Chapter 1: Room 1
Summary:
Tokaharu walk the streets of the city
Chapter Text
"Woooww!" Haru looks out and about at the chic streets of Paris, "This is amazing! Paris is so photogenic!"
Indeed, the Haussmann style is a global trademark of this iconic European city. Older buildings pay homage to its birthplace of Gothic architecture. The city and its historicity means it hosts architecture styles from all the way in the Middle Ages of Europe. The streets are unique paved even for where the cars drive on. And, of course, where there's cars in the city, you have drivers being assholes.
Tokaku looks with a bland expression at a car that literally parks right on the damn corner that pedestrians cross the street at. The driver got out a few minutes ago and ran into the local cafe, just leaving his car like this. It seems to be a common practice, too. While she's looking at that, Haru is looking dreamily at the window of a posh bakery nearby. She is salivating at some of the fresh croissants and pastries being bought out in pallets in the boulangerie for the display window.
"... do you want some?" Tokaku asks her from behind, making her jump out of her daydream in surprise.
"Uh, sure!" Haru beams.
After Haru gets a strawberry shortcake (predictable), the two of them retreat to their room at the local hotel that Myoujou had reserved for them this trip. It really is an extravagant trip that displays the wealth and power of a school for the elite like Myoujou. Just like back in Myoujou, Haru goes and spins around, taking a good look at all their room has to offer. It has a similar feeling to when she first entered their dorm room back in Myoujou. And, just like then, she jumps onto one of the two beds offered after she puts down her cake.
"This is so exciting...!" Haru squeals.
Tokaku, vigilant as ever, goes about their room and examines the nooks and crannies. Old habits die hard. Haru giggles as Tokaku goes to inspect the bathroom.
"What to do first..." Haru looks at her phone as she sits up.
Suggestions for Paris are as generic as it gets. You have the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Arc d'Triomphe, Notre Dame, Champs-Elysees, Musee d'Orsay... et cetera, et cetera. These are such famous places that they are repeated ad nauseum at this point on all travel sites. And that doesn't sound bad to Haru at all.
Churches aren't really her thing. Art museums sound interesting, but they can only hold your attention for so long. Also, the redhead knew Tokaku would just be on guard the entire time around crowds. That limits their options a lot. And Tokaku would also probably still be on edge even in an open-air location...
"..." Haru looks to Tokaku when the bluenette exits the bathroom, "Tokaku-san! Why don't you choose the first place we should go?"
"... I don't really care," Tokaku says nonchalantly. This kind of thing doesn't really have anything interesting for her.
"Hnn..." Haru looks at her roommate with an intense pout.
"..." Tokaku sighs, "I don't know, what is there to do? Everything here is just sightseeing, right?"
To be honest, this kind of city is rife with trouble, as Tokaku had trained to recognize. A place with so much people means threats could be lurking behind all crowds. Even a walk through a park for a picnic could invite trouble.
"Well, yeah, but isn't that fun?" Haru tilts her head, "Tokaku-san doesn't really sightsee, hn..."
"It's nothing productive," The bluenette says bluntly.
"Okay, well... How about we walk on the banks of the Seine then? And if you see anything you want to do, we can go do that?" Haru asks hopefully. Tokaku just nods.
The two banks of the Seine are UNESCO world heritage sites and actually have names, Rive Gauche and Rive Droite. Walking along the long river, one will see the many bridges that span its sides. Bouquinistes are a common sight around the area. Like everywhere in this city, there are tourists.
"Without the Seine, Paris would not exist as we know it today..." Room 1 hears a tour guide explaining in English as they walk by, "The river ensured the city's growth into the largest in the Western World in the 12th century..."
Haru didn't get all of what he was saying, but that was fine. The overall lively vibe here is energizing. It's times like these that she is truly glad to be able to be "home" in the world of light.
"..." Tokaku holds Haru's hand tight as they pass the Jardins des Tuileries. Behind them, they can still glimpse the Eiffel tower peeking above the lower parts of the city. Ahead, the Louvre is coming up, as well as the island of Parisii, where the Notre Dame is. Unfortunately, due to a recent fire, the cathedral is closed... not that Tokaku really cared.
"Haru is really happy we get to do this," The redhead gives a bubbly smile as she buys an ice cream for them each from a cart vendor, "Haru never really got to go overseas at all!"
"It's not practical for a lot of people," Tokaku says as-a-matter-of-factly. Money aside, she knew Haru had a checkered past at best with her scars and the assassins after her life.
