Chapter 09: "Her English Patient"
Sleep was quite the supernatural thing, if you sat down and thought about it. In certain cultures, waking up was synonymous with returning from the dead. To them, consciousness was life and anything else was not.
Which was pretty fitting, because when I woke up this morning I was sure I didn't fully make the transition and my soul was still half-caught in the afterlife. I felt like I was one of those stone tablets that housed the soul of monsters from Egyptian criminals and mages or whatever. [1]
In hindsight, sitting out in the rain and moping after working overtime for many days was not a good idea. The reward for my heroic deeds last night? A fever and painful cough from the flu.
"I just want to dieeeeee." I groaned into my pillow, my clogged sinuses made me sound like a grumpy sheep.
I phoned the Chief to call out sick, who gladly approved it. He told me to get some sleep, which was advice I eagerly followed. I wrapped myself like a snail in the covers of my bed and tried to ignore the discomfort from my aching frame and congested head. It felt as if someone was using my body as a snare drum and was slamming it repeatedly, playing the percussion line to "He's a Pirate" with a passion. [2]
Back when I was younger, my parents were never home, so Komachi and I would take care of one another whenever we got sick. It was one of the many things that solidified our sibling relationship. I cracked a smile at the thought. Maybe I should give her a call when I'm better…
I closed my eyes and heard the ticking of my living room clock all the way from the bedroom. The sound lulled me to sleep like I was counting sheep. The apartment felt a lot larger and colder than I remembered.
I drifted in and out of consciousness until the afternoon. When I woke up, it was to clean out my stuffy nose. As I reached to drink some water from a bottle I had near my side, I noticed the notification LED of my phone blinking. I had a lot of text messages and even some missed calls. Some were from Haruno asking about case information for pre-trial preparation. Hiratsuka-sensei and Rumi both sent messages wishing me a speedy recovery and promising to show up later. And hold on…
Yukinoshita actually texted me.
"Dear Hikigaya-kun, please call me back as soon as you receive this text message."
Wow, she still texted like this? Talk about stiff.
"Dear Hikigaya-kun, this is an urgent message, please respond."
She sounded pretty impatient, must have been something serious. Was it regarding the case? There were a few more messages from her.
"Dear Hikigaya-kun, I apologize. I have contacted the police station and Chief Tsurumi has kindly let me know that you are out sick today. I hope you are taking care of yourself, do not worry about contacting me. The message can wait."
That's pretty nice of her, that trademark awkward thoughtfulness that really made you appreciate whatever she did.
"Dear Hikigaya-kun, I retract my previous sentiment. Chief Tsurumi has brought to my attention that you have been working 18 hours a day for the past two weeks. He has told me to contact Hiratsuka-sensei and has provided her number."
My heart stops beating and I'm sure I was clinically dead for a moment.
The emotional-terrorist was going to have a new comrade soon.
CHIEF, YOU TRAITOR!
"Dear Hikigaya-kun, Hiratsuka-sensei and I have had a lovely conversation. She wanted me to pass on a message. She says that she will not be able to visit you during the day. She has requested that I come in her stead."
MAYDAY! MAYDAY! MAYDAY! MAYDAY! MAYDAY!
Klaxons go off in my head. I tried to convince myself that there was no way Hiratsuka-sensei would be that cruel. This had to be a joke. No, I'm probably asleep. Hahaha, what a silly dream. Oh wait, there's another message?
"Dear Hikigaya-kun, I will be over in 20 minutes."
That text was sent 19 minutes ago.
DEFCON 1! WE ARE AT DEFCON 1!
THIS IS NOT A DRILL!
THE PISTOL IS COCKED. I REPEAT, THE PISTOL IS COCKED! [3]
A knock at my door and all mental sirens melted into the void.
I got out of bed slowly and used the walls to support my dizzy self as I stumbled into the living room. I briefly considered not opening it, pretending that I'm not home. The knocks continued throughout my deliberation, and against my better judgment, I opened the door.
Surprise, it was Yukinoshita.
She stood before me in casual garb, which was a rare sight. She wore a white blouse with navy blue slacks that were covered by bright yellow rain boots that reached up to her knees. Over her was a dark green raincoat slick with water and a wet umbrella at her side. Shoot, did it start raining again? And didn't she have a car? Did she come by train?
