DISCLAIMER: No, I do not own Vampire Knight, the world, or the characters except my own. All rights belong solely to Matsuri Hino.
A / N:
Hello everyone! I'm so sorry that I'm late with uploading, but there were a few things that got me caught up. One was that I hadn't actually planned to write Satoshi's small one-shot first. I had actually been halfway through writing another extra when I suddenly changed my mind with the order of the extras, and I couldn't finish this in less than a month. Secondly, school is kicking my ass so hard right now. Thirdly...
Well...
*IMPORTANT NEWS ( SORTA? )*: A lot of people ask me all the time ( and encourage me, actually ) to write original stories. And, well, I have. Ever since I was young. But I never actually made any move to make them public. Somehow it made me feel self-conscious and, I don't know, I was happy just writing, it didn't matter if anyone read it or not? However, recently certain things have happened in my life that have made me want to actually try and achieve the dreams I was always a bit too scared to do. AKA become a published author.
So I'm revealing to you guys ( the first people ever ) my completed page, where I will be posting my original work. This is one of the first steps I'm taking to try and achieve my longtime dream. BUT! Before anything else, I want to tell you all that isn't a free medium for you guys to consume my work, like with Fanfic here. You will need to pay ( and in my case, it'll be pay per creation ) BUTTTTT! The lowest cost to be able to access each of my works will be a dollar USD, which I'm hoping isn't too harsh ( I think a dollar is the lowest it can possibly be HNNG ) I would recommend, if you've never heard of it or used it, to just do some research. As much as I want you guys to know about this, I also want you to know exactly what it is that you may be signing up for. Please remember to be safe ( not that I'm saying I'm being sketchy or anything, but it's all about remembering to do research for your own sake and etc ) on the internet!
More than anything else, I don't want you to feel like I'm trying to take advantage of you guys. I know—trust me, I know— that everyone works really, really hard for their money. It doesn't come easy. I know that you guys all have other things you need to save for, like... Phone bills, tuition fees, travel funds, rent, taking care of your parents or your kids or your grandparents or... anything, everything. There's so much you guys need to worry about, and I don't ever want you guys to feel like you have to spend anything on me. Having does not mean I won't post on FF for you guys still, or that I'm stopping any of my work or plans here. It isn't within my intentions at all to abandon you guys, or betray you guys, or do anything that creates these negative feelings for any of you. With my writing, I only ever want to make others happy ( and if it makes anyone sad, it's the good kind of WHY DID THIS HAPPEN TO THIS CHARACTER I LOVE SO MUCH THIS HURTS BUT HURTS SO GOOD kind of sad ). I just want you guys to know that this is something I've gathered up the courage to try, and that if you guys are willing to support me... I can't even begin to tell you how happy it would make me.
If my writing has made you smile every time, if it has touched you, if it has brought you joy again and again, and if the situation in your life permits you to become one of my lovely Patrons, the link to my page is:
pat reon(dotcom) / samanthalay
with "www" in the very front, replacing (dotcom) with the actual characters and without the spaces.
The link was supposed to work on my profile, but it doesn't so... LOL, ain't that dandy?
But please don't think that you have to become a Patron just to show your support! There are so many others ways, like just spreading the word! People are so internet-savvy and y'all are probably secretly social media experts, so just getting the word out there to people who you think would be interested would be absolutely amazing, and I'd appreciate it a lot!
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone, because I don't know if I'd ever have the guts to try something like this if it wasn't for how much encouragement and love I get from everyone here. So thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope that I make you guys as happy with my writing as I am while writing.
OK, I'm sorry for talking so much. I'm clearly very nervous about this, so please excuse me LOL
On a shorter note, I hope that everyone had a happy Halloween ( please tell me none of you went ham ) and I hope so badly that this Satoshi oneshot doesn't disappoint. Everyone seems to have been waiting for this so long, it makes me even more nervous.
Without further ago, read on, m'loves, read on!
Heterochromia.
SPECIAL;
"No Wildfires"
[ TASHIRO. SATOSHI ]
"Oh wow, they weren't lying to me when they said your eyes are different colours!" Those are the first words that come out of her mouth when they first meet. Not the polite and customary "Hello, nice to meet you" or "My name is…" She even steps closer, stretches on her tiptoes, and thrusts her face closer to his in order to get a clearer view.
He blinks and does his best to lean back surreptitiously. Although not exactly the type that loathes physical contact, it's inherent in his personality to simply remain at a respectful distance with strangers. People don't like it when you get in their space, and as a result, he also prefers to have a slight distance of disconnect with them upon acquaintanceship as well. He tries to smother his very faint sense of discomfort, taking a small step back and offering a little smile. "No, it appears they weren't."
"I like it!" she exclaims, her grey eyes—not even the faintest shades different, he notices—shining. She falls onto her heels and rocks back on them, tilting her head as she thinks. "They remind me of those yellow bell peppers, you know? The yellow for those are so bright, and the green is similar too." She pauses for a second, then beams at him. "Or bananas. Or mangoes. Or corn, too! Man, I'm hungry now. We should get something to eat. Do you have anything you're really craving? It'll be my treat!"
He can't help it—he laughs into his fist. When she looks at him with the question written all over her face, he just shakes his head a bit, grins a little. "I don't believe I've had anyone compare the colour of my eyes to food before."
Rather than looking sheepish or apologetic, she just beams in response. "Then I'm the first!" She cups her mouth with her hands, as if telling him a secret, and he leans in just a bit closer out of obligation. "To be honest, I like being the first for things. I may or may not be kinda-sorta-really-super competitive. But it's a secret because nobody else can know I actually enjoy kicking everyone else's ass, OK?"
The Tashiro's lips quirk upwards in mild amusement, and he pretends to zip his mouth shut. "I won't tell anyone, I promise."
"I didn't think you would, or else I wouldn't have told you, silly," she laughs, and then her expression takes a more solemn turn. "OK, but seriously, I'm going to go get some food. Come if you want!" She pivots on her heels without waiting for his answer—which would've had to be a polite declination, as he has to meet with the Association President of Britain's Headquarters and call Lydia before she flies over here herself—red-gold auburn hair swinging with the motion. She begins to hum a happy tune quietly as she goes.
"Please wait," he calls after her.
She turns but doesn't stop, her feet carrying her backwards. He wonders whether or not that's a hazard for someone like her, who seems a little too out-of-this-world to not have at least a drop of clumsiness in her. "Yeah?"
"May I have your name?" he asks curiously, sliding his hands into his pockets. He guesses that handshaking is out of the question in their current scenario.
Her heel catches on a slightly raised edge of a broken part in the cement, and she stumbles, her arms flailing wildly for just a moment before she catches herself. His initial instinct had been to rush forward to try and help her, but she rights herself fast. But he doesn't find himself sighing with relief alongside her when she regains her balance. Instead, he has to stifle his mirth—he'd been right, after all. She most definitely is a little bit of a klutz.
After catching herself, she straightens out and doesn't try to walk backwards again. Instead, she runs a hand through her very loose curls, and then meets his eyes straight-on. Her mouth opens, and so sweetly that at first he almost thinks he misheard her, she says, "No way!" and then walks away.
Satoshi blinks at her back as she whirls around and continues on her way, head bobbing to some invisible tune he can't hear but imagines to be upbeat. Although he doesn't consider himself the least bit arrogant, he must also say that he's never been denied someone's name before. It comes as a mild shock to him—had he been rude?—but his thoughts soon melt into curious amusement, and he lets out a second's worth of incredulous laughter.
Well then. Very interesting. He's beginning to think that the two weeks he has in England will be quite different from what he envisioned, and he's not opposed to this change.
It turns out her name is Allaryce Zielke.
Not Al. Not Allie. Not Ryce. Not Allarce. Not any shape or form of a nickname or endearment. When speaking her first name, people always use it in its full form: Allaryce. It doesn't take very long for him to notice. With a name as long as hers, people tend to shorten it into something faster, easier, and smoother to say, but he never hears anything other than her complete name. Of course, he knows that it may not have any real meaning—it's not as if anyone shortens Trance's name to Tra or something equally horrendous, but he also knows that it may mean something after all. With her, it's hard to tell which, but he doesn't ask her.