"Ehehe, Tokaku-san should enjoy this, too!"
They take some photos at the famous Louvre pyramid and the Pont Neuf. For the most part, they avoided the super thick crowds. At the Voie Georges Pompidou, they help an elderly Japanese tourist couple take a photo with Parisii island behind them.
"Thank you so much!" The old man nods along as Tokaku gives him back his phone, "Are you young people enjoying yourselves?"
"Yes! Even just walking along the river like this is so nice..." Haru looks around with appreciation and nods.
"We make it a habit to come every few years," The old lady gives a wrinkly smile, "It's a nice change of pace from Niigata, haha."
"Oh, Niigata! We're from Tokyo on a school trip!" Haru smiles.
"Well, do enjoy! You simply must go up the tower. For our old legs, that's impossible to wait in line or climb stairs but..." The old man chuckles, "For you young people, it should be easy! And the view is perfect for lovers!"
Tokaku raises an eyebrow at his brazen assumption. She realizes he was looking at her and Haru holding hands.
"Ehehe..." Haru laughs that off a bit, "We'll be sure to check it out! Thanks!"
After the little old people are off on their own way, Tokaku looks at Haru. Haru glances to the bluenette and blushes a little, "W-what?
Tokaku wanted to ask why didn't they correct the old man. After all, they weren't lovers... That kind of a thing isn't... And suddenly, her ears are warm and her throat is dry. No words come out and they sort of stare at each other, still holding hands.
"... Nothing," Tokaku croaks at last.
"W-well, let's go to the tower then? And we can go back on the other bank..." Haru suggests.
The trick with the Eiffel tower is that most people are lazy. The line for the elevator includes both people that have bought tickets ahead of time as well as those that bought a la minute on site. So there's not a ton of advantage to buying ahead. However, you can walk up to the second floor and buy walking tickets instead of the elevator. The line for the elevator can be as long as 100 people with 70 minute wait time per person. Meanwhile, you might have twenty or so people attempting the walk-up. People come to relax, not exercise.
Since the top-most floor is not available to be climbed by foot, you need to buy second floor access to the lift. This is a ticket exclusively sold on site. It's basically a pain in the butt to ever try getting to the summit, either way.
"Ow-!" Haru winces three quarters of the way up the steps.
"What's wrong?" Tokaku asks with sudden urgency.
"Uh n-nothing!" Haru rubs her ankle, "I think I just stepped wrong..."
"..." Tokaku sees other people coming up the stairs and bends down, "I'll carry you up."
"Eh?"
"Come on, we'll take a look on the second floor," Tokaku sighs.
Haru blushes a little and she thinks better of protesting. She leans onto Tokaku's back, wrapping her arms over the bluenette's shoulders. The people coming up behind see the bluenette take off with the redhead securely on her back.
At the end of the 116 meter climb, Tokaku has built up a moderate sweat. But her face doesn't show it at all. After all, she is a trained assassin. She lets Haru down on a bench to better examine the redhead's ankle. Haru glances around at the people waiting for the lift and taking pictures here. Even if it is only the second floor, it's honestly still quite a nice view.
"... It feels sprained," Tokaku says affirmatively, "We should go back to the hotel."
"Wait, let's spend a bit more time here before we go back! Haru can still move...!" The redhead speaks up.
Tokaku sighs and helps the redhead to the railing with the viewing lenses that gaze out to all of the city. There is a nice breeze up here. Tokaku can actually feel herself relax after that climb. To her surprise, she feels Haru lean on her shoulder.
"... Thank you, Tokaku-san."
"... it's nothing," Tokaku mumbles, feeling warm still.
"Haru knows this isn't really your thing... so Haru is grateful you came," Haru smiles.
Tokaku purses her lips a little. Words are hard.
"I... I'm fine with whatever you want to do," The bluenette says in a low voice so only Haru hears, "It's fine as long as it makes you smile."
Haru blinks and looks up at the other girl. Tokaku looks away. Her ears, however, are a telltale red. Haru smiles warmly and gives the bluenette a peck on the cheek.
Chapter Text
Haruki is mildly exasperated as she lugs Isuke in her arms back to their suite in the Parisian hotel. The pinkette knocked back one too many cheap champagne mimosas. She's surprisingly a lightweight. Haruki, being the good girl she is, didn't drink much even though she could, since they were in France and not Japan.