It matters not, I had more pressing concerns. Namely, myself.
"Whatever your selling, I'm not buying," I said quickly, intent on driving away this nuisance. "Please go awa‒"
Her hand flew to my forehead and I shivered at the contact. Her hand felt soothingly cool against my skin.
"Your fever is absolutely burning." Yukinoshita fixed a glare on me. "I'm disappointed, Hikigerma-kun, can you not even avoid falling ill to microorganisms that are weaker than your own?"
"Leave me alone. Two harassing mothers in my life is already more than enough." Actually, if you include Shiba, that makes it three. I tried to bat Yukinoshita's hand away, but it seems I was a lot worse off than I thought. I could barely put any strength into it.
Yukinoshita took my weak resistance as a sign that I had given up and bulldozed into my apartment. Despite my protests, she managed to push me into my bedroom. After being shoved into bed, she fluffed the pillows and layered another comforter on top of my own. She dug through her purse and pulls out a bottle of medicine.
"Here, paracetamol. It should help with your fever."
"You carry this stuff around?" I asked, baffled.
"It's always good to be prepared."
Prepared? What are you? Some Swiss Army knife? Did you truly go to England? I'm starting to suspect that you actually had traveled to Switzerland and transformed into the support unit, Yuki-no-Swiss-ta.
She insisted that I take it, and I was too far out of it to actually fight back and so I shoved the pills into my mouth followed by some water to appease her. To my disappointment, she didn't leave my apartment.
"I'll be back with some food, try to rest."
And she was gone, her form walking into the depths of my home. Didn't even ask for permission to use my kitchen. She didn't even know where my tools are. Then again, she would probably figure it out. This is Yukinoshita we're talking about. Pushing those thoughts out of my head, I tried to fall asleep, but the sheer incredulousness of the situation had my mind going to ludicrous speeds. [4]
In my delirious state, I could barely tell how much time passed before Yukinoshita came back with a bowl of porridge. Ah yes, the friendly white slop that was at the heart of many a recovery on this island country. She handed me a bowl and spoon. I reached out for the spoon first. As soon as I tried to tighten my fingers around the utensil, my muscles protested painfully and gave out. The spoon dropped to the floor and Yukinoshita bent down to pick it up.
"Really now?" She gave an exasperated sigh that made me shy away. "Can you do anything for yourself?"
"... sorry. Didn't mean to be a burden."
Yukinoshita looked at me with eyes as wide as saucers. "You must really be ill if you're apologizing to me."
Umm… that was an insult, right?
She wiped the spoon with a tissue and sat at the edge of my bed, upon the covers. She dipped the spoon and scooped out some of the porridge. She brought it to my face.
Oh, hell no.
"We are NOT doing this." I hissed. "It's embarrassing!"
"There's no other option. You are far too weak to do it yourself, and you must eat. Stop being childish."
"..." I stared at the earthenware spoon with uncertainty. This was a trap, right? Yukinoshita was trying to poison me and take my worldly possessions, that must be it. Wait, she knew I didn't have anything. Was this then premeditated? Did Haruno send her little sister as an assassin? I didn't tell anyone about your boyfriend, honest!
"It's not enjoyable on my end either. But it's for the best."
I grumbled a bit before opening my mouth and accepting the food. My tongue was absolutely boiled from the flu and along with my stuffy nose, I couldn't taste a thing. It was probably good though. Swallowing was slightly painful, but I managed. My eyes glanced at Yukinoshita. I'm not sure if her cheeks are also red with embarrassment as mine are, or if my fever-addled brain was just playing tricks on me.
The cycle continued until I heard the spoon hitting the bottom of the blow, signaling that we were at the end of this bizarre ritual. I felt something hit my cheek, and I stared at the bare spoon being poked into me with an absent-minded Yukinoshita holding it.
"Yukinoshita…"
"Mmm? Is something wrong, Hikigaya-kun?"
"I can't eat porcelain."
As quick as lightning she stood up and gathered up the bowl and utensils and left the room as if the hounds of hell were after her, hurriedly stammering through and letting me know she was going to clean the bowl. I could hear the faucet running and the sounds of plates being put away.
