Hope ~Yato x Reader AU~

Chapter 11: Walking on Coal

"Not to make you feel bad or anything, but you look like you haven't slept for days," Hiyori observes, passing me the coffee I ordered.

I take it, sighing, "Is it that noticeable?"

"Just a tad," she answers. "Is everything alright? I don't think I've ever seen you look this exhausted before."

I can't tell her. I can't tell her what hells have been racing through my head lately. Not because I don't trust her, but because I don't want to worry or impose my burdens on her. None of this is Hiyori's cross to carry -it is all mine and mine alone.

I take a quick sip of my coffee and huff, "Everything is fine. I've just been having a rough time sleeping, is all."

She lifts a brow. "Rough time sleeping? How long have you been having that trouble?"

"Just a few nights," I reply. "It's no big deal. Some nights are just rougher than others, that's all. I'm not too concerned about it."

Lies. So many lies are spewing from my mouth. I claim that it's no big deal and that I'm no concerned, but the truth is far from that. In turn, the truth is that I am tired. I am tired and anxious all the time. My brain refuses to stop swirling with the countless thoughts running through my mind. Too much has been weighing on me; missing Kaito, thinking about the Paxton Free Young Award, missing my parents, and the whole demigod thing. All petty in their own ways, but still all things that are getting to me.

"Anyway," I breathe, "sorry to cut it short, but I gotta head off to work. I'll talk to ya later."

"Oh, alright. I'll see ya around. Try to relax later this evening," she says.

"Will do," I smile.

At that, I make my leave, exiting the coffee shop. The warm breeze of the outside world swaddles me in a comforting embrace, though it does little to ease my mind. Despite how the brilliant sun feels against my skin and how the gale runs its fingers through my hair, none of it erases my stresses. None of it. Still, it is a very pretty day with some great weather.

Another gust of warm air breezes past me, blowing the loose strands of my hair in a multitude of directions. Not wanting to punch into work just yet, I pause and close my eyes, inhaling sharply through my nose. The sweet scent of the spring air and the salty perfume of the singing ocean rolls up my nose. The sound of the waves roaring, and the small chirps of overhead birds fill my ears. If it weren't for the many anxieties in my head, I'd certainly almost pass out now. Well, maybe.

But it is nice to just stand here and bask.

To stand and bask in the marvelous majesty which is spring. To stand and just feel the breeze whisk around me. To just stand and try ignoring the world. Try. Try, being the keyword.

"Y/N?"

My blood goes cold. That voice. I know that voice. Of course, I know that voice. I know that voice all too well.

Without thinking, I open my eyes, my stare meeting a set of dark black orbs. A set of dark black orbs with slightly sunken features. Dark black orbs that I have seen so many times. Dark black orbs that are similar to another set of deep onyx orbs. Dark black orbs that remind me of Kaito's.

"L/N Y/N," he says, his tone sporting a hint of surprise. "Is that really you?"

A lump has formed in my throat, but I manage to swallow, "Dr. Itchi."

The dark orbs that belongs to Kaito's father.

**Bello lovelies! Sorry for the shorter chapters, but I didn't wanna make this one too long. That said, now we have Kaito's dad in the picture. It should be interesting to see what he has to say. What do y'all say? Feel free to let me know! Thank you oh, so very much for everything! Y'all are awesome sauce!! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross