PRINCE VS BUTLER
CHAPTER 2: The Obvious Picture
"Hayate! Hayate! Snap out of it, please! Hayate!"
The pink head tried the best that she could in order to talk with the blue headed boy who was crying on a park bench. She panicked. Fully not knowing on what she should do.
Comforting other people was never Hinagiku's strong suit.
With no other option, she decided to bring out her cellphone. Calling someone from back at the apartment.
"Hello? Maria? Listen, I need you to get someone to come pick us up."
From his side, all he could hear were incoherent muffles of voices. Distant and unclear.
A little while later, he found Hinagiku falling onto his level again, her face looking at his covered one.
"Don't worry, Hayate. We'll get you home soon. We'll get you warmed up, and we'll talk. Oka-"
Yet, before she could go through with finishing with her line, she found a piece of paper just sitting at the ground, somewhere right under the seat Hayate was sitting on.
She picked it up, and was intrigued when she saw Hayate's name on it. She read through, attempting to seek if it had any answers as to why the blue head was in a state of tears. Until one part had made all things clear.
She became silent afterwards, and Hayate had no idea on what she did since then.
Not long after, and true to her words, soon, a black limousine arrived and parked itself right by the edge of a nearby sidewalk.
Both his mistress and his co-worker came and ran to where they were.
He could vaguely hear as to what they were saying as they slowly guided him to the car.
By then, he was no longer crying, as there were no longer tears left of him. The only thing he could do now, was to stare off into the empty abyss.
News had spread all over the Purple Mansion akin to that of wild fire. Everyone was already made aware of Hayate's state – including the cause on how he even broke in the first place.
They all gave their sympathies to the young butler who was currently residing at the other end of the door to his bedroom. Each one, awaiting (some impatiently) for further updates.
"Are you sure that you read it right?" Ayumu asked.
"Yes. Perhaps we should get Clause to check on it again." She was then followed by a girl with glasses, Chiharu.
Hinagiku, meanwhile felt extremely uncomfortable with the whole situation. Apparently, sometimes being the one with information can have its downsides. Especially when said information concerns someone close to everyone – herself included.
She eyed the door. After half an hour had passed, news about his present status was still a mystery to all of them.
Clause had hitherto taken Hayate's Family register after he departed, the old man too offering his own condolences when the limo that they rode on left.
Since then, the aforementioned young bluenette had been staying in his room. Silent. And without a word.
But she had to keep strong though…
After a while, the door had finally swung open and an adult brunette man emerged with a serious look on his face.
"How is he?"
"Old man. Tell us how he is!"
"Is he alright?"
"How's Hayate doin-"
He raised one of his palms, gesturing for all to be quiet.
"The boy needs rest." That was what he said. His eyes shut closed, whilst his arms were folded. "And I believe that you all should get some rest too."
Voices erupted from after that, particularly from Nagi.
"Hey! Excuse me?! But I think that you've forgotten that that's my butler that's in there. I demand to know the status of my loyal subordinate!"
Still, the former priest did not say a word.
"Hey! Are you-"
"Nagi!" Maria called out to her.
The ghost inhaled air, prior to speaking once more.
"He… he just needs to think." Father replied. "To calm. To settle himself. After a revelation this big. I honestly wouldn't blame him."
Then he glanced at everyone.
"Sometimes, a little isolation can yield for a sense of clarity. And, right now, clarity is what I believe he needs."
No one spoke. Contemplating on Father's words. And, after a few seconds;
"Y-yeah." Nagi spoken, this time with a lower voice. "I-I get that. But-"
"Nagi." Her maid placed a hand on the blonde's shoulder.
Reluctantly, the girl with pigtails nodded in understanding.
"Alright."
All heads then went away, quiet with merely just their footsteps making sounds around. Though a few murmurs and whispers were heard through the hallway as well.
Father watched as all them egress, his features still stoic. When he was sure that not a living soul was loitering, he decided to lean himself against the door frame to the young boy's room.
Some time had passed, and nearly all residents of the Purple Mansion were practically sound asleep. But, because he was undead, such biological needs were more done out of wants rather than necessities. Long hours had come and gone, and lights were already turned off moments ago.
Still though, the former priest remained at his position. Resting against the butler's door.
"Who goes there?!"
His own silence was disrupted as he spoke with a commanding tone. His eyes were raised, fixed towards the ceiling.
*Silence*
"I am Father Linn Regiostar!" He placed one of his hands on his own chest. "Guardian spirit of this here household! I demand to know who you are as well for your purposes for trespassing!"
From the emptiness, a disembodied voice replied;
"Please." Said the voice, appearing as if she were pleading. "I won't be long. I swear. Just allow me to see my grandson."
Grandson?
Father would be lying if he told that that statement hadn't caught him off guard. However, he had to remain firm and steel himself. Lying spirits were still a thing after all. And even then, he had heard hitherto about Hayate's grandmother before. And what he knew about her wasn't pretty. Granted, of course he knew as well that she wasn't an inherently malicious spirit, but still a powerful one nonetheless.
But, since he had a shrine down the basement, he inferred that he could at least probably keep toe to toe with her incase anything goes wrong.
