Chapter Text
It was in the scorching heat of midday when the Sheriff of Seasoning Town barged into Spirits and Such. Spirits and Such was a modest liquor store (hence “the spirits”) that doubled as a front for Mercenary and Bounty Hunter work (the “and such”). They also sold a bit of Snake Oil if you knew to ask but that was neither here nor there.
The owner, Reigen Arataka, also known as The Fastest Gunslinger in the West (self-proclaimed), was seated on a chair he was leaning precariously back in. He had a hand rolled cigarette hanging out of the side of his mouth and after a cursory glance you could tell he had been on the verge of drifting off before the Sheriff bust the door open.
Reigen startled at the noise and slipped his legs off his desk. “Sheriff Hiroshi? What brings you here?”
At the disturbance, Kageyama “Mob” Shigeo, Reigen’s apprentice and Fastest Gunslinger in Training, shot to his feet. “M-Mister can I get you some coffee?”
Sheriff Hiroshi shook his head. He was a portly man with a receding hairline he usually covered with a polished Stetson. He seemed to be in a sour mood as he tucked his fingers into his belt and tapped his foot on the floor impatiently. The Sheriff didn’t exactly respect or get along with Reigen, so it was unusual for him to stop by. “It pains me greatly to be here so I’ll keep it quick. Reigen, I need your help.”
Pains him greatly, isn’t that a little dramatic? Reigen scoffed and settled back into his chair. “I don’t like working for desperate men, Sheriff. They’ve got nothing to lose but they never pay as well as you’d assume. Write that down, Mob,” he added as an afterthought.
It took everything in Sheriff Hiroshi not to roll his eyes, “Reigen, there's been talk of Claw staking out Seasoning Town, I just know they’re planning something devious. Unfortunately, a bunch of my men are out taking care of other important matters and the others will be needed here in the event of an ambush. I’m afraid I’m short staffed.” He sighed deeply before continuing. “You will be paid fairly and horses will be provided.”
“You’re offering little old me a job?” Reigen paused for a moment, rubbing his chin in a way he hoped looked thoughtful. Suzuki Toichiro, leader of Claw, had quite the reputation. Dealing with Claw was sure to be messy but probably nothing Reigen and Mob couldn’t handle. “Bump up ‘fairly’ to ‘well’ and you’ve got yourself a deal.”
Sheriff Hiroshi sighed in relief. “If you can gather any information or, better yet, figure out where he’s camped out, I’ll pay you handsomely.”
Reigen grinned toothily. He couldn’t say no to ‘handsomely’.
After working out a few more semantics, the Sheriff left and Reigen sat on Mob’s desk, swinging his legs in glee.
“Master, you’re going to break my desk again.” Mob was a meek kid that was becoming increasingly sassy with age, to Reigen’s dismay. Although, Reigen would be lying if he said he wasn’t growing fonder of the boy every day.
“No, I won’t, and if I did it doesn’t matter because we’ve got a high paying job lined up.” Reigen swung an arm around Mob’s shoulder, “Say what, if this goes well I’ll take you out for stew.”
Mob lit up at that. Going out for stew at the local saloon was an expensive bonding activity that Reigen found himself being able to afford less and less these days.
“So, what’s the plan, Master?”
“We’ll head out tomorrow and head north, Sheriff Hiroshi said that’s where they’ve been spotted most recently. I haven’t figured anything past that because this isn’t a job you can plan out, Mob. This is pure improvisation and you should only improvise if you’re a master. Fortunate for you, you’re in the presence of one, so we’ll be alright.” Reigen rambled on a bit longer about how he’d mastered spontaneity in the past years and Mob listened intently as if it was actual good advice and not some random spiel Reigen hadn’t figured out how to end.
The rest of the day went quickly and soon enough Reigen closed up and bid Mob goodnight.
They set off the next morning with bags full of provisions and stomachs full of breakfast. They traveled north with little conversation and a lot of nibbling on the food they brought.
It wasn’t until the afternoon that they finally ran into someone of interest. There was a man washing up in a river. Reigen was admiring, no, eyeing, the man when Mob suddenly gasped.