"Mooouuuuu..." Isuke has her arms looped around Haruki's neck as she's being carried, "Go slower, idiot! You're... you're making Isuke... urp, sick..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on, Isuke-sama..." Haruki says with nervous alarm, "We're almost there... I'm gonna take you to the bathroom so you can throw up..."
"N-noooo! Isuke wants to... lie down!" The pinkette huffs. As she says that, she presses her face against the crook of Haruki's neck so the redhead can clearly feel her nose and lips press on her skin.
"O-okay, but you better not throw up, okay?" Haruki wonders to herself if room service would charge extra to clean up that mess. She didn't really get into these kinds of situations much. She didn't even stay in a hotel until now!
She opens the door to their posh suite and closes it behind them. Slowly, she moves over to the bed and lays Isuke down on the mattress, careful with the pinkette's head on the frilly pillow. Isuke groans and drapes an arm over her face.
"Is that better?" Haruki smiles in amusement at the pinkette's inebriated state.
"Shut up..." Isuke scoffs, "You better not be... so smug..."
"I'll get you some water-" Haruki stops as Isuke snags her wrist, stopping her in her tracks, "Huh?"
"Lie down with Isuke," The pinkette says with a commanding voice despite her red face.
"Eh... you need to rest, Isuke-sama..."
"Isuke... is inviting you!" The pinkette pouts cutely, "Be grateful!"
Haruki lets out a soft scoff and sits down by the bedside. She softly rubs Isuke's hand in her own. The pinkette scooches over a little and demandingly pats the space on the bed next to her. Haruki chuckles and obliges, lying down next to her girlfriend.
"Mmh..." Isuke cuddles close to Haruki, burrowing her face in that familiar scent of spring.
"You're so warm, Isuke-sama..." Haruki wraps her arms around the pinkette, "I thought you'd feel too hot..."
"Do you want Isuke to shove you off the bed ♥?"
"Uh, haha..."
The pinkette's eyes are half-lidded. She looks like she could fall asleep at this point soon. But she is too stubborn to give up so easily.
"... So this is Paris..." Haruki laughs jokingly, "It's a lot smaller than I thought."
"Bakaruki... never been outside Japan... bumpkin," Isuke hiccups.
"Hey, I grew up in Tokyo...💧" Haruki sighs.
"Hmf, so?" Isuke mumbles, "Being here... in Paris... with Isuke... is a privilege..."
"I know, I know... still can't believe I'm here," Haruki smiles, "Myoujou is a totally different kinda school..."
Isuke scoffs, "... so you should take advantage of it."
"Huh?" Haruki blinks.
"This is the city of love, Bakaruki!" Isuke pushes her face close to Haruki's, "Don't you know that?"
"Uhh..." Haruki seems confused at the pinkette's vague demand. She jumps a little when Isuke begins to pull up at the hem of her shirt. The thought hits her like a truck.
Now Haruki is turning a little red. Isuke smiles devilishly.
"Ah... is... is this okay, Isuke-sama?" Haruki asks in anticipation, feeling her tongue salivate, "What if the other rooms..."
"Who the hell cares," Isuke dismisses that and promptly goes to kiss Haruki fervently.
"Mhh-" Haruki's hands feel up along Isuke's body, yanking off those tight clothes on her curves. She uses her feet to pull off that skirt while Isuke's hands tug her own buttons off.
Kouko looks up at the sound of something softly moaning through the walls. She inhales deeply and tries to tune it out, just like she did back in Myoujou.
Notes:
I'd been writing tavern drunken shenanigans in SinoTavern so I guess I got the groove back to update this lol
Chapter 3: Room 3
Summary:
The domestic duo, my runner up favorite
Proper for the last day of February
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
To be honest, such a flashy city like Paris wasn't something that Kouko gravitated towards. Even if you just wanted a peaceful day at the art museum, you had crowds of tourists swarming like ants at exhibits with their cameras eagerly pointed. You can't get close without being crushed.
Walking along the banks of the Seine, she was shocked seeing some worker's protest taking place and making a scene on one of the bridges. Even more obscene was when someone started taking off their pants and positing their rear right above the water and-
Kouko sighs, currently sitting in the Avenue des Champs-Élysées within viewing distance of the Arc de Triomphe. Nearby, there are people vlogging their trips and taking various photos. Such a rowdy and popular city did not fit her.
"Tired?"
Kouko looks up to see Suzu walk over with two cups in hand. The older girl offered to get them refreshment at the nearby Cafe while Kouko caught her breath.
