Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The email was sent immediately, Luca left his room to go meet up with his old teammates back at the old headquarters N.S. was keeping up. It was endearing how he kept going, chasing that dream to be the top team in the championships— Unbeatable.

Shame how that did not happen, morale was low, and reality set in. They are not kids, they cannot simply go home and play for hours to get better. Adults have to be adults— Live and move on— Get jobs, get married, have kids, get old, etc.

Luca was never as brave as N.S.; Luca followed what his father told him to do. Why bother fighting? The least the Sperm Donor can do is make up for half the bullshit childhood he gave Luca. The most spiteful thing Luca has ever done is change his last name, he rather honor his mother than one who had no right to be his father.

Mother loved him, son will never love him.

The email… Right… Luca put his phone on not disturb as he left the apartment to meet the others.

Oh, he is very well aware Mr. Lorenz will tell the Sperm Donor about the email turning down the job offer, Luca is still in shock about how such a pleasant man was friends with— Well, was is a keyword.

Three hours passed.

N.S. is the oldest of OPH, he was a kid on the block who often got into fights to defend the other kids. He put this ragtag time team together.

Next, Qi is from a long broken-up ESports team from a different game. She puts everyone on a regimen to train for the championships, Qi also puts Lily and Luca on a strict diet of no caffeine as it makes them jittery .

Luca Balsa, son of two technology companies business owners, is the rich kid of the group. He got involved when he became a fan of the N.S.’s streams! Luca is a part-time (on a whim) indie game developer. He does everything a team would do all by himself.

Lily, the youngest and the sunshine of the team, is also very encouraged by Luca to do reckless things.  Also, a streamer who has collaborated with the team leader enough to be given an invite.

Five hours passed.

Everyone is talking, excited, a bit melancholy; N.S. is eager to start.

Seven hours passed.

Luca shut his phone off at some point after calling his roommate, letting them know he is going to be home tomorrow morning. The team needs to do a lot of catching up, planning for the future, and importantly figuring out sponsorship. The building is only theirs because N.S. is a highly popular streamer of many games and only competitive in one. The man is also into parkour.

Absolutely a badass in Lily's and Luca's eyes!

Morning.

Luca never knew there was a limit to how many notifications he could receive, cool. Takes the old man to find that limit. The only decent notification he got was from Mr. Lorenz wished him luck and that position is available to him whenever he wishes.

Not a response he expected nor actually believed figuring that was sent out of politeness.

The Uber ride back is quiet, thank God, as he has deleted rant after rant after rant from the Sperm Donor. The few words he did glimpse were enough for him; the old man became comfortable in controlling Luca… Trying to shape his son into another him . The irony is Mr. Lorenz had no clue who Luca was until his father found out about the internship, for a while Luca was only Mr. Balsa The Upstart. Another man with a dream, except he now sees it was his father's dream…

Sitting in his living room still deleting everything when his roommate came in with his bathrobe on and drying his hair with a towel.

“You're back early,” Commenting as he walked behind the couch, “Everything go well with your team?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Luca decided it best to just use an app he made to delete and clean his phone of unwanted extra files and just do its thing, “N.S. and Lily are going to look for sponsors while Qi is going to start planning our training.”

“And you?”

“...” Sighing as he leans his head back and covers his eyes with the palm of his hand, “Work on our equipment. Most of it is outdated by a year.” Being the tech-savvy one with the means to get the equipment— Used to have means— Luca is hopeful he can just trade the stuff they got to at least get some upgrades.

“You look stressed.” They say when Luca uncovers his face to look at them with his good eye, “Your father's assistant was here last night looking for you.”

“Fuck man,” Groaning, “Fucking weirdo!” Of course, that old man could not be normal about anything! “Sorry about that, Itha.”

“Listen, if you want to talk about it you can.” Ithaqua is a good roommate, suck being emotional but it helps how level-headed he can be. A real rock in Luca's life after graduation.

“Thanks,” Sitting forward, “Not right now.”

“I'll be here all day if you need me.” Ithaqua walks away to his room. Luca does the same and gets up to go to his.

If Luca starts saving now… He can keep paying for his half of the rent for about a year… Finding a part-time job should not be hard… Luca looks at his clear board on the wall where he maps out everything down to the cent. Theoretically, he needed to cut down on energy drinks so taking that out saves him quite a bit (maybe Ithaqua could share some coffee?). His computer is fine for the next ten years, then food can be reduced a bit, especially with Qi's family that likes inviting them over to eat.

Okay, this can work out!

Other bills like phone are covered plus he can always do a little bit of questionable data siphoning to continue texting (being a tech genius has its perks).

Another voice message. Deleted.

Oh, he can also look into cooking at home like Ithaqua keeps telling him.

A text message was received and deleted.

Luca sighs as he writes more on the board.

A call goes through but the ringtone is not familiar. Great, he is using other tactics. Luca is not in the mood but… No, he is not entertaining it. Skip call.

The silence of the room is killing him! But he needs it to think without getting distracted about choosing a song or a playlist.

Chapter Text

Ithaqua is not nosy, if he so happens to hear or see something he takes note and moves on. When Luca was gone for the day, Ithaqua figured to do a surprise stream. However, the knock at the door had stopped him from setting up. Figured maybe Luca was back and forgot his keys or got drunk, either way, he was not expecting to see Luca's father.

Yeah, he said the assistant but he lied, Luca's father is a sore subject and only Luca often avoids to the point of changing the subject blatantly

Ithaqua gets it quickly, observant as he notices Luca is around the house without his phone. The man lives on his phone, always on that or his computer, both. Ithaqua only uses his phone because it is necessary and only his computer because it is necessary— The computer build was gifted to Ithaqua on his birthday by Luca when Ithaqua spoke about streaming. Never getting into the specifics of what he is streaming, Luca simply wanted to help a friend (Ithaqua had not considered him a friend as quickly as Luca did to him), and who is Ithaqua to turn down a gift when he needs it?

Luca congratulated Ithaqua when the roommate was able to quit his job to stream full-time with livable pay!

To see the man who honestly is most excitable, interactive, and social between them just… Shutting down like this is worrisome.

It has been a week, and Ithaqua has noticed Luca is not eating as much. Ithaqua let Luca try his coffee and that did not go well because it is not sweet. Ithaqua likes it bitter.

But Ithaqua will not push, because Luca this morning looks like shit and is at the kitchen table drinking his last energy drink.

Ithaqua is always up at ‘First Light’ (Luca called him a Thundercat, whatever that is), coffee made, dressed for the day even if he does not go out. Old habit. However, Ithaqua slept in after going out all night due to his streaming partner needing him. It is late morning when he gets up, leaves his room with only his boxers on, and enters the kitchen through the living room.

Luca is on his phone staring at the screen with no focus in his eyes as if lost in thought, hearing Ithaqua makes him look up and greet the roommate tiredly.

“Morning.” Going about his routine to make coffee only to see it made.

“Hope you don't mind,” Says the one at the table, “You weren't up so thought I could make it for you… But then I realized… I have no idea how to use a moka pot.” Sounding depressed, “Heh, sorry about that.” Dejected.

“Luca,” Ithaqua goes quiet when Luca takes a call. Luca pretends to ask completely fine on the phone with someone named Tracy.

The conversation is taken to the living room with Luca pacing back and then fake laughter, the only honest words spoken by Luca are his congratulations to Tracy.

Tracy is going to work at the internship program Luca turned down.

That piece of information is new thus explaining the bitterness the father showed.

Once the conversation is done, Luca sits back down. Quiet, well, quieter with an even more depressed look on his face.

The phone goes off again but it cuts off quickly.

The coffee is made, milk is boiled, and a bit of sugar is poured in.

Luca is on his phone after another and another call comes in, a frown that goes from fear to anger quickly.

“Bastard.” Mumbling to himself, “Hey, Itha, how was the party?”

“We should talk.” Ithaqua says after sitting down, “What is going on?”

“Oh, pft, nothing much. Ya know.” Shrugging.

