Archive of Our Own ^beta

Ranboo didn't like parties.

It was something about the lights, the noises, the alcohol, the people. It was like his own personal hell, all boxed up in one stuffy room.

"Ranboo, it's not that kind of party."

Ranboo blinked, confused, before realizing he'd expressed all of his woes out loud.

"Oh," Ranboo said. Truthfully, he didn't remember any of the parties he'd been to in the past. All he had to rely on were the pessimistic notes in his memory book. "Uh- what kind of party is it, then?"

"Elegant. Refined. Filled with government officials," Techno continued, a hint of bloodlust in his eyes. "Corrupt leaders waiting to be destroyed."

"The plan is to go undercover. We dress nice, we blend in, and when we have our shot, we take it," Phil explained, laying out a map of what seemed to be a large ballroom and pointing to one end of the paper. "This is where the Prime Minister will be giving his speech. But we can't just kill him where he stands. There will be tons of guards, and we won't be able to fight them all at once. That's where Niki comes in."

Niki perked up from her spot on the sofa next to Ranboo. "I get to take them out?"

"You're the stealthiest out of all of us. Wander around, make small talk, and take one out whenever you see an opportunity. It's high-stress; think you can handle it?"

"Handle it?" Niki smiled. "I'm looking forward to it."

"Cryptic. I like it," Techno said, nodding in respect, then patted Phil's shoulder. "Phil's the most diplomatic of us...and probably the most charismatic. He'll take undercover up a notch and interact directly with the officials. He'll earn their trust and get as much information as he can, because even if we manage to take out the Prime Minister tonight, the fight won't be over. There's always someone in line to take a dead dictator's place."

"What's your job?" Ranboo asked. "Where will you be in the ballroom?"

This was Ranboo's first mission, and he couldn't help but be nervous. He'd always stuck by Techno when training, so knowing where he was in case things went south was vital to him."

"I won't be in the ballroom," Techno said flatly, and Ranboo's stomach dropped.

"What? But why-"

"I'm too recognizable. We'll all get caught immediately. I'll be outside, taking out perimeter guards and preparing our escape. And if anything goes wrong, I'll be there to do my thing."

Phil snickered under his breath. "You mean kill everyone."

"Shut up, old man."

So...

Niki would be taking out indoor guards, Phil would be buttering up some higher-ups, and Techno would be securing the perimeter.

But the plan was to kill the Prime Minister.

Ranboo swallowed the lump in his throat before asking, "I don't understand...who's taking the shot?"

Phil looked at him like it was obvious.

"You are, mate."

"What?!"

***

"Breathe, Ran, it's gonna be fine."

"You don't know that. I- I- what if I miss? What if I hit something else? Someone else? I could mess up the whole operation, why would they-"

"Ranboo."

Ranboo stopped pacing and glanced over at Niki, who was carefully applying eyeliner. She was dressed in a baby blue suit that was half a size too big to allow for movement. She was going to be beating people up, after all.

She looked good in it. She looked good in everything.

"Phil and Techno chose you because you're the best ranger we've got. Not to mention that you're tall, which'll make it easier to take the shot with so many people in the room," Niki said matter-of-factly, finishing her makeup and gesturing for Ranboo to join her at the vanity. He sat beside her, looking at himself in the mirror, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. "But above all that, they believe in you. I believe in you."

"You...do?"

Niki rolled her eyes fondly. "I wouldn't be sleeping with you if I didn't."

"Niki!" Ranboo squeaked, face flushing purple, and she laughed, bell-like and beautiful. "Don't- don't say things like that."

It was more than 'sleeping together,' of course. In fact, they'd only had sex once, weeks ago, and Niki had been teasing him for being flustered ever since. He couldn't even imagine how she'd coo at him if she found out that he'd written it all down.

Occasionally, Ranboo wondered when it would happen again...if it would happen again. He wouldn't be shocked if he'd put her off with his nerves and inexperience, but he'd rather let the thought fester than actually ask her. That would just be embarrassing.

After Niki's giggles died down, she wrapped an arm around Ranboo's waist, thumb rubbing at his hip comfortingly. "You're gonna kill it tonight. Literally." Then she paused. "You're not hesitant about the actual killing part, are you?"

"Oh, no," Ranboo clarified, then winced at how casual he confirmed that he wasn't opposed to killing a person. "I- uh- I know the drill. I'm not afraid to take out someone who's hurting people."

"That's good."

Niki stood, bringing Ranboo up with her.

"I need to go help Techno braid his hair. And you need to go talk to Phil. He said he's got a special outfit for you."

A special outfit? Ranboo glanced down at his suit, the same one he wore every day. Was it not formal enough?

"Alright. I'll...I'll see you later, then."

Ranboo flushed at the kiss Niki pressed to his cheek.

"See you."

And Niki disappeared down the hallway. Ranboo collected himself before making his way to Phil's room.

Phil was already dressed in a pure white suit with a dark green undershirt and was combing through his endlessly messy hair when Ranboo walked in.

"Niki said you- uh- you needed me?"

"Do you understand gender stereotypes, Ranboo?"

