[Chapter 26] A terrifying experience
August was a ridiculously hot month, even during the night, although it was hard to tell when it was night-time now that days seemed longer. Her watch marked 7:45 PM, so it was late already. She rarely walked around the city at this hour. It was a special case, she has run out of school supplies after all, and she had to run to the store. In reality, she could have done it tomorrow morning, but it was a whim so there was no need to find a reason.
Perhaps it was because it was summer break, and she didn't use to be outside this late, but the street seemed more crowded than usual, but not by bystanders, but small and medium groups of people of all ages. And they way some of them dressed were very peculiar, wearing traditional clothing. And the overall atmosphere sounded merry and excited. What was going on?
Some of the streets were closed and the multitude forced her to walk with them for a couple of blocks, delaying her way home.
But her curiosity got the best of her since she decided, at the last minute, to keep following the mass to see it for herself. And it was something remarkable to say, since she disliked being surrounded by people. She blamed it on the red clan; since that fatidic day at the beach, she's been invested in trying new experiences. How dare they to do that to her?
She was having second thoughts about it, but it was late. She was already there. In a festival. Needless to say, her first festival. A foreign land, that is how it looked to her, and yet, her feet transported her inside it. She decided to wander around for a couple of minutes before going back home. After all, she was feeling whimsical that night.
Her mood lightened up, and her mind set to explore the peculiar place, until everything dropped when her red eyes locked with blue ones, behind a pair of glasses.
'Oh shit'. That was the thought on both of their heads when they met each other in a rather odd place where they couldn´t picture the other to be in.
It looked like he also stopped on track and showed nothing more than the same regret she was feeling. But maybe, he wasn't there to join the event, but on a mission... if only he would be wearing his blue uniform. Why did she had to run into Fushimi?
What are you doing here? He asked completely disgusted at her sight.
I want to ask the same question. You look SO out of place here. You´re not a crowd person... or a people person... or a human being's person-
He quickly pulled one of her cheeks making her do a funny face, which was extra weird with her natural poker face. I han kill yu, yu knou. She still managed to threaten him, making no effort to break free.
It´s worth it. He replied increasingly annoyed. Not only he came here almost obliged, but he also has to deal with the murderous girl on his day off. Also, look who's talking. It´s summer break and you are what? Making errands? Shouldn´t you be here with your classmates or something?
They're on vacations. I'm studying.
A sneer popped on his face when she mentioned that. Who'd have thought she was a dumbass with mocking exams during summer. Really? He prepared to mock her. You didn´t strike me as a brainless.
I'm not brainless. I'm only preparing myself for the next semester.
His smirk disappeared from his face and was replaced by a disbelief expression. Are you serious?
Yeah. Why should I lie?
You´re a lost cause.
What's that supposed to mean? She snapped at him growing more upset and fiercer.
You´re on vacations and you study. That´s a new level of stupidity.
She frowned her brow mad at him, but she kept quiet, only staring, and making sure her eyes give him the message.
He had to admit that her eyes were intimidating but her aura around her wasn´t so threatening as it was in the beginning. She almost looked like a pouting child, only less pouting and more murderous look.
Ah! Look who's here!
Arisawa Eri!
The couple of teens were interrupted by the sound of the familiar voices. They belonged to the special unit of the blue clan, specifically, Hidaka, Fuse and Domyouji. After the little kidnap from the red clan a week ago, she didn't find them particularly bothering.
What a coincidence. I believe you´re not here for the festival, right? Fuse guessed by giving a short look at her sweatpants, her big sized jumper, and probably the worst item she was wearing: crocs. She was definitely on an errand.
No. Honestly, I didn´t even know there was going to be one.
That was exactly something she'd ignore without a care in the world, they thought.
But now that you´re here, wanna stick around with us? Hidaka inquired.
She wasn´t expecting this outcome. The friendly invitation sounded strangely appealing. She remembered the surprise she got when she went to the beach. And the atmosphere and colours of the festival were really catchy; she found herself genuinely willing to stay. Why not? Although her answered was short and bored.
Drown on the sound of children having fun and playing around, the smell of all the food stands that looked delicious and the colours and lights above their heads, the group walked around the stalls.
