Your head was beyond a pounding clusterfuck of a mess when you slowly regained consciousness the morning after the party. Barely cracking an eye open revealed a much too bright room, even though the room itself was fairly dark and it felt like your brain was pulsing against the inside of your skull. Everything swam and you groaned, nuzzling down into the soft warm pillow that smelled of sweet tobacco and a lingering campfire before your head was lifted as it took a deep breath and shifted under you.

Wait...

Your brows scrunch together in confusion as you slide your hand up over a bare toned torso until you could wipe stray hair from your face and upon peeking out through a barely opened eye you let out a soft gasp when you realize it was Heat you'd been using as a pillow, head on his chest and arm around his middle as both of his arms wrapped loosely around you. Attempting to shift without waking him you realize your legs are tangled together comfortably with his. You doubted there wasn't much of you pressed against him and where your bare skin met his was-

You blink again in confusion when you move to shift back as you realize you both had a lot of skin showing and pressing together, more than usual compared to other nights you've slept next to him, but for the life of you you can't remember how exactly you ended up like this.

Trying to steady your breathing you carefully slide your hand back down Heat's stomach, his happy trail soft and tickling against the palm of your hand. The feeling of it causes your blush to bloom and any brighter your sure you'd light up the room with it as you slide your hand over to his hip, sighing in relief when you feel he's wearing either his boxers or sleep shorts of some kind, not unusual for when he sleeps next to you, but what were you wearing? There was no way it was your dress since it felt too loose and comfortable.

Ah, it was the tanktop Heat was wearing last night at the party. But, still. How did you..?

Your head throbbed as you tried to remember but it was all muddy and blank. The last thing you remembered before it started getting hazy was Law saving you from a couple of creeps with gold teeth who were trying to talk to you. Vaguely you remembered him fighting with Kid until... what? You'd gotten mad, you remember that much, and there's a slight phantom pain in your hand that lasts only a moment. Did you.... Did you hit someone?

Robin and Nami popped up for a brief moment then.... nothing. It didn't make sense. Did you really have that much to drink last night? It wouldn't be the first time you overindulged, but even waking with a hangover worse than this you still remembered what happened the night before. But this? It was just blank.

Dragging a hand down your face you stifle a groan and resist the urge to fall back asleep, Heat's naturally high body temperature so warm and comforting but your body had other needs that demanded attention right now so you had no choice in getting up.

You shift carefully, prying yourself out of his arms, holding your breath when they tighten around you a moment and he gives a sleepy mumble, but it's not until you move to sit up that your body starts to ache. It's an almost pleasant one, if not a bit tender, focused in your lower stomach and your hips and thighs felt like you've either been overstretching or walked for too long or something. Hells, it almost felt like you'd had a marathon night with Law, but that couldn't be possible since he left when you were walking with Nami and Robin after he and Kid started fighting over you.

You finally make it to the edge of the bed, rubbing at your face and eyes with a wide yawn before you shake your head in an attempt to shake off the lingering grogginess, finally taking in your surroundings. You were, surprisingly, in your room. Not that it was unusual for Heat to sleep next to you some nights when you were back home, but you'd figured you would have slept in his bed with him and Wire since his was larger than yours, but you guessed without Wire your bed was just big enough. It also made finding your crutches easier, though with the ache you felt you wanted your leg instead. Your leg which didn't seem to be anywhere you could find. Now that was odd.

The boys all kept a spare crutch in their rooms for the odd nights you slept next to them or decided to take naps in their beds (something about napping in their beds always left you more refreshed than if you had naped in your own), but even then they were good about leaving your prosthetic within easy reach as well if you had taken it off. Hopefully you didn't do something ridiculous or embarrassing last night and left it downstairs or something.

No leg. Wearing Heat's tank top, which you pulled down on the back yet again so your breasts didn't spill free from how low the neckline was on you. You didn't even see your dress anywhere.

Just what happened last night?

You groan and press the heels of your palms into your eyes until you see stars, trying to remember but there's nothing. Maybe a nice big mug of coffee would clear some of the fog.

But first, bathroom! And some pants...

After relieving yourself (where you were thankful to find you had underwear on even if it wasn't the purple lacy ones you wore with your dress) and splashing some cool water on your face you hobble back to your bedroom, sitting on the edge of the mattress to pull on a pair of long comfortable sleep shorts. Heat gives a sleepy mumble and rolls over, blindly reaching out and grabbing Spitz from his spot on the corner, pulling your beloved stuffed dragon to his chest before he nuzzles into it and you have to stifle a giggle at how cute it was.

Looking at him, at how peaceful and handsome he is in his sleep, your stomach can't help but flutter with...something. You wanted it to be with love and affection but you knew that was never in your cards. Not with him, no matter how you felt. Still, he was rather adorable right now, and as you watched him sleep hearing him mumble incoherently with another nuzzle into Spitz, you give in to impulse and slowly leaned over hesitating a fraction of a second before placing a gentle kiss to the corner of his mouth wondering what it would be like if...

You couldn't think of such things. Not without your heart starting to ache.

