high-waisted black pencil skirt that accentuated her sharp, professional aura. Her thoughts were a blur, weighed down by the pile of tasks still waiting for her attention. This audit meeting was the last thing she needed right now, but duty called. Aether, her trusty assistant, followed closely behind, eyes glued to his tablet, running through last-minute updates.

“You all set?” Aether asked, glancing up at her with his usual lighthearted smile.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Mavuika replied, her tone steady. “The Fatui auditors are about to see a side of Natlan they didn’t expect, and I can't wait to show them.”

Her mind raced, but she forced herself to stay composed. She knew this meeting would be tough, especially with the reputation of Fatui’s auditors. It wasn’t just about numbers; it was about challenging control, and in that, Mavuika had no intention of backing down.

When they entered the large conference room, Mavuika’s gaze immediately landed on the two figures already seated. Pantalone, ever impeccably dressed in a tailored navy suit with golden embroidery tracing the lapels, greeted her with a warm but calculated smile. His sharp features were framed by perfectly styled black hair, and his silver-rimmed glasses glinted under the soft overhead lights.

But it was the man across from him who truly commanded the room.

Capitano.

Tall and broad-shouldered, Capitano exuded an air of quiet authority. He was dressed in a sleek black suit, the fabric pristine and perfectly fitted to his powerful frame. His dark, slicked-back hair was tied into a neat ponytail, and the lower half of his face was obscured by a simple black fabric mask. But it was his piercing blue eyes, sharp and unyielding, that drew her attention and held it.

As she stepped forward, Capitano looked up from the tablet in his hands, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

He was everything the rumors had promised, and then some.

There was no hiding the recognition in his eyes, he knew exactly who she was. He came prepared. They had heard of each other, their names spoken in hushed tones among colleagues and in passing conversations. This was the first time they’d ever met face to face.

"Miss Mavuika," Capitano’s voice was smooth, low, and not at all what she expected. There was a challenge in it, an unspoken question hidden beneath his formal tone.

“Just Mavuika is fine,” she replied coolly, offering him a polite but firm smile. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Capitano inclined his head slightly, as if considering her for a moment. “The pleasure’s mine. I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

Mavuika’s smile never wavered, though there was an unmistakable glint in her eyes. “I’m sure the stories are... exaggerated.”

Capitano’s lips twitched beneath his mask, but he said nothing further, letting the moment hang between them.

Pantalone, ever the professional, cleared his throat and gestured to the empty chairs. “Shall we begin?”

Mavuika nodded, still acutely aware of the tension that lingered in the air between her and Capitano. She took a seat at the head of the table, Aether pulling out the documents and setting them neatly in front of her.

The meeting started formally enough. Pantalone took the lead, guiding them through the agenda, but it was clear that the real meat of the discussion wouldn’t be in the numbers. It was going to come down the battle between her and Capitano.

Pantalone was the type to keep things calm and collected, letting his colleagues do the heavy lifting when it came to the tough questions. He focused on the broader scope of the audit, listening attentively and chiming in with measured remarks.

But it was Capitano who seemed determined to test Mavuika at every turn.

He was the first to speak, his gaze fixed on the reports in front of him. “I’ve reviewed the procurement expenditures for the past quarter,” he began, his voice calm but cutting. “There’s a noticeable jump in security measures. Care to explain?”

Mavuika didn’t hesitate. “We’ve been facing escalating threats. My team recommended the increase, and I authorized it immediately.”

He didn’t look up from his tablet, but his eyes narrowed slightly. “Interesting. And how do you account for the lack of timestamp verification on some of these transactions?”

Aether visibly tensed, but Mavuika kept her composure. “You’ll find those timestamps in our internal logs. As always, if you need access to anything, I’m happy to provide it.”

Capitano raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “Is that so? I’m sure you’ll understand my... concern over such discrepancies.”

Mavuika felt the challenge in his words, but her smile didn’t falter. “I’m sure you’re thorough, Capitano. But I’ve never made a claim I wasn’t prepared to back up.”

The flicker of a smile behind his mask was almost imperceptible, but it was there. “I admire confidence. But in audits, every detail matters. Missing documentation is not something we can simply overlook.”

There it was again, the underlying tension, the challenge. It was more than just a professional exchange. There was something almost playful in the way he tested her at every turn. She could tell he respected her, but he was determined to push her limits.

“I understand,” Mavuika said coolly. “But you’ll find, if you dig deep enough, that everything is in order. I’m not one to leave things half done.”

Capitano’s blue eyes locked onto hers, a hint of something unspoken passing between them. “We’ll see,” he replied softly.

Pantalone, meanwhile, had been silently observing the back-and-forth. His smile remained neutral, though his sharp gaze flickered between the two of them. He didn’t intervene yet, knowing full well that Capitano was just doing what he did best, testing the boundaries.

“Perhaps we should move on to the financial statements,” Pantalone suggested, offering a slight nod. “There are other matters we must discuss.”

Mavuika acknowledged his suggestion with a nod of her own. “Of course.”

The discussion moved to the financial statements, and Capitano didn’t let up. Every document, every figure was met with scrutiny. But this time, Mavuika was prepared. She could feel his eyes on her as much as the papers themselves.

Capitano’s voice broke the silence again. “Your internal controls seem solid,” he noted, “but I’ve noticed a gap in your external reconciliation reports. That’s an issue.”

Mavuika tilted her head slightly, her smile a little sharper this time. “I’m sure you’ll find that the gap you’re referring to has been corrected in the most recent cycle. Perhaps we’re working on different timelines.”

His lips twitched in acknowledgment. “Perhaps.”

Pantalone seemed content to let them spar, his gaze drifting to his tablet as he read through the details. It was clear he had no interest in being the referee here. He was letting Mavuika and Capitano work things out for themselves.

Mavuika’s focus never wavered. She was used to pressure, used to life threatening split second decisions, used to keeping her cool under the most intense scrutiny. But this? This was different. Capitano wasn’t just another auditor. He was a challenge.

As the meeting finally wound down, Mavuika couldn’t help but feel a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. She had held her ground, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that Capitano had been more than just a hard-nosed auditor. He was... intrigued by her, in his own way.

Aether gathered their papers and made his way toward the door, but Mavuika lingered for a moment, gathering her thoughts.

Pantalone stood as well, adjusting his suit. “That went... well, I’d say. For the most part,” he remarked with a smile, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Mavuika offered him a polite but weary smile. “We’ll see what the final reports say. We will be meeting every week next three months.”

“Indeed,” Pantalone replied, nodding slightly.

Capitano turned to her with a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You’re more than I expected.”

Mavuika’s eyes narrowed, but her tone remained steady. “And you’re just as insufferable as I heard.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled with amusement. “Good. I like a worthy opponent.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she replied, her smile daring.

Capitano, however, didn’t immediately move. His blue eyes held her gaze for a moment longer.

They both stood, the moment lingering between them, neither of them eager to break the connection. Pantalone cleared his throat, bringing their attention back to him.

Pantalone smiled warmly at Mavuika. “It’s always a pleasure working with someone so competent. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.” He reached into his pocket and produced an embossed card, sliding it across the table.

Mavuika accepted it with a nod of thanks, but her attention was pulled to Capitano as he stepped closer.

“I don’t carry cards,” Capitano said, his tone low and deliberate. He reached for a nearby notepad, tearing off a small corner before scribbling a number in bold, deliberate strokes. His handwriting was neat, almost militaristic in its precision.

He held it out to her, his gloved fingers brushing hers as she accepted it.

“Call me if you have... questions,” he said, his eyes holding hers for a moment longer than necessary.

Mavuika nodded, slipping the number into her pocket with practiced ease. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The room fell silent as the two Fatui operatives exited, their departure as calculated as their arrival.

Aether, standing off to the side, smirked as he watched Mavuika. “Did you just get THE Capitano’s phone number!?”

Mavuika shot him a look, though her cheeks betrayed a faint flush. “Strictly professional.”

“Sure,” Aether teased, tapping at his tablet. “Strictly professional.”

As they gathered their materials, Mavuika couldn’t help but let her fingers brush against the slip of paper in her pocket. Whatever this audit brought, one thing was certain: Capitano was not someone easily ignored.