“No, I do not know.” Firm voice meaning he is very serious. Luca stares then hangs his head in shame.

Everything comes out, Ithaqua can count on Luca to bend easily when he uses that voice on him.

Ithaqua listens patiently.

The Sperm Donor is upset, no surprise. It was always expected of Luca Balsa (well his last name was his father's last name until he changed it) to go onto bigger and greater things— Which he is! At his own pace, his own path! So what if the asshole cuts him off, sends him a text claiming he will not fund a foolish unrealistic dream— Or until Luca returns his calls.

Luca Balsa blocked the old man and continued to go back into the world of ESports with teammates in OPRH. However, he knows he cannot live off his current funds but for so long.

“Are you open to suggestions?”

“At this point, yeah.”

They talk more and more with Ithaqua asking questions until his curiosity seems satisfied.

The topic now is pornographic streaming (Luca calling it that makes it sound worse than it is).

“Night Watch?” Currently sitting with a former classmate and roommate, Ithaqua, at the kitchen table. They were talking about the mess Luca put himself in without a second thought or plan.

“Yeah,” Drinking the coffee he made for himself, “A persona I created to separate my life from my streaming.”

Makes sense, Vtubers do the same thing too… Yet, Luca looks like he has a ton of questions.

“The pay is good. No, I don't show my face. Yes, that is why I soundproof the room. And yes I will give pointers to help you if you want.” Ithaqua is looking out the window at the next table, the apartment they rented is on the top floor with no neighbors and the ones they do have are below and old. Nice apartment, near the city center and by a park, and rent is due next month.

“Huh!?” As if he is surprised by the offer, “I was just asking—”

“And your father isn't paying for you anymore.” Ithaqua heard the yelling from his father trying to make a spectacle the other week, only to be met with Ithaqua threatening to call the police. Ithaqua didn't bring it up because that is the other man's life, not his business. Another reason why he lied about last week's visit.

Luca says nothing, looking down at the table shamefully.

Silence before Ithaqua realizes he might have hit a sore spot too hard.

“Listen, you'll figure this out. You do it all the time. I'm sure that Esport thing will pay well.” Trying to be supportive.

“When do you stream?” Luca says without making eye contact.

Ithaqua looks at his phone which is considered old but Luca did something to make it work smoothly, “Today, midnight.”

“Alright.”

“Are you going to watch?” Not that he minds… Though Luca does not seem like a type; Ithaqua swore the guy only got off on videos about technology. “I'm going to warn you it can be intense.”

Luca laughs a bit, “It's porn. Nothing I can't handle.” The intense stare of those eerie sharp blue eyes behind glasses is a bit scary, makes him squirm… Has him looking away then looking back. Ithaqua then laughs as Luca looks like he is going to run at any second.

“What the fuck was that?”

“A taste. My audience likes it when I do that.”

“Just stare like a weirdo!?”

“Heh, there is more to it. Ever heard of prey/predator play?”

“That little red riding hood and big bad wolf stuff?”

Ithaqua rolls his eyes as he nods begrudgingly, “Sure we'll go with that,” Shrugging, “I play the wolf, the predator.”

“Uh-huh. Sounds like you got some freaks.”

“Hmm, yes and no. It is normal to get off on different things.” Ithaqua got up to put his cup in the sink, “Don't tell me you don't have anything you aren't into.”

Luca thinks about it. Then think about it more.

“... That's sad.”

“Oh fuck off. Just never thought of it!” Huffing.

“Luca,” Ithaqua goes to him, from behind, and places his hand on Luca's shoulder keeping him in place. Leaning down closer with his breath hot on the other's ear, Luca shivers then goes still as Ithaqua whispers.

A full two minutes, maybe more.

“So?” Speaking in a normal tone and going back to his seat.

“...” Flustered, “Just a mini skirt?”

“Yeah, easy access,” Ithaqua explains.

“... And afterwards?” Luca is looking at his energy drink as if it is so interesting.

“I will take care of you after. My audience likes that part.”

“Shit.” Breathing in then out his cheeks red, “I need to shower.” Mumbling.

The laugh from Ithaqua is so mocking.

Chapter Text

Night Watch streams every Friday night. Easier to get viewers near the weekends and close to people's payday. Luca saw the number of followers and nearly choked on his water. Lily has tons of followers on her TikTok, but this is a lot . Scrolling the profile of Night Watch, seeing how long clips of teasers to full videos someone can purchase.

There are sound files, wow. The simple is enough to get someone to want more.

The ping of Night Watch going live goes off and Luca clicks the link.

“Seems we have a few new viewers tonight,” The voice is clearly Ithaqua, yet the mannerisms are different, “Oh, my outfit? Hehe, so glad you asked. One of the little moons helps me reach not only a weekly goal but two! And then so kindly brought this for all of us to enjoy.”

Luca is not going to lie, he is looking at the chat with wide eyes.

These are more than what Lily and N.S. get in a day! Ithaqua explained to him there are predominantly anonymous viewers and few signed-in viewers. The anonymous viewers often pay what they can to quickly view a stream or buy a full video Night Watch posted versus the signed-in users who pay a large sum of money to make special requests or buy his premium videos. Premium videos are ones he will create based on a script a sighed-in view makes or scripts commissions from one the people Night Watch works with.

There are a lot of details Luca had no idea went into the webcam modeling, sure VTubing is one thing and streams with a sexy outfit on but this is different to him一 Or was, seems like more work for this.

Luca is checking out the stream layout, the details, and camera quality, oh the microphone is good too— “Holy shit!?”

There is no way Ithaqua is that big, no, all the times he has seen that man in his ugly bathrobes and boxers or the pajamas… Luca looks away a couple of times, cheeks heated, he fears he might turn the sound back on (he shuts it off like he does most streams which often after five streams up to support his friends’ viewership). The man turns his chair around when Ithaqua starts talking while touching himself, for the first time (after seeing Ithaqua half-naked a couple of times) Luca cannot look into those eyes that stare right into the camera.

Ithaqua is wearing purple lipstick that is mixed with gloss, the outfit he is wearing is barely covering anything, his mask is a half one to show his lips only.

Little details are paid attention to as Luca can feel himself getting wet, his shorts uncomfortable, he took off his sweater a while ago leaving him only in a shirt, though he thinks about removing it.

Putting the sound on is a mistake, fuck, Ithaqua sounds hot! Luca always liked Ithaqua's voice, just one of those pleasing-sounding voices with the right amount of mockingness in his laugh. Hearing the Night Watch moan, oh it low followed by a laugh when one of his viewers pays an amount to halt his orgasm.

An hour in.

Luca is rubbing his now bare legs, touching his chest through his shirt, teeth biting into his bottom lip to control his voice. Never has he been so grateful their rooms are far apart divided by the living room.

It is embarrassing how long it has been since he has done this . Sure, Luca has had his summer fling and a fling when he was traveling with the Sperm Donor. So touching himself is a rarity, his work and goals kept him preoccupied or… His attention span never lasted long enough for him to do all the work needed to get off by himself.

Masturbation is one challenge, sex is a different one with at least a partner to keep him focused.

He cannot believe he is currently envious of the damn light blue fleshlight Ithaqua is using on stream.

It is ridiculous yet his body is leaning on his desk with a hand in his underwear, fingers rubbing his clit to match the pace of Night Watch.

The viewers paying into the stream are awful! Luca wants to cum already with Night Watch's damn orgasm in his ears! He swears if he had the fucking funds—

“ Watch closely.”

Dark eyes look at the screen to see Ithaqua's cock on full screen along with his torso that is still covered by that joke of lingerie.

Two hours in.

This is fucking hot, hot and sticky.

Luca is pissed he did not cum because he was too embarrassed to actually cum at the sight of Ithaqua cumming all over his hand and stomach.

“ See you in two weeks, my moons.” Followed by advertising his other videos and explaining he will be back in two weeks for a break.

Luca turned out by then and sat in his chair staring up at his dark ceiling after leaning back against his gaming chair. The room is hot yet he is not moving to open the window, his hand is sticky from his essence yet he is not moving to clean up, the stream stops yet he watches an old clip of Night Watch’s stream clips.

