We are back on our mini arc again now that Christmas is over. Another longer-ish chapter now. While this arc probably has one more chapter in it I'm more than happy to take requests to write some new stuff. I just need more ideas at this point haha. Let me know in any reviews.
Isolated Pair
"I'm surprised you can function on such little sleep Souji-kun." As soon as the words left her lips a large yawn took its place. She rubbed her eyes with her free hand, trying to shake the weariness of the morning away.
"It's a habit I gained in high school funnily enough."
"Let me guess all of those part time jobs?" Souji nodded, if he was tired he didn't show it.
It made the Sleuth sigh knowing how much he gave up time wise for the group. Looking at it now it's no surprise it's the way he was now. His ability to be an anchor was second to none. However she was concerned by how awkwardly he slept last night due to his injury, that on top of how long she kept him up because for that alone her greatest fear was her dreams.
"At some point I thought something was going to give but we finished off by Christmas Eve really helped me put my schedule back on track. So really it's no big deal."
Scoffing, the Sleuth shook her head. "Only in Hindsight Souji-kun."
"Indeed but that's all I had to go on back then." All she could do is hum in response. His logic was sound but made her wonder how much he pushed himself when the others couldn't see and how much they knew. She tried not to dwell on it as he led her down the stairs of the safe house. Naoto had to admit that the place was a lot better than it being described to her. Saying that, she didn't think she would have ever had to spend any time here.
"Not like I do it now anyway." A quick shake of the head as she finished their descent. On the table breakfast was steaming hot and already laid for the pair. Sitting at one side of the table was Yakushiji who had already started eating but was going through folders and binders full of documents.
"Ah there you are. I'm glad you heard the breakfast call. I was worried you both were going to sleep right through it." The Secretary said with a cheerful smile.
"Ah Yakushiji-san, what are you doing here?" Looking on at the table , she wondered if he would be joined by anyone else.
"The Master thought it would be a good idea if I was stationed nearby for a couple days to oversee the two of yours recovery for the time being." His hand gestured both of them to sit down which they did without question. "Go on, take food. If I came to do the initial briefings then we'd have to worry less about any information going into the wrong hands. At the moment things are quite sensitive as you can imagine. Times like this reminds me how fierce some Master Shirogane can be in all honesty."
Naoto leaned over to take a slice of toast from the pile. "I'm guessing he's already lambasted multiple police precincts already?"
"You could say something like that. He's even going to personally interrogate one of the assailants from last night."
Souji raised an eyebrow. "Really? I've not heard him ever doing that." A quick turn to Naoto. "Has he?"
She pondered on the question. "Not in years. It's something he's avoided for now due to having so much work to do..."
Sighing at how he must be feeling. "...For him it must feel personal hence why he would resort to that."
"Indeed, you are he's last flesh and blood so I think he's acting with restraint." Yakushiji said before putting a fork full of scrambled eggs into his mouth.
"Also this breakfast is good." The joyful hum was cut short with a small groan as he stretched just enough for his ribs to disagree with him.
"Souji-kun, please be careful." Her admonishment only made him blush as he continued with his food. He felt her palm softly press against his side and rub gently.
"Indeed, last thing we need is you with long lasting injuries." Yakushiji turned to Naoto while passing a small folder of documents. "We've managed to find some information on who these people are. Thank intelligence teams working through the night for this. I think everyone is quite concerned by what has happened."
Taking the papers, she shifted around part of her table so she could read them while eating. "Pass on my thank you to the teams for this. I owe them my time."
"Will do."
All Souji could do was watch on as he ate, the two from the Estate visually scan the documents while multitasking with their breakfast.
"Here." Naoto pointed out, taking a particular focus on one of the sheets of paper that had what Souji could recognise as one of the people at their apartment last night. Yakushiji raised his glasses slightly to see what she was pointing at while leaning over the table. "He was one of the gunmen yesterday. The gang he has ties too is from..."
She raked her brain for gang names under his affiliates. She saw it before but with how many cases she's had recently details like this were getting mixed up with others. She saw Souji peer over her shoulder.
"Higashi Tobu clan. I remember them, this was from two months ago when you were in Hiroshima." Souji pointed out. The Sleuth blinked for a moment as her mind quickly caught up as her memories now played out exactly that trip went.
"Ah yes good memory Souji-kun." She quickly kissed Souji on cheek before passing the rep sheet with one of the assailants on it to Yakushiji. "That's right. Their group was one of the main ones behind the organised crime in the area. While I got into no physical conflict with them I heard they weren't happy... ...What?"
Her long term carer couldn't help but grin softly at the couple. The display of affection, no matter how small was rare when family was round. So to see it unfiltered like that brought a smile to his face.