I rested my head back on the pillows. With my stomach full and my stamina at its limits because of the flu, my eyelids started to feel heavy and slowly drooped. With nothing else to do, I allowed myself to fall asleep.
Δ▼Δ
"Mr. Soldier! Mr. Soldier!"
I heard the pitter-patter of sandals hitting the dirt as a young girl called out to me and ran to my side, coming between me and a fellow soldier while we were having a conversation. She started pulling on my sleeve, much to the chagrin of my companion who I gave a quick apology to.
I crouched and brought myself to eye level with the meddler. "Is anything wrong?" I asked in my rudimentary Sinhalese.
She shook her head and started to drag me to the center of the village, where I noticed a gathering of women who all sat in a circle with a pile of dried straw husks at the center.
"O-oi!"
"We're making grain baskets!" she said cheerfully, flashing me a toothy smile. My heart melted a little. She reminded me so much of a younger Komachi, and I'm not man enough to say that I'm not homesick. It felt like it had been decades since I last saw my adorable little sister or my beloved Chiba.
The little girl made space for me within the gathering, patting the ground next to her. With adorable seriousness, she began to teach me how to weave a straw basket. The women looked on with amused smiles, while some others scolded her, saying she should stop bothering the soldier. I tried to reassure them that it was not a problem. My fingers moved awkwardly, despite the clear instructions from my tutor. The more experienced weavers were going at it like machines on an assembly line: cranking out perfect baskets one after another at easily five times my speed.
I noticed other kids looking at us from the gaps in the houses and trees. They were in awe of the little girl for having the bravery to talk to the scariest of the scary soldiers. I sniffed at the thought that even kids thought my eyes indicated my persona to be suspect. The world was a cruel place.
My first straw basket was ugly and misshapen, the bottom bending inward from the poor support I weaved into it. I was going to throw it out and try again, but the little girl snatched it from my fingers.
"It can be used, no matter how it looks!"
She gave me a brilliant smile that illuminated the dark corners of my heart.
"Is that right?" I said.
Her face scrunched in confusion suddenly and she asked me another question.
"I always call Mr. Soldier, 'Mr. Soldier'… but what is Mr. Soldier's real name?"
Hey now… I've been here for a month already, and you asked me this so many times.
"My name is…"
Δ▼Δ
A wet and cold sensation on my forehead aroused me from my slumber. I saw a pair of hands over my eyes, with pale white slender fingers on a soft looking palm. They removed a towel from my head and dipped it in a bowl filled with water before twisting out the excess and reapplying.
"Oh," said Yukinoshita softly, noticing my opened eyes. "I apologize for waking you."
I felt worse after my brief nap. Everything hurt and my head spun despite laying on my back. The eyes she was making made me feel even more nauseous, like I was held upside down and spun around. Those eyes reminded me of that time in the courtroom.
My hand reached out and gently grabs her wrist. Her eyes widened, but doesn't remove herself.
"It was bad…" I whispered, unsure where these words and thoughts were coming from. All I knew was that I had this urge to explain myself. "We had to survive… there was no other way… a lot of good people… could have died…"
"I know," she said quietly and her lips curled into a soft smile. "You probably made some horrible plan where only you did the evil things. That's just who are."
I blinked. Who did she think I was? Angra Mainyu? [5]
"Tobe-san's confession. Isshiki-san's problems with the Student Council. My own issues..." She trailed off, her eyes misting over. "In all of these, you didn't worry about yourself. By becoming the target you could throw caution to the wind. Options you never had before become open to you… and in some cases, they might be the only options you have."
These words… does she know?
Does she know about Sri Lanka? That year I spent in the jungle?
"I… I didn't agree with many of your decisions," she said slowly, as if tasting each word with her tongue before letting them out into the world. "But I don't think it makes you a bad person."
A strange feeling filled my heart. Like that time with the baskets, my heart was illuminated. What was this feeling? Nirvana? Enlightenment? Majesty? Awe?
No, none of these are descriptive enough.
I went silent, unable to respond to her powerful words. Yukinoshita continued to place the wet towel on my forehead rhythmically for a few more minutes before having me take another pill.
"You should go to sleep," she said and pulled the cover up to my chin.
"... thanks… for doing all of this…," I said through labored breaths.