Later that night, Mavuika sat on her couch in her office, Aether across from her, engrossed in his tablet. They both decided to do some overtime to create briefings for Departments. She couldn’t shake the thought of Capitano, his commanding presence, the quiet intensity that seemed to fill every room he entered. She found herself turning the piece of paper over in her fingers, her thoughts replaying the day’s meeting.

Aether glanced up from his tablet, sensing her distraction. “Something on your mind?” he asked, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Mavuika shrugged but didn’t try to hide her thoughts. “Just thinking about Capitano,” she admitted. “He’s... interesting.”

Aether’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh? Wait, you’re not THAT interested, are you?”

She rolled her eyes. "It’s not like that. He just..." She trailed off, struggling to find the right words. "He challenged me. And I respect that. But I also want to know what makes him tick."

Aether raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like you’re intrigued.”

Mavuika let out a frustrated sigh. "I don’t know, Aether. There’s something about him." She glanced down at the piece of paper again. "And I think I need to know more."

Aether smirked. “Well, there’s nothing wrong with a little curiosity. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Mavuika looked up at him, her expression serious for a moment. “I’m texting him.”

Aether leaned back, raising his hands in mock surrender. “You know what, I’ll be here for the aftermath.”

Mavuika smiled and quickly typed out a message:

“Capitano, it’s Mavuika. Just wanted to make sure I got the details on those adjustments right. Hope you’re not still holding a grudge for the whole ‘discrepancy’ thing earlier. ;)”

She set her phone down. A few moments later, her phone buzzed again. She anxiously picked her phone up.

“Grudge? Maybe. But I’m more curious about you now than anything else. I’ll let you off the hook for now, but next time, I won’t be so lenient. ;) ”

Her cheeks blushed at his remarks. Next three months would be one hell of an experience.

Chapter Text

Her nightlight cast a crimson hue over the loneliest streets of Teyvat City. The soft growl of her engine was the only sound accompanying the night, a low purr that echoed between the sleeping skyscrapers. It was the sound of solitude and freedom, of rebellion and power.

The wind wove its way through her fiery mane, which billowed behind her like flames on the verge of consuming the air. Mavuika often dreamed of flying, soaring high above the city with a bird’s-eye view. In those dreams, she was a phoenix, her ember-bright hair streaking across the skies as if igniting the heavens themselves.

The Firestrider beneath her was real wings, a masterpiece of Natlanese engineering, a union of precision and raw, unrestrained energy. Its sleek body glinted like polished obsidian under the city’s streetlights. The sharp lines of its aerodynamic frame cut through the air as she sped down the asphalt, its signature crimson fairings shimmering with hints of gold under the moonlight. The beast roared beneath her like a symphony of fire and thunder, every throttle an eruption of power that sent her heart racing.

Midnight cruises were Mavuika’s favorite. The city was hers at this hour, the empty streets a stage for her to own. She felt invincible in her gear, Cordura and Kevlar embraced her like a protective second skin. The suit was the finest that could be found in New Teyvat City, a gift forged by the renowned Inazuman Craftsmanship Commission.

Her connection to the Raiden Twins, had deepened her appreciation for the art of riding. Their shared love of motorcycles had sparked a bond that transcended mere friendship. Whenever schedules permitted, the three would carve out time for short trips to the countryside or the mountain ranges that flanked Teyvat City.

The suit she wore was a birthday gift from them, commissioned from Chiori, the Thundering Seamstress of the Craftsmanship Commission. Chiori’s creations were more than clothing, they were works of art. This particular piece had been tailored with meticulous care: a jet-black bodysuit accented with bold streaks of red and orange that mirrored the glow of molten lava.

It clung to her frame perfectly, enhancing both form and function. Its ergonomic design allowed for ease of movement, while the reinforced padding offered unparalleled protection. Her gloves and boots, crafted from the same premium materials, completed the ensemble.

As she sped through the city, the Flamestrider’s engine roared louder, a soft growl that harmonized with the rhythm of her heartbeat. Her fingers tightened around the grips, and she leaned forward, feeling the surge of speed as the bike responded instantly to her command.

The New Teyvat City blurred around her, the lights of shopfronts and traffic signals streaking past like scattered constellations. The streets eventually gave way to the coastal highway, where the city lights softened, replaced by the silver glow of moonlight on the water. Mavuika eased off the throttle, letting the Flamestrider hum beneath her as she soaked in the view. The ocean stretched endlessly to her right, the waves shimmering like liquid starlight.

In these moments, she felt free, untethered from the burdens of her day-to-day life, from the expectations of her role at Natlan Security. Here, she wasn’t the ever dependable Chief. She was simply Mavuika, a woman and her machine, riding into the horizon.

The Flamestrider purred softly as she pulled over at a secluded lookout point. She dismounted gracefully, removing her helmet to let the night breeze cool her flushed face. The city’s distant skyline shimmered in the background, but her focus was on the ocean before her.

She was not alone tonight. There was another soul yearning for the peaceful sound of waves crashing down on the coastline. It was rare for people to visit this place after midnight, it had a well hidden trail afterall.

She leaned against her bike, its warm frame humming faintly beneath her touch, and stared out at the water. The waves crashed softly against the rocky shore below, their rhythm soothing and timeless.

It would be rude not to let herself known to the stranger.

“Sorry to intrude," Mavuika said, her voice cutting through the quiet. She stepped closer to the stranger in front of her.

He stood leaning against his motorcycle, a Mikage, sleek and powerful, yet distinct in ways she couldn’t quite place. The machine seemed almost dwarfed by his towering figure. His dark suit was impeccably tailored, clinging to his frame in all the right ways. In one hand, a cigarette smoldered faintly, its smoke curling upward as he gazed out at the waves.

At the sound of her voice, he turned his head slightly, his raspy voice breaking the rhythm of the crashing surf. “Miss Haborym?”

Mavuika blinked in recognition. “Oh the Fatui guy? Fancy running into you here.”

Capitano turned to face her fully, his cigarette glowing faintly in the dim light of the moon. His face caught the silver gleam, accentuating his features; the nose of a Greek God, eyes of an endless ocean and scars he hid beneath his suggestive lips. His usual mask was nowhere to be seen.

“So that’s the reason he hides beneath the mask.” she thought. “That was a cruel reason to hide his handsome face.”

“Fancy, indeed,” he replied, his raspy voice carrying a subtle amusement.

“Didn’t think you’d be the type to wander out to quiet places like this. I thought you were more of the heart of the party kind of person.”

Mavuika crossed her arms, smirking. “And here I thought you were just a shadow lurking in the office. Didn’t peg you for a man who takes midnight trips by the waves.”

He chuckled softly, a low sound that rumbled in his chest. “Even shadows need air sometimes. What about you? What brings you out here?”

She stepped closer, feeling the cool breeze tug at her hair. “I could ask you the same. This is my private gateway. I’ve never seen you here before.”

Capitano tapped ash from his cigarette, his movements deliberate, almost calculated. “I’m new to the city, remember, so I'm discovering and sightseeing.”

Mavuika tilted her head, studying him. Star struck was the right word. She couldn't avoid eye contact with him.
He was not like the rumors said, this stunning man; always composed, always calculated, yet there were cracks in the facade that hinted at something deeper. Something raw. He was so different in that meeting room, like a beast impossible to tame. Then here he was, calm like a gentle breeze.

“Clearing your mind of what?” she pressed, curiosity piqued. “I thought you were the kind of guy who had everything under control.”

He smiled faintly. “Control is an illusion. I thought you’d know that by now, miss manager.”

His words lingered in the air between them, heavy yet intriguing. Mavuika stepped closer again, her eyes narrowing playfully. She was going to pester him, revenge for making her work extra hours for the last three days.

“You’re surprisingly philosophical for someone who is famous for wrecking havoc.”

Capitano exhaled smoke, the cloud swirling around them. “And you’re surprisingly bold for someone who just interrupted my peace.”

Mavuika grinned, unfazed. “Interrupting and being a menace is part of my job description.”

“Touché,” he murmured, flicking the cigarette to the ground and stamping it out. He straightened, towering even more now that he wasn’t leaning on the bike. “So, are you just here to bother me?”

She hesitated, the air between them growing heavier. For all her confidence, there was something about Capitano that unsettled her. Perhaps it was his presence, or perhaps it was the way he always seemed to see more than he let on. She was drawn to him, from the moment he entered her life.

