Childish Rage

For this been her first day, she seemed to be getting used to Solitude pretty quickly. Most people take a while to process the whole ‘being on a foreign place out of nowhere’ thing. It’s good to hear her say it’s been good so far.

“Yeah! I was actually heading back to my house, its near the beach actually. Gotta love the special housing each island has right?”

It’s alright, a job isn’t strictly necessary, Ian just feels the need to have some source of income so that people can stop teasing him about being ‘technically’ broke. You’ll be fine Aoko I’m sure.

“Makana Island…that’s the one with the volcanoes right? Glad to hear you have a friend there though. I’m sure they’ll help you with any doubt you might have of Solitude, otherwise I can try my best to answer questions if you have any.”

“Also, if you are liking Haku so far you should check out the Aquarium or the amusement park, they’re like the main attractions here.”

It wasn’t really a case of “getting used to”, more of a “forcing herself to look confident”. How else are you supposed to react in an unfamiliar place when you’re unsure of the personalities of others? Apart from that, Aoko was rather optimistic, so it was only natural... Regardless of the loss of memories.

❝ You have a beach house!? That’s so cool! Aoko hasn’t really explored her own house yet, but it’s really big and pretty! ❞

Beaming, she tilts her head to listen carefully to Ian’s words. Yes, she does remember seeing a couple of volcanos in the background... She really should have explored her own island before jumping on the ferry to the next island on the list. This just goes to show how impulsive she can be.

❝ There’s an amusement park and an aquarium!? Is this some sort of paradise or something!? ❞

“Of course they did, that’s what they do.”

Still, he had to admit that it was a relief to have Aoko here. After the island had been destroyed - thanks to the world’s worst siblings, no less - and Kaito had been left alone, he’d been slacking off on his social interactions. It had been easier to sit around and mope (his best friend was gone, his boyfriend was gone, and there really wasn’t much to the island worth doing alone), but now Aoko was here.

She was in danger just by existing, sure, but maybe having somebody to protect wasn’t so bad, either.

“Anyways, did you think I’d depend on you forever? Geez, I can take care of myself, you know. I’m not twelve.”

Again, he wasn’t exactly telling the truth; how many times had he died before the island was destroyed? Too many to count. There had also been times where he had locked himself in the kaitou hideout after the island was rebuilt and had done nothing but reminisce.

(….and now that Aoko was here, he couldn’t even do that.)

“Anyways, do you think you can get by here? You’re going to get yourself hurt, and I’m not going to be the one to patch up your wounds.”

Yes, he was.

If there was one thing she hated, it was being underestimated by Kaito. Her face is soon encompassed by a scowl, arms crossed defensively. Aoko had little knowledge on what these islands were about, what the goats were capable of, and why she was here in the first place-- But that didn’t stop her from her new desire to prove Kaito wrong.

❝ I’m not asking for your help! I am perfectly capable of looking after myself! I’ll patch my own wounds, thank you very much! I did not come here to get a babysitter, even though it looks like I’m going to have to be the one babysitting! ❞

Because she doubts he’s been eating. She doubts he’s been doing much of anything, against his usual standoffish demeanor. Plus, she actually liked cooking, so he would have to deal with it regardless. Even if he was going to be a prick about it.

Although the goat’s allowance was nice and covered the basic needs, not having an actual income at all felt horrible, (that and a certain someone’s words still echoed in his mind). In order to stop being ‘cheap’, he had to find a job, and what better place than the shopping district.

About 2 hours in, Ian was starting to lose hope. Most of the shops already had everything filled, he was starting to fear the inevitable dawning ever so close…the maid cafe.

Defeated, he started heading back to his beach house before being stopped by a young girl he hadn’t met before. It had been awhile since a new face showed up. Time to hide his face of defeat with a smile.

“Oh! Hi Aoko! Welcome to Haku Island! I’m Ian, it’s really nice to meet you. Are you liking your stay so far?”

Be careful with the jobs Aoko

Not only was ‘Solitude’ not really secluded at all, Aoko hadn’t really expected the meet someone friendly straight away. That’s not to say she’s upset that she met someone so nice-- But it’s just a little unexpected. Brushing off the notion, she beams back a smile.

❝ Well, for Aoko’s first day... It’s been pretty good! Do you live around here? ❞

Her hands fold neatly behind her back, politely tilting her head in question. She hadn’t even considered the job market yet, so whatever fear or warning that Ian was projecting towards her didn’t have any effect.

( It’s a pleasure to meet you as well~ I hope you have a great time here )

Taking her ID with her, she boarded the ferry to Haku Island.

It was definite that she was charmed by the waves as she finally reached her destination, eyes wide in curiosity. For the sign that said “Welcome to Solitude”, none of the islands really seemed secluded. In fact, there seemed to be quite a few other people in the shopping district, at least!

❝ Ah... Hello! My name is Aoko, I’m kind of new around here... What’s your name? ❞

The goats had ended up shacking up in one of the newer home styles, and a larger one at that- he had assumed before that it was because there was nowhere smaller to put him, but apparently the goats had something else in mind.

Not that he ever claimed to know exactly what they were plotting, of course. It would be suicide to assume anything about them.

“Oi, what are you doing here?” Even though his tone was casual, trying to act as though nothing was wrong, he was inwardly cursing the gods for dragging Aoko into things. Especially with his….reputation on the island as it is, it was dangerous to have her here. “I was told this would be a vacation, and then you show up, Ahoko!”

Perhaps, in such a large house, she should have expected to hear a voice. Especially a familiar one that would instantly berate her-- Okay, scratch that. This is a strange island with cute goats everywhere, she’s completely out of her depth.

Whirling around to the sound of a childish whine-- (She’s being mean about it, of course), her eyes settle on probably the only person she’d like to be with her in some foreign place. Even if he really didn’t seem to like her half the time, her eyes still showed a minor form of relief.

❝ ... Eh? It’s not like I asked to be here, Bakaito! I woke up and some goats lead me here! ❞

Hands on her hips, a pout on her lips. Trust Kaito to not even say “hello” like a normal person. He could at least act like he wanted her around!

In front of the confused young girl is a very expensive looking house. At first, she wasn’t sure she was even in the right place. Being washed up on an island she didn’t recognise, leaded by goats (of all things! Cute goats!) to this house here. But it had to be the right place, right? These goats couldn’t lead her astray, they’re too cute!

Soon enough, the goats had disappeared, leaving Aoko by herself. That wasn’t the desired scenario, not that she really expected any less from a sign that said Welcome to Solitude. Hopefully, as bad as it sounded, she wasn’t going to really be alone on this island.

Finding nothing else to do, she set off to inspect the house. Surely a house this big couldn’t be just for her... Right?

❝ Um... Hello? Is anyone home...? ❞