Chapter Text
Togo gripped the steering wheel, the city lights of Akatsuka faded into the distance, swallowed by the thickening darkness of the highway. The engine's steady rumble filled the cabin, a constant hum that provided a small measure of comfort in the midst of his mounting anxiety.
In the backseat, Ayano was curled up in a blanket, her head resting against the window. Her soft, uneven breathing was the only sound that occasionally cut through the din of the road.
The night was cool, and the car’s heater worked tirelessly to keep the chill at bay. The faint glow of the dashboard lights painted Togo's face in a soft, greenish hue, casting shadows that seemed to dance with the car's movement. His eyes, tired and etched with worry, darted to the rearview mirror every few seconds. He couldn’t shake the images of what had happened, nor the fear that he had nearly lost her.
The Ouma Clan's attack had been brutal, a reminder of the ever-present danger in his line of work. The memory of Ayano's small hands, her innocent face, and the terror in her eyes when he had pulled her away from the carnage burned in his mind. He could still hear her terrified cries, and it drove him to the edge of recklessness.
Togo’s mind raced with the decision he had made. Moving to Tokeino City was more than a mere relocation—it was an escape. The city was quiet, a stark contrast to the relentless energy of Akatsuka. It was a place where children played freely in the streets, where life seemed to move at a gentler pace. It was exactly what Ayano needed, far from the shadows of his world.
He glanced at her again, her small figure barely visible in the dim light. She was secure now, away from the chaos, but Togo knew the transition wouldn’t be easy for her. The city’s serenity was a stark juxtaposition to the fear and violence that had been her recent reality. He wanted to protect her from every harm, to give her a semblance of normalcy that he could never truly have for himself.
The road stretched ahead, long and straight, with occasional bends that reflected the uncertainty of the future. Togo's thoughts were a maelstrom, his plans for Tokeino City interwoven with the relentless drive to shield Ayano from the consequences of his past choices. Every mile brought them closer to a new beginning, but also reminded him of the sacrifices he had to make.
As they crossed the city limits of Tokeino, the skyline began to appear—a silhouette of modest buildings and green spaces, a stark contrast to the concrete jungle they had left behind. Togo could almost see the future he envisioned for Ayano: a world where she could grow up without the constant threat of violence, where she could laugh and play without fear.
He maneuvered the car through the streets of a wealthier part of Tokeino City, each block more serene and inviting than the last. The apartment complex loomed ahead, a quiet, elegant building with well-kept gardens and a sense of tranquility that seemed almost foreign to Togo. It was a far cry from the chaotic life they had left behind.
Pulling into the designated parking spot, Togo turned off the engine and sat in the stillness of the car for a moment. The world outside was peaceful, a sharp contrast to the storm that had raged in his life. He looked back at Ayano, still curled up in the backseat, her chest rising and falling rhythmically with her sleep.
Gently, he unfastened her seatbelt and carefully lifted her from the car. She was light, but the tenderness with which he held her made the moment feel significant, almost sacred. Her small head rested against his shoulder, and her tiny hands clutched the edges of her blanket.
With a determined, yet weary stride, Togo carried her toward the apartment building. The lobby was immaculate, adorned with polished marble floors and tasteful décor. It was a far cry from the cramped, dingy spaces he had been used to, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of hope.
He approached the elevator, where his men—trusty associates who had followed him from Akatsuka City—were already working diligently. They had arrived ahead of him, their presence a quiet testament to Togo’s unwavering command and their respect for him. The moving truck was parked nearby, and they were methodically unloading furniture and boxes.
The elevator doors slid open, and Togo stepped inside, cradling Ayano as he pressed the button for their floor. His men followed closely, their footsteps muted by the soft carpeting of the hallway. They exchanged nods of acknowledgment, their expressions reflecting the gravity of the situation and their commitment to ensuring that Togo’s new start would be as smooth as possible.
As the elevator reached their floor, Togo carried Ayano down the hallway to their new apartment. The door stood open, revealing a tastefully furnished space that was modest yet comfortable. The living room was bathed in the soft light of early morning, and the apartment exuded a warmth that Togo hoped would provide a sense of security for his daughter.
