Chapter Text
“Today was successful, wasn't it?” Yukisada hummed happily. He and Shirogane have gone fishing, with Idate on the low they've been taking advantage of going to their usual fishing spots. It was better for them to eat homecooked meals than to rely on Nekoyama for food all the time.
“Yeah, it was…” Shirogane could feel his tummy grumble.
“Hehe, don't worry I'll whip us up something delicious.” Yukisada then tried to unlock the door to their house, but it was already unlocked. The owl didn't find this alarming as he was one to forget to lock at times, Iceberg Isle doesn't have many residents so he never worried about theft or vandalism. They both entered inside; they were met by the cozy warmth of their home. If the unlocked door didn't set off Yukisada it was certainly the lack of lights, Yukisada could remember that he definitely left the lights on before they left. As the owl closes the door he flicks on the lights.
On their low table sat Idate with a smile on his face. Shirogane and Yukisada both drop their nets filled with fish in shock.
“H-How–” Yukisada started.
“Well how goes my favourite toys?” Idate greeted the two. “Happy to see me?” He gave them both a stare that felt like daggers.
The only response the orca got was silence, Idate decided to get to the point.
“Ever wonder why I've been gone?” Idate stood up, “It's not because I've gotten bored of playing with the puppy and birdie.” He began to circle his prey. “That will never get old.”
The orca then inserted himself between Shirogane and Yukisada, placing his hands on both of their shoulders. Idate brings them close to himself. “You see… I have someone that's important to me planning to visit the Isle.” He clenches his grip hard enough to leave bruises to the wolf and owl. “And I really want to give off a good first impression.”
“W-We'll do anything.” Shirogane whimpered, the orca's grip was starting to get really uncomfortable.
“I just want you both to be in good behaviour. Treat my friend with good hospitality when she needs it and you'll both walk away with your arms attached. Deal?”
“Deal.” Shirogane and Yukisada say at the same time.
“Good, good.” Idate lets go of their shoulders and gives them both pats on their cheeks. He then fixes his tie, “That's all I had to say, I would stay and play but unfortunately I have errands to run.” The orca then turned around to open the door to leave, but before he left he said one more thing.
“I'll just have your legs instead next time.”
The door closes.
Shirogane takes a huge breath after what it felt like holding it in forever. He then hyperventilates onto the floor.
“Shiro!” Yukisada drops to comfort the wolf.
“I-I thought he was–” Shirogane tries to catch his breath, “I thought he was gonna do something.” Shirogane places a hand onto where his heart was. “H-He said someone's coming.”
“He did…”
“Is it someone worse than orca?” Shirogane immediately assumes the worst.
“He said she…” Yukisada remarks.
“She must be scary.” Shirogane shivers.
“I think whoever it is, Idate really wants to be in his best image.”
What? Shirogane thought. Why would he ever care about his own image if he's so comfortable being a sadistic dickhead?
Shirogane could only whimper in response, he really just wants this nightmare to end.
_______________
Tatsumiya shivers from the harsh cold, even in her thickest kimono layered with a hanten and scarf it wasn't enough to shield her from the freezing weather. In the distance she sees land. That must be Iceberg Isle. She thought. Tatsumiya then leads the boat to the wharf.
The boat stops when it reaches the dock, Tatsumiya then carefully tries to land onto the unfamiliar land, her zori being engulfed by the snow. She immediately feels the isolation of Iceberg Isle. Idate did say there wasn't much to see, but she didn't imagine it would be this lonely. At the same time it does fit Idate's way of living. Tatsumiya looks around for anyone, anybody. She could feel her cheeks and nose getting red from the cold, her breath visible.
Suddenly she hears crunches of steps behind her. A hand covers her eyes. “Guess who~” The deep voice calls.
“Idate?” Tatsumiya asks.
“Bingo.” Idate uncovers her eyes, Tatsumiya smiles and turns to see her beloved friend. She instantly takes notice of the bouquet in the orca's hands.
“Is that for me?” Tatsumiya points at the flowers.
“Yeah.” Idate hands out the flowers, “For a proper lady like you.”
“Thank you…” Tatsumiya blushes and accepts the flowers. “They're beautiful.” She gives another warm smile.
“Not as beautiful as you.” Idate winks. The oarfish can feel her blush deepen. “You're cute when you get red like that.” Tatsumiya uses her sleeves to shield her face causing Idate to chuckle.
‘It's just the cold!” Tatsumiya blurts out. Idate has definitely gotten a lot flirtier the more dates they've been, the oarfish loved the attention. She loved how much of a gentleman Idate was despite the juxtaposition of him being a violent orca. She's aware of his violent tendencies. Idate once told her that she could be making a mistake of seeing each other frequently, Tatsumiya could recall that she told him that deep down she believes that he's a good man, he did save her after all. Idate at the time only nodded, but accepted to keep seeing the oarfish regardless.
So this is what it led to. All because Idate was bored and had nothing better to do in saving Tatsumiya. It was probably the best butterfly effect to ever happen.
“Oh, my bad.” Idate apologizes. “You're not used to the cold like I am. Allow me to take you somewhere warm.”
“That would be nice, thank you…” Tatsumiya buries her face into her scarf. Idate then proceeds to hold her close, making sure her hanten is wrapped around her nicely. The oarfish could only blush heavily once more. They make their way to Iceberg Village.
In the distance was Peraco, looking through her binoculars as her little brothers played in the snow. “Ohoh… so that's the truth…”
Eventually, Idate and Tatsumiya make it to the neighbourhood of the village. Tatsumiya perked up. “Oh my, what a cozy place.”
“I guess you can say that.” Idate hummed. “We're headed somewhere else though.”