"I'm sorry, I'm still not used to you showing affection in front of others. It makes me feel old." He said with a smile causing the pair to blush heavily.
"Oh sorry..."
A dismissive wave of the hand.
"No need to apologise. I'm happy you are so comfortable together. Me and the Master were worried you won't find anyone." The proud look he gave Souji was new to Naoto. "As far as I'm concerned, you are the best thing to happen to her. Time and time again I'm reminded of that. Even if I've had to find you both in compromising positions..."
Naoto instantly turned the shade of a Christmas decoration.
"Yakushiji-san it was only one time."
"One time too many for my old eyes." He laughed lightly at her embarrassed expression before reading over the sheet given to him.
"I see so you've interacted with him in the past or just the crime syndicate?"
"Only in passing. They were in a drug smuggling scheme that was found out due to an investigation of a completely separate crime. It was literally by coincidence that it got unravelled. I guess the collateral damage was their business falling apart."
Yakushiji put his finger to his chin in thought as his brain connected all the pieces together. "I think the next thing to figure out is what became of this group after your investigations. I'm assuming whatever it was is bad enough that they would risk an attempt on your life. That is quite worrying for someone to stoop that low."
"Almost like they have nothing to lose..." Both the Secretary and the Heir to the Estate both looked at Souji in mild surprise. "What? Makes sense. Why take such a big gamble in that situation when you have so much to lose?"
"That's it. Maybe they were dissolved and possibly assimilated into another crime family. Possibly doing this to prove something." Naoto slammed her fist into her palm knowing she had an idea where she was going with it.
"That is logical."
Souji quickly finished swallowing the food in his mouth. "The thugs yesterday talked about 'They were dead' if they couldn't complete the hit. So assuming that Naoto is correct about the dissolution of their group, it might be good to check in on any recently disbanded gangs in the Hiroshima area."
"Souji's right. Should I get on to looking into it?" Yakushiji smiled but shook his head.
"As much as I would love to say yes and have you on board that would be against the reason why you are here in the first place." Sliding over another document that was in his folder binder a second ago. "This suspect is our biggest lead. He's still in intensive care currently due to his injuries but it seems more than likely he'll survive."
"What's the status of the others?" Recounting yesterday's events had the effect of making Naoto's voice cold and uncaring.
"Also in intensive care. One of them was barely hanging on when he got to the hospital but has since stabilised overnight. Makes me wonder just how much were they willing to do what they thought they needed to do. One of my errands is to check their medical status to see when they might be ready to go into questioning."
"I see..." Seemingly settled about having known about the fate of those that attacked her, she reached for some more food.
"While I can't say not dwell on Naoto-sama; it would be best that if you had any after thoughts there is mental health staff on the premises. They are more than happy to help."
The Sleuth paused for a second and was about to dismiss his advice as unnecessary but in the back of her mind it didn't seem like such a bad idea. She noticed the small smile coming from Yakushiji knowing what he said got through.
"I think it's a good idea." Was the interjection from her significant other, pulling her out of her thoughts for a minute.
"You think so?" Taking another moment, he swallowed the mouthful of food he was eating before clearing his throat.
"Yeah, you always have so many things running through your mind and you internalise a lot so it might be a good shout." Souji noticed her look down in thought, her mind searching for a way to possibly bring up a counterpoint. Using that time Souji had his own things he wanted to pick Yakushiji's brain about.
"I hope you don't mind but I got a couple questions."
Perking up at the younger Master's partner speaking to him namelessly, he turned with a look letting him know he could continue.
"What condition is the apartment in?"
A sigh and an uncomfortable one at that. From that tone alone Souji knew it wasn't good.
"Well it's currently a mess riddled with bullet holes and looked like a typhoon had hit it..." Souji frowned at his analysis but Naoto stayed quiet. "The Estate will probably have to write off the property after the renovation is done to sell it back on the market. It's considered a liability and with the case making it to regional news it's even more of a danger for anyone working with the Estate to stay in."
Souji sighed himself knowing what was coming. "Does that mean?"
"Yes I'm afraid. You'll have to move, we currently haven't sourced what location both you and the Young Master will move to yet but it will take some time before we do. We have to carry out a risk assessment of where we can place you both and considering how much of a large breach of information this was we will have to change the process of our risk assessment to make it much more accurate to up hold safety."
"I don't even know why I'm surprised." He knew that considering what happened they would have to move but it still annoyed him.
"You liked that apartment didn't you Souji-kun?"
It was a small tilt to the head that clued Naoto into how he was thinking. He didn't want to admit that he was growing attached to the place but his heart was telling him that he should.
