I will indulge in all ships for this blog, Nonny-Mouse! And, er, Takekaya is not without serious appeal.
“I gather this is how you felt after the Owl Suppression,” Hirako Take says awkwardly. Irimi Kaya is helping him and Squad Zero set up their beds in the 24th ward tunnels. The kids love her black dober mask.
Irimi eyes him. They’ve never talked about that night.
“I remember you trying to defend the old lady.” Irimi gives Yusa a thumbs up for folding his sheets correctly.
“I didn’t defend you.” Hirako looks away. She’s kind and gentle and fierce, and had he partnered with her at CCG, he would have asked her on a date.
“It’s in the past.”
“You’ve been nothing but generous to us. We’re grateful.” Hirako nods. Their chances are long dead.
“I’m grateful we got to meet on the same side of a battlefield for once.” Irimi knows he’s scared around her, and of course she’s angry for her dead squad. But Koma killed members of her squad once, and he’s a dear friend now. Who knows what could happen if they let themselves talk?
He’s very handsome, in the plain sort of way Irimi always craved.
“You two like dogs. You should be friends,” Shio declares. Rikai smiles mischievously.
“Dogs?”
“I have one. Uh, er, named Mr. Owl.” Hirako pauses as a wave of guilt washes over him. “I adopted him after the operation. As a reward for surviving. Or maybe to comfort myself. I really don’t know.”
“What kind of dog?” He killed her friends. But he’s also kind. Irimi wants to know more.
“Shiba Inu.” Hirako pulls out his phone. “I have pictures.”
Irimi thinks Mr. Owl a very handsome fellow, to Hirako’s delight.
“Why did you start a group called the Black Dogs?” Shio wonders.
Irimi tilts her head. Her silky black hair cascades down her back. “It’s a long story.”
“It’s bedtime,” Hirako adds sternly.
“Tomorrow, then.” Irimi waves. She reluctantly leaves the room.
To her surprise, Hirako follows her down the hall. “I really am sorry for my actions. I – I didn’t know.”
Irimi stops, her back to him. “That’s not an excuse.”
“No,” he agrees.
“But it is an explanation.” Irimi turns around. “We should start over.”
“I concur.”
“With Mr. Owl, I think we already have.” Gathering her ferocity, she takes his face in her hands and kisses him.
“W – what?” Hirako had no inkling she – would – she –
“I saw you looking at me tonight.” Irimi entwines her fingers with his. “Do you think there’s a chance two former enemies could sustain a relationship that works?”
“I…I want to find out.” Hirako squirms, but the pretty ghoul is smiling at him, and he realizes he couldn’t care less what she needs to survive.
He likes this woman. And she likes him, and his dog.
Mercy and Magic 