So long as they were inside, he had the upper hand. He just needed to remind other spiritual powers of his authority as trusted guardian.
It was one of the perks of being a guardian spirit.
No matter how strong his opponents were, so long as they stayed inside his domain, he was the boss fighter.
He thought long and hard about it until he eventually sighed.
"5 minutes." He told. "That's all I'm letting you. Try anything funny, and I will personally escort you out myself."
Not a word was said by a second, until a "Thank you" was heard.
Boy sat lonelily at an empty void, with nothing but darkness surrounding all round. The place he was in was devoid of any light and people (aside from himself). So, one could guess on how surprised he was when a voice abruptly broke through the silence.
"Dear?"
He could recognize that voice from anywhere as he flinched and spun himself. There, he found a girl, around his age or younger, with purple eyes, light blue hair, as well as wearing a kimono.
She gave him a warm smile before suddenly transforming. Gradually shifting from a young maiden to that of a maternal elder.
She gained wrinkles on her skin, and her locks shifted from blue to gray (not that they seemed all that different).
Upon seeing the senior before his eyes, Hayate hastily flew to her person and embraced her in a tight hug.
"Grandma!" He exclaimed with tears in his blue eyes.
The woman -of course- returned his hug.
"This… certainly isn't how I planned on what our reunion should be like." She joked, to which Hayate had to laugh at.
"Y-yeah." He replied whilst wiping the waters off from his sight. "Although, to be fair, it's not like the last one was any better."
"True." His grandmother hummed.
The young butler chuckled whilst still at each other's arms. Simply allowing for the good vibes to seize the moment. But, just as with any other moment, it had to come to an end.
The silence ensured once more throughout the entire black abyss, and Suzune lifted her left hand to gently stroke at the young lad's hair.
"I always did admired your locks dear." Commented the old woman. "If they were any lighter, then they would have turned up like mine or your father's. But yours though, they just always carried some more character, don't you think?"
Hayate though did not reply immediately.
After a while, as most of their emotions eased, Hayate then spoke up.
"How come you never told me?"
She took in air through her nose prior to responding.
"For the longest time I did wanted to." She answered. "But, I just didn't know how."
Suzune released him from her embrace and looked at him directly in the eye.
"When I first met you, you were in the arms of your mother-the one you knew. She and my son came to pay me a visit in the country, specifically so Shun could lay low and hide away from those whom he owed. I of course was surprised, since I never recalled prior of ever having a new grandson. But I shrugged it off. The relationship between me and Shun had already been growing thin as the years passed."
"Then, what happened?" Hayate grew curious.
Her violet orbs ventured from side to side as she once more sighed in defeat.
"It was around your 4th or 5th birthday. Since I knew that your so called 'parents' would never celebrate it, I decided on visiting at your place."
"You always did brought the best birthday cakes."
The woman chortled at his interruption.
"Anyway, I've managed to have overheard of Shun talking with his wife at their bedroom. And what they discussed quickly brought me into shock. I was frozen. If you could only learn on how I truly felt-"
"Did that ever changed on how you viewed me?" The boy asked, as the woman meanwhile, shook her head, thinking on how funny his inquiry was.
"Did you ever saw my attitude towards you changed?"
Then now, it was Hayate's turn to shake heads.
She chortled once more.
"No. My views around you did not change, even in the slightest. Although, I can't say that I wasn't disappointed at your father. Sure, he always was a scum, but never did I ever thought of him ever doing something so cruel to a young child. I wanted to snap at him, I wanted to pull his hair off. But, as I thought of it, it made me realized on how terrible of a mother I must have been for him to turn out that way. I was ashamed. So very-very ashamed."
Just then, she projected images to appear from the void, and Hayate saw three figures walking together at a certain (what seemed like an) amusement park. Hayate flew closer in order to gain a better look at the scene.
"Your smiles were precious and pure. As a grandmother, I didn't want to have anything breaking it. I always felt that it was my responsibility to protect them. I didn't want to see your light deeming. And, since by then, you had already grown so attached to your so called 'parents', I convinced myself to withhold this information till I felt you were ready. But… I ended carrying this secret with me to my grave, instead."
More images were presented. With the one in front of him changing from a happy scene to one that was gray. He saw of himself sitting on a stool, holding onto the wrinkled hand of his grandmother, whom was lying in a hospitable bed.
The image faded whilst as he continued to stare.
"Forgive me… Hayate. Forgive me for keeping all of this from you. I only wished to make sure that you would continue to have a childhood worth remembering. One that wasn't all about my son robbing you those moments which you deserved to have had. Forgive my son as well. Forgive me for never discipling him enough. Forgive-"
"It must have been hard for you, huh?"
Suzune ceased, and looked at the blue haired boy in the butler's suit. Her mouth was gapping, his words she did not expect.
"What-what do you mean?"
"I mean, is that it probably must have been hard for you. To keep something so important for my sake and happiness. Even when the guilt was probably killing you." He realized what he said and flinched. "No offence."
And she chuckled.
"So? You're not mad?"
"Mad?" Hayate repeated before offering her a wide grin. "Grandma! You once tried murdering my boss remember? That's when I should have been mad."
The lips of the old lady curled up.
"Thank you, Hayate."