“Do you recognize him, Master?” Mob wondered.
“Of course.” Reigen gestured wildly, “I know everyone of interest, it’s my job. But, uh, just in case you don’t, who is that?”
“I can’t remember his name but I swear I’ve seen his face around on Wanted Posters.”
Reigen tilted his head, “Oh yeah, I guess he does look familiar. You know what this means Mob? He might be our in with Suzuki.” It was a weak lead but it was better than nothing.
Mob gasped, “What’s the plan?”
Reigen thought for a moment, “Why don’t we revisit a classic routine, it’s never failed us before.” It certainly had but Reigen conveniently forgot about all of those times.
“Um, but Master, I’m a lot older now and I don’t know if people will still fall for it.” Mob blushed and tugged on the hem of his jacket as he spoke.
“That’s nonsense, Mob. I swear on my Mother’s grave it’ll work.”
“Your mother isn’t dead, though.”
“It still counts.” Reigen waved it off.
Mob looked like he had a lot more to say but eventually shrugged and slid off his horse.
Reigen had a special move of faking a leg injury and pretending Mob was his helpless son. It was good at disarming anyone who might be suspicious and Reigen had a talent for getting people to talk once their walls were down. This move was also one of Mob’s least favorites as he felt it became more humiliating the older he got.
They hid their horses near the river but far enough that the man would not spot them. Reigen stretched out his back before he leaned dramatically over Mob’s shoulder and hobbled over to where the man was packing up his horse.
“Ooh,” Reigen wiped dramatically at his sweaty forehead, “My son, would you be a dear and get your poor father some water. I fear I’m too unwell to take another step.”
Mob flinched at Reigen’s volume but continued to drag the man towards the water. “I’m sure you can make it, M-Father.”
“It’s such a shame our horse left me to die after horrifically injuring my leg.” Reigen was getting louder even as they got closer.
The man stiffened as he heard them approach and turned to look at them. It must’ve been quite the sight to see Reigen bent nearly in half in his efforts to lean on a much shorter Mob. The man looked from them to his horse and seemed to be debating whether or not he’d be better off bolting than helping. But it seemed his conscience won out in the end and he turned towards Reigen and Mob.
“Uh...Howdy, do you folks need any help?” His voice was deeper than Reigen had expected and he tried to fight off the chill it gave him. The man was about a head taller than Reigen and had broad shoulders that dwarfed Reigen’s own. He also noticed curly hair half hidden by a dusty Stetson hat and longed to feel if it was as soft as it looked.
“Oh, sir, you don’t have to worry about me, I’m just gravely injured and my incompetent son is the only one around to help me.”
Mob grumbled something unidentifiable under his breath.
“Okay, I’ll be off then.” The man made to get on his horse as quickly as possible.
“No!” Reigen cried, “I mean, you look like a nice strong man, I could really use help getting some water.”
The man paused before sighing and relaxing slightly, “Yeah, I suppose that’s no problem.” He walked over and took Reigen from Mob’s shoulders, leaning Reigen against his side while he wrapped an arm around him. Reigen tried not to notice the man’s grip on his waist, but it had been a long time since someone had held him like that.
“What kinda injury do you have, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Oh, just, you know,” Reigen huffed and waved an arm around dismissively, “I must’ve sprained my ankle while riding.” He flinched, that made no sense.
The man raised an eyebrow, “While riding?”
“Uh, no, I mean, my horse got spooked and bucked me off, sorry, the dehydration and pain must be getting to me.” Reigen lightly blushed.
The man smiled awkwardly, “Sounds rough, looks like your horse ran off.”
“I’m afraid so.”
The man set Reigen down on a large rock and Mob went to fill up their flasks. The man had yet to move his arm from around Reigen’s waist so Reigen held still in hopes he’d never move. “I don’t believe I caught your name.” Reigen’s voice came out in almost a whisper.
“Well, I never told you. It’s Serizawa Katsuya.”
“I’m Reigen Arataka, and that’s Mob, my, uh-” Reigen found himself not wanting to say son, in case the man misconstrued him as being married or into the fairer sex. “Well, he’s a boy I've taken in. He's, uh, orphaned. Mighty tragic” Reigen tried not to flinch, he was not supposed to stray from the original plan.