She's not in any way, shape, or form related to why he'd gotten a request to drop by the UK Headquarters, but she is very much related in every way, shape, or form as to why he's not losing his mind over the mess of paperwork he's trying to help them sort through. Despite the fact that Ivy endeavoured to make this system as easy and efficient as possible, with an institution as large and complicated as the Association, it's impossible to have it run smoothly all the time. As her older brother, it's essentially in his life description titled under "duties" to master her system to the T the very moment she figured it out. Especially considering how he hadn't been there to help during the actual process.
Thoughts of the Night of Colour and the years that follow it always cause an ache in his heart.
It was an extremely emotional and painful part in not only his, but many others', lives. People often told him that at least everything worked out perfectly fine in the end, but comments like that seemed to dismiss the hardships that occurred during that time. The way emotions and memories haunt people, even long after the situation has concluded. To this day, even decades after she'd come back home safe and sound, he feels a sense of self-resentment and failure to protect her. To keep her safe.
He knows that she doesn't hold anything against him in the least—on the other hand, she's probably never even considered something of the like. But it doesn't soothe his soul, and he knows that she knows it. The popular saying, "you're your own worst critic" applies very well to Satoshi, especially when concerning his role in the family.
Perhaps that's why he's always striving, even with more effort these past few years, to become simply better.
For her, for them, for the family of his own that he hopes to have one day.
Just a couple of days ago, he asked Ivy about the surname Zielke, because Allaryce herself hadn't been in the records or the notes he'd been given before arriving. It made sense, considering how young she appears to be, but if her current high repertoire has anything to do with her clan, it's a bit strange how it never appeared in the documents he'd received. Zero's rubbed off on Ivy over the years, so she's been becoming more and more of a stickler for details like the silver-haired man. It's unlikely that she forgot about it, but he'd called her just to make sure.
As it turns out, nobody by that surname seemed to have been at the Association a few decades ago, and she couldn't recall it in any of the other branches' profiles, either. So whoever Allaryce Zielke is, she's someone rather recent to the Association, maybe even to the hunter and vampire worlds in general. This newfound knowledge—or lack thereof, it seems—only serves to make him more curious.
"And so?" is the question from the other side of the line, all the way back in Japan. The screen on his phone shows him the lavender-eyed hunter he's speaking to sitting at his desk, looking over paperwork with a pen twirling absentmindedly in his hand. His phone must've been propped up by something, similar to what Satoshi has done, as his other hand is propping up his chin.
"Yes?" he asks, both mildly mirthed and comparatively confused. They've been talking about the current state of affairs in the UK regarding human acceptance of vampires and co-existence sentiments for the past forty-five minutes. It's not necessarily political talk, as Zero doesn't necessarily care about politics, but the vampire makes it his goal to be well-informed regardless. Some would argue it's partially his job to be aware, while others would argue that this is another instance of his tendency to overextend his concerns. Knowing Zero, asking is just as much to input variables in several future plans as it is as a gesture of curious concern.
The president slides his amethyst eyes straight to the phone in a pointed manner wordlessly.
As a response, the Tashiro tilts his head and raises an eyebrow slowly.
"Allaryce Zielke," is the short, effective reply.
Another eyebrow quirks up. "What about her?"
"Did you figure out anything useful?"
"You make it sound as though I'm an undercover spy," Satoshi murmurs, unable to help the amusement that leaks out into his tone. Despite the years, Zero's brusque manner and short speech haven't quite softened. Rather than speaking more flowery or kindly to others, the change in him is evident by the fact that he talks to others at all. Not only was it a surprise to many of the Night Class or other hunters when he kept up with them, but he kept connected with them even on matters unrelated to his duties. Admittedly, it isn't necessarily often, but it's nonetheless a difference that people can't help but marvel over.
A prime example is the small pfft of laughter that's heard faintly from the other line. Ichijou Takuma's voice is bright as he teases, "You're avoiding the question, Satoshi."
It never surprises people to find out that he and Takuma have become great friends over the years. The aristocrat is so naturally friendly and so genuine in his kindness towards others that it's nearly impossible not to get along with him. Of all the Night Class vampires that had been in Ivy and Zero's years at Cross Academy, despite having undoubtedly gotten to know them all very well, Takuma is probably the one who he keeps in touch with most frequently. Senri and Rima, both very good friends of his now, tend to be insanely busy with their multiple schedules, and Akatsuki has never been one to actively message or call others. Hanabusa, on the other hand, seems more like a cute younger brother nowadays than just a friend.
It's very interesting, the way his web of friendships have been spun. He reminds himself he has Ivy to thank for that. Judging from the fact that Takuma and Zero are spending time together, he figures they must be thinking the same thing.
"I don't have anything interesting to say," he protests with a quiet laugh. He circles something in the activity proposal that breaches both the financial recommendation and the new system's ethic codes.
"Mm," is the noncommittal response from Zero, whereas Takuma's disappointed and unconvinced, "Ehhh," is heard.
He pretends to miss their replies as he switches the topic with ease, his tone softening with his next words. "I heard about what happened between Ki and Ryou. How are they?" He'd heard about it this morning from Arashi, who'd actually been the one that diffused the entire situation. He'd sounded tired and also somewhat distraught over the phone, something that didn't surprise Satoshi in the least. He understood, so very well, how it felt to feel as though you had to "choose a side."
Arashi, ever since he was young, has been rather sensitive to other people's problems, and an amazing empathizer. Sometimes it works in his favour, and other times, it truly doesn't. Despite how many years it's been, he's still struggling and trying to learn how to take a more distanced approach to problems—that may be because he doesn't necessarily want to, though. And Satoshi understands this too: that there's something about being so involved and invested in others that makes you and those involved feel more human. A reminder that yes, you genuinely care, and yes, they're not alone.
To be honest, Satoshi finds this to be part of Arashi's charm, and he wouldn't want his youngest brother to be devoid of it. It's quite selfish of him to think this, as he knows the difficulty of emotional investment in so many people, to such large extents. But something that Arashi has that neither he nor Trance does is this ability to bounce back quickly. It's like this works at fifty times the regular speed in Arashi's mind—he processes his thoughts and emotions so quickly and then re-composes himself before you even realized he'd had the time to do it. It's a very interesting quality to have. Lydia has it as well, though one wouldn't imagine, and not to the extent of the youngest Tashiro.
It's a wonder then why Arashi would continually seek Satoshi to speak about his problems with—it creates a warm, happy feeling inside of his heart. And while the oldest Tashiro male isn't sure whether or not he's actually been much of a help or consolance, considering how Arashi had still seemed somewhat out of it by the end of the call, he knows that their youngest's mind and heart are sorted by now.
The scuffle that had broken out between Ki and Ryou was one that most likely had been brewing for a long time. Despite being cousins who grew up together and were very close, they were very different personality-wise. Even when they were little kids, they'd clashed often. It's why they're rarely ever put in charge of missions together. Ryou takes after Gin—lighthearted, merry, joking—with a hint of harder backbone and a flash-fuse tongue. Ki, as well, takes after her father. Meaning she's terrible at expressing her emotions and keeps them hidden underneath a cold exterior, and becomes surprisingly hostile in an awkward attempt to convey her thoughts. They often have very contrasting approaches to dealing with a situation, and this time was no exception.
Apparently they had been awfully close to swinging their fists, which would bea first. Despite always arguing when they were young, they always fought wars of words, as if they knew physical violence was a line not to be breached. Now, it's like they no longer cared if they had to suffer the consequences—it's not as if Gin and Lydia or Trance and Lettie would ground them or cut them off from the internet. Parents and adults have less power over them now, because they're adults themselves. They don't let themselves get pushed around—pride is a surprisingly strong characteristic in both Ryou and Ki—and they'll feel that no matter what punishment Zero or Ivy gives them, it'll be worth it if they can protect their own sense of self.
It makes Satoshi a tad nervous.
Everyone's heard of the saying, "kids will be kids," and maybe he'd be able to understand a lot better if they were just children fighting. But they're not. The two of them are adults now, and that means they should know better than to let things stack up until the breaking point like this. With so many years of pent-up frustration and silent disagreement, how long would it take for them to resolve their problems? For people as prideful as Ryou and Ki, chances are that it'll be a dragged-out conflict no matter who spoke to them. Another "perk" of being an adult is being able to make your own decisions—which means they're free to decide not to apologize and talk it out. A very likely route, at least for a handful of days or so.
