Your aunt still hadn't bought you that new bike you pestered her about before, so the weekly trips you took into town were much more accountable for being completely time consuming, and utterly dreadful. You didn't mind the walk itself, had it been a tad shorter you might've appreciated the exercise more, but the fact that by the time you reached within downtown a delightful spread of nightfall had drowned the sky with glistening stars and a shimmering moon along with an endless blackness that catered to accentuating the brightness of said stars, and moon.

"I'll have to be extra careful on my way home. I don't want to get mugged...I'm buying snacks after all," you mused under your breath with a subtle amount of both dumb glee and uneasiness—it'd be horrible if your cheap snacks got stolen. Strolling down the street, and entering within a modest convenience store that was somewhat abandoned for the most part, it seemed as if most of the occupants gave the majority of their business during the day.

Slow nights weren't always so bad though.

The jingle of the silvery bell rang throughout the store, and you were immediately greeted by the cashier who had a droll half-smile twisting uncomfortably on their lips, clearly forced you surmised, and they simply muttered "Hello." before pushing their eyesight back onto the newspaper between their hands. Shrugging that off like it was nothing, you vanquished yourself over to the shelves packed tight with varying chip bags, cookies boxes, and other delectable treats to spend your pocket change on.

You bent down behind one, ignoring the new distinct ring that signified someone else had came within, and you were completely hidden behind a boring, greyish shelf. You began to pick off the things you felt a craving for, an unwavering smile on your lips.

"Have you reviewed my resume?" the new customer spoke with such a familiar voice it made your knees go weak - you knew who that was! Matatagi Hayato...What was he talking about? Resume?

Curiously you peeked up slightly above the shelf, the lower part of your face below your glossy [e/c] orbs was sheltered by it as you viewed the scene. Matatagi's back was straight, perfectly stern mannerism, and he kept his hands at the strap of his bag. The cashier, who you now assumed to be the store owner, peered over their newspaper and nodded their head. "Yeah, I did. But, I can't accept ya, sorry kid."

You could practically hear Matatagi grinding his teeth together.

"I see. Thank you," Matatagi consented tight-lipped to that answer, he was in no position to argue back if he wasn't accepted, and he had to behave as professional as possible in front of his employer. You saw him pivot on his spot about to leave, but you quickly spewed out a "Wait, Matatagi-kun!" before he could finally leave the vicinity.

Oh god, you were here the entire time? "[Last Name]? What are you doing here?" he questioned lightheartedly, his words were soft and you could see the glint of pain pooling behind his brown eyes, and you knew he was hiding the disappointment he was feeling right now.

"I'm just buying snacks. Give me a minute!"


Clink!

A chilling can of soda came rolling out from within the vending machine, and you bent over and picked it up before handing it over to Matatagi who graciously accepted the gesture. He popped open the tab and took a large refreshing gulp of the caffeinated drink as you were busy for a moment getting your own; He was going to make a comment after heaving an exhilarating breath of air, but you spoke up first.

"What were you doing? Please tell me.." you inquired softly, having figured that you witnessed part of what he was doing, and you thought he'd confess to everything by now.

Bringing the can back up to his lips, but not taking a sip, he muttered, "Fine, I'll tell you", before finally leaning himself against the wall beside the vending machine. "I've been busy applying for jobs. That's why I haven't been able to walk home with you," he exclaimed while casting his gaze downwards, a certain darkness shadowing over his eyes in the process.

You desperately wanted to tell him that he should've just told you; what was the point of keeping it a secret? "And you haven't been able to get any?" you further questioned, surprise dripping in every syllable of your voice. You were shocked he hasn't been able to nab a single one yet, given how he acted and how he is, you would've thought anyone would hire him in a second.

Matatagi nodded his head, "Yeah, that's right. No one will hire me." The way he pursed his lips briefly before taking another lengthy sip of his drink was a telltale sign of his mere frustration as saying those insipid and bitter words. "They don't trust me." He wouldn't expect you to understood what he meant, and when he bounced his eyesight back onto you that confusion written on your face only told him he was correct in the notion.

"Why not? Isn't it unfair to not at least give someone a chance?" you countered as if that weak response would make any difference to his situation. You knew there wasn't much you could to except either comfort Matatagi, go back into the store and plead for him to get the job, or both; but you knew you couldn't do any of the latter and the first option was what stuck out in your mind the heaviest.

Shaking his head, he took one last long gulp of his soda before placing the can onto the ground, slowly lifting his foot into the air; the wrath he always felt, the intense aggravation, and his searing dissatisfaction were all components to the strength used in his foot as he merciless crushed said can with the sole of his feet. "It's not that easy. You probably wouldn't understand."

Didn't you come from a fairly wealthy family? How would you possibly hold any affinity towards him this way — you don't have to struggle to survive, you didn't have two younger brothers to take care of and a super tight budget that seemed to be decreasing steadily. "I understand you're trying to help but it's fine. There's not much you can do."

"But...!" you exasperatedly breathed out, wanting to shrivel up as you felt helpless against him. Was there nothing you really could do to help? "Just don't give up!" you added, strengthening yourself a bit while you finally gained a surge of courage to lock gazes with him.

Matatagi felt a bit bad for snapping at you — your expression looked more pained than his, and to avoid any more conflict he forced a smile, one that took every ounce of his own power to produce. "I won't. I'm sure I'll find one!" he gave you a thumbs up, and watched as your features melted into one of relief.

If only he really held confidence backed up in that statement; you didn't know he had applied for countless jobs, and had been rejected every. single. time. Matatagi had a bad reputation on the streets - he may hold the title of 'Speed Star' but it served almost pointless when you're managing a store alone or doing a clean-up job for someone.

He opened his mouth, planning on amounting to his claim but nothing came out asides from a feeble breath and he felt his throat begin to clench up. Sucking in air for the umpteenth time, he lunged forward with swift steps and hurriedly took you in his arms; larger arms enveloping your form and the shock caused you to drop your unopened can to the pavement below. "Matatagi-kun...?"

There was a tender warmth emitting from you as he held you flush against his body, his arms constricting tighter to savor that strange feeling welling, and you hadn't returned his sudden embrace; he didn't expect you too. For right now, he wanted something to cling onto — he wanted to leech off of you for a weak moment, he was at a low point of sheer frustration - he wanted to protect his brothers entirely, but he couldn't right now.

You were warm while he was cold, and he somehow found a comforting strength entice him completely.


a/n; Poor Matatagi... (・c_・`) The last scene got a bit longer than expected, so this chapter is longer than I planned it to be. Thank you everyone for reading, reviewing, and doing all that fun stuff!

inazuma eleven go (galaxy) © level-5