Ranboo blinked. That was random.

"Um...not really, I guess," Ranboo admitted. He still hadn't fully grasped gender and sex, a side effect of being a hermaphroditic species.

Phil continued fixing his hair as he spoke. "In typical societies, as fucked as it is, men are usually in charge. They are seen as stronger, but in some cases, this can work against them. They are often more feared, less likely to be trusted."

"Why are you-"

"Women, on the other hand, are seen as weaker. They are usually considered more trustworthy, less suspicious. Less powerful."

Phil finally turned, a grin that Ranboo couldn't quite place teasing on his lips.

"But that's where society went wrong, Ranboo. Because women are powerful. And whenever they prove it, no one sees it coming."

Ranboo had no fucking clue where this was going. Phil could tell by the look on his face and his grin faded into a softer, more reassuring smile.

"I had an idea, but if you don't like it, don't feel pressured. I know you're stressed already, so we'll do things your way."

Ranboo nodded hesitantly. "Okay. What- uh- what it?"

"You are of an androgynous species, Ranboo. Because of that, you have an equally androgynous face. You could pass as male or female with little to no effort at all."

Everything clicked. Ranboo was a bit scatterbrained, but he wasn't stupid.

"You want me to dress up as a woman? To be less suspicious?"

"That's exactly what I want," Phil said, obviously proud of Ranboo connecting the dots. "I've picked something out for you, as well. Something my wife used to wear. But again, if you don't want to, just say the word and I'll leave you be."

Ranboo breathed slowly, considering. He'd never worn a dress before, but he wasn't necessarily opposed. Not to mention that the more trustworthy he seemed, the less likely he was so fail.

"Can I- can I see it?"

"The dress?"

"Yeah."

Phil nodded and took a few strides to his closet, opening it, and there it was.

It nearly took Ranboo's breath away.

It was beautiful, a ballgown-style dress resemblant of a black night sky littered with crystalline stars. The skirt was flared and almost long enough to reach his ankles, layers of mesh and tulle fluffing it up and giving it character.

But the bodice was something else. It was high-necked and long-sleeved, covered in the same glittery mesh everywhere except for the chest area.

It was fit for someone far more beautiful than him.

Yet, Ranboo wanted nothing more in that moment but to wear it.

"I'll do it," Ranboo said, decisive for once, and he carefully took the dress off the hanger.

Phil replied in a satisfied tone, but Ranboo didn't comprehend a word he said. He needed to put this thing on immediately.

***

Ranboo walked into the ballroom with more confidence than he'd been expecting.

It was probably the dress. Even with his low self-esteem, Ranboo knew he looked good in it. The bow and arrow beneath his skirt wasn't as stress-inducing as it should've been.

The only issue was that he couldn't tell if Niki liked it.

In fact, it seemed like she hated it. When he entered the living space, everyone was waiting for him, but in his defense, it look a long time to figure out how to work the complicated straps of the heels and to put on makeup that helped his feminine features stand out. Phil clapped his hands together, clearly excited that his wife's dress was finally doing something other than sit in a closet, and Techno simply said that he looked nice, but Niki...

Niki didn't say a word.

Her expression had been unreadable, and Ranboo was tempted to ask her what she thought, but opted against it out of fear of looking desperate. It didn't even matter. They were on a mission. She didn't have to like it.

But if Ranboo really, really wanted her to, he kept that to himself.

He shook the thoughts from his head as he split up from Phil and Niki, barely getting a few steps before a man he didn't recognize held out a glass of champagne for him to take.

"Care for a drink? It's from the Prime Minister's private collection."

Ranboo politely turned him down with a quiet, feminine lilt to his voice while he screamed internally. "Sorry, I don't drink."

The man downed the glass himself, setting the empty glass on a passing waiter's tray. "Then perhaps some company? I see you're here alone."

And Ranboo realized this definitely wouldn't be happening to him if he were presenting as a man. Phil was right; all Ranboo had to do was look pretty and he was already deemed trustworthy.

A song was just beginning. The man held out his hand and Ranboo took it.

This was what he was supposed to do, right? Lay low until the speech later that night. According to the event schedule, Ranboo had an hour to kill. He supposed dancing with a stranger wasn't the worst way to spend it, though he wished he were dancing with Niki.

He did see Niki around, on occasion. A sip of champagne here, an exaggerated laugh and a "you're so funny!" there, and then she would excuse herself from the crowd of men fawning over her and slink away to suffocate some unexpecting guard.

Niki had the whole "dangerous woman" routine down. Ranboo was just getting started.

When his feet began to tire and his social battery began to drain, Ranboo excused himself as casually as he could to the restroom. He needed to take a breather; the hour had been going by quicker than expected. Twenty minutes remaining. The wood of his bow and arrow rubbed uncomfortably against his leg.

He didn't notice Niki spot him from across the room and follow.

Ranboo leaned against the wall of the fancy bathroom and took a deep breath in, then out. In, then out. In-

The door cracked open and Ranboo nearly jumped out of his skin. For a moment, he relaxed, seeing as it was only Niki, then panicked once more when she locked the door behind her and pressed Ranboo further into the wall by his shoulders.