He stepped inside, carefully placing Ayano on the sofa. She stirred slightly but remained asleep, her face serene. Togo took a moment to watch her, the weight of his decisions and their consequences settling over him. The apartment felt like a blank canvas, a new beginning for both of them.
Outside, his men continued to unload the truck, moving with practiced efficiency. The sounds of boxes being carried and furniture being positioned filled the apartment, a reminder that they were starting to put down roots. Togo took a deep breath, a mix of relief and exhaustion washing over him.
He gently arranged a few pillows around Ayano, ensuring she would be comfortable. As he watched her sleep, he felt a surge of protectiveness, mingled with a deep-seated hope for the future. This was their chance to build something different, something better.
With a final glance at his daughter, Togo stepped out to oversee the unpacking. The apartment was beginning to feel like home, each piece of furniture and every box adding to the sense of normalcy he desperately wanted for Ayano.
The first light of dawn began to filter through the windows, casting a soft, golden hue over the apartment. Togo’s men worked diligently, their movements efficient and synchronized as they finished unloading the moving truck. Boxes were stacked neatly in corners, and furniture was placed with deliberate care, each item finding its new place in the unfamiliar space.
As the sun crept higher in the sky, Togo approached his men, who were now taking a brief respite. Their faces were set with the quiet determination that had seen them through countless tasks, but there was an underlying weariness that spoke of long hours and dedication.
Togo glanced at the horizon, the rising sun a reminder that their presence was no longer needed. “Alright, men, it’s time to head back,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of finality. “You’ve done a great job, but it’s better if you leave before the neighborhood wakes up. We don’t want to draw attention.”
His men nodded in understanding, the gravity of the situation evident in their subdued responses. They quickly gathered their remaining belongings, their movements now a mix of practiced efficiency and quiet respect. One by one, they exchanged brief, solemn goodbyes with Togo, their expressions reflecting both the end of their task and the beginning of their journey back.
As they climbed into the truck, the engine roared to life, and the vehicle slowly pulled away from the curb. Togo watched as it disappeared down the street, the sound of its departure fading into the morning quiet. The once-bustling presence of the Yakuza was now replaced by the tranquil stillness of the neighborhood, the only signs of their recent activity the empty truck and the boxes waiting to be unpacked.
Togo turned and walked back into the apartment, the space now feeling more like a haven than an empty shell. The sunlight filtered through the windows, illuminating the room and casting a warm glow over the scattered boxes and newly-arrived furniture. The apartment was still a work in progress, but it was beginning to take shape—a testament to the new life he was trying to build for Ayano.
He moved through the apartment, methodically checking on the arrangements. The living room was coming together, with the sofa now flanked by a coffee table and a couple of armchairs. The kitchen was still a jumble of boxes, but the essentials were in place. He took a moment to arrange a few items on the kitchen counter, attempting to create a semblance of normalcy.
Ayano stirred slowly, her eyelids fluttering open as the soft morning light bathed the room in a gentle glow. She blinked a few times, her surroundings coming into focus. The unfamiliarity of the apartment was a stark contrast to the comfort of her previous bedroom. For a moment, confusion clouded her young features as she tried to piece together where she was.
Her small hands reached out instinctively, seeking the familiar warmth of her papa. The blanket was still draped over her, and she noticed the softness of the new sofa beneath her. She sat up slowly, her movements cautious, her eyes scanning the room for a sign of Togo. The apartment was quiet, save for the occasional creak of settling furniture and the distant sounds of the city outside.
“Papa?” she called softly, her voice barely more than a whisper. She slipped off the sofa, her tiny feet making a soft patter on the floor as she padded across the room. Her curiosity mixed with a tinge of concern, her heart a little heavy with the uncertainty of their new surroundings.
Ayano ventured into the kitchen, peeking around the corner and finding it still cluttered with boxes. The smell of fresh paint and new furniture was faint but distinct, adding to the sense of newness that surrounded her. She called out again, her voice trembling slightly, “Papa?”