Her eyes glistened, as she soon brought her palm to caressed at the young boy's cheek.
"Take my words as your truth." She told with her voice slightly cracking. "That even if not bound by blood, no matter what, I will never stop watching over you. Because-because there is nothing you can ever be, that will ever stop you from being my grandson."
And she soon locked him into another tight embrace, with the boy's sight flooding once more. She heard his tears, so she tenderly rubbed his back.
"Shh. Now, that's enough. You will be better."
She leaned closed to his ear.
"I promise."
He shot himself awake as he panted heavily. And, after a while, as his mind came to calm, the boy observed his surroundings. He instantly reckoned that he was in his bedroom, with his belongings being at where they were always usually positioned.
The room was dark, and he found himself still in his butler's uniform.
He evaluated the space he was in some more, until he rested his forehead onto one of his palms. Releasing a sigh whilst doing so.
"Grandma…"
Unbeknownst to him though, a different spirit from outside was listening, but Father decided that it was wise to let him be for now.
Before all the sunlight could shine forth once more all throughout the Purple Mansion, the boy was already changing into another of his butler's uniform after replacing the last one with his pajamas last night.
He couldn't get a proper shut eye. Not after the dream he had. Though some part of him couldn't quite help but wonder if his late grandmother had truly did paid him a visit that evening.
Hayate could still recall of what they talked about. Of him – and where he had come from. And based on how she described her knowledge regarding on how he found his way to them, had only proven his suspicion.
He felt his stomach churning.
But he couldn't dwell on it now. He had work to be done.
As he looked at his reflection, and tying up his bowtie, he placed his fingers down afterwards and keenly stared into the mirror.
He forced a smile upon his lips, prior to being satisfied and making on his way.
The blue head departed from his bedroom, unlocking his door frame open as he began to walk quietly. As to not wake up any of the residents.
He made his way into the kitchen, but was astonished to find the sounds of boiling pots and utensils clicking. He also spotted some water vapor, and did he smell… chocolate chip cookies?
He peeked inside, only to find a familiar brunette about his age, who was sporting a maid's outfit. She appeared to be brewing coffee.
When she turned around, she too was surprised that her fellow co-worker was actually standing at the kitchen's entrance.
"Hayate!" She exclaimed, a voice resonating with shock. "H-how long have you been standing there?"
"Ms. Maria!" He returned. "Not long really. I've just-anyway, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be still asleep by now?"
Maria smiled, releasing a light brief stifled laugh as she gently shook her head.
"Well, I was, really. Till I realized that I wanted to be the one to prepare breakfast today. It's just been so long, you know?" She explained, cheerily. "So, rest that pretty little head of yours. I got this covered."
He looked around to scan their environment. Seeing as already all of the pots and pans were settled, that the oven was on, and so was the steamer. By the looks of what he could observe, it clearly appeared that she was planning to prepare for a big breakfast.
The boy sighed.
He then directed his visions towards the wall clock. Seeing as the hands conveyed that it was still early in the morning.
"Ms. Maria?" His hand had balled into a fist. In the boy's mind, he wondered if it was a good idea to ask.
"How long have you been awake?"
One glance from the brunette, and Hayate saw her form had stiffened.
"We-well…"
Yup. He knew it. She was up for a long time now. Cooking, readying for a large meal for one very reason. It was no secret that Maria was certainly the most smartest resident in the Mansion. Her intellect surpassing even the standards of Hakuo itself. Yet, despite then she can sometimes lack the imagination to see through how sometimes obvious her bluffs can be. Especially after revealing her awareness about his 'antics' last night. Her sudden change in schedule can't possibly be out of sheer coincidence.
"Hayate." She then called him by name. dragging him from out of his own brooding. "Can…I ask something?"
Her orbs were consciously avoiding his. Quickly, he could tell on what exactly it was that she was wishing to inquire.
The bluenette mentally prepared himself. Tightening his own grip.
"Are you…well?"
His breath had hitched. His chest felt a pang. His brain-at least for a single second-had ceased in function.
"Was he well?"
Abruptly, a new voice had entered the kitchen. and it appeared to be approaching from behind.
"Alright Maria! We managed to have f-ah!"
He turned around and saw two other fellow residents. One stared at him in shock, the second avoided eye contact. Both were carrying bags of the eco-friendly variant, both containing groceries.
"O-Oh. Hayate. Good morning."
"Good morning to you too, Ayumu." He greeted, then craned to the person behind her. "Hinagiku."
She simply nodded.
He allowed his eyes to drift at the items they brought. Peering to find fruits, syrups, some vegetables, items usually expected either as condiments or as ingredients.
Hayate instantly made two-and-two together, his gaze becoming steel in the process.
"Hayate?"
Once again, he was taken from his internal brooding, shaking his head and returned to the present. A sharp breath he left in his wake.
The butler looked and found Ayumu worried. Offering him eyes of pity.
He stepped back upon seeing this.
Then he glanced at the pinkette whom in turn was still refusing to meet his form.
The youth sighed.
"Well." He started. "It does seem that you all already have this part handled. I should probably-"
"Hayate. Wait."
Just as he was about to make his way through the door, he heard his name being called, halting him. He turned around to look at his co-worker.
