My Plea/by evilteddybear/a WHR fanfic/Ch1. Monday Morning Blues:
"Robin,…Robin! Wake up!" called Touko as she shook Robin awake. "Robin, you fell asleep on the couch again. You had better get going if you want to make it to work on time."
When her eyes finally opened Robin wasn't quite sure where she was or why she was there, let alone why she was being shaken and yelled at. As she gradually regained full consciousness; however, her eyes snapped open wide and she stood up quickly. If you've ever stood up quickly after napping you know that that wasn't a smart move. Robin realized this when all of the blood drained from her head and the edge of her sight went black. Touko had to catch her as she fell, nearly fainting, to the floor.
"Robin, be careful," the older woman admonished as she stood Robin carefully back on her feet. "you wouldn't want to hurt yourself." It was meant to be a nice comment, but being in the line of work Robin was, it sounded like a threat. What a wonderful way to start a morning.
The Craft User's thoughts were abruptly cut off as she saw the clock on the wall. She would be late to work for sure now! Muttering a quick thanks to Touko Robin then nearly sprinted out of the door. She didn't need to dress, as she had fallen asleep in her clothes, and her hair was forgotten in her haste. It was more important that she avoided a scolding from Amon. It wasn't likely she could take much more of him constantly smashing her spirit. Not to mention that her absence at work would bring unwanted attention from their superiors. Any odd or suspicious behavior was to be avoided at all costs. Extra attention from SOLOMON or Zaizen was very high on the list of things she absolutely DIDN'T want right now.
The meek girl was so lost in her thoughts that she wasn't paying attention to where her feet were going. Another very costly mistake. As Robin reached the stairs she accidentally stepped on the hem of her dress causing her to trip…and fall down half a flight of stairs before she could stop herself. It was a stroke of luck that she came down on her knee, then her shoulder and started rolling down the steps sideways. It was very painful and she would no doubt have some nasty bruises, but she hadn't hit her head. That might have resulted in a concussion or worse.
Her brain worked quickly as she eased herself down the rest of the flight to a flat platform. Why hadn't she taken the elevator again? Oh, yes, there was no good reason she was just in a hurry and hadn't been using her head. Her thoughts continued along this line as she gently probed herself for serious injuries and checked to see if she was bleeding. What was she to do now? She couldn't go to a hospital for bruises and that might bring attention to her as well. Touko might know what to do to help but she would already be on her way to work by now. She would just have to continue on her way to work. Maybe Mrs. Karasuma could help.
Slowly Robin gathered her scattered strength and lifted herself to her feet. Her ankles weren't sprained and she hadn't broken anything. The worst that had come of the little incident was what would no doubt be some ugly bruises and limbs that would ache in the morning. Paying attention to her surroundings this time the girl began her descent down the stairs more carefully, making sure to lift the front of her skirt. Insuring that she wouldn't step on the hem. What a wonderful way to start a morning.
Robin almost cursed when she saw that it was raining outside. Quickly she checked to see what else had gone wrong. Yep, she had left her coat and gloves upstairs. Well isn't that just peachy? Have you ever ridden a motorcycle in the rain? That's what it's like to ride a vespa in the rain, but there was no way she was going to trek back up those accursed stairs to get her coat. It just wasn't going to happen. With the knowledge that she was going to be late still hanging over her head Robin brushed her defeatist thoughts aside and mounted her Vespa. After strapping on her helmet and re-adjusting the rear view mirrors she was off.
The trip to work was nerve-wracking. Inner city traffic was horrible at that time in the morning and the roads were quickly becoming slick. Honking could be heard all around co-mingled with not a few voices shouting obscenities at the other vehicles. The rain didn't have any calming effect as it was wont to do. It didn't even smell cleansing, it smelt like fish. Can you say gross? As she reached less populated roads her speed increased. The rain pelted her like bullets as she hit it at 60kmph. Water or not, when you hit something that fast and hard it HURTS. Especially if you've already fallen down the stairs once that morning, resulting in Texas-sized bruises covering the length of your body. At least she wasn't out in the country where her helmet could be pelted with bugs. Scary thought. Sadly, Robin's pity party was again interrupted when she saw that she was coming upon the bridge. She wasn't naturally a paranoid person, but she didn't mix well with heights. Racing over a quickly swelling river on a slick bridge in an open Vespa was also high on the list of things she would rather avoid at all costs. Oh, well there was no help for it now. She would have to navigate the rain and fog to the best of her ability and hope her name wouldn't grace the next days obituaries.
