The laughter and music of the gala faded behind Kimiko as she guided Luka through the grand foyer of VHC Central. Her husband's massive arm draped heavily across her shoulders, his steps unsteady but his voice booming with pride.

"Did you see him, Kimi? Did you see our boy?" Luka's words slurred together, his normally resonant voice pitched too loud for the elegant surroundings. "He stood up to that Valerius brat like he was born for it!"

Kimiko patted his chest, her smile never wavering as she nodded to the security personnel. "Yes, dear. Everyone saw him."

Everyone saw everything.

The night air hit them with a welcome coolness as they stepped outside. Kimiko lifted her hand, and their limousine glided silently to the curb. The driver opened the door, and she maneuvered Luka's bulk into the vehicle.

"Where are the kids?" Luka asked, blinking owlishly around the empty limousine.

"They'll be along shortly," Kimiko replied.

She had seen them.

Seen Natalia's fingers curl around Satori's wrist. Seen the look that passed between them—hunger, conspiracy, possession. Seen them slip away from the main hall together, Natalia leading, Satori following with that new, predatory smile on his lips.

The smile that belonged to a stranger.

Luka's head lolled against the leather seat. "Our boy," he mumbled again, pride softening his features. "Always knew he had it in him..."

His eyes drifted closed, and within moments, his breathing deepened into the familiar rhythm of sleep. Kimiko watched him, this good man who saw only what he wanted to see. Who believed in the best of people. Who trusted.

The car door opened again. Satori slid in first, settling across from Kimiko. His tie was slightly loosened, his hair just a touch mussed. To anyone else, he would look like a young man who'd had a long evening of socializing.

But Kimiko saw the shadow of a mark at his collar. The slight swelling of his lower lip.

Natalia entered next, the picture of cool composure as she took a seat as far from Satori as the space allowed. Her midnight-blue gown remained perfect, her makeup flawless. But her eyes... her eyes darted to Satori for just a fraction of a second, and Kimiko saw it all. The secret thrill, the lingering heat, the knowledge of what they'd just done.

The limousine pulled away from the curb, the separation between driver and passengers ensuring their privacy. Luka's gentle snores filled the silence as city lights painted shifting patterns across their faces.

"Well," Kimiko said, her voice soft but carrying in the enclosed space. "That was certainly an eventful evening."

Neither responded. Natalia gazed out the window. Satori watched Kimiko with those unnervingly direct eyes.

"Satori, you made quite an impression tonight," Kimiko continued. "I didn't know you had such strong opinions about Hunter families and legacies."

"Someone had to say it, Mom," Satori replied. "The world's changing. The old guard needs to be reminded of that."

"I suppose so," Kimiko conceded. She turned her attention to Natalia, who immediately tensed under her gaze. "And you, Natalia? You disappeared for a while there. Did you manage to speak with the Celestial Sentinels recruiter pointed out to you?"

Natalia's fingers smoothed an invisible wrinkle from her dress. "I did. It was productive." Her voice steadied as she continued, "Then I... needed some air. The crowd was a bit overwhelming."

"I saw her on one of the outer balconies," Satori added helpfully. "Around nine-thirty or so. You looked like you needed the break."

Natalia nodded, still not meeting Kimiko's eyes. "It was getting stuffy in there."

The familiar sickening lurch hit Kimiko's stomach—the maternal instinct she'd developed when Satori was just a toddler trying to blame broken vases on imaginary friends. The instinct that had never failed her.

They were lying. Together. Coordinated. The "breakup" had been nothing but theater.

"I hope the fresh air helped," Kimiko said, her voice betraying nothing of the storm inside her. "Though I wish you'd told me where you were going. I was concerned when I couldn't find either of you."

"Sorry, Mom," Satori said with just the right amount of contrition. "I should have mentioned I was heading somewhere. Professor Miller was showing me some of the historical Hunter records on his phone. Did you know they have original field notes from the First Rupture?"

Another lie, smooth as silk. The old Satori had been a terrible liar—his face would flush, his eyes would dart away, his hands would fidget. This new Satori lied with such conviction that she almost wanted to believe him.

"How fascinating," she murmured. "I'm glad you're taking such an interest in Hunter history."

Luka stirred briefly, mumbling something unintelligible before settling back into his alcohol-induced slumber. The momentary distraction gave Kimiko time to study them both.

Satori, relaxed and alert, one arm draped casually along the back of the seat. Natalia, poised and distant, her body angled away from both of them, yet her eyes occasionally flickering to Satori when she thought Kimiko wasn't looking.

"I noticed that several people seemed quite taken with you tonight, Satori," Kimiko said. "Those twins from the Miyamoto family couldn't stop staring. And even Celeste Vance seemed intrigued."

Natalia's hands curled slightly in her lap.

"They're just curious about the new guy," Satori replied with a shrug. "People love an underdog story. Zero to hero and all that."

"I suppose they do," Kimiko agreed. "Though I wonder if they'd be so fascinated if they knew the real you."

"What's that supposed to mean, Mom?"

"Simply that you've changed so much in such a short time," Kimiko said, her voice soft with what sounded like maternal pride. "I hardly recognize you sometimes."

The limousine turned onto their street, the familiar silhouette of their building rising ahead. In the distance, thunder rumbled, promising rain.

"Natalia," Kimiko said suddenly. "Would you mind helping me with something when we get home? I bought a new tea set that needs unpacking, and I'd appreciate your eye for arrangement."

Natalia nodded, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. "Of course, Kimiko."

"And Satori, perhaps you could help your father to bed? He's had quite a night."

"Sure thing," Satori agreed easily.

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