Tuesday1.3: Sunrise at the Bridge

[genuinelie.livejournal.com]

Ran came up to the figure on the bridge with all the stealth of a cat, but yet the man still turned before he reached him, a genial smile stretching pleasant, boyish features.

"Sato." Ran acknowledged curtly, hands held casually in the pockets of his trench, ready to be withdrawn. He would have preferred someone else. Someone who knew him. Someone he trusted.

The man nodded. "Abyssinian. I hope we can put our last meeting behind us," he added.

The light of early dawn was touching the river, casting a yellow-white glow on the city. It glinted off Sato's glasses. A gentle breeze ruffled the hair and jackets of the two men. Ran examined his face.

Sato's smile faltered. "What did you want to meet about? I'm new to your team, but 4:30 in the morning seems a bit early for even your brand of business." His tone was light.

"I want solo missions." Ran stated, no preamble. "I want out of Weiss. Aya-chan is still to be protected by Kritiker. I'll still do their work."

The liaison looked completely taken aback. His face fell back into complacency within a moment. "Ah. Your sister." He turned and leaned on the metal fence, looking out across the water, appearing to think.

Ran nodded, staying where he was on the sidewalk.

"She should be well protected with your team. Has something changed in your situation there?" Sato's tone was easy.

Ran kept his face neutral. That was none of Kritiker's business. He was far more loyal than he felt the others suspected him of being. Whatever was going on with the team - he didn't know enough about it to bring to their employer's attention. Ken didn't deserve that. Not until he knew more.

After a minute, seeing that Ran wasn't about to respond, Sato turned back to him. "I'm afraid that's not possible. You can leave Weiss whenever you wish, but Kritiker will have to draw back it's support at that time."

Ran slapped the railing, the clang echoing in the hum of sparse traffic. "I'll still do their work!"

Sato smiled, and it seemed sympathetic. "Mr. Fujimiya. I can't say that Kritiker hasn't discussed this scenario with me. They have. At this time, Kritiker needs you in Weiss. Perhaps after a short time, we can discuss this again. If you want continued protection for your sister, however..." he trailed off.

Ran's lips were pressed into a thin line.

"I'm truly sorry, Mr. Fujimiya. It must be hard to care for your family in those conditions." Sato extended a hand. "Are we understanding one another at this time?"

"You said Kritiker has need of Weiss. Does that mean they have missions for us?" Ran kept his hand clenching the railing.

Sato nodded, then gave him a gently appraising look. "If it's money you're after, perhaps a future arrangement could be made. If it makes it easier. Are we understood?"

"In a few months. You said we can revisit this."

Sato nodded, smile still in place, if a little less vibrant. "If you keep assisting Weiss."

Ran stared at his hand. Sato eventually withdrew it into a friendly wave, then got into the car that was running a few yards away.

"Don't do anything rash, Mr. Fujimiya." It was called out the window.

Ran hit the railing again, then slumped over it. The rising sun hit his hair, giving it a bloody glow.