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Toichi’s life had been a revolving door of hotel rooms.
At least for the last twentyish years. He'd chosen his mother in the divorce. His father was more strict on rules, choosing to waste his intelligence on being a detective. His mother was a deep market assassin free spirit. He’d figured he'd have more fun with her, compared to how bookish and weird Yusaku ultimately ended up being, staying with their father. At least he had never become a true detective, just wrote silly novels and showed up at heists back in the good old days.
So Toichi was familiar with rarely sleeping in the same bed the next night. They were always moving around. Running away. He knew if he ever felt in true danger he could easily slip away and call family back home, but back then if felt exciting. Then he was in too deep, and well, if you're already about to drown, you might as well dive in willingly.
“Mama and I had to move around like that a lot.”
Toichi had almost forgotten he was monologuing out loud. He wasn't alone in this bed. Hibiscus, one of Belladonna’s syndicate brats, laid beside him in just a flimsy t-shirt. It didn't leave much to the imagination but luckily he didn't need even that. Last night he’d seen plenty of that.
“How unfortunate.”
The sun drifted in through the curtains, and Hibiscus squinted in the sun in his eyes. He really was quite beautiful, thick eyelashes, and rosy cheeks and already getting laughter lines despite his young age. Definitely not the type that should be rubbing elbows with criminals or following strange men back to hotels.
It wasn't the first time he'd slept with an enemy, and wouldn't be the last. Snake had looked about ready to explode the last time Toichi had hooked up with the man’s coworkers, but he was sure the bastard was just jealous.
Hibiscus turned over onto his side and propped his body up on his elbow. “Yeah, mama couldn't keep a job long, and her dad wouldn't help so never really had to place to belong. I could write a travel guide for all the shitty hotels in the area I grew up.”
“I assume that's how you ended up here then.”
Hibiscus’s eyelashes fluttered -Toichi definitely would be taking inspiration the next time he needed to do eyelashes for drag- “Yeah. Mama…left one day. She never came back. I don't know if she's dead or just figured that since I was already almost an adult she was better off without me.” Hibiscus rolled back over onto his back. “The boss took an interest in me and told me to give her a call, and here I am, chasing you in the moonlight.”
That was Belladonna's method of operation. She never forced anyone to work for her, but she had a keen eye for those who would easily follow after her after receiving that business card. Many of the operatives had a similar story when Toichi asked.
“Well,” Toichi leaned in over Hibiscus, gripping the back of his head. “I’m glad you're here.” He pulled the man into a kiss. Definitely not as passionate as some from last night, but it had an air of mutual understanding.
If only he wouldn't live to regret it.