Very few people will be able to break a vast distance in just a short timeframe. With Ivy and Trance, even though they'd kept one another apart for so many years when they were younger, they'd been able to recraft their close relationship with ease because neither of them actually held any resentment towards the other person. The root of their problems and distraught came from a third party, which drastically alters the situation. With Ki and Ryou, it's a pure clash of ideology and personality, which makes it much harder for them.
He believes, without a doubt in his heart, that they'll be able to get through the situation and remain as close as they were before today. And Satoshi understands that this is, as bad as it may be, also a learning process for both of them. A time for development and growth as people.
He understands it, but a part him still wants to baby them, make it better for them. But he knows he can't.
Zero closes his eyes and lets out the softest of sighs, a flicker of tiredness lining his features before disappearing. "They've mostly calmed down."
"Mostly?" Satoshi raises an eyebrow, picking up on the key word in that sentence.
"They haven't killed each other."
"Oh, well, that's swell," is the light, sarcasm-laced reply.
"What he means," Takuma translates firmly, "is that Kiele-chan is…. Well, she's just not… a ray of sunshine to be around right now. As for Ryou-kun, he's… trying to act normal."
"So they haven't opened up to anyone yet," he observes, his voice quietly contemplative. Takuma had used a lot of euphemisms just then, and all of them know it. Ki's most likely taking it out on everyone that dares to approach her, snapping like a defensive crab. Ryou, on the other hand, is probably acting extra carefree and at ease, pretending—in a somehow cuttingly sharp way—to never hear anyone who dares to approach the subject at hand.
Zero shakes his head, his head tilting slightly in a way that indicates his own thoughtfulness. "They'll need at least a full day."
"Yeah," he agrees with a soft, regretful sigh. "That's probably for the best."
A noncommittal hum from the young president. When Satoshi glances up from his document to look at his propped-up phone, he takes in the remnants of emotion that are still lingering like melted snowflakes on his lashes, around his lavender eyes. He asks teasingly, "Regretting that you didn't put up a fight last week?"
The piercing glance across the screen is enough of an answer, and Satoshi laughs under his breath. Ivy would be one of the ideal people to send in to converse with the cousins, but she'd been invited by Hattori Wes to attend a few conferences overseas in Canada, and she'd accepted after discussing with them. She'd seemed very excited to go, which was why Zero—despite not wanting her to leave—hadn't said anything in objection. Although they're practically brothers themselves now after so many years together, Satoshi still finds it a bit difficult to define Zero's reasons accurately. He isn't sure if the silver-haired man had simply wanted her to be here with him, or if he was jealous that she'd be alone with a man as charming as Hattori Wes. It could've been neither of those reasons and related more to the fact that it'd mean Zero would have to deal with interpersonal meetings more often while she's away, or anything of that like. He isn't quite sure, but he knows with certainty that he'd wanted her to stay.
Now, with a situation like this, he probably feels the absence of her even more. While Arashi is almost certainly going to be the one to guide their reconciliation, someone needs to be able to backup what he says and validate it. While the couple are both close with Ki and Ryou, Ivy's unquestionably more better-suited for conflict resolution of the emotional realm. Having any of their parents try to mediate the situation would seem ridiculous and demeaning, as well as biased, so it would have to be someone of neutrality and authority. Unfortunately, most people that fit that description are out of town—Satoshi and Ivy being prime examples—and it means there's a chance Zero will have to do it himself.
"There's always Al," Satoshi suggests, sensing the impending bouts of dread Zero's soon have. The brunet is just as charismatic and amiable as always, and is currently taking a break from outreach or active missions after having been gone for a solid three months doing back-to-back assignments he'd accepted. The same goes for Nao, who'd done a long-term recon mission, though between the two EX5 members, the former is most definitely a wiser choice. Nao and Ki get along like soaked cats and dogs for some reason—they just don't match at all, despite the fact that the older man and Trance get along just fine.
Before Zero can reply, the tread of light footsteps quickly approaching distracts the Tashiro, followed by a growingly-familiar voice.
"Hey, Satoshi!" calls the president of the UK Hunters' Association. She's a middle-aged woman, close to her late-thirties, and the daughter of the president that Ivy'd known. From what Satoshi's heard of the former president, the woman currently in front of him essentially only inherited the good and honourable qualities, something that everyone is visibly thankful for. Admittedly, following the change that occured after the middle Tashiro's visit, the former president was more bearable, but nonetheless there's usually a generational gap that can't truly be breached by those who age with time. It's something that Satoshi never forgets—that his Tashiro blood has given him something that so many people crave and yet never receive: time.
An ultimate gift, and an ultimate curse all at once, many would say.
For Satoshi, he has only ever felt blessed, and he's aware that his siblings feel the same as well. Even Lydia, who has remained stagnant at twenty-nine and has to watch as Gin grows older and is subjected to the whims of age, can't view her extended time as something unfavourable. After all, this gift of time has allowed them all to do so much—-to create new and wonderful things, to learn and expand their knowledge, to better both themselves and the world.
More than anything, time has given them so much more time with each other.
There's something about seeing his younger siblings, the generation younger than his that he helped nurture and grow, maturing that makes him feel a deep, serene satisfaction in his core.
He glances down at his phone, and notices both Takuma and Zero in the frame now. The blond is waving with a bright smile, his other hand brought up with an index finger sticking out in the "shh" gesture. The silver-haired hunter, on the other hand, simply lifts his hand lazily off the paper for a second in a gesture of farewell, and then hangs up the call even before the Tashiro can say anything.
Mismatched eyes blink down at the small device for a moment before he shakes his head a little and tries not to laugh, because his first thought had been, "Does he do that to Ivy?"
Smoothly turning his phone over so its screen is faced-down, he looks up from his paperwork just as she reaches his desk. It isn't that he isn't allowed to be on his phone, nor that they actually have any right to dictate what he can or cannot do while at this particular Association—his visit and helping hand is a voluntary gesture, not an obligatory one—but he nonetheless doesn't want to represent his family or country in a poor light. "Yes?"
"I was just wondering if you've seen Allaryce lately," the woman says, her eyebrows scrunching up in a way that makes the already-forming wrinkles on her forehead be more pronounced. In his eyes, it makes her seem sweeter.
Immediately, his eyebrows furrow faintly. "Unfortunately, I can't say I have. How long has she been gone?"
"Just a few days ago—I think since the day you arrived," she answers, sighing deeply. "That girl has a tendency to disappear every now and again, but I was hoping she'd be back by today, if anything."
The way he files this newfound information into his mind is absentminded. Just a tad bit concerned that he's forgotten something important—he's rather good at remembering things like important dates and deadlines, and quickly he scours his mind—he asks carefully, "Is something particularly special about today?"
Her lips quirk faintly, as if something amuses her, but shakes her head. "Not that you needed to know of. There's just a mission that she's meant to complete by today."
"Oh?" He blinks at her, relieved that he hasn't missed anything. It causes a small upward tilt of his lips as he offers, "Is it something I can help with?"
"We can't possibly ask you to do something like this for us."
"Try me," he says, the small smile on his face dubbed as the piece-of-shit-sweet-bad-boy smile by Kaito way back when they were teenagers. The tawny-haired hunter still rolls his eyes in barely-disguised disgust whenever the two of them are together and it just manifests out of nowhere. Satoshi isn't necessarily sure why the smile's been warranted such a name, but it's amusing, and he's not going to make a fuss.
The woman looks at him warily, cautiously, as if she knows that a smile of that nature is meant to disarm. There's a hint of calculation in her eyes too, as if she's trying to figure out the best move from here on out. It's a look he's grown familiar with over the years. Instead of taking him up on his offer, however, she asks suddenly, "You're specialize in tracking, don't you?"
He blinks at her, mildly surprised, but nods. He lets out a contemplative hum, folding his arms across his broad chest and tipping his chair back onto its hind legs. He guesses easily, "Should I gear up and set out as soon as possible?"
"Yes please, if you don't mind."
"Any leads for me to go on?"
She smiles, and he has this sense that this is a test of some sort that she's bestowing upon him.
Interesting.