Another glance at him and a soft sigh has you standing and bracing against your crutches, opting to use both instead of just one like you usually did since your hip was really starting to ache now, you make it out of your room and to the stairs to meet your next challenge. On a good day you could brace against the railing with one hand and hop down, but you decided to play it safe today and instead lower yourself to the floor and scoot towards the top stair before sliding down them on your butt with your crutches laid on your lap. Such an easy task should not leave you as tired as you were, but you shrug it off and continue to the kitchen once you reach the bottom.

You could already smell the tantalizing scent of fresh brewed coffee, the aroma beaconing you to the kitchen which is void of anyone else. You wondered if it was Killer who set the pot since you hadn't seen him in bed with Kid, seeing as the redhead - who was thankfully covered by a blanket - had practically starfished out across the entirety of it when you passed by the open door of their room, and you knew he generally woke up first, around 6 every morning no matter what. Wire could be asleep for all you knew, his and Heat's door being closed so you had no way to know. Right now it didn't matter.

Making your way into the kitchen you check the time on the microwave, seeing it's only 7:52 before you move to the cabinets and open the one the boys kept the glasses and mugs in, seeing only a sliver of the rim of your favorite mug on a high shelf making you huff. It didn't matter that you hadn't been home as often as you'd like but they knew how short you were. How dare they put your mug so high up!

Well, it wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last, and it didn't mean you couldn't reach your mug. You just had to get a bit creative.

Leaning your crutches against the fridge you turn, brace against the countertop and hop up so you're sitting on it where you rest a moment before scooting back and carefully shifting so you're kneeling. Now you were at the perfect height to just... about...

Right as you grab hold of your mugs' handle a pair of long strong arms wrap around your middle and pull you back, the suddenness of it making you shriek in fright.

"It is too early for you to be that loud, Sprite," you hear Wire's deep voice from behind you, feel its rumble in his chest against your back and you sag with relief in his arms. "Why are you on the counter?"

"Had to get my mug," you reply, leaning your head back to look up at him. "You buttheads put it on the tall shelf and I wanted coffee."

He laughs softly and shakes his head before gently helping you off the counter, setting you back on your foot and keeping you steady. "I'm sorry. I would have gotten it for you had you asked."

"Well you weren't here, were you?" You giggle and set your mug on the counter before turning to look up at him with a smile. "G'morning Spikey. How'd you sleep last night?"

He gives another soft laugh, shaking his head. "Stop using that nickname. I haven't spiked my hair in years."

"I know, but your hair still spikes up a bit at this length and never wants to behave. Forever Spikey to me!"

You can't see it, but you're sure he's rolling his eyes at you based on the slight shake of his head you do catch before he moves his arms and you can hear the coffee pot and your mug move behind you.

"I can make my own coffee, you know." You poke at his stomach, right in his belly button that was hidden behind his shirt, giggling when he makes an interesting noise and sucks in his already slim stomach, bending forward a bit while trying to back out of your reach without spilling the hot coffee.

"I hate when you do that."

You lean your head back to smile up at him, seeing him fight his own smile so you stick out your tongue at him with a giggle.

"Why? It's literally like in my face all the time and it's fun to do because of your reactions to it. Plus you're like, really close right now."

"You're a pest."

"And you love that about me. Now scootch so I can finish making my coffee."

"You know," he says slowly, moving away from where he stood essentially pinning you to the counter to rummage in the fridge after moving your crutches, handing you a bottle of flavored creamer. "I'm not only surprised you're up so early but with so much energy after last night."

You hum and sip at your coffee before making a face. Definitely not sweet enough, so you set down your mug and spoon a couple more scoops of sugar into your mug before giving it a mix.

"What about last night? It was a party. I've been to parties before."

"I mean with what happened after."

You blink in confusion, mug paused halfway to your lips for a moment before you take a slow sip. What was he talking about? Your head ached when you tried to think of it and you let out a soft sigh, reaching up to rub your forehead.

"What happened after?"

"What do you mean what happened?" He asks with a small laugh, setting a new pot of coffee to brew since he took the rest in his massive mug. "You were there."

Why did that make your stomach drop? You try going over last night again, from the start of the party to when those two creeps were talking to you before it gets hazy. Law, Kid, slapping someone? Both of them? Walking with Nami and Robin before coming back and... nothing. Why couldn't you remember?!

You're drawn from your thoughts by the front door opening with a bit of a clatter and look over to see Killer stumble to a stop carrying two paper bags in one arm and a case of water in the other. Well, half a case since the other half were rolling across the floor since the plastic that contained them all gave in his grip.

"I think you dropped something," you say over the rim of your mug, loud enough for him to hear and it takes all your willpower to not laugh at the look he gives you in response. Wire however has no qualms about it and gives a soft laugh of his own before walking over to help Killer with the groceries, taking the bags so Killer could pick up the scattered bottles.

"Someone's up early," Killer says after pocketing his mask, carrying the mangled case of water into the kitchen where he sets it down none too gently next to the fridge before opening it and crouching down to restock the shelf they store water on as Wire sets the bags on the counter. "How'd you sleep, Butterfly?"

"Fine, I think. I was sleeping so I wouldn't really know."

"And feisty this morning, apparently." He looks at you from the corner of his eye before giving a smile. "Have you eaten yet?"

You hold out your mug before taking a sip. "Does coffee count?"

