Disclaimer: I do not own Kagerou Project/Mekakucity Actors!
Rating: T for the ones who mildly understand what's going on but really don't.
Pairings: Hibiya/Kagerou.
Hopefully a couple chapters or so in one day make up for a three month absence.
The first sensation Hibiya and Kagerou experienced was a cool shock from the air conditioned room. Hibiya gasped in relief, but Kagerou made a different noise. Had the former not been so dazed, he would have noticed Kagerou's displeasure.
They both stumbled onto the leather couch, breathing out as a heavy weight both literally and figuratively rose from their chests. But that reprieve was short-lived, considering their situation.
How was Kagerou taking all of this, he wondered? Hibiya searched him for a reaction, but his vermilion eyes only looked around the room, and showed no other secret than that. The brunet, on the other hand, was completely out of it. The heat was rushing out of him, and only when his head cooled down enough, did he took note of his surroundings.
Seto was confused, but gave a sympathetic look to Kagerou. He immediately got up, and Hibiya supposed he was getting bandages, or a wash cloth of some sort, to ease the burdens that were hindering the heat haze. Kano somehow found this funny, and found the energy to laugh. He then wiped a fake tear away, and smiled at Kagerou with intrigue. Mary was skittish, as always, especially when having just come into the room to see a strange red boy on the couch. Had her hair not been so abundant, no one could have guessed she was hiding behind the armchair.
Momo was preoccupied with her phone previously, but looked up with a dazed look, her dark eyes glancing from Hibiya to Kagerou to back to Hibiya again. Shintaro was standing, leaning against the wall, pretending not to care about the fact that another young boy was present. Ene wasn't seen, but Hibiya could hear her loud voice from a mile away.
Konoha was standing near the door, and tilted his head at the sight of Kagerou. He's as hopeless as ever, Hibiya thought. And why does everyone pick now to be present at base?
All that left was their leader. But since she hadn't spoken, no one else had the indication to do so. Only when Seto returned with a wash cloth and began to dab carefully at Kagerou's head, did she speak. "Oi, Hibiya. Start explaining." The silence was broken as talkative noise filled the room, although Hibiya blocked out all other noise to answer his commander's questions.
"Well, um, it's a long story, and I-"
He gave the solemn girl a glance, and within that instant, she understood. She nodded off to the others. "Hey, everyone out. I want to speak to Hibiya and his friend alone. Don't bother us unless I say you can."
Of course, that meant almost everyone. Seto didn't move, as he carefully wrapped gauze around the red spirit's head. Kagerou had been strangely quiet up to this point, but Hibiya didn't question it. "Ah, sorry. Did it hurt much?" Seto asked gently, sitting up a bit straighter.
Kagerou shook his head, and leaned back into the couch, eyes shut in concentration. The leader chose this moment to speak.
"Okay, now start explaining." She crossed her legs, leaning back into her couch across the room, but not looking any more lenient. Hibiya gulped, and spoke up before Kagerou could.
"I found him on the street. I couldn't leave him there, and he has no where else to go."
"Let him speak for himself, Hibiya." Seto advised quietly, while looking back at his childhood friend. She nodded in assent.
Hibiya only nodded to this notion, and like the other two, looked at Kagerou for an answer.
His eyes opened, and stared with a determined expression. His hands were leisurely resting in his pockets, but he loosened them to the point where they fell to his sides.
"It's true. I don't remember anything but my name, and I woke up with Hibiya in front of me. That's all."
"Ah, how unfortunate! You're lucky that Hibiya was there," Seto assured, smiling again. His smile did melt away some of the pressure on Hibiya, but he still was in discomfort.
"I see. Well, I hope you realize that while we're nice enough to help, we'd prefer if you not try to expend all of our resources or abilities more than you need to. You get me?" she stated, voice clear and direct.
Kagerou pouted, and rebutted with: "Of course. I won't stay any longer than I need to. I'll take a day at most, but I'll be out of here by nightfall if I have to."
A quiet aura filled the room, until Seto broke the silence.
"Now, now! That's a bit too dramatic, y'know...! We can afford to have him here, can't we? He could even join as a new member," the green-hooded male pointed out.
That's the last thing I need, Hibiya thought, furrowing his brows in displeasure. He shouldn't have to stay here any longer, right? I mean, he said he'd only stay a day and they probably don't need his ass taking up space and-
"You're right."
Everyone seemed surprised by this agreement, but Hibiya the most. He hadn't expected her of all people to willingly allow a stranger to join their ranks. Granted, Hibiya's moment of recruitment wasn't as natural either, but at least he had purpose, somehow.
"We'll explain who 'we' are later. But since you know about us, we can't just let you leave that easily, anyways." Her tone was even and fair, yet nothing short of strong and demanding.
"..." Kagerou didn't speak, but he still seemed interested in this situation. Hibiya was disheartened, to say the least.
"Yes, that's what we'll do for now. Until I say otherwise, you'll be staying as a trial member, of sorts. Besides, it's not like you're in shape to run away."
Was Kagerou scared, Hibiya wondered? Because the way their Gang Leader was speaking would make Hibiya white as a ghost at this point.
"I guess you're right. I'm in your mercy," the heat haze admitted, eyes downcast. This whole scenario was unbelievable to the brunet. He trailed off at this point, not bothering to look at Kagerou, Seto, or anyone.
"Glad we cleared things up. Now, let's start again. You are...?"
"I'm Kagerou."
"Kagerou, huh?" she smiled. "I'm the leader around here. You can call me Kido."