While Satoshi's always been a pacifist, it's a bit impossible to grow up with a sibling like Lydia and not learn to rise up to challenges. He wouldn't necessarily consider himself competitive, and he tends not to take the bait for things, but there are moments where his gut tingles and tells him that this is a moment where he has to say yes. Where saying no and turning away from this would lead to something he would inevitably regret.
The response he gives her is a simple, somewhat impish grin. He's always had a natural affinity for tracking, and learned to hone it overtime. His parents had never been particularly fond of this interest or talent of his—they've always valued fighting on the front lines, leading the attack or being the core of it. They never forced him to stop doing it, but he'd always catch their disapproving looks. As a child, it had undoubtedly hurt his feelings at some point or another, but he could never fully give it up. It didn't help that his parents were less than ideal, or that Kaito was like a devil on his shoulder, constantly coercing him to trail any strays that'd escaped during their missions. He'd been so reluctant back then, but now he only ever looks back on Kaito's attempts fondly. Over the years, as he grew into his own person, he'd polished his techniques, methods, and skills to the point where you could practically see the reflection of the skies in them.
He isn't worried about finding her. What does worry him is what state he'll find her in.
"Alright then." He lets the chair back down onto all fours, then pushes it out and stands, stretching his arms over his head. He carefully yet efficiently organizes his unfinished work and tucks it under his arm before pocketing his phone. A glance at the clock tells him it's one in the afternoon. "When shall I have her back by?"
"By supper latest would be best," she answers, that cautious, calculating glint entering her eyes once more, as if she's wondering why he appears to be so at ease. Although she can't exactly be called young, she also isn't old, either. The wariness that she has means she's aware of her inexperience—especially when dealing with hunters that hold so much vampiric DNA or vampire-hunter hybrids like Ivy or Zero—and he has a strong, silent respect for her because of it.
"Roger. I'm just going to quickly drop these off and stock up before leaving," he says, a list already concretely decided in his head. Although this mission shouldn't technically be a prolonged one, he accounts for the possibility that it could. Even so, the list of equipment he needs isn't particularly long.
He doesn't realize he has absentmindedly started walking away from the UK president until she calls out after him, "Be careful! If you come back injured at my discretion, I have an ominous feeling that Tashiro Ivy will make my life much, much harder than it needs to be!"
A laugh leaves him, and he looks over his shoulder with a smile. He decides not to tell her that Lydia is probably the one who'll raise hell first, and instead reassures her, "I'll do my best."
And that is how he finds himself out in the cold London streets with a heavy wool turtleneck under his customary black trench coat, a camel plaid scarf, and pants tucked into combat boots. All his tools are hidden in various pockets of his clothes, or discreetly strapped along his body, so that there wouldn't be any unnecessary attention drawn to him as he walked out in public. Although the public is aware of the existence of vampires and hunters now, there's still a lot of backlash, unease, and tension amongst the humans. He doesn't want to stir up trouble here, particularly when it's concerning something so sensitive already.
It's been a few days since the last time he'd seen her, which means a lot of telling signs are already lost, especially when the sky pours rain down with on-and-off frequency. Add on the fact that he's not entirely familiar with this area, and it's basically like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
But fortunately for Satoshi, things like luck tend to favour him.
So one thing leads to another—finding that restaurant she'd grabbed her meal, followed by word of mouth, rumours, and little details he picked up that others dismissed in their storytelling—and he finds himself standing at the foot of a large, thick tree trunk that looks no different from all the others in this conglomeration of trees in a local park. It's a sturdy sycamore, with others closely planted around it, their branches interweaving to the point where it blocks out most of the sky and sunlight. It isn't necessarily a special sight, but that's what makes it all the better for a secret rendezvous point.
Not half bad, Satoshi muses. It's far enough and off-trail enough in the park that not many people would pass it, and even if they did, there'd be nothing about it that'd invite much inspection or interest. The thick blanket of branches provided an excellent cover for those looking upwards from below, even during seasons like autumn and winter, when the cloak of leaves began to thin and wither. Other trees provided cover where this one sycamore could not, obscuring it from the odd prying eye. Anybody who caught a glimpse of the wooden structure hidden above in the midst of leaves and twigs and had enough curious bravado to come check it out would undoubtedly be easily disposed of. A single human against a group of bloodthirsty, intellectual, and malicious criminal vampires? The chances of survival are grim.
There are no steps that allow anyone to climb up, and most branches that are in arms-reach are too thin to carry anyone's body weight, making it all the more unlikely anyone would ever venture up there. But one only needs simple and basic knowledge of vampires to know that the steps are purposefully gone simply because they don't need them. The strength in their legs will catapult them to awe-inducing heights, and will allow them to reach the thicker branches that can hold them. If not—and this does require some decent tracker skills—a closer investigation of the trunk will show signs of scratches or indentations that aren't normal or animal-made. There aren't obvious slashes that render the bark peeling away, and for the most part the pierced wood is well-hidden and unnoticeable, but he's always had a very sharp eye for details. For him, the markings stand out like a blaring red sign.
It smells musky, earthy, rainy here. The smell of nature after fresh rainfall, though it hasn't rained yet today, almost like this small space has been temporarily suspended in time. It's a scent that he enjoys; it's both calming and soothing, and somehow reminds him that the world is alive and breathing, just like he is. What he can't say he enjoys, however, is the rustic, stale, metallic odour of blood that clings above in the branches, and along the slight splatters that decorate the forest floor. If anyone recently came by, they'd wonder about the small piles of dust—undoubtedly larger earlier on, before the autumn breezes came and whisked some away—that are scattered around the space. Perhaps people would pass it off as sand that a child had brought for some reason or another.
It most definitely is not beach sand.
There aren't any vampires left in this area.
More concerned than curious, Satoshi does a quick, thorough check to make sure nobody is watching, and then bends his knees and launches himself up towards the sky of wood above him. His eyes had already found previous imprints that opened up the simplest and most efficient path for him, mostly cleared already of smaller branches that'd get in the way. So his hands, as they reach out to grab onto branches, are firm and sure, and when he swings himself from one side to another, he doesn't hesitate. He climbs and climbs, a medium-sized rectangular room coming into his vision, and another ten meters later, he's flipping himself up into the open space, landing in a steady crouch.
It's a standard treehouse room, big enough to fit maybe three or four adults as long as they don't mind being in one another's personal space. Nothing about it is distinctively elaborate or high-class, the design kept as simple as possible. There are small crates, some new and some rotting and broken, shoved into a corner. They must've been full of snacks and other non-perishable foods, if the opened wrappers and packaging indicate anything. Slightly dirty blankets and pillows are in a heap beside these boxes, and a flashlight rests atop the crate, along with a half-used pack of extra batteries. There are no stools to sit on, and nothing to indicate further comfort. Tacked onto one wall of the treehouse is a map of the city, unmarked, and newspaper clippings regarding vampire-related news throughout the world, though nothing regarding what's been happening in London.
"Ah! If it isn't Mr. Name-Whisperer with the mismatched eyes!" is the surprised, bright voice that greets him. He hasn't forgotten the sound of her voice since that first day—a deeper alto than most female voices, strong and clear in its melodic tone, smooth and elegant—and he knows, just in that one greeting, that she's disguising her exhaustion behind the amused smile that graces her mouth. Her random and unfiltered words create an interesting dichotomy with the sound of her voice. She's propped up against one of the walls, dressed in the same clothes he'd seen her in last, though there's a tear at the knee and thigh of her left leg, and a graze with smudged blood along her cheek. Her auburn her looks a bit damp, matted to her head, and she's sickly pale, the healthy glow to her sun-kissed skin dimmed. Even merely glancing over her, he can tell that weakness is lining her muscles.
He approaches her, still crouching, as the confined space can't accommodate to his height. His head tilts. "Did you hurt your ankle?"
She opens her mouth, like she's about to protest, but then closes it. Her head mimics the motion of his, though it quirks to the other side. Her bangs fall into chrome eyes. "That's a little creepy."
A small laugh under his breath. "That's the first time I've ever been called that." He gestures towards her right leg and ankle, which are stretched out straight, unlike the other which is tucked underneath her. "May I have a look?"
"If I say no, what are you going to do then?" she asks, not bitingly, but sincerely curious.