You could see the disappointment in the way his shoulders and head dropped with a sigh, giggling when he shakes his head before peeking up at you through his bangs. "You know it doesn't. Waffles or french toast?"

You shrug with another drink of your coffee. "Neither. I don't really eat breakfast. I'll probably grab a protein bar later or something or just wait until lunch."

"How have you survived four years of college without breakfast?" Killer stands and brushes his hands against his jeans before balling up the leftover plastic from the water case to throw it away. "Well, you're back home now, with us, so you're getting breakfast."

"Seriously, Kil. Don't worry about it. I'll be fine."

"Not up for debate. You're home, you get breakfast if you're up before eleven."

You grumble against the rim of your mug before finishing the last of your coffee, a thought coming to you.

"Alright. I'll just go back to bed then. See you boys later!"

You set the mug in the sink and grab your crutches, intent on making your way towards the living room when Killer stops you after only a couple steps by wrapping an arm around your middle, pulling you back into his warm hard body. His other arm snakes around you and you're...not sure how you feel. Part of you is confused since Killer is never this forward or grabby with you, and another part of you is reacting to his closeness, enough so that you press your thighs together before you realize what you're doing, a spark of arousal rushing through you that intensifies when he leans around to press a kiss against the side of your head. That has never happened with him. Not as strongly as you felt it now at least, and if you were honest it kind of scared you.

"You're not going anywhere until you get some food, baby girl. Go sit and I'll bring it to you when it's ready."

Okay, what the actual fuck? Did he just call you 'baby girl'? What?

"Uh... okay."

You can't even form a proper sentence since you didn't know how to react to that before he lets you go with another kiss to your temple. You just give a small nod and once more make your way towards the living room as he quickly busies himself getting out eggs and flour and whatever else he needs, almost running into Heat as he rounds the bottom of the stairs and heads towards the kitchen. As soon as he sees you his face lights up brighter than you've seen it in a while and he goes to you, pulling you into a tight hug, rocking you back and forth.

"You're up early, Dragonfly! Did you sleep well? Why didn't you wake me? You're not wearing your leg, did you get downstairs okay? Well, obviously since you're here!" He pauses to laugh before giving you a squeeze. "Do you want me to make you some coffee? How about some breakfast?"

"Slow down Blue!" You laugh, trying to keep up with his rapid fire questions, laughing at his enthusiasm even if it did throw you for a loop. None of the boys were 'morning people' by any means except for maybe Killer and even when you were home from school Heat wasn't this awake or happy until after his morning smoke and a cup or two of coffee. In fact, as lovey and touchy as he usually was, he was also being a bit extra with that as well right now, gently taking your face between his hands before kissing your forehead.

"You're feeling okay after last night? Not too sore, are you?" He asks, switching his hold again so you're pulled against his warm body with his arms wrapped around you, cheek pressed to the top of your head after giving another kiss to your hair. Something about being so close to him like this, your chest squished against his front and feeling so small against him makes that spark in your lower stomach ignite again, your thighs once more pressing together with a stronger flash of arousal. First this reaction with Killer, now Heat? What? It was getting to be too much and trying to come up with explanations was only making your head hurt more.

You blink in your confusion about these feelings rushing through you and pull out of his gentle hold to look up at him, a brow raised. "What are you talking about?"

"You know..." he says slowly as though that would magically make you understand what he was talking about. "Last night."

"No, I don't know. Why are you guys being weird and why do you keep asking me if I'm okay? What happened last night?!"

"Butterfly." You jump not expecting Killer to be so close, having not heard him approach and you turn a bit to face him seeing confusion and worry in his expression. "You're the one being weird. Do you not... Do you not remember what happened at the party? What happened after?"

"No! I don't!" You were getting frustrated now, and a bit scared. "The last thing I remember was talking to Law and Kid coming over and getting mad at them. I went on a walk with Nami and Robin to cool down but it all just... fades after that."

He shares a look with Heat, confusion and a flash of something else in his eyes before he turns back to you, glancing over your face before letting out a slow exhale of air. "So you don't remember-"

He cuts off when there's a loud clatter, yell and thud from upstairs followed by the muffled sound of Kid cussing and grunting. It sounded like he fell out of bed, and if you weren't consumed with uncertainty and fear about not remembering last night you would've laughed. Killer just sighs and shakes his head, turning back to you.

"At the party last night, a while after you came back from your walk with the girls, you-" He cuts off with another sigh, like he was trying to brace himself. "You really don't remember?"

"No! That's what I'm trying to say!" You were trying so hard to keep it together, your hands shaking on the handles of your crutches as you stepped back from them. "What happened, Killer? What did I do?"

"You kissed us. Me, Kid and Heat, and then at your request we all went upstairs to my room. (Y/n), hun. You slept with us last night."

It sounded like he just said you slept with them. Slept as in.... No. You didn't hear him properly. Yeah, that's what it was because there's no way you would do something like that. Not with them even though you wanted to. Had wanted to for years. Wait, what? No you didn't! Didn't you..? But... no he definitely just said you did last night.

"You... I... What?"

Killer gives a slight nod, keeping his eye contact with you. "We all slept together. You, me, Kid and Heat did things while Wire watched."

"But... I didn't. I-I wouldn't..!"

