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Kuki Shinobu loved the Arataki Gang. They were like the family she never had, the family she wanted to have. People who can accept her for who she is and who she wants to be and support her all the way, with the freedom to do anything they'd like.
But sometimes, they drive her insane with their antics.
Shinobu knows they have good intentions, most of the time. They're simply oblivious to how their methods would do more harm than good, and needed some guidance in that regard.
However, sometimes she herself needed a break from the chaos they manage to bring about nearly every day.
A sigh leaves her as she walks up to the Shogunate officers who are currently in the process of detaining the boys, Itto excluded for once, something that surprised her considering how he is usually the one to spearhead these kinds of antics that always lead to those getting involved arrested by the Tenryou Commission or landed in trouble only Shinobu can dig them out of.
That doesn't mean Itto's completely off the hook though. It's entirely possible this is one of those schemes that are intended to annoy Kujou Sara that couldn't include himself due to the latter's irritation at him.
"Come on, what did we do?!" Mamoru demanded as his arms were placed behind his back to bind them together while the other boys are receiving the same treatment.
"You're under arrest for disturbing the peace. sir." The officer said, sounding extremely tired and bored.
"And how exactly were we doing that? We were just trying to-"
"You were singing. Very, very loudly might I add. It doesn't matter if it's the middle of the day or as late as every intern in romance light novels."
Shinobu pinches the bridge of her nose. The boys were going to get a lecture from her for this.
But as she started to approach them, someone else beat her to it.
"What seems to be the problem here?"
That was a familiar voice, Shinobu realized. A kind of familiar that made her simultaneously relieved because he would most certainly be able to handle this better than she ever would. Purely because even if he was annoyed with their antics, he wouldn't lash out like she does.
"Shikanoin, what are you doing here? Unless you're here to help us bring these troublemakers to the police station, then you shouldn't be here."
"Actually..." Heizou says, giving one of his signature smiles and looking in her direction for a moment. She swore she saw him wink before turning back to the Doushins. "...I'm here to do what you just said."
"Wait....what?" One of the two officers, the one who doesn't look like he's going to pass out at any given second but is still bored out of his skull, looks confused.
"I mean, I believe you should leave them with me. You two have had a long day; you're probably looking forward to the chance to get off of work and go home, am I right?" Heizou gives a not so subtle gesture to the two of them, specifically their faces and themselves.
The Shogunate officers looked at each other, then back at Heizou, still giving him suspicious looks like this isn't the first time he pulled something like this off.
Shinobu knows this isn't the first time he did something like this, if going by the past few months were to go by.
She wouldn't ever say that his ability to get the gang off the hook was the reason why she got together with him - there were so many other aspects about him that made her adore him, such as his deduction skills, how despite being in a relatively unfree job he still finds his own freedom in it and his focus on solving crimes to ensure Inazuma remains an eternally safe nation. All of those traits are what make Heizou his own person, traits that she finds admirable.
The first time they met, it was after a particular time he took the initiative to escort Itto out of the police station once after Shinobu had to bail him out - again. She remembers apologizing over and over again on taking up so much of his time and that she'll try to keep her boss in check next time. Heizou had merely laughed and told her not to worry, telling her how Itto had cheered up the other prisoners with his singing while he was incarcerated.
After that, their interactions became less because of the gang, but more because they genuinely wanted to see each other, finding that they clicked well together.
"Well, I do have that date coming up..." The not as tired but still bored officer mutters, a blush covering his face.
"And I..." The other one yawned. "...would love to just crash on the futon right then and there and dream of anonymous people spouting comments and insults at each other for something as silly as a banana."
The air became silent after that, admittedly, very strange dream, only broken up by the boys murmuring to each other about how weird it was and the officer's partner coughing into his elbow.
"...well then, allow me to take your place, gentlemen. I do hope you both enjoy your evening." Heizou says after a moment, watching as the two officers walk away, leaving him with the boys.
And once they were gone, his eyes met hers. And this time, she knows he winked at her.
Shinobu takes this as her cue to enter the scene. And when she got into their proper line of sight, she saw the boys' brows beginning to sweat like crazy as they smile sheepishly as their eyes dart around, trying to find a suitable excuse for themselves and their behaviour.