After what seemed like a lifetime of struggle Robin finally made it to the parking area of Raven's Flat. Drenched through and shivering uncontrollably, she took off her helmet and got off her Vespa. Everyone else was already there, judging by the vehicles. Even Doujima. She was so screwed she thought as she rung out her dress and hair as best she could. Setting her jaw determinedly she strode strongly past the guard without gracing him with a polite greeting and entered the elevator. As the doors to the elevator closed she tried to calm herself, all the while gathering every bit of strength she had in prepration of facing her comrades, boss, and partner. What a wonderful way to start a day,…and she had a feeling that it would get worse.
Micheal had been worried about Robin, it wasn't like her to be late. Where as Doujima had been preparing to hold over everyone's heads the fact that she wasn't the last one to work ALL the time. At least not today. We won't try to fathom what has been going on in Amon's head. Sakkaki was having fun speculating that Robin had stayed out to late the night before, sampling the night life, or maybe enjoying a hot date. Miho was as calm and understanding as always and quietly insisted that Robin was human too and had probably slept in, there was nothing to worry about since Robin would have called them if she needed help, and that they should just be patient before proceeding to ignore the others and get back to work.
Everyone's head snapped around to stare when the elevator bell dinged. Well, except Amon's. He just sort of peeked out of the corner of his eye. After so much speculation and imagination had been put into their ideas of Robin's whereabouts they were all interested to see the truth for themselves. What they saw when the elevator doors opened was not what they had expected to say the least. Robin looked like a drowned rat. Or maybe a wet cat. Her expression was harried and her teeth were chattering. Her black dress was soaked and the underskirt was sliding so that it peeked out from under the rest of her dress. The tighter part of her top clung to what curves she had while one of the black straps of the outer layer had fallen off of her shoulder. She was slouching and struggling with the added weight of the water in her skirt, and there was even a long rip in one sleeve. Her hair was loose and clung to her face and neck, though it wasn't nearly as soaked as the rest of her thanks to her helmet, not including a few strands sticking out at haphazard angles, also compliments of her helmet. In short, she looked miserable.
Once they had been staring for a few seconds Robin steeled herself and began to walk through the office. As she moved her skirts stubbornly trailed behind her with the weight of the water and she dripped all over the floor leaving a trail of water as a slug with it's trail of slime. Not a very flattering comparison. She resembled a wet, slug-like rat. That was sure to win her first prize in a beauty pageant, she thought. She intended to go straight to the bathroom and clean herself up to the best of her ability, considering the limited resources. Obviously, things weren't going to go the way she wanted them to now any more than they had this morning, however.
As she passed, instead of ignoring her or mumbling a sullen greeting, Amon stood up to his full height, towering over her, and seized her by the arm, effectively halting her progress. "You're late," he commented, seemingly uninterested.
The young Craft user lowered her head in response, biting back the retort that rose automatically to her lips. She may be inexperienced, but even she knew that it was unwise to anger anyone you would work with or who has any kind of influence over you. It was just that, the way he said it was as if he were scolding an errant child. That made her angry despite herself. Had she had any less control she would have snapped back any number of things; And you're stupid, Did you figure that out all by yourself, Thank you for that astronomical revelation I can now die in peace, What about it, And your point is? She wouldn't say anything foul or demeaning, his manner just aggravated her. Her patience and control were being tested that morning as it was, and she didn't need his help to feel miserable.
"What kept you?" were the next words out of her partner's mouth. Instead of aggravating her further; however, the correct response was so embarrassing that she had to repress the urge to blush. Her eyes then darted around the room to see if anyone had caught the slight reddening of her cheeks. She wasn't sure what exactly what would happen if anyone had, but she was sure it wouldn't have been good for her. No one had seen.
Dourly accepting her lack of response Amon curtly commented that she was not to let it happen again before releasing her. She turned back toward the bathroom, but Doujima got to her first. Always one to seize onto an opportunity to avoid paperwork and lighten the atmosphere, she confronted Robin with a large, sunny smile.
"Amon is so rude! Sitting there lecturing while you freeze to death! You look like you've fallen in the river Robin. Don't worry, though, I'll help! It's a good thing I always keep a change of clothes in my car just in case. You just go into the bathroom and dry yourself off while I run to my car to get them. You'll be fixed up in no time! What in the world happened to you? Did you know that Sakkaki said you were probably stuck at home with a hangover? That silly boy, will he ever grow up? I'll be right back, don't you worry," and before she knew it she had been pushed into the bathroom and was again alone. She hadn't had the chance to answer any of Doujima's questions if she had wanted to. It was doubtful the blonde had even taken a breath during her tirade. Was that humanly possible? Robin mused as she took off her dress and hung it on the door of her bathroom stall. Then began to dry herself off with the paper towels she had grabbed on her way in.
