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Sasori sighed, holding his face in his hand and leaning against the counter in his kitchen. It wasn't fit for guests, let alone any form of police investigation. "Missing children... small children too. No--just a child. Don't overreact." even as he told himself this, he began to pace from the feather filed meat storage kitchen to his living room. "Maybe they'll just call and ask what they want--don't tell me I have to go back to school."

With his easily distracted mind working against him, Sasori moved through the room of much more order than the last and began to organize the books on the shelf. "I'm not sure why I'm so nervous... maybe because I've met that girl's father. I've never been to their family home but... he goes to the same school, and now it's closed." he didn't dare imagine a member of the school having a hand in harming children. Not him. Not Fred Straws. Not anyone.

Though, it wasn't unheard of.

"Ah... what am I doing?" Sasori questioned, noticing books in his hand, one a murder mystery and another a romantic comedy. "Ugh too unorganized. I shouldn't be so careless. One minute I want stimulating mystery and instead I'll end up grabbing another wild game cookbook."

His reptilian companions watched on unimpressed by the higher species struggling to maintain course. A few let out inaudiable requests to regular ears. Sasori, however, listened and sighed. "Oh, right, I'm distracting myself... I'll wait for the phone to ring. If I leave, and they call, I'll look suspicious won't I?"
 
The Straws' house was full of worried friends and neighbors, yet eerily silent. This was not a happy gathering. On the couch sat Ruth and Fred, holding hands, with slowly drying tear tracks down their faces. Every so often one of the visitors would offer them a glass of water or a word of reassurance, before returning to a stomach-churning silence. Detective Rebello, a tall, heavyset man with a thick moustache, sat at the dining room table, occasionally muttering into his radio. In front of him on the table was a scrap of tattered, crumpled paper, and a casserole in a covered dish, slowly growing cold.
The room froze as a burst of static came out of the Detective's radio. The tortured parents found the strength to turn their heads towards him, the tiniest flicker of hope in their eyes. The detective held up a hand, as if to reinforce the quiet, and listened intently to the garbled words.
"They've found what we think is your daughter's nightshirt, in a residential area. Officers are arriving at the scene right now, and the area will be searched. It's... There's some blood - not much," he hurried to explain, as Ruth paled and Fred tensed. "Not much, but it is there. I think we can officially say there is some evidence of foul play." He stopped, obviously uncomfortable as Ruth began to sob again, burying her face in her hands. "We, uh, are going to have to ask you to identify the shirt. They're sending me a picture as we speak. Please, understand that every piece of evidence puts us closer to finding your daughter."

Timothy Straw sat quietly in his room, unmoving. His sister was gone. His sister, who was always so annoying, but who also looked up to him with the pure-hearted devotion of a little girl for her big brother. Was it his fault? He'd often wished that she would go away... And now Mom and Dad were crying, out in the living room of a building that no longer felt like the safe, warm home it should have been. He couldn't look at them, couldn't bear the expressions of the people who'd come to offer sympathy. It didn't feel real. Like a terrible nightmare, the kind where afterwards he'd wake up Mom and she'd sing to him until he felt less scared. He'd been told so many times that those monsters weren't real, but he wasn't sure he believed it right now.
 
There was a sharp rap on the door, then another. The sound of someone shifting their weight on the somewhat creaky wood of the front porch could be heard.
"Mr. Lufer? This is the police. We'd like to conduct an interview."
 
The Twins
Location: The Upstairs Apartment in the Bakery
Status: Doing Well
Emotional Status: Bothered, worried.
Interacting With: N/A
Mentioned: Straw Family​

Noah had quickly left the scene afterwards. He didn't want a interview, and he was off duty, so that was fine. Well, in his opinion, at least. They would have to deal with it. He was sure they could; he had handed the shirt off, and that was all they needed. And, to be honest, the other officers were already there anyway. Instead, he made his way to the bakery as quickly as he could. Which wasn't too fast, considering he was tired as it was, but he wanted to make the rounds of checking up on his family now.

Sure enough, the door of the bakery was held open by the door stop, and the door to the upstairs was unlocked. Those who knew for Danny for more than a year knew that he kept it open for everyone during the day, no matter what. Noah was usually appreciative of that, but at this point it was a tad worrying.

However, he simply found his twin wearing a hole in the carpet, pacing back and forth. He only looked up once Noah entered and waved at him. And once he noticed Noah, he started to jabber.