"He's not lying, Dragonfly. You did. We did," Heat says slowly, taking a half step towards you that you match taking one of your own backwards, your breath coming quicker.

"D-don't mess with me like this," you say just above a whisper, shaking your head. "I didn't... we didn't... I-I'd remember s-something like that, right..? Why don't I remember any of that?!"

Heat and Killer look at each other, both conflicted and unsure how to proceed not wanting to upset you further. Luckily for them, Kid chose that moment to stomp down the stairs with a growly grumble, shoving past Heat without taking in the scene in front of him.

"The fuck was your leg doin in my room, Shrimp?" He snaps at you and you see him holding your missing prosthetic in his hand. "You wanna prank me or whatever, that's fine, but don't leave shit in my room! Fuckin thing damn near killed me when I went to take a piss!"

You stare wide eyed at your prosthetic in his hand and your heart stops. Killer was telling the truth. He shares the room with Kid since they're married and he did say you all went there, and you have no other reason as to why your leg would be there in the first place.

What the fuck happened last night?!

~~~~~~~~~~~

:::Wire, 3 hours earlier:::

It was weird walking up to a cool bed. It always was when Heat was out for the night or passed out on the couch watching tv and refused to come up. But those nights he got to sleep next to you when you were home? Heat loved them the most, and that made Wire happy, even if it left their room feeling...empty.

Rubbing his eyes he gives a wide yawn as he rolls onto his back, staring at the ceiling, thoughts of last night and as to why Heat wasn't in their bed right now flashing in his mind. Never had he thought any of them would be able to experience even a sliver of what they did. It was weird, the feelings it invoked, but he wouldn't take it back. Not when you had been so happy. You never said anything, never told anyone, but he knew how you felt about them. It was clear to see each time you were home. The way you would look at them all, the small sad sighs, but also the way you lit up a little more with each smile. He was happy you'd found your courage enough to move on how he knew you already felt, even if it was aided by alcohol. He knew how you were when you were drunk, but last night...

And Heat, his adorable husband. He knew all too well how Heat felt about you. What he'd wanted with you but was too scared to take that leap and tell you how he felt. Maybe now he would.

Wire gives a sigh and runs his fingers through his short hair, scratching at the back of his scalp with a frown. Though happy, he couldn't help but feel worried now. Worried if that was the right thing, if they all did the right thing by going up to Kid's room with you even though you were the one to approach them about it. You were, after all, drunk. More drunk than he's ever seen you, actually. Enough so you almost weren't entirely yourself... so carefree. So... so... He didn't know how to describe it.

No, he thinks as he finally rises from his bed with a stretch. He was just overthinking it because of the emotions invoked for him after watching you pleasure and be pleasured by the other three as he watched. He's never seen something so erotic. Not even from the rare few times Heat brought someone to their bed who was okay with him just watching. Intimacy in general was rare for him. He felt it most strongly with Heat, the only person who he really trusted enough to feel those kinds of emotions with, enough so that he could be pleasured or pleasure his husband on the even rarer times he felt such urges. It's why he always encouraged Heat to seek out from others what he couldn't give him. And it's why their relationship worked for them.

Sitting back on the edge of his bed he takes a deep breath, dragging his hands over his face, and if his hair was longer he would tangle his fingers in and hold it as thoughts and feelings flood through him. Memories he wished would finally fade so they no longer tormented him and made him the outcast he knew he still was, even after all these years. Healing from something like his past, from the torture and abuse he was subjected to for as long as he could remember until he had to choose between a worse hell and running away was an ongoing struggle that affected him even now. Even though he went from a house of horror to the streets to finally a loving family who treated him like a person instead of an object to be used... The scars were just too deep. But Heat...

He wished Heat was here right now. He was the only one to know fully of Wire's past. The only one who never shunned him or made him feel like a freak. Like an object free to be used at his whim. Even before he opened up, before he told him everything and what demons he was constantly running from Heat was respectful and kind and often thought about Wire and his feelings. Respected his boundaries. Held him when his dark past started creeping into his mind like now...

He wasn't sure how long he sat there holding his head as his thoughts muddied and swirled, overcome with harsh memories that nearly drew him to tears. Mornings like this were few and far between but he'd always had Heat to hold and comfort him. It wasn't until he heard the door from the next room over, Kid and Killer's room, that his mind started to erect walls for him to hide behind, so he could mask and continue with his day like everything was okay even though he knew it wasn't and it was during this he couldn't help but wonder if you went through the same thing when you masked. As someone who nearly always had to mask in some way or another, how could he have never seen it with you before?

Several deep breaths later, after Killer (there was no way it was Kid, the footsteps were much too light) made his way downstairs, he finally rose back to his feet and made his own way to the now vacant bathroom. Finishing his business quickly he splashes cold water on his face after washing his hands before heading downstairs to see Killer setting the coffee pot to brew.