It wasn't long before Doujima returned and continued her ramble as if she hadn't ever stopped. After figuring out which stall Robin was in she threw some clothes over the door. They predictably landed on Robin's head, cutting her sight off for a minute, but she supposed she was grateful that they hadn't landed in the toilet considering the way her day had been going so far. She was also grateful that her underwear was still relatively dry. Who knows what she would have done otherwise?
Examining the borrowed clothes,…well Robin didn't know what to think. So she just put them on. They were so odd, maybe they were American? Luck for her, by the time she exited Doujima had exited the room so she was free to examine her new wardrobe in the mirror before she was pushed back into the main room. She was wearing khaki jeans, that were so light they were almost cream. They hung low on her hips clinging tightly until close to her knees where they flared out in a bell like fashion. There was also a brown leather belt with a thin silver belt buckle attached. The shirt she was wearing was a rose color, or maybe mauve. It's neckline was an inch away from her shoulders, and dipped fairly low. It was just high enough to cover any cleavage. The sleeves clung tightly to her shoulders, but loosened considerably, flaring. They were three-quarter length, and had brown leather laces that loosened as the sleeves did. The shirt itself was made of a very thin, but opaque material, akin to spandex. Maybe a polyester blend. That was tight enough to stretch tightly over her breast while remaining loose around her stomach. She would have to be careful that her underwear didn't show when she sat down. And check to see if her bra straps were showing often because of the wide neck line. Not to mention that a sliver of skin on whichever hip was forward would show when she walked. All in all, the outfit was very, flattering, attractive, and well-matched, but she felt bare in it when compared to her normal clothing. Doujima hadn't given her any shoes, but hers were soaked. She'd have to put them near an air vent or heater to dry, and remain barefoot in the meantime.
By the time she had exited the bathroom the rest of the STN-J team had gone back to work, but her entrance again grabbed everyone's attention. Micheal was giving her the once over. Sakkaki was smirking. Amon looked disinterested, which didn't surprise Robin in the least, but his eyes were a bit wider and rounder than usual.
Miho smiled at her before turning to frown at the rest of the room's occupant's disapprovingly. She never liked it when they skimped on their work. And Doujima started commentary immediately. "Why Robin, you look wonderful! I had been planning on taking you shopping soon anyway. That black dress gets tiring after a while. You're such an attractive girl. I don't understand why you insist on hiding that fact. The clothes are a bit loose, but they match you perfectly."
The comment in that tirade that stuck out to her was that Doujima thought the clothes were loose. Loose! How were they supposed to fit? Any tighter and she would have to be liquefied and poured into them! Really! But even though Robin was reluctant to admit it, she enjoyed the attention she was receiving. It brought a small smile to her lips and a bit of un-craft-related sparkle to her eyes. For once, she felt like a normal teenager, vying for approval among her peers. It was a rare feeling, and one she cherished. Well, until she noticed that Micheal was scoping her out, that just made her want to blush. And the more she thought about it, the more embarrassed she was. So much skin was showing and the clothes were so tight! So blush she did. A lot.
" Do you have a brush I could use, Doujima? Miho?" she asked demurely in an attempt to re-direct everyone's attention. Her hair really did need some attention, not only was it wet, clingy, and messy, it had begun to frizz up and puff out. It was so annoying when her hair did that! Doujima gave an affirmative answer, never pausing her string of sentences so that her voice almost blended into one continuous sound. While she bent over and dug in her purse, Robin again retreated to the bathroom and fetched her dress, under dress, and boots placing them near a heater she had noticed in a corner of the main room to dry.
Once the elusive comb was found, Doujima rounded on her and began to close in with the intention of playing with her hair; however, Amon was fed up with the entire game and reprimanded harshly "Doujima, this isn't a sleep-over. Have you forgotten why we are here?" Amon may have been a man of few words, but the ones he felt the need to articulate were very effective and often very biting. Doujima shrugged it off with a jest, but obeyed him nonetheless. It was a testament to Amon's power that he could make Doujima work.
Amon's reprimand ;however, also had the inadvertent effect of putting Robin in her place. He was right. She was a hunter, not a normal teenager. No matter how much she wished it were the other way around. This wasn't social time. She was so intent on making up for her lapse and doing her job, that she opted to wait to ask Miho to treat her bruises. It didn't matter if it hurt to sit down, or if changing her clothes had been painful. Her pain wasn't important. It never had been.
And when she sat down, she schooled her face to neutrality, and forced herself to lean her back against the chair. She mustn't show weakness. That was one of the first lessons she had ever learned. No matter how much she trusted her comrades.
AN: Hey everybody! Hope you like. Reviews would make me jump up and down for joy. Love you for actually reading these notes. My explanation of this fic is that it's a reflection of my own emotions, except I channel them through Robin in a way. So basically Robin's feelings express my frustrations. What do you think? Luv U!
(standard disclaimers apply) All my love- evilteddybear