"Noah! Oh my god, I'm freaking out again. Did you hear about the kid? Wait, no, nevermind, of course you did. I wasn't freaking out before, but now I am, and it's awful! Do you think she ran away?" He rambled, pacing a bit faster, but keeping his eyes mostly on the other.

Noah sighed, placing his hands on his hips. He wasn't about to tell the other about the discovery. Not yet. He flashed a small, reassuring smile. "Relax, Ali, it's fine." He said, waving his hands about in a dismissive manner "I'd tell you if you had anything to worry about, right?" He didn't like to lie, but he didn't want Danny in hysterics.
 
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The scent of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air and up the stairs, unreasonably tempting after a stressful day, and out the window a green car could be seen purring down the street. The apartment, though a bit small, was nicely furnished and quite comfortable. The sunlight streaming through the window was bright enough to make anyone but a Light Shaper squint, and outside birds twittered occasionally.
 
Flinching, Sasori looked up from his books and moved through the living room and down the hallway. His slithering companions quickly scattered, disappearing through subtle mouse holes--or rather snake holes--and allowed their protector privacy.

"Hello," Sasori spoke as calmly as he always did, no matter how unnerving the circumstances, "please come in." though his home wasn't much of a mansion, or even what most considered homely, he moved through with ease and directing his new guests to sit on the couch in the living room. Not one for sitting, Sasori simply used his lower half as a type of seat and sat beside his book shelf. I shouldn't make assumptions but... this has to be serious. I think this is only the second time I've had police in my home.
 
The Twins
Location: The Upstairs Apartment in the Bakery
Status: Doing Well
Emotional Status: Bothered, worried.
Interacting With: N/A
Mentioned: Straw Family​

"Yes, I know, you and Taxi are great at telli-" Danny started, the nice day not helping his nerves, but was cut off by some tutting, courtesy of Noah. The aforementioned twin was shaking his head, arms crossed.

"I'm way better, brother darling. Way better. Continue, though." He replied, grinning and hoping the teasing and light-hearted mood would calm the other down a bit.

Danny rolled his eyes "Quit it, now's not the time. Anyway, I trust you, but.....it's freaky! And I don't like this one bit. I'm a baker. What am I going to do if someone comes in here? Hit them with a goddamn rolling pin?" He said, throwing his hands up.

Noah snorted, watching him go "...Well, better than some of 'em could do." He replied with a small shrug " 'Ya got that going for you."

"Oh my god, but what about everyone else? What if someone else disappears? Noah, this is-" "Danny." "-awful! I was fine before, I swear, I was baking, and-" "Danny." "-everything was good and I was worried but I wasn't consumed by terror! Now I just feel awful. What if I-"

"Alexei!" At hearing his full name, Danny fell into silence, pacing ceasing for a while "Jesus Christ, 'ya gotta slow down a lil for me." Noah ran a hand through his hair "Now, I'm off duty right now, so if ya want me to stay, that's good and dandy. I will. But you gotta chill out for me."
 
"Thank you, Mr. Lufer," said the younger officer politely, as the two followed him into living room and took seats on the plush couch. "Hopefully we won't take up too much of your time. Now, can you please tell me what you know about Fred Straw?" The other officer readied a pencil over their notebook, waiting for Sasori's response. "Do you know anything about the other members of the Straw family? Have you had any correspondence with the Straw family? Have you ever been convicted of any felonies or misdemeanors?" The young lady glanced at the list of questions, then met Sasori's gaze again, her expression utterly neutral. "Do you have any history of extreme hunting instincts or other mental instability? If so, do you have a record of treatment by a certified psychiatrist? Have you received any threats or strange notes? Have you observed any suspicious behavior in your colleagues at the college?"
 
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The conversation was interrupted by Danny's cellphone ringing. A quick glance at the caller ID showed it was the twins' parents' number. They were probably worried about how he was reacting to the news of such an upsetting event. It figured - Danny worried about everything, and they worried about Danny.
 
Sasori gave a quiet blink at the barage of questions. He folded his hands in his lap, sighing as he struggled to rack his brain with anything beyond this morning. "Well what can I say...? Mr. Straw works at the university that I do. I've only seen quick glances and exchanged a few 'hello' phrases in the break room. I know he had a... conflict with one of the students."