He was surprised to see her, wearing her usual warm smile.
"Please know, whatever happens…"
"…I'm glad I met you."
Baffled and clueless at the meaning of what she said, the boy merely just nodded. He afterwards resumed his direction towards the exit, excusing himself so the two girls would give him space to walk through.
He couldn't understand on what Maria had meant by that, but decided not to dwell on it. He dissuaded all such worthless emotions aside, focusing back to his duties.
So what if everyone in the apartment has been made aware about the news he learned, that shouldn't stop him from performing his role. He shouldn't be bothered. He shouldn't be bothered…Why was he bothered?
Ugh!
He held his forehead as he made it towards his destination. At the front door of the house where he could do his first schedule of the day.
He was still a butler after all. He should have a sense of professionalism in him. To allow his feelings to get in the way with his work would be an obvious opposite to the responsibility expected of him.
He shouldn't be bothered…
He held his hand by the doorknob. Prepared to open and carry on with his path. However, he fortuitously halted. Gathering noises which appeared to be coming straight from the outside.
Based from what he could perceive, the sound was a voice. A feminine one, and they appeared to be complaining or whining about somethi-
Never mind. His eyes quickly drooped. He hitherto had a good idea on just who it was.
Twisting the knob and swinging the wooden barrier unshut, there, standing in the front lawn was a familiar blond who was busy sweeping the grass while muttering.
She continued with this action until she seemed to have felt his presence. He saw her as she slowly and nervously twisted her neck. She twitched and froze simultaneously once her green orbs met with his blues.
Stuttering. She attempted to greet.
"O-oh. G-good morning Hayat-oh!"
Her broom dropped from her hands and unto the yard.
His gaze was fixed upon his mistress. His mouth was silent as he watched her continue in sweeping the front lawn off fallen leaves, effectively doing what he was supposed to.
He observed as she threatened to sue the broom she employed, murmuring curses that would worth her having a bar of soap shoved down her orals. She was fuming, muttering, complaining-
"You know mistres-"
"Up-pop-pop-pop!" She showed him her index finger. "You. Just stay there. Or, go inside and watch some tv or something. Your choice."
The blond went back into sweeping while as he in turn, sighed.
His back was against the wall. Like he had been since Nagi told him that she had this chore done. That she had this one covered. At first, it took him by surprise to find the young heiress up so easily when the sun itself was still barely able to conquer the heavens.
She was insistent. So he let her work. He was vocal about it earlier though (which could possibly be why she shushed him just now), reluctant to allow her in doing the duties that were expected of him as the mansion's butler.
But she simply told her that it was alright. That she can do a simple labor such as cleaning up all the leaves. However, as he was trying to inform a minute ago, since it had snowed last night, melted frost now covered the area. Hence, leaving the leaves now soft and soggy. Making them vulnerable to crumbling the second they made contact with the broom's bristles.
"Hayate."
His eyes trailed back to her.
Her green pupils weren't meeting his. Her lips inward while he analyzed the grip she had with the broom tightening. Nagi appeared nervous. Hesitant even.
"Can we…talk? About, you know…"
He already knew what she was about to say, to where this conversation was about to steer. Then he recalled of earlier back in the kitchen. The echo of Maria's words ringing into his head.
"Everyone knows…"
He made for a sharp breath.
Hayate looked into his mistress' irises. Spotting the look that she was giving.
She was worried. Concerned.
She shouldn't be bothered. She shouldn't waste her hours stressing about him. It was flattering, sure, but he didn't deserve it. He didn't deserve anyone to be concern about his whims.
If he had whims…
"What do you wish to know, m'lady?" The boy pretended to smile. To show her he was well, even if that 'well' was nothing more but a farce.
The girl's hold on her tool for cleaning loosened, just a tiny bit, her facial expression remaining the same, yet now added with a hint of uncertainty. She gathered air into her lungs through her nostrils, prior to once again parting her upper lip from that of her lower.
"I wish to know – about last night. Are you…doing well now?" Her voice was meek upon that last part of her sentence, as if she wanted them to come across while simultaneously wishing for them to fall on deaf ears.
He gripped his hands more. Forcing hard to keep his façade intact. To not let her see how close he was for calling a haste retreat.
He hated being looked upon that way.
"Well…"
"And be honest with me, will you? I…I only wished to see if I could do something." Again, her tone gradually climbed down albeit each word.
Hayate sighed. He hated this very much.
"Well, in that case m'lady, I would have to say that I'm doing fine now."
"Hayate…"
"No seriously." He interjected. "While I will admit that learning this information came as a shock to me at first – I mean, who wouldn't be? You know?" Now it was his turn for his volume to decrease lower. But he shook it off quickly. "After much thought, I then thought to myself that I should actually be glad."
"Glad?" Nagi asked, stunned.
"Yup." He confirmed (falsely). "My parents were always dead meat anyway. I'm glad that I'm not actually related to those idiots."
"Oh." The heiress took in everything what he said just now. It would seem that he managed to have convinced her. Yet, he could still read a lingering sense of doubt, so he decided to pull his final card out.
"Hey, mistress. Do you wish to learn on why you can't seem to sweep a single leaf?" By redirecting the topic.