"... thanks," Kouko accepts the drink gratefully and takes a sip. It's a cold chocolate.
"This sort of scene isn't your thing, is it?" Suzu chuckles as she sits down beside Kouko, "Tourist cities are an entirely different experience."
"It's... somehow so different from Tokyo," Kouko gazes down at some pigeons near her feet, "I thought all bustling cities would be like that."
"Oh, no, no, haha... these old European cities... each one has entirely different feels to them, like Rome and Paris. As for cities, if you went to New York, it would be equally different from Tokyo," Suzu chuckles.
"You've been to all these places?" Kouko asks the other.
"Mm. It's been a while, so a lot has likely changed. But I'm sure some things remain," Suzu swirls her drink idly and gazes towards the Eiffel Tower in the distance, "The last time I came to Paris... was perhaps the 70s."
It's never going to be perfectly normal to hear Suzu talk about herself and her experiences of over 100 years of life while she still looks like a teenager. Kouko follows her gaze towards the structure.
"While Japan was being rebuilt after war in the 50s, we had some foreign aid come help. I met a French nurse and we became very good friends," Suzu chuckles softly to herself, "When it was time for her to return home, I came with her. She didn't live in Paris. Her hometown was in Brittany. It's in France and yet also vastly different from Paris."
"Oh..."
"I traveled to many of the European tourist cities before I eventually returned to Japan."
"... what happened to your friend?" Kouko asks.
"She passed away about 5 years ago," Suzu answers without hesitation.
"..."
"You don't have to look so sad, Kouko-chan. She lived a long and fulfilling life."
Kouko turns her face away from Suzu, but her eyes remained looking from the corner. Suzu has probably outlived a lot of people. Yet, despite what pain there is in parting, she doesn't run from death. She is very strong.
"Actually... that sounds like a good idea!" Suzu suddenly claps, making Kouko jump.
"Huh...?"
"We have some time in Paris. So why don't we take the light rail out and see another part of France?" Suzu looks to Kouko with enthusiasm, "You can see how different things are in other parts of the country! Like the difference between Tokyo and Nagaoka!"
Nagaoka... Kouko thinks a moment. The city didn't suit her, after all. A quieter place than this... it sounds nice.
"But don't you want to look around, still, Shutou?" Kouko asks quickly, "You don't need to make trouble for this..."
"Oh, it's no trouble. I'll have more fun if Kouko-chan also enjoys herself," Suzu winks.
Kouko feels her cheeks warm a bit and she sighs, "... We'd better plan this little trip out well. I heard that schedules with trains can be easily delayed with issues even here. And we don't want to inconvenience Sensei..."
"Hehe, Kouko is so diligent. I'm not worried," Suzu smiles and stands, "Let's go to the train station then and see what tickets are available."
Kouko stands and walks with Suzu quietly ddown the avenue. She is taken by surprise when Suzu suddenly takes her hand in her own, interlacing their fingers. The immortal's hand isn't totally warm.
"..." Kouko glances away to the side, feeling herself stiffen.
"As I thought, Kouko-chan is too nervous in Paris," Suzu teases.
"I-It's not that...!" Kouko protests.
As they pass under a chic and white-lettered McDonald's, among many other stores, they pass some couple from abroad crooning in English.
"Gosh, this is so romantic! Our honeymoon in Paris!"
"The city of love! Only the best for you, babe."
City of love, hm...
Perhaps it's too passionate for someone like her?
Kouko glances to her side and sees Suzu looking at other things around them. Even if she'd been here before, she still seemed to have some wonder at the world. Kouko wondered how that was possible in a place so rife with problems.
Even someone that has lived so long still can live in the moment...
"I... too..." Kouko says quietly, almost mumbling.
"Hm?"
"... I want you to enjoy yourself on this trip, too," Kouko says softly.
Suzu blinks and smiles warmly, holding closer onto Kouko's arm, "Ehehe, I'll be sure to keep that in mind when we do more traveling in the future."
"Eh. I didn't hear anything about future trips for the class..." Kouko starts in surprise.
"Pfft, I mean on our own time, together, Kouko-chan!" Suzu chuckles.
Kouko is a bit taken aback as they enter the train station and approach the ticket machine. She watches as Suzu picks out some tickets for Bordeaux.
Trips in the future... beyond Class Black? That's such a faraway dream... a place she had never thought to reach...
