Dedication:
Thanks to the peeps on MAL who actually took this fantasy pairing seriously when I thought it was a joke. ;)
Understanding I (Safu - December 2019)
A joyous and tearful reunion with Shion three months ago. Strange but expected alterations to her appearance. Witnessing changes underway in 'New City' No. 6. A job…
Meeting all the new people in Shion's life.
Two of these new people risked their lives alongside Shion to save hers, nearly two years ago. Even if indirectly, they did succeed. She made sure they knew she was grateful for the great risk they took.
But there was one more she hadn't had the opportunity to thank.
"Of course Shion only has good things to say," Inukashi rolled her eyes. "The poor dope always stood up for him. Always tried to get close as he could to that cold-hearted bastard."
It wasn't Safu's first time visiting Inukashi's palatial new house. This time, Shion was giving her a weekend tour of the New West. For now, the girls lounged on barstools in a spacious kitchen.
As Inukashi paused to sip her coffee, Safu reflected on her word choices and delivery: She looked aside at 'cold-hearted…'
"If Shion likes him so much, he can't be completely awful."
Inukashi turned to look out double glass doors to the back yard, where dogs frolicked on the frosty ground. Her face was hidden in profile.
"Well, he saved Shion's life. And… the way the West Block was till recently," she slowly shook her head. "Shion couldn't have survived without him. He's just…"
She's harbouring strongly conflicting feelings.
"There were things he had that others wanted; things he could do that others couldn't. Wasn't shy about using those to get what he wanted. A damn actor who'd charm ya with fantasies he could snatch away whenever it pleased 'im. But that Nezumi…"
Inukashi glanced back at Safu for a moment… and turned away again.
"He was the lone kid with mice; I was the one with dogs. Just… something we had in common. He's the first that didn't laugh at the kinda family I've got." She smirked. "He was experienced. Learned lots from watching 'im that the old man and dogs could never teach. But what an icy-damn-cold rat! It's only with Shion really— that things're different, I mean."
Finally present tense. And the first half of that last sentence more to herself…
"Do you think Shion's really so important to him? Looks like he doesn't even care."
"No." Inukashi looked back, straight into Safu's melancholy lavender irises. "He definitely cares about Shion."
Safu appraised dark, sympathetic eyes. "You're quite certain."
"The guy was a total loner. Never let anyone near that he couldn't ditch, soon as trouble came. But I don't think Shion even realises how much time and money Nezumi spent… just for him. And till Shion showed up, Nezumi'd sooner kill than protect somebody."
"I see." Though she remained mystified by Nezumi's distance, Safu's heart sank.
They mean that much to each other?
Inukashi saw Safu's crestfallen gaze fall to the side, but chose to allow space. "Hope Shion's back soon. He's getting better but I still don't see how the baby sleeps to his guitar," she laughed.
"Tomorrow it's Western District Memorial Museum, I think…"
"Yeah." Shion interjected breezily, walking the hall from stairs to kitchen. "It's in its temporary home till Memorial Hall's finished, so not all exhibits are up, but there's a lot I want to show you. And Inukashi, I'll have you know little Shion adores my guitar."