The butler observed on how her eyes suddenly started to sparkle. That made him know that his tactic was a success.
"Its because of the moist, mistress."
"The moist." Repeated the young girl with bafflement.
He nodded. "Mhm. See, because of the weather last night, the melted snow had now left for all of the leaves here to become all soggy. That's why you observe that utilizing a broom is practically useless."
"Ah." She uttered that more excitedly than she would have. "In that case-" she released the broom's handle from her grasp, allowing it to completely fall straight to the ground. Her hands dusted. "I won't be needing this then."
The bluenette sweated by this prospect. "I would suggest gloves."
"Gloves?"
"Uh-huh. Gloves made specifically for this kind of situation. I believe that there's a bunch of them just loitering around at the basement. I'll go fetch them-"
"No need. I'll get them."
He was about to spin himself towards the door when she fortuitously interrupted his speech. The young teen came, seeing as his mistress went trekking inside.
"But, mistress-"
"You've been working way too hard as of late." Without meeting his gaze, she stated those words. Based from her tone, he knew via instinct to stay silent. "Take a day off."
His breathing had ceased for a second. His eyes widening. The hairs in his arms giving a chilling rush. He wished to protest, but he knew that his mistress had now made her mind final. With nothing else to say or speak, all he could do was to merely bow in compliance.
"Yes. M'lady."
Relieved from all his duties, the young Ayasaki (should he still even call himself that?) wandered along the halls of the Purple Mansion. He did not take much precedence on what was surrounding him at the moment. He still couldn't shake the sight of his pitying mistress, his concerned co-worker and all his other friends from out of his skull.
In his mind. He figured in how disappointed they must have been. Of him falling short once more to how they envisioned him. How they seen him, and how they pictured him. How silly he was for wailing. How stupid he was for not even trying to cover his tears.
How selfish he was for causing them stress.
He grinded his teeth, breathing profusely. But his sudden anger dissipated once he realized that he had nothing to gain in being mad. He slowed his steps till he gradually stopped. Resting his head on one of his palms to relieve him from his growing headache.
"Hey, Hayate."
His eyes shot open, his sight rotating to be met by whomever owned that voice. He faced Chiharu with gloves in her hands and a mask covering her mouth and nose. The same attire was sported as well by the girl who stood beside her. The green-haired Kayura.
"Good morning." Greeted the Tsurugino with her usual tone.
"Oh. Good morning." He took interest with what they both were wearing, and why it seemed their cloths were wet.
"Ah. Well…" the red-eyed girl scratched her chick.
"We were attempting to mop the floor, but someone-" Chiharu put emphasis on the 'someone' part whilst as she side-glared at her companion. "-had to slip and splash water everywhere."
"Hey. I already told you that my body isn't built for carrying buckets!"
"It wasn't that heavy-"
"Even still, you should have just given me a different task instead."
"Different task? We were mopping the floor. What else did you expect to do? Mixing chocolate with wax?"
"Is that even a thing? No. Wait. Why do you even know all this stuff? Is there something which you like to share?"
The Harukaze was apparently taken aback by this claim more so than she should have been. It was as if a cat had managed to have caught her tongue. Her ears aggressively turning red.
"Ah. I…I don't know what you are talking about."
Her chosen line made her two listeners to tilt their respective heads.
This increased her bashfulness.
"Hey! What are you-" she cleared her throat, moderating her volume. "Anyway, besides mopping the floor is pretty common knowledge no matter where your status in life is. Not being able to perform such a basic chore will only make you a dependable NEET who parasites on someone else's home in the future." She glared at her through her glass eyewear. "You don't want that to become as your ultimate fate, don't you?"
The green-head was stunned. Speechless. But she soon transmuted her mood to that of fury. However, before she would make for a witty comeback, her eyes then trailed to the butler, who was just watching her.
She grumbled. "We finish this, later."
Fortunately, her conversationalist appeared to have understood as she simply huffed prior to nodding.
Hayate, in the meantime, analyzed them. Analyzing the state of their cloths. Their features. Their sweating foreheads.
He already concluded right then and there.
"I suppose you have some questions you'd like to ask?"
Both the duo journeyed their visions at him. Necks nearly snapping when they craned. Eyelids raising up.
"Well…"
"We just…"
Once more, he did his routine. 'Smiling'.
"Its alright. I understand. But you don't have to bother yourselves for me. I'm fine. I swear."
"Are you really sure about?" Asked the student-council member.
Her eyes made him gulp. Eyes of pity. Pity for him. The boy's hands clutched into a fist.
"Yeah."
The butler excused himself. Like he had done earlier ago in the kitchen. He went, straight into his own quarters. Swinging the door to open prior to shutting it close. He sat at his bed. His forehead resting at his hands.
Relief washed over him as he finally found solitude from all of those pitying glances.
Those looks they gave him. Those faces, those eyes, he had seen them before within plenty of occasions. Sometimes, even having him as their main target. Yet, every time they did, every time he saw, he would feel ashamed at himself. He felt guilty for troubling them and being as the root of their stress.
He felt unworthy to be at their presence. To disappoint them. To not meet of what they anticipated or idealized of him – it was painful. He knew his place. He knew his duties, his responsibilities-
He shouldn't be selfish. He shouldn't cause them worry.
