His chair creaked as he adjusted himself in his seat. Something he had to do quite often due to his lower back injuries. He had been pouring over a report that was sent to him for his review, having been at it for hours now. Reading and re-reading sections so as to not miss any detail, be they minor or major. With a sigh, he shut his eye and rubbed at the side of his temple. Tired and to be honest a little bored, he looked away from his computer terminal's screen to absently look around. To give his eye a rest.
As his still brilliantly golden eye scanned his environment, he was pleased to find nothing had changed. Thousands of archaic books and tomes stacked high to the ceiling on their shelves. Desks with neatly organized papers and other office supplies such as traditional pens, pencils and the like. Kladenets and Perun, his now retired weapons from when he was a younger Hunter, mounted in the center of the room. Sporting innumerable gouges, scratches, dents and etc. By this point having seen so much combat and action, they were practically inoperable and no longer held an edge. The cost to bring them back to working order far outweighing the cost of simply fabricating a new set. A gorgeous grandfather clock stood proud in its spot, reliably keeping time with its soft and measured ticks and clicks. The room all of which well-lit with a soft orange light. One step into Shiro's study and one would immediately get the feeling they had walked into a part of an ancient library. A place of education and learning. Over the years, Shiro had developed a taste for older styles of decor and furniture. Which his peers had jokingly referred to him as a 'hipster' for.
Shiro, now well into his mid-thirties, had changed much like his tastes. Most notably he had been blessed with a growth spurt and now stood at a height between 6"2 and 6"4, depending on whether or not he was having a 'good back day' or 'bad back day'. He had grown out his white hair long, to which his
glorious mane reached his lower back. His voice had deepened further, and his wardrobe style leaned towards more form-fitting clothing. Though, he still had his
shawl/cowl that he kept. Wearing it from time to time, depending on the cold and wind. As he leaned back in his chair, he let out another sigh as he shut his eye and touched at his right eye with his hand. Gently caressing the hard surface of the black eyepatch he now wore which bore his Hunter's Emblem. Having lost it years ago during his time as a young Hunter at Beacon.
Opening his left eye, he felt to be in a reminiscing mood, strolling down memory lane. Gods and Goddesses above, what a nightmare that mission was. No one could reach him in time before
he had plunged his dagger into his eye, the malicious and hate-filled beast
he was. His teammates were all incapacitated in some sense, and he was far too weak to fight back at that point. But, they all made it back alive and successfully completed their mission. Gren Orchid, that crazy man. Shiro thought, shaking his head. Still a budding engineer/machinist back then, had offered to create him a fully synthetic eye that would function far better than any 'normal' eye could. Smiling, present-day Shiro laughed to himself softly. What were the features did that boar faunus say he was going to 'hook up a bro' with? Infrared. Night vision. Zooming capabilities. Live video/audio recording capabilities. Something about...rays that would allow you to see through clothing...Present-day Shiro smiled wider and laughed a little louder. What a nut. In the past a horrified, terrified Shiro vehemently declined his offer. Electing to simply have a 'normally functioning' prosthesis placed in the socket, to then be sewn shut and covered with an eyepatch for his own personal reasons. His regular eye having been beyond repair, even with advances in the medical and scientific field though his optic nerve remained intact. Shiro could still remember how it felt, that dagger digging and churning in his eye socket. Thank the deities above that
he wasn't able to plunge the weapon any further in. Otherwise, there would be no Shiro to speak of. No one sitting in his comfortable chair in his study, reliving somewhat unpleasant memories.
Looking to his side, he eyed the cane that he sometimes required to walk with. In his later years, back to back missions combating the Grimm and other foes strained his body to the breaking point. Culminating into one fateful mission where he took a direct Boarbatusk charge into his back. Still in good contact with Gren then, who was simultaneously starting his own cybernetic company and his culinary art degree, offered again to replace the lower vertebrae and disks with another 'enhancement'. Something about making breakthroughs in enhancing a Hunter's speed, strength, and durability using an experimental drug that would be administered by this synthetic spinal replacement. Cocking an eyebrow, he tried to recall what the man called it. Project Cerberus? Something like that. He couldn't remember clearly. Of course, he again politely declined and only accepted a standard artificial vertebrae and disk replacement. Much to his good friend's dismay. Speaking of which, he wondered how the old bastard was. He should probably send him a message.