"Morning."

"G'mornin Wire," Killer greets with a slow deep accent. He usually only had it within the first hour or so of waking up or if he was really and truly pissed off, a product from his background in the circus. Heat had one too since they were in the circus together, though his was not as prominent. Kid picked it up from Killer from their years together and often had one when first waking up.

"How did you sleep?"

Wire didn't really want to talk to anyone right now, but he knew it was the nice and polite thing to do. To remain silent Killer would know something was wrong and as close as they were as friends he didn't want the other man to know anything about his past or what he was going through more than he already did.

"Slept a'right. 'ow 'bout yerself?"

"Fine."

Well, he tried at least, but a silence still fell over the two. At least it was an easy one.

"Coffee'll be done soon. Ay'mma run ta tha store fer some groceries. Ye need anythin'?"

"No, I don't need anything. But if you're willing, would you stop and get Heat a pack of smokes on your way home? He ran out last night and he'll be wanting one after he wakes up."

"A'right. Ay'll try not ta take too long an if ye change yer mind send me a text."

"No rush."

Killer nods, pulling on his fabric half-face mask as he walks to the front door, pausing to grab a set of car keys before leaving, closing the door behind him leaving Wire alone. And alone is something he didn't want to be.

He just stands there a few minutes, leaning against the counter as he disassociates, trying to push the bad thoughts away as they attempt to creep back into his mind. It doesn't work, so instead he walks to the small closet that's under the stairs, opening the door and pulling out the vest hoodie Heat wore last night fishing through the pockets until he finds the nearly empty pack of cigarettes and lighter. Yes, he may have technically lied to Killer about Heat being out of them but he would be in a bit.

Out back Wire sat on one of the makeshift benches they had, watching the sky gradually lighten with the sunrise as he lifted a lit cigarette to his lips where he inhaled deeply, holding it a moment before exhaling a cloud of smoke with a sigh. He didn't smoke often, not like his husband, but he did tend to when things started stirring up in his mind much like they were now. His walls struggled to keep it back but without Heat there to ground him the peaceful morning smoke would have to do. What he wouldn't give for a hug, though. Those helped. Heats arms felt like the most comforting thing, helping to hold everything together so he could let go. Maybe once he woke up...

Wire paused in lifting his second...third? cigarette thinking he heard something from inside the kitchen. It brought him out of his dissociative mindset he'd fallen into, not realizing the sky was bright with the morning sun. He must have been out here for longer than he realized. Another sound from the kitchen and he stubbs the half smoked cigarette, quietly going back inside expecting to see Killer back from the store but instead sees you kneeling atop the counter reaching up into the cabinet. He recognized Heat's shirt right away even from the back because of how it seemed to almost swallow you, and briefly caught a flash of sleep shorts when you reached higher and a small smile graced his lips. It was just like you to climb the counter and take things into your own hands rather than ask for help. Still, he didn't want you to somehow fall and get hurt, so after watching for another couple seconds he walks over and wraps his arms around you from behind, wincing at the loud shriek that erupts from you when he pulls you back.

"It is too early for you to be that loud, Sprite," he says with a silent laugh, feeling you relax once you realize it was him. He could smell the lingering smoky smell of Heat and just that calms him significantly. "Why are you on the counter?"

"Had to get my mug," he hears you reply with a huff before you leaned your head back into his chest to look up at him. "You buttheads put it on the tall shelf and I wanted coffee."

Your answer draws a smile and he laughs louder with a shake of his head before carefully lifting you off the counter, setting you back on your foot and keeping you steady with his arms around your middle. It was a little uncomfortable because of the height difference, but it's the closest he could get to a hug right now and he didn't want it to end. Unfortunately, like all things, it had to and he let you go when you shift to turn around.

"I'm sorry. I would have gotten it for you had you asked."

"Well you weren't here, were you?" Your giggle told him you weren't being serious or stern with your reply and the brief tension he had quickly melts away when you smile up at him. "G'morning Spikey! How'd you sleep last night?"

You really went to that nickname... He gives another soft laugh, shaking his head. "Stop using that nickname. I haven't spiked my hair in years."

And it was true. While most of his style hasn't changed much, he hadn't spiked his hair in several years, preferring now the shorter cut it was and his sideburns rather than the length it used to be that allowed him to do so.

"I know, but your hair still spikes up a bit at this length and never wants to behave. Forever Spikey to me!"

He rolls his eyes, but it's far from annoyance. You were half right. It was short, yes, and often unruly first thing in the morning but was in no way 'spikey'.

As fun as the banter was, as much as you being here so close to him, a constant comfort by your own right, the idleness was drawing back unwanted thoughts and memories, so instead of dwelling on them he, with a clear view over the top of your head, moves your mug and starts to fill it with some of the still hot coffee.

"I can make my own coffee, you know."

