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“You can’t run from debt!” The Fatui agent threatened, as he stood in the doorway of Kazuha’s apartment.
Kazuha had come up empty handed again. With each passing month, Kazuha had been able to steadily pay off his family’s debts to the Fatui, but this past one had been more of a struggle than the last ones. As both a student and a full time worker, Kazuha’s plate was more than filled up. He didn’t have time for anything else.
Kazuha worked as a waiter at Uyuu Restaurant to help make ends meet along with working as an editor for the campus newspaper. After all he only had himself to rely on. The rest of his family had passed when he was younger, the last one being a few years ago. Kazuha had been old enough at the time to legally take care of himself, so that was what he did.
As if it wasn’t already hard enough to sustain himself as a full time student, his family had left many debts which all had been transferred onto him. In order to satisfy the hungry loan sharks, Kazuha had sold off all of his family’s heirlooms, belongings, and anything else left of value.
The whole Kaedehara estate was now in the name of the Fatui forcing Kazuha to move into an apartment in the slums of the city. Yet, even after giving away all that he had, Kazuha was still left with a monstrous load of debt to pay off and the Fatui weren’t very forgiving on those who paid late.
He had no one else to help him. The police wouldn’t help with his situation, especially since it was one concerning the mafia who they turned a blind eye to. The most Kujou Sara would do for him might be to review his report and she’d have pity on him for his situation.
Pity.
That was precisely why Kazuha had stopped telling anyone about his situation. On the outside to all of his friends he was perfectly fine, maybe a little overworked, but besides that his financial condition was relatively stable or at least as stable as it could be for a student. Heizou, Thoma, Yoimiya, they were all clueless. He lied about where he lived to anyone who asked and told them that he preferred not to have guests over because his place was a mess. In reality he didn’t want people over to pity him nor put themselves in danger visiting the bad side of town, where the mafia were rather prominent.
He never even told his boyfriend about his situation at all, even though he knew that Kunikuzushi wouldn’t hesitate to lift his lover out of the grips of debt. Kunikuzushi came from a wealthy family or at least he had acquired a job that allowed him to live a lavish lifestyle. Kazuha never asked what the other did though.
They had originally met during one of Kazuha’s waiting shifts. Originally, Kazuha found it odd that someone like Kunikuzushi would come down to a rundown restaurant in the slums especially late right before closing time, but the man kept coming back and Kazuha was the only waiter ever on staff. He supposed that it was the only restaurant on this side of town that opened late. Little conversations every now and then built up and Kazuha found himself an odd acquaintance.
Eventually, Kunikzusuhi had been the one to ask the other out after his shift and Kazuha happily agreed. Going out with Kunikuzushi brought some normalcy and stability into Kazuha’s hectic life. They would do simple things after Kazuha got out of work early like going out for food from some street vendors or shopping in Ritou. It made him feel like he actually had a relatively normal life in these little moments doing what other people his age were doing: falling in love and sharing little cute moments at cafes and the like.
Kunikuzushi always offered and insisted to pay for everything, but Kazuha never let him. Kazuha could pay for his own things, or at least that was the lie that he told his boyfriend every date they went out on. A few mora here and there added up and Kazuha found himself coming up slightly short this month. Kazuha didn’t believe in superstitions but he crossed his fingers in hope that the Fatui would give him some leniency. He’d been able to pay on time for the past few years, didn’t that earn him something?
“I just need a little bit more time, that’s all” Kazuha replied calmly; he could see the daggers hanging off of the agent’s coat.
“They all say that,” The agent gruffly replied, his palm still open awaiting a pouch of mora. “You know the rules.”
“How about I pay what I have right now and then give the extra along with next month’s due” Kazuha offered, hoping that the agent would accept this.
The Fatui agent shook his head, “This isn’t up for negotiation, Kaedehara. If I bend the rules for you, I have to for everyone else. Look, Kaedehara, I know your situation, I want to help you out, I really do, but I can’t.”
Kazuha found it odd that after these past few years, he had never actually learned the name of the agent that came to collect his debts. Yet, it felt odd to know that this agent knew more about his actual situation than any of Kazuha’s own friends and even his own boyfriend.
Kazuha understood that the agent was just the messenger, he didn’t make the rules nor was to blame for anything, “I understand…” Kazuha dejectedly replied as he handed over a pouch of mora that fell short, “This is all I have right now. It’s not enough but I hope it makes due.
