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If you had asked Hitoya Amaguni, at the start of his career, if working with a well known scammer was something he would do, he'd obviously have answered "no" without hesitation.
Yet now, most of the time in his office, that kind of man would sit in front of him and would read through his case files while keeping on a bored and unfazed expression, as if he were reading a mere shopping list.
The partnership between Hitoya and Rei had been quite unexpected, especially with the latter man being so evasive about his reasons for having wanted to work with him in the first place, responding with "Hm ? Do i really need a reason ? Can't i simply be benevolent ?~" or "Come on Hito-chan, can't business men who have the same goal even work together anymore ?~" when asked about it.
But since the conman had connections all around Japan, and was admittedly quite good with words which proved itself very useful for Hitoya's line of work, this kind of details hadn't been the lawyer's priority and he had dropped the questioning pretty quickly, even if it wasn't his type to trust someone that easily.
Yet something that had been even more unusual was the friendly relation that had built itself after they had started working together; this had led to them often going out for lunch together to "talk about business", even if the topic of discussion would quickly change to something more casual, or to Rei consistently hanging out at Hitoya's office, which the lawyer didn't even paid much attention to anymore because of how used to it he had ended up being.
And maybe because he didn't mind the company of the other man and even appreciated it to some extent; not that he would admit it though, let's just say he made the day go by faster with how damn talkative he was being.
"Hey, Hito."
"Hm ?"
"You're spacing out again, can see you've been staring at this paper for five minutes."
And indeed, just like Rei had pointed out... he had spaced out.
Thinking about their peculiar partnership had made him lose track of time, something that seemed to happen quite frequently when Rei was around.
His eyes had locked on the word "alliance", but he couldn't even remember what the sentence had been about, an embarrassing realization that must have become apparent on his face, judging by Rei's cackle.
Frustrated by his own lack of focus, he discards the page on his desk, folding his arms over his chest defensively and shaking his head as if he was scolding a child.
"That's because you talk too much, old man.
If there's two things i hate, it sure is overlong commercial breaks and people who think they're entitled to touch my things, especially when they're confidential case files."
Rei drops said case file in response, mirroring the lawyer by crossing his arms as well, the only difference being the smirk not leaving his face.
"Look who's yapping too, geez...
But it's funny you say that, since you're the one who lets me talk your ear off and read through your files without complaining. Doesn't seem like you're that bothered by it, hm ?~"
"What- you- tch. It doesn't prove anything, i just-"
But before Hitoya can think of a good argument to use against Rei's teasing, the door of his office suddenly bursts open revealing...
"OI MOVE YOUR ASS 'TOYA WE'RE GONNA BE LATE !"
"HITOYA-SAN WE MUST HURRY !"
... his division members, yelling at him.
Hitoya doesn't even react to them barging in the room -now used to their unpredictable visits- unlike Rei who jumps in his seat, obviously not having expected their entry, which would put an amused smile on the lawyer's face if it weren't for the two teenagers currently hurting his ears.
"God, what did I say... ABOUT COMING IN UNANNOUNCED YOU DUMB KIDS !?", Hitoya shouts back at them, quickly standing from his chair to push the teens inside and close the door behind them, wanting to spare the ears of the other workers and clients in the firm, "YOU DIDN'T EVEN THINK ABOUT WHETHER A CLIENT COULD BE IN MY OFFICE OR NOT, AND I'VE BEEN CLEAR ABOUT THIS-"
"AH- WE- WE'RE DEEPLY SORRY HITOYA-SAN AND CLIENT-SAN !
BUT THIS WAS OF THE UPMOST IMPORTANCE-"
"NAH ! DON'T APOLOGIZE TO HIM JYUSHI, THIS FUCKER-"
"KUKO-SAN ! DON'T SAY THAT !"
"URGH- THIS OLD FART ASKED US TO COME AT 1PM, AND WE'RE HERE ! HE HAS NO RIGHT TO BE FREAKIN' MAD AT US !"
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING AN OLD FART YOU- wait, is it already 1pm !?"
Hitoya checks his wrist watch, clearly indicating 1pm, putting his hands over his face and groaning.
He really loses track of time when Rei's here, he can't believe morning went by so fast.
Speak of the devil...
"Damn... can you guys quit yellin' ?", Rei finally speaks again, removing his sunglasses and pinching the bridge of his nose, "This old man's eardrums already have suffered enough, don't need y'all making things worse."