He feels you poke at his stomach, right in his belly button that was hidden behind his shirt, and it causes him to suck in his already slim stomach, hunching forward over you a bit while trying to back out of your reach without spilling the hot coffee on you or the counter. That was always an odd sensation, to have one's belly button poked in such a way, dead center. Invasive and...odd. It draws an involuntary and interesting sound from his throat that makes you giggle.

"I hate when you do that." Even if I love the sound of your giggle at my reaction.

He watches you lean back to be able to look up at him, fighting a smile. That fight is quickly lost when you stick your tongue out at him with another giggle. Why did you have to be so cute?

"Why? It's literally like in my face all the time and it's fun to do because of your reactions to it. Plus you're like, really close right now."

"You're a pest."

"And you love that about me. Now scootch so I can finish making my coffee."

"You know..." Wire moves away from you, realizing then that he was indeed really close to you, his current position having you essentially pinned between him and the counter. He hadn't meant to cage you like that and hoped you understood that and wasn't upset with him. Feeling awkward now he steps over to the fridge and moves your crutches to browse inside noting the emptiness of it, handing you a bottle of flavored creamer without looking. "I'm not only surprised you're up so early but with so much energy after last night."

He hears you hum, the clinking of a spoon against ceramic before you make a sound that tells him you weren't happy with the flavor or sweetness of your coffee. It's confirmed when he hears the spoon against glass before stirring and ceramic clinks again followed by another hum of delight before you speak.

"What about last night? It was a party. I've been to parties before."

So had he, but he's never been part of anything like what happened last night like that. With Heat and a woman, or even a rare man sure, but nothing like that with you. Was it because it was you that made it so different?

"I mean with what happened after."

"What happened after?"

Your question gives him pause, his brow furrowing. Surely you were just trying to play it off, embarrassed or something. "What do you mean what happened?" He asks with a small laugh, setting a new pot of coffee to brew after pouring the rest in his massive mug. Well, massive to most others. To him it was a normal size. "You were there."

Your silence worried him and he turned to see you standing with your brows furrowed together, lost in thought, but based on your body language it wasn't good thoughts, especially when your eyes picked up a hint of uncertainty and fear.

As he opens his mouth to ask if you were okay, a clatter and number of soft thuds drew his attention to the front door where he saw Killer stumble to a stop, nearly dropping the two paper bags he had balanced in one arm and a half case of water in the other. The thing had split open and sent several of the bottles rolling across the floor.

"I think you dropped something," Wire hears you say with a playful tone and gives his own laugh at the look Killer shoots your way before moving to help the other man with his burden so he could pick up the scattered bottles.

"Someone's up early," Killer says to you after pocketing his mask, carrying the mangled case of water into the kitchen where he sets it down none too gently next to the fridge before opening it and crouching down to restock the shelf they store water on as Wire sets the bags on the counter and moves out of his way "How'd you sleep, Butterfly?"

"Fine, I think. I was sleeping so I wouldn't really know."

Wire laughed silently, a small smile reappearing on his face at your smartass sarcasm. He'd missed it when you were gone.

"And feisty this morning, apparently." Wire sees Killer give a silent laugh and shake of his head before letting out a soft sigh. "Have you eaten yet?"

"Does coffee count?"

Wires shoulders sagged with a sigh. No coffee doesn't count! He constantly has the same squabble with Heat before practically force feeding him so he'd eat something in the mornings. Before he could open his mouth, Killer beat him to it after heaving a sigh of his own.

"You know it doesn't. Waffles or french toast?"

'Waffles loaded with butter and powdered sugar and fresh fruit,' Wire thinks with a small nod. Both you and Heat could devour plates of that with ease, but instead of that you give your answer, making him blink.

"Neither. I don't really eat breakfast. I'll probably grab a protein bar later or something or just wait until lunch."

'Since when?' He thinks, but again Killer speaks before he can ask.

"How have you survived four years of college without breakfast?" Killer stands and brushes his hands against his jeans before balling up the leftover plastic from the water case to throw it away, Wire again moving out of his way for him to do so. "Well, you're back home now, with us, so you're getting breakfast."

"Seriously, Kil. Don't worry about it. I'll be fine."

"Not up for debate. You're home, you get breakfast if you're up before eleven."

'Exactly,' Wire thinks. 'Now that you're home we'll take care of you and make sure you're well fed.'

Wire holds back a laugh when you grumble against the rim of your mug before finishing the last of your coffee, turning to see your face lights up with a thought.

"Alright. I'll just go back to bed then. See you boys later!"

Wire chuckled silently over the rim of his mug before taking a sip, one that he nearly choked on when Killer pulled you back by your waist to hold him close to his body. He could see the shock on your face, watched as your cheeks took on color when the blond placed a kiss to the side of your head. That wasn't something Killer ever did with you.

"You're not going anywhere until you get some food, baby girl. Go sit and I'll bring it to you when it's ready."

