Are We a Lie? (Michizou Tachihara x Reader)

Chapter 14: The Tragedy of the Fatalist

(Season 1, Episode 4)

-Four Months Later-

"What does Hirotsu want?" I turned to the redhead beside me as we exited our apartment to meet up with him.

"Beats me." Michi gave a shrug, then intertwined his fingers with mine. "It must be important if he's asking for all of us."

-In a Nearby Alleyway-

Hirotsu and his men waited in silence, observing as my boyfriend and I approached. Our combined forces followed behind us.

"You're late," the older man scolded. "Late by two minutes."

"You really shouldn't be so uptight all the time, gramps," he smirked. "This place is so depressing. Is Gin here yet, or is he late too?"

"Behind you." I pointed out the figure who ominously stood behind us.

"Why am I even surprised you're creeping around," Michizou scoffed. "You get on my nerves." Within a second, Gin had her knife at his throat, and he had his gun pressed to her ribcage. "Lookin' for a fight?!"

They were once friendlier towards each other, and I never grasped the shift in their dynamics. It could be a minor disagreement that escaped my notice, but regardless, it seems wisest to allow them space.

"Stop being foolish. Would either of you prefer to be marked as killed in action?" The look in Hirotsu's eyes was terrifying. I wouldn't be surprised if he snapped any second.

"Fine, whatever." The red head growled as the two laid down their weapons. "Let's just get on with it already."

It has been six months since we last worked together. Lately, I have only been assigned solo missions, duo missions, and on rare occasions, missions where Michizou and I lead a squad of gunners.

Hirotsu's phone started ringing, prompting him to answer the call. It was likely the Boss on the line. "We're all here... We're ready, but what target requires four of us to take them down?... Why aren't we pursuing the were-tiger?... And if there are no survivors?... Understood."

Akutagawa had received a mission a few days ago, instructing him to kill some boy who could turn into a tiger. He was narrowly beaten, when Osamu Dazai, a former Port Mafia executive, intervened. None of us in the Black Lizard were involved until now.

-An Hour Later-

There we stood, at the entrance of the Armed Detective Agency. It was miraculous that we reached the fourth floor undetected, especially considering their limited number of members.

"So, there's not even a lookout?" Michizou sighed in disappointment. "Talk about careless."

"I wouldn't be so certain yet," I warned.

Even before the were-tiger's bounty surfaced, I had already heard of the Agency. The Captain actually mentioned it once. A group of gifted individuals, led by one of his old comrades. Regardless of their absence of a lookout, these people as a group could be as dangerous as a Hunting Dog.

Hirotsu snapped his fingers, indicating his readiness. Our united forces took aim at the door, surging forward as soon as it was breached.

"Can I help you?" A blonde with glasses arrogantly asked, as soon as we all filed in.

"Apologies, detectives." Hirotsu stood formally, his hands remaining behind his back. "We must've forgotten to make an appointment, and we even forgot to knock."