Disclaimer: Toei's, not mine
Notes: Spoilers for up to Case 14
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I'm starting to think that I'll never figure him out.
When I first met him, it had been easy for me to peg him: a stuck up punk with nothing better to do than try to get under my skin. And considering what he had the nerve to tell me at said first meeting, I don't think anyone can blame me. But then... something changed. I don't know, maybe nothing changed and I just started to notice the holes in the wall he'd put up between himself and the rest of the world. It started when we began fighting the Londarz. He always charged in first. I've fought for sport and in battle; I know that's not how you attack if you want to win. Ayase's smart and he's a trained Time Bureau cadet, he should know better.
Only someone who has nothing to lose fights that way.
Keep in mind, this didn't change how I saw him. To me, he was an arrogant bastard who thought he was above the rest of us. I just started wondering if maybe I had him figured wrong sometimes (but not much). This changed when I found out about him having to give up his dream. I know all too well how that feels. There were still times when I wanted to smack that uppity expression off his face, but for the most part I was too busy trying to figure out just who the hell he was. If he loves racing so much, why quit? Why stop doing something he obviously loves more than anything?
Then came the business with Baron. My career as a pro fighter wasn't exactly what you'd call sterling, but to have that happen, and to a friend... and then having to choose between your conscience and your friend... anyone could understand if that was the reason why he retired from racing.
Except that it wasn't.
I know from experience that if you love something that much, you can't just walk away. Even if it hurts, it's still a part of you. Quitting it would be like quitting breathing. You can't just stop... unless they take it away from you.
But... Ayase did quit. I'm not even going to attempt to guess why. If I can't even decide on what he's really like, what chance do I have on figuring out something that personal?
Although, I realize as we walk to work together, I could just ask him. Might be worth it just to see the look on his face... but no. I do know enough about him to realize that if I gave it a try, he'd just make a haughty retort and then not speak to me for the rest of the day. And even his company is better than nothing while I'm on the clock.
Still, I want to know. I can't say why. Maybe I'm having trouble figuring out myself as well.
"Ayase."
He turns, looking at me with mild interest. "What's wrong?"
"... Could you at least try to be nice to the shop owner this time? Yuuri's getting sick of complaints about how you scare off customers."
I'm surprised to see something that's sort of like a smile grace his face. "I'm certain she'll be so charmed by you that she won't even notice that I'm there, Domon."
"Well, of course. This is me we're talking about."
I still don't have my answer. I'm still not sure who Ayase really is. But, for now at least, all that matters is that we've learned how to enjoy each other's company.