Turning to check the time on the arms of the grandfather clock's face, Shiro figured that he had wasted enough time and should return to work. Straightening in his seat, he located the spot he left off at and continued reading. The report had been sent to him from the Huntsmen defense company that he worked for. He, himself, the OIC or Officer-in-Charge of the Air/Ground Task Force planning division. Responsible for the tactical advisory of combat and battle plans for Huntsmen teams all over Remnant, assigning missions to the appropriate teams and Hunter cells, and ultimately deploying them. Providing them with detailed intelligence and other relevant information. Sighing again, he found himself distracted and unable to focus on completing his review. Some habits never died. Staring blankly at the screen with his one eye, he leaned his cheek against his fist as he thought back on his past. Something about today that made him fond of revisiting his memories as a younger Faunus Hunter.
What was it? Oh, right. Just today there was a decoration ceremony. How could he have forgotten so easily? So soon? Old habits, am I right? Gosh, there were so many people in the streets. Food and music as far as one could see and even farther. Human and Faunus alike had flocked to the event, and for what? For him. A highly decorated veteran Hunter and vocal, open advocate for equal human-faunus civil rights. He had been quite busy after his years at Beacon, after all. It took some time, to be sure. Shiro endured countless trials and tribulations when he was younger, some could even argue he was still fighting to this very day. It had taken a few key critical moments in his life before he 'woke up' and learned how to alter his mindset to view the bigger perspective in relation to the world of Remnant and its issues. Most importantly, he taught himself how to mature and grow into a better, more respectable man. Over time, he had cut down on his antics and horseplay and learned how to apply himself.
Looking at the thousands of books that surrounded him, he had read every one of them. Learning everything he could in a successful attempt to broaden his mind and skillset. Absorbing scores of information and cramming it into his head so that he could evolve himself. Evolve, he did. He already had the physical ability. He had the equipment. All he lacked was the ability to let go of his childish tendencies and the ability to apply all he knew to the field for the good of others. In time, he became an excellent Hunter and leader. After his graduation at Beacon, he immediately set to work. Climbing the ranks as he fought fang-over-claw, earning nearly every award and medal in the books, staking claim to countless titles.
But, he wasn't done. Once he had to medically retire, non-voluntary retirement mind you, he continued to fight behind the scenes and in the public eye. Using his fame and notoriety to become a powerful voice in establishing conferences between the leaders of both Human and Faunus. Pushing for certain acts and laws be put in place and enforced to allow the fostering of a harmonious relationship between the two species. Even after his campaign as a Hunter, he was sought out and offered a position by the very same defense company he worked for today. Running counter-terrorist operations against both White Fang extremists and other organizations that did not like the idea of a world where everyone got along and loved each other.
Ultimately, he had done it. Forever and eternally carving his name into the Stone of History as both a celebrated Hunter and a key figure in Human/Faunus civil activist. But...It still wasn't enough for him, unsatisfied with simply retiring and sitting on his fat paycheck and with full medical and health care/insurance for life. He desired more, his appetite for success having been insatiable.
His ears twitched, hearing telltale footsteps and picking up an all-too-familiar scent.
Looking up from his screen, he growled as he rubbed his eye.
As a result of only having one functioning eye in use, the doctors told him that he would experience temporary losses in vision. Mostly blurriness and of course the obvious reduction in peripheral vision. It was nothing serious, just a minor annoyance. I mean, after all he had become a successful Hunter regardless. Having overcome yet another obstacle, some dared to say that Shiro was a role model for those with disabilities. Especially when it became known he suffered mental and psychological ailments, which he had learned to live with and control.
The door to his study quietly creaked open.
"Papaaa..." a sweet little voice called out to him, with a pleading tone.
Shiro, still rubbing his eye as his vision blurred anything he saw, replied back.
