Shadow Slave - One Shots

pretty short

Effie leaned back on the couch, stretching her arms as she smirked down at her communicator.

Effie: Yo, Kai. I got an idea.

...

Kai: Do I even want to know?

…

Effie: Oh, you definitely do.

She quickly typed out her idea.

Her idea was pretty simple. A dinner with the 4 of them to bond over something.

Nothing big. But the real plan was for Sunny and Cassie to get closer. 

Effie: You see, there's like a kind of barrier between them. And we need to break it ASAP.

…

Kai: I'm in. Say no more.

Effie's grin widened.

Excellent.

She glanced over at the hallway where Cassie had just exited Sunny's room.

The blind Seer looked thoughtful, almost pleased with herself as she quietly walked past and sat down at the table.

Effie just shook her head, sipping her drink.

'Things are getting interesting.'

...

...

...

Meanwhile, inside the room, Sunny let out a deep breath.

Cassie's words were still lingering in his mind.

I loved those moments with you.

He ran a hand through his hair and exhaled sharply.

This was getting ridiculous.

Standing up, he decided to shake it off. He needed to distract himself.

A shower.

That should do the trick.

He made his way to the bathroom, his mind still a mess, but at least the cold water would help him focus.

By the time he stepped out, refreshed and finally able to think straight, he headed into the living room...only for Effie to immediately hit him with, "Don't forget about dinner."

Sunny blinked. "What dinner?"

Effie raised an eyebrow.

"The one Kai's hosting tonight. Thought I'd remind you, since I know you forget things."

Sunny frowned. "Kai? Hosting a dinner? Since when?"

Effie grinned. "Since I asked him to."

Sunny's frown deepened. "...Why?"

Effie shrugged innocently. "Oh, no reason. Just thought it'd be nice for everyone to hang out, eat good food... bond a little."

Sunny narrowed his eyes.

"...You're up to something."

Effie's grin widened. "Always."

--------

A couple of hours passed, and Sunny found himself standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his clothes.

He wasn't wearing anything fancy. He wasn't trying to impress anyone, or rather he couldn't.

Just a simple, well-fitted shirt and dark pants. His armor remained underneath, just in case.

Old habits died hard.

After ensuring everything was in place, he stepped out of his room, rolling his shoulders.

And then he froze.

Cassie was waiting for him alone in the hallway.

She was wearing something elegant yet simple, something that complemented her perfectly.

She decided to wear a bright blue dress, that matched her bare eyes. She didn't wear her blindfold.

He didn't realize he was staring until Cassie tilted her head slightly, a small smile playing at her lips. Seems as if she felt his gaze on him.

"How do I look?" she asked.

His flaw struck instantly, forcing the words out before he could stop himself.

"It looks too good on you. No-" He paused, as if hearing himself in real-time.

His expression twisted in horror as the next words tumbled out unwillingly, "Heavenly. That's the word."

Immediately, his hand flew up to his mouth, slapping it shut.

Cassie blinked in surprise before her smile turned into something far more amused.

Sunny quickly recovered, clearing his throat and waving a hand. "Forget I said that."

Cassie giggled, taking a small step toward him. "Why would I? That's probably the best compliment I've ever received."

'Damn everything.'

Cassie simply linked her arm with his, her expression smug.

"Come on," she said, leading him toward the door. "Let's not keep them waiting."

Sunny sighed, accepting his fate as they headed out together.

--------------------

The dinner… wasn't so bad. 

Kai had invited us to some ridiculously expensive noble restaurant, the kind that made me feel out of place the moment I stepped in.

The stares were by far the worst.

He could feel them - people whispering, throwing glances his way, either out of curiosity or disdain.

Maybe both. The great Sunny, sitting among nobles as if he belonged. 

He hated it. 

Cassie, on the other hand… 

She kept touching him. Not in an obvious way, but enough for him to notice.

Her hand would brush against his when reaching for a drink.

Her knee bumped against his more than once under the table.

She leaned in slightly whenever she spoke to him, her presence warm and impossible to ignore. 

Whatever it was, he didn't mind it. 

…Until she leaned over, her voice just above a whisper, and invited me somewhere private. 

He turned to her, narrowing my eyes.

"Somewhere private?" 

Cassie just smiled, tilting her head playfully. "Yeah." 

For some reason, Sunny's heart skipped a beat.