Luca might scream in a pillow, worse he is eyeing the stupid showbox under his bed with a nasty glare.

An hour, he will give himself an hour to see if Ithaqua goes to sleep first before he… God this feels wrong to do, however, a part of him is trying to reason this to being ‘Well if you found this without Ithaqua knowing, then you would be touching yourself to it anyway’.

Eyes on the computer screen anxiously waiting for time to pass. Then he presses his ear against the door listening for Ithaqua's footsteps. The man walks silently but Luca knows to listen for the creeks in the flooring then the door clicks meaning Ithaqua went into his room (likely went to bathe before bed given the mess)…

It is quiet long enough for the man to start moving away from the door without worry.

Luca never moved— Okay that is not completely true, Luca has moved fast for a game or playing Identity V—To grab this stupid shoebox.

Two o'clock in the morning, bad decisions.

Luckily he only spent two five dollars on a sound file, if his calculations are right that means no chips when he goes shopping for himself.

The shoebook under his bed has exactly one toy, lube to help with stimulation and a toy cleaner. It was bought on a whim given how much masturbation is a chore to him. Something to help things happen quickly and without him struggling, at least that is the idea.

Reading the instructions, washing the toy before use in the half bathroom in his room (a perk for him given he is constantly on his computer), and now he sits on his gaming chair with a towel under him. A leg in the desk opens himself up as he rubs the lube on his wet cunt.

Luca's mind is spacy, mind racing yet racing with no thoughts if that makes sense.

The lube is quick or he is so turned on as he feels warm, skin sensitive to the cold; he has to pull up and bite down on the collar of his shirt.

The desk camera is turned around, his legs open and over the chair's armrests. The toy is charged, a blue-colored clit stimulator, apparently the best one on the market (from what he researched). Grabbing it without much thought putting the setting on the highest one.

Go big or go home, mindset.

After all, he wants to not think too much into this.

Chapter Text

The second the sound file was downloaded, he started playing it at a very low volume on his headphones; due to inexperience and impatience, he started skipping around to get to the good part. The moans and growls are hot, however, he has no idea what is going on thus the fantasy in his head is a mess.

Damn mind needing it to make sense! He found himself unable to be invested for long, so he started from the beginning.

This sound file playing through his wireless headphones, is of Night Watch is a View's POV of him breeding them. The fetish is not something Luca would normally be into, though compared to the things he saw Ithaqua is willing to put on a show for… He feels tame as all hell.

The toy’s setting adjusted to start slowly rather than high, not like it was doing much given he started to become disinterested.

Luca listens, eyes closed as he leans back against his chair getting comfortable again, idly letting the toy keep him aroused.

Ten minutes in. Fifteen minutes in. Twenty minutes.

The chair creeks, the synthetic leather wet, his legs twitching, Luca fighting to keep his voice low. The top of the shirt was covered by saliva and fell out of his mouth, “Fuck!” Saying to himself as pictures of Night Watch touching him— Picturing Ithaqua touching him— his toy stimulating just right— Finally!

“Just a little more,” At the point of tears as he is almost—

Luca is going to fucking scream as he stops as his eye glares at his phone going off then panicking when it is N.S. calling him.

It is late enough at night that anyone should be sleeping (or anyone who is not a night owl like Luca).

The panic reaction Luca has is him throwing, literally throwing, his wireless headphones to the side where his bed is, scrambling to wipe his hand on a tissue (because he eats at his desk though Ithaqua scolds him for it) before picking up the phone.

“Hey!” Out of breath, sweaty, and shutting off the vibrator.

“Hey?” N.S. sounding confused, “Did I catch you at a bad time?”

“Nah! I'm fine, just was uh moving stuff around my room, no worries.” Trying to play off his hard breathing, “You usually don't call, is everything okay?” Changing the subject quickly.

“Yes, everything is okay.” Silence on the phone for a second, “How are you?”

“Okay… You can text ya know.”

“... Yeah, I know.” N.S. sucks at talking, “Are you free right now?” But if he calls then it is important.

“I will be over soon.”

“Thanks.” Hanging up.

Luca has never been sexually frustrated before.

He has been pent up a few times, maybe bored enough to touch himself idly, however, frustration is different. 

Luca rushes to a cold shower to wash off everything and wipes down his chair so it won't be a problem later.

The cold shower helped barely, but something is better than nothing plus he does not smell like how he feels.

Another shirt, well same shirt but clean, sweater back on, different shorts. He put on flip-flops before leaving the apartment.

Rich Computer Rat: Left 2 go check on N.S., might be back later - 3:56 am

The nickname Ithaqua gave him when they were in college.

Forest Cryptid: Alright. Be home before dinner. -7:00 am

The nickname Luca gave him when they were in college, he used to be called ‘knock-off frosty the snowman’. 

Rich Computer Rat: Okay daddy geez - 7:30 am

Forest Cryptid: Of course, you would be into that. -7:30 am

Rich Computer Rat: fuk u - 8:30 am

Luca is going to kill him! God, he hates how proper Ithaqua texts, ew.

Most of the day is spent with N.S. doing mindless things to keep him preoccupied. Qi and Luca have known N.S. since they were kids. Back then Luca was babysat by one of the elders in the neighborhood, his mother wanted him to be grounded, unlike his father who often could care less about his son.

N.S. was like the neighborhood knight in shielding armor, helping kids and shoveling snow. He and a guy named Norton used to go at it a lot in the old parking lots. They fought but it never seemed like they hated each other, just a ‘boys will be boys’ thing. When high school rolled around, Norton moved away with his dad and seemed to disappear. After high school, N.S. went into the military.

The COA training came about during High School. They played in the minor tournaments hoping to one day as a team go into the big leagues. Back then N.S., Qi, Luca, and Tracy used to be a team. After High School, N.S. went into the military. Qi, Luca, and Tracy went to different colleges; the team was disbanded for a bit.

When N.S. came back from being honorably discharged (he does not talk about it and no one brings it up), a new team was made.

N.S., Qi, Luca, and Lily.

Making it to the big leagues came true, the loss though was humbling. Not that they were cocky or anything, it was a reminder the other teams are not doing this out of fun… 

It is a business none of them were ready to dive into. They have lives, they are not kids with tons of free time. The break was needed to get their head straight, to snap back into reality and adjust.

N.S. recognized this. Recognizing their dream of winning COA has to be realistic and manageable. That is life, constantly rolling with the punches.

The gym he both owns and works out at has a boxing ring in the back. Used for training and for N.S. to clear his head. Currently, both friends are in the locking room with both sitting on a bench facing each other.

“Are you sure you're good?” As if Luca would leave N.S. alone.

“I'm fine now, thanks.” N.S. watching as his friend takes off the bandages on his hands and wrist, “You've gotten better at dodging.”

“That's all I can do! Your punches hurt!”

The laugh is precious between them like old friends who never lost contact with one another. Though the dream was halted, as they got older, there are some things that stay the same.

“I'll walk you home, alright?” Once the bandages are off and tossed out in the nearest small trash bin by the lockers.

“Alright, but after you call Qi! Explain to her why you have a bruise on your ribs.”

N.S. looks away sighing as he will get a mouthful from her the second he calls, “Later,” Getting up and stretching his body out in front of Luca who points the buries causing N.S. to hiss in pain. They spoke about this the second Luca found him in the apartment patching himself up with Ganji there helping. Ganji drove the idiot home and said nothing when Luca flipped out on N.S. for scaring him.

“Later.” A frown.

“How about a bribe? I get you lunch and we keep this between us?”

Luca's eye drift down as he looks at the bench and shakes his head. Scratching under his eye patch before keeping his head down, but his eye shifts up at his friend who is sitting back down in a cut sleeveless sweater with the hood up.

“Come on, Luca .”

Deeper frown.

“Come on,” Dragging out the last word, “That spot you like is still open.”

“Tsk!” Clicking his tongue, “Don't bring me down with you… Fine!”