"Yeah I guess I should know since we shift around often enough but it feels like we're settling down." The comment made Naoto feel bad in more ways than one. The portion about how often they move for her work stung considering Souji's childhood was a lot of travelling due to his parents and him not really able to settle down in one space for too long. That insecurity always played in the back of her mind but she dismissed them simply due to Souji's ability to smile about it and not hold her back. This was the first time where her worries bubbled to the surface proving them true.
The second was the aspect of settling down. She knew it was something Souji wanted to do. While she knew he liked helping her with her work while he juggled his own working progression, a sense of routine is something he enjoyed. She knew that but sometimes it's easy to forget with the whirlwind of a schedule. All of the second thoughts from every work trip she had where she'd had to leave him for sometimes weeks at a time while she worked came up simultaneously.
"Sorry I should have worded that better." Souji corrected. His voice was apologetic, she wondered if he read her expression, leaking out one of his inner thoughts when he wasn't supposed too.
"No no. There is truth in what you were saying." While she knew she couldn't address the whole problem now at the breakfast table, she filed it away in her brain for immediate attention. One of the good things being in isolation is that they had time to work on each other and that's exactly what she was going to do now she had the chance.
"Unfortunately with the way Naoto-sama works it is a foreseen consequence. It's one of the precautions that keeps anyone associated with the Estate safe and allows them maximum secrecy to work."
Naoto instantly shot Yakushiji, a glare which told him to hold his mouth. Seemingly getting the message, he flinched.
"Yeah, I know." While he did his best Naoto sensed the sadness in his voice at Yakushiji's ruthlessly logical point.
"Anyway..." Naoto interrupted hoping to put the conversation on something better. "What's the agenda for me and Souji-kun today?"
Coughing uncomfortably at the Young Master's sudden switch of the topic, he looked at her and passed over a paper.
"Considering the situation neither of you can leave this complex under the current conditions so other than these general times for the medical staff to look over your wounds from yesterday the day is pretty much yours. We'll be delivering some more technological equipment later on in the afternoon once we can verify the network's safety so you don't feel entirely without access to the outside world."
Naoto nodded.
"That's great. I'm sure me and Souji-kun can occupy ourselves until then." Her right hand shifted under the table and clasped his left holding it tightly.
"Oh I had one more thing?"
The two members of the Estate fixed on the former leader waiting for his question.
"Heard anything from my family and our friends?" Yakushiji blinked for a second as he processed the question before his face turned into a smile.
"Oh yes, I spoke to Dojima-san both last night and this morning when I arrived." He winced as his mind recalled the conversation.
"He wasn't happy was he?"
"No he wasn't. From what I know your parents are on the way to Inaba now because they heard what happened. I forgot how scary he could get when he's angry but the fact he found out from local news rather than from yourselves is probably what makes him so angry. He just kept demanding answers. Thankfully he was in a lot better mood this morning knowing the two of you were safe and he'd had some sleep."
"My parents are heading to Inaba?" Yakushiji noted Naoto's look of surprise but continued to focus on her partner.
"Yes, they are planning on meeting Shirogane-sama today to explain what is going on. He feels responsible so he arranged the meeting at short notice."
"Oh..."
"Did Grandpa say what time?" Yakushiji shook his head.
"No, all he said was this afternoon. I'm sure he would do it sooner rather than later but he had a meeting at one of the police precincts this morning first so I feel he would want to get that out of the way first."
"That makes sense." The Sleuth turned to Souji to see what he was thinking. His face was unreadable but his eyes showed worry.
"Heard anything from our friends?"
The secretary shook his head again.
"No, there have been numerous missed calls from your phones from what I'm assuming is from them but due to the nature of the situation we have not answered them. I think they are aware of what is going on and also worried about the pair of you."
"You'll let us know when we can contact them right?"
"In haste I promise." She heard Souji sigh in relief. Oh she heard that one before and it wasn't good. His demeanour and his calmness was starting to slip. She had been so focused on his physical well being and putting on her worry and fears on him she didn't take into account the mental toll this whole situation was having on him. He needed a break.
"Is there anything else Yakushiji?" To his credit, he sensed the drop of urgency in Naoto's voice.
"No unless either of you have any more questions?"
"No,"
"I'm fine,"
"Good. I can wrap up and give the results of our little investigation to Shirogane-sama and see what he can do with it. I'll excuse myself, also remember the times on the sheet, you'll have your medical exams then."
"Will do, take care Yakushiji-san."
"Make sure you get back ok."
With a dutiful nod, he rose from his chair, binders and folders under his right arm as he headed towards the front of the complex and out of the door. She heard Souji relax as the door hit the doorframe signalling they were the only one in the dining room-living room combination.
"You don't sound ok Souji-kun."
"I'm ok, just my brain is tired."
"You are stressed."
He gave her a tired yet sincere smile. "Not as stressed as you."
