Author's Notes:

Greetings,

This is the first fanfiction that I have ever posted, and I am very nervous about how it will turn out. After much encouragement, I have plucked up the courage to show my work; written and edited by myself, so I apologise for any mistakes I've missed.

Without further ado,

Please enjoy.

Mako couldn't contain herself, jumping from window to window as she and Ryuko walked past stores lining the side of the street walk. Ryuko had a job interview to work in one such place, and even though she had insisted on going alone, Mako wouldn't stop pestering her to tag along, despite the fact she had school.

"Alright! Fine! You can come along!" Ryuko's exasperation was lost in Mako's excitement.

"Yes! You're the best Ryuko! You and I are going to explore what this place has to offer! It's going to be so much fun!"

A month after the sinking of Honnouji Academy, the Mankanshoku's had set up in a town called Konru, which bordered Century city, named after its founder. The town itself, like many others, provided crucial resources to the city, and in turn, the city offered protection. Now that they had a place to call home, Satsuki had encouraged Ryuko to find an occupation in order to help the Mankanshoku's achieve stability, and earn herself a living. Ryuko wasn't daft though, she knew that Satsuki was also trying to distract her from Senketsu.

The two of them continued down the path, with Mako constantly bouncing from window to window, shouting out the plain-in-sight objects she would find as if Ryuko were blind. The few people that walked past gave them curious glances. Ryuko couldn't tell if it was Mako's behaviour or that they were completely new faces in town. Eventually they stopped at one particular store: Mohawk's Magazines. A sign hung from the door.

CLOSED.

"What a dumb name." Ryuko commented sardonically.

"Is this where you're going to work, Ryuko?" Mako inquired.

"There weren't any other job applications. Besides they say this place is fairly new. I think it's rather fitting for a new start."

"You know my dad said you didn't have to work right? He said he could earn more than enough support all of us! He's a back alley doctor, and doctors get paid lots!"

"It's fine, Mako. I should earn my own wage and support myself. Not like I have anything better to do with my time."

"If you say so, Ryuko. Just know that we're here for you!"

Ryuko gave one of her genuine smiles. "Thanks Mako. Come on, let's see who runs this joint."

The door was left unlocked, letting the two step in to the sound of a bell that announced their entrance. The entire place was stacked with shelves and racks, holding magazines and comic books. Ryuko approached the front desk searching for someone, while Mako roamed about the store aimlessly. A few minutes pass with nothing happening. Ryuko let out a frustrated growl.

"Hey! Is anyone here or not?!" Ryuko's abrupt shout shatters the silence in the store.

"Coming!" That voice sounded familiar…

"Hey, Ryuko, doesn't that sound like-"

"Tsumugu Kinagase?!" The two girls shout simultaneously.

The masculine figure emerges from a door and strolls up to the counter, crossing his arms, his face unamused as always.

"I've read your application form, Matoi." Tsumugu remained stone faced. "You're hired."

"What the hell? Why are you here?! Are you following me or something?!" The irritation in her voice all too obvious.

"Yay! You've got a job now Ryuko!" Mako seemed oblivious to the rather convenient appearance of an old ally.

"Your work starts now, Matoi. You can start by ordering the stands alphabetically. I expect that to be done by opening time."

"Hey! Aren't you listening to me? I asked you what the hell you're doing here!"

"I'll answer your questions when your shift is over. We open at nine, sharp." With that, Tsumugu strolled back into his office as if it were the most casual thing in the world.

Ryuko frowned in frustration and groaned inwardly. She looked up at the clock and her eyes widened.

"Its 8:30?!"

"Oh man, Ryuko. You have to organise all of these books in just half an hour!"

"Crap… Don't suppose you'd be willing to help me?" Ryuko turned to face Mako, but she was already running out the door.

"Sorrygottagotoschool! ByeRyuko!" Mako shouted behind her as she sped off, leaving Ryuko alone in the shop.

With a soft sigh, Ryuko began to remove any book that didn't belong in its respective category and put them where they belonged. Half an hour passed and Ryuko felt that she had only gotten half-way. Tsumugu reappeared and flipped the sign at the door to 'open' before disappearing back into his office. Moments passed without any activity besides the mundane task of ordering the magazines on the stands, Ryuko kept looking up as if expecting someone to walk in, but nobody did. Yet.

*DING!*

Ryuko's eyes riveted to the door, a group of four boys walked in and spread out amongst the aisles. As none of them really demanded Ryuko's attention she continued her work, although the sudden interruption had thrown her off track. Once she had finished with the particular row of magazines in front of her, Ryuko wandered over to the next aisle where one of the boys was browsing a rather typical comic book about some hero. Ryuko resisted the urge to audibly growl in frustration, however, when she realised that the once organised section was now in complete disorder after what she could only assume was this boy's doing.

"Hey, you." The boy didn't even bother to look up from the comic. "You got any more of these?"

Ryuko glared but her gaze went unnoticed. "If there were, they'd be there."

"Shame. Only one book of the entire season. This place sucks." The boy shut the comic and indignantly dropped it on the floor and walked away.

Ryuko gritted her teeth, snatching up the comic and placing it back on the shelf. A further investigation showed that each of the boys had thoroughly pilfered the entire store, shuffling up all of the books that Ryuko had organised moments ago.

"Comes on boys, let's go. This place isn't worth our money." Obviously the leader of this group began to stalk towards the door, his three pals not far behind.

*DING!*

With that, the boys had made off, leaving Ryuko to sort out the mess they made. In that exact moment, Tsumugu exited his office and scanned the store, a frown creasing his expression.

"Matoi! I told you to organise this store half an hour ago! Quit slacking!" Before Ryuko could get a word out he had disappeared back into his office with a loud bang as the door slammed shut.

Ryuko simply sighed and went back to organising the shelves.

Again.