“Thanks.” The team leader got up to grab his stuff from the locker.

Chapter Text

Makes sense being a pornographic streamer (Ithaqua is begging him to just say Sex Cam Worker) will require just the same or more amount of work as regular streaming— Actually more given this heavily relies on the audience. Luca currently is at the kitchen table reading over the application process, a lot of questions, and a lot of rules.

Overwhelming yet Luca is determined to have two forms of income. His streaming already gives him a fair amount, enough that if he gets a part-time job he will be able to get his energy drinks and afford rent. The extra income from sex cam working is both passive income and active income. Plus, unless his current streaming, he can schedule it to be either once or twice then set up videos and or audios for sale.

“I see those gears turning,” Ithaqua says as he is wiping his hand with a kitchen towel, “Your thoughts?” Sitting down across from Luca while the food cooks for a bit.

Ithaqua cooks, Luca cleans; balance.

“Getting traction is going to be difficult,” Running numbers, calculations of risk versus reward, “Can't exactly link my Twitch to this.”

“Don't worry I have a plan for that,” Glancing behind him to check on dinner then looking at Luca, “However, we first need to practice before any of this can happen.”

“Practice?” Curious, “As is in?”

“Yes.” No elaboration, “After dinner, we can try a few things.” Ithaqua is not intentionally vague about things, he simply unintentionally assumes someone knows what he is talking about.

“You mean fuck?” Luca needs clarification.

“Yes, and no. This is a performance and every performance has a rehearsal.” Getting up to check on the food, “Given you and I will be sharing a similar audience, you need to learn a few things.”

“We are going to sleep with each other…”

“For business.” Can count on Ithaqua not to be emotionally affected, “The less shy you are the better the quality.”

It makes logical sense for them to sleep with each other to get used to each other.

Luca thinks about it. They talk more as dinner is finished being made and Ithaqua serves them both a plate. An old habit from taking care of his mother. Everything Ithaqua makes tastes good and for a moment it distracts Luca's busy mind from all calculations and ‘what if’ scenarios.

A practice night would make the recording less awkward looking… Luca understands yet he is awkward now more so given what happened last night.

Luca had a cat nap at N.S.’s place plus an energy drink so he is going to be wired for a while. “When do we start?”

Ithaqua does not reply until after he swallows the food currently in his mouth, “Eager, huh?” Teasing.

“Well, the sooner the better,” Luca explains too quickly, followed by explaining numbers and nonsense to Ithaqua.

Dinner is finished between idle chatter and eating. Luca does the dishes while Ithaqua reads a book (because TV is boring, weirdo).

“Have you heard from your father?” Figuring to breach the question now.

“I blocked him and the other numbers he was using to contact me.” Saying as he joys Ithaqua on the couch, “Why? Did his assistant come over again?”

“No, I wanted to check on you.” Putting his book down and gesturing to Luca to come close to him, “Here.” Pointing to the spot on the floor between his opened legs.

“Now?”

“Now.”

“Right now?”

“Luca.”

Luca moves from the couch to the floor as told and sits on the back of legs once in between Ithaqua's. His eye focus on the other's shirt-covered chest, a dust of blush on his cheeks, head tilting towards the hand on his cheek drawing his focus to the other’s face.

“Do you know the color system?” Genuinely asking.

“Red, yellow, green, yeah.”

“Good. And you know what a safeword is?”

“Yeah, you know ‘cause I haven't used handcuffs in the bedroom doesn't mean I never watch something BDSM related.” Offended.

Ithaqua pets the dyed black hair, “I wasn't insulting you nor going to assume,” Luca pouts at how calm Ithaqua sounds, “You're on edge.”

No verbal response to that for all of it is written on his face. Telling Ithaqua to shut up would accomplish nothing, as he has in the past when dealing with stressful situations with his father; Ithaqua knows how to deal with Luca too well. Maybe Ithaqua has the patience of a saint or maybe he has a lack of care when Luca acts like a brat.

“Open your mouth.” Moving his hand low so his thumb can press on Luca's lips.

Twice Luca has slept with someone. Basic stuff, it was kinda fun too.

With Ithaqua, it is intense .

A blow job should be a blow job nothing much to it, yet, there Luca was being treated like a dog begging for a treat. Ithaqua is technically edging himself but Luca is far more affected by it than him! To be teary-eyed from deep throating, a skill he had not developed, and be held there long enough to build up tears. It is mean, mean to him , to have him only use his mouth and his hands can only be used to hold himself up by grabbing Ithaqua's knees.

Is it that fuck asshole's intention to make Luca beg to have cum in his mouth? Or is this to see if Luca knows how to give a blow job!? So what he lacks in-depth experience, he knows enough!

“Hey,” A tug on Luca's short ponytail, “Luca.” Firm as he expects Luca to stop— The man does not and is making it Ithaqua's problem. “ Luca .” A single dark grey eye dares to send a challenging glare.

There is a giggle, Luca knows Ithaqua's laugh well (he spent a whole summer trying to make the man laugh when they first moved in together), and that sadistic-sounding giggle is the only warning he got.

“Greedy,” Enjoying him, “Brat. Since you are so cum hungry,” Luca grips the fabric of Ithaqua's pants, clinging onto it as his head is held by two hands, “Let's make use of that obnoxious mouth of yours.”

Luca knows if he taps Ithaqua's thighs he will stop.

Luca does not want him to stop, he finds he likes this. Choking, gagging, barely able to breathe, and more; he likes it.

Because he can be used and not think about what to do next.

Luca Balsa this, Luca Balsa that, Luca Balsa is tired! Tired of having weight on his shoulders from his Sperm Donor, hates having to constantly hear how much of a disappointment he is, tired of struggling to make his achievements known over his name.

His hands move under the other's shirt, fingers sliding up Ithaqua's stomach, nails digging in when his head is tilted back. Luca follows as Ithaqua is laying the other's head on the very low coffee table, Ithaqua pistolling his hips back and forth with practiced movements, each time thrusting deep.

God, it is hot from both views. Ithaqua might consider doing this again as a recording.

Faster and faster, Ithaqua's moans make Luca's wet. Hands under that shirt exploring and scratching, the final thrust has those hands grabbing the ass of the roommate.

By the end of it, Luca swallows every last drop like the good boy Ithaqua calls him afterward.

Ithaqua sits back down gaining his breath, and Luca remains sitting on the floor out of breath; both looking at one another.

What next?

Chapter Text

What next?

What next is Luca on the bed with a blindfold and his headphones on, his arms tied up behind him using his sweater, and lying on the bed partially naked. His shirt is up exposing his chest, shorts with his briefs on the floor, he feels far more exposed like this than being actually naked.

The embarrassment which led to the situation he currently is in is something he will both be thankful for and not want to think about.

In the rush to go see N.S., Luca had left not only the toy on the desk (shut off thankfully) but the screen still had the music player on with the file readable. It is mortifying, to say the least, worse Ithaqua had a delayed reaction as he did a double take and clicked the web browser to check the history.

He made sure to be evil about this! Having Luca answer a single question.

Did you cum?

The answer of ‘no’ with an apologetic explanation only dug himself further into the hole, Ithaqua's clear amusement on his face as Luca fretted over something silly. For crying out loud the man records himself masturbating to sell on the internet, it is more of a compliment to know he could affect Luca too.

Ithaqua had been bold enough to push Luca onto the bed and cover the roommate's mouth, a devious grin on such a handsome youthful face.

This led to the current situation as Luca is struggling to not be loud, too loud , as he touched. It was both mocking and cruel how Ithaqua is using this to his advantage. Luca cannot hear anything outside of the file playing in his headset, the blindfold eliminating his ability to see, the lube used once more on his pussy and nipples making them sensitive. The hyper-awareness of touch is killing him, the finger inside him wiggling and thrusting in and out.

Luca can only imagine how wet he sounds, how loud his voice is, and how he looks right now— No, the first two he will not have to imagine because this is being recorded.

“Night Watch,” Ithaqua told him to use the stage name, “Ngh N-Ight Ahh tch!”

