Facade (A Hunter X Hunter Fanfiction)

Chapter 5: Determination pt.2

(...) = Undistinguished comment/sentence. Reasons can vary according to the protagonist's situation (ears blocked, language barrier, etc)

◇ ═ Start of Chapter 5.2 ═ ◇

"We're new here so people haven't (...) us yet but sooner or later they will so before that happens," Kite came back with a pair of scissors.

"We need to change your appearance."

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Taisiya's POV

It took me a while to process that Kite probably wasn't talking about cutting my face off.

"You're going to cut my hair?!" I held my hair in fright of Kite who nodded and muttered something under his breath. He walked towards me and held both my shoulders, keeping me still.

"Taisiya, you have to understand that your presence brings danger to all of us," Kite said making me look down in guilt. "Both Ikki and I want to help you, but we can't if the Hunter Associations is on our back."

"But why cut my hair?"

"There's a chance the Hunter Association knows about your overall appearance. This way, we would be able to change your body... 'silhouette' to throw them off." Kite took out a pair of contacts. "Even better if people misinterpret your gender."

"So you want me to crossdress?" I muttered though a part of me was interested in the idea.

"Not necessarily. You already have a unisex dress style. If we cut your hair, we might be able to create an (...) look for you."

I immediately turned to Ikki for translation. "Uh... I'm not really sure. Androgynous? I think that's the word."

I slowly nodded at Kite's words without taking off the strong grip I had on my hair. Noticing this, Kite gently cupped the back of my hand and stroked my fingers, making my hand relax.

"I'd change my appearance as well, Taisiya, but I don't think it would make much of a difference," Ikki said to me.

"How do you know it wouldn't? The world is always open to suggestions," I attempted to persuade them.

Kite shook his head. "My identity is too rooted in certain places that people will recognize me regardless of how my hair looks. Ikki's appearance as a child is greater aid as a cover than if he were to disguise himself."

Despite what they were saying, I still didn't want to cut my hair. There wasn't any special reason other than the fact that I liked my long wavy hair. I also never attempted to have short hair so I didn't know what I'd look like with one. For all I knew, I'd look like Masha with short hair.

However, above my appearance and my fear, I really wanted to stay with Kite and Ikki.

Sighing, I nodded and finally let go of my hair that I was still holding tightly despite Kite's soft strokes on my hand, "Okay... for you and Ikki."

Kite and Ikki smiled and nodded. As they talked to each other about what I should look like, I looked towards the mirror in the bathroom that was seen from where I was sitting on the bed.

Sudden confidence and impulsiveness came over me.

Making my decision, I took the scissors that were sitting in the table to my right and walked inside the bathroom as Kite and Ikki continued to talk. I looked at myself in the mirror for a few seconds, taking in the familiar face I'd seen for all my life.

White wavy long hair that reached my waist, deep blue eyes, and a button nose. I hadn't changed at all in the past 6 months...

Gathering my hair in one hand, I closed my eyes and quickly snipped the hair off. After a few seconds passed, I let out the breath I was holding in.

I opened my eyes to see uneven chopped off hair that hadn't even reach my neck. The front part was longer than the back and each side was not the same length. Looking back into the mirror, I caught sight of Kite and Ikki looking at me in surprise.

"Taisiya...," Kite trailed off not knowing what to say as he stared at me. I brought my hand in front of me and looked at the bunch of hair I just snipped off.

"I cut it." It was a simple sentence, yet I felt as if a huge burden had been lifted off me.

"...That's going to be hard to clean...," Kite said making me laugh nervously. Turning to me, he smiled softly. "What you did was brave, Taisiya. I'm proud of you."

Letting the strands of hair fall in between my fingers I placed down the scissors onto the counter and walked towards Kite.

"I don't want to be brave for cutting my hair, Kite-san. I want to be brave by protecting you and Ikki." I looked at both of them with determination.

"I don't want you guys to be burdened because of me. So I promise I'll try my best to be strong so I can be useful to both of you!!"

Ikki smiled at me and stood up before hugging me. "Don't worry, Taisiya. You aren't a burden to us," Ikki hugged me tighter, his head just reaching my nose. I hugged him back, smiling as I buried my face in his fluffy hair. Ikki was so warm and soft, it felt right hugging him.

"Taisiya," Kita said, getting my attention. Not letting go of Ikki, I turned to Kite. "You want to be strong, correct?" Kite asked which I slowly nodded too.

"In that case, I'm going to train you to become a hunter."

My eyes widen as I heard Ikki gasp from beside me. "A-Are you serious???" I asked Kite in doubt.

"Yes, I am. If you want to be strong, you're going to have to work hard for it," Kite voiced with a commanding tone. Nodding quickly, I pulled Ikki towards Kite and hugged him which startled the silver-haired man. Nevertheless, he hugged both me and Ikki, his hands wondering towards the rough edges of my hair.

"One day you'll be a great hunter, Taisiya," Kite started before pulling back. "But for now let's go to the salon to fix your hair," he continued which made me giggle.

"Yeah, Taisiya. Why did you cut your hair yourself? Now you look even more ugly," Ikki pouted as we walked towards the door. In response, I punched with a small smile plastered on my face as I pulled his hand towards the door.

"Race ya!"

"Hey, that's not fair!"

◇ ═ End of Chapter 5 ═ ◇

Song:
Spirited Away - Ano Natsu He Music Box Version

Cast:
Taisiya Vasilieva = Nao Tomori (Charlotte)

(Credits to their rightful owners)