“What are you two doing out here, so far from town?” Serizawa was so close, Reigen had a hard time focusing on lying.
“We were traveling back to Seasoning Town after visiting friends in Black Vinegar.” Reigen said.
“You got a family waiting for you? A wife?”
The sly bastard , Reigen had to bite his lip to stop from grinning, that had to be a come on, right? “Definitely not a wife. It’s just Mob and I, I haven’t found the right person to settle down with.”
“Here, M-Father.” Mob stumbled over his words as he handed Reigen a full flask of water. Serizawa quickly withdrew his arm from Reigen as soon as Mob spoke.
“Thanks, Mob.” Reigen tried to keep his disappointment from showing, but he suspected he wasn’t very successful. He drank from his flask and flushed when he noticed Serizawa watching him intently. It made his stomach flutter in a way that wasn’t unpleasant. It was easy to forget he was probably a wanted man that they were supposed to be interrogating. Reigen frowned, he’d completely forgotten that for a moment. Although , Reigen figured, seduction was a perfectly valid form of deception so he might as well use his attraction to his advantage. And if this seduction happened to go further than harmless flirting, well, Mob and Sheriff Hiroshi wouldn’t have to know.
It was at that moment Reigen figured he was in too deep and rather than pull out he’d might as well commit to it.
“I suppose Mob and I better get going, we need to find shelter before dark. I don’t suppose you’d know of a good place to set up camp…?” If Reigen scooted closer and bit his lip in a way he hoped was alluring, that was his own business.
Serizawa tensed and paused, like this was a much more difficult decision than it should have been. “I...reckon I should be able to help you out for the night.” His shoulders drooped after that, like he thought he was making a mistake.
Reigen smiled, “That’s mighty kind of you, Stranger.”
Serizawa gave him a crooked smile, “I can’t take too much credit, I have my selfish reasons for helping you.”
Reigen couldn’t help but grin stupidly, leaning steadily forward as Serizawa spoke. “Well I can’t wait to find out what those reasons might be.” His eyelids nearly closed as they drew closer, lips parting instinctively.
“Master! I think we should be going.” Mob spoke up frantically.
Reigen froze then breathed out heavily and counted to ten. “You heard the kid, lead the way, Cowboy.”
Serizawa smiled endearingly, stood and picked Reigen up, one arm wrapped around his back and the other under his knees. Reigen felt faint at the unfamiliar contact. Serizawa was just, warm and soft and big. Serizawa set Reigen down on his horse and gestured for Mob to climb on, “I saw a decent place to rest not far from here, I can walk.” Mob gratefully climbed on and Serizawa led them down the river.
Since conversation was sparse, Reigen let himself admire the view. The view being Serizawa’s backside in worn chaps and too tight trousers.
Perhaps it was just wishful thinking but Reigen couldn’t see such a generous man working for anyone with a reputation as infamous as Suzuki’s. Rumor had it, his own family despised him and he was as crooked as a dog’s hind legs. But some said he told lies so well a man would be a fool not to believe them. Was Serizawa just another man caught up in his lies or perhaps he was some master manipulator to have Reigen under his thumb so instantaneously? Or, Reigen hoped, he was just getting too far into his own head again. Reigen had a penchant for ruining good things on his own.
Several minutes later, Serizawa stopped at the foot of a shallow overhang on the face of a mountain. “This should be enough to keep us sheltered. I have a small tent but it’s not big enough for all of us.”
Reigen admired the decent sized spot “This is perfect, Serizawa, thank you.” He almost hopped off as Mob did but remembered the injury he was supposed to have and waited for Serizawa to lift him off. The manhandling was by no means necessary even with a supposed injury, but Reigen would not complain.
Once Serizawa set Reigen down he’d left in search of firewood. Mob and Reigen watched him until he was out of sight and Mob finally spoke up.
“Master, do you think he works for Toichiro?” Mob fiddled with his sleeves as he asked.
Reigen sighed and laid out on his back, “Your Master knows a lot of things but I have to admit this is a bit of a tough one, Mob.” Reigen went to reach for a cigarette but realized he left them with the rest of their supplies and horses. “I hope he has enough food for a decent dinner, I’m starving.”
“What do you mean? You don’t know?” Mob leaned over Reigen’s head and looked at him inquisitively. The boy worried his bottom lip with his teeth.
“Stop that, Mob, or you’ll start bleeding. What’s getting you so worked up?” Reigen reached up and patted Mob’s cheek. It was a rare sight to see Mob so outwardly emotional.
“Well, I guess I’m just worried about Toichiro. I have a bad feeling that something’s going to happen soon. You know, Sho doesn’t usually like to talk about it but sometimes he mentions Toichiro, his dad.” Mob looked off into the distance, eyes glazing over as he spoke, “It’s just so sad, but Sho said he hasn’t seen him in a long time and that meant he was planning something big. Sho said he was going to stop him, but us being away from home, from Ritsu, when Suzuki and his men could be at Seasoning Town at any moment is…” Mob drifted off.
“Frightening.” Reigen finished.
Mob looked down at him and nodded.
Reigen slowly sat up and wrapped a tentative arm around Mob’s shoulders. It was an invitation, to either shrug off his hand or lean in closer. Mob chose the latter, dropping his head on Reigen’s shoulder. Reigen brought his other arm up and held the boy close to him. It was easy to forget that Mob, with his surprising wisdom and insanely talented quick draw, was just a child.
“It’s normal to be scared, Mob.” Reigen rested his chin on the boy’s head. “I say we screw this job and head home in the morning. We can figure out a plan when we’re there.”
“But what about the money?” Mob’s voice was muffled as he spoke into Reigen’s shoulder.
“Screw the money, we need to be there to look out for your brother.” Reigen felt Mob nod into his shoulder. “You’re a good kid. I don’t tell you that enough.”
They stayed in that position for just a few moments more before Mob pulled back and smiled brightly up at Reigen. “I’m going to go look for kindling, I’m sure Serizawa needs an extra hand.”
“Don’t go too far.” Reigen called out as Mob left. Mob didn’t respond but Reigen wasn’t worried, Mob could take care of himself. Although, in hindsight it wasn’t the best idea to leave a kid alone with a possible outlaw. Reigen groaned, he shouldn’t be so ready to trust a stranger just because he was impossibly handsome and tall and had a sharp jawline...and there he was, getting a head of himself again.
“You okay?” Serizawa walked up to their campground-in-progress with an armful of wood.
“Yeah, I’m just in a bit of pain.” Reigen pointed to his ankle, “Nothing to worry about, though. Did you see Mob?” He hoped the change of conversation was enough to avoid further discussion of his fake injury.
“Yeah, he’s close by, he’ll be back soon.” Serizawa set down the wood and kneeled down to take a look at Reigen’s ankle. “Hmm, doesn’t look like there’s any swelling.”
Reigen pulled his leg away, “Uh, yeah that went down a while ago, really I’m doing just fine.” he really should have wrapped it up to keep up the illusion. Reigen was a better con than this but it seemed as though Serizawa had him flustered in many ways.
Serizawa looked thoughtful for a moment and Reigen feared his ruse was up. “Want some whiskey for the pain? I should have a bottle stashed somewhere.”
Alcohol was a terrible idea, Reigen was a notorious light weight and needless to say, on a job as serious as this one, he needed to be aware. But the idea of sharing a bottle with Serizawa around a campfire after Mob had gone to bed… “Maybe, just a little. No rush though, we should get a fire started first.”
Serizawa seemed content with that answer and they set to work. Mob finally returned with kindling soon after and they had a decent sized fire going in no time. They had a simple dinner of beans and sour dough bread, only talking occasionally as the three had worked up quite the appetite.
After dinner Serizawa set up a small tent and offered it to Mob and Reigen for the night. Mob accepted gratefully while Reigen said he’d rather keep Serizawa company.
Serizawa looked at him in slight surprise. “You don’t have to do that, Reigen. You should rest.”
Reigen smiled kindly, “I will, I’d just rather be out here.” He turned to Mob. “ Goodnight, sleep well.”
“Goodnight, Master, Serizawa.” Mob nodded to both of them and Reigen smiled fondly as the boy left, rubbing his eyes lidded with exhaustion.
Moments later, Reigen spoke up, “So, Serizawa, where are you from? You’ve been asking me questions all day but I hardly know anything about you.”
Serizawa was quiet as he looked into the fire.
Sensing his hesitance, Reigen added, “It’s fine, if you don’t want to say anything.” Of course, it would just add credence to the idea that Serizawa was trouble but at the same time Reigen could understand not wanting to bring up the past.
“No, I-I do want to tell you, strangely enough. It’s just kind of...pitiful.” Serizawa drew his knees to his chest and his eyes looked so deep and sad Reigen felt like such an ass for asking.
“Maybe now would be a good time to break out that whiskey.” Reigen softly suggested and Serizawa nodded gratefully. He got up and shortly returned with a full bottle.
“Here, you must be in pain.” Serizawa, ever the gentleman, gave him the bottle first.
Reigen smiled gratefully and took a swig of the burning liquid. After another drink he handed it over to Serizawa. “I think we both need to be a little drunk for this conversation.”
Serizawa just nodded and took a much longer drink than Reigen expected. “Easy there, big guy, can’t have you dead drunk so late or we’ll have to tie you to your horse and drag you outta here in the morning.” Reigen laughed as Seriawa flushed a little.
“Just needed a little courage, is all.” Serizawa set down the bottle and leaned towards the fire, resting his elbows on his crossed legs. The light of the fire changed his face, made his eyes brighter, his cheekbones sharper, and the bags under his eyes darker.
Reigen scooted closer, pretending it was so he’d have easier access to the bottle but hoping Serizawa would catch onto the real reason. Maybe the whisky would make Reigen brave too.
“My father was not a good man,” Serizawa finally said. His voice was gravelly from the whiskey and he had to clear it before continuing. “He had a lot of people who wanted him dead and despite my mother trying to keep me out of it, he used me as a weapon. See, I was rather unusually talented with a gun and I can’t blame it all on him but, as a child, I did some horrible things with that talent.”
Reigen tried not to think of Mob, of all the times he’d had to save Reigen, despite the latter wanting, so desperately, to keep the boy out of that until he was older. He drank to quell the guilt building in his stomach.
“And then one day all his luck struck out and he was shot dead. After that I had a realization that I had become just as bad as he was and I went home and stayed there. For thirteen years I didn’t leave the house.” Serizawa didn’t make eye contact as he spoke, he just stared into the fire like he was searching for something.
“Oh, Serizawa I’m-”
Serizawa shrugged, “It’s in the past. I’m different now, I’m changing, maybe not in the way I had hoped but it’s happening.” Despite Serizawa brushing him off, Reigen leaned against his side, hesitantly at first, trying to gauge his reaction, but as Serizawa brought an arm around his waist, Reigen let himself be brave and let his head drop onto his shoulder.
“What'd you mean not in the way you hoped? It’s all up to you, Serizawa, it’s your life, not your father’s.”
Serizawa just breathed out heavily and rested his chin on Reigen’s head. “I’ve never met anyone like you.”
“Well, they don’t call me The Fastest Gunslinger in the West for no reason, you know.”
Serizawa huffed out a laugh, “I didn’t know they called you that but I’m not surprised.” He lifted a hand to sift through Reigen’s coarse hair.
“You should finish your story.” Reigen said, quietly.
“Hmm?”
“How’d you go from hiding in your room to cuddling The Fastest Gunslinger in the West?”
“A man came and offered me a job. He knew my father, knew what I was like back when he was alive. He gave me a job and a purpose and I pulled myself up enough to follow him.”
Reigen froze under Serizawa’s touch. An unnamed man came and swooped Serizawa up to take advantage of his lack of ambition and dangerous talent. Now that sounded familiar. “W-who?” His voice cracked as he spoke and Reigen flinched. Why couldn’t he help but be so obvious around Serizawa? Who knew troubled eyes and scraggly facial hair would be enough for Reigen to lose all of his charm and composure.