"Ah ! Once again, we're deeply sorry, client-san !"
"... that's not his name man, and we didn't do nothin' wron-"
Jyushi bows energetically in front of Rei several times, cutting Kuko off by forcing him to do the same as them, making the man shake his head and smile at the sight.
Kids being kids, he knows what it's like better than anyone else in the room.
"Hey kiddo, no need to apologize, it's all fine~
The name's Rei by the way, and even if it's under these circumstances, I must say it's nice to finally meet you...
Jyushi and Kuko."
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Rei-san ! I'm- Wait !
You are aware of our names !"
"Yeah... that's suspicious as hell", Kuko stands back up and brushes his hair back in place, Jyushi having ruffled it when they had forced him to bow, "How'd you know our names, old man ?"
Rei doesn't look taken aback by the question, almost as if he had expected for it to be asked.
"Ah ? That's because Hitoya told me a~ll about you~
You see, i'm not a client, nor from the police if that's what's worrying you. I'm actually a friend of Hito-"
"A business partner."
"Riiight", the conman doesn't look affected by the correction, the smirk on his face indicating as much, "If that's what you want us to be in front of the kids~"
"Rei i swear i'll-"
"OI ! We don't have time for your life story, old geezers !", Kuko cuts them both off, moving the papers on Hitoya desk as if looking for something, "Hitoya grab your goddamn keys, we don't wanna miss the funfair !"
"... ah, a funfair ?"
Rei's interest seems picked at the mention of it, staring with amusement at Kuko frantically rummaging through the drawers before Hitoya stops him, pulling the teen back by the collar of his jacket, before pulling his keys out of his pants, jingling them in front of the redhead.
But instead of it de-escalating the situation, it leads to them arguing and blaming eachother; Kuko about Hitoya not noticing the time, Hitoya about Kuko messing up his files, leaving Rei's question unanswered as insults get thrown left and right.
"Ah- um- Indeed !", Jyushi coughs to get their voice to sound less feeble, sliding in the seat next to Rei, "A grand amusement center is set to open its gates today, so we have decided to visit it ! Hitoya-san has even cleared his schedule for us to partake in such delightful activities, which is rare, so that is why we must not wait for it to be crowded ! That being said, i truly regret curtailing your entrevue with Hitoya-san..."
"Nah don't sweat it, i understand kiddo, that sure sounds like a fun place. I don't get to see this often in Osaka, so do enjoy it for me, alright ?"
Jyushi looks saddened by Rei's answer, giving him a pitiful look.
But their face exhibits determination almost immediately as they seem to get an idea, hitting their fist on their open palm.
"Then as a friend of Hitoya-san, you must come with us and enjoy this rare spectacle as well, Rei-san !"
"... huh ?"
"What ?"
"The hell !?"
The teenager's decision not only surprises Rei, as Hitoya and Kuko both stop their bickering as they hear it too.
The reactions make Jyushi's voice stutter again, waving their hands in front of them and trying their best to explain themselves with the three men staring at them in confusion.
"I mean- it would be rude to kick Rei-san out while we go and have fun ! Especially when he could be enjoying this moment with us ! Atleast that's- that's what i think !"
Kuko sits on the edge of the desk, not caring about the papers crumbling under his weight, nodding solemnly at the vocalist's words.
"I get what you mean, Jyushi. Was already pretty damn rude of us to interrupt y'all i guess, so if gramps here comes with us you can still have your boring work conversations and enjoy the funfair. And the more the merrier, right Jyushi ?"
"Ah ! Of course ! The more the merrier !"
"Hey.
Hey uh, it's okay !", Rei glances between Hitoya and the two teenagers awkwardly, voice somewhat less confident, even if barely noticeable, "We weren't talking about anythin' important, y'know~ ? And even if we were, we could still pursue that conversation another day or-"
"There's two things i hate", Hitoya interrupts him, putting on his leather jacket and walking back toward the door, opening it halfway, "Fruits in salad, which obviously attests of a strong lack of taste, and people who don't accept their value even when made aware of it by their friends.
So stand up, goes for you too Jyushi, and for the love of everything good in this world get your ass off my goddamn case files Kuko. I won't tolerate us being late, well more than we already are, even if i'm somewhat responsible for it."
The monk rolls his eyes and gets off the desk, muttering "somewhat my ass" so Hitoya can't hear him, stretching his arms over his head while making his way out the office nonchalantly, Jyushi standing up and hurriedly following after him, a small pig plushie pulled out of their coat and held firmly in their hands.