Hearing no response, she continued her exploration, moving with a mix of wonder and trepidation. She wandered through the living room, her eyes wide as she took in the neat arrangement of furniture and the way the light played across the space. She stopped occasionally to touch an object or peer into a box, searching for any hint of familiarity.
As she moved through the apartment, her footsteps light and cautious, she stumbled upon Togo, who had been quietly arranging some items. His back was turned as he worked on setting up a small bookshelf. The sight of her papa brought a wave of relief to her face.
“Papa!” she exclaimed, her voice a mix of relief and eagerness.
Togo turned, his expression softening immediately at the sight of his daughter. He saw her standing there, her blanket still wrapped around her and her eyes wide with the lingering sleepiness of just waking up. For a moment, his heart ached at the sight of her vulnerability, but it was quickly replaced by a surge of warmth and tenderness.
He stepped toward her, his movements gentle and reassuring. Kneeling down to her level, he extended his arms. “Morning, Ayano. Did you sleep well?”
Ayano nodded, a small smile forming on her lips as she shuffled closer to him. She reached out, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck as he lifted her into a comforting embrace. The familiarity of his arms, strong and secure, brought her an overwhelming sense of safety.
Togo held her close, his heart swelling with a mix of love and protectiveness. He knew the move had been hard for her, and seeing her adjust to their new life tugged at him deeply. “I’m here, Ayano. We’re going to be okay,” he murmured softly, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
As he carried her back to the living room, he glanced around at the unpacked boxes and the scattered items, realizing there was still much work to be done. But in that moment, with Ayano nestled safely in his arms, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would make this place a home for her, no matter how long it took.
“Alright, sweetheart,” he said, his voice rough but laced with an undercurrent of warmth. “We gotta get some stuff for the apartment. Let’s hit the supermarket and stock up on some groceries.”
Ayano nodded, her expression neutral as she looked up at him. Togo admired her calm demeanor, even if it was a bit unnerving. She was taking everything in stride, which he appreciated more than she might ever know.
Togo carried Ayano into the bathroom, the space small but functional, with light streaming in through a frosted window. The bathroom was one of the few rooms that had already been somewhat organized, with basic necessities like towels and bath products readily available.
Gently placing Ayano on the edge of the tub, Togo turned on the water, adjusting the temperature to ensure it was just right. He glanced back at her, noting the way she watched him with a quiet, detached curiosity. Despite the calm exterior, her presence was a reminder of the new life they were trying to build together.
“Time for a bath, my stinky swan,” he said, his voice gruff but softened by the care he was trying to convey. He started to fill the tub with warm water, the gentle sound of the running faucet filling the room.
Ayano made no protest, her expression remaining neutral as she watched him prepare. Togo quickly and efficiently got her undressed, his movements precise but gentle. He took a moment to appreciate the rare opportunity to care for her in such a simple, everyday manner. It was a stark contrast to the chaos of their recent past.
Once the tub was filled, he helped her into the water, careful to keep her steady as she settled in. He gently washed her, using a soft sponge and mild soap. His hands, though strong and accustomed to rough work, were tender as they moved over her small frame. The sight of her relaxing into the bath was a small victory for him, a sign that this new life might be working out as planned.
When Ayano was finished and the bath was over, Togo carefully lifted her out and wrapped her in a fluffy towel. He dried her off with quick, efficient strokes, trying to make the process as comfortable as possible for her. Despite her emotionless demeanor, he noticed the subtle signs of her enjoying the warm water and the gentle touch.
With her hair still damp, he took her into the bedroom, where he had already picked out a puffy tulle dress. The dress was a soft shade of green, its layers of tulle giving it a delicate, girlish charm. Togo had never been one for fashion, but he had chosen it because he thought it might make Ayano feel special.
“Here we go,” he said, trying to sound cheerful despite his rough voice. He helped her into the dress, his fingers deftly working to fasten the buttons and smooth out the fabric. As he adjusted the dress on her, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of pride at how cute she looked in it.