Two fingers, curling them the second that sweet spot is found, the clit vibrator used to have Luca thrashing from so much stimulation. It is no surprise how quickly Luca cums, especially halfway through the sound file, what he does not expect is not to be let off the hook so easily. Turned over with his ass in the air suddenly, Luca squealed when lips met his drenched cunt, tongue inside of him, tasting him .

Ithaqua is enjoying this, how could he not?

Luca is reactive, loud, and a pleasing sight; submissive is debatable given his behavior previously. The behavior he knows will work on quite a few of his viewers who pay to get Night Watch to beg to cum.

The blonde never begs, Night Watch's viewers break before he would ever break.

Luca is a mess, he has no idea how he looks when Ithaqua finally shows mercy— After two more rounds.

“I-inside… Inside me.” Both the file recording and the recording Ithaqua was taking ended by now and Luca is whining about not having a prick in him while in his sex punched-drunk state.

Blanket, water, a heating pad for his back, and a massage of his arms; Luca sat there mildly feeling confused and content. Ithaqua meant it when he does aftercare, part of Luca thought he was going to get wiped down and then left to sleep. No, he was given a bath and was assisted as he could not stand on his own. A hot bath, as the hot water loosens his sore muscles, is followed by a massage. He dried himself but was again assisted by Ithaqua to put on his sleep clothes— Which ended up being some cartoon boxers and a cartoon shirt (both got him a look from the roommate).

Water. Well, water was first because of the blow job and the moaning made his throat sore.

The heating pad is doing wonders on his lower back.

“I sound like that?!” Hearing the recording, “Do you think anyone will pay for this?”

“Of course, there are many things people will pay for.” Turning off the recording, “So…”

“Hmm, we should post it!”

Ithaqua shakes his head, “I can post it, but any revenue will go to me. You need to make an account and you need a debut day .”

Right, a debut day. “Will I have to do a lore video for being a cam boy?”

Ithaqua shrugs as he is sitting in Luca's gaming chair, “Depends on you,” Looking at the screensaver on the computer of the character ‘Prisoner’ from Identity V, all the screens have different wallpapers. Main: Prisoner. Left screen: OPH team dressed as the characters they play. Right screen: A dungeons and dragons map. Ithaqua used to— Still— Tease Luca about being a nerd or geek, whatever.

“Depends if you are going to be streaming or posting only videos.”

Luca thinks about it before answering, “Videos only. Streaming only with you,” Mentally checking a list, “Guess I will need to plan how to fit this in with my COA training.”

Ithaqua has seen Luca plan out months with great detail, that clear board in his room covered in formulas and time schedules, even now Ithaqua can see Luca's budget plan with the adjustment to him buying the file from the Night Watch site. Ithaqua is returning those five dollars.

“How about you start simple,” Stopping Luca from going down the mental rabbit hole, “Pictures.”

“Pictures,” Luca nods, “So snap a few pics then post it to the internet… Okay, easy..”

“Mhm.” It is not easy if the person is shy and trying to convince people to pay them.

Ithaqua explains in detail so Luca can understand the step-by-step process he will have to go through. Building a following can be easy depending on the content posted. The roommate had to be honest about what Luca can expect from paying viewers and half the shit they will say during streams/video comments. Rarely are few not unhinged.

Luca can say he has experience with some unhinged comments, particularly during his early days of streaming and not having mods to watch the chat. Someone was really into saying they wanted to lube him up.

“We should start a profile now.” The OPH decoder charging in head first before he loses his nerves. Just as he does with everything without a second thought. That is simply how he is.

There are questions Ithaqua asks Luca as they go on to the sight.

Winter Cicada . The username.

“Why that name in particular?” Ithaqua is on the computer setting up Luca's account. Each step explained and pointed out what he is doing. Lucky, the site makes it easy to create an account and has a video tutorial 

Luca shrugs, “No reason.” There is a reason but not one he is going to explain right now.

“Alright.”

The night goes on and the profile is set up before Luca finally goes to sleep.

Chapter Text

“You came without permission again, Winter Cicada.”

“Now, did we not speak about you cumming before me?”

“What a mess, was cumming all over your own fingers worth your punishment?”

Both roommates are currently on the couch watching a movie, popcorn between them, and drinks on the table—a bottle of water, two cans of soda, with basic movie night junk food. Ithaqua honestly is not watching the movie, Luca is with great interest as Mr. Inference is laying out the facts to the Benefactor, they are at a stalemate.

So enthralled, he did not see Ithaqua move the popcorn bowl on the table letting Ithaqua move closer.

“Luca.”

“Shh! This is the good part!” Eager to see an ending he has watched over a hundred times, “Ithaqua, that's not–” Covering his mouth to stop from moaning.

“Fair? You say that as if I haven't been easy on you all weekend.”

“Sorry, I said ah sorry!”

“Put that mouth to work then. You still need to earn your key.”

The pathetic whine is everything as Luca is made aware of the chastity belt he is made to wear after not obeying Ithaqua's one rule: Do not cum without permission.

Not that it is Luca's fault! The man is far more pent-up and sensitive than he realized, very pent-up. Luca had twice cried when tried, truly tried, not to cum until Ithaqua told him to. It was miserable and he still came a second before Ithaqua was going to give the command to orgasm.

“Hmm, we have to work on your performance,” Thoughtful as Luca is facing away from the television. laying on his side with his head on the other man's lap, his mouth full of the other's cock.

“Be messy with it.”

The whole night is spent teaching Luca how to give a proper blow job, the sort his viewers are going to love.

The following day?

Luca has learned to masturbate with a camera on him, making sure to stay in view and to keep his legs open. Also, invest in several dildos.

“Don't cum,” Saying to himself as Ithaqua records at the seat of the gamer chair in front of the bed, “Don't… Not yet!” Hips raised off the bed as his legs were wide open, feet lifting his lower body up. A perfect view as his lower body is still laid on the bed hiding his face.

“No, no, fuck!” Mumbling apologies as he cums on the small vibrating dildo Ithaqua gave him to practice.

With a click of the tongue as the video ends, Ithaqua stands up, “How disappointing,” A false voice of displeasure, “Seems your spanking wasn't enough for you, little rabbit .”

Rabbit. Luca stares with cheeks red both from touching himself and the way Ithaqua said that while crawling towards him. There laid Luca, the little rabbit , exhausted and further turned on. There is a spark in that grey eye that drives Ithaqua to want to—

“Fuck. You .” Kicking Ithaqua's chest, not hard, to push him back— Playfully fighting back, pushing to see how far he can go.

Ithaqua likes that about Luca. The fight, the need to retaliate before ultimately giving in.

A chastity belt.

This is the punishment Luca faces after not once, nor twice, hell not even three times, but numerous times cumming without explicit permission from Ithaqua. It is easily hidden, easy to put on, and not easy to take off without a key.

Luckily he only wears it in the apartment, not so lucky is that Ithaqua will know if Luca removes an outdoor-style chastity belt. The only mercy shown to Luca is Ithaqua removing the first chastity belt, the second one came in last night as if the universe hates Luca.

It fucking sucks! And he has to endure it as punishment, a behavioral test, Luca could remove it in defiance, could lash out, yet he knows it all ends with begging for Ithaqua's mercy and approval. Fucking cannot believe his roommate is a dom, or whatever.

At least it is the second week, but the chastity belt did not come off even though Luca behaved well. He swears this chastity belt is never coming off!

Luca's mood did not get better when in the OPH Gaming Center, he arrived early only to call Ithaqua.

Ithaqua who has an app connected to the belt. The fucking praise he gave Luca for not attempting to remove the belt is damning with that voice of his. Worse is how Ithaqua picked up quickly Luca has a voice kink ! The “ Oh, it is a common fetish. Nothing to be ashamed of ” line as if he had not made Luca cum once just from whispering erotic things…

The OPH decoder swears he needs to submerge himself in ice-cold water. 

Anyway, back in headquarters! In the epic superhero narrator's voice from those old cartoons of the Justice League of America style… Because Luca Balsa is so bored with this slow day.