"Yeeess, little one? What is it?"His ears twitched, hearing the door open further as the soft padding of feet could be detected. Rapidly making their way to his desk.
"Mama says we have to go to bed now..." the little girl said, Shiro could hear the pout.
Shiro laughed, looking at her through a hazy fog. Being able to make out his daughter's form but unable to see much detail.
"Okay? And? What mama says, goes. Do we really have to go over this each time, little one?"Shiro heard a second set of footsteps swiftly enter the room, taking their spot next his sister.
"But, Papa! We don't wanna to go bed yet! We want to stay up and play some more!"Shiro looked over to his son, and shook his head.
"Now, now. You both know you start school tomorrow. You need to get your rest. It's going to be a big day for you both at Signal."In unison his children whined.
"But, Papaaaaa...~!"Shiro clicked his tongue, pointing a finger up.
"No buts! Now, have you two taken a bath and brushed your teeth?"The two kids again in unison responded with a defeated tone. They knew they weren't going to get their father to side with them and budge.
"Yes, Papa..."Shiro couldn't help but smile.
"Did you put away your things?"The two kids rolled their eyes and sighed together.
"Yes, Papa..."Shiro clapped his hands together, sitting back upright in his chair.
"Well, good! Now, go to straight to bed! If you're good and listen to Mama and Papa, we'll have a big breakfast made for you tomorrow morning for your big day! How's that sound?"The two children gasped and again in unison, asked the all important question.
"Really?! Will there be pancakes and waffles with butter and syrup?"Shiro hmm'ed, tapping his chin as he looked thoughtful.
"You know what? It may take some convincing, but I'll see if I can talk to Mama about it. Now go on, get! Shoo, shoo! Papa still has some work to do!"The two kids cheered and launched themselves at Shiro in an embrace.
"Thank you, Papa! You're the best!"Shiro laughed with them as he held them both tightly in his arms.
"Ooh-ooh-ooh, watch it now. Papa's back isn't feeling too well."Smushing his lips against the sides of his daughter and son's head, he kissed them both.
"G'night you two little imps, sleep well. Papa loves you."Releasing their embrace from each other, they both gave Shiro their own little pecks on his cheeks. One to each side.
"G'night, papa! We love you too!"Giggling, the two of them ran out Shiro's study. Heading straight to bed as told.
Chuckling to himself, he sighed. Turning back to his now blurry-looking screen, his ears drooped. He still had quite a number of pages to go over and it was getting late. He had an important briefing to attend to in the morning also.
"Well. Gotta get back to it."Opening a drawer in his desk, he rifled around for his medicated eyedrops. Only stopping when his nose caught the scent of yet another, though this one was slightly different. This scent had on a light and flowery perfume. Normally, Shiro hated perfumes. But, something about this one that he was able to tolerate and eventually come to love. Well, more so the person that wore it for him. On...special occasions too. Freezing in place, his tail wryly swayed from side to side as his ears swiveled excitedly. Peering over his desk, he cursed the fact that his full vision hadn't returned to him yet. Seeing the lovely figure of his wife leaning against the open door of his study. Were her arms crossed? Did he do something wrong? Was he in trouble?
"You know, I just don't get how you do that?"She said, laughing.
Shiro sat up straight, mustering the most innocent face he could.
"Do what? Whatever do you mean, my love?"Seeing her gracefully glide across his study towards him, Shiro could feel her glaring at him.
"Don't give me that. You know what I mean. Get the kids to do what they're supposed to do. To listen."Shiro shrugged, smirking.
"I don't know, I just know how to sweet talk people I guess."She laughed again.
"Is that how you suckered me into marrying you?"Shiro looked away, to the side.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. Besides, you could've just said 'No' and left me to wallow in my misery."He could feel her touch his arm as she came close, causing him to turn and realize that she was wearing a robe. Not just any robe, but a
special one. His blood grew cold, heart stopping. His ears flattened against his head.