“Honestly?” she said finally. “I didn’t expect to see anyone here. Just needed to think. Clear my own noise.”

Capitano studied her for a moment before nodding, his expression unreadable. “Fair enough. There’s room for two.” He gestured toward the waves. “Go on, clear your noise.”

Mavuika hesitated, then joined him by the bike. For a while, neither of them spoke, letting the sound of the waves fill the silence. It was strange, being here with him like this. Two vicious strangers who rarely let their guard down, now standing side by side in the quiet of the night.

Finally, Capitano broke the silence. A question out of the blue.

“You ever think about what it would be like to just walk away?”

Mavuika blinked, surprised by the question. “Walk away from what?”

“Everything,” he said simply. “The office. The company. The expectations. Just... vanish.”

She considered this, her gaze fixed on the horizon. “Sometimes,” she admitted. “But then I remember why I’m doing it. Why I stay.”

Capitano looked at her, his eyes unreadable behind the mask. “And why is that?”

Mavuika met his gaze, her voice firm. “Because I believe in it. In what we’re building. In the people we’re protecting.”

He nodded slowly, as if her answer confirmed something he’d already suspected. “Then you’re stronger than most.”

“And you?” she asked, turning the question back on him. “What keeps you from walking away?”

Capitano’s lips twitched beneath the mask, but his answer was quieter, almost reluctant. “Maybe I’m still looking for my reason.”

The vulnerability in his voice caught her off guard, and for a moment, she saw past the mask, past the sharp edges and the stoic facade. There was a man beneath it all, one who carried burdens she couldn’t yet understand.

“Well,” she said softly, “maybe you’ll find it when you least expect it.”

He gave a short laugh, the sound dry and tinged with something like hope. “Maybe I will.”

And just like that, the moment passed. Capitano straightened, his usual composure slipping back into place. “Enjoy the waves, Miss Haborym. Don’t let me keep you.”

She watched as he mounted his bike, the engine roaring to life. Before he sped off, he glanced back at her one last time. “And… ”

“Yes?”

“If you’re good at finding reasons, don’t lose sight of them. I’ll see you around.”

With that, he was gone, leaving her alone with the sound of the waves and the faint smell of his cologne mixed with cigarette smoke lingering in the air.

“That was out of nowhere.” She mumbled to herself. Perhaps it was the soothing aura of the lookout. Perhaps it was the unspoken fate, looming its webs over them.

The memory of Capitano’s cold, enigmatic face lingered in her mind, refusing to be dismissed. She found herself yearning for the next encounter. Whether it would be a fleeting moment on the road or a charged meeting in the office.

Chapter Text

It had been a week since their fateful encounter on the seaside trail, and yet, his face lingered in her mind like a specter refusing to fade. His casual demeanor, the ease with which he spoke, contrasted sharply with the whirlwind of her thoughts since that day. Something about him was magnetic, an inexplicable pull that gnawed at the edges of her focus, even amidst the chaos of work.

The faint hum of her email notifications brought her back to reality. She sighed, scrolling through the endless back-and-forth with their Finance, IT, and BD departments. The Fatui Group’s audit team was thorough to a fault, meticulously dissecting every report, sending back an avalanche of questions that bordered on absurdity.

“Devil is in the details,” they always said, and these demons seemed determined to unearth every hidden flaw. A misplaced decimal, a missing header, no mistake was too small to escape their scrutiny.

Mavuika rubbed her temples, exhaustion creeping in as she flagged yet another email for follow-up. She leaned back in her chair, her eyes darting to the stack of reports waiting for her review. Her once meticulously organized desk was now a battlefield of documents, sticky notes, and half-empty coffee mugs.

Her phone buzzed, breaking her train of thought. Xilonen, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, had sent her a message:
"Call me. It's urgent."

Xilonen was a research and development specialist with a reputation for being both brilliant and blunt. Mavuika often admired her ability to cut through bureaucracy with razor-sharp focus, though her tendency to demand immediate attention could be exhausting. She was a force to be reckoned with.

She dialed Xilonen’s number, the line barely ringing before it was picked up.
“Finally,” Xilonen’s voice came through, sharp and impatient. “We’ve got a situation with the Fatui request. They’re asking for raw data from last quarter’s R&D initiatives. If they get their hands on this, it could compromise several ongoing projects. We can’t let that happen.”

Mavuika frowned, her grip tightening on the phone. “Why would they need R&D data for a financial audit?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Xilonen replied, her voice tinged with irritation. “I’ve already flagged it as sensitive, but they’re persistent. I need you to step in and shut this down before it escalates.”

Mavuika nodded, her mind racing as she jotted down notes. “I’ll handle it. Leave it with me. Forward the request to my mail.”

As the call ended, she couldn’t help but feel a knot of unease settle in her stomach. The Fatui Group was powerful, their influence extending far beyond corporate audits. She had always prided herself on being prepared for anything, but something about this felt... off.

Requesting for confidential data was a bold move, a move most certainly will backlash immediately.

And then there was him.

The memory of his voice, calm yet piercing, echoed in her mind. The way his eyes had met hers, like he could see through every wall she’d built around herself, made her feel exposed in a way she hadn’t in years. With this degree of meticulous professionalism, there was no way a man like him would make this move.

Shaking her head, she forced herself to focus. There was no time for distractions, not with the Fatui breathing down their necks. But deep down, she knew the distraction wasn’t going anywhere.

A notification pinged on her computer, taking her mind off wandering. Stretching her muscles with a big yawn, she carefully reviewed the request sent to Xilonen. There was no sign off and it was sent by their Fatui Contact address. No CC’s and BCC’s either.

Bullshit, she thought, scrolling down the formal-looking document. After finishing her reading, she wrote a quick email to Capitano.

“Request denied. For further discussion, request a meeting via my assistant. - Mavuika Haborym”
.
Mavuika was still staring at her screen when a reply pinged.
“I’ll handle this personally. I’m nearby and will come to your office. – T. Capitano.”

Her stomach churned. She knew this wasn’t going to be a simple discussion. Capitano wasn’t one to mince words, and after the seaside encounter a week ago, his presence lingered in her mind far more than she cared to admit. She couldn’t let her weird interest in him take her defence walls down.

Also, It was pretty rude of him to avoid requesting a meeting. It was no secret that she wanted to see the man again. Yet she wanted this to happen on her own rules and domain, where he couldn’t barge in and disrupt her peace.

A knock on her office door pulled her from her thoughts. Aether’s head popped in, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. “Capitano’s on his way up,” he said, voice tinged with nervousness.

Mavuika nodded, straightening her posture. “Thanks, Aether. Make sure the rest of the floor is... prepared.”

Aether gave a hesitant thumbs-up before retreating.

Mavuika’s office door swung open abruptly after a sharp knock, startling her as Capitano stepped inside. He looked every bit as commanding as he had on the seaside trail, a walking storm in a sleek black suit, his broad shoulders practically filling the doorway. The tension in the room shifted palpably, and her heart skipped a beat before she regained her composure.

“Miss Haborym,” he said curtly, his deep voice slicing through the air. He closed the door behind him with deliberate force.

“Mr. Capitano,” she replied, her tone clipped. She stood, straightening the edges of her blazer, determined to meet his intensity head-on. “I assume you’re here about the R&D data request?”

His storm-gray eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the air between them felt charged, as though the room itself were bracing for a confrontation. “I’m here to resolve this messy dispute. Personally.”

Her brow arched, a fiery spark lighting in her eyes. “By barging into my office without even scheduling a meeting? That’s certainly one way to handle things.”

He stepped closer, the weight of his presence almost suffocating in the confined space. “I’m not here to debate office etiquette, Mavuika. This data request is critical, and I’m not leaving until we come to an understanding.”

Her arms crossed over her chest as she narrowed her gaze. “An understanding? Capitano, let me make this clear: the data you’re requesting is not only unnecessary but a significant security risk. You and your team have already reviewed every financial and operational detail. Why the sudden need to dig into proprietary research?”

“It’s not sudden,” he countered, his voice low but firm. “It’s precautionary. The discrepancies in your reports, small as they may seem, raise questions. Questions that demand answers.”

Her temper flared, and she took a step forward, closing the gap between them. “Discrepancies? You think my team can’t handle basic arithmetic? Do you have any idea how insulting that is?”