"I would very strongly advise you to say yes, so that I can prevent any further damage as I take you back to headquarters," he answers easily, meeting her gaze steadily. She's clearly in pain—if the lack of colour in her cheeks and the perspiration dripping down her temple say anything at all—and he isn't entirely sure why she's stalling. Everything inside of him wants to figure out what's wrong and help ease her discomfort, but at the same time, everything inside him also tells him he should ask before imposing himself. His answer to her question isn't necessarily a lie, but he can't say it's exactly the truth, either.
It's essentially against his nature to leave someone wounded and suffering.
But as an aspiring gentleman, he endeavours to ask before forcing medical treatment.
Unexpectedly, her hand shoots up lightning fast towards his face, and his reaction is automatic—his arm comes up to block her reach. Her knuckles crack at the impact, and she lets out a laughing groan as she shakes her hand out. "Wow, it's been awhile since I've cracked my knuckles. It feels so weird!"
"I'm sorry," he apologizes, confused but nonetheless sincere.
Allaryce Zielke just makes a buzzer sound, and says, smirking faintly, "It was a test."
"Really now?"
"Nope!" she admits cheerily without a second's worth of a thought. She reaches out more slowly this time, and this time he doesn't move as she plucks some leaves out of his wavy hair. "The whole nature-hippie-organic style thing just isn't really suiting you."
He hums softly, the amusement in his tone. He doesn't ask a second time as he gently takes her unlaced and unzipped boot off. "I'll keep that in mind."
The stormy-eyed female's eyebrows scrunch faintly together. "Are you even a medic?"
"More than most hunters are, I suppose," he murmurs, tugging her pants up her leg a bit more and then very gently running his fingers along the skin and bone. He glances up, and stretches over to one of the new wooden crates, throwing the flashlight onto the pile of blankets. He shifts to lean out over the treehouse entrance as he deconstructs the wood with his bare hands, feeling her stare burning into him and doing his best to ignore it.
"For some reason you're starting to remind me of grizzly bears," she pips after a moment between the splintering of wood.
"If that's a compliment, thank you," he tells her with a laugh as he turns back to face her. He reaches inside his coat and pulls out a roll of thick gauze, followed by metal clips to keep the gauze in place. As he begins splinting, he tells her, "You've broken this ankle. I don't think it's too serious, but it would've been best to call headquarters immediately so that someone could've come get you as soon as possible. You must be hungry and exhausted."
"I'm not really a technology person so I don't use my phone often—translated into honesty, that means I forgot to charge it—which leads it to dying on me right when I need it. But! I ate a lot of their food," she points out. "Can't really say they've got good taste though… I think they had a strange obsession with peanuts? But anyways, I figured someone would come eventually, and lo and behold! Ta-da! You're here." She beams at him, throwing her hands around him and flicking her fingers repeatedly to imitate shining sparkles.
He shakes his head. Any other halfway reasonable hunter would've tried to get down themselves using their good leg and their arms, regardless of whether or not they knew how to splint their injury. If they didn't know how, moving around and doing strenuous activities like descending from a high treehouse wouldn't be an ideal situation, but many would prefer that over lying still, wondering if help would ever come. "How are you sure someone would've found you?"
She winces a bit when he begins to wrap the gauze around her swollen and bruised flesh, and he looks up at her apologetically. She waves a hand dismissively as a reply, and raises an eyebrow at him. "I was trusting that you weren't a bloody horrendous tracker."
"You expected me to come get you, instead of another one of your colleagues?" That's a bit of a surprise. Though many people's initial reactions would most likely tip towards flattery or vanity, Satoshi's first emotion is pure curiosity.
Allaryce looks at him, genuinely puzzled. "Why would they send someone worse than you? If they sent anyone else, I think I'd actually be dead and reduced to a festering mess before they found me."
"I wasn't aware that so much was resting on my shoulders," he answers, his tone light, though he's surprised all over again. Yes, he's a rather skilled and experienced tracker, but he naturally assumes there must be someone better at it than him in every major branch, internationally or not. As he clips the gauze in place, he tests, "Is this too tight?"
"Nope."
"Good." He turns his attention to her open wounds, pulling out small packets of antiseptic wipes and a pair of gloves. He pulls off his mittens and pulls these plastic ones on, and then begins to disinfect the cuts and scratches she received.
Her voice has laughter in it as she observes, "You're a modest, proper fellow, aren't you?"
He raises an eyebrow at her tone, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I try to be. Anything wrong with that?"
"Nope, I like it!" She pops her 'p' with a smile. "Has anyone told you your English is really flawless?"
"Thank you," he answers, sticking a few band-aids over the gashes. "My clan is of mixed descent, and though my ancestors moved around a lot, they always learned English. So it was somewhat inevitable for us."
"But you've retained all of it, which is what's amazing and interesting," she tells him brightly. "Does this mean you speak it often even when in Japan?"
Unable to help himself, he laughs as memories assault his mind. He grew up learning both Japanese and English from his parents, though his first word had been in Japanese. As multilingual children, and with a sister like Lydia, they tended to use English like it was their own secret language, as if nobody outside their parents could possibly understand what they were saying. More often than not, this meant that Lydia would be complaining about someone or something angrily, throwing cuss words here and there. It was only when some elderly man on the street stopped, appalled, and scolded them about their use of language when Lydia was twelve and Satoshi was nine, did they realize English wasn't exactly a rarity. Even so, whenever they swore, it tended to be in English rather than Japanese. Whenever they wanted to be very clear and specific with the connotations and meaning behind their thoughts, they tended to switch to English as well for one reason or another—perhaps habit, from back when they thought they could express their thoughts freely without a care in that "secret" language.
Funny enough, their younger siblings somehow caught onto these habits of theirs, too. Often, when the five Tashiro siblings gather and don't have to worry about others' feelings of exclusion, their conversations tend to be a huge mix of Japanese, English, and their mother's native tongue, Greek. That last language is used least, mainly because their mother didn't necessarily take the time to instill the language into them, and therefore it was always spoken hesitantly, insecurely, back when they were children. It's only now that they've grown older and have had the time to actually study, learn, practice, and acquire the language properly that they use it more often. Nonetheless, it doesn't come off as naturally as the former two, though sometimes it just slips out.
Realizing he hasn't answered her question, he confirms, the fondness unmistakeable in his tone, "Yes. Moreso recently."
"Oh?" The question is in her voice. She taps her nose. "I smell a story."
"My younger sister's beloved wanted to learn and be fluent in our other languages," Satoshi explains, his voice as soft as the spot in his heart for the silver-haired hunter. Back when Zero and Ivy were teenagers, due to the mess of a relationship between Ivy and Trance, the siblings had been far too aware of themselves, tense and discomforted, to have slips of the tongue that would bring them back to the olden days. Their amalgamation of languages was a sore spot, bringing about too many painful memories back then. However, after the two had resolved their misunderstandings, it slowly became more and more frequent in all their interactions with one another, as if the finger on the mute button on their other voices had been lifted.
Zero, upon realizing that this is just another aspect of the Tashiro siblings that had been locked up until their reconciliation, had then started to study both English and Greek secretly whenever he had the chance. English had been a subject he'd taken in both high school and university, and he's rather naturally gifted at it, so it hadn't been much of a problem. Greek, on the other hand, had been more of a struggle, but if he'd continued as diligently as he'd had, he would've been fine even without Satoshi's help. It was only because he'd accidentally caught the younger hunter in the act, nearing two AM in the morning during winter, that he'd gotten the chance to tease—and help—him out a bit.
It was meant to be a surprise for Ivy, as Zero hadn't told her what he'd been doing. But during a conversation at brunch one day, Lydia had started referring to Zero in their quick-changing flow of tongues, and he'd absentmindedly answered her question with a simple "I wouldn't mind" in Greek. He hadn't even known it slipped out until everyone in the room stared at him, Ivy in particular, with wide eyes.
That day had been one that'll be engraved forever inside their minds, he's sure. Although it's somewhat indisputable that Zero and Ivy are meant to be together, and while none of the siblings had ever thought they're anything short of a perfect match, that very moment consolidated and refortified their thoughts and emotions regarding the pair.