And how did they managed to bring you here anyway? She curiously inquired at the cynical boy. After all, he was the last human being she expected to find there, after herself.
Only thinking about it made him frown. It was this or staying extra hours organizing and doing paperwork.
... and you chose the paperwork.
Sadly, they didn´t allow me to do that. He confirmed with ease.
The pair of bitter teens walked behind the cheery trio, although, the girl next to him didn't look upset about this result. Something odd must have happened.
So, what's the occurrence that changed your mind so drastically? He asked.
She was amazed by his sharpness. Knowing that it was futile to hide it from him, she came out and said it. I went to the beach with the red clan. She confessed, not proud and not regretful.
But it sure caused a mix of confusion and revulsion on him. What, now you're friends with them?
Bite your tongue. She ordered, insulted. I was kidnapped.
Short after the odd group formed, Hidaka was called by someone in the distance.
Wow, we're bumping into lots of acquaintance. Hey how you've been doing? He said, as he walked towards that young man.
Eri and Saruhiko stood there while the rest of Scepter 4 members were catching up with an old acquaintance, they guessed. It was hard to hear what they were talking about, but the excitement and a couple of random words flown by about going on a mixer after this, and it just made the young men more excited and invested in the conversation.
In no time, they re-joined them, looking suspiciously eager. Sorry, Arisawa-san, but we're changing plans. You can still enjoy the festival with Fushimi-san, thou. And just like that, they waved her goodbye.
The group reduced to two in less than a second. Eri stood there, kind of ditched on a date. At least her face didn´t show resentment; she was starting to get used to their frivolous behaviour.
Fushimi, on the other hand, had a troubled look that did show resentment towards the people who forced him to come here. But at least this meant good news and he could finally slip from this event and go home sooner than he was planning to.
However, he wasn´t so lucky to run away, as the girl next to him, watched his moves trying to study what he was planning to do. He regretted glancing at her to find a pair of eyes piercing at him in silence. So, I guess you´re interested in staying.
She calmly nodded at him with a peculiar glow on her eyes, or maybe it was the reflection of the lights above their heads.
Well, have a good time. He said walking away, lazily waving his hand.
Uh? Hey! They told you to stay with me. She quickened her pace to catch him.
Yeah? Well, I'M their superior, so they can´t order me what to do.
You´re not working right now. She pointed out his civilian clothes and he stopped in his track, clicking his tongue. She used this chance to walk next to him and keep pestering him with the truth. And actually, I've never been in a festival before. So, it´s my first time and I don´t know where to start. That´s why, I'm counting on you.
He displayed a disgusted look, already tired of this night. How could she have the nerve to rely completely on him like that? Wasn't it obvious how incompatible he was with the festive event? But not even his boldest scowl seemed to persuade her from backing off. She was being particularly annoying that night.
I'll tell Munakata about this. That was her trump card.
*Sigh* FINE. Why didn't she say that from the beginning? If I take you to a walk for an hour, would you be a good girl and leave me alone? He exasperated.
And just like that, she stepped away from him and formed a small, satisfactory smile. And to think she succeeded in what it took her so long to do at first: Make him leave her alone. Sadly, she had no use for that now.
The new pair walked around aimlessly around the stalls like before, and It took less than five minutes for her to sprout her honest thoughts. I was never allowed to go to one of these before, but I still don´t get what's so good about them.
He could almost disintegrate her with his eyes when she said that, so he demanded an answer. Where did your excitement go? I'm staying here for you. He was surprised those words came out of his mouth.
Eri observed his irritation but paid no mind to that. Instead, she explained herself. Don't make that face. I'm just saying I don't know what the attractions are.
I'm not an expert either. He spitted.
Well, I was held against my own volition. What's your excuse?
I was wealthy.
So, you were a shelter kid.
Sometimes he found impressive how she decided to ignore the important parts of information to reach the most useless conclusions. At least, her reaction to this wasn't over-the-top, and she didn't look like she'll ask questions.
Either way, tell me what I should do now. Having no experience in these events, she would hear anyone.