“I don’t care about feelings right now,” he shot back, his voice rising slightly. “This isn’t about you or your team, it’s about protecting the integrity of this project. If something’s off, even slightly, I have to address it.”

Her hands slammed onto her desk, her fiery demeanor fully unleashed. “Then address it with me directly instead of treating my entire department like criminals! Do you realize how much damage it would cause if this data were leaked? The repercussions could…”

“That’s not going to happen,” he interrupted, his tone sharp and unyielding. “Do you think I don’t understand the stakes? Everything I do, every decision I make, is to ensure the success of this partnership. But that means no room for blind spots, Mavuika. None.”

She refused to let her guard down. “Capitano, I’ve given you every piece of data you’ve requested, answered every question, and jumped through every hoop your team’s thrown at us. If you still don’t trust my judgment, maybe you should question why you’re here in the first place.”

A flicker of frustration crossed his face, and he stepped back, running a hand through his dark hair. “You’re impossible,” he muttered, shaking his head.

“And you’re insufferable,” she shot back, though her voice lacked its usual venom.

For a moment, the tension between them shifted, charged with something unspoken. Capitano’s gaze lingered on her longer than it should have, as if searching for something he couldn’t quite name. Then, with a sharp exhale, he turned toward the door.

“Fine,” he said, his voice laced with resignation. “Do what you want. But don’t say I didn’t warn you when this blows up in your face. I will take this to higher management.”

With that, he slammed the door behind him, the sound reverberating through the office.

She furiously slammed the handle, yanked the door open, and shouted after him:

"Be sure to tell your superiors that their elite fucking task force is losing their shit over a goddamn popsicle-stick craft project!"

---

Outside, the entire floor had gone eerily silent. Heads peeked out from behind cubicles, and whispers spread like wildfire. Aether and Xilonen wasted no time approaching Mavuika’s office, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

“What just happened?” Aether asked, leaning cautiously against the doorframe.

“Did Capitano seriously storm out?” Xilonen added, her brow arched in disbelief.

Mavuika let out a heavy sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. “R&D data,” she muttered. “He came to... discuss it in person.”

“That didn’t sound like a discussion,” Aether quipped, earning a sharp look from Xilonen.

Xilonen crossed her arms. “So, what’s the verdict? Are we handing over the data?”

“Not a chance,” Mavuika replied firmly.

---

Later that afternoon, Mavuika sat in her office, the glow of her laptop illuminating her tired face. Her mind was scattered, caught between frustration over Capitano’s earlier outburst and the lingering effect of his presence. He always seemed larger than life, like he could storm into her carefully constructed world and leave chaos in his wake.

The phone buzzed on her desk, pulling her from her thoughts. The name on the screen made her stomach twist: Capitano.

She stared at the phone for a moment, debating whether to let it ring out. Her chest tightened with conflicting emotions: anger, curiosity, something dangerously close to longing. Finally, she sighed and picked up.

“What now?” she answered sharply, leaning back in her chair and crossing her legs defensively.

There was a pause on the other end, long enough for her to wonder if he’d hung up. Then his voice came through, quieter than usual.

“Mavuika.”

Her name on his lips sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. She hated how he could affect her like this, even over the phone.

“What do you want?” she asked, her tone colder than she intended.

“I just got off the phone with a colleague, Dottore,” he began, and she immediately recognized the tension in his voice. It was a rare crack in his usually unshakable demeanor.

Her grip on the phone tightened. “What does he have to do with this?”

A sharp exhale crackled through the line. “Everything,” he admitted, his frustration palpable. “The R&D request, it didn’t actually come from my team. It was him. He went behind my back to pull strings, and I didn’t find out until now.”

Mavuika’s anger flared, her voice rising. “You’re telling me this entire circus was because some guy couldn’t keep his hands off my department’s work? And you didn’t know?”

“No,” he snapped, though the frustration seemed directed at himself. “I didn’t. And trust me, I’ve already had words with him.”

She stood from her chair, pacing the room as her emotions tangled into a mess of indignation and vindication. “So all the accusations, the shouting, you put me through all of that because of him? You blindly came and followed through because someone in your team requested it? Without double-checking the integrity of this said document?”

“I know,” he said, his voice heavy with regret. “I was wrong.”

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. Capitano rarely admitted fault, it was part of what made him so infuriatingly difficult. But now, there was something raw in his tone that disarmed her.

“Mavuika, I owe you an apology,” he continued, softer now. “For everything. For storming into your office like that. I let my anger get the better of me, and I took it out on you when I shouldn’t have.”

She stopped pacing, her free hand gripping the edge of her desk. Her heart ached at the sincerity in his voice, but she wasn’t ready to let go of her frustration entirely.

“Do you have any idea how humiliating it was?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly. “The entire floor heard us. My assistant and my CTO came running after you left to ask what happened. I had to sit there and explain why the great Capitano decided to throw a tantrum in my office.”

“I know,” he said quietly, and she could almost picture him rubbing the back of his neck, a rare crack in his composed exterior. “I... I never should have put you in that position.”

Her chest tightened as his words sank in. He sounded so unlike himself, no bluster, no commanding tone. Just... guilt.

“I’m sorry, Mavuika,” he said again, his voice softening further. “I’ve already dealt with that bastard, and I’ll make sure he doesn’t interfere again. But I also need to make things right with you.”

“And how do you plan to do that?” she asked, trying to keep her tone even, though her heart was racing for the possibilities.

There was a pause on the line, and when he spoke again, his voice was almost hesitant. “Dinner. Tonight. Just you and me. No work, no arguments, just a chance for me to... apologize properly.”

Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she considered saying no. But there was something in his voice, a vulnerability she rarely heard from him, that made her pause. Against her better judgment, she felt herself softening.

“Dinner,” she repeated, as if testing the word.

“Yes,” he said, his tone steady but quieter than usual. “I’ll make the reservation. Somewhere private. Just say yes.”

She hesitated, her mind warring with itself. Capitano had infuriated her earlier, but now he was offering something she never expected, an olive branch. Just like that day at the seaside trail.

“Alright,” she said finally, her voice softer than she intended. “Dinner it is.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence heavy but not uncomfortable.

“Thank you, Mavuika,” he said quietly. “I promise I’ll make this right.”

She ended the call and sank into her chair, her mind swirling. Capitano had always been a contradiction, impossibly frustrating one moment, disarmingly sincere the next. She hated how he could get under her skin so easily, but a part of her couldn’t ignore the faint glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, there was more to him than the stoic facade he so often wore.

The restaurant Capitano chose was a small, secluded place tucked into a quiet corner of the city. It wasn’t the type of venue that shouted for attention, but its understated elegance spoke volumes. Warm lighting bathed the intimate space in a golden glow, and the faint hum of a piano in the background made it feel like a world away from the chaos of their work.
Mavuika arrived at the restaurant a few minutes late, her nerves betraying her usual punctuality. The hostess led her to a private booth, dimly lit with warm amber lights. Capitano was already there, seated with his usual composed posture, a glass of whiskey in front of him, his brows furrowed and lost in a world of his own. When he heard her footsteps, he stood up briefly, a gentlemanly gesture that caught her off guard.

She wore an elegant black dress, the fabric hugging her figure and flowing down to a tasteful slit on her thigh. The easiest piece in her closet that she could find in such a short notice. Her fiery hair was pulled into a high ponytail, accentuating the sharpness of her features. Soft burgundy makeup highlighted her golden eyes, and she completed the look with a pair of sleek black, red sole Fontainian designer shoes. The moment she spotted Capitano, though, any lingering irritation was overshadowed by an entirely different kind of frustration.

Damn him. Did he have to look that good?

His Schneznayan-style dark navy blue suit was slightly undone, no tie, his black shirt's top two buttons open just enough to hint at the powerful build beneath. The chain necklace at his collarbone, adorned with a four-cornered star which peeked through the opening briefly, a Kaenri'ahn symbol of royalty, gleamed under the dim light. He looked refined, yet effortlessly dominating the area, and that irritated her more than she wanted to admit.

"You came, and you look stunning… " he said, his tone softer than usual.

He didn't adorn the usual black facemask. She wondered, What was the reason for using such a mask, if he was only going to wear it while working. His scarred lips gave his square shaped face a mature, yet possibly frightening look. She was intrigued, even fascinated at the sight of his refined look. She realized her gaze lingered on his lips a bit more than usual, she blushed with frustration, averting her gaze back to his Lazulite eyes.