"That's so sweet." There's awe in her tone, and then a laugh. "Doesn't suit Kiriyuu's image at all. He's always got that scowl on his face—reminds me a bit of a grumpy hedgehog." Her eyes, framed with thick lashes, widen for a second and she makes a horrified expression. "That's a secret between you and me! I hadn't meant to say that out loud."
He blinks at her. "You know him?"
"Nope," she says, grinning sheepishly at the look on his face. "But hey, he's famous, you know? So is your sister. And you. I mean, the Tashiro and Kiriyuu names are famous in general, so it's kinda hard not to know."
"Is that so?" Although the Tashiro and Kiriyuu names have always been household ones in Japan—both unfortunately holding more negative and gloomy connotations until recently—he never thought much of how the stories had spread. But considering how they catch wind of more notorious or miraculous stories from overseas, it's only natural that it works the other way as well.
Instead of letting her reply—an answer would be a little bit awkward, wouldn't it, considering how she'd have to either insult him or praise him, neither of which he wants—he turns his back towards her and says kindly, "Climb on; let's get you back."
She hums thoughtfully for a moment before shifting awkwardly. She's just wrapped her arms around his neck when she exclaims, a little too loudly considering how sensitive his ears are, "Wait! I don't want to leave the food."
He glances at the crates, and then looks at her over his shoulder. Raising an eyebrow, he comments, "I thought you said that their choice in snacks were repulsive."
Surprisingly, her eyes narrow sharply at him. Those whimsical sterling eyes have turned into the silver of knives and steel, glinting with a different shine. But, almost as if she's realized her reaction is too severe for her projected persona, she wipes the look off in a second. Practiced lightheartedness tinged with indignation, bordering on a dare to oppose, is what replaces her previous countenance. "Food is food though. It doesn't make sense to leave it here to rot, or for the next gang of criminals looking for a good hideout. We should take it all back."
Without waiting for him to reply, she drags herself the short way over, humming as she does so. He recognizes the song, and is surprised she knows it. It's an older song, coming from a niche band. He decides not to tell her she's horribly off-tune, and instead watches as she begins the process of attempting to stuff her pockets until they're going to burst. Her slim build begins to lump, clump, and stick out in comically strange ways.
His lips twitch, resisting the urge to laugh. "Miss Zielke."
"What's up, Mr. Tashiro?" The way she emphasizes the title makes him wonder if he'd used the wrong one. She misses the sheepish look that crosses his face, because she's still so focused on the goods. You'd think she's a thief filling her pockets with gold from the way she's feverently trying to fit it all inside her meager pockets. She even looks like she's contemplating disarming herself of her weapons in order to make room.
"You're being a tad bit silly," he reprimands with a soft laugh. His hands are held up beside him, palms-up in a sign of surrender, before her head has even fully whipped around to pin him under her razorblade gaze. The smile on his face is small, gentle, reassuring. "I'll come back to gather the food after getting you safely back to Headquarters to receive proper treatment. The food can wait; your foot can't."
Her lips purse, her cheeks puffing out. She looks reluctant, a bit irked, and a smidge startled. "You'd come back?"
"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I?" He's faintly amused by the question.
"Because it's out of the way, more unnecessary work, and probably a dumb request made by a random girl you've recently met." Her eyes say she's scrutinizing him in a way that's more serious than she'd previously done.
The Tashiro simply shakes his head. "It's not that far, the work is very minimal, and it's not a dumb request at all." He gestures to her overflowing merchandise and teases, "Please release some of that back into the crates. They're going to get destroyed on our way back, crammed in your pockets like that."
Her hands open and she drops the granola bars that she'd gathered, but before he can turn around again and let her climb on, she sticks her pinky out. "Pinky-swear that you'll come back for it all."
Not one to ask a ton of unnecessary questions, nor the wrong kind of questions, Satoshi simply links his pinky with hers. He'd discarded his used gloves earlier, and had forgotten to put his mittens back on. He realizes two things as their fingers meet: that her hands are surprisingly small considering her tall height, and the fact that she's absolutely freezing. "I pinky-swear," he tells her solemnly, letting the words rest between them for a moment before pulling his hand away. He reaches for his mits, and hands them to her. "They're going to be a bit big, but please put them on. Your hands are like ice."
"What about you?" she asks, frowning as she looks down at the black wool, then at his own hands.
"I'll be fine," he reassures her.
"That's what everyone says, but—"
"Please."
"... I owe you," she reluctantly mumbles, relenting. She pulls on the gloves, which are definitely too big for her, but it's better than nothing. When she's got her arms around his neck and he's looped his arms under her thighs carefully, trying not to rattle her broken ankle, he takes the few short steps to the main entrance and, with a quick, "Hold on tight," jumps.
Something like a laugh and a gasp escape her, and her hands tighten around him. She presses her face into the back of his neck, and as the air rushes around them, wind whistling through their ears, Satoshi is acutely aware that underneath the smell of sweat, blood, and peanuts, she smells like the crisp forest, with a hint of almond, and a dash of something warm and sweet, like melted sugar. Although he doesn't know much about her, he feels like it just somehow suits her very well.
When they're safely back on the ground and he's started walking through the small forest and back to the main part of the park, she lifts her head from him and demands, still somewhat breathless, "Are you actually some kinda thrill-seeking junky?!"
He can't help it; this time, he lets out a big laugh. "You considered that a thrill?"
"The amount of times I felt like I would get my head smashed by branches exceeded the amount of fingers I have on one hand, so yes, I would say that it was kinda a thrill!" she exclaims. Her tone and words don't come out angrily, just full of surprise. He can feel her heartbeat even through the thick layers of their clothes, pounding fast and hard against his back.
Piecing two and two together, he can't help but grin a little as he teases, "Are you scared of heights, Miss Zielke?"
"Holy moldy cheese, it's really strange to hear you call me that, so I'm making a non-negotiable term in our relationship right now that states if you call me that, I'm going to call you—you—Tashiro-sama."
His body shakes faintly with his barely-contained laughter. He doesn't want to let the gesture overtake him, because he'd definitely rattle her ankle again. Her Japanese pronunciation had been somewhat harsh, but the sound of her voice in of itself makes it somewhat smoother. He doesn't ask her how she knows the term, but just agrees genially, "OK, OK, I get it."
"You better! My toes were curling."
"You're avoiding the question."
"What question? You asked one?" She sounds so genuinely confused that for a second, she almost gets him.
He shakes his head, chuckling under his breath. He decides to spare her. It probably isn't within anyone's main interest to share their fears with others so easily. It goes against the fundamental idea of self-preservation that has been so deftly ingrained in hunters. Instead, he asks her, "What happened?"
"Hmm?" Sleepiness begins to thicken her voice.
"... No, never mind," he murmurs quietly, not wanting to force her consciousness to resurface more than he already has. He much rather have her rest than relive a situation that left her stranded in an enemy hideout for two days. She must've been beyond exhausted. Not only had she been injured and unable to return home, she also most likely stayed awake for most of the nights. It would've been unwise and dangerous if she'd allowed herself to sleep restfully—with an injury like hers, it made her a sitting duck if that gang of vampires had more accomplices, or if a new group came stumbling by.
But that doesn't mean he'll be letting it go forever.
Perhaps it's curiosity, or perhaps it's awe, but Satoshi wants to hear her tell of what happened. It's unsatisfying to just know the end of the story; he wants to know about the journey that took her here. Undoubtedly, despite her demeanour, she possesses incredible skills and intuition, with the willpower and backbone to back it all up. He may strive to be as pacifistic as possible, but that doesn't mean he doesn't appreciate the honed techniques and beautiful finesse that some hunters have, especially when the keywords are "strive to be." In the world that has always been his reality, there's no longer any true escape from it all.
Besides, try as he might, he's no saint.
"You smell nice," she mumbles into his clothes suddenly. And then almost immediately she lets out a small, exasperated sigh. "I didn't mean to say that aloud either…"
Faint laughter under his breath. He speaks quietly, softly, wondering if his voice can act like a lullaby to sway her to sleep, or if he should just stop talking. He's always been told by others that the deepness, the calmness, of his voice soothed others, and he hopes that he isn't being conceited to believe it. "Seems like a tendency with you, hmm?"