Then, try to play on one of those stalls. He pointed at one of the game stalls with the hope of getting rid of her.
Eri observed it from the distance and then turned her head back to him. I don't have any money left. She bluntly proclaimed while hiding her own wallet deep inside her pocket. Buy me a ticket? She nonchalantly asked.
Apparently, she did use the information she gained to her benefit. His longing to kill her grew exponentially each second. If I do, will you leave me alone for five minutes?
I'll do it.
The walk between each game stall was incessant. One after another, the clerks cried after giving away their prizes to the talented teen and her impeccable aim. Who would have thought that throwing knifes will bring her such innocent reward like these?
With two big bags of stuff animals, random prizes, some useful tools and candy, Eri looked satisfied and even happy to be there. The guy walking behind her, however, looked dead inside after paying for every ticket for her. Although, the fraction of seconds he got alone each time she played might have been worth it.
They decided to rest a little bit. It was thoughtful of her to give him a break. Walking next to the girl, who was systematically playing on each stall one after another, was a great hassle. And now that they were sitting on a bench, he found the chance to release his exasperation.
Man, it´s hot, it´s crowded and I'm babysitting you. Can we call it a day? His irritation grew each time he saw someone pass in front of the spectacle that it was his companion.
No.
Her insistence was childlike, very improper of her, or maybe this is how she wanted to torture him. Either way, he could handle her whimsical outburst, but what he couldn't stand was the way she looked. Having to be associated with her was a nightmare considering she was moving two bags of meaningless junk bigger than herself, eating cotton candy with her whole face, and wearing the most horrendous pyjamas in public. His suffering knew no bounds.
Also, look what you´re wearing; you could kill a boner with that. Don´t you have cuter clothes? As always, he had no restrictions to be ruthless, especially now that he was upset.
Why everyone complains about that? Who cares? I'm comfortable. She really couldn´t see what was wrong about her outfit. But maybe it was the fact she was wearing warm clothes in summer. She glanced at the other girls her age wearing shorts, skirts, and yukatas. Perhaps she really was out of place. And for once, she wanted to experience the festival like an average person, but she still had to make sure she didn´t stand out, even when running into her ex-co-workers there was very unlikely.
Soon enough she spotted from the corner of her eye an open store where some people were renting yukatas. Wait here. She said before rushing in without telling him. The boy was left even more upset than before now that he was ditched yet again and left with those ridiculous bags.
He distracted himself from the noise and second-hand embarrassment with his PDA. It was a miracle he didn´t leave her and instead waited for her even when she had the guts to leave him without telling where she was going.
'Kay, I'm back. Her casual voice next to him made him turned his gaze from the device, showing already an exasperated look by making him wait for so long. Although, when he found what he assumed was her, he stopped in track, opening his eyes.
Her lack of expectations when he saw her kind of pissed him off. She was just standing there with the same aloof face she had, while wearing something completely different than when she left: a neon blue yukata with white flowers pattern and an orange obi. And her apology for running away like that never came; she wasn't even shy about it.
He really wanted to deliver a good comeback to mock her, he really wanted. But nothing came to mind. What is this? He chose to be as indifferent as her.
Now I'm not standing out anymore. She explained briefly.
He had a hard time understanding her train of thought sometimes, because now she looked more appealing to anyone and stood out even more, although this time it was for a good reason.
Once they continued their activity, the pair of teens were the focus of several bystanders. They were looking at the girl with the blue yukata. Yet she wasn't aware of it, she was too fixed on playing to care about the rest of the world.
By the way, why don't you try it? He heard her said from below. You also throw knifes; I'm sure you have great aim.
Her proposal brought his absent mind back to cruel reality. He didn't bother to change his position lying on that wall or speak to her after that stupid comment.
Come on. You're already here, you're paying, why don't you win prizes with me?
That night, she was behaving scarily enthusiast. That's how he knew that not even his best efforts to bother her will have effect.
Want to make it a competition? The winner gets all their debts forgiven.
As if he would let her do that. Moving from the wall, he walked to one of the shooting games and prepared himself to make her bit the dust. Eri didn't expected that will work.