"It's fine." She turned around, her long black hair twisting with her. She muttered something else under her breath that I couldn't quite catch. But I don't dwell on it as I let sleep claim me once more.
Δ▼Δ
The next morning came, and my head no longer felt like an overinflated balloon. To my relief, I no longer felt dizzy from just standing up, and I managed to walk into the hallway relatively safely. My ears caught the sounds of clattering pans and sizzling form the kitchen.
Curious. Who was in my apartment this morning?
I made my way over to the kitchen entryway and came face to face with an extraordinary sight. Two heads with long black hair were standing side by side in front of the counter. Did my flu evolve into some crazier disease? Because I'm seeing double.
"Is the singularity here? Did some runaway artificial intelligence finally invent cloning?" I grumbled, rubbing my eyes.
The two turned around.
"What nonsense are you saying, first thing in the morning?" Ah that stern tone, must be Yukinoshita.
"Yo." That nonchalant voice, that was Rumi alright.
"Morning you two." I greeted.
"Good morning, Hikigaya-kun"
"Hachiman, morning."
They looked at each other with questioning eyes.
My brain finally woke up and made an astute observation. "Wait, Yukinoshita why are you still here? You should have left a while back."
"It was too late to leave, the buses and trains had shut down." She explained calmly. "I stayed in the spare room across from yours I apologize, I took the liberty of searching and taking blankets from your closet."
"It's fine." I'm glad she took the safe option and stayed. "Better you did than didn't."
Things were getting iffy in Tokyo after all.
Yukinoshita wiped her hands on her apron before moving forward suddenly and invaded my personal space with the speed of a master kunoichi. She brushed aside my bangs and measured my forehead's temperature with the back of her hand. I heard Rumi make a sound reminiscent of a strangled dolphin that had its blowhole covered.
"Hmm, you still have a slight fever, but it's lower than last night." She noted, before nodding to herself. "Go ahead and wash up, breakfast will be served soon."
"O-okay…"
When I returned from the bathroom I was faced with a customary Japanese breakfast. I inhaled the distinct aroma of nostalgia.
"Why the full-on classics?" I asked the two women, who took seats at the table on opposite sides , forcing me to sit at the foot for the sake of feng shui.
"Tsurumi-san had come in the morning, claiming that she normally made breakfast on Fridays. She refused to let me do the work alone so we compromised to work together."
"'Together' is a strong word." Grumbled Rumi as she popped a bit of rice into her mouth.
"That it might be." Yukinoshita nodded her head in agreement. "Tsurumi-san is unable to cook anything other than Japanese items so we were forced to produce an entirely traditional meal."
"Tch!" Rumi clicked her tongue and looks away in embarrassment.
We ate breakfast in a relatively comfortable atmosphere. Yukinoshita had some small talk with Rumi, saying how it was nice to meet her again after all these years and asks about her high school life.
"It's not that bad I guess. I have a few friends at least. They're fun to be around," Rumi said emotionlessly.
"Oh? I'm happy for you," said Yukinoshita, and there was genuine joy in her voice. Rumi had managed to do what we couldn't by ourselves.
I pointed my nose up haughtily. "Yes, indeed. Rumi has grown a lot, and I expect to receive some thanks for my role in that."
"Is that so?" Yukinoshita looked at me with suspicion and Rumi just rolls her eyes. Cheeky brat.
"Speaking of improving, Hikigaya-kun your apartment is surprisingly clean." Yukinoshita's eyes looked over the living room as she says so. Indeed, everything is relatively spotless. A few layers of dust here and there from disuse, but besides that, it was neat and organized.
"I'm not that hopeless."
"As if." Scoffed Rumi, shooting down my response. "It's only clean because you're never home to begin with."
"Is that so?" Yukinoshita's eyes narrowed in anger. "That does make sense, but at the same time is paradoxical. Whatever happened to the man who wished to be a house husband to avoid working? And now that same person overworks himself?"
I felt the oncoming blizzard and quickly decided that in 'fight or flight', 'flight' was the best choice.
"I still do, I swear! I just went a bit far this time. It won't happen again, I'm sorry!" One of my 108 Loner Skills: begging for my life.
"Eeeeeh? This wouldn't be the first time he dropped sick out of exhaustion." Rumi piped in with a smug look on her face, pleased with dispensing vengeance.