From the early morning, the team has been training body and mind.

Before the team became professional and Qi was with another team for a different ESports group, no one had a clue ESports players had to train outside of gaming.

Currently, they are doing physical training.

Strengthening their muscles, specifically the back area given they all are sitting in game chairs for hours. Next, arms and shoulders followed by wrists. With physical training also comes nutritional factors.

This means Lily and Luca are cut off from energy drinks… Again . Yeah, they have a bit of a caffeine addiction, but they have their reasons! Reasons Qi Shiyi did not listen to and handed them a dietary list and schedule they had to follow. Qi already has her list and schedule while N.S. has one with in mind he is a boxer.

Slow days only mean they are all planning and preparing, Luca knows that but he is frustrated given what is under his shorts and briefs.

His leg bounces under the desk as he checks his phone, thumb scrolling through his phone. Three hundred followers, and a ton of ‘likes’ notifications with some comments. Throughout the week, a picture is taken every evening, Luca had to do research despite Ithaqua saying it is not hard at all to take nudes.

It is not easy for a perfectionist! Fuck, he hates that picture from two days ago! The lighting is off by a shade!

Shifting in the chair is uncomfortable, he can feel the straps rub in places. The way the others are unaware of his struggles, the way he is currently scrolling through naughty pictures of himself and people are giving him attention (thanks to Ithaqua taking a promotional of him fucking Luca with a blue condom on). 

God! When will these two weeks be over!?

Luca groans as he bangs his head, not as hard as it may seem, on the gaming table.

Ithaqua is a monster! A fucking creature of the Plateau of Leng son of a bitch! The picture that bastard posted on the Nightwatch account is of the chastity belt with a caption simply tagging Luca's Winter Cicada account with a ‘ See you soon’ following the tag.

“Is everything alright, Lu?” Lily checked in on him, “Hunter matches not going well?”

Right, he was practicing with ‘Shadow’ recently to see the adjustments made to her.

“Sorry, it's fine!” Laughing off his grumpy behavior while locking his phone suddenly so she does not take a peek.

She smiles before showing Luca a sponsor she snatched recently. ‘ B. Duck ’ thanks to Lily for getting that in the bag. Lily is ecstatic about this sponsorship given she loves fashion, especially the skater-rebellious type of fashion with that dash of punk— Her words.

A notification appears at the top of the screen, and Luca's phone vibrates at the same time a notification goes off.

Both eyes widen to see the who went live notification, “ Holy shit !” Both shouting!

Chapter Text

This started with that fucking chastity belt! Luca was a good boy (he cannot believe that had him nearly fall apart), he did not remove the awful thing and did not touch himself. The training at OPH had been a much-needed distraction and his mind was not thinking of anything sexual until he would be in his room posting pictures.

Two weeks of hell have granted him an opportunity to post a mini-video and a chance to redeem himself.

This had started with his roommate showing off the different outfits, more outfits it is a big expense but often get him a good payout.

Plus most of his extra costumes were gifted by sponsors.

The one Luca had chosen for Ithaqua to show off, he had been so tired from training and occupied thoughts that it did not dawn on him why Ithaqua allowed him to pick an outfit. The red or black condom cleared up any confusion (and a bit of laughter because the red looked like “lightsaber”, a reference only Luca solely understood).

Morningstar is the most popular along with the ‘Knight-C3’ (mostly for the ponyplay he uses it for), the new costume he is having made is going to be interesting and elaborate. Trying to tap into the more fantasy aesthetics as one of his fellow streamers he knows wanted to do a Dungeons and Dragons-ish video special. Collaborative videos make the most views and money.

Ithaqua is pleased by the choice of the Morningstar costume as it has an interesting contrast to Luca's outfit. Part of it has been completed so they are going to test run it.

Luca can earn his key if he does not cum without permission.

Using Ithaqua's room is for the best as he already has it prepared for this short video. The foreplay is not recorded, the fucking is recorded.

“Winter Cicada,” Ithaqua is careful to not use real names as they film with the business phone Ithaqua uses at home to record his quickie videos, “Go on, keep hopping on your favorite cock.”

Luca is a mess as he rides Ithaqua— Morningstar ! Right, no real names. Winter Cicada 's wet cunt in full view, the costume jacket open revealing old bites and hickeys, and the whining of desperation mixed with unfiltered moans. It is high-quality footage right here to be posted later after unedited (people love raw unfiltered videos), Ithaqua's gloved-covered hand sliding from the other's waist to that pretty twitching clit begging for attention.

“Your grace!” Good, even though lost in waves of pleasure Luca stays in character. “Please, wait!” Oh, that delicious panic as that cunt of his squeezing perfectly around Ithaqua's cock.

“Ordering your king are you, little bug?” Laughing as Luca is fighting for his life not to cum, “I should punish that mouth of yours.”

“I'm sorry, your majesty, I'm sorry sorry,” Luca lifts his head from having it tossed back, “Your worship, I need to cum. Please please please…” His body goes forward as holds himself up with his hands planted beside both sides of Ithaqua's head. This gave the camera a full view of how they are connected and the wet sounds of sex.

God, this is probably one of the hottest videos he has ever made— Next to one with the retired man named Warden .

“No. Or do you want your chastity belt back on?” The pure panic only he can see on that teary face is priceless. Ithaqua knows he is being mean, and Luca likes it, as he has the roommate fighting to not cum. 

Ithaqua won't deny how great it feels to be balls deep in Luca, it is a struggle not to cum too soon yet he knows he can keep going if he does. The hot and sticky fluid of Ithaqua's cum filling up the condom is cruel when Luca is this deep in pleasure, those irresponsible thoughts and pleading words for cum filling his cunt.

Shit , Ithaqua sees Luca above him with a teary eye and an unadulterated erotic face of need.

The record stopped as Luca is tossed onto his back to be fucked with a condom full of cum and cock still hard and ready.

Blue energy drink… Blue energy drink… Luca is so tired and empty-headed right now as he stares through the hard glass doors of the store's fridge. Ithaqua is at the cashier counter talking to Matthias, a former coworker.

The Lawson store is where Ithaqua used to work and where Luca could “bother” him about college work. There were only two classes they shared, Ithaqua hated Luca's guts and yeah used the friend-seeking fool's money to get what he needed. Ithaqua had felt guilty when he realized how genuine the guy was and knew he was being used.

Luca has a lot of rough patches in his life; all of them created by an overbearing father who cannot let go.

Ithaqua did not know his biological family at the time, he only knew of his mother and her adopting him after finding him on the street tossed away. The roommates shared the loss of a mother, the one grounding force in their lives.

Pink energy drink… No, maybe the white one…

Matthias and Ithaqua used to date, they only broke it off when Matthias had moved away. No hard feelings, Ithaqua is glad Matthias is not alone— Though this Florian guy seems completely opposite of the brunette.

Eh… maybe red is better, it usually is Luca's go-to…

“Luca?”

Huh, still partially fuzzy-brained (Luca's words as that is the only way he can describe his current state), he had not noticed the tall individual smelling of cologne. A cologne he recalls suggesting to… Eye drifting upwards then he suddenly felt himself sober up.

“Mr. Lorenz!” Of all the places, current state, and time to see his former instructor and boss, “Uh..hmm.” Trying to figure out what to say, or explain why he looks like rolled out of the shower with his still wet hair, tossed on some clothes because he did— Shit! Luca caught those lilac eyes quickly glancing at his exposed neck with clear hickeys.

“It is good to see you too.” Polite as ever. Alva's attention goes to what he saw Luca was staring at so hard that he had to call the young man's name three times. “These cannot possibly be healthy.”

“What are you doing here?” Luca too late realized how rude that sounded before he could think before he spoke.

“Hah,” No offense taken and Luca is reminded how painfully mature his former boss is to not reply snarkily, “I usually come here for the coffee. Decided to stop by to grab some before heading home.”

Right, Luca recalls the many late nights in the office they shared going over experiments and reports. The one sided bickering always met with a calm yet stern tone when needed. When it was just Mr. Lorenz and Lorenz Jr… How embarrassing! The young man felt a lot towards the older man and none were familiar.