Their contest surprisingly didn't lead to anywhere. They were both equally good on aiming games, and the only thing growing was their competitiveness and the prize bags.
Eri moved to a corner after her turn and observed him to see who'll win this time. But she had no chance of doing so because short after that, she was approached by two strangers.
Hey, you alone?
Eri shifted the focus of her attention to those guys talking to her, and she got flashbacks from an earlier, similar experience. Sorry, I'm with a- Then she stopped herself, unable to proceed. 'friend? Acquaintance?' she debated, until she found the perfect answer. An annoying individual.
It seemed like that answer only made everyone laugh. Did people find honesty that funny? At the end, they didn't leave her alone when she clearly told them she was with someone else. She decided to bluntly walk away from them and stand next to her escort, after all, she had no business with them.
But her arm got pulled back before she could pass them. Instinctively, she turned around to see her arm held back by a hand, and her brow frown. She was ready to hit him right in the face, but remembered she was in a festival and people were around. Being the centre of attention was the last thing she wanted. In times like these she hated to act civilized.
Thankfully, her aid came quickly and with the shape of a toy shotgun.
*HIT*
Ouch! you assh-!
*HIT*
Right before her eyes, the toy her companion had in hand smashed the head of the guy holding her, which caused him to free her hand. Then without a second thought, he repeated the action once more, just for the heck of it. It pleased her.
Sadly, she couldn't enjoy the sight for too long because a new hand held her wrist and started leaving the scene without letting her time to react.
To her surprise, he didn't stop or slowed down, which turned into a real problem for her. Hey, slow down a bit! I'm wearing sandals. She tried to keep up with his pace but found it difficult with her new garment.
Fine, fine. He rolled his eyes.
At last, when they were far from those guys, they stopped walking; something that her feet were grateful for. She glared at him while massaging them a bit. His solution to this inconvenient was rough, but the result was faster than what Fujishima and she did on the beach, so she didn't complain.
God, you're a handful. He complained aloud with all the intentions of offending her. Making him run like that from two idiots he would have easily humiliated if it wasn't for all the witnesses. She was gradually turning into a bigger aggravation.
So? She thought he said with an irritated tone. And when she rose her head, she found she was right by that glare.
If I'm an annoying individual, why are you here with me? He inquired, clearly bothered by her manners.
It was shocking to hear something she said could piss him off. She didn´t think about that until now; it was just honesty. But instead of answering him, she took this chance to ask him. How about you? How would you classify our relationship? She wondered curiously, always with her trademark semi open eyes.
He took a moment to reflex about that subject. Then he opened his mouth with the perfect words. Unfortunate possible subordinate.
She could see that, so she didn´t get mad at his cynical remark, although it made her think about it. That´s right. She realized. If I join you, you'll be my superior. She concluded far from pleased by her disgusted face. Hmm, I should think about it thoroughly.
My first order will be making you my slave. He nonchalantly played along.
Now I don´t want to ever see you again.
You still owe me for acting as your boyfriend. He stopped her from escaping; it was too late for that.
Then I´ll pay you money to leave me alone.
You´re so stingy you made me buy you all those thickets, and now you´re talking about paying me? He rose an eyebrow. If you keep accumulating debts, you will not have enough to pay me back.
I thought you were being nice to a friend. She shamelessly faked shock.
So, how long do we have?
Five minutes. He answered, looking at the time on his PDA. Just five more minutes and he'll be free from this brat.
Eri rose and eyebrow after glimpsing at him. She could swear he was grinning from expectation. But there was no time to ask him about it. The time was almost over, and she couldn't think what else to do during such a short span. Finishing their walk doing nothing felt anticlimactic. And she was having fun, she won tons of prizes by destroying every stall in the process, and she got to see an annoying guy get his head smashed by a toy. It was a lovely evening.
And to think she did all that with a blue clan member on her own volition. But not just any. Eri turned her gaze at Fushimi, who was standing next to her doing the countdown to leave her ass. It was extraordinary he was fulfilling his promise. She thought he was going to run away the moment she stopped looking at him. But there he was after almost an hour in this place with the girl he dislikes so much.
But she was in the same boat.