They saw him with tears before, they seen him sick and vulnerable. He hated those times. But now, it was different. He abhorred it. He abhorred what he had done. What he had shown. To allow himself to crash down only for them to pick him after. How inconsiderate of him. How apathetic. How selfish.
What was he crying for anyway? What was their to even worth bothering all the others? He despised his parents. He was absolutely disgusted by them. All they've ever done was make him carry all of their burdens. Commit him in their pursuit for an easy way to gain a quick buck. Making him clean up after their messes. He hated them. He hated them with every ounce and fiber of his being.
Thinking back, there really was nothing to wail about, he was just being an idiot. He caused all this distress for nothing.
"Hayate!" He heard a knock to his door. "Breakfast is ready. If…ever you wish to come down."
He took a deep inhale and then releasing them.
"Alright! I'll be there!"
Footsteps were produced, and he knew he was alone once more.
*Sigh*
He afterwards shook his head, hitting himself in the skull for focus. There was no reason for him to be brooding. He had to man-up and show them he was 'fine'. That he was not worth their concerns.
With one final huff, he stood back up to his feet. Embarking to now meet all of the mansion's residents in one room.
His gaze was locked to an individual he had was not expecting to meet at such an early hour. His face was marked with confusion and puzzlement in concern to Sakuya's unplanned visit (with a flushing Isumi in tow). There she stood, cockily whilst holding with her a bag of plastic. Contained inside, he had yet to discover.
"Hey! Hey! Good morning Ev-ry-bo-dy! Did ya miss me?"
"Y-yes. Good morning." The other girl bowed, timidly.
"Hardly." Pointed out Nagi, the blond giving her a scowl. "Didn't you just came here the other day?"
Her eyes later trailed to the girl behind her. "Not you Isumi."
The maiden with black flowing hair sighed, meanwhile the girl with gray locks hastily put a hand at her chest, as if pretending that she was just shot by a bullet. "Ouch! You wound me dear cuz. Am I not allowed to pay visit my favorite audience in the world?"
Her cousin in turn scoffed, rolling her eyes at Sakuya's silliness.
The girl stayed with her grinning expression, before then turning her attention to Maria once the maid cleared her throat.
"Well, since you two are here. Would you care to join us for breakfast."
"That would be wonderful." Isumi responded. Her voice as meek and humble.
"Welp!" Which was quite opposite to her compatriot. "Considering as you were asking so nicely." She stretched her back before then grabbing a plate, passing through, and then sat right next to his mistress (much to the latter's dismay).
The more conservative of the two however casually glided her way, and positioned herself beside both Chiharu and Ayumu.
Hayate kept his eye. Watching them as they continued with what they were doing, one attempting to annoy Nagi, and the other looking down. This was how they normally behaved. As Sakuya was always the energetic type, and Isumi was often the reserved-shy one. However, upon observing them for a tiny while longer, it apparently became plain to realize that something was rather off.
He didn't know if whether because it was due to the aura they were emitting, or perhaps it was because on how they were moving, the Aizawa's mood appearing forced, and the exorcist being more avoidant than usual.
It took him not too long for all the puzzles to fall into place. Revealing to him a picture which he didn't wish revealed.
Shutting his own mouth. Thinking it best not to speak or say a word. Not to draw attention towards him. Not to confirm an obvious speculation. Instead, Hayate kept his eyes unto his morning meal, ignoring some of the glances thrown at him.
He could feel all their stares creeping over him. Their pitying gazes. He hated it. He hated this. He just wanted for everything to resume from how they were usually.
He didn't care if he had to fight an entire armada of extraterrestrials, or be at the forefront in the battle against some underground criminal organization. He'd rather endure that than this. He'd rather endure all of the times they were to tease him about how broke he was and how shabby he looked. He'd rather go into some kind of misadventure on his way to the wet market to purchase fish. He'd rather tolerate all the games of the Three Amigas, Yukiji's money schemes, Tama's mouth. He'd rather face all of those than what he was facing at the present. Never had he begged for his misfortune to play with its usual dice. For now, he saw them as a blessing when equating it to this.
If there was anyone listening above, he pleaded for them to let this day be one huge nightmare.
Once his peripheral sights returned to look straight up after a sigh, he spotted several of them stealing glances in his way.
It made him feel uneasy. Like he was being judged by billions.
His head sweated with anxiety. His hand (the one that was not carrying his spoon), made itself into the shape of a fist. Balling tightly, synonymous to someone clutching on the railing of a sinking ship for the sake of dear life.
Through the young teen's point of view, Hayate evaluated every head. Each one was the same, each one of them seemingly wanting to burst out and ask him on what his condition is. All, except for one. For it seems that the pinkette remained uninterested in involving herself with whatever mess he had brough upon his own being. Still avoiding her yellow gaze from him. It was probable that she may still not haven't gotten over last night outside city hall. Being, after all, the sole witness of his collapse, of his fortuitous sobbing.
Hinagiku doesn't appear willing in taking even a single glimpse of him. It may perhaps be her feeling rather disappointed.