The Fatui agent stayed silent and looked to both sides before eventually reluctantly pushing the pouch back into Kazuha’s hands.
“Look, Kaedehara, keep the mora. My harbinger doesn’t look kindly upon those who pay late or fall short. Regardless if you give him this or not, he’ll send someone after you and they’re not going to be as forgiving as I am. My advice for you is to run away as soon as I leave, find someone else to stay with, preferably not here. I’ll try to delay reporting the payment as late as I possibly can”
Kazuha looked at the agent, stunned, “Why are you doing this?”
“Because I know you’re not a bad person, Kaedehara. You were unfairly put into this situation and you’ve managed to stay strong. I’m not doing this out of pity, but respect for you, now go!” The Fatui agent answered before disappearing into the darkness of the night.
Kazuha took no time to collect his minimal belongings that all fit in a small backpack. He didn’t have enough to afford a plane, train, or bus ticket out of the city, so he just had to stay somewhere else in the city. He did have enough for a bus ticket across the city.
Kunikuzushi had already offered his place for Kazuha to stay at, though Kazuha always declined, feeling that it was done out of pity even though the other had no clue about his financial state.
Kazuha didn’t have any other place to go though, so he gave his lover a quick call. Kunikuzushi didn’t pick up the first time, but called him back right away.
“Kazu? You called? Sorry I couldn’t pick up earlier, I had err… something to do” Kazuha though he heard the sound of something metallic clattering distantly, but he supposed it was probably just his own imagination.
“Yeah…uhhh could I stay with you for a bit? A pipe burst at my place so they’re having everyone move out…” Kazuha lied. If the pipes burst at his apartment the landlord wouldn’t care.
“Of course…do you need me to uhh pick you up? Because I’m a bit busy with something right now, but it’ll be done soon” Kunikuzushi seemed a bit preoccupied with something else at the moment. Kazuha could’ve sworn he heard a slight groan from the other side of his phone, but ignored it.
“No, no it’s fine I’ll just take the bus” I don’t want you knowing where I live Kazuha thought.
“Ok, well see ya then, Kazu! I’ll prob be home when you get there then”
“Thank you, Kuni!” Kazuha beamed.
“Of course, Kazu, you know you don’t have to be reluctant to accept things”
“I know…” Kazuha still felt bad accepting help even if it was necessary.
By the time Kazuha arrived at Kunikuzshi’s apartment, the other was already there. It was quite late now, already past midnight. The bus had broken down on Kazuha’s ride to his boyfriend’s apartment on the good side of town. Luckily for Kazuha though, the bus breaking down meant that he got a free ride. Or maybe that had just been the bus driver being nice after he saw the balance on Kazuha’s transit card.
“I could’ve just picked you up, Kazu. I didn’t think the bus was going to take this long.”
“It’s fine, Kuni, you’re already letting me stay here tonight.” After tonight, Kazuha wasn’t sure where he would be going.
“You know you can stay here as long as you’d like right, if not there’s a nice hotel down the street. I could book a room for you there too.” Kunikuzushi offered as Kazuha set his one bag down on the kitchen counter.
“Oh that’s too much” Kazuha felt a lump in his stomach, it felt like too much to accept from someone.
“Whatever you say…” Kunikuzushi rolled his eyes; sometimes Kazuha’s stubbornness really annoyed him. “Do you want anything to eat?”
“I’m fine…” Kazuha responded, “I think I’ll just go to bed now.”
Kunikuzushi narrowed his eyes, but pointed toward the door on the left, “That’s the bedroom, the bathroom door is the one next to that. I’ll probably turn in soon too…I just have some…work to finish up.”
Kazuha entered the bedroom and immediately was overwhelmed by the size of the room and the bed. There was more than ample room to toss and turn on that thing. Kazuha’s own bed back in his apartment had just been wide enough for him to fit on while his feet hung over the edge.
In this bed, Kazuha could already imagine himself swimming in the sea of blankets and pillows. He leaned into the soft warmth that instantly melted away all of his worries as sleep covered his mind.
Today had been the monthly debt collection day and Kunikuzushi was overlooking all of the reports from his own agents. For once everything seemed fine, he checked the amount of mora and it seemed fine. It had been a long time since he had gotten a month where everyone had paid their debts on time.