"I said I would," she replied, slipping into her seat. "Though I’m still debating if this is a trap."

A small smirk ghosted across his lips. That infuriating, almost imperceptible curve that made her want to both slap him and pull him closer. "If it were, do you think I’d choose a restaurant for it?"

"With you? Who knows. Maybe you think a full stomach will make me more forgiving."

"Would it?"

She huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head. "Flattery won’t get you off the hook."

She busied herself with adjusting her napkin, pretending not to notice how comfortable he looked, how easily he leaned back in his seat, exuding that quiet, unshakable confidence. It annoyed her. It also made her want to undo another one (or possibly more) of those buttons just to see what was underneath.

A waiter approached, taking their orders. Mavuika opted for a seafood dish accompanied with Dandelion Wine, while Capitano simply ordered a steak, rare. As the waiter walked away, an unfamiliar silence settled between them. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was thick with unspoken thoughts.

"So," she started, drumming her fingers against the table. "Do you do this often?"

His brow arched slightly. "Do what?"

"Invite people you argue with to dinner. Seems counterproductive."

Capitano exhaled a short chuckle. "No. You’re the first."

She blinked. "Really?"

He nodded, swirling the liquid in his glass before taking a sip. "I don’t often find myself needing to make amends."

"Lucky you."

"Not really. Just selective about who I cross."

Her lips pressed together, trying to ignore the way her heartbeat betrayed her cool exterior. "And I was an exception?"

His gaze held hers, unwavering. "You were worth the exception."

Heat crept up her neck, and she quickly reached for her own drink to mask it. Archons, why did he have to be like this? "That almost sounded smooth."

"Almost?"

"Don’t push your luck."

A faint smile played on his lips, but he didn’t push further. Their meals arrived, offering a brief respite from the charged atmosphere. For a while, they focused on eating, exchanging occasional comments about the food. It was surprisingly easy, this back-and-forth, as if the earlier tension had softened into something else entirely.

She hated how much she liked it.

"So, tell me," he said after a while, setting his knife and fork down. "Do you always shout after people in your office, or was that a special privilege for me?"

She nearly choked on her drink, laughing. "Oh, that was definitely just for you. No one else pisses me off that much."

"An honor, then."

"Don’t get used to it."
“For the record,” he said, watching her as he leaned back in his chair, “I meant what I said on the phone.”
She studied him carefully, trying to gauge the sincerity in his expression.
“Which part?” she asked. “The part where you admitted you were wrong, or the part where you thought a fancy dinner would make up for it?”
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “You don’t make things easy, do you?”
“I don’t see why I should.” She took a slow sip of her wine. “You made my entire department feel like they were under a microscope, publicly undermined me, and now I’m supposed to just accept a nice meal as an apology?”
Capitano leaned forward slightly, his gaze pinning her in place. “No. You’re supposed to accept my words as an apology. The dinner is just a bonus.”
She hated how effortlessly he made things sound so simple, so logical. Like it wasn’t frustratingly complicated.
“Fine,” she relented. “Apology noted.”
She tilted her head, observing him carefully. Capitano was a man of certainty, a force that rarely wavered. Yet here he was, admitting fault twice in the same day.
“But you should have checked before coming after me like that.”
He nodded, accepting the rebuke without argument. “Dottore went behind my back. It won’t happen again.”
She hummed, leaning back. “That’s not my concern. My concern is that you, of all people, took the bait.”
His jaw tightened, but there was no anger in his expression. Just something else, something close to regret. “I trusted the chain of command when I shouldn’t have.”
“I have to ask though,” he continued after a pause. “Why did you refuse the request so quickly? You didn’t even ask for more details.”
She set her glass down, fingers tracing the rim. “Because I knew something wasn’t right. You’re meticulous. If you actually needed that data, you would’ve made sure I knew exactly why. You wouldn’t have let some vague request slip through without context.”
His expression darkened slightly. “And yet, I still walked into your office and demanded it.”
“Yes,” she said plainly. “You did.”
His grip on his glass tightened. “It won’t happen again.”
She tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly. “I’ll hold you to that.”
Capitano chuckled, low and quiet. “I don’t doubt it.”
Oh, how that chuckle moved her heart. Seeing him with immense regret of his actions earlier, thinking that she was questioning his reliability as a professional… A regular opponent would use his vulnerability to her advantage. She was no ordinary opponent. She showed respect for him and trusted his abilities.

“You should purge that person who made the request, and his possible accomplices. I wouldn’t have allowed this to happen to me twice. Especially on an important project with us.” she quipped casually.

“Okay, Mis Haborym, I get it. I know how to manage people.” he replied, frustrated.

She chuckled in a sneaky tone. Yes, that was enough teasing. “Fine, you’re excused.”

After a while enjoying their meals with a comfortable silence, their appointed waitress cleaned their table, then served a double layered Tiramisu with ice-cream toppings arrived at their table, one dish and two services. To share.

She didn’t mind, excited, she happily indulged herself in their desert.

“Oh, this is so good!” her mood lightened.

He tilted his head slightly, studying her. "You’re different outside of work."

"You’re not."

"Is that bad?"

She considered that for a moment, then shook her head. "No. Just... expected."

He hummed, sipping his drink. "And you? What do you expect people to think of you outside of work?"

She hesitated. "I don’t know. I guess... I don’t give them the chance to find out."

A beat of silence passed. Then he said, almost too softly, "That’s a shame."

She looked at him then, really looked at him, and for a moment, the weight of everything else; the work, the arguments, the chaos faded into the background. Here, in the quiet glow of the restaurant, Capitano wasn’t the relentless auditor, and she wasn’t the overburdened executive. They were just two people, cautiously peeling back the layers between them.

And, for once, Mavuika wasn’t sure if she wanted to stop him from getting closer.

"Speaking of exceptions," Capitano mused, swirling the last of his whiskey. "I didn’t expect to run into you on seaside trail last week."

Mavuika smirked, leaning forward. "What, didn’t think I rode?"

"Not that," he said, tilting his head. "I just didn’t expect you to be there at all. You know, it's a hard corner to find."

She let out a short, amused laugh. "Oh, so you thought I was more of a joyrider, chasing the thrill of speed?"

Capitano chuckled, shaking his head. "You’re relentless. But I’ll admit, It was nice seeing you there."

She preened slightly, her cheeks blushed slightly, tapping her nails against her glass. "I know my trails when it comes to solitude. Also..." she sipped from her drink. "...You are not wrong. That engine is my baby. Custom-tuned by the fine blond you saw today. And you? That beast of yours looked like a Schneznayan, yet I couldn't discern a model as is."

"He is custom made," he acknowledged. "Schneznayan with a bit of Kaenri'ahn tuning. Reliability over flair. But I suppose that fits me."

Mavuika tilted her head. "Mm. And yet, you excused yourself the moment I showed up."

He smirked. "I was enjoying the solitude."

Her breath hitched for half a second before she rolled her eyes, feigning exasperation. "Do I have to fight with you over my favorite trail in the city too?"

"I think we can argue about it."

She huffed, crossing her legs beneath the table. "Well, the after-argument dinner is on me."

His Lazurite eyes darkened with amusement. "So there will be a next time? I take it you liked the company."

“I might’ve found you less insufferable.”
As they finished the tiramisu, Capitano signaled for the check. His sharp eyes flicked to her glass, noting the wine she’d sipped throughout the evening.

“You’ve had a few drinks,” he said, his tone firm but not unkind. “Let me get you a taxi home.”
Mavuika’s immediate instinct was to protest, but something in his expression, a mix of concern and unwavering resolve, made her pause.

“I’m fine,” she said, though the words lacked conviction.

“I’m sure you are,” he replied, his gaze steady. “But I’d rather not take any chances. Let me make sure you get home safely.”

Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and she nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Alright. You win.”
He chuckled, low and deep, as he signed the bill and stood. She followed, grabbing her coat from the cloakroom as they exited the cozy warmth of the restaurant into the crisp night air.

The taxi he’d called earlier pulled up to the curb, and Capitano opened the door for her with a gentlemanly gesture that felt almost out of place for a man so imposing.

