Haise Sasaki was pissed, to say the least.
He got a partner. Which is fine. He could deal with that.
(It would suck, but it wouldn't be totally unbearable).
But as for who his partner was?
His partner was... odd. Haise didn't know how to describe him. All he knew was that Nimura Furuta made him feel uncomfortable. This whole situation was a big annoyance.
.
They had left Yoshitoki's office (i.e. were kicked out) and were currently walking down the hallway in silence. Haise didn't know what to say, and neither did the other guy.
Maybe Furuta did know what to say and just didn't want to say it. After all, Haise got the sense that Furuta was hiding something. He wasn't who he claimed to be.
That could be literally. Maybe Nimura Furuta wasn't Nimura Furuta. Or, perhaps, he was just fake. Either way, the guy ticked Haise off.
Haise sighed. "You know this, I think we've met before but, I'm… Haise. Haise Sasaki. I'll be your new partner, I guess." He made the decision to suck it up and deal with having Furuta as his partner for two reasons: One, he would die soon anyway. He wouldn't actually have to "deal with it" for too long. Two, this was simply the price he had to pay for leaving the Quinxes.
At this point, he'd much rather be with someone like Furuta than the Quinx squad, honestly.
Furuta nodded, walking a few paces behind him. "I-I'm Nimura Furuta. It's nice to finally meet the once famous, now infamous Sasaki."
Infamous… Infamous?
How the fuck am I infamous?
Whatever. Maybe Furuta is just rude.
"Yeah," he stated, pretending to ignore what Furuta had said. Haise continued, almost bitterly. "Anyway, I'd talked with Kijima before. He told me some things about you…"
Furuta chuckled a bit. "All good things, I hope?"
Even his laugh was off, Haise thought. What a fucking creep. He gave a fake smile. "All good things. He told me that you were a stunningly organized man. You're good at investigating crime scenes and such. You have keen senses, and pick up on smaller details… when you're willing to speak up, that is."
Furuta, slightly embarrassed, returned the smile and ran a hand through his thin, black hair. "Haha, yeah well–"
Before Furuta could say anything else, Haise jumped back in. "But to be honest," he said, catching the other man's attention. "You're a bit off, to me at least. I don't think you are who you say you are. I don't really trust you, because of that."
There was a good amount of awkward silence between the two, as they neared their destination. Furuta was probably acting like he didn't hear anything, and Haise was starting to regret ever saying something like that. Being openly honest about negative opinions held for a person somebody just met, is one of those things that societal wisdom tells people not to do.
Haise cleared his throat. "I shouldn't have said that. Sorry. I've had a bad morning… and I've been up since like, 3:30. I'm sleep-deprived, depressed, and kind of hungry. I left my kids, for you, and I haven't really told them. Someone I admire(d) for their work is someone I now realize is disturbingly… disturbing. My hair is messy no matter how much I try to tame it. I have circles under my eyes, and they won't go away. One of my eyes is red, in fact. I don't know how. I don't really know why, either. The coffee I make tastes like shit. People hurt every time they see me because I pretend I don't see said people. I– oh. Sorry. I'm rambling."
Furuta simply looked at Haise, who was frowning. He nodded, opting to say nothing as they reached Haise's office.
His "office" wasn't much of an office, actually. The only employees that had their own, separate offices were special investigators. Haise was one rank below the cut so he had to share his space with other people.
He'd never really been at his desk for a while, though. As the Quinx Squad's mentor, he had always been at the Chateau, despite having been assigned a desk.
The desk itself was devoid of any personal sentiment for that reason. However, there were stacks of papers on the white surface.
Haise, not making eye contact, spoke again. "A-Anyways, I'm no expert. Though I think a good icebreaker for new partners is diving in, head first. We'll work a case."
Furuta held his hand to his head in a sarcastic solute. "That sounds good, sir!"
"Don't call me–"
Furuta began to sift through the papers, looking for something interesting. Haise didn't finish his thought, something told him that Furuta would call him "sir" no matter what he said. He wasn't used to the formality. The only one that ever said anything like that to him was Urie. He insisted on saying his full title (Associate Special Investigator Sasaki). What a mouthful.
Furuta was sitting in the desk chair, and Haise, leaning against a wall. He caught sight of a very young woman gawking at him. Suddenly in the mood to instigate something, Haise turned his head towards her. "Do you need something?"
She squealed (yes, squealed), and nervously shuffled toward him. "I-I'm Ayumi!" her head damn near dropped to the ground as she bowed. "It's an honor to meet you!"
Ayumi's head stayed there, as Haise stared. His mouth twitched. He squatted to her level. "It's an honor to meet you, Ayumi."
She didn't respond, although he could see a growing blush on her face, and a frantic energy surrounding her. His voice took a more serious tone. "Seriously, chill. You can raise your head… you never had to lower it in the first place."