The pet name Killer had used with you last night that had you keening in his bed now filled you with confusion. Even Wire could tell that from where he stood, and that in turn confused him. You'd enjoyed it last night. Did you not now?

"Uh... okay."

Wire raises an eyebrow, confused at your demeanor and the way you seemed not quite yourself at the moment, but his thoughts are interrupted by him needing to move out of Killer's way as he moves about the kitchen pulling out what he needs to start on breakfast. Watching the blond he doesn't see Heat come down the stairs until he hears him speaking rapidly, turning to see Heat holding you tight, rocking you back and forth with a wide happy smile on his face.

"You're up early, Dragonfly! Did you sleep well? Why didn't you wake me? You're not wearing your leg, did you get downstairs okay? Well, obviously since you're here!" Heat pauses to laugh, Wire giving a silent chuckle of his own at his husband's excitement. Even though Heat hadn't gotten to do nearly as much with you as Kid or Killer before you fell asleep, he was beyond happy for what he was able to experience with you, and Wire knew it. "Do you want me to make you some coffee? How about some breakfast?"

"Slow down Blue!" Wire hears you get out between laughter. After all, none of them were 'morning people' by any means except for maybe Killer and even then Wire knew they wouldn't be nearly as awake or alert or even happy or excited like Heat was until after his usual morning smoke and several cups of coffee.

"You're feeling okay after last night? Not too sore, are you?" He hears Heat ask, watching him switch his hold again so you're pulled against his warm body with his arms wrapped around you, cheek pressed to the top of your head after giving another kiss to your hair. It almost made Wire's heart ache knowing just how deeply Heat cared for you, and you never knew.

"What are you talking about?"

Wire's brows furrow and he stops mid drink of his coffee, eyes shooting towards you.

"You know..." Heat says slowly and Wire can see his own confusion clear as day at your question. "Last night."

"No, I don't know. Why are you guys being weird and why do you keep asking me if I'm okay? What happened last night?!"

Wire's mind was racing, his heart seeming to drop. He didn't know what was going on with you, why you were asking that. Didn't you remember? Surely... but no, it didn't seem like you were trying to play it off and they weren't getting the hint. The tone of your voice seemed too genuine.

His thoughts are cut off by Killer quickly walking over to gently take your arm and turn you to face him.

"Butterfly, you're the one being weird. Do you not... Do you not remember what happened at the party? What happened after?"

"No! I don't!" You weren't faking. There's no way, not with the tone of your voice or the trembling Wire saw starting at your hands as they tightened around the handles of your crutches. "The last thing I remember was talking to Law and Kid coming over and getting mad at them. I went on a walk with Nami and Robin to cool down but it all just... fades after that."

His mind was starting to race as he sees the confusion and a flash of something else in Heat's eyes as he shared a look with Killer before he turned back to you, letting out a slow exhale of air. "So you don't remember-"

He cuts off when there's a loud clatter, yell and thud from upstairs followed by the muffled sound of Kid cussing and grunting. It sounded like he fell out of bed, but with his mind a racing mess it was enough to startle Wire, making him jump. It was apparently unseen by anyone, and he hears Killer sigh before he shakes his head, turning back to you.

"At the party last night, a while after you came back from your walk with the girls, you-" He cuts off with another sigh, like he was trying to brace himself. Wire was, too. He wanted so desperately to be wrong. "You really don't remember?"

"No! That's what I'm trying to say!" Wire's ears start to ring as the first ebbing of cold panic sets in. "What happened, Killer? What did I do?"

"You kissed us. Me, Kid and Heat, and then at your request we all went upstairs to my room. (Y/n), hun. You slept with us last night."

"You... I... What?"

Killer gives a slight nod. "We all slept together. You, me, Kid and Heat did things while Wire watched."

"But... I didn't. I-I wouldn't..!"

"He's not lying, Dragonfly. You did. We did," Heat says slowly, taking a half step towards you and Wire sees you match it, taking one of your own backwards, your breath coming quicker. His was, too, his stomach churning. He had to be wrong. There's no way, not while you had been home with them around. It just couldn't have happened!

"D-don't mess with me like this. I didn't... we didn't... I-I'd remember s-something like that, right..? Why don't I remember any of that?!" Wire hears you say just above a whisper. He's never heard you sound so scared, and it was the final confirmation he needed. Everything fell into place, and he felt physically sick at the realization. He'd been in the same situation. Multiple times, years ago from when he was a child until he ran away from home.

Someone had drugged you last night.

A sob gets stuck in his throat as his grip fails around the handle of his mug, the ceramic falling to the floor while it shatters right as Kid stomps loudly down the stairs with a growly grumble, shoving past Heat without taking in the scene in front of him.

"The fuck was your leg doin in my room, Shrimp?" He snaps at you and Wire looks up to see him holding your missing prosthetic in his hand, using it to gesture at you. "You wanna prank me or whatever, that's fine, but don't leave shit in my room! Fuckin thing damn near killed me when I went to take a piss!"

He couldn't focus anymore, not with his mind crumbling into a chaotic mess of panic and memories like it was, so he did what he did best when it got bad. He focused on a random spot on the far wall and tuned the others out, letting everything go blank.