Everything almost seemed too good, too good that Kunikuzushi checked the numbers again even though he wanted to fall asleep cuddling Kazuha in his arms right now. He had to finish these duties first.
As expected someone did pay late, or rather they didn’t pay anything at all. It was a man by the name of Kageharu who had originally borrowed some money a decade ago. He still had over half to pay back. It was a large sum of over a million mora. He wondered why anyone would need that much mora at once and who had even loaned that all out to the man. Kunikuzushi hadn’t been a part of the Fatui at that time.
He’d let his Fatui Agents deal with Kageharu, if he wanted to run he could, but he’d be caught by the end of tonight. Kunikuzushi was sure that his agents would do the job. For now it was time for Kunikuzushi to go to bed. It wasn’t everyday that Kazuha actually accepted his help, and he wanted to be as welcoming as possible.
Kazuha was already soundly sleeping curled up in the blankets and hugging a pillow close to his stomach. Kunikuzushi could see the way the other’s chest rose and fell with every slight breath. Kazuha looked so peaceful like this, it brought a rare smile to Kunikuzushi’s face.
Sometimes he worried about Kazuha. There were things that Kazuha wasn’t telling him, Kunikuzushi knew that. There was always a hidden sense of worry that lingered on Kazuha’s restless mind. Kunikuzushi had figured this out from the way the other always seemed so cautious and reluctant on some details of his life. If he really wanted to he could send out a Fatui agent to gather intel on Kazuha, but that felt like crossing a boundary. That was something Kunikuzushi didn’t want to do.
It was true that Kunikuzushi was exceptionally rich from his job but that didn’t mean he was happy. That was until Kazuha came into his life. The other was always so bubbly and bright, plus he was completely oblivious to Kunikuzushi’s true identity. Though he was sure that Kazuha wouldn’t have treated him any differently if he knew. Yet, that was also why Kunikuzushi owned this apartment. He did have a grand mansion elsewhere in the city, but he rarely stayed there. It was lonely.
Sometimes he wished that he never got himself involved with the mafia and just led a simple life as a student like Kazuha did. Having this apartment, although it was a luxurious one, helped him achieve that. No one else knew that he owned this apartment beside Kazuha, but Kazuha also didn’t know about his other side. He was sure that Kazuha knew he was rich, but probably didn’t know just to what extent and how he gained his wealth. One day he might tell him, but for right now that wasn’t necessary unless it came up.
He lay down next to his boyfriend putting his arms around him and holding him close to him like he was the most precious thing in his life. All his doubts washed away as soon as he wrapped his arms around the other.
Warm blood flushed up into his cheeks. Sure Kazuha had leaned his head and rested it along Kunikuzushi’s shoulder while he dozed off, but this was different. A large bed wasn’t easy to keep warm for one person, but it was perfect for just two. Involuntarily Kazuha curled up more into Kunikuzushi’s warmth who only tightened his embrace in response.
Was it selfish that Kunikuzushi wanted to be like this forever and forget everything else?
Kunikuzushi abruptly awoke to the sound of the door knob rattling distantly. He had gotten used to sleeping lightly. Assassinations attempts weren’t unexpected nor uncommon for him because of his high position. Though they usually happened at his mansion, never had anyone found out about his own private apartment.
Kunikuzushi’s first thought went straight to Kazuha laying next to him.
To his surprise Kazuha was already awake with his eyes wide open, he must’ve been awoken by the rattling.
Kunikuzushi whispered into his lover’s ear in a quick attempt. To provide some comfort, “Don’t worry, Kazu, I can take care of it”
Kazuha stared at him while his lip quivered before whisper replying, “They’re here for me, Kuni…”
Kunikuzushi was a bit taken aback by Kazuha’s response. Why would they be here for him? Did someone find out that they were dating? Kunikuzushi felt sick at the attempts of his enemies to try and use Kazuha as a leverage point. Did Kazuha know about his job?
“I won’t let them hurt you, Kazu…stay here” Kunikuzushi whispered out affirmingly as he got up, pulling a dagger out from behind his back as he awaited the assassins to break into the bedroom. He hoped Kazuha wouldn’t think of him any differently for this.
He could hear their footsteps in the living room and they were growing closer to the bedroom.