But it was a good question. Even if she could escape Clover Home... what should she do from there on out?
"Bordeaux is a wine region. I'm sure you're too responsible to drink while underage, even abroad," Suzu looks to Kouko mischievously, "Don't worry, I know that they have good juice, too!"
Kouko slowly smiles, surprising Suzu a little. It's a little more relaxed an expression than the noirette's usual face.
"That sounds great," Kouko nods.
"... hehe, I'm glad you agree."
When she said that, Suzu wasn't sure what Kouko meant. Did she mean it would be great to go to Bordeaux, or to travel together in the future, or both?
Maybe it's fine that it's kept ambiguous, though. Suzu was happy to see Kouko smiling so earnestly for once. She pulls the noirette along back to their hotel room so they can pack for their own secret little trip.
As I thought... your eyes are even more beautiful when you can enjoy life.
Notes:
Shitting in the river is a real act of protest. This happened around the time of the Olympics
Chapter 4: Room 4
Summary:
A city of romance has its own problems, as do these two.
But I still love them. third fave ship
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
A classy trip to Paris of all places wasn't on Hitsugi's bingo card when she signed up for this mission at Myoujou to kill Haru Ichinose. But, she is a flexible and seasoned assassin that adapted to many a situation.
But, for now, none of that matters. It's a trip of leisure. No noticed would be served here. Cleaning up abroad is a pain.
Unlike the usual brooding killers, Hitsugi wasn't one that shied away from places with lots of people. Many like Tokaku become averse to crowds due to danger. However, Hitsugi learned to make such factors work in her favor a while ago in this line of work.
She and Chitaru had, of all things, opted to attend a tour of the famous tunnel system under Paris. Aka, the Catacombs.
"... in a bid to empty the cemetery of Les Innocentes, King Louis XVI commissioned for the underground ossuary to be built. While only a portion of these tunnels have the actual bones, we of Paris refer to its entirety as the Catacombs..."
The guide gives their practiced speech as they walk along the tunnels of the Catacombs.
"We've just passed the Barrieres d'Enfer. Gates of Hell, if you may. Fun fact, the film As Above, So Below was the first film to have access to film in these very tunnels, and they feature a gate to Hell, like from that of Dante's Inferno."
Chitaru looks around at the ancient tunnels closing them in along with the other visitors. She makes sure to keep a tight hand on Hitsugi's. She knew the little girl was bad with directions.
Hitsugi looks about without much enthusiasm. Such places are haunted mainly with human superstition than anything else.
The guide is talking about sections of the Catacombs that are closed to the public and the cataphiles that would sneak into them when a tourist raises his hand and asks if it's still possible to spend a night in the ossuary.
"That was just a promotional stunt by Airbnb," The guide explains. The tourist grumbles.
Finally, they reach the chambers where the walls are lined with stacked bones. The rows are aligned so that the skulls are the top, with other bones like femurs under it in layers.
"All the bodies exhumed here once were in a cemetery up above..."
Chitaru looks at the myriad of skeleton heads staring at them in the dim light. There is something incredibly somber in the air here.
Hitsugi looks up at the swordsman. Chitaru momentarily had her head bowed and eyes closed. She opens her eyes and her gaze meets Hitsugi's.
"Was Chitaru-san praying?" Hitsugi tilts her head.
"Ah, I was just... paying my respects," Chitaru says with a small smile, "A lot of people have probably gone through here and just looked at all these people in their resting place... it must be mortifying."
When a person dies, are they still a person? Hitsugi wondered. Aren't they just an object? A corpse isn't alive. Yet, people have such attachment to the dead that they would use up space to enshrine them. This was something Hitsugi never really understood nor cared for.
Nearby, two tourists talk about the found footage they saw that was supposedly from one of the blocked tunnels. It seems to be a bit of a mischievous prank, sneaking into where one should not be. Superstitious rumors say there are ghosts and whatnot down those routes.
A child that came with their parent begins crying loudly at the sight of the skulls. Hitsugi sighs as they try to calm the child down.
After that sobering experience, Chitaru and Hitsugi decide to grab some lunch at a classic Parisian café. The two of them sit around an outdoor table amid other goers. On their table are sandwiches and coffee. The poisoner notices that many of the French speakers drink their water flavored with some kind of colored syrup...
Hitsugi sees Chitaru stare off into space a bit. The smaller girl stops nibbling her sandwich.
"Chitaru-san? Is something wrong?"
"...huh? Sorry, did you say something...?" Chitaru looks to her.
