AN: I don't normally do holiday stories, because they have too fast an expiration date. Especially when I'm an idiot who posts on the holiday itself, rather than a few days in advance. But sorry, the idea just stuck in my head, because anything is a good excuse for these two to flirt.
"Look at all the amazing costumes!" Sasagawa was filming in the midst of a Halloween gathering in Bayfront City. It was an annual event, more family-friendly than other similar gatherings, which always promised fun, games, and lots of candy. She wished she was eating the candy, but to no avail. It was probably for the best, anyway.
"Th-that's incredible!" Completely forgetting about her sweets craving, she could only gape and point for a moment when she saw a group of four children dressed in incredibly intricate costumes of the four Drive Heads pass by. Rather, whoever was in the Backdraft costume was being dragged along by the one in the Interceptor costume, clearly not actually wanting to be there. It was rather cute to watch. But she wasn't just there to watch, she quickly reminded herself. "These four could easily be candidates to win the best costume contest!" she announced. "It's Team Drive Head!"
Who had such good craftsmanship to get all the details right? The parents of these four must have been hardcore Drive Head fans. She wanted to meet them. Or maybe, they were even designed by the drivers themselves. It was a mystery, but as she was also a judge for the costume contest, she intended to push for them, and personally award this amazing team with a trophy and basket of premium chocolates. (Which she still wanted for herself).
Not wanting to focus too much on the same kids, though she was tempted to stalk the four Drive Heads for the rest of the night and press them with questions, Sasagawa wandered around to comment on other things, such as the pumpkin carving contest entries, the carnival games, the vendors selling home-baked sweets. It was fortunately a mild night for late October, so there were big crowds, even just passerbys who were too late to get reservations for indoor events at local restaurants and were looking for a quick bite.
When it was time for a break, she made her way back to one vendor, having given up her resolve to not indulge in all the holiday treats. They were offering manju with tiny detailing in frosting of the Drive Head's faces. Of course she was getting the Cyclone one.
"Here you are, Miss."
Sasagawa turned her head abruptly. Standing before her was Dr. Karigari, holding a plate with one of the manju she'd been eyeing.
"That's… You're…" She was at a loss for words, but at the same time, she honestly didn't care about Drive Head manju anymore for that instant. Her eyes lit up. "What are you doing here, Dr. Karigari?"
"Offering you a snack, so you don't have to wait on that long line during your entire break," said Karigari. "Or would you rather something else? I hear the taiyaki is high quality, or so say my subordinates who wouldn't know the difference between McDonalds or a fine imported steak."
"No, I did want that Drive Head manju," said Sasagawa. "But I mean… why are you here? And not even in a costume? You're a wanted criminal." She whispered the last part.
"How do you know that I'm in fact The Number One Genius Scientist in Space Dr. Karigari, and not an adoring fan in a high-quality costume, Miss? I saw those Drive Head costumes as well, and know there's quite some impressive craftsmanship this year, but nothing which could top my own."
"Because… you sound like Dr. Karigari. And you act like Dr. Karigari. And… do you really have any fans who would want to dress like you? I mean, you can be really cool, but... to most people you're still a wanted criminal."
Karigari frowned, seeing how skeptical Sasagawa was.
"Sadly, my popularity has yet to eclipse Drive Head in the eyes of the simple-minded masses. It's not nearly as high as it should be. And you're right, I am The Genius Scientist Who Simply Wanted an Excuse to See the World's Most Beautiful Announcer on Halloween Dr. Karigari."
Sasagawa's face turned bright red.
"Th-Thank you, Dr. Karigari." She wasn't sure if he was flattering her, but something about Karigari made her think he was always quite genuine. "And thank you for the snack." She finally took it and cautiously bit in, realizing she'd be maiming Cyclone's head. Oh well. "It's delicious!"
"I'm glad," said Karigari. "I trust your taste more than my subordinates. I might have to get one for myself… if not for that fact that they're all plastered in Drive Head."
"But, you're only going to eat it," said Sasagawa.
"I wouldn't eat even the real Drive Head," said Karigari. "I have numerous metal parts already, but I can assure you that my teeth are still the natural set. I'd hate to replace those as well."
Sasagawa glared at him. "No one would eat the real Drive Head!" She quickly finished her manju, and turned to him again. "It really is delicious. I'll treat you to one, since you did the same for me."
"Miss!" Karigari was taken aback by her offer. "I ask for nothing in exchange. Meeting you tonight was satisfying enough."
"Alright," said Sasagawa. She studied his face, but truly, she couldn't find any indication that he wasn't completely genuine with her. He'd even risk going out in public to see her, as no one would believe he was actually just some stranger in a costume.
…Costume! She was brought to the realization that her break was almost coming to an end. She had to go back for the judging of the costume contest.
"Dr. Karigari, I'm sorry," she said. "It's time for me to go. Will you still be around later?"
"Miss, a genius wanted criminal can't be too careless," Karigari replied. "I've gotten my Halloween treat, so I'd best leave as well."
"But Dr. Karigari…" She wasn't satisfied with that answer at all. "It's dangerous walking home alone on a night like this. Who knows what ghosts and goblins might be lurking around every corner, who also want a beautiful announcer as a treat. I need you to escort me home!"
She was sure Karigari knew just as well that she wasn't actually afraid. But she didn't think he'd want her to go home alone either way.
"You make an excellent point, one which I should have considered hours ago. Or perhaps I did, but feared you might feel safer walking home with a goblin." He smiled at her. "I'll be waiting for you!"
Sasagawa grinned. She too had received the best treat she could have asked for this Halloween.