“Oh, um… his name is Suzuki.”
Dread filled Reigen from head to toe, swirling in the pit of his stomach and chilling his bones.
Suzuki Toichiro ? It had to be that bastard.
“Oh, I don’t recognize that name. Not sure why I thought I would.” Reigen hoped his voice didn’t betray him.
Serizawa hummed in response but didn’t say anything else, content to rest against Reigen and watch the fire burn.
It was then Reigen realised improvising his way through all of this got him into a real mess that he’d have to dig Mob and himself out of somehow. Damnit, Mob was sleeping soundly in the tent and Reigen knew he needed the rest. Trying to escape on foot was a death wish but if he could get to Serizawa’s horse he'd have a chance. It was close but that made it easier for Seriawa to block their way. Reigen knew he couldn’t take him in a fight but if he could get Serizawa’s gun away from him... There was always the option of staying wrapped in Serizawa’s arms and falling asleep in front of a dying fire... But Mob. He couldn’t take the risk of trusting Serizawa not to kill or tie them up sometime in the night. They had to act soon but Reigen would have to jump when Serizawa was off guard and grab the other’s gun. He could do that, distract Serizawa. Reigen looked at the holstered pistol around Serizawa’s waist, on the side opposite of the one he was curled into, and took a deep breath.
Reigen tried to steady his shaking hand before placing it high up on Serizawa’s thigh. This startled Serizawa and he turned to face Reigen. “Th-this okay?” Reigen cursed, he needed to get a hold of himself.
Serizawa smiled and blushed and it was difficult to see it as anything but genuine. But Reigen couldn’t be selfish when it came to Mob so he shifted to straddle Serizawa’s thighs and kissed him soundly. Serizawa brought his hands up to cup Reigen’s face but Reigen grabbed them in either hand and used his weight to push him on his back. He placed Serizawa’s hands together above his head and shifted so one hand was holding his wrists in place. Then Reigen allowed himself one moment, just one, to enjoy the sensation of Serizawa biting his lower lip. Then, carefully, Reigen slid his right hand down Seriawa’s chest and grabbed his gun out of it's holster. Serizawa froze and Reigen used the opportunity to jump up and aim at Serizawa’s chest.
“Don’t move or I’ll shoot.” Reigen was relieved his body finally decided to cooperate and his voice came out low and threatening. “Hey! Mob, get up we need to go!” He called without looking away from Serizawa. Fortunately, Reigen heard rustling from inside the tent and Mob emerged, bleary eyed and frightened.
“Reigen, what is this?” Serizawa’s eyes burned with confusion and hurt but Reigen couldn’t stop to think now, he needed to get Mob out of there.
“I know you work for Toichiro, so I don’t want to hear any lies come out of your mouth. Mob and I are getting out of here and when you see that bastard you tell him I’ll be waiting for him. Mob,” Reigen looked out of his peripheral at the boy, “get on the horse, I’ll join you in just a second.”
Mob nodded and rushed to mount the horse. Reigen kept his body facing Serizawa as he stepped around the fire and backed up towards Mob. “Don’t follow us.” With those final words, Reigen climbed on, gripped the reins and nudged the horse with his boots.
They took off and Mob tightened his arms around Reigen’s waist. They didn’t make it far as two riders cut their path, forcing the horse into a hard stop. The two men immediately aimed their pistols at them and Reigen raised his hands in surrender, dropping Serizawa’s gun.
“What the hell is going on here?” An impossibly large man looked them over and his eyes narrowed.
Before Reigen could answer, a cry cut them off. They all turned and saw Serizawa waving his arms and running over.
The man turned back to Reigen, “You stole his horse?”
They must be Claw. So this was it, his plan was ruined by a freak coincidence. Reigen dropped his shoulders. “I don’t care what you do to me, just let the boy go.”
Reigen felt Mob startle from where his chest pressed up against Reigen’s back. “N-no, Master-”
“Mob, you don’t get a say in this.” Reigen raised his voice for perhaps the first time against Mob. How else could he get the kid to take him seriously and not pull any heroics? He was a child, he shouldn’t be there.