"Sh-Shinobu! You didn't see all that did you?" Genta asks nervously.
"Guys-"
"You gotta listen, we just wanted to help the neighbourhood-" Akira interjects.
"Hey I-"
"And- And besides some of the kids liked our singing-" Mamoru attempts to justify.
"Guys..."
"It's not working! Move to the backup plan guys!" Akira shouts.
All three of them bowed before she could even say anything else.
"WE'RE SORRY SHINOBU! IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN WE SWEAR!"
"Oh brother..." Shinobu lets out an exasperated sigh, which in hindsight has only served to feed into the boys' perceived fear regarding her as they looked up at her pleadingly.
"Now, now all of you." Heizou interjects, all eyes now on him. Which is a good thing, because it could hopefully mean that the boys would end up listening and realize that they're not going to get a long lecture this time around. Shinobu doesn't feel that angry with them tonight anyway, and they managed to avoid getting sent to jail again, so she can let it slide just this once.
And most importantly, she has plans for the evening.
"There is no need to fear. I don't believe Miss Shinobu here is going to be that harsh on you all this time around." Heizou reassures, his eyes scanning the gang's expressions to see if they got the message. The three of them turned to each other, then back to Heizou, and finally to Shinobu, sweat still dripping down their brows like raindrops.
"L-Look, Shinobu we-" Genta swallows nervously.
"Guys, it's okay." Shinobu took on a softer variation of her usually authoritative voice, hoping it would be enough to get the boys to calm down. "Even if I wanted to, I don't have the time to give you all another lecture. However, you all need to apologize to the neighbourhood about what you did tonight, got it?"
"Got it! We'll get started on that right- wait, what do you mean you don't have time?" Akira asks.
"Well..."
"Oooohhhhh, I get it." Mamoru nods, giving a double thumbs up to the both of them. "Well then, have fun both of ya! Make sure to remember to bring your romance light novel fantasies to life!"
Shinobu's face, most unfortunately, flushed at the comment. So much in fact not even her mask was enough to hide it as it spread to her entire face.
"WHAT?!"
Heizou couldn't help but snicker.
-
"Thanks a lot for that bail." Shinobu says as they walk away from the scene and through the streets of the city. Her flushed face has long since faded away, something that Heizou finds as a shame. She always looks so cute when flustered in an adorable manner.
"It was no problem at all." Heizou shakes his head. "I simply saw your troubles and wanted to alleviate them for a while. You always were a worrywart when it comes to them."
"That's...true." Shinobu sighs. "I just wish they could learn to mellow out sometimes."
Heizou chuckles. "Well, they're not needing of any care now, do they? You need to take some time for yourself every once in a while."
"I'm aware of that, thank you very much."
The two of them arrived at his home in the city, positioned strategically around other neighbours' homes where their usual routine would be that they would retire for the night, allowing for potential witnesses and quick assistance should anything happen while or he way away from home.
Perhaps that was also why he felt comfortable with bringing Shinobu back with him to his house. The other reason being that Shinobu doesn't care if she's seen with him or not, believing that her freedom from expectations should also allow her to hang around the people she cares for without fear of judgement or danger weighing on her mind. That philosophy has allowed her to stay with the Arataki Gang in spite of her potential and judgement from others.
Heizou opens the door and holds it open for Shinobu. "After you." He bows, knowing full well it was a cheesy cliche move to do.
"Of course." Shinobu says, but her voice doesn't hold any undertones of exhaustion she has with the Arataki Gang when they mess up. It was completely playful and going along with what he is currently doing.
Once Shinobu is inside and Heizou joins her, he closes the door behind them and begins to turn on the lights inside the house and once that was done. he guides her over to the dining room. "Hungry?"
"Now that you mention it, the gang and I were supposed to have a lavender melon roasting session tonight so I had a light lunch." Shinobu looks over to the kitchen. "Need some help?"
"No, no. That won't do." Heizou pulls a chair. "You deserve to be pampered for once, so allow me to do the cooking."
"It's alright, I can simply just-"
"Shinobu, you're always the one taking care of others. Their troubles, their feelings, their issues."
Her head tilts to the side. "What are you..."
"Don't misunderstand, it is noble of you to assist others when they need assistance. However there are times when you need to take a step back and and have some time for yourself. There's nothing wrong with that."
