If you've read Black Feather, this might sound a bit familiar. Prompted by Anon.
Warning: Language
He couldn't breathe. Something in his mind just couldn't comprehend the scene before his very eyes. He shut down.
Because it can't be.
He shuddered and closed his eyes, fists trembling and twitching at his sides. His grip on the black gem tightened.
It can't be.
The black phantom had not said a word since he appeared out of thin air.
Why? Why won't he speak?
Inwardly, he hoped the man wouldn't speak. He didn't want to hear it. The possibility-
The possibility of it being Kuroba Toichi's gentle, deep voice.
His dad's kind voice.
The voice he hadn't heard in eight years. The voice that still haunts him every time he pulls a goddamn heist. The voice that constantly calls him 'worthless' and 'disappointment' in his mind every time he failed to find Pandora.
"Hand the gem over, Kid!" Snake's disgusting growl sounded over the hurricane of panicked thoughts in his mind.
Stop…stop yelling at me.
He watched Corbeau turn to look at the organization members. Kid gazed unblinkingly at the other phantom's slightly tanned skin.
Oh…so that it….it's…a mask?
His face ached as his lips curled slightly into a small smile.
It's only a mask…right? It's not…it's not-
As Corbeau stared on, distracted, Kid reached forward with a shaking arm. His quivering fingers landed on the phantom's cheek, expecting (praying) for the rubbery latex feeling of a disguise mask.
He's not…
He's gulping, sweat dripping from his fringe.
His muscles twitch as he pulled at the face.
He's not dad.
It didn't tear away.
It wasn't rubbery, thin or fake.
It was soft and warm. It was flesh.
"H-hah, no…no" A breathless laugh escapes his still-grinning lips.
"No.." He reiterated his denial, letting go of the real face. The crow had turned away from the gunmen the moment the gloved hand touched his cheek. Corbeau stared into Kid's teary-hah…when had he dropped the poker face?- eyes and didn't speak.
Say something, you fucking bastard. Ire and betrayal crashed through Kid's mind in waves as he gritted his teeth and backed away. He ignored the danger that lied in front of him and let the shameful tears fall.
Where have you been all these years?