"You seemed a bit... distracted, is all. Something on your mind?" Hitsugi asks.
"Ah... I was just thinking about, uhm... graves, actually," Chitaru gives a sheepish smile.
"Hmm, the ones here or back in Japan?" Hitsugi sips her cortado.
"Back in Japan. They're pretty different, aren't they?" Chitaru takes a bite of her sandwich.
"Mm... graves that expose the bones are considered disrespectful, usually. It's why mass graves were usually for people that no one cared to bury," Hitsugi says thoughtfully.
"Right... a cleaned and well-kept gravestone was a sign someone was remembered," Chitaru looks down with a small smile after she swallows, "... come to think of it, Obon is in a few months, isn't it."
"I think so," Hitsugi shrugs.
"Is there anyone you'll be visiting?" Chitaru asks then follows up quickly, "You don't have to answer if you don't want to."
Hitsugi chuckles, "It's fine. And... no. I don't... do you?"
Chitaru nods, a slightly sad smile on her face as she sips her drink, "Mm... I think we have break then... so I'll return to Mejiro for it."
"Chitaru-san is a very diligent person," Hitsugi smiles, "I think whoever it is must be happy to see you."
Chitaru blinks at the odd compliment. She looks around at the very different surroundings here in thought.
"... no one can really say about the dead... they don't have a voice anymore," The redhead says after some silence.
"... are you thinking about the bones from the ossuary?" Hitsugi tilts her head.
"Well, just in general, I mean," Chitaru scratches her cheek, "The dead were forcibly moved after they were supposed to be lain to rest here already... nobody cares if they're happy about it or not, really. I think... in general, that's what happens. The living behave how they want in the end, regardless of the dead."
"... Chitaru-san is very considerate."
"Sorry, I'm probably not making any sense," Chitaru sighs.
"I think it's fine to think about such things. I think it's better to live as if the living don't owe anything to the dead," Hitsugi shrugs, "It makes more sense. The dead are already gone. The living have to move on. Tying yourself down with promises to the dead... only makes you stagnant."
Chitaru looks ar Hitsugi with surprise, "... that's so... mature of you, Kirigaya..."
Hitsugi gives a small, cutesy smile, "I'm sure now I'm not making any sense."
"... I don't think it's so easy, though. There are things that we have to do in the end to honor those past and what they've done for us," Chitaru looks down at her half-eaten sandwich, "Not for the sake of the dead, but for the living."
The church bells can be heard ringing for one in the afternoon. Soon, the street traffic will diminish significantly as many stores close for a break in the day. Some don't open back up.
Some passerby grumble about the strikes having ruined train commutes for their trip.
"... is there anywhere else you'd like to go?" Chitaru looks to Hitsugi, "We could walk along the banks and the park."
"Anywhere is fine," Hitsugi orders the check, speaking in English.
After paying for their meal, the two walk along one of the side streets into a plaza area, one of many in the city. From here, they can see the Eiffel tower rise above the roofs of surrounding buildings.
Despite thinking of other places to go after, the two of them just end up lingering here. Perhaps the plethora of options ended up paralyzing.
Hitsugi and Chitaru share a bench and watch some pigeons stumble around by their feet. The urban birds coo lowly.
Hitsugi rests her head a little on Chitaru's arm. The redhead smiles softly at the smaller girl.
"When the break for Obon comes... uhm..." Chitaru scratches the back of her neck, "Will you be staying at Myoujou or returning home?"
"Probably staying at Myoujou. I don't really have much to do at home," Hitsugi answers blithely.
"... would you like to come with me?" Chitaru asks a bit hesitantly.
Hitsugi looks up with a blink, "... come to Mejiro with you for Obon?"
"Uh, yeah... it's just... if you want... and I wouldn't mind," Chitaru smiles a little awkwardly, "I could show you around the area, even..."
Hitsugi smiles softly, "I'd like that."
Chitaru sighs slightly in relief. It makes the poisoner laugh.
"Chitaru-san is so shy..."
"I didn't want to come off as pushy or overeager is all," Chitaru blushes slightly, "I'm just... I'm glad you said yes."
"...?"
"I like spending time with you a lot, Kirigaya. Even just like this," Chitaru gives a helplessly honest grin.
Hitsugi feels a tug in her chest. This is a facade. Of course Chitaru likes this... it's because she doesn't know the truth... if she knew, she would never...
"... I like spending time with you, too," Hitsugi replies simply.