But as she hesitated by the car, her hand brushing the cool fabric of his jacket, her thoughts churned. She replayed the evening, the rare moments of vulnerability he’d shown, the easy way their conversation had flowed despite their earlier clash, and the undeniable tension that still lingered between them.

Before she could overthink it, she tugged gently at his sleeve. Capitano turned to her, his brows lifting in surprise as she looked up at him with uncharacteristic uncertainty.

“Capitano,” she began, her voice quieter than usual. She hesitated, her courage wavering for a fraction of a second before she pressed forward. “If you’re not busy… we could… continue the evening at my place. A drink. Or two and some good music.”

For a moment, he said nothing, his sharp features unreadable as he studied her. Then, his gaze softened, and he stepped closer, the distance between them shrinking.

“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice low and steady, almost protective.
She swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his eyes.

“Yeah. I mean, it’s not far, and I… I don’t feel like ending the night just yet.”

He didn’t smile, but there was something warm in the way he looked at her, like he understood exactly what she was trying to say. Finally, he gave a slight nod.

“Alright,” he said simply. “Lead the way.”
Mavuika exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Chapter Text

The soft hum of the taxi engine filled the silence as they drove through the city streets. Mavuika shifted in her seat, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her purse. The glow of the street lights flickered across her face, illuminating the faint flush on her cheeks.

What was I thinking? she thought, stealing a quick glance at Capitano sitting beside her. His profile was calm, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery, but his sheer presence felt almost suffocating in the small space. He always had this effect on her, steady, imposing, yet effortlessly magnetic. It was infuriating how composed he remained while she was drowning in her own thoughts.

She tried to push away the anxious swirl in her mind. My place? Why did I say that? Is my house even clean? Did I leave my panties on the couch again? A fresh wave of embarrassment hit her. Not that he would care… or maybe he would. Maybe he’d pick it up with those damn gloved slender fingers of his, make some smug remark, and watch as she combusted on the spot. 

“So,” Capitano’s voice broke through her thoughts, deep and smooth, “do you always look this tense when you invite someone over?”

Her head snapped up, and she caught the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“I’m not tense,” she shot back, her tone sharper than intended. She cleared her throat, trying to rein in her nerves. “Just… thinking about what I have at home. I wasn’t exactly planning to entertain tonight… You know .”

Capitano turned his head to look at her fully, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. “Relax, Mavuika,” he said evenly, his voice carrying that commanding yet strangely comforting tone he always had. “I’m not expecting a five-course meal and candlelight.”

She huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Good. Because the fanciest thing I have is probably a half-full bottle of red wine and maybe some whiskey I haven’t touched in weeks.”

His smirk deepened slightly, his gaze flicking over her face like he was studying her. “Sounds perfect. Unless you were planning on poisoning me.”

Mavuika’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Who else would I have to shout after that frustrates me so much?”

Capitano chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. “Flattering. Though I suspect you’re perfectly capable of finding other opportunities to shout my name.”

She leaned back, feigning nonchalance despite the way her heart hammered against her ribs. “Maybe. Depends on your performance.”

His gaze lingered on her for a beat longer than necessary, and her stomach flipped. “Mavuika,” he murmured, voice dipping lower, making her flush as he purred in her ear.

“You’re starting to sound too invested.”

The taxi slowed to a stop outside her building, and Mavuika reached into her bag for her wallet. Capitano was faster, handing cash to the driver before she could even protest.

“You’re relentless,” she muttered as they stepped out onto the curb.

“Get used to it,” he replied, his voice carrying a teasing edge as he held the door open for her to lead the way inside.

The moment Mavuika opened the door to her apartment, Ajaw, her mischievous orange cat, darted into view. His bright green eyes flickered up to meet Capitano’s, and the feline let out a sharp, almost judgmental meow, tail twitching.

Capitano paused just inside the doorway, his eyes narrowing at the cat, studying him with extreme caution. "So... this is your security system?" he asked dryly.

Mavuika couldn’t help but laugh as she bent down to scoop Ajaw up. "Don’t let the size fool you. He’s a master of intimidation." She scratched behind his ears as the cat gave a slow blink of approval. "You’ll get used to him. He only acts tough."

Capitano raised an eyebrow, eyes gliding over the feline's sleek form. "Mm, I think he knows something I don’t," he said, his voice low and teasing. "And I’m starting to think it’s that I’m not welcome here."

She grinned, her gaze flicking between him and the cat. "Oh, he’s just warming up. He’ll like you eventually. Or, you know, he’ll just tolerate you."

Ajaw gave another little chirp, as though agreeing with the sentiment, and then jumped gracefully from her arms, trotting off toward the living room as if to further inspect this 'intruder.'

“Don’t mind him,” Mavuika added, rolling her eyes. “He’s a little territorial. But he’s harmless.”

Capitano stepped further into the apartment, glancing around with a keen eye. "I see that," he said, taking in the clean, sleek design, the plants scattered about, and the walls decorated with paintings. He ran a hand over the back of the couch, admiring the space. “Nice place. Feels... lived in. Cozy. Unexpected.”

Mavuika tilted her head, watching him as she slipped off her heels and kicked them aside. "I like to think it’s a reflection of me. You know, a little rough around the edges but still comfortable.”

He smirked, eyes locking with hers. “I could say the same about you.”

Mavuika’s lips twitched in a sly smile. "What, you think I’m a little rough around the edges?" she teased, leading him further into the space. “I think I could surprise you."

He gave a short, amused chuckle. "I’m counting on it." He paused again as his eyes swept across the room, taking in the ambiance. "I appreciate the invitation. But I’m not gonna lie, I thought you might have kicked me out after dinner."

"Would you have been okay with that?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as she headed toward the kitchen.

He leaned against the doorframe, watching her movements with a quiet intensity. "Depends on what the 'kick-out' entails." He smirked. "But I’m glad you invited me. I also didn’t want to end the night early."

She felt a small surge of warmth at his words, her heart fluttering unexpectedly. 

Mavuika’s voice was a little lighter than usual, and she realized she might’ve had a few more glasses of wine than she thought. "Honestly, though," she said, walking over to the bar area and pouring herself a glass of red wine, "this dinner.." She paused as she looked at him, her fingers slightly trembling as she set the bottle down. "It’s been... nice. Really nice. And I think... I think you make it even better."

Capitano’s gaze softened, his usual cool demeanor giving way to something warmer. "Glad to hear it. I was hoping you’d say that," he replied, his tone low and smooth, as though he was savoring the moment.

“Drink?”

“Whiskey,” he said with little hesitation.

Her eyebrow arched as she grabbed the bottle. “Of course, you go for the strong stuff. No surprises there.”

“Would you prefer I pretended otherwise?” he teased, watching her pour his drink.

Mavuika smirked as she handed him the glass. “I’d say you’ve got more layers than just whiskey.”

He clinked his glass against hers. “And you’re not one for small talk, huh?”

She took a sip, leaning back slightly as she surveyed him. "You know, it’s funny," she said, her words growing a bit more careless from the alcohol. "I don’t usually let people get this close. But with you... it feels like... it feels like i can’t resist the urge.” She let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "That’s probably the wine talking."

Capitano took a few steps forward, watching her with interest. “I think the wine's just making you say things you were already thinking." His voice dropped a notch, becoming more deliberate, more intimate. "But, if I’m being honest, I like what I’m hearing."

Mavuika glanced up at him, her eyes meeting his, and in that instant, everything seemed to slow down. “Really?” she asked, her voice teasing but with an underlying vulnerability she didn’t usually let slip. “What exactly do you like about it?”

He shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "For one, you’re bold. I like that. But mostly," he took another step toward her, closing the space between them, "I like how you make it hard to breathe when I’m around you."

Mavuika took another sip, her fingers curling slightly around her glass. "Is that your way of saying you’re not leaving tonight?" she teased, leaning just a bit closer, emboldened by the alcohol.

Capitano’s smirk was slow, deliberate. "Depends. You planning on kicking me out?"

Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in even closer, so close that she could feel the heat of his body against hers. "Not unless you give me a reason to."

His hand brushed just a fraction too close to hers, and his voice was soft, nearly a whisper. "Trust me, I’m not planning on giving you any reason."

Mavuika chuckled, feeling that familiar rush of anticipation swirl in her stomach. "Good," she said, her lips curling into a sly grin. "I’d hate to see you leave so soon."