Not in million years she would have guessed that she would go to a festival and dress up like she did in the company of someone else. It sounded like a fever dream to her. But the noise ringing in her ears and the pain for her sandals told her she wasn't hallucinating.
At the end, she couldn't think of anything and they waited those last minutes with their backs against a tree and looking at the joyful festival and the people passing by.
A sigh of satisfaction escaped her lips without her permission, luckily, he didn't seem to notice. She didn't want him to know she enjoyed herself tonight. Her only relief was they both promised to not mention this ever again. She took these last moments to relax, and her head randomly moved to the side to observe a little bit more of the event, and in the distance, she found him.
Everything turned dark like a black void surrounding her. Her eyes widened in shock just like a little animal facing its own dead by the hand of a predator. The pressure coming from that man in the distance was killing her. And her palpitations couldn't keep up with the air she was inhaling. She was paralyzed with fear. Her body didn't respond. What was she doing now of all times?! She needed to move!
SHE HAD TO DO SOMETHING, SHE HAD TO RUN, SHE HAD TO HIDE, SHE HAD TO-
*PULLS*
It wasn't fair to say he was slow to react at first. When he felt her hands on his head forcing him in place, he found it absolutely invasive and his already grumpy expression deepened more, but he was unable to tell her how annoyed he felt, because he was forced to keep quiet by a hard kiss.
His blue eyes widened in awe. He was baffled. He knew she was abnormal, but not even her incapacity to have regular human behaviour could explain what the hell she was doing. But he was no fool. Without any proof about it, he deduced she was hiding herself, otherwise, she wouldn't be holding his face in place in such an awkward position. From the corner of his eye, he spied the silhouette of a buff man, walking around. He guessed it was him from she was hiding for, based on the angle. But he wasn't in a good position to think right now.
Her kiss was intense, but it couldn't be considered a kiss. Her shaky hands didn't allow it to look realistic; she was just pressing her lips to his, staying still and trembling.
If what she wanted was to make everyone look away by kissing each other in public, then he will show her how to do it properly. The first thing was stopping her trembling body, that's when he grabbed her by the waist and closed the gap between them to make it look more natural. And with his free arm, he placed it on top of her, pinning her on the tree behind her. That way, he could hide her better. From this point on, it was her job; only she would know when to stop.
The stressed teen felt how he played along, and her trembling reduced considerably when he held her in place. Once she realized how much her lips hurt, she tried to relax and loosen her strength. He was doing an effort to make this look natural, so she had to do the same. The tight grip of her hands moved to wrap her arms around his neck to cease her shacking. And once she did that, he pushed her closer to himself, forcing her to tip toed to close the height gap.
They kissed for what it felt like an eternity until she moved away. Then he could finally open his eyes and start asking questions, but what he found in front of him wasn't either a panting girl nor a serious, expressionless girl. What he found was a complete different human being, trembling and staring anxiously at the ground while cold sweating.
If that is how she looked like, then staying still wasn't the best option right now. He grabbed her by the arm and left the scene towards the opposite direction the mysterious person leaved. But first, he stopped by a stall and bought a mask, that he nonchalantly put over her face. Then they set right into the small park behind the stalls.
This time, he couldn't care less about the fast pace he was taking her, and apparently, she didn't either. Soon, they moved to a quiet area and rested there. The girl quickly washed her face on a fountain, cooling down her head in the process. He rested his body on a tree, staring at the small glimpses of the lanterns seen by his spot. It was a silent place, far from the noise, so he was currently hearing the water splashing and dropping on the ground. He bet she was soaked by now and wondered what they'll say when she returns her yukata back.
When the sound of the water stopped, he noticed from the corner of his eye she sat down on a log. On a closer inspection to her, she was indeed soaked. And judging by her palms on her face, she still didn't recover.
What is he doing here? She whispered, unable to believe it.
He´s one of those people searching for you? He went straight to the point.
Yes. She simply replied.
His eyes downed to her hands, trembling in place, it was hard to believe someone could have such a reaction on her.
Why you worry? With so many people here there´s no way to find out that you are here. He deadpanned.
I know that already. That´s why I'm staying here. She got a little more defensive.
At least it was proof she was recovering.
