Chapter Text
It was a joyful night for everyone in the city. Almost everyone, at least. Most children were trick or treating, having fun together, perhaps causing mischief somewhere or other.
Unfortunately, Valentine was not one of these children. After stopping by their house they heard loud voices from inside, belonging to their mother and sister. Their stomach churned at the thought of going in and having to listen to their yelling all night, and so they turned away and started walking back. Not having much to do anymore, they decided to walk to a more peaceful area.
It was late and rather cold, and being alone in forest area wasn't the greatest idea at this time, but fortunately their Red Riding Hood costume was a surprisingly good quality, their little red cape being fit as proper autumn attire, warming them up accordingly. Straightening down the red skirt under them, they settled on sitting down on a big, fallen tree trunk and hope that if they spend enough time there the house will be quiet once they're back.
At least they had their little picnic basket, full of candy and chocolates which they could munch on in the meantime.
"Shouldn't the little Red Riding Hood know not to sit around alone in a dark forest?" A voice came to Valentine from a small distance away, subtle but firm steps closing in towards them.
"Well, it's not like the story is real..." They responded. They were eleven already, it's not like they'd really believe those children's stories.
"But it's a good lesson anyway," the approaching man said, before slowly stopping in front of them. "What is your name, sweetheart?"
"Valentine..." Muttered they, looking up at the tall figure in front of them. It was a bit intimidating to be approached by an older man like this, they didn't know how to act. But he didn't exactly seem like a creep, and they'd met creeps before...
The man smiled tenderly at their big-eyed stare, and sat beside them. "That's a lovely name, Valentine. My name is Mori."
"Mori.." they repeated, idle.
"Tell me, Valentine, why are you alone out here?" He spoke in a friendly and tender tone, making himself seem as harmless as possible.
Valentine looked down at their basket, fidgeting with the thick fabric of their cape. "I was gonna go home, but my family's fighting, so I'm waiting it out." Their voice quieted a bit as they weren't sure whether or not they should mention that, but did anyway.
He frowned slightly, mostly for show. "Was it a big fight?"
"It's always a big fight."
"I see. How big? Does it ever get physical?"
"Not necessarily, but cops have been called sometimes..." their eyes darted away in shame.
There was a moment of silence, before Mori came up with something. He put a hand on their shoulder, trying to seem comforting.
"Why don't we go there, and once they see me knocking on the door, bringing you home, they'll be distracted enough to stop fighting?"
They considered it for a moment, and eventually nodded. "Sure, I guess... but it's kind of embarrassing, cuz you can hear them from outside."
"That's okay, I won't judge. Now, take my hand, okay? A young child like you shouldn't be out at this hour."
"I'm not that young..." They muttered.
Together, they made their way to the house... but once they did, the sight they were met with felt almost unreal.
Valentine's stomach twisted, even as their brain struggled to catch up. Their feet stopped moving and their breathing took a long pause. They couldn't even fully understand how this was.. possible.
"... Is that your house, sweetheart?" Mori asked, looking on to the apartment that was smoking everywhere, fire peeking from windows as people crowded around the place at a safe distance, everyone scared or confused.
They didn't answer, didn't say anything. Just stared as the place they live in burned to ashes. Sure, it's not like they were attached to that specific house. After all, they hadn't ever lived in one same apartment for more than a couple years.
But what about their belongings, their art, their consoles, and, most importantly, their very family and their little pet rat?
"Come here, Valentine, let's take you away from here," said Mori, softly guiding them away by their shoulder, which they struggled against.
"W- wait, my family, my rat-"
"We can find out soon enough if they're okay, we just need you away from this area, alright?" As he said that, he picked them up, and carried them away.
They didn't have the mental strength to protest any further.