Capitano’s smile was teasing, but there was something deeper in it, something that spoke of more than just the game they were playing. “Guess we’ll see how long we can keep this up, then.”

She laughed, shaking her head, and led him toward the couch, hiding their choice of bottles under it, Fontainian Wine for her and Inazuman whiskey for him. As they settled in, the cushions giving under their weight, she let her body sink comfortably into the space beside him. Mavuika leaned back against the sofa, one leg tucked under her. The slits of her dress revealed more than she intended to, attracting the gaze of her companion. She took a long sip of her wine, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest every time Capitano’s gaze lingered on her a little too long.

The room felt smaller. Warmer.

Mavuika wasn’t sure when the space between them had dwindled, only that now, Capitano was close, too close. The air between them was thick, charged with something unspoken, something neither of them had dared to name.

He wasn’t touching her, not yet, but the weight of his presence pressed against her skin, setting every nerve alight.

She held his gaze, neither of them looking away.

“You enjoy being difficult, don’t you?” she murmured.

He leaned in slightly, the air between them charged. “Only with people who can handle it.”

Mavuika tilted her head, her lips curving. “Is that a challenge?”

Capitano chuckled, low and deep. “I suppose that depends on how you take it.”

She chuckled, “I love challenges”

“Then tell me to stop,” he murmured, though there was no real conviction behind the words.

The kiss started slow, measured, each movement a test, a question. But when she curled her fingers into the collar of his shirt, pulling him closer, the hesitation faded.

She didn’t stop him. 

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads rested together, breaths mingling in the charged space between them. Capitano’s hand traced a slow path down her arm, his thumb brushing against the inside of her wrist, deliberate, careful.

“You’re insufferable,” she whispered, though there was no venom behind it.

“And yet,” he murmured, lips teasing just shy of hers, “you’re not telling me to stop.”

And then, in a single breath, the tension snapped.

His hand cupped her face, firm yet careful, pulling her into a kiss that left no room for hesitation.

Mavuika met him with equal force, her hands finding his chest, pulling him in as though she could erase the space between them entirely.

They broke apart just enough to breathe, foreheads still touching.

Capitano exhaled a quiet laugh, lips brushing her skin. “Touché”

And then he kissed her again, harder this time, with nothing held back.

The teasing was over.

The game had changed.

Heat surged between them, a slow-burning fire suddenly raging out of control. His hands roamed, sliding down the curve of her waist, gripping, guiding,  pulling her closer. She moved with equal urgency, fingers slipping between the buttons of his shirt, undoing them one by one.

His lips left hers, trailing lower, pressing heat against her jaw, her neck. She gasped, tilting her head back, fingers curling into his skin.

Capitano pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his eyes dark with something raw, something dangerously intoxicating.

“You’re not having any regrets, are you?” he murmured.

Mavuika swallowed, her breath unsteady as she dragged her fingers over his chest. “No.” Her eyes flickered with challenge. “Neither are you.”

His grip tightened on her waist as he eased her back against the couch, his mouth claiming hers once more.

No hesitation.

No second-guessing.

Just them.

Just this.

As their bodies pressed closer, a small voice at the back of Mavuika’s mind warned her, reminding her that this was messy, they were threading the edges of a cliff. But as Capitano’s hands slid lower, pulling her impossibly closer, that voice fell silent.

Mavuika’s fingers lightly traced down the outline of his chest, her touch soft yet deliberate, making his breath hitch ever so slightly. Her eyes flicked up to his, holding his gaze with an intensity that dared him to match it.

Capitano’s hand slid to her waist, gripping it tightly as he guided her back onto the couch, his mouth finding hers with a hunger that made her heart pound. There was no pretense, no teasing now, just a fierce, intense connection, a need to be closer, to explore more, to push everything aside.

His lips were on her neck again, his teeth grazing her skin in a way that made her back arch, her fingers gripping his shoulders for balance. She let out a soft gasp, but the sound was swallowed by his kiss as he moved over her, his body caging her in.

Mavuika’s head was spinning, her pulse pounding in her ears. She wasn’t sure how they had gone from playful teasing to this, this frantic, desperation, but she didn’t care. All she knew was that it felt too good to stop.

 She couldn’t help but admire the strength of him, the power in his body, and the way he held himself, controlled, yet on the edge of breaking into a feral mess. His hands brushed under her dress, his fingers deft and quick, teasing her with every motion as they moved over her already dampened panties. 

Mavuika’s mind raced as she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer, her body arching beneath him, desperate for more. His slender fingers massaged over her lace undies. Softly pressuring her folds, watching for her reactions, shifting his weight on her. Laying on the couch, Her eyes were half closed, cheeks flushed with lust as her ragged breaths became louder. 

He carefully pulled the lace to the side, clearing his way to reach her inner folds. With two fingers, he spread her lips full open, she clenched against the sudden cold, letting out a desperate sigh. Desperate to be taken care of. 

“So you had me in mind already,” he mumbled against her slick lips, watching her sensitive, and honest body. His face inched closer, first, his cold nose brushed against her, tickling, then his tongue trailed around her folds, gently tugging on her sensitive nub. Every flicker of his tongue was awarded with a soft moan of his name. Her body clenched as his tongue massaged her. 

“Like… You weren’t… Eyefucking me since the day we met…. “ she could barely form any coherent sentences while he savoured her. 

“You taste divine, Mav.” he murmured against her sensitive core, low and growling, with every growl resonating in her body. 

His long, slender fingers teased around her hole, pretending to push in, teasing, drawing loud mewls out, melting her nearly non-existent resistance. His unoccupied hand roamed over to her thigh, massaging it as pushing her body further into the couch. 

A mischievous idea popped into her lust driven mind. Her free hand reached for the half full whisky glass. She poured the glass over her breasts, the liquid trailed a line down to her belly, dripping slowly into her folds, and to his face. 

Captain hummed with delight as the alcohol reached his lips, “Naughty girl,” he murmured, as he drank the excess liquid overflowing down his chin mixed with her essence.

Breathless, “Give me the glass.“ he ordered. 

Oh, she wouldn’t be able to work under him alright, unless she would have to endure hours of arousal from him ordering around. How could he turn her on this much? 

“Yes sir~ ” She obliged, handing the glass to his free hand. He drank what's left, sucked the nearly melted ice chunks with his tongue, and dived back to her sensitive core. His tongue was cold, she could feel him exploring her folds. She shivered to the sudden sensation, as he plunged his tongue inside her. His fingers reinforced the tongue, entering her with ease. He curled his fingers, thrusting and massaging the sensitive spot inside her, driving her to the edge with every rhythmic pump. 

She could feel herself edging her high, bucking her hips to his rhythm. He pressed her hips down with his free hand, staying her still. 

“Not yet,” he whispered. “I want to feel you come around my cock.”

He moved up, cradling her face in his palm. His eyes softened with affection, taking in the sight of her desperate pleas. Laying on her back on the leather couch, black contrasting with her sun kissed skin. Her legs were parted lewdly, one leg tucked to the back of the couch, showing off her core as he plunged his fingers with a slow pace. Her dress was pulled up to allow him to access her, her breasts nearly pouring out of the top. Her fiery red hair sprawled all against the couch, not a single clue of her previous refined and calculated posture. She was a mess, and he was her undoing. 

He let out a satisfied sigh, taking in his masterpiece. He placed soft kisses all over her face, trailing down her neck, then released her breasts from their confinements. His fingers danced around her soft mounds, his lips trailing along to bite, nibble on her pink and plump areolas, leaving red teeth marks. 

“I will come, if you continue like this, my sweet Captain.” she sang, breathless. 

Deciding that he had enough, Capitano’s hands encouraged Mavuika's, placing them over his leather belt. His pants were struggling to tame his bulge. She hummed with satisfaction, undoing his belt and pulling down his zipper. His member protruded between his pants over his underwear, slightly damp spots formed with his precum. Mavuika released him from his confinements, his cock throbbed in her delicate hands as she stroked him, coating his length with his own precum. Capitano's breath hitched as her thumb swirled around his sensitive head. The leather couch creaked beneath them as he positioned himself between her spread thighs.

"Are you ready for me..." he growled, guiding himself to her dripping entrance. Her inner walls stretched deliciously as he pushed inside, both of them moaning at the sensation. Her legs wrapped tighter around his waist, pulling him deeper.