"Mm… maybe… yeah, probably..." Her lashes brush against his skin, and he tries not to shiver at how it tickles. "Rain… forests…" a breath of a laugh, and her last words are almost inaudible as she finally lets herself succumb to sleep. "Didn't believe it…"
He glances at her through the corners of his peripherals at that last drowsy ramble, wondering what she was talking about, what she was thinking. Her hair, an incredibly beautiful shade of auburn, falls into her face in a way that obscures her features, and he absentmindedly wonders what kind of face she makes when she sleeps. The sharp, wider-set of her jaws and the high nose bridge contrasts starkly to the large, doe-like eyes and cupid-bow lips with the upturned corners. It all congregated together to create a masterpiece that could tip, at any moment, into one genre or the other. Would the expression she have more blatantly reveal who she is?
Allaryce Zielke is, without a doubt, a very intriguing human being. He isn't sure he's ever met anyone aside from Ivy who is so completely, utterly, contradictingly, open and closed at the same time. But simultaneously, the two are so different. With Ivy, her deep-rooted sense of self-preservation came from fear. She built walls and walls and walls and then reinforced those walls with titanium and steel. When it comes to Allaryce, he senses something colder, something more chilling, as if she doesn't only have fortified walls. She has battlements along the top and bottom, has set traps that stretch for miles out front. The sky that stretches above her stronghold would be the storms that are reflected in her eyes.
It's interesting—sometimes, there are those people that you meet, and immediately there's a kind of bright or tugging connection that slaps a smile onto your face. A connection clicks into place, like the block in a cog of a clocktower has been removed and everything begins to come back to life again. It doesn't necessarily have to be romantic, it's just a person that gives you the sense of feeling like you've found someone who gets you, and it creates an exuberance, a comfort, within your entire being, from your head down to your toes. That had been Senri and Ivy. There are other times, when the people you meet seem to burn you, and yet you can't seem to look away. The way they shine, the way they fight, the way they live—it takes the breath out of you, renders you absolutely astonished, doesn't let you ever forget the feeling because it sears itself into your being. That had been Lydia and Gin, for each other. Then, alternatively, there are those that you meet that simply seem to soothe you, that seem to be a sanctuary of calm and respite in a tempest you didn't even know you were struggling through until you reached them. The connection with them is softer, subtler, but capable of sparkling like sunlight off surface waters. These people, upon first meeting, give you the impression that you'll definitely have a flourishing relationship.
That is how Satoshi feels about Allaryce Zielke.
Like they'll undoubtedly get along well, that at some point or another, they'll know each other like the backs of their own hands. He isn't sure why such a thought or feeling comes to him. It simply does. And for Satoshi, that's somewhat rare. He has amiable relationships with nearly everyone, but that doesn't necessarily mean he feels a sort of inexplicable bond with them. The undercurrents of a tide that constantly pushes him towards someone, and them to him, the invisible strings of fate playing a role in the relationship.
He's so caught up in his own reverie that he doesn't notice he's back at Headquarters until the president comes rushing forward, concern written all over her face, though her eyes also glint in approval at his mission achievement. "What's wrong with her?"
"Broken ankle," he tells her, already heading towards the infirmary. The warmth of the Association, compared to the outside, feels like a furnace. He doesn't realize how cold he is until it feels like his face and his hands are beginning to defrost. "And most likely a bad cold. She's exhausted."
A sigh of relief. "That's not so bad." There's a small pause, and she glances over at him with a glint in her eyes that he doesn't ask about. "You found her."
"Thankfully," he murmurs, recalling how she said she'd probably just rot there if he hadn't.
"It's not an impressive feat," the president tells him quietly. When he glances over at her, the question in his eyes, she elaborates, "Allaryce has a way of disappearing from right under our noses. Even our most skilled and seasoned trackers rarely ever find her unless she wants to be found. She's kind of a handful, isn't she?" There's a note of fondness in her voice, despite her words, and it makes Satoshi smile a little. It reminds him of the way he speaks about Lydia.
"She seems fun," he answers, laughing softly at the way her face scrunches in incredulity at his words. "I'm sure the Association wouldn't be as lively without her."
"Lively or hectic, whichever you prefer," is the mutter under her breath. "Sometimes I wonder if she even takes her duties seriously. For someone who's almost in her mid-forties, you'd think she'd be more… adult."
He's so stunned that he almost trips. "Excuse me?"
She looks surprised at his reaction, her eyes widening faintly. "What?"
"She's nearing her mid-forties?" There are no visible signs indicating that to be her age, not in the very least. For someone like him, someone whose specialty is essentially to spot every little detail that nobody else cares about, he would know for sure if she showed any signs of age. But she looks like she's in her early or mid-twenties, nothing more than that. If she's closing in on forty-five, that means she's close to his own age. And there are only a few circumstances that would enable her to be so similar to him and his siblings.
His mind begins to whirl.
"Yes." She cracks a sardonic smile. "Can you believe she's older than me? It always rattles me whenever I think about it."
A faint chuckle under his breath. "It's good to be young though." He nods his thanks when she opens the door to the infirmary for him, and after speaking briefly with the doctor currently working, he sets her down carefully on an empty cot. He rearranges her limbs cautiously, and makes sure to throw a blanket over her, even though the doctor is coming to see her shortly.
Nearly inaudibly, he hears the president say under her breath, "She'll be young for nearly forever…"
But when he looks over his shoulder, she's already gone.
The words ring in his head, creating songs and melodies that he tries to understand. He turns back to her, lying asleep on the cot. Gently, with fingers that may as well be phantoms, he brushes her hair out of her face, and almost wants to laugh at the way she's scrunching her features together, her lips pursed together and twisting this way and that. Rather than looking like she's having a nightmare, she looks more like she's having a funny-face contest in her dreams.
She isn't a vampire, but that must mean she's like the Tashiro clan. Like Kaien.
He has many, many things to ask her and talk to her about when she wakes up. Whether or not she'll reply, and whether or not her replies will be genuine… Well, that's part of what makes her so fun. This newfound discovery makes him want to take a seat by her cot and stay, waiting until she wakes up, but he knows that he can't.
There's a promise to keep, and no matter what, he's always been a man of his word. He'll need to run up and grab another pair of gloves, and perhaps a backpack, but he fully intends to go straight back to that hideout and bring back all that food. The thought of leaving it all there had obviously distressed her, and he doesn't want to create more stress for someone who's already injured. Besides, the trip would be fast—if he can utilize his speed and strength without holding back too much, he should be back before the doctor is even done fully inspecting her. If not, he's sure he'll catch her again at some point or another.
After all, it's been established that he's the only that can find her, right? She gives off the feeling of Pandora's box, and he wonders if he's going to be that person who never learns from story morals.
Maybe. Or maybe he'll just catch her around the Association at some point or another.
His mismatched eyes, vivid green and burning gold, close as he turns away.
Allaryce Zielke.
Nonetheless, it's a name he's sure he'll never forget.
A / N:
AND THAT'S THE END AHHHHHAASDFJASKLGWE! Honestly, this was so hard to write, because I've never written anything in Satoshi's perspective before. Like... It's so much easier to just write him the way he is from another person's perspective, like Ivy's or Zero's. Getting inside his head is a bit harder, and it was actually a novelty to imagine him interacting with people he doesn't know well. Like... whenever he was written before, it was usually when he was with people he knew well. Putting him in completely new situations was a challenge, but I hope it came out OK!
Hopefully you guys enjoyed it HNNNG. This oneshot is basically just showing how Satoshi and Allaryce first met, rather than the progression of their romantic relationship.
( Who caught all those subtle Zevy moments though? ;D LMAO )
LOTS OF LOVE AND THANKS TO;
Mxltop, sasusakufan2357, slacker4life, Komakipureblood, Tokine8696, kalmaegi, FlowerGirl21, spiralcats, Innocent Anime Girl, LuceRunsAway, Sosu, LadyAmazon, Layla99, LaurenA24, 030artastic, zerom1v, and Mirria1
Thank you so much for sending me your thoughts, you amazing human beans! I really appreciate it!
Also, thank you to everyone who alerted and favourited!
RESPONSES, LEGGO!
To Mxltop;
Life always makes things so much more difficult, doesn't it?! I'm just glad to know you're doing well, and while it would've been amazing to have heard from you, I totally understand not having the time!