The two stood up, and Haise was finally able to to see her face. She was indeed young, late teens at most. Probably the same age as the Quinxes, maybe younger. Her hair was medium-length, black, and messy in a cute sense. She wore something that Akira would probably wear (button down shirt with a pencil skirt and blazer), and he immediately knew she was an overachiever.
Haise was curious, as much as he was amused. "Tell me: you say it's an honor, and for that, I am honored but, why?"
Her face grew even redder as she looked him up and down, in shock he even acknowledged her. "Y-you're Haise Sasaki! You fended off the Owl, single-handedly, and nearly won! You're the CCG's strongest!" Her arms were moving around robotically and her mouth was moving a mile a minute as she expressed her amazement.
"Strongest, huh? That's quite a thing to say, Ayumi." he looked at her and smiled. It was a small one, but a real one. "Your desk… where is it? I assume we are on the same floor."
She nodded enthusiastically and pointed to the set of two desks next to his. The desk he was paired with was empty, but he assumed that it would be given to Furuta soon. Since they were now partners and all.
"It's that one, right over there! I'll be sure to work hard, and respect you and this floor of the CCG's fine establishment!" she loudly announced.
Haise saw sheer determination in her eyes.
Good for her, I guess.
That kind of positive motivation isn't one you find very often… especially in a place like this.
(Or, should I say, this Fine Establishment)
But I can tell the stick up her ass will end up affecting me in a bad way.
Like judgemental stares at my extremely dark eye-circles and messy hair or my un-ironed suit.
Then again, she really seems to admire me…
It's nice, that feeling. But she knows nothing about me.
If she knew who I truly am, I'm sure she'd run fast and far.
"Sir!"
Haise waved Ayumi off and headed back to his own desk. Furuta held up a single sheet of paper.
"I came across something… interesting, I think." He smiled (creepily, as per usual).
Haise grabbed the sheet and scanned it.
The document was a formal complaint sent in weeks ago. Someone, who was female and anonymous, had claimed that a… really, really, really rich man was a ghoul. She said he used his money and power to get away with some fucked-up stuff.
The sender was apparently bound to this man, for one reason or another. She tried to look into the man's personal life– in hopes of digging up dirt that she could use against him. In doing so, she supposedly came across what she thought to be human flesh in his possession.
"The person who sent this is truly helpful. I mean, she told us her name and all." Haise declared, sarcastically. "If we pursue this case, we'll have to confirm that this man is actually a ghoul, and make sure that this woman is not lying."
Furuta's brows knitted together in question. "Why?"
"This woman would have reason to give us a false accusation. Even if he wasn't a ghoul, the allegations against him would certainly decrease his wealth and status in some way. Thus, decreasing his power over this person. If by chance, he is a ghoul, then this person has an obvious win in her hands. But, in either situation, there'd be justice for our anonymous tipper." Haise explained with bored eyes.
Furuta nodded in agreement. "I think we should look into this. The guy was accused of some dirty crimes… we don't condone that here, do we?"
"Nope. However, Miss Anonymous gave us no details. Do we even have his name?" Haise asked. He scratched the side of his face lightly, waiting for the other man's answer. Furuta was instead pulling out something else that looked like a thick piece of paper.
Truth be told, Haise didn't really want to do this case. He was high up on the CCG's food chain. He should be doing missions that are more action-packed.
Furuta shoved the paper in his face. "This was also attached to the complaint. It's an invite to a party."
Indeed it was. An elegant and luxurious ball... tomorrow night, coincidentally. Only the best of the best were invited, according to the gold foil-encrusted card. It was an invitation for one, with a plus one dedicated solely to a romantic partner.
Upon reading this, Haise and Furuta slowly made eye contact, with similarly pale faces.
Yeah, no. That was a hard pass for Haise. He quickly made a suggestion. "Listen. How about only one of us goes to this party?"
Furuta agreed. Haise planned on being the one to stay, he wasn't in the mood for this anymore. However, Furuta spoke before he did.
"I'll stay here. We can be on an intercom so you can tell me what you find."
"I..."
"Also, to be entirely honest with you, I think you should go find a female partner. Seduction, for our alleged perpetrator, may be the best route. I'm sure you're a great seducer but you may not be his type. So… just in case."
Haise raised his eyebrow, drilling holes into Furuta with his glare. He sighed though, allowing for Furuta's stupid idea. "Let's talk later today, then. I'll find someone… and text you. I have to go work on other things for now. But–"
Furuta grabbed his chin in thought. "Those other things wouldn't happen to pertain to the Quinx Squad?"
At Haise's heavily masked look of annoyance, Furuta explained. "I couldn't help but overhear a part of the conversation between you and Yoshitoki."
Haise stretched his arms, and begin to walk away. "See you, Furuta."
"So, that's when I knew that he was all bark and no bite!"
Everyone laughed, nervously. Nobody knew what to do in this situation. Namely Urie. He invited this woman to the Chateau, not to gossip about people with her, but to interrogate her; however, he underestimated her. She knew exactly what she was doing.