Yukinoshita's gaze grew even colder.
"U-uh, R-Rumi! You're here earlier than usual!" I stumbled through my words, desperately trying to switch the topic for my own safety. "What's up with that?"
"Shizuka said that she wanted me to check on you, being sick and all. I left the house earlier."
Oh Shizuka, if I didn't hate your guts for what you pulled yesterday I would feel so grateful for your concern.
"Say, Hikigaya-kun. Why is Tsurumi-san at your house? I find it strange that a high school girl pays you personal visits. While she may be legal, the age gap leaves a bit to be desired. Oh, unless of course, this proves my theory that you are in fact, a lolicon. Have your morals degraded along with your eyes?"
"Absolutely not." I denied instantly. "I just happen to be well acquainted with the Tsurumi's."
"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow. "Please do explain yourself."
"Well, Shizuka married Rumi's uncle, Tsurumi Kenji, the Police Chief. I also served with Rumi's father in the JSDF, he was my C.O. He's the one that recommended me this job actually, said his brother was looking to hire or train a detective. Apparently, I fit the bill, so when I… got dismissed from service, I headed over to Tokyo."
"Hachiman…." Rumi worriedly tugged on my sleeve. She knew that my disaster of a military career wasn't my best conversational topic.
"It's fine, not a big deal really, Yukinoshita knows already." I assured her, ruffling her hair for good measure. Rumi smacked my hand away and glared. Yukinoshita looked on warmly.
When breakfast was over the two prepared to leave. Before she did, Yukinoshita said that she would return later on in the evening to check up on me. Rumi mentioned that Shizuka was going to come by later as well. Yukinoshita smiled and admitted that it would be nice to see her again.
Huh, you know, now that I think about it, Yukinoshita had been smiling a whole lot lately. This must be some sort of new world record.
And as they promised, three women show up at my doorstep in the evening, with a bottle of champagne fittingly in Shizuka's arms.
"Hachiman!" Hailed my ex-teacher as she flung my bedroom door open. "You alive!?"
"No, I'm not!" I yelled back. "And did you really bring booze with a minor around?"
"This bubbly is nonalcoholic!" She said proudly, as if her basic adherence to responsibility was worthy of recognition. Adults come in all shapes and sizes, I guess.
Yukinoshita and Rumi followed, and my room was officially invaded and occupied by external forces. Shizuka pushed and prodded at me subtly, her eyes making it clear she wanted to know what happened yesterday. I pointedly looked away from her knowing grin.
Yukinoshita got started on dinner, and we joined her in the kitchen, conversing as she worked her magic. All of this was loud and irritating… but fun.
Dinner was going swimmingly until Rumi made the tasteless remark that I was behaving lethargically. Shizuka confirmed that my fever had returned and manhandled me back into bed like this was some kind of sitcom routine.
As she pulled the covers over me and turned off the lights, she came close and whispers into my ear.
"Kenji told me about the docks. I'm proud of you."
I whispered back in mock anger. "Put a sock in it, lady. Let me sleep."
"Alright, you don't need to be pissy with me! Ungrateful prick."
There's no venom in her words and I cracked a smile as she left, closing the door after her. I could hear muffled voices as the girls chatter in the living room. I caught some phrases about TV shows and some talk about food.
I fell asleep thinking that my apartment doesn't feel as large and empty anymore.
Δ▼Δ
The next morning saw me waking up feeling completely refreshed. I was sure I had made a full recovery so I quickly texted the Chief saying that I would be coming in today and made my way out of the bedroom. I leapt out of bed, intending to eat a quick breakfast and run off to work.
When I left my room I notice that sounds are once more coming from the kitchen, which was strange. Did Rumi stop by again? Today wasn't one of the days she normally comes over. Wow, what a good kid, almost as good as Komachi. If a tad smarter. No offense, Komachi. But fear not my adorable little sister by blood, you're definitely cuter! I walked to the kitchen and peered inside, like a cartoonish thief despite being in my own home.
I was wrong. Standing in the kitchen with a yellow apron over her work attire was Yukinoshita Yukino.
"Good morning, Hikigaya-kun."