I've never thought of bumping into him in a place like THIS. She clicked her tongue. Her hands were unsteady, and her face let know more about her state than she could ever image.
The fact she wasn't hiding her mental state showed how stressed she truly was. This, surprisingly, was more uncomfortable than dealing with her indifferent self. At least the second one leaved room to the imagination. It was obvious she wasn't going to calm down any time soon. And being the only one along her forced him to say something about it. But it wasn't the time or place to dig into that matter. He had more important things to ask.
So? How many of them are looking for you?
Eri looked from bellow at the guy who seemed confident and always laid-back. He and his clan already knew about her past, so it was meaningless to avoid the question. Now that the cat was out of the bag, in addition to her uneven condition, she decided to be frank. Five, including him. Or I don´t know, maybe they hired an agency to search for me. It depends on how much they want to find me.
He wasn´t expecting such a low number. The inform he read about her didn´t specified that, but it did warn about how dangerous they were and to be cautious if they ever bumped into them. He wasn´t being prudent when he pulled her all the way there, it was something arbitrary. He didn´t felt a threatening aura from the man, it was her incessant trembling what made him react like that.
But that guy was one of your old mates, right?
It took her more time than she thought to answer such a simple question. Yes. She looked down at her hands again. He's one of them.
Was he -?
Foreigner? Yeah.
He had to admit he was expecting a yakuza-looking-guy, not a blond man. His yellow hair did outstand in the multitude, let alone his large stature.
I couldn't see him, but I didn't feel particularly threatened by him. He calmly confessed.
Believe me, he is. She held her head, trying to ease her headache. Never drop your guard; they are… merciless.
That warn came out more fearsome than he expected. She was the expert, so perhaps he should consider it. After all, one glimpse at him got HER like this.
And we still don't know if the rest are here. She mentioned that terrifying possibility. God, if they are all here, I'm dead meat. She placed her palms on her face again.
She never behaves like this. They were in deep shit, yet his face couldn't be more serious. He knew it was her problem, but he also knew what his boss would do to him if he left her alone right now. It's true, maybe that man was alone, maybe not, but they already did what they should, currently hiding and giving her a mask. The next thing should leave this place as if nothing has happened.
By the way, sorry for kissing you. She suddenly interrupted his thoughts. Looking back, maybe a simple hug and hiding my face in your arms would have done the trick.
Maybe not, he thought. He carefully analysed that idea, but it had its own flaws. If she had done that so suddenly, she'd certainly surprised him and made him call her name very pissed in front of the man she was trying to hide from. However, by sealing his lips, she saved him from ruining her plans and made it look more realistic.
Thank you for playing along. She added, looking absentminded.
Don't mention it. He brushed it off. The experience wasn't particularly pleasant, both the kiss itself and the situation they were in.
Ugh, I'm mad. She brushed her hair frustrated. He turned towards her in wonder to see what was about.
We left behind all our prizes. She quietly complained in disappointment.
That´s what you´re worrying about? He showed her a judgmental glare. But maybe this dumb comment was a sign of her recovery.
In reality, she had other things to worry about. Eri made a mistake. She kept some knifes with her under her yukata, but this outfit didn´t allow too much mobility, so if she had to face him, she´ll be in trouble. Cold sweat ran down her spine, her head spin and didn´t let her think straight, the same with her distracting erratic heartbeat. On the exterior she looked okay, but she couldn´t calm down.
Fushimi. She turned her gaze at him. Are you carrying your knifes right now?
What kind of question is that? He reacted offended.
That let her know all she wanted to. If that's the case, are you ready to fight for me?
The disgust on his face was immeasurable. I don't mean it that way. She clarified. I'm talking about the remote possibility of that man facing us.
That would be the case, sadly, IF you were working for us. He cold-heartily explained. If she were part of the clan, then it'd be his duty, just like the rest of the clan, but since she wasn't, he had no responsibility over her life.
That makes sense. She wouldn't have expected another answer. But if he happens to spot me right here, right now, I'll not let you go. She confessed.
There she was, already causing inconveniences and boldly threatening him; she was fine. He bluntly sighed, reaching his brow with a hand. You'd be willing to throw me into the tigers to get away with it?