Though he didn't know the details, he remembered feeling ill hearing of a teacher getting so verbally violent with a student. "I don't think it went beyond words. But other than that, no, I don't know him." his spine trembled a little, the question of his sanity and his self control was more offensive than he thought it would be. Extreme hunting instincts, just because I'm a Naga... no, don't think that way. I'm not my father, be polite it's all for the best.

"I'm sure you're aware of my species and it's tendency for hunting wild game. I wouldn't have been able to apply as a teacher in a crowded facility without passing my mandatory psychiatric exam." The somewhat shy Naga erected his back and moved to the book shelf, filled with not just books but folders and binders as well. "Here are my medical records, if you'd like to have a look."

He didn't offer a fight, though he could see his brothers now throwing chairs and trying to swallow these officers whole just out of spite. But Sasori decided he wouldn't take that same path... Not on purpose anyway.

"Notes? Other than teenage love letters on my desk at school? No, although I don't check my mail regularly. I doubt someone would threaten me. As for suspicious... nothing outside of nervous test takers, an occasional pot head, and love triangles. If that helps."
 
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The Twins
Location: The Upstairs Apartment in the Bakery
Status: Doing Well
Emotional Status: Bothered, worried.
Interacting With: N/A
Mentioned: Straw Family​

Noah watched Danny pick up the phone and answer in a cheery tone- much cheerier than the tone he had been using seconds before hand. Hearing from their parents might help him settle down a bit. That would be good.

Danny held the phone to his ear "Mom. Dad. Hi!" He greeted, fidgeting with the bottom of the phone case "I'm with Noah right now, so if you're gonna say something about worrying, don't."
 
"Can you tell us more about the altercation between Mr. Straw and his student?" the young lady asked, as her partner accepted the proffered binder, flipping through it and making a note in his notebook. "Do you know the student who was involved? Were there any other faculty present?"
 
"No, no, we were just going over to the Straw's house to offer our support. You know, offer to do any chores, or drop Tim off at school, just anything we can do to help. You know Ruth was one of my best friends in high school, and even though we've drifted apart since then... well, I'm sure you understand."
 
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Sasori sighed a bit, trying to maintain his composure. This has been the longest someone has ever stayed in my home. Thank goodness I ate first... "Yes lets see... well it isn't much of a secret Mr. Straws is a passionate man. He values his work and seems more focused on his projects than teaching at times—that's just my opinion." he quickly added to try to avoid labeling someone wrongfully. "Ahem, anyway, the... well the incident wasn't anything personal. Mr. Straws is just very passionate and only lashed out from stress."

Though he didn't know the man well, Sasori couldn't help but feel a natural need to defend his actions. It may have been his Naga side talking, but when it came to passion and stress Sasori was an expert and felt a need to show sympathy towards other suffering the same affliction.

"You have to understand, he's very focused on his work, and I'm sure the student didn't take it too personally." Sasori couldn't admit it, but his shy behavior had kept him from confronting the teacher and only proving some comfort to the student. "I am not one to gossip, so I hope you understand if this is all I can share."

I'm not sure if I like the implications of this. If Mr. Straws is in some sort of trouble I'll have to step in, he is a teacher so he must have good intentions. I might go visit him—or-or talk on the phone. Maybe... if I have time.

Sasori adjusted his position, leaning to the side to see a few snakes dancing on the hanging light down the hall. Stop that. He hissed, watching them cease their premature celebration over their master's decision to try and leave his comfort zone. I said I might!
 
"I see. Well, thank you for your time and cooperation, Mr. Lufer." The other officer closed his notebook with a snap, tucking the pencil away in a pocket. "Please let us know if you see any suspicious behavior, or if you remember anything suspicious about your colleagues. Just so you know, the station is recommending all parents keep especially close watch on their children in light of recent events, so if you have any kids, please keep an eye on them." They both stood and left, closing the door politely behind them as they went. Sasori was left in the relative quiet of a house containing a dozen over-excited snakes, all hoping their beloved Master was going to actually, voluntarily, reach out to someone. Wasn't he supposed to be the more human one?
 
The Twins
Location: The Upstairs Apartment in the Bakery
Status: Doing Well
Emotional Status: Bothered, worried.
Interacting With: Parents, Siblings
Mentioned: Straw Family, Parents​

"Ah, yea. I get it." Danny replied, foot tapping against the ground "Just be careful, okay?" He felt that his parents knew to be such, but he couldn't help saying it anyway. He chewed at the inside of his cheek, before sighing a little. He really was all nerves right now.