"No, I get what you're saying and I agree. And I know when I should take a moment to relax every now and again, and you know that too. I know you do." Shinobu leans closer to him, curiosity radiating off of her. "So, what is it? Trying to get me to lower my guard so you can tease me with a comment about my smile?"
Heizou knew Shinobu was perceptive; if in some other world where she decided that career would be for her in spite of how it goes against what she wants in a work environment, being a detective would suit her well. Although, in Heizou's eyes, she's already one with how often they team up for cases these days.
So it didn't come off as much as a surprise to him when she figured out his ruse. He chuckles as he gently pushes her to sit down and push the chair in.
"Perhaps, but it'll come in due time, you'll see." Heizou leans down for a quick peck on the cheek before she can respond, smiling as he sees a light flash of red cover her face.
"You can't do that." Shinobu sighs, crossing her arms and looking away, huffing in a half-hearted manner.
"Oh but I can. You're just that cute, you know that?"
"Well, if that's how you wish to play it, then I'll be more than happy to oblige." Shinobu takes her mask off, places it on the table, and grabs onto Heizou's arm, pulling him down long enough to give him a kiss on the lips.
Admittedly, Heizou did not expect to be caught off guard in such a manner. But he did enjoy the kiss, so he'll let it slide to indulge. For now.
He leans into the kiss, bending down to better accommodate his body to prolong the kiss. He cupped her cheek with his hand, and she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer.
Eventually, they pull away, a sly smile appearing on Shinobu's face. "Looks like I outdid you."
Heizou doesn't focus on that, instead his attention is focused on her smile, which in turn made his lips curl up. "You're so cute with your mask off, you know?"
Shinobu could not stop herself from at least chuckling at that. "Don't change the subject. You know why I have to wear it in public."
"True, but I always enjoy it when you allow yourself to express yourself without the mask." Heizou leans closer to her. "Though, I don't mind it as much. Figuring out your facial language that way is quite fun, I must admit."
She rolls her eyes. "You're impossible."
"Alright, alright. I would love to continue this, but I believe dinner awaits for the both of us. I promise I'll be back soon."
"Don't worry about me, I'll wait as long as the night allows."
Shinobu has only shown her face when she has to eat or drink, or in very special moments. And even with the former, she always makes sure no one can see her so they can't recognize her. It's been years, and her family is still the same as ever. Strict, and wanting her to become a shrine maiden like them. The only one she could tolerate was her sister, and even then their relationship is strained at best even with their best efforts to communicate again.
If she ever decides to show her face to someone other than the Arataki Gang, then that means that person has earned her full, genuine trust.
And Heizou is more than happy to have that trust, and he will do everything in his power to honour it just as she has done with him.
-
Dinner came soon enough as Heizou brings in two bowls of his specially made katsudon, a dish Shinobu will never tire of. The chicken katsu is always cooked to perfection, and it really does make one want to spill their deepest secrets and no matter how devoted they are to hiding them in their heart. Shinobu doesn't know how he does it, but she supposes it all comes down to the cliche answer of how food can taste so good: love.
That's what Heizou told her anyway.
But not even the wonderful aroma of the food was enough to distract Shinobu from what was said earlier.
When the bowls were set down and Heizou takes his place at the table, she takes this as her cue to strike.
"So, what was that you mentioned that will come in due time?" She asks
Heizou doesn't answer for a while, utensils untouched as he stares at her, his eyes gleaming with...something. This isn't the usual gleam he has whenever he has figured out the truth behind a case. This is a gleam she sees when he has thought of something he believes both of them would enjoy.
"I was wondering, what if we try braiding each other's hair tonight?" He answers at long last, grabbing his utensils and popping a bite of rice and katsu into his mouth.
Shinobu makes a confused gesture with her head, tilting it to the side. "I'm not opposed to it, but it's the evening, and we'll have to go to bed soon."
"Well, it doesn't have to be anything grand. Just a simple braid. I've always wanted to see your hair in a braid myself." Heizou laughs.
"Oh really?" Shinobu's mind is filled with images of Heizou's hair, though rather short and can be a little difficult to braid, being weaved into that kind of hairstyle. She has to admit - he would look amazing in one. "Well, since you wish for that, then I suppose I can indulge for a while."
"Alright, let's go to my room after we have finished up with dinner."
"And wash the dishes." Shinobu teases.
"Of course, love." Heizou chuckles.
Dinner is spent in a comfortable silence, and not before long the two of them have finished up and washed the dishes (at Shinobu's behest) before retreating to Heizou's room in the house, where they will be spending the rest of their evening in.
"So, which of us will do the honour of being the first to do the braiding?" Heizou asks, his voice unmistakably teasing.
Shinobu rolls her eyes. "You say that like we're about to become accomplices to a crime."
"A crime that is most justifiable and can easily be pardoned by the law, don't you think?"
"Well, since you're the one who suggested it, who am I to deny the right to perform the act?" Shinobu shrugs, a smile on her face.
"Very well, my dear accomplice." Heizou kneels on the ground, waiting for Shinobu to finish finding some hair ties left on the dresser in his room.
"Did you buy these solely for this moment?" Shinobu asks once she has finished her search and she went back to Heizou's location on the floor, kneeling down herself.
"Perhaps I did, perhaps I didn't." Heizou is most certainly smiling while speaking. "The question is, what do you believe is the truth, Shinobu?"
"The hair ties that were on the dresser are relatively small compared to the ones you use to keep your hair in place. Even if you were to use multiple of these to tie your hair, it would be clear from the get go." Shinobu explains as she expertly weaves strands together, her experience in braiding Miyuki's hair from childhood finding a newfound purpose.
"Mhmmm...what an excellent deduction, my dear."
Shinobu can feel her cheeks heat up from the pet name. "Law school has helped a bit in that regard."
"But experience in investigating cases with me has also led to a newfound ability, has it not?" Heizou asks. "I'd say you would be a perfect fit for the Tenryou Commission, but we both know you don't work the way they want you to work."
"Correct."
Soon enough, Shinobu has finished her part, and she must say...
"You know, this is a good a idea. You look good in a braid." Shinobu smiles, giving the handheld mirror to Heizou so he can admire her handiwork.
It was more simple than the one he did for her; merely a few small braids tied at the left side of his head and one on the top of his head, making it look like a miniature tiara on his head. The expression that crosses Heizou's face indicated that he is more than delighted at the style she went for.
"Oh my...you certainly knew what you were doing."
"Miyuki loved braids when she was young. It was only natural I took up the habit of braiding her hair from time to time."
"I see." Heizou nods, making sure to be careful when doing so, as if afraid the hair ties would burst the moment he moves his head too fast. "Now, I believe it is my turn to take part in this act?"
Shinobu grins. "Take it away, accomplice."
They switched places, Shinobu allowing Heizou the liberty of her hair once she has untied it herself, green hair flowing down her back now being held by someone she knows she can trust with her life.
"Your hair is remarkably smooth and pleasant to the touch." Heizou comments. "It almost feels like a comforter."
Shinobu couldn't help but laugh at the comparison. "And what made you say that? A comforter of all things?"
"A comforter is meant to keep someone warm and comfortable, no? Well, your hair is like that to a comforter. If I were to lie my head on top of yours, I'm sure I would fall asleep within minutes."
"You're just saying that because you want to tease me, aren't you?"
"Oh, and what made you say that?"
They banter a little more before Heizou announced he was finished with the braiding, handing Shinobu the handheld mirror to see his handiwork on her hair.
It was a lot more simpler than hers, her hair tied into one braid with the help of her longer strands. Still, it was beautiful all the same, and a pleasant smile crosses her face as she admired the braid for a while longer.
"Well? How did I do?" Heizou asked, the tiniest hint of nervousness in his voice, one that almost no one would pick up unless they were listening closely. Luckily for him, Shinobu is a very good listener.
"You did well. I must thank you again for your idea earlier. It really was a good one."
"Of course. Braids really do suit us, don't they?"
Shinobu chuckles. She was planning on going to sleep early to destress from the day but... "They do, and it would be a shame to have them go to waste so early, would it?"
Heizou's smile was all the motivation she needed to go through with her newly thought out nighttime plan for the evening. "That is true. So, what did you have in mind?"
"Perhaps talk under the moonlight about the day we have?"
"If that's what you want, love."