She sighed, it was one of exasperation knowing he was avoiding the subject.
"I'm sorry." Seeing him flinched and then having his eyes fixate on her curiously.
"What for?"
"For a lot of things. Could we go upstairs?"
"Sure,"
...
...
"I'm sorry about all the moving." Naoto started off. She was sitting at the edge of the bed as Souji was propped up against the headboard so he didn't strain his ribs. It brought a raised eyebrow from her significant other. She was unsure if it was implying for her to continue or to explain herself on why this is coming up now. "Considering the situation with your childhood and your constant moving with your parents, our current housing situation is less than ideal."
"Oh that..."
There was a moment of silence as the both of them gathered their thoughts. Naoto looked at him to gauge his demeanour but his eyes were hidden under his bangs. It made the nerves of her skin stand on end uncomfortably at her inability to read him and more so the inability to see his eyes.
"It's not your fault."
The answer was simple but it didn't make her feel any better.
"While I can say yes it wasn't my intention to cause a problem it was an action I've taken part in for it to be an issue."
"Well it's not like I didn't know it was going to be like this." Naoto's eyes widened for a second as the volume of Souji's voice was raised just an octave to be noticeable.
"I know but you being aware that this is our situation and being ok with it are two very different things. You know that right?"
"Of course I do." He sounds exasperated. She hates pushing him like this but it's the best way to make progress in her mind.
"Right. I'm always aware of the silent distress it gives you when I'm away for long periods of time. Am I correct?" He didn't answer but Souji turned his head away, seemingly looking for an answer.
"Yeah I miss you that's all." Both of them were aware of the open sadness in his voice. He didn't try to mask it now they were alone and heavily into this subject. It pulled at Naoto's heart knowing that this tone didn't come out often at all.
"I'm sorry for putting you under all of the stress. I should be more considerate of your feelings and mental well being whenever I go. You always seem so happy and supportive of me that I've made the terrible mistake of not taking into account how you feel every time I leave through the door. I've relied too much on your independence."
Souji shook his head. Not agreeing with everything she said.
"I know how important it is for you. It's your dream right. I should not stand in your way just because I'd like you home more often. I just miss your company when it's been a long time. I'm not against you going out. If anything I really do want you to make the most of this."
"You are lonely when I do right."
"Sometimes yeah,"
"It's the same for me as well." Souji instantly turned to her, eyes narrowing.
"Really?"
"Yes, I miss you all the time. Having to hide it to stop myself from not going is hard. Feeling the distance is hard too. Maybe I've been too stubborn and not let you know how I feel when I'm away. That probably hasn't helped because it makes it seem that all I worry about the case and I don't think of you."
"Never really thought of it like that." She quickly shook her head, pushing some of her blue locks to behind her ear so she could see her partner better.
"Neither have I until just now, it's something I really should consider. I guess I was intimidated by your ability to be so independent. You didn't need me messaging and calling you all the time and I was the only one feeling this way." Pausing for a moment, Naoto took a breath in. "I was foolish to think that the smallest bit of affection wouldn't help the situation. We've been together for so long, it's a large oversight to have especially when it's been this amount of time."
"I should do more of the same-" He was interrupted by a raise of the hand just to pause him for a moment.
"I specifically say to limit the conversation for when I'm away due to the sensitivity in the case. The only reason I say this is so I can concentrate on work." She blushed knowing the reason for her lack of concentration. "I think about you way too often. When I see your name pop up on my phone all I can think about is you and wanting to get back home. I should stop that and embrace my love for you when I'm away. Maybe we'll feel more satisfied if we message and talk while I'm away. Whenever you are gone from our residence, I can't put my phone down."
"I'd appreciate that." The words were short but the sincerity in his voice was noticeable.
"I think we both need it. I can't apologise enough."
"I'd rather you just give me a cuddle to be honest." A small smile grew on Naoto's face.
"That is something I can definitely facilitate."
Shuffling across the bed she awkwardly wrapped her arms around Souji, taking care not to put any pressure on his chest. She felt him sigh in her embrace. That was the good one, the one of content that he was happy. In her mind, she knew this wouldn't be the last time it comes up but this is a good start to get things rolling and chalked it up to progress.
Yawn~
"You are tired Souji-kun. You barely slept last night because of me. You should get a nap."
"You sure I don't-"
"It's fine. Let your mind rest and recover, I won't be going anywhere."
She could see him trying to fight it which caused her to giggle.
"Come on Souji. Relax and I'll be here once you have a rest."
"T-Thanks Naoto..." Another deep yawn before she felt him drift off in her arms. She smiled knowing how much his emotions took out of him which was the gateway to catch up on some sleep.
"I'll be here Souji-kun, I promise." She cooed lightly. Wanting nothing more to be with him forever.