Noah had since wandered over to the couch and sat down, taking out his phone to text some people and check up on them as his brother was speaking to their parents. Particularly, he texted their older siblings.

Noah D: What's up you two? Hear the news?

Henley D: We're great!

Lora D: Better then YOU all.

Noah D: :^/ Hey wow thanks for that. We're fine. Doing fabulous.

Noah D: Fuck you. Anyway, you guys gonna come home in our time of crisis?

Lora D: For our little brothers?

Henley D: Of course <3

Noah smiled down at his phone. At least they were doing well.
 
Sasori stifled a laugh at the mention of children. He gave a nod and escorted the officers happily out of his humble abode to take a much need breath of air. "Ugh... that was enduring. I don't even think I was of any real help, what a waste." he attempted to slither his way upstairs to hibernate under the heat of his lamp, until a few slithering lesser snakes came to block his path. "Hm? What is it? If you want more to eat I'll start charging you rent."

They let out words of encouragement, words perhaps only a Naga could hear, doing their dances of delight at the idea.

"You all... Think I should go? To someone else's home? Uninvited?" Sasori questioned their logic, and yet they seemed adamant on staying in his way. They knew he'd never harm them, let alone squish them under his much heavier girth.

"... I see. I suppose it wouldn't hurt. After all, you are almost my children. If something happened to you all..." perhaps compassion was the thing that separated him from his family. His father, as tough and stern as he was, seemed to be the only Naga who saw him off on his journey. Not even his witch of a mother or tyrant of a grandfather wanted to peek at him when he announced his departure. His father left him with only a few choice orders. "Don't go chasing butterflies, boy. And don't you dare get lost! And if you think you can just laze around and let the world pass you by because you're all soft with those lazy creatures out there, you're wrong! You don't think I won't hunt you down and make you straighten up? I will!" As a child, those words felt like a threat, a firm push out of the door, but now—no, now wasn't the time.

That memory still teasing his mind, he felt the same heart string pulling sadness now. "I'll go see what I can do. I can't just laze around the house all day, not today. I won't just let this pass me by." Sasori sighed, finally gaining passage to his upstairs bedroom to change to more casual attire.

I will have to be there for him, I may be a Naga but I'm not a monster. He lost his child, I can only imagine how that feels...
 
"Oh, we won't need to be careful, we'll have two strapping young lads with us. Unless you don't think your poor old parents deserve protection? I know I raised you better than that. Besides, even if you don't know the Straws very well, I'm sure they'll appreciate a token of support." She sighed, then, and her voice was a little wobbly when she spoke again. "I can't even imagine what they're going through. I keep thinking what it would have been like, if it had been one of you kids... It's pure luck that I met your father so young, you know. I could have waited to get pregnant, like Ruth. And you two are still so young, at least from a mother's perspective. Is it really so terrible of me to want to have you close by?"
 
The Straw house, when Sasori got there, didn't look like the scene of a tragedy. It was a fairly small, old-fashioned house, painted brick red under a sloping shield roof, with decorative yellow shutters on the windows. The front lawn still held a red wagon and a small multicolored plastic slide, abandoned in the grass. The only sign that something was amiss was the police car parked quietly in front of the house, among the throngs of other cars of townspeople come to offer what help they could. In a town like Paxton, everybody had heard the news, and everyone wanted to be there for the victims. Sasori had never really had cause to see the closeness of the community before, but it stood out brightly to him now. If he wanted to be a part of that upwelling of support and sympathy, now was the time.
 
Sasori observed the home for a moment, it was simple and homey, a little less ominous than his surely. He sighed a little, a crowded place like the university was nothing new, he'd been apart of a Naga community of similar organization.

But, soothing bout someone's home. Someone's territory. Someone's personal space. "No, I cannot chicken out now. What would my brothers say? Nothing. They'd say nothing. Probably eat me." with his usual boost of confidence, his chest puffed the barriers of his buttoned white shirt and tail flicked behind him.

Passing by the citizen vehicles and patrol cars, Sasori's more reptilian half dragged along the path to the front door. He gave a cautious knock and awaited a reply.

He jumped as a small tongue flicked him at the base of his scalp. "Hey now," Sasori warned his little traveler in his hair with a gentle pat, "I know you said you wanted to come for my safety but you're making me nervous. Just sit tight, I'll protect you."

The slender white snake stayed tucked away in Sasori's long crimson locks of hair, providing him with all of its bravery to help him overcome his fear. Or at least tolerate it.
 
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