Chapter 2
I woke up to the smell of bacon and eggs which instantly made my mouth water. I quickly got out of bed and survey the kitchen for source of the smell. I was greeted by a smiling Ringo wearing a pink apron that says "Kitchen Queen." It is also ironic when your bestfriend is practically the Thorn Queen.
"Good morning, Yayoi!" She greeted while cooking the last of the eggs.
"Good morning." I got my chair and sat down whimsically.
"Emily is taking care of you today. I want to discuss with Ikki about the new Genesis." Ringo laid the plate full of eggs and took her seat.
"You should stop worrying about me. I am very much capable of handling myself from here. Plus, I think Ems has her hands full of Kazu right now."
"Hehehehe! Coming from the girl who barely even walked before the fourth day." She reasoned out with eyebrows scrunched together.
"Seriously, I am fine now thanks to you." I gave her a reassuring smile.
"Okay but I am coming back tonight to check on you."
"Fine with me. Now, let's eat breakfast, shall we?"
We dig in to our breakfast and drank our coffee. It's nice to have these normal mornings these past few days. I know I am gonna miss doing this. Normal days seems to be a rarity nowadays.
It has been a week since the attack. My bruised are now yellowing and my concussion seems to deflate since then. Thank God, I was lucky for not having a single broken bone. Kana was quite worried about me and even visited me once. She helped fetch me my toolbox and some minor tuning equipment from the base so that I could finish the Fang regalia for Akito. I am healing quite fine since Ringo has been taking care of me and nursing me back to health. I am grateful of all the help she has given considering her responsibilities to her team. Emily takes her rounds when she is called to official business. After I'm done recovering, I am planning on going back to my training in Tool Toul Too since I have been lagging on i t. I also hear that Buccha took care of the creep and escorted him to the nearest police station. I always imagine what Buccha meant by taking care. Most likely, it would be beating the guy into a pulp.
Upon finishing her meal, Ringo said her goodbyes and walked out of the door leaving me all alone in my house today. Since my parents work abroad, I was left here on my own. I got out the kitchen after cleaning the dishes and I went to my room. I went to my work desk at the corner to survey the remaining adjustments for the Regalia. Right now, I was faced on the dilemma on the programming itself. Without a proper tuning with its king, the regalia will only be a piece of scrap metal. *Sigh. Frustrated as I am, I can't do a thing about it. I haven't seen him in a week. After the incident, he did not even bother to call me. I am usually guessing what he was doing without an AT's.
I got up and decided to go my favorite grocery store to get myself a nice piece of ice cream. Cookies and cream to be exact. I was craving for those things since Ringo wouldn't let me eat anything aside from healthy stuff. I must take this opportunity to go out before my evil mistress comes back.
I dressed myself in a casual dark blue t-shirt and some tattered jeans. "Tattered" since chasing the guys around ultimately gave my pants a mighty makeover. Heading out the door, I took my umbrella with me since the summer sun was beating quite hot today. I made sure to lock everything before walking to the streets. The store is fairly 15 minutes away by feet so it was a better to for the exercise. My muscles really needed them since I was cooped up for a week. I hummed a tune while walking down the streets. It was a pleasant day. I could get use to this for a while before summer ends.
Upon turning the corner, I was greeted by a particular petite girl with long cascading abyss hair.
"Hi! Yayoi." She smiled creepily.
"Uhmm. Hi Ume." I replied with an awkward waving hand.
"Where are you going? Aren't you supposed to be healing?" She tilted her head. I can't believe she still bring her dolls around. It freaks me out but I try to hide it as much as possible.
"I was just on my way to grocery store. You?"
"I was picking up some parts for my new creation. Mega Turbo- san 300XX." She giggled ominously.
I tried my best to keep the conversation light since the heat was catching up with me. Suddenly, Ume's phone rang.
"Hello? What is it Mikan?- Really?- Damn- I told you to not go in my room.- ARGGHH!- I am going back" then she dropped the line.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
"Damn Mikan tripped the wires on my MT300xx and it overheated. Sorry but I really need to go." She hurried her pace pass me before revealing her AT's and dispersed away to the air.