She was currently playing video games with Yonebayashi. They looked like they were having fun, although Yonebayashi looked a little sad. Probably because of…
A patterned knock on the door made them all jump. They weren't expecting anyone today. Mutsuki's eyes widened and he shut his book. Yonebayashi had the same reaction, and even put down her controller.
Urie began to stand up, but Takatsuki beat him to it. "I'll get the door!" she said, pacing over. No one tried to stop her, and she swung it open. Waiting there at the entrance was none other than Haise Sasaki.
A tense silence filled the house as Haise's grip on the door handle grew frighteningly tight. A vein popped out of his neck, and an eerie smile overtook his face. He leaned down and close to Takatsuki, his lips brushing against her ear. He whispered something in a terrifyingly stable voice. Urie could've sworn he said something close to, "What the fuck are you doing here?"
The air grew even colder.
But Sen Takatsuki, being who she was, ignored the chill that ran through her and everyone else's bones.
She giggled behind her hand as she hopped away from him. "Nice to see you again, too Haise Sa-sa-ki!"
Haise inhaled, and slowly exhaled counting to ten. He probably decided to deal with her later. So he walked away from her, and to the center of the living room where all of the squad was collected.
His mouth began to move, but he as interrupted.
"Maman!" Yonebayashi shouted, smiling. She ran and wrapped him in a hug that he barely reciprocated. It had only been around a week, maybe less than that, but the Quinxes (save Urie himself) truly missed Investigator Sasaki.
"Hi. Saiko," he said slowly. He smoothed down her long, blue hair. All the anger that had coursed through his veins had dissipated. Now, he was empty.
Yonebayashi still clung to him, but he turned to face the other Quinxes.
"I have to leave. I'm sorry, but I can't do this… not anymore (it'll be too painful for both of us when it's time for me to go. I want you to keep being my sweet dream, but I'm awake now. Saying this hurts… it hurts so much, I'm sorry)."
Mutsuki's mouth was agape, Takatsuki's mouth formed a sadistic and small smile, and Urie looked down but unsurprised. Yonebayashi stepped away and looked at him, confused. Her mouth trembled, and out of nowhere, she yelled something that no one really heard and proceeded to sucker-punch him square in the jaw.
It was awkward after that, but Sasaki left soon after a final goodbye. Takatsuki said her farewells too, promising to visit again, and left with Haise.
The Quinxes were left in a deafening silence.
It was 9:00 PM and Haise had joined Takatsuki in an empty bar.
She was swirling a shot of whiskey around and downed it, completing a pyramid of shots. The bartender looked at her in wonderment and probably respect before walking away.
Haise was holding his face up with an arm resting against the bar. He looked at her, smirking. "I thought you'd be a lightweight, honestly."
She looked thoughtfully at her well-manicured fingernails. "But you wouldn't know anything about drinking, would you?"
"No… I wouldn't." Haise paused. "Silence is often times painful in the company others. It feels unnatural, uncomfortable. Yet, with you, the silence is… comforting."
"Is that just a nice, poetic way to say that your life is better when I don't speak?"
"Yeah."
Haise sat up straighter and spoke with a business-like tone. "Let me take you out."
Takatsuki looked at him. She just stared at him, scrutinizing him. "What do you want from me?" she finally demanded, her arms crossed in a childish manner.
Haise shrugged. "I just thought maybe you'd want to go with me to a nice party… was I wrong? You don't have to accompany me. I'll go alone."
"Okay. I'll go with you but, as for whatever you're scheming, you might as well tell me now." She said.
Haise was hardly paying attention, though. His eyes were on his phone. Takatsuki leaned over him, noting the message he sent to a Nimura Furuta.
Her eyes narrowed after seeing that. "Furuta, huh?"
"Yes… you seem like you know him?"
"I do."
They made eye contact and both cracked a smile. "He's an odd one," they said, at the same time.
Takatsuki looked away, although she was still smiling. Haise turned away and looked at all the alcoholic beverages lining the wall in front of them. He then slid his phone to her.
She looked at it, then at him for an explanation. "Add your number. I'll text you the details later." he clarified.
Takatsuki tapped away and slid his phone back. She laughed, inching so close to him. He could feel her breath against the skin of his neck, and it made him shiver. She snaked a hand through his hair and onto his cheek. Her lips moved closer to his own, and she was practically out of her seat and into his.
Haise's mouth remained slightly parted, eyes emotionless. Then, surprising both himself and her, he gently removed her hand from his face, holding it to his chest. "You know," he whispered, "I think this party will be fun (I also think you'll be a great use to me. As a seductress, that is. So thanks, for the appreciated assistance Sen Takatsuki)."
The Reaper is a Famous Man
Okay, well this ends the introduction arc... yay. I guess the rest of this series will be in a "short story" format. As I said last time, I'll probably combine these first five chapters into one big chapter... just because.
Also, happy late Thanksgiving.