I'm so happy ( and I laughed ) to know that despite how long you've been with me, it still brings you joy. And to know that you reread some of my chapters when you're sick or whatnot, I CAN'T. My heart just melts a bit. I'm glad to have been any sort of comfort or relief, you amazing human bean HNNG.
Oh, god, I finally did it. The original work thing is now an actual thing, and asdfghjkl. I don't even know what to say without being like "SUPPORT ME" LMAO. But if anything, you have supported me so much just by reading and loving what I've written and bringing me so much laughter. So thank you, and asdfghjkl if anything, I hope my originals don't disappoint.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER BECAUSE SATOSHI ASDFADGAWE?!
To sasusakufan2357;
HAHAHA, I'm glad you loved them so much! I was hesitant at first to write the epilogue that way, but I really enjoyed it myself, so it makes me happy to know everyone else liked them too!
Oh god, I can't do the whole "turning into human" thing because of the research. Mainly because I don't know how that's a thing? Like, I'm not sure if Hino actually gave a legit explanation for it, and because I don't want to reread the series, I can't write about it explicitly LOL. I don't want to get any info wrong, but at the same time, I'm not sciencey enough to come up with some explanation that doesn't sound like complete bullshit, so... LOL Yeah, that's kind of an out.
The Kurans did not fade into obscurity. You may or may not hear about them in a somewhat near future (;
Yes! Hattori Dei is actually the son of Hattori Wes. LOL. Small world, huh? That's why I said that Hattori Wes is kind of relevant? Because he's the dad of one of their kid's beloved so, like, they technically become relatedish, right? HAHAHA.
I'm still sad too, to be honest, but there's so much more to come! I hope you enjoyed this much-anticipated Satoshi oneshot, love! (: Thank you for being so fun to fangirl with and just for all your support!
P.S. LOL If I start a drabble series, that's where you'll have the highest chance of seeing it (;
To Tokine8696;
LOOOOOL WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T KNOW HOW YOU SURVIVED TO SEE THE EPILOGUE?! Girl, if you died on me, I would've resuscitated your ass back to life. I'm laughing so hard, I can't.
I'm glad you like their parenting style! Honestly, since I'm not a parent, I hoped that I didn't make it seem to unrealistic. But whenever I think about it, I can't imagine them not doing any of that stuff? Same with the older siblings coming back for the younger ones. It's just... The way they are, you know? ASDFGHJKL. I can't imagine their family not as close as the first gen Tashiro siblings because it just... MY HEART WOULD SHATTER. ( I'm a selfish author LOL )
Thank youuuu, I'm glad you think the relationships between the cousins were good! Family bonds and etc really get me too, which is probably why I made it such a big thing for them all. You totally caught me, too: they all do have their own special cousin(s) that they turn to HAHAHA. It's too impossible to have them all be equally close and etc. Can you imagine? ASDFGHJKl.
Yeah, honestly, when I think about Arashi and June's side of the family, sometimes I get a little bit lost. LOL. And same with the Urase family, but that's mainly because the Urase family extends so far, even in a few decades. At some point I was like "wait, is Yuka a great-grandma already?" It begins to get a bit difficult for sure, so I don't blame you LOL.
As always, thank you so much for all your amazing support and your heartwarming encouragement! I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate you, and I hope that you enjoyed this chapter with Satoshi and Allaryce HNNNG
To spiralcats;
LMAOOO I KNOWWW, but because I'm a selfish author, I wanted the Kiriyuu siblings to mirror the Tashiro siblings. So five and five. I COULDN'T HELP IT, I JUST HAD TO. And I mean, they have to continue the Kiriyuu bloodline, right? (;
You're definitely not alone! A lot of people seem to really like Elsa and want to hear more about her ( which says a lot about you and other shy sweethearts ). Please don't feel guilty for being shy! That's just who you are, and it's hard to change yourself from being introverted to extroverted, y'know? It'll take lots of time and effort, if you want to, but you should never feel like you have to, or feel bad about being shy. It can be super endearing, love! (x
HAHAHA, you're not the only one who reads the reviews, trust me! I've had people tell me they read the reviews too LOL And honestly? I love it. Because it makes the entire review section feel a bit like a conversation, and I feel like it allows you guys to get a sense of the Heterochromia community? It's just fun, I love it.
As for the Kenta thing, don't be sorry about not seeing it! I don't think anyone believed Kenta ever really stood a chance, and the thing is, while Kenta and Ivy would've made a decent couple, they would never have lasted anyway. So like no matter what, their ship would've sank and, like you thought, they would've just been better off as friends.
Aww, no, please don't think you're like a crazy fangirl! HAHA. The fact that you even think so highly of my work and that you love it so much to even possibly be called a "fan" makes my heart melt HAHA. It makes me so happy.
I hope that this chapter about Satoshi and Allaryce made you happy, too, you lovely cinnamon bun! (:
To Sosu;
HAHAHA, I understand exactly how you feel about the siblings! It's so hard to choose one you like best, isn't it?! I'm glad that you enjoyed the way the epilogue was told; I was nervous about it at first, but everyone seemed to really enjoy it, which brings me so much relief.
As for the whole Kuran Ren being an equivalent to Kiriyuu Ren thing... Honestly, I didn't think about it? Like, the Kurans aren't irrelevant anymore, it's just that none of the Kiriyuu kids' important relationships ( or at least the parts I wanted to highlight ) involved them. It's a bit weird to think about having a Kuran Ren; I'm still very undecided about that, BUT! If it turns out that I do make Kaname and Yuuki have another kid, I am 238923% not calling that kid Ren, and he will not look anything like Kiriyuu Ren LOL. Like, it'll be a totally different and new character, because... Yeah. Let's just say I was not happy about Kiriyuu Ren's existence ASDFGJKL.
You may or may not see some of the Kurans in the somewhat near future (;
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with meeee, and for your support! I hope you enjoyed this special with Satoshi, and I hope you stay until the very end of all the extras! ;D
To Layla99;
There are still future extras and whatnot, so I guess we'll just have to wait and see, huh? (;
To be honest, though, the exclusion of the Kuran and Tashiro and Kiriyuu interactions is an intentional move on my part. I want to open that conversation and that route for you if you want it. If you imagine them being great and dandy, I want you to have that freedom. If you imagine them being totally separate and only barely civil, I want you to have that freedom too. It's kind of what's fun, right? LOL To be able to imagine your own way in a story.
Please never apologize for sharing your thoughts with me, no matter how long or short! I love to hear it all!
I, unfortunately, will not be writing an AidouxSayori story or oneshot, and that's because they already have their story, and it's a satisfactory one. Like... WHO DOESN'T LOVE THEIR STORY? LOL. Even if you don't love it, it's way better than Zero and Yuuki's relationship, so like... Yeah. HAHAHA. But basically, Matsuri Hino already created a cute relationship for them, and she gave them closure as a couple, too. I think that she did a good job, and I don't want to ruin that, because I feel like I'd butcher it. ASDFGJKHL. I'm sorry, but I hope that makes sense!
Heterochromia does not coincide with Shitsuren officially. It would change a lot of things in both stories, and I didn't account for them being part of the same universe, so I wouldn't try to fit Riku into Heterochromia or the Tashiro siblings into the Shitsuren world.
Nooo, thank you for being so great and for sharing your thoughts with me! I'm so beyond happy to hear that it made you happy, and to have you call me an inspiring author is absolutely heartwarming, so thank you. I hope that you enjoyed this update ( after so long HNNG ) and I hope to hear from you again, love! (:
END OF RESPONES
Wow, there was so much to say in this update!
And now, onto the question of the update...
QUESTION: What do you think about Miss Allaryce Zielke?
This is a pretty easy question, I think, since this chapter was basically all about her and Satoshi LOL. But I'm honestly so very, very curious! I really had fun writing her, so I hope you guys like her. Please share with me your thoughts!
I will update again in December ( I won't skip out for another two / three months again, I swear ) so I will see you guys then! It's cold lately, and it's flu season where I am, so please dress appropriately and wash your hands lots! Don't want any of you getting sick!
And once again, I wanted to say thank to you everyone and anyone who supports me in any way, shape, or form regarding my launch.
I'll see you guys next month! Please take care of yourselves until then!
XOXO,
-EverlastingxSong-