“Someone said they reported seeing him arrive here” One of the assassins whispered out.
“Security cameras confirm it too. No one else has a red streak in their hair. He entered this exact room.” The other replied in a string of whispers.
“C’mon check that room, he’s not in this one.”
So they were here for Kazuha…Kunikuzushi looked back at his lover who was hiding in the corner of the room in fear. Kunikuzushi gave him a nod of affirment and prepared himself for the intruders. He wasn’t worried about the intruders, but more the fact that they had been able to figure out his connections between Kazuha and him. These people obviously were amateurs who were just normal hitmen, but what if someone more skilled got sent after Kazuha? What if he wasn’t there to protect him like this time?
Footsteps grew closer to the door and Kunikuzushi could hear Kazuha’s heart beating in the background. He never wanted to make Kazuha worry like this. Maybe it would be safer for them to break up after tonight. Kunikuzushi was being selfish by not telling Kazuha the truth. He was only putting him in danger without the other being aware.
Right now, he had to deal with his intruders…the footsteps stopped in front of the door and Kunikuzushi opened it on the unsuspecting agents and plunged his dagger forward blindly, but he stopped short of the intruder.
They were Fatui agents.
Kazuha’s eyes widened in the background and pleaded, “Wait! Don’t hurt him, I’ll give you what I have! And do whatever you want!”
“Lord Harbinger!” The Fatui agents kneeled on the floor before Scaramouche, “Our apologies we were unaware that you already caught Kaedehara! Please forgive us!”
Now it was Scaramouche’s turn to be confused, “I will deal you two dumbasses in a moment”
Kunikuzushi turned back to face Kazuha who was also confused, “There’s nothing to worry about, Kazu, though I admit there’s something I’ve been hiding from you.” he walked over to welcome his lover in his warm embrace mostly because he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to tell him while seeing his face, “I’m part of the mafia, you’ve probably heard of Scaramouche, that’s my name. I’m sorry I never told you and I’m sorry about putting you in danger like this”
“I have something I’ve been hiding from you too…” Kazuha whispered as a tear slipped down his cheek. “I’m indebted to the Fatui from my father’s loans, that’s why I had to stay here tonight…and why I never told you where I lived.” Kazuha admitted; he hoped Kunikuzushi wouldn’t think of him any differently. Honestly, he didn’t care if Kunikuzushi was part of a mafia, and he in fact didn’t know who Scaramouche was.
Kunikuzushi finally connected the dots together in his head, “Wait is that why those two dumbasses are here…” He lifted his head over Kazuha’s shoulder and barked orders to them, “You two are dismissed, get out of here!”
“Of course, our apologies, Lord Harbinger!” Frantically they scurried out before Scaramouche gave them any punishment.
“Kazuha…what was your father’s name?” Kunikuzushi asked, while still cradling the other’s head in his arms.
“Kageharu…” Kazuha whispered out, “Kaedehara Kageharu”
For fuck’s sake, Kunikuzushi had already been feeling bad, but now he felt absolutely horrible. He should’ve recognized that Kazuha had been dealing with crippling debt and made the connection between the names. He never even noticed in the slightest.
“I’m sorry, Kazu…I’m the one who collects all of the debts…I should’ve noticed that you were struggling with this…”
Kazuha didn’t answer for a few seconds as the only sound that could be heard was sniffles. Did Kazuha have a right to be angry? Yes. Did he have the right to hate and want revenge on Scaramouche? Yes. But did he want to? No.
For one, it had been simply a trail of misfortune that led his father down the path of debt which was eventually left on Kazuha’s shoulders. It wasn’t necessarily Kunikuzushi’s fault that he suffered from the debt neither was it his fault that he never noticed. Kazuha had purposefully been trying to hide it, he couldn’t blame someone else for poor communication if he was trying to tuck it under the carpet.
“I’m not mad at you, Kuni…just no more secrets between the two of us, please? I won’t keep anything from you and you won’t keep anything from me anymore…” Kazuha whispered back as his life flipped on its ends. The feeling of realization still hadn’t quite completely slammed into him yet.
“I’ll agree to that, but only one one condition, you let me make it up to you as much as I want. No more saying you’re just fine.” Kunikuzushi softly replied.
Kazuha smiled for the first time in a long while, “I’d like that…”