"... to be honest, now that I'm actually here at the fabled Paris..." Chitaru glances around at the buildings that surround them, "It's... a bit much to take in."
"Chitaru-san likes more quiet settings, I'm guessing?"
"I mean, I've been to Ginza, Shibuya, and Akihabara but... there's something about this place that feels different than all of them," Chitaru folds her arms, "I can't put my finger on it."
"Maybe it's the 8 euro coffee?" Hitsugi suggests with a giggle.
"... yeah, maybe 💧..." Chitaru recalls the exchange rate and is silently relieved that they have enough money to eat here.
"These cities draw a lot of people here simply for existing so long that they've accrued a reputation to behold," Hitsugi glances towards the tower spire rising above the nearby roofs, "... To be honest, it's not my ideal scene, either."
Chitaru blinks and then gives a light laugh, "I see... then that makes two of us..."
"Still, I'm enjoying the trip, even if it isn't my cup of tea."
"... mm... I'm glad I get to explore it with you," Chitaru lays her hand over Hitsugi's.
Hitsugi looks up at those warm red eyes. She feels the tug turn into a sting in her chest.
If only idyllic fairy tales could last forever, in a city far away from their problems like this...
"... ah. The time...!" Chitaru hastily checks her phone, "Sensei said we had to be back by 6 for the hotel dinner, right?"
"I think so..."
Chitaru looks at her phone screen, then to the sky, and then back to Hitsugi, "We still have an hour to kill... do you want to walk around some more?"
"Sure," Hitsugi smiles softly.
While the illusion remains intact... let's spend every bit of it being happy together.
When we finally have to part, these memories will at least remain.
Notes:
The illusion is having a vacation T.T
Chapter 5: Room 5
Summary:
A place of romance is perfect for some blood, right?
Chapter Text
"Uggggghhhhhhhhhh......."
In a city like Paris, where history is rich and plentiful, the serial killer finds herself bored out of her mind. This is not the kind of art she adores. It doesn't arouse her at all.
All this classical art crap is like still paintings and boring statues. All cold and dead. Never once did they have hot blood coursing through. Never once did they scream in agony or ecstasy. So very boring.
Otoya considered herself a flower gardener. Is that an art? She didn't care too much about that. She didn't call herself an artist. But she did care about beauty. And there was a connection there.
And, to her, none of this was very beautiful.
To top it all off, Shiena ran away from her! They were going to explore the city as roommates! And yet she was ditched!
Otoya is sitting on a bench on the left bank of the river. She perks up at last, bored of sitting around and doing nothing.
French girls... they aren't as outwardly showing off as some people think. Otoya might be able to work with that...
The serial killer stands and starts to stroll along the riverbank. Maybe she'll run into Haru? She hoped so. Her concealed scissors itch for action...
And then, as a stroke of luck, she sees that sneaky roommate that ran away from her! And she's ... surrounded by some fugly guys. Great.
"Madame, would you like to come with me to a very nice Chalet in the Swiss alps? The snows there are very crisp and beautiful at this time of year..." A Frenchman says suavely to Shiena in English, "There is a nice rug before a warm fire..."
Shiena unfortunately did not get all that. She just looks uncomfortable as this dude and two of his friends seem to have surrounded her.
"Oh, and these are my friends. Don't worry, they will not come along..."
"Dépêche-toi, Mec..." One friend mumbles.
"Il a un faible pour les asiatiques..." The other one snickers.
"Um, n-no..." Shiena says pathetically. She knew more English than that but she was terrible at speaking with strangers even in Japanese.
"Shi~e~na~!"
Shiena pales at the sound of that voice.
Nooooo...
Otoya pounces over, effectively pushing between two of the guys to get to Shiena.
"...?!"
"Hehehe!" Otoya wraps her arms around Shiena now, "Found you~!"
"T-Takechi...!" Shiena gasps as her annoying roommate hops over. She is too slow to react as Otoya hugs her. Her brown eyes look a bit concerned at what the men around them might think... or do.
"Hmm? Friend of yours, Madame?" The Frenchman asks suavely. His friends take a moment to size Otoya up.
"... celui-ci a l'air bien meilleur."
"Vraiment de beaux seins."
Otoya smirks at the men around with impudence in her eyes. She speaks at them in confident and serviceable English, "Me and Shiena-chan have a date. So we'll go."