“How are you, Luca?”

“Fine,” Making fists, no reason to feel bitter as the question is harmless. “You?” Yeah, the connection of his father to Alva will linger. Linger just like the cologne he suggested to Alva when he asked. Innocent and Luca hated that as much as the wedding ring the older man wears.

The idle chatter is painful on both sides as there is a clear conversation that is inappropriate to do in a Lawson with two other people who are present though distracted. Worse Luca knows his hickeys are a distraction, yet that pleases him too. That immature glee of a foolish delusion of this will cause a man wearing a wedding ring to be jealous.

“Luca, if there is anything you need I—” Stopping when from the corner of his eye he sees the same young man from the counter who was conversing with the late shift cashier.

“Picked out your drink yet?” Ithaqua had ignored the older man knowing full well who that is. Luca sucks at shutting up especially about those he likes, especially about the pain of finding out Mr. Alva Lorenz was a friend of the sperm donor. Was , something pointed out the past tense but emotions win out when it comes to Luca's daddy issues. “Hey.” Acknowledge after Luca says yes and grabs the blue colored can.

“I'll pay for it.” Ithaqua takes it when purposefully lingering smooth touch only a romantic partner should do, quick enough too as Luca will not pick up the social queue but Alva will. “I'll wait in the car.”

Silence. The short of silence they shared when Luca had to contain his rightful (so he thought) of being in the dark about Alva having spoken to his father, to offer him the position in the internship without trying (an assumption). Tracy has it at least.

“I am happy for you, he seems.. Pleasant.”

“He isn't my boyfriend!” Fuck, “We just. We are roommates.” Oh, the eyebrow raise is digging him further in the grave, “These aren't from him!” Pointing out the hickeys, “Nevermind, night.”

Chapter Text

The Lawson, one he passes by often, is nice. The manager there is professional though most of his employees are college students who would rather be elsewhere and show it. Cannot fault them, Alva recalls the balancing of his personal life and schooling; he was a mess the first year… When he thinks about it as he parks his car (it screams expensive as the cashier looks out the window) his coffee addiction definitely started then.

The coffee here isn't bad as they often clean out the machine more frequently than other stores.

Alva comes in for a coffee as it is a long drive back to the condo he purposely lives far from his company. He rather not have to look directly at his building first thing in the morning.

A quiet night with the cashier sitting behind the counter talking to a young man wearing a hoodie with what Alva guesses are cat or bat ears. Hm, has he seen that hoodie before? The thought escapes him when going down one aisle and seeing someone he had not expected to see.

Luca Balsa looks like a mess .

Wearing a shirt that does not fit nor seem his style with sweats that accurately match his size, the wet hair not brushed out, then there is the… Luca never seemed sexually active— Not to say they would discuss such personal things, but Luca would mention a partner if he had one.

“Luca?” Speaking up after approaching the young man, “Luca?” There is no acknowledgement the time he says the name and now closer Alva realizes Luca’s focus is space out which should not make him worry but it does. “Luca.” A bit louder which snaps the other man out of his thoughts.

“Mr. Lorenz!” One eye on him with clarity and the stumbling of trying to figure out what to say does calm Alva down from racing unpleasant thoughts.

Though there is awkwardness between them is thick enough to have them both unable to say what they want to say. The place is wrong, the timing too soon, and Alva is informed by the mannerisms of the young man he passed by that Luca is with his partner.

“Wait,” Alva hates conflicts, though he has a lot of it in his work life, he wants to see his former understudy. “Luca, we should talk.” Because he is worried, the expression is clear and touch gentle as he grabs the young man's upper arm.

Luca would imagine those hands in the most unprofessional way, doing the most inappropriate things, and get flustered when anyone called him Lorenz Jr.

“... I can give you a call tomorrow.” Face turned away, “It was nice seeing you, Mr. Lorenz.” Short and not sweet, Alva let's go by how Luca sounds exasperated, who can blame the young man?

“Alright.” Taking what bit he can get, “Be safe, Luca.”

There was no call back the following day, there was text as an apology. Alva did not get his hopes up, there is too much going for Luca to focus on personal matters. OPH comes first… Alva sighs as he removes his reading classes.

Tracy Reznik, Alva was fully aware of her before Luca's rejection email followed a two page document attachment of why the young woman would be a smart choice and deserves this internship. Alva offered the position to her both because of Luca's words and on her merits. So far she is doing well, though she is no Luca.

It is not fair to compare her to a prodigy, he reminds himself. Alva is very impressed by her robotics knowledge and skills. The current prototype she is working on is looking promising!

Eyes drifting as his hand moves to open the email inbox and open the starred marked email. The email still sits in the inbox among other important emails… Less than a few weeks have passed from what the time stamp marks next to the sender’s name.

One could see it as the CEO cannot handle rejection, after all, who would ever reject an opportunity to work with a world renowned scientist?!

Alva Lorenz is a humble man, he does not let the praise completely go to his head. The man had to sacrifice a lot to get to his position, being famous in his field cost him a marriage and a friendship— Though the fault of the lost friendship is on the other rather than him. Alva's ex-wife is still his friend and their relationship is friendly, he even got to see her remarried to a woman she loved. He is genuinely happy for her and freedom to be herself, their arranged marriage was that and they could not fake intimacy or love; she supported him but ultimately they parted ways. The wedding ring on his finger was there to deter other marriage proposals and he would twist the ring when musing on things. 

Most pity him yet, he found isolation comfortable and free of bias. However, for such a private and reserved man, he found himself becoming… Lonely , what once was comfortable isolation became a cage.

Then that young man came into his life like the shock of lightning and loud as the thunder that follows.

Luca Balsa, Alva had not recognized the last name given he had no contact with Herman Zeeman in years. It is a bit shameful too looking back at the memory of Luca's face; then again, Alva saw more of Herman in the boy when he worked than in appearance. Herman is right, Luca favors his mother which would make the blooming genius happy. Yes, Luca is a genius, smarter than his peers and was nicknamed Lorenz Jr . affectionately.

Alva had not put weight on such a nickname given the hint of familiarity when neither had such… Familial feelings towards one another.

Reading the email again, Alva recalls the disappointment— Disappointment of losing a bright mind. Luca did not mince words in the email while keeping it professional. A passionate rejection email sent to him; one he knew the boy's father would/have disapproved of.

Luca, from the time they spent together as teacher-student dynamic, is a passionate young man who would rather have his inventions known than himself. Humble though he can be arrogant, in his passion he tends to show off.

It is humorous to think Luca had caught Alva's eye when he pointed out flaws in a current project. A fond collection of memories of the summer group of understudies.

With such potential, Alva leans back in his chair after shutting down the work computer, Luca would easily flourish when the time comes for him to take over Herman’s company. Alva had to hear the rant from his former friend about the nonsense Luca is pulling, the email sent to his father was email Alva got along a very colorful fuck you to the boy's father.

Bold, not a smart choice, Alva had to say Luca has shown he grew and accepted his consequences head on.

Luca is chasing a dream… A dream Alva never imagined one has ever turned down a position in his company for.

Esports , very unexpected even if Luca has created two mini free games and has talked to Alva extensively about IDV while they were having lunch. He listened and asked questions to be engaging, Luca had no idea the older man knew every word spoken to him. It would surprise many how he knows about Esport, or better yet, to learn the CEO scientist once used to stream the very game Luca has shown him and displayed skills as the character ‘Prisoner’.

Back then Alva did it for fun, he was quite the gamer of various types of games.

Reflecting on it, as he packs up the last of his paperwork for the day, he still has the paid model a past student of his made him—What was their name?… The young man took the class because they needed one science to graduate and Alva was filling in for a friend while she was on maternity leave— Edgar! Yes, the one who drew all their notes (Some days Alva misses teaching full time, not the bureaucracy of being a College Professor).

Alva did it on a whim when going through the divorce and his ex-wife's wife's son had been shown the game he plays when staying over during the wedding preparations. 