~~~~~~~~

Now dressed with your prosthetic properly attached to your leg you paced in the small room you had always been comfortable in, but right now, nothing about this place, not the room or the house or even your brothers downstairs gave you any comfort. If anything, it all felt wrong. Every last bit of it. Uncomfortable, borderline suffocating.

You couldn't stop replaying what happened downstairs. Couldn't believe it...

But what reason would Killer have to lie? Heat? And the ache you had felt when you woke up that reminded you... Well. It wasn't from Law.

Law...

You stop your pacing and wipe at your eyes with a sniffle. You couldn't stay here, not right now. Not with everything so... so...

You sit heavily on the edge of your bed, unable to keep your racing mind on any thought for more than a second or two, and you hated it, but through it all you knew one thing for certain. You couldn't stay here. Not right now, so after trying to wipe your eyes clear once more you reach for your phone and fumble with the passcode before pulling up your message thread with Law.

(Y/n)-ya:
Hey... Are you busy?

Dr. Bread:
In class.

(Y/n)-ya:
Oh... Sorry.

Shit! Shitshitshit! You'd forgotten he picked up extra classes and studies over the summer and he last thing you wanted was to bug him while he was in class. Taking a deep breath, then another to try and calm yourself when your phone vibrates in your hand.

Dr. Bread:
What's wrong? You're
not usually up this early.

(Y/n)-ya:

Its nothing.

You start and delete your next message several times, not really sure what to say, but your phone buzzes again.

Dr. Bread:

Are you okay.

(Y/n)-ya:
..... no.

Dr. Bread:
Are you safe?

(Y/n)-ya:
I... I don't know.
Something happrned
and I csnt be here rifgt now.

(Y/n)-ya:
I jnoe yourr in clsas rn
but csn ou cme get m?

You couldn't see your screen through the tears that ran freely from your eyes and blurred your vision, and you hoped your trembling hands hadn't made it hard for him to read your message. It seemed like forever before your phone vibrated and you focused best you could to make out his message back.

Dr. Bread:
Bepo is on his way. 15 min.

You sniffled and sighed with slight relief. Bepo was one of Law's long time friends. You'd even go so far as to say he was his best friend. He was a gentle giant of a man and was the owner of the go-to coffee shop for most of the students since he had amazing coffee for even better prices. He was always so kind and sweet when he was around you. If Law couldn't be the one to get you, you knew you'd be safe with Bepo until Law could get there.

But 15 minutes wasn't that long, and you had no idea when you would come back, if ever. Just that thought made your chest ache, but you just didn't know right now. Not with all of this so fresh. Shaking your head to try and clear it you toss your phone back on your bed and set your mind on your new task; packing a bag.

~~~~~~

While you were upstairs in your room, the four men were downstairs, unaware of you packing or your plan to leave in the light of what happened last night. Killer was furiously scrubbing a pan in the sink, shooting concerned looks at Wire who stood leaning against the half wall between the kitchen and living room with a blank expression on his face and Kid who sat perched on one of the stools, head lowered to rest on his arms as he grumbled and complained about being hungry. Heat had barely moved from the foot of the stairs, staring up them with worry on his face. More than once he started to move like he would go up them before quickly changing his mind, a pained look mixing with the worry.

"Just leave her be, Heat," Killer says, pulling the pan out of the sink to examine it. He inwardly scolded himself for letting the eggs burn. Distracted by the situation or not, it was a disgrace that he didn't take the usual precautions he did when he had to suddenly turn from the stove, leaving him to return to a smoking charred mess that was hopelessly stuck to the pan when you ran back upstairs.

"I'm too worried about her," Heat replies with a sigh/groan mix, dragging a hand down his face. "S-she seemed okay last night, right? She was the one who approached us."

"The fuck are you guys talkin about?" Kid mumbles against his arms before sitting back a bit to yawn widely. "An what crawled up her ass this mornin?'

"She doesn't remember last night."

"So? It was a wild party. Even I don't remember most of it. Ain't the first rager we've had, won't be the last either." Kid groans and holds his head between his hands, squeezing his eyes shut. "Fuckin hangover is killing me!"

"You don't get hangovers," Killer sighs out, drying the now clean pan as he flicks his eyes back to Wire, seeing the tall man blanch and tremble. It almost looked like he was about to be sick. "Wire, are you doing okay? You don't look so good. First you drop your mug and now whatever..." Killer waves a hand to gesture at him with a concerned frown. "This is."

That draws Heat's attention away from the stairs and he looks towards the others with concern before he walks over, stopping in front of Wire. Indeed the tall man looked pale, his eyes vacant and he looked like he was about to be sick. Heat hadn't seen him like this in a long time and it worried him.

"Wire, what's wrong?" He gets no answer, watching Wire sway slightly with a deeper breath, but his eyes remain fixed to the floor. Heat grows even more concerned when his husband won't even acknowledge him, slowly reaching up to rest his hand on his arm. "Wire, honey. Come back and look at me and tell me what's wrong so I can help."

Wire's eyes snap to focus on Heat as soon as he touches him, shining with fear and building tears but before he could open his mouth to even begin explaining what was wrong or what he thought happened they hear a car horn beep from outside followed immediately by the sound of you running down the stairs and once you appear at the bottom Heat and Killer quickly make their way over.

"Butterfly?"

"Dragonfly?"

"Don't!" You shout, spinning to face them, raising up your trembling hand. They stumble to a stop and look at you with hurt and worry. "Don't come near me!"

"What..?" Heat looks at you, his expression laced with more hurt and confusion than Killer as he takes a step forward. "(Y/n), please."

"No! I don't know what the fuck happened with us last night but it's not right. I don't... I don't feel safe here right now, so I'm leaving. Don't try and follow me."

You hike your bag higher on your shoulder and turn to the door, unlocking and opening it but before you can step outside a hand grabs your arm and pulls you back. You act on instinct in a moment of fight or flight and lash out as you turn, your hand solidly connecting to Heat's cheek with a resounding slap that jerks his head to the side. It has the desired effect however, and he lets you go and once free of his grip you race down the sidewalk and into the waiting car, telling Bepo to go before your door is even closed, a command which he obeys with a nod. Your heart aches and, rubbing your stinging hand, you can't help but look back at the house seeing Heat running down the sidewalk, calling after you through blurry eyes.