"What? Non, non, please, allow us. We cannot simply allow two beautiful ladies wander around lost in our beautiful city..." The Frenchman is insistent.
"... cherchons quelqu'un d'autre, mec. Elle n'est pas seule..." One of his friends waves a dismissive hand.
"Who said we were lost?" Otoya raises an eyebrow and chuckles, "No thank you."
"T-Takechi..." Shiena sighs and finally forces herself to speak, "Um, s-sorry, we... we are going now..."
The Frenchman lightly flexes his jaw in visual displeasure. However, he raises his hands and backs off.
"Okay, well, enjoy your day, Madames."
His friends seem surprised but they also give the girls berth to leave at his gesture. Otoya happily pulls Shiena away from them. The brunette doesn't let out her breath until they've walked down to the next bridge and the men are out of sight.
"Geez, Shiena-chan is such a trouble magnet!" Otoya chuckles, arm firmly looped about the brunette like an octopus tentacle.
"You're not exactly a squeaky clean person!" Shiena protests, "Anyway, let go...! I'm going to the Louvre!"
"Hn? What's that?" Otoya blinks and stops pulling. They stand by a lamppost near the edges of the river bank.
"It's like the most famous art museum in the world!" Shiena can't believe she has to explain, "You know? The Mona Lisa? That's in the Louvre!"
"Mona Lisa..." Otoya taps her chin as if deep in thought.
"You know... the... the painting! The really famous one!"
"... the soup cans?" Otoya answers blankly.
"What the, no!" Shiena stares at Otoya like she's looking at an idiot, "You don't know the Mona Lisa?"
"I don't know any Monas or Lisas," Otoya snickers, "Besides, paintings are boring~"
"You're so uncultured..." Shiena sighs and takes out a map from her travel puree.
"Oh geez now we need a map? This place is so big and boring!" Otoya exclaims.
"Go have fun on your own then," Shiena rolls her eyes. She picks up the route she needs to get to the Louvre and starts to walk... but Otoya of course followed.
"Hey, Shiena-chan! Why're you so eager to see this cold crap anyway."
"Cold crap? This stuff is valuable!" Shiena tries to ignore the serial killer's tail on her.
"The stuff is all dead and not moving. They don't feel warm and they don't bleed," Otoya shrugs, nonchalantly striding beside Shiena.
"Living art is a totally different thing... they have that in the city, too," Shiena checks her map, "They have living people pose as statues..."
"Oh, wow that sounds more fun! Like playing with the guards at Buckingham Palace!" Otoya's eyes glimmer with curiosity, "How hard do you have to hurt them before they move a muscle?"
"That's what interests you??" Shiena sighs, as she should have expected this, "God, is that why you voted on a London trip instead..."
"Well, I mean... learning about Jack the Ripper is a hella lot more fun than some Lisa painting," Otoya pouts.
Says the 21st century Jack the Ripper... Shiena thinks to herself.
The glass pyramid structure that is the Louvre slowly comes to view. However, once they pass a small set of stairs, Otoya seizes the opportunity to pull Shiena into the small and cramped space.
"I mean, really, the city is too boring... I need some excitement," Otoya licks her lips, pinning Shiena to the wall. One hand is over Shiena's with the map. The other clamps over Shiena's mouth, with her elbow pinning the other wrist.
"Mm- mmf..." Shiena gives her a look of indignant defiance. She should have figured Otoya would pull this shit... and in public!! In a tourist destination!!
"C'mon, Shiena-chaaaan... I'll treat you well... and then we can go to your dumb museum, okay?" Otoya uncovers her mouth.
Shiena scowls and has to resist spitting in Otoya's face, "You're going to get blood on my clothes, I just know it..."
"Oh c'mon, I have manners! I know those stupid cops would be all sus if we walked around after our usual!" Otoya croons, "I'm just asking for a quickie!"
When is it ever actually quick...
But Shiena also knew how dangerous it would be to deny Otoya. It only makes her more horny. And she knew that if anyone saw them or if she tried to get help... Otoya would be fine causing a scene.
Some vacation... Shiena grumbles in her head.
"... we don't take off our shoes, okay?" Shiena says with an exasperated sigh, "Ten minutes is the max, got it?"
"Shiena-chan is sooo controlling! Fiiine~" Otoya giggles and licks her lips as she releases Shiena's wrist and her hand instead goes to pull down Shiena's pants. Shiena sees her then pull out those concealed scissors.
Ah, shi-
...
They ended up going straight back to the hotel afterward.