"Good mor– no, wait! This is totally wrong!" I burst out, stopping myself mid-sentence. "Why are you– No, how did you get in?"
"Hiratsuka-sensei gave me her set of spare keys. We both agreed that you were useless on your own."
I should have known.
"... it's far too early to beat down my self-confidence." I sighed in defeat. "Do as you wish."
I grabbed a book and took a seat at my usual location at the foot of the table, and started reading to pass the time. I glanced upward when I hear Yukinoshita walking out of the kitchen with a tray in hand.
"Oh? I'm glad to see you kept up the hobby." Yukinoshita set a bowl on the table in front of me. "'The Conquest of Happiness'? Have you finally acknowledged that your deplorable lifestyle is unfulfilling, Hikigaya-kun?"
"Au contraire, I am merely gaining further evidence that happiness requires far more effort than unhappiness, thus doing nothing is the best thing to do. "
"I see you've returned to being a slug of efficiency." Yukinoshita sighed in disappointment. "At least it's real literature, not those juvenile wish-fulfillment fantasies you so commonly had. And in English at that."
"Yeah, well it's surprising how much you can pick up when there's only one book to read during a year's deployment and it happens to be in a foreign language. I think I memorized it before I actually understood it."
And I still read light novels! They are most certainly 'real literature' dammit! I'm just waiting for the next volume of Black Bullet! [6]
"Is that so? Impressive."
"Is that sarcasm?"
"Perish the thought." Yukinoshita had her own tableware set and filled with food before sitting down.
" "Thanks for the food" " We whispered. I waited for her to take a bite before I started eating myself.
"Is it okay for you to come here? Aren't you busy and all?" I asked, worried I may be causing trouble for her.
"It's not a problem." Yukinoshita denied with surety. "My father is aware of the case, and is gladly allowing me to dedicate all my time towards it."
"Yeah? Seems kinda weird, if I'm honest."
Yukinoshita chuckled softly. "I think my father is still trying to thank you. For keeping Nee-san safe. Oh, and Nee-san also sends her well wishes regarding your sickness."
"Tell her I don't need it." I'm suddenly curious. "Where do you work out of then?"
"I work out of the district attorney's office, under my sister's management temporarily. Will you be heading to the police station today?"
"I have some paperwork to finish up. I'll probably be leaving soon."
"I see, we should leave together then."
I raised an eyebrow, but don't comment.
We finished breakfast and I walked back into my bedroom to wear my work clothes. With a shirt and slacks on, I slipped on the shoulder holster. My pistol was next. With the event on the ship two nights ago, I had disassembled the gun to be wiped down and regreased. I didn't get around to putting together the upper and lower receiver to the grip yet. Lining up the grooves and easing it into place, I was met with a satisfying click.
"Hikigaya-kun? Are you alright?" Yukinoshita's voice came from outside the door.
"I'm fine," I called back. "Door's safe to open, I'm having trouble hearing you."
The door to my bedroom opened slowly as Yukinoshita entered with cautious steps.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"No, it was just that you were taking quite a bit of time. I was worried that maybe you were still ill."
"Oh. Sorry about that. I was just getting my stuff." I slipped the H&K into the shoulder holster, the action getting Yukinoshita's attention. The way her eyes widened made me chuckle.
"You scared?" I teased.
"N-no I'm not... but I've never been so close to one..."
Japanese gun laws were strict. To obtain a license, you have to take an all-day class, pass a physical and mental examination, and then also undergo a thorough background check. Even then, you could only buy shotguns and air-rifles, no handguns.
For law enforcement it was a bit different, but the restrictions on power still applied. Japanese police officers traditionally carried a New Nambu Model 60, a double-action revolver that accepts the 0.38 Smith & Wesson Special round.
Along with that, some officers opted to carry modern pistols as their primary. These were mostly guns that take the 9mm Parabellum standard. With the increase in crime, this option became more popular among law enforcement as of late. My own Heckler & Koch P30L took that 9mm round, although you'll rarely see this model in the country. As a detective, I also had the ability to get a concealed-carry license.
Japanese people rarely see weapons, so it's mostly a bit of a novelty.
I pulled my blazer from its hanger and was about to put it one before I'm interrupted by Yukinoshita.
"Where is your tie?"
"I don't wear one."