“Who says we’re letting the kid go?” The second man smiled thinly.
Serizawa finally reached them, gasping as he came to a stop. “Shibata, Minegishi, don’t bother with them. I...I gave them the horse, they’re just trying to get home.”
Reigen couldn’t believe what he was hearing, Serizawa, after everything that had happened was lying to protect them. Then Reigen realized he’d made a devastating mistake.
The smaller man with purple hair narrowed his eyes, “You were always so soft, Serizawa.” he turned to the other man, “Let’s get them to Suzuki.”
“No!” Seriawa and Reigen cried. But before either of them could do anything, a lasso swung around Reigen, tightened, and then pulled him to the ground. The one who must have been Minegishi hopped off his horse and tied the rope around Reigen’s torso and arms and took the gun in his holster. Shibata followed suit, tying up Mob and grabbing the pistol Reigen had dropped and pocketing it.
Serizawa stood and watched, hands twitching. “You’re making a mistake, but Toichiro will see that and let them go, I know he will.”
Minegishi snorted but otherwise didn’t respond, too busy laying Reigen on the back of his horse.
“Pull yourself together and get on your horse if you’re coming back with us.” Shibata replied, hoisting Mob’s body onto his steed.
Once they were situated they took off. From where Reigen was lying on his stomach, he couldn’t tell where they were going and eventually had to close his eyes to fight off the nausea building up in his throat.
Time stretched to an unbearable length before the jolting movements stopped and they pulled Reigen off the horse’s back.
The insanely large one, Shibata, dragged both Reigen and Mob into what must have been Suzuki’s hideout. Reigen strained to check on Mob who’s feet barely touched the ground as Shibata carried him by the back of his jacket. He seemed upset but otherwise unhurt. At least Mob was okay, Reigen tried to tell himself. But who knew what awaited them if they were to meet Toichiro.
Serizawa followed behind them, head dipped in shame and fingers fiddling incessantly.
Minegishi stopped and turned to Shibata, “Take them to Suzuki, I’m getting a drink.” Shibata hummed in response and pulled Reigen and Mob towards a large tent near the center of the camp.
Serizawa held a flap of the tent open for them as Shibata walked them inside. It was then Reigen’s eyes met Serizawa and saw how tired and sullen the man now looked. Far from the contentment and kindness Reigen had become accustomed to.
The tent was surprisingly spacious and held a cot in the corner, a hutch full of alcohol, and a large desk where a thin man wearing a black vest and a button up sat at.
Shibata cleared his throat once inside, “Suzuki.”
The man, Suzuki, stood up to greet them, “Shibata, Serizawa, who are your guests?”
“Found these two taking off on Serizawa’s horse but he's too soft to properly punish them.” Shibata answered.
Suzuki looked them over with a steely gaze and Reigen’s throat suddenly tightened. He looked a lot like Sho, with his ginger hair and intense eyes.
“Is that so?” Suzuki tilted his head, “Serizawa, explain.”
Serizawa was silent.
“Serizawa,” Suzuki said, softer but still stern, like a father scolding a child. “if you lie to me, I will know. I always do.”
“W-well, I found Reigen because he was injured and stranded and they needed my help. We set up camp and were turning in for the night and then…” Serizawa trailed off. “I don’t know what happened.” his voice was almost inaudible and Reigen felt his eyes prickle in regret.
It was Reigen’s fault they were in this mess, he should’ve been smarter about Serizawa, should’ve given him the chance to explain himself. Really he never should’ve taken the job in the first place. What was a hack and a fourteen year old supposed to do against a powerful man with a big enough following to make a small army?
“It was me.” Reigen finally spoke up, not being able to bear the hurt and confusion on Serizawa’s face any longer. “I conned him and the kid, I wasn’t injured. It was all a lie.”
Mob looked at Reigen in fear. “Master, no.”
Reigen gave him a strict look, “No, Mob, I used you. You are not at fault for any of this.” Reigen turned to Suzuki but his face gave away nothing. “Which is why I’m asking, begging you to let Mob go. Let Serizawa bring him home. Do whatever you need to with me.”