And after seeing his pathetic side, he honestly couldn't blame her…
He at least was glad with that. Even though he wished all to return to the way they were. But at least he could take solace that not all of them cared to bother for him.
Soon after, seeing as nothing was about to change, Hayate rose to his feet, resulting now for everyone to look surprise.
"I…I'm sorry." He made for an apologetic bow. "But, I…I must-"
"You're on a day off, remember?" His blond mistress reprimanded him, along with a slight hint of mild berate. "You don't have to do anything."
"I-I know. I know." The teen rubbed the back of his head. "But this is more of a personal thing."
He bowed once more. "I apologize. But I must excuse myself."
As he was to exit, a voice, soft and feeble arrived carried by the air and into his ears, causing him to make a pause. He saw the young Saginomiya, with her burning face.
She was flushing. Shaking-
"We came to check on you." Sakuya sighed. "We've already heard on what happened."
He wished he hadn't halted. He didn't desire to learn that. Now it was apparently quite clear that the news of his tiny 'scene' extended beyond that of the mansion's property. That the hearsay has reached more than being limited to one single building alone.
Upon having dawned on this, his skin slowly lost complexion.
"Hayate?"
He looked at all once more, steadily studying his gaze, seeing as like a wasp to a flame, all their eyes panned towards directly to him. He twinged. "I…" Then he gulped. "I'm-fine."
Once again, he mustered a smile. Using all his years working behind counters to ensure that they couldn't spot on what was truly inside his mind, so to eschew any dissatisfaction. Without much else to say, he swiftly turned around and made his departure.
He huffed. Panting, not heavily but still panting. The bluenette was compelled to take a peek through the doorway he had just crossed, but at the last second, recoiled. Daring not to look back just to see a bunch of concerned and disappointed faces. Then, his phone rang all of a sudden.
Naturally, he fished his device from his pocket, reading the name of his caller through the screen. His head advanced to puzzlement. Not expecting her of all people to be contacting him today.
The young butler pressed the call button, afterwards neared his gadget to his left ear.
"Hello? Ruka?"
"Hayate…" He heard her voice. The popstar being out of breath. As if she was either drained or anxious. He panicked, worried of what could be happening at her part.
"Ruka? What's happe-"
"I've already heard." His fretting ceased. "I'm… sorry. For what – well, I don't exactly know how you are feeling right about now. But rest assured, you have me if you ever wish to have someone to talk to. That's…. that's all I've got to say for now. Take care."
From a feminine voice, to the sounds of electric beeping. He was rendered motionless for around a second or three before his hand gradually came down.
He stared blank ahead into the empty space. The idea that even Ruka is aware and is currently worried for him as well…
How many have even been informed? Just how many were told? Why were they so worried for him? He wasn't worth it. He wasn't worth their troubles…
He was fine.
Hayate sat at the porch located at the back yard. Loitering there, staring down unto the blades of grass. Listening his ears to hear all the happenings occurring inside.
"I just don't know what to do…"
"He really doesn't want to talk…"
"He keeps saying his fine, but some how I feel…"
Letting lose a huff through his nose, the bluenette curled himself. Concealing his face with his legs, supporting his forehead albeit his knees.
It was as if everywhere he goes, there was always someone darting him those same stares. Stares that which made him uncomfortable, producing him a great sense of grief and shame.
Since he was relieved from all his duties as a butler, the young man was rendered as to having absolutely nothing to do for the rest of the day. His usual schedule was mostly often filed up with chores and work, that now, he could find no such activity to pass the time with.
It was nice of them. Truly. But he simply wished for them to just stop. He wasn't worth their troubles.
Safe to say, morning definitely was a catastrophe. And now was the time between breakfast and lunch. The early breeze was still quite present. But even its advent could only commit so little into rejuvenating his consciousness.
How he yearned for all of this to be a dream. How he yearned to 'wake'.
Not long after since his fellow blue-head contacted him, three people-he knew very well-entered the apartment in order to pay them (him, specifically) a visit. They tried to barge at him, afterwards, tried to ask him if he would muse watching a rare D.V.D. they rented at Wataru's. He declined, aware of their agenda, much to the trio's absolute dismay. They still continued to sway him though, to the point where Izumi even blurted at how it was disrespectful to turn down on such an offer, when the already mentioned brunette himself had generously allowed them to rent said film for free. Needless to speak about, she earned a smack on the head by her two compatriots.
Typical. He mentally murmured to himself, as even someone he wasn't particularly close with managed to pity him.
*Sigh*
Then he went to the side of the house, finding Tama walking on his two feet. He didn't call him shabby, broke or anything he commonly would. The tiger just passed him and travelled on his merry way. In some circumstances, he would have brushed this and thought it was nothing out of the ordinary (he must just lack the energy today). But a small twinge that was on his mind told him that he was seeing him the same as everyone else too. Ugh! He didn't know if he was too in and over his head, or…
It was frustrating.
Just then, whilst amidst contemplation, Hayate then sensed a presence manifesting forth and sitting behind him. This lead for him to jump, rising up and sprinting hastily to turn around. His alarm was subdued once he saw that it was merely the undead tenant that haunted the mansion's halls. His eyes closed, his hands at the wooden boards where he rested.
He appeared quiet. "Maybe this is just how ghosts sleep? Wait? Do ghosts even sleep?"