"Uh-oh."There was nothing actually special about the robe, in truth. It was merely a slightly different variation in color. But, it was one that Shiro came to learn carried a message. A message that the truly 'special' part of the robe was what lay underneath, or rather...What didn't. It was his wife's way of getting a clear message across and into his thick skull. A way of making her intentions clear.
It was rather effective.
"Oh, I couldn't never say 'No' to that face..."She said in a sultry voice as she playfully pinched his cheeks and brought her hands to his shoulders, beginning to massage them.
Shiro let out a contented sigh, already feeling stress melt away from his tense muscles.
"Don't lie. You so totally could've."Shiro looked back and up at her, trying to get a clear look at his wife's face but unable to thanks to his detestable vision problems.
He saw her look at his computer screen.
"Reviewing another report?"He looked at the screen and then back up at her, his wife standing behind him in his chair.
"Yeah. I have a briefing to give in the morning. Slap together some slideshow for the higher brass to 'ooh' and 'ahh' at."She chuckled seductively.
It did not mean well for Shiro, that chuckle.
"Okay. Well, try not to stay up too late."Leaning in, she whispered into his ears as she continued to massage his shoulders.
"I hope your back isn't bothering you and feels better by tonight."She then playfully nipped at his ears. Patting his shoulders, she began to walk away.
"I don't like you when you're tired."She continued, having nearly exited the study.
Shiro blinked, a little confused as to what she meant.
"But, I'm not tired..."Shiro couldn't see it, but she winked at him. Hanging by the door.
"Not yet, you aren't."Shiro chuckled nervously, leaning in to squint at the time on the computer screen.
Well, she was right. It was getting late. There was no point in trying to give a presentation so early in the morning if you could hardly stand to be awake. Rest was important to retain information too. Eying the wedding band he wore, Shiro thought to himself for a moment. Still in a reminiscent mood. This was it. His entire life's work all came down to this. He had achieved his goal of becoming a legendary Hunter. He had become a champion of nearly all Faunus kind. But the most important part of it all? He had fallen in love with a beautiful woman, a sweetheart from Beacon even. Together, they gave birth to two wonderful children that for better or worse, seemed to inherit Shiro's troublemaker streak. He had forged and created a legacy with his own hands, aided by his wife and all the support she gave him during his journey. A legacy that his parents would've been proud of, had they been alive to see it all. A legacy that his two children would inherit.
Looking up, his wife spoke again.
"After all, I have to give you your 'gift'."Shiro tilted his head as he looked up at her.
"Gift?"She giggled.
"Isn't that right, Goodwill Ambassador?"Ah, yes. The ceremony from earlier on in the day. Looking at the black box that housed that fancy gold medal, he had been named a Goodwill Ambassador on behalf of some Faunus committee. Smiling, Shiro fondly looked back at his wedding band, lovingly thumbing it. All that he had done was not for his own monetary or material gain. As the years passed and he aged, he learned that all he had done. All that he had accomplished was not only to fulfill his personal goals, but to give to his children everything that he never had. In his mind, he had everything he ever wanted. His name in the history books as both a legendary veteran Hunter and 'Ambassador' for Faunus-kind. A beautiful and loving wife. Most of all, two intelligent and loving beautiful kids that would carry with them the legacy he had made for them. To do with as they pleased and as they made their own paths in life as they grew.
Powering off his computer, Shiro stood and reached for his cane but stopped. His back was actually feeling much better, for some odd reason. Looking to his wife who still clung to the door of his study, he smiled as he said.
"Two seconds." She was obviously giddy and excited as she responded with
"Don't dilly-dally, Cookie!" as she rushed off to where could only be the bedroom. 'Cookie' was his wife's 'baby name' for him. When he asked her about it, she just said it sounded like a cuter way to pronounce 'Kuhaku' and that he was 'as sweet as a cookie'. Looking up at the battered remnants of Kladenets and Perun mounted above him, his slight smile slowly widened...
Into his signature toothy, goofy, silly grin.
He looked forward to the rest of his years with his family. Considering himself the luckiest and happiest man in all of Remnant. Well, at least until his vision cleared up walking back to the bedroom. Not that it mattered. He'd get a better, closer look at his 'gift' soon enough.
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