"Why not?" Her eyes narrowed in distaste. "Are you not a detective? You should look the part."
"I can't tie one. Besides, it slows down my morning." I retorted defensively.
Yukinoshita sighed and walks forward briskly, pushing me out of the way. She grabbed a black tie off the dedicated rack within the wardrobe. "Stand still."
She stepped up to me and popped my collar before I could protest, beginning the process of choking me with the colored flat rope known as a tie.
What in the world?
The sounds of her heels on my hardwood floor caused me to shoot my gaze downwards and stare at her legs, which were covered by black stockings today. They were longer and more shapely than I remembered in high school.
I could hear her soft breaths tickling my neck. At this distance I could smell the shampoo coming off of her hair. It was floral, maybe white gardenia with a hint of coconut. Her hands passed by my head several times as she looped the tie around my neck, and I could also catch a whiff of the soap she used from her hands. It was a refreshing sharpness, like sea salt in the flowing breeze at the beach.
I made the mistake of shifting my eyes upward a little and my eyes were captured by the shape of her nape. I hurriedly looked away, ever further up to her lips. They were a pretty pink color, with a soft glow to them. Is she wearing lipstick? Doesn't seem like her style, maybe lip balm?
I wondered what flavor it was.
I felt her tugging at the completed tie, letting me know that she was done. "There, all set."
Before I could even register what happens, she already has my blazer in her hands and helped me put it on.
This should make me embarrassed. Like, extremely embarrassed at the things we were doing. But I don't know how to feel. She came back into my life like a second hurricane that ravaged a land that was already hit by a previous storm. It was so chaotic, I just accepted it. Was I losing track of my life?
Was I becoming a 'herbivore' like those pundits on TV complain about? I was somehow part of the reason the birthrate was declining. And here I was thinking that I finally became a productive member of society.
"I'll walk you to the station," I said suddenly, surprising even myself.
Yukinoshita looked at me questioningly. "It's fine, I can manage."
"No," I said firmly. "I owe you for all you did this past week."
"If you insist…"
Arc 1: "Detective Hikigaya Hachiman"
References:
[1] Yu-Gi-Oh! reference. The origin of duel monsters in the story is that ancient Egypt took the soul of criminals (which manifested as monsters) and sealed them inside stone tablets which mages summoned to battle.
[2] "He's a Pirate" is the iconic score from the Pirates of the Caribbean original soundtrack.
[3] DEFCON 1 is an alert level. The exercise term is 'COCKED PISTOL.' It means that nuclear war is imminent.
[4] Reference to Spaceballs, where lightspeed is too slow and the next higher tier is "ludicrous speed."
[5] Fate Hollow/Ataraxia reference. Angra Mainyu was a human during the Zoroastrian times who was the singular sacrifice of a village. He was intended to take on all the evils of humanity, and absorb it all so the village can be good.
[6] Black Bullet is a series of light novels that have been on hiatus since Volume 7 back in 2014. The author was hit with major backlash from the release of the anime adaptation and he lost the will to write.
Author's Note:
The title of this chapter refers to the 1996 romantic war-drama film: 'The English Patient." It started Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas. I think you guys know exactly what type of imagery I was trying to make, heh. Our hero falls ill after staying out in a thunderstorm after working severe overtime hours. Shizuka and Kenji conspire against our poor detective and send Yukino to heal him up. Hijinks ensue.
The goal of this chapter was to further drive home the new "family" environment Hachiman has made around himself. Establish the new normals in his life as opposed to his high school self. I tried putting in a few tidbits to give depth to the lives of the characters who operate in the world I've made.
The flashback is of Hachiman's time in Sri Lanka, before the dark things happened. Yukino assures Hachiman that she still believes he is a good person, which may be enough to assuage his fear that those close to him will hate him.
Also… fluff. HachiYuki fluff. The best kind of fluff. The purest fluff.
-SouBU
(Editors: XioKenji; Lord of Admirals 412; Xynovitch)
Revision Log:
02/18/2019: Added new part to authors note
04/04/2019: Retcon added for Room-and-Tie scene. Added Arc title.
03/17/2020: Re-uploaded with overhaul of tenses and changes in word choice and sentence structure as well as major grammar fixes. Deleted portions of authors note that are now irrelevant.