With her dress now in place, Togo moved on to her hair. He gathered it into two sections, carefully braiding each into twin braids. His movements were meticulous, his focus evident in the way he concentrated on ensuring the braids were neat and even. He wasn’t used to such delicate tasks, but he wanted everything to be perfect for her.
As he tied the final elastic into place, Ayano’s soft, emotionless voice broke the silence. “Papa, could you please put bows in my hair?”
Togo paused, his rough exterior momentarily giving way to a hint of uncertainty. Bows weren’t something he had considered, but he could see how they might complete the look. “Bows, huh? Alright, let’s see what we got,” he replied, trying to keep his tone casual.
He rummaged through a small box of hair accessories he had set aside, eventually finding a couple of simple white bows. He carefully attached them to the ends of Ayano’s braids, making sure they were secure but not too tight. The bows added a touch of sweetness to the look, and Togo felt a small smile tug at his lips as he stepped back to admire his handiwork.
“There ya go,” he said, giving her a nod of approval. “All set for the day.”
Ayano looked at herself in the mirror, her expression still calm but with a faint glimmer of satisfaction. She turned back to Togo, giving him a small nod.
“Thanks, Papa,” she said, her voice soft but with a hint of gratitude.
Togo ruffled her hair gently, a rare, genuine smile breaking through his normally stern demeanor. “No problem, baby. Listen, papa's gonna take a quick shower before we head out. You stay here and wait for me, okay? Just explore a bit if you want.”
Ayano nodded, her expression still calm but showing a flicker of curiosity. “Okay, Papa,” she replied softly.
With a final reassuring smile, Togo stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. The sound of running water soon filled the apartment, mingling with the faint echoes of his movements as he prepared for his shower.
Outside, Ayano wandered into the living room, her small steps tentative but filled with an inquisitive energy. The space, though still a work in progress, was beginning to take on a semblance of home. The sunlight poured in through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the room.
She approached the boxes stacked against the wall, her tiny hands brushing over the rough cardboard. The boxes were marked with hastily scrawled labels, hinting at their contents—everything from kitchenware to books. She carefully pried open a box marked "toys," her eyes lighting up as she discovered a collection of stuffed animals and small games.
Ayano picked up a stuffed bear, its soft fur comforting to her touch. She hugged it to her chest, a small, tentative smile tugging at her lips as she imagined the bear as a companion in this new place. She set the bear down on the sofa and continued her exploration, moving towards the bookshelf that Togo had begun to set up.
Her fingers traced the spines of the books, some of which were familiar from their previous home, while others were new and unfamiliar. She pulled a book from the shelf, its cover bright and colorful. She sat down on the floor with the book open, her eyes scanning the pages with a mixture of interest and concentration.
The sound of the shower running in the bathroom was a constant, soothing background noise. It felt oddly comforting, a reminder that despite the changes and the unfamiliarity of their new surroundings, there was still a sense of routine and normalcy to be found.
After some time, Ayano moved towards the kitchen area. The sight of the empty counters and scattered boxes made her feel a little overwhelmed, but she approached with cautious curiosity. She opened a few cabinets, peeking inside at the new dishes and utensils, imagining how they would look once everything was properly arranged.
She stopped by the window, which overlooked a small courtyard with a few trees and patches of green. She pressed her hands against the glass, looking out at the neighborhood. The quietness of the street and the sight of a few early risers walking their dogs gave her a sense of calm.
As Togo’s shower continued, Ayano’s exploration was interrupted by the sound of the bathroom door opening. Togo emerged, his hair damp and his face freshened. He saw Ayano by the window, her back turned to him as she gazed outside.
He walked over, his presence strong but careful not to startle her. “Alright, kiddo, I’m all set. Ready to head out?”
Ayano turned to him, her gaze shifting from the window to his face. She nodded, the earlier curiosity in her eyes now mixed with a touch of excitement. “Yes, Papa.”
Togo gave her a quick, approving smile. “Good. Let’s get going then. We’ve got groceries to buy and a new place to settle into.”
He grabbed his keys and wallet from the entryway, ensuring everything was in order. Ayano followed him towards the door, her small hand finding his as they prepared to step outside.