“Oh?”
Idate takes her to the secluded area Rock resides in. Tatsumiya looks at the house before her. “Is this your home?”
“About that…” Idate gives her an awkward smile. He knocks on the door. Rock answers.
“Ugh, now wha–” Rock locks eyes with Tatsumiya's. “Oh.”
“Idate, who's this?” Tatsumiya turned to the orca.
“Tatsumiya, this is Rock.” Idate used a hand to present the penguin. “Rock, here is my best friend~” Idate leaned down to match the penguin's height, placing a hand on his shoulder to which Rock slapped it away with his flipper.
“Hell no we aren't best friends.” Rock spat. “Whatever, the fucking futon is ready for her.”
“Swearing in front of a lady? Not cool, Rock.” Idate wiggles his finger. Tatsumiya could only look at the two with confusion. “Come on, Tatsu. Don't be shy, I don't want you to freeze to death.” Idate invited her in. Tatsumiya hesitantly stepped inside with the orca.
“Is this your roommate?" Tatsumiya asked.
“Ha.” Rock scoffs. “Not in a million years.”
“Then where do you live?” Tatsumiya was definitely nosey at the moment.
“I… don't have a house on the Isle.” Idate reluctantly explains. “I mean I have a cottage somewhere but it isn't exactly cozy. Or inviting. Or comfortable. Or clean.”
“Yeah his ass can't have a house on the Isle because he keeps beating the shit out of everyone.” Rock wipes his shotgun.
“Idate…” Tatsumiya pouts, hands on her hips.
“Hey, that's to be expected of seeing a bad boy like me.” Idate shrugged.
“You're better than that, I know so.”
Idate rubs the back of his head and gives a sheepish smile. “Heh…”
“Sorry lady but you're too optimistic when it comes to that.” Rock interjects. “He's a piece of shit orca through and through.”
Rock looks at Tatsumiya's disapproving face.“I will give credit though.” He pauses for a moment. “Idate hasn't been causing much of a ruckus ever since I assume you two have been an item.”
“Is this true?”
Idate looks away. “...Yeah. I guess.”
Tatsumiya smiles, so Idate was serious about her.
“I knew there was good in you, ever since the day you saved me.” Tatsumiya wraps her arms around Idate and holds him close.
“Whoa, what? He saved you?” Rock gives a hearty laugh. “Since when did you become such a softie, orca?”
“I think we should just end the night.” Idate flatly says. He was done being humiliated. He may have feelings for Tatsumiya but that doesn't change who he was. It's in his nature to be violent as an orca, he can't just change that. Can he?
“Not without dinner.” Rock corrects him. “Now, Tatsumiya, was it? How about you tell me what other good deeds this orca has done.” He gives a mocking smile to Idate.
Tatsumiya giggles. “I'd love to.”
This was going to be a long night.
_______________
Rock was kind enough to let them stay past his bedtime. The penguin was out like a boulder. Idate and Tatsumiya lay beside each on their designated futon, chatting their ears off.
Tatsumiya then decides to bring up a certain topic. “Idate… are you embarrassed?”
“Of what?” Idate propped himself up with his elbow.
“Of telling Rock that you saved me…” Tatsumiya reminds him, “You seemed bothered by that.”
“Not really.” Idate lies, but then he looked at Tatsumiya's face, she was clearly not satisfied with his answer. The orca sighs. “It's not that I was embarrassed or bothered, I just can't see myself not being a piece of shit orca Rock says that I am. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have a low reputation and I stick by it.”
“Is that why you're so cruel at times?”
The question confuses Idate. He thinks deeply about what Tatsumiya says. “If the world wants to see me as a violent orca then that's what I am. Besides, it is fun to play with my food.” He smirks.
“You say that but you've been nothing but nice to me. Why is that?” Tatsumiya keeps prodding. “You could've easily overpowered and eaten me. Rock also says you haven't been terrorizing others as much as you did.”
Idate gives another deep sigh. She really wasn't cutting him slack. “You're just…” He looks at Tatsumiya's golden eyes. “You're just something else.”
“Something else?”
“You're delicate, pretty, sophisticated. I can't just take out a lady like that.” Idate starts to faintly blush. “Besides a low life shark was bothering you, it was easy prey for me.” He closes his eyes. “And for the whole not terrorizing others part it's not because of anything specific, I've just been preparing for your arrival, okay?”
“You clearly care about me enough to make changes.” Tatsumiya smiles.
“It's not that I'm changing, I just don't want you to have a bad time in Iceberg Isle.” Idate doesn't realize he raised his voice causing Rock to snore loudly as a result. Tatsumiya's eyes widened from his tone.
“Look, I'm sorry.” The orca uses his inside voice. “I'm just not an angel like you think I am.” He gets up from the futon and proceeds to put on his shoes. Tatsumiya sits up with a worried look.
“Did I upset you?” She asks, seeking reassurance.
“No, I just upset myself.” Idate looks at the oarfish, “Don't worry about it, I'm not angry but it is getting late and I don't think Rock would appreciate seeing my ugly mug in the morning.”
Tatsumiya looks down in shame. “Oh, okay…” she clearly feels guilty from the conversation. Idate can see this clearly bothers her, the orca takes a second before deciding to get close to Tatsumiya and kisses her forehead.
“It's fine, love.” Idate lifts Tatsumiya's head with his finger. “But I really have to go. Just rest easy and we'll have a good time tomorrow.”
“Okay…” Tatsumiya blushes, feeling at ease from the orca's comfort words and action. As Idate says his final goodbyes, Tatsumiya lays there alone staring straight into the ceiling. She closes her eyes and counts sheep, hoping Idate would be okay the next day.