Hayate sat back down.
"Good morning, butler."
He spoke too soon.
The young bluenette would have left, then and there, averting another set of questions that would no doubt be bombarded at him. But, he didn't. Instead, he decided to stay. Keeping himself at his position. He was tired. Already exhausted at playing this small little game that the gods thought was a joke. What was he dodging anyway? Just a few questions, and maybe he would go away and leave him be.
"You appear, troubled."
A most typical first inquiry today.
He need not look at him. Nor did he wish to look at him. He kept his gaze steel to what was in front of his way. Wanting to focus more on there than behind.
"I'm fine."
"Oh, but you don't seem fine."
"Well, I am." He spoke that a little loudly, and he acknowledged quick that he needed to simmer down. He needed to convince the phantom so that he would leave, not make him to further linger.
"I, have done a good number of confessions during my days, and I can tell when someone either lies or holds back." The ghost told him. "Deceiving a priest? My. My. Such a grave and unforgivable sin."
He'd admit. He grew a bit frustrated at that. He could sucker punch him right then and there.
He gritted his teeth. Having enough of this conversation. Having enough of everything.
"So what is troubling you?"
"Forget this."
He came to his feet, retreating the scene before it would grow into a climax.
"You really did care for them, didn't you?"
He stopped in his tracks.
"What?"
Still with the same face, Father Linn Regiostar continued with his statement.
"You cared for them. Its clear as day. The ones whom raised you. Your so called, parents."
And that was when Hayate felt like an entire volcano was about to erupt from inside him. That hot molted lava would spew through the air and annihilate all that was in its wake. His accusations made his blood boil so extreme that he felt he could literally be used as a second sun.
"That's preposterous!" He barked. The absurdity. The audacity. He didn't give an ounce that he was a supernatural being from beyond the grave, he had no right to abruptly declare such claim. "How can you say that?! They left me, remember?! They made me nothing but a quick way to grab a buck. They made me work, countless jobs and over countless hours just to support them whilst all they did was gamble and bet. They practically made me their slave. All they wanted from me was for me to sustain them because they themselves were too lazy to do all the hard work alone. Why-Why would you ever think for one second that I ever cared for them?"
Silence, he didn't answer right away. But Linn's eyes were fixed on the young boy. Neither wavering despite the latter's harsh glare.
"Because, you're their son."
Hearing that, the butler sensed himself about to break, so he sat back instantly. It took him a minute to process what the Regiostar said, however, once his message had fully sank into his psyche, a tear broke down.
"Its not fair." He complained between breaths. "I've done everything they've told me. I believed in everything they've ever taught and took them into heart. I wanted us to be happy. When did I-" He then craned to the spirit, now desperately seeking for some kind of reassurance. "Was I too naïve? Too gullible? Too stupid that I couldn't see through their fake smiles and obvious lies? When I was a kid, all I ever sought were their praises. When I grew older I've grew annoyed by them but still stuck because I knew that I was the only one left that they could rely on. And yet, even through all that, they left me. And now, here I learned that they actually took me in. They clothed me. They put a roof on top my head. But then discarded me. Threw me away like all I ever was was some kind of product they've bought from the store but has now served its uses. I shouldn't care for them. I shouldn't care for them. Why do I care so much?"
"Like I said-" His reply was straight to his point. "you were their son."
"Then…" Hayate paused for a moment, and the priest could tell from the way he speaks that the boy was now tired. "was I a bad son?"
A gust of wind blew through, causing a branch to sway and dance.
"No." Elaborated he. "You were their son. But they were not your parents."
Bewildered by what he said, Hayate soon found himself hurriedly shooting a glance at the former priest.
"Its just as the English folks say 'All children deserve to have parents; but not all parents deserve to have children." He quoted. "You have nothing to feel sorry for."
Hayate felt a hand reaching to pat him on the back, and a little while later, the presence of said hand would soon fade to the point where he even questioned if a hand even was there to comfort him. He shifted to behind once more, seeing now that the brunette had dissolved into nothingness. Leaving him all by himself like he initially wanted.
He sighed due to the overwhelming firing of his neurons. He gazed to the sky, recalling his so-called mother and father. Two individuals he had -once upon a time- idolized. Why does it hurt? Why must it hurt so much? How many falsehoods have they ingrained unto his brain? How many deceptions must he discover concerning their true colors. Growing up was always about him peering through their façade. Accepting that they never were saints or heroes. He was fine with that, it happens with everyone, right? But now…
It pained him when they left. However, now it was just agonizing. They took in a child that wasn't their own, then abandoned him as if they wanted to show that he truly was unwanted. And all because of their greed for money. He should have expected this though. They have always been opportunists. It was their nature. Whatever junkyard or dump they picked him from, it was painfully clear that they never raised him because of care. For they've never cared even an ounce for him. Foolish was he for only realizing now. Foolish was he to trust their tongues. Foolish was he for never seeing what was always the obvious picture.
They never cared. Not even an inch.
They never cared. Just as nobody did. His purpose was the only value that his presence carried. That he possessed. Hence, he stood up, wore his 'mask' and arrived inside.
"Maria! Need some help in the kitchen?!"