Mob tried to cry out but Shibata covered his mouth with his hand to allow Suzuki to reply.
Suzuki looked thoughtful for a moment, “As touching a display as it is, Serizawa needs to be taught a lesson.”
Serizawa’s shoulders tightened.
“He’s become more of a project than I expected, but after everything, he’s become more like the man I need him to be. There’s still a lot of room for growth, however, so if he has a weak spot for the both of you he’ll have to take care of it.” The corner of Suzuki’s lips ticked up, “Serizawa, kill them both. Shibata will help you dispose of the bodies.” He sat down on a chair and lifted a bottle to his lips, “Shibata, please escort them, I don’t like the smell of blood.” Suzuki waved them away with a hand.
Burning horror filled Reigen and his cries were silenced quickly by Shibata.
Serizawa stood in place, staring up at Toichiro and shaking like a wet dog. “But-”
Suzuki glared, “But what?”
Serizawa crumpled under his gaze. “Nothing. I’ll do it.”
Reigen’s eyes widened.
With that Shibata dragged them back out of the tent and away from the camp. Reigen struggled against his ropes the entire way, kicking and screaming and trying his hardest to distract them, to give Mob an out.
“Shibata, do you have my gun?” Serizawa asked once they were far enough away from the camp. His voice was clipped and his shoulders tense.
Shibata handed the pistol to Serizawa and in an instant Serizawa hit his chin with the butt of the gun and Shibata fell unconscious. Reigen stopped struggling and stared in shock.
“Serizawa?”
Serizawa stared down at the gun in his hand. “Toichiro… has done so much for me, he saved my life and made me the man I am now. But he’s wrong about this. I could never kill a child or an unarmed man. I have to wonder how many things he’s been wrong about this entire time.”
“I know you’re not a bad man, Serizawa.” Mob spoke up, stepping closer. “You've been so nice to Master and I. You don’t belong here with Suzuki, these people are not your real friends. I’ve made real friends and I know they’re not supposed to be like this.”
Serizawa looked at him in awe. “You’re so much smarter than I was at your age.” He laughed, “Much smarter than I am now. Maybe...maybe you’re right. You two have shown me a glimpse of what real friends are like.”
“Oh, Serizawa.” Reigen melted, “I was wrong to turn on you, I’m so sorry I ruined your trust in me.”
Serizawa turned to him and his eyes were shining. “I’m not a good person so I can’t fault you for what you did. I’m just disappointed our first kiss went so poorly.”
Reigen blushed and Mob turned away in embarrassment. “Maybe we could give it another try.”
Serizawa smiled softly. “Hold on, I better-” He gestured to his gun and Reigen nodded in understanding. Serizawa shot into the air twice and holstered his weapon. Then he rushed over to help them out of their bindings.
“Come back with us.” Reigen said softly as Serizawa came to untie him. Their faces were inches apart as they spoke.
Serizawa shook his head, “They’ll come after me, I can’t put you two in danger again.”
“But they’ll kill you if you stay.” Mob interjected. “Please, come back with us so we can stop Suzuki together.”
Serizawa looked down at his hands, “I...I’ve been here for three years, I don’t know what I’d do.”
The ropes finally had enough slack that Reigen could slip his arms out. He brought his hands up to cup either side of Serizawa’s face and made sure he was looking Reigen in the eye. “Didn’t I tell you. Serizawa? It’s all up to you, your life is your own. But if you want to, come be with me. I’ll wait for you if you need me to.”
Serizawa’s eyes watered and he shook his head in disbelief. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Arataka.”
Reigen’s eyes shone, “Come back with us and I’ll give you a real kiss.”
Serizawa nodded, “Okay, let’s get out of here.”
Sneaking away was easier than Reigen dared to hope. Serizawa led them to his and Shibata’s horses and they quickly took off, the camp nothing but a speck in the distance.
At that moment, with the wind brushing through Reigen’s hair, Mob’s arms wrapped around him, and Serizawa riding to his left, Reigen had never been more grateful to be alive.