"Fuck...so wet and tight for me," he grunted, starting to thrust steadily. His pelvis ground against her swollen clit with each stroke. Mavuika's breasts bounced with the rhythm of his cock, still glistening with traces of whiskey.

"Cap...please..." she whimpered, her pussy clenching around him. Her nails raked down his back as he picked up speed, the wet sounds of their joining echoing through the room. His cock reached spots deep inside that made her see stars.

The leather stuck to their sweaty skin as he pounded into her willing body. Her inner muscles fluttered, signaling her approaching climax. His thrusts became more erratic as he chased his own release.

"Come for me," he commanded gruffly, reaching down to rub her clit. "Call my name as you…  Hahh… As you come for me Mavuika..”  he whispered in her ear with a primal hunger. 

“Thrain…” she moaned his name, every vowel filling her plump lips. 

Hearing her use his real name, with a frenzy Capitano reached for the whiskey bottle under the sofa, taking a long swig as he continued thrusting deep into Mavuika. The burn of alcohol mixed with his pleasure, making him growl against the bottle's neck. Some droplets escaped down his chin, falling onto her heaving breasts.

"Unnngh...fuck..." she cried out as he maintained his relentless pace, her walls clenching rhythmically around his thick shaft. He took another deep pull from the bottle, the amber liquid sloshing with each powerful thrust.

"Come for me now," he commanded hoarsely between drinks, his cock hitting that perfect spot inside her. Her back arched off the leather as her orgasm crashed through her, pussy spasming and gripping him for her life.

"Ahhhhh Thrain!" she screamed as waves of pleasure wracked her trembling body. He pulled the bottle from his lips and slowly poured a stream of whiskey across her flushed chest, watching it pool in the hollow of her throat and run down between her breasts. His tongue followed the trails of liquor across her sensitive skin as he continued pumping into her oversensitive core.

"Still so tight," he groaned, taking another swig before dropping the nearly empty bottle beside them. His thrusts grew more erratic as his own release approached, her inner muscles still fluttering from the aftershocks of her intense climax… 

"Mavuika!" Capitano roared, his hips slamming forward one final time. His teeth sank into the sensitive junction of her neck and shoulder as his cock pulsed powerfully inside her. She cried out at the delicious pain-pleasure, feeling each hot spurt of his release painting her inner walls.

"Nnnngh...fill me… Thrain…" she whimpered, her pussy still rippling around him as he emptied himself deep within her. His growls vibrated against her throat where he maintained his possessive bite, surely leaving marks that would last for days.

Their bodies trembled together as the last waves of pleasure coursed through them. Finally, he released her neck with a groan, licking apologetically at the deep indentations his teeth had left behind. The whiskey bottle lay forgotten beside them as they basked in the aftermath, skin sticky with sweat and alcohol, his seed starting to leak from where they were still joined.

"I’m sorry for the pain, Mav. You’re just so fucking gourgeous. I can’t help myself. " he mumbled against her bruised flesh, his cock giving one last weak twitch inside her thoroughly claimed body. She could only moan in response, too blissfully exhausted to form words as she felt his warm essence settling deep within her womb. 

Her eyes fluttered, slowly drifting off to a peaceful sleep as the man she called Thrain whispered sweet nothings to her ear, gently caressing and massaging her body. 

Chapter Text

Mavuika stirred awake, the comforting aroma of coffee enveloping her senses. Her head felt heavy, a soft pulse behind her temples reminding her of the liquor they’d shared the night before, and her hips carrying the sweet pain of their late night activities. She groaned softly, burying her face into the pillow, only to realize the bed was unusually warm. And, much to her surprise, she wasn’t alone. Her hands searched for the source of it. She stretched slightly, only to feel a pleasant ache settle deep in her muscles, a quiet reminder of the night before.

A gentle touch glided across her back, slow and reverent. A soft, affectionate chuckle filled the space beside her as she shivered to the touch “Rise and shine, my beautiful sun.”

Mavuika slowly cracked open one eye, meeting the Thrain’s gaze, his eyes warm and full of quiet affection. It was a gorgeous sight. His hair fell gracefully on his shoulders, his naked toned body on full display, lounging against the headboard with a steaming mug in his hand, as if he’d been up for hours, though his calm demeanor suggested otherwise. 

She groaned again, rolling onto her back, her head still fuzzy. “Why are you awake?” she mumbled, still half-dazed.

Thrain gave her a teasing smile. “Old habits. And I thought you might appreciate a cup of coffee.”

Mavuika let out a soft sigh of relief. “I’m not sure how you do it, but I’m grateful.”

Thrain offered her the mug, his eyes glimmering with affection. “Anything for you.”

She sat up slightly, accepting it with a quiet murmur of thanks. The warmth of the cup seeped into her hands, grounding her as she took a small sip.

For a moment, they simply sat there, wrapped in the morning quiet, the intimacy between them something felt rather than spoken.

Then, Thrain’s fingers grazed over a mark just above her collarbone, on her neck, a deep one, where his teeth had lingered the longest.

Mavuika stilled slightly, her breath catching.

His thumb brushed over it, a contemplative look passing through his expression. “I might’ve gotten carried away,” he murmured, his tone somewhere between apology and satisfaction.

She swallowed, heat creeping up her neck. “You weren’t the only one,” she admitted, glancing at the faint marks along his chest.

His lips quivered, but there was no teasing in it, just something fond. “It suits you,” he said quietly, fingers still tracing her skin. “Like proof that you’re mine… even if just for now.”

Something settled in her chest at those words, something deep and unspoken.

Mavuika set the cup down and flopped back against the pillows, her arm thrown over her flushed face. 

“Last night…”

Thrain’s lips quirked slightly. “Was inevitable.”

Mavuika let out a breathy laugh. “That’s one way to put it.”

Memories flickered between them, the hungry pull of their bodies, the way he had guided her through the shower afterward when exhaustion had settled deep in her bones. The way he had dried her hair with such quiet patience before tucking her beneath the covers.

She pressed her forehead against his shoulder. “You take care of me too well.”

Thrain let out a slow breath, his arm sliding around her with easy familiarity, fingertips brushing against her spine. “You deserve to be cared for.”

Her throat tightened unexpectedly at that, at how simple he made it sound.

She tilted her head slightly, glancing up at him. “And you? Who takes care of you?”

His fingers hesitated for a fraction of a second before continuing their slow movements. “I don’t think I’ve had much of that lately,” he admitted quietly. “Not like this.”

Mavuika’s heart ached at the honesty in his voice. Without thinking, she reached up, fingers brushing along his jaw before tilting his face toward her.

She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. “Then get used to it,” she murmured against his skin.

Thrain exhaled, eyes closing briefly before opening again, something unreadable but deeply felt settling in them. His hand found hers, fingers threading together with slow certainty.

“I could,” he murmured. “Very easily.”

Mavuika smiled, pressing another kiss, this time to his shoulder, before pulling back slightly.him, her heart fluttering.

Thrain let out a slow, steady breath, thumb brushing over the inside of her wrist before pressing a lingering kiss there. Neither of them rushed to pull away.

Ajaw stretched lazily at the foot of the bed before padding toward Thrain and nudging his hand for attention. The moment broke, but the warmth remained as Thrain smirked and indulged the cat with slow, firm scratches.

Mavuika leaned back against the pillows, her smile still in place as she picked up her coffee again. “Well, now that you’ve claimed my bed and my cat,” she teased, “I suppose you’re about to take over the kitchen too.”

Thrain shot her a knowing look. “Wouldn’t dream of it. But… I’m happy to make breakfast, if you’d like.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up. “I suppose I’ll allow it. For now.”

He chuckled softly, leaning in to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of. No hangover for you, my sun. I need you to be on top of your game in our meeting this afternoon.”

She huffed a laugh, shaking her head. “You really are going to make that meeting hell for me, aren’t you?”

Thrain smiled, slow and knowing. “Of course.”

Mavuika watched him go, feeling strangely… settled. Content in a way she hadn’t expected.

Ajaw curled up beside her, purring in satisfaction. She reached down, scratching his belly.

“We might have to keep him, Ajaw,” she murmured.

The cat purred louder.

Mavuika exhaled, sinking back into the pillows with a smile. Maybe she had done a little claiming of her own…