"Niki- what-"

"You're doing great out there, Ran," Niki smiled. "You're a natural."

"Oh- uh, thank you."

Her smile dropped. "But you seem stressed. I saw you getting a bit antsy. Thought I'd check on you."

"I'm good! Really. I'm alright- just- the clock went by faster than I thought it would. I thought I'd have more time-"

"More time to prepare? Ranboo, you're more prepared than the rest of the Syndicate combined. You've just gotta let these nerves go, and your golden."

"Calming down isn't really my strong suit."

Niki hummed, that smile returning to her face. "Lucky for you, calming you down is mine. And I didn't follow you in here for small talk."

Niki dropped to her knees and Ranboo must've died on that ballroom floor because this image was nothing short of heavenly.

"Fuck," Ranboo cursed under his breath, but pressed himself further against the wall. "But- Niki- the time-"

"I'll make it quick," Niki insisted, toying with the mesh of his skirt. "I just can't wait any longer. I don't know if you're ever gonna wear this dress again and I've got to have you at least once while you're in it."

Now Ranboo was definitely dead.

"What?" Ranboo asked quietly, incredulous, almost afraid to be heard. "You...you like it?"

"Like it?" Niki huffed, still smiling, and Ranboo finally caught the light flush on her face. "Ranboo, you're stunning. I- it's kind of embarrassing, but I just couldn't even find the words earlier. And if I had, that might've been a disaster. I'm not sure if you would want Phil and Techno listening to me describe in detail everything I want to do to you."

Fuck. She liked it- no- she loved it. She loved it so much she had been rendered speechless. And now she wanted...

Ranboo swallowed his nerves. "What- what do you want to do with me?"

Niki hummed, low and dark and infused with lust, and Ranboo felt so faint that was shocked that he wasn't the one on his knees.

"Oh, you'll find out tonight, after we celebrate our victory. But for now, you'll have to settle for this."

She lifted his skirt and disappeared under it.

It felt so strange and dirty to be doing this in the bathroom of a dictator's mansion- the same dictator Ranboo was going to attempt to kill in about ten minutes- but couldn't bring himself to protest when he felt a hand against his thigh, where the bow was currently strapped, and he sighed at the contact.

He felt Niki peel off his boxers and barely had time to process what was about to happen when her lips closed over the head of his cock.

Ranboo moaned, a broken thing, and slapped a hand over his mouth. This was still a formal event, after all.

Yet here they were.

Niki sucked gently at the head for a while, occasionally swiping her tongue across the underside and basking in the pleased whimpers that managed to escape Ranboo's throat. Then, once again without warning, she swallowed him down to halfway and Ranboo couldn't stop himself from bucking his hips, pushing her further down. The warmth and the vibration of her giggle were nothing like he'd ever felt before.

"Ah- fuck-"

He was caught even further off-guard when a thumb brushed against his clit and he wailed.

"Niki! Niki- please- please, I-"

Niki suddenly pulled away entirely, and it took everything in Ranboo not to sob.

"Hm...you're a little more sensitive here, aren't you?"

Before Ranboo could even ask where 'here' was, Niki licked a hot, wet stripe over his cunt, and it was perfect.

"Fuck! Ah- Niki-"

When her lips wrapped around his clit and sucked, Ranboo knew he was done for.

"I'm gonna cum- Niki, please. I'm gonna-"

Niki's free hand stroked his cock, rubbing the tip, while she swirled her tongue over his clit and sent him plummeting over the edge.

Ranboo once again had to clamp a hand over his mouth to muffle his scream. Everything- her tongue flicking against his clit, the hot breath against his cunt, the finger teasing the slit of his cock- he didn't stand a goddamn chance. He came harder than ever before, and Niki was quick to clean him up, lapping over his soaked cunt and dripping cockhead until Ranboo squirmed in discomfort and she pulled away, emerging from under his skirt.

"That was nice," she said, licking her lips clean of his cum, and Ranboo shuddered at the sight. "You always sound so pretty."

Fuck, Ranboo couldn't wait for tonight.

After finally catching his breath, Ranboo was about to speak when the ringing sound of silverware hitting glass outside the door caught their attention.

"The speech," Ranboo gasped, fiddling under his dress to make sure the bow was still secure. "The speech is starting- I have to-"

"Relax, Ran. You've got this," Niki reassured, strangely calm for just sucking him off.

"Thank you, Niki- thank you-"

And when Ranboo hastily pressed a kiss to Niki's lips, it was her turn to blush.

"That was nice," Ranboo continued, already beginning to slip out the bathroom door. "Really nice."

He shut the door softly, so as not to draw any attention, and wandered closer to the end of the room, where the Prime Minister was giving his speech. Admittedly, Ranboo's head was so full of cotten that he didn't hear a word the man said, but it didn't matter anyways. He was about to be dead, simply because no one suspected the mysterious pretty woman.

Fueled by the confidence of a man who'd just gotten head, Ranboo lifted his skirt to his thigh, grabbed his bow and arrow, and fired.