"Bye." I muttered to the air to what was where she was standing. She disappeared as fast as she appeared.
I continued my walk and finally arrived at the store. I got inside to escape the sun's rays for toasting me. Even with the umbrella on, I was basically tortured outside. This is now time to readjust my previous statement about the weather.
I made my way to the several rows of merchandise and turning that had the ice cream fridge. I got a one liter of Cookies and cream. I made my way to counter.
"Good noon to you. It's has been a while Yayoi-chan." It was the oba-san running the place. I am always a frequent figure here since the ice cream here is always stocked.
She quickly checked out the goods.
"I was busy with a lot of things." I gave my best impression of a smile and exchanged my money.
"I hope you come by much often. The place has been a little quiet without you around."
"I'll try my best. Thank you ,oba-san"
"I'll be holding on to that." She is a kind lady. Few people of the world rarely show that.
The trip home was uneventful and was too boring to even write about until I turned the corner of my street. He was in his regular Kogarasumaru outfit lying on a post of my gate with his head held down. I was shock to see Agito in front of my house. After a week without seeing and hearing from him, I guess that was the emotion the set the tone right along with curiosity, anger, awkwardness and maybe a hint of happiness.
I quicken my pace to be just about a few feet from him. He turned to me and met my gaze.
"Umm, weren't you and the team meeting with Genesis today?" Just out of pure curiosity.
"Nah, Crow can handle it especially since Ringo is there. It'll be way too boring too" He puffed out a sigh and straighten out while he shields his eyes from the sun.
"So, what bring you here?" Since my house ain't the best place to console people's boredom.
"I need my AT's back, genius" He eyed down his foot to show his point. I am not really use to him wearing regular sneakers, am I?
"Nice to know you still care. I'm alright thanks for asking." I poured out frustratedly with a huge dose of sarcasm.
"Fuck! Don't play games with me. You said I could have after you're done healing."
"First of all, you said that. Next, I wasn't the one who didn't show up even a soul this past week."
"Arggh! I have my reasons so when can I get it?"
"Just come inside first. It's way too hot to argue outside." Finally I said something smart.
Infuriated by the tone of this conversation, I decided to just openly my house so the heat won't worsen my temper and melt my ice cream. Once I was inside, I quickly went to the kitchen and got myself a bowl for my treat. I was trying my best to stay cool even when the weather tends to argue with me. Without noticing, I even prepared a bowl for Agito. I thought that maybe sharing the treat would also cool him down and lead this situation to more productive terms. I walked to my living room where I expected Agito would be. He was lounging quite comfortably on the couch with his legs on top of the coffee table. I held out his bowl for him.
"Do you want ice cream?" I asked since it would be rather impolite of me not to.
He took the bowl quickly from my hand. Typical Agito. I sat on the sofa beside the couch. I have known this dude since the time he came into Ikki's life. Those many months will always help me trust my judgment of him. He seemed pretty bothered today and annoying. I mean, he already annoying enough as he is but today was different something is bothering him and it annoys me that I'm gonna be the one forcing it out of him.
"So what's the real reason you want your AT's back? You seem very persuasive about it"
"It's none of your business, pigtails." He scooped his ice cream to his mouth. Good Lord, help me.
"Wow, saying that to your tuner is definitely logical, do you think?" I let out a forced laugh. He is really gonna make this a lot harder for me and for him as well.
"Do play smart with me. We had a deal. You tune. I go about my business. Clear."
Now I'm mad.
"What was that you did a week ago? Did that mean anything to you? You are better than this Agito. Don't try and make yourself look cool. Don't be such a dickhead and tell me already. I know there is something bothering just fucking tell me." I ranted out an internal monologue. I was trying to figure out a way to make him tell me what is wrong.
"No, not clear." Those were the only words that came out. Out of all the things I was thinking of, this was my only logical reply? I really am very literate, aren't I?
"Why is that?" Agito now finished the last of his bowl and set it down the coffee table. I on the other hand was too busy internal monologing that my bowl was melted cream. Geh! Thanks for ruining my treat. I discarded it down on the table as well.
"