Don't worry, I won't let you die. She quietly reminded him about her healing powers. Well, as long as he doesn't kill me.
He changed his mind. Dealing with her normal demeanour was harder than with her stressed self. Look, I don't feel like fighting for my life, let alone yours, against an assassin. So, let's hide here for a while and then leave this place once and for all. He spitted exhausted.
I like the sound of that. She simply replied.
To be dealing with a professional murderer roaming around they were handling this really well.
By the way. She said quietly, forcing him to look at her. The super sentai? She showed him very confused the mask he got her.
I'll charge it to you. He deadpanned. She loathed him in silence. You're really owing me this time.
For once, she didn't disagree with him, and she softened her look. It's true. I really owe you. Thanks.
Under any circumstances, he was expecting to hear those words from her, let alone with that soothing tone. Don't say that, it creeps me out.
But his antipathetic comments couldn't stop her from curving her lips into a dim smile. What he was doing for her was no favour; he was risking his life to not leave her alone and vulnerable. Furthermore, if he wouldn't have run with her out of the festival, she'd have been spotted. She was undeniably in debt with him.
It was ironic she was appreciating his company when she has been trying to push his clan away for so long. All this time she thought she was ready to face anything, but reality could differ. It was then that her reflections were interrupted, and the sound of flying projectiles filled the silent place, forcing her distracted eyes to look at the sky. Immediately, one explosion of light and colours after another filled the night sky... if only they could see them. The trees were too tall and leafy to witness the spectacle. But she should be used to disappointment by now.
Goddammit.
It's either watching them or staying alive. You choose. He summarized her options.
The rode back home wasn't something she could picture happening. Walking with her baggy clothes, her shopping bag filled with supplies and her mask on was better than using one of Scepter 4's van to move her to a safer place. This way, they wouldn't stand out as much, and that was the plan. That's why they left when people started leaving to hide in the multitude. So, aside from the taller guy walking next to her, nothing was out of the ordinary.
She couldn't believe he was taking her home by foot, using his free time from work, after being dragged to almost the end of the festival he wanted to avoid the whole night. That was the most bizarre part of the walk. But his presence wasn't unwelcoming at all. It did make her feel safer, even though now she was wearing clothes that allowed movement and she could defend herself.
Moments like these when she felt vulnerable, and paranoid were very rare. Under her steady footsteps she was fighting trembling legs, and under her mask, she was holding her breath to stop her erratic heart. Right now, she felt the urge to not be left alone. Which didn't make sense. She was an assassin, she has seen death in the eye countless times before, and she was ready to face her ex-co-workers whenever they wanted to, so why did she find his company so reliable? She found this sensation unwished, and she wasn't going to say a word about it. Which somehow, made her uncomfortable to be in silence with nothing else to say.
By the way, that wasn't your first kiss, right?
Suddenly, she didn't dislike the silence anymore.
I don't want to hear any complains about that. He added.
It was weird for him to brought up this subject.
And not a single word to Munakata, was I clear? He threatened.
Now it made sense. *sigh* Don't worry. It wasn't. She was being honest. Her first was... better not bother to remember it. She had enough bad experiences for one night.
Good. He felt at ease now that there'll be no trouble in the future. By the way, I'm also charging you extra for that.
She moved her face and glared at him. Give me a break. She knew he was an asshole, but this was too much.
Well, if at least you'd had done it decently, I'd have ignored it. But you sucked. When he remembered how she pretty much hit him when she smacked his mouth, he brushed his lips, still hurting a little. I'll develop some trauma after that. He wholeheartedly grumbled.
For once, Eri snapped out of her traumatizing experience and pouted under her mask. I can do it better than that. She defended her hurt pride.
Whatever you say. He shrugged his shoulders.
Tired of his bullshit, she bluntly hit his arm.
I'm also charging that.
All the way to her apartment they repeated the same routine. At the end, he said she owed him twice the amount than from the beginning, but she wasn't paying for none of that. And on and on their argument echoed all the way home, distracting her mind from that horrendous fright and delaying for a moment the imminent truth she was going to face.