Identity V is the game her son is fixated on; he was trying to understand how to play Hermit. Alva was dubbed "uncle” for getting the kid a deduction and victory.

Alva had no problem playing the game with the nine year old and then continued to play it in his free time. Then streaming was brought up by Robbie who showed him streamers he liked. Using characters in replacement to showing one's face was popular.

So he made one. Robbie said cats are great and well… 

Lead Consultant was made.

A cat-based design with musician themes, very detailed and with other outfits and toggles including a moth appearance— Money is not a problem for the man so he spared no expense and tipped the student for the artistic services.

He hopes the young artist is doing well these days.

Robbie visits when it is summer break and still into this game.

Back then, Alva only used it to stream his matches and occasionally talk to his viewers (it used to be only Robbie whose username is popcorn-axeboy) which was often a teaching stream. When he was the top ranking Hermit , there were a number of league forming teams that wanted him to join. The most Alva did was join in game matches for special events, nothing more. COA tournaments were not as grand of an event as these days; Alva remembers when it was only a small event with few teams competing. 

When Lorenz had to process the rejection email, disappointed to lose a brilliant mind, not (it was) because of emotional sentiment but the part of ‘ finding myself ’ via Esports.

It is a bit ridiculous given his viewpoint on it and yes, Alva does agree with Herman on one point. However, given what he has seen of the COA tournaments, the money is now involved in these grand affairs.

If OPH does win, money and reputation will increase. Being in an Esports team can be profitable if one does it right— If Luca is ready to turn his enjoyment into a business.

With everything put away in his desk or briefcase, Alva finally gets up from his seat to head home. Leaving out of his office, a few goodbyes and polite thanks to those workers working overtime, Alva heads home for the rest of his weekend.

Chapter Text

Luca does not play hunter, not saying he cannot play hunter but he prefers to be on the ‘against all the odds’ side of the game. Plus, he likes the sound the cipher makes as he is playing decoder (it is also why his keyboard is a typewriter-style for the sound). Luca when he first started playing the game and because he likes leveling up effectively and quickly, used to play Hunter when it was the end of the season. Playing Fool's Gold or Clerk; the latter he played for the difficulty and to give tips on how to play her during streams. Fool’s Gold was ‘ I’m going to start my toxic era ’ (Lily and him playing duo hunter with the combo of Naiad and Fool’s Gold got a lot of hate).

N.S. and Qi Shiyi have been going through the roster of possible hunter mains, two are ideal to have joined the team yet they are going for the minimum of one to enter the tournament for the moment. So far three are looking good and have been given invitations. Lily and Luca have been busy with getting sponsors and B. Duck has scheduled the modeling sessions for four days from now.

This means Luca was jokingly telling Ithaqua he can’t maul him like a piece of meat!... Until it was pointed out Luca is no better as Ithaqua is paler and oh there were a lot of bite marks on him too. No sex was an option! One that was considered then they saw how much that video clip got them quite a bit of money. No biting so a muzzle was used and Ithaqua had to wear it (Luca found out he liked leashes and collars that day).

“Guys!” Lily ran into the break room, “Guys did you see!?” Excited she unlocks her phone to show—

“Latest sales on B.Duck merchandise?”

“Huh?” Looking at her phone, “What!? No, this!”

Showing the posted schedule streams of—

“LC!?” Two of the other members shout in shock!

Lead Consultant, former number one ranked Hermit player!

If only he would be on the list of sent invitations! The team wishes they could get LC to join the team but outside of him being out of practice given his account has not been login into in over a year, LC made it clear he will never join a Esports team as he plays IDV for fun and for his nephew (over viewers swoon over that). 

The stream was a test stream and lasted only ten minutes, oh it was a fucking tease (Lily was losing her mind over it). The social media side of IDV has been buzzing about it both for crazy theories on why LC suddenly disappeared to the excitement for the war for the top-ranking Hermit that is long overdue (the current top two Hermit players are just one person with two accounts). Lily mentioned in her stream her excitement to see one of her inspirations to stream coming back!

The current three invitations were sent to none who play Hermit.

“Luca,” N.S. called out to his friend after they finished the meeting and Qi got on Lily and Luca for the energy drinks they had been drinking on the sneak. “You alright?” N.S. has not seen Luca outside of meetings and the one late-night phone call. Usually, Luca is making plans to avoid his father by bringing N.S. or Qi into (they are a great backup in uncomfortable conversations) meetups. There has not been any in quite some time, N.S. has it noted and timed so he can be free for his friend. Luca shrugs then sits in the chair as he sighs.

“That bad, huh?”

“It’s pretty bad.” Luca scratches his head, “Remember how we used to joke about me being disowned one day?”

It took three hours of talking to N.S. including the information pulled out of Luca about how he was going to make money. N.S. is not the type to judge, never was as he grew up with a loving mother who made ends meet until she got sick. N.S. picked up odd jobs under the table, most of them with Norton by his side, and later joined the military for the pay and benefits. Luca was trying to hide how he is a camboy, well, N.S. can understand why his friend tried to hide it and told him the secret is safe with him. The only thing N.S. told Luca to be careful, if that does not work out there a spot in the fight club for a busboy (under the table but good pay considering the messes they make there).

The schedule is fully booked! There is no time to dwell on the nonsense of the sperm donor, Luca is on the move to living his dream! The B. Duck modeling shoot is a success, Lily is a natural at modeling and chatting up the photographers; the girl can naturally network with her personality. N.S. is a favorite though given his cool bad boy resting bitch face. Qi looked completely different with the outfit and hairstyle they gave her! It was a bit embarrassing because it is not her style but she looked great. Luca wished he could keep the outfit they put on him! Particularly the shirt and pants he felt are the best part, they are going to make the shirt available in two styles: cropped and regular.

With the extra money coming from the pornographic videos and pictures (Ithaqua begging him to just say sex cam), his part of the rent is covered along with the phone bill. Extra money could go to energy drinks but that shirt is calling his name.

The whole day was spent at the studio. Tomorrow one more photoshoot this time single shots then the following day there are steaming together ranking matches. The day after is physical training with checkups. The next day, Luca visits his mother's grave. Then after that—

“Come back to me.” The way Ithaqua says that while holding Luca's face does bring him back from his thoughts taking him away from this moment. Luca came home ready to take more pictures and edit a video or two. Ithaqua said it could wait and it is on hold. Luca expected sex, there is no sex, Ithaqua has him simply be in the moment; being this single person in the living room with him as another Truth and Inference movie plays in the background.

“Look at me. Not into my eyes if you're unable to.”

Luca looks at Ithaqua's face but not his eyes at first, mapping out details into memory, then his eye stays on Ithaqua's nose.

“Why are we doing this?” Luca wanted sex, the short of sex Ithaqua gives him to no longer think and just exist in a daze for an hour or two.

“You need it.” Ithaqua is quiet as they touch foreheads, “Sex is not going to help you.”

“It's making my money problem go away next month.”

“You know what I mean, Balsa.” Sighing as he got up, “It will only give you temporary escapism, you need to confront your feelings.”

“Pft, you try talking to my father—”

“This is about Lorenz. You went on a two-hour rant about him then pretended as if you were fine the rest of the night.”

“I am fine , Itha. Just had to let out some steam.” Turning around to face the TV with legs crossed on the couch, “Anyway it's over. I'm going to be a professional gamer and he is going to help Tracy with her dream.”

“God, you both are a mess.” Mumbling to himself, “Alright. Be stubborn.” Ithaqua knows something, he knows a lot but says nothing as he rather not involve himself. Yet, seeing Alva… Seeing the familiar face of the first man Ithaqua had felt safe with… Luca is too emotional right now to see himself destroying one close relationship with a person he can hurt, hurting Alva because his father is out of reach.

Ithaqua knows too much, knows because the man he saw at the Lawson knows him.

Back when Night Watch was new and Warden needed a submissive.

Ithaqua's story would be a dark novel with a sort of happy ending; bumps, and twists, his story intersecting with Alva’s story.