But Rei's the last to stand up.
He puts his sunglasses around his shirt's collar, standing at the door instead of stepping out like the teenagers before him, mismatched eyes set on Hitoya's own.
His face is fully neutral, thoughts and emotions unreadable, something Hitoya isn't used to see, which makes him tilt his head in confusion.
But just as suddenly as this aloof expression had appeared, it's replaced with a smile, not akin to a smirk this time, just a fond one, which confuses Hitoya even more.
"Something the matter ?"
"Hm... nah. Guess i got lost in thought too. But hey, nice speech ya gave in front of the kids, you're setting up a great example.
And i'm glad you do consider me a friend, Hitoya. Didn't think i was that valuable to you, but don't worry, the feeling's mutual~"
"You're- that's not what-
Geez, i think i'm just going to lock you in the office 'til we're done at the funfair, maybe you'll quit being so annoying."
Rei cackles at his embarrassment or empty threat -maybe both knowing the man- stepping out with his hands held up in the air in surrender.
And that gets a chuckle out of him, goddamnit.
Hitoya's the last to come out, taking one last look around the room before switching off the light and locking the door, stuffing the key in his pant's pocket.
Turning around to see Rei conversing with Kuko, seemingly about something funny judging by Rei's smirk and Kuko's large grin, while also having an arm wrapped around Jyushi's shoulders, the singer listening with attention and smiling as well, makes Hitoya think of domesticity.
Rei already seems to get along well with his teammates, making him wonder how the conman can so easily sway people with words yet not have a family of his own, only having mentioned friends from his own division back in Osaka.
But he doesn't dwell on the thought much longer, striding to join the three of them instead.
Maybe family can be found in individuals with no kinship, if their connection is already strong enough.
As long as they share the same goal, the same pain, or the same desire to grow.
Rei waits for Hitoya to join them to remove his hand on Jyushi's shoulder, instead placing it on the lawyer's.
The touch is subtle but warm, and without thinking, Hitoya slightly leans into it, still giving Rei a questioning look for it.
But Rei doesn't say anything, instead making use of the distraction gained from the subtle touch to steal Hitoya's motorcycle keys out of his hand from a swift move and throwing them at Kuko, who catches them in the air.
"Wh- KUKO !?"
"HAHA ! THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FOR TAKIN' SO DAMN LONG", Kuko barks, running to the law firm's doors, pausing for a second to think about another insult, yelling it even louder, "OLD ASS GRANDPA !"
"KUKO-SAN ! IF YOU TAKE HITOYA-SAN'S KEYS HE- HE WON'T BE ABLE TO DRIVE US TO THE FUNFAIR !"
Jyushi rushes to cling to Kuko's left arm while attempting to grab the keys with their free hand, to no avail, Kuko holding them out of reach.
"DUDE IT'S- IT'S FINE ! HAHA, WE JUST GOTTA TAKE MY SCOOTER AND WE'LL BE THERE IN TO TIME !"
Jyushi lets go of Kuko's arm, quickly looking between Hitoya and the unattainable keys.
"BOTH OF YOU- stop yelling for god's sake ! Jyushi, not only would you lose time getting that damn scooter, but it also CAN'T compare with MY motorcycle because of how SHITTY that sco-"
"WAH, WAH, WAH ! CAN'T HEAR YA, TRY TO CATCH ME IF YOU EVEN CAN !"
"Ah- um- Don't worry Hitoya-san, i'll get him ! KUKO-SAN PLEASE WAIT UP !"
And with that Kuko runs out, Jyushi hot on his tail, the receptionist and few clients in the room staring in confusion.
And Hitoya totally gets them.
But he also finds that he can't even be mad at them,
not when he's so used to these harmless jokes, knowing Kuko is just doing this for fun, and also to get back at him,
not when Rei apologizes sheepishly for going along with Kuko's prank, while looking just as happy as the teenager,
and especially not when the conman squeezes Hitoya's shoulder reassuringly.
Rei's comforted as he sees the fond smile making its way on Hitoya's face, understanding he has nothing to feel sorry for, but when the lawyer's hand lands on his own, barely holding it, he fails to find the words, the faint touch so overwhelming somehow.
Family, huh.
In no way could it replace blood ties and make him forget about what he lost, but maybe new bonds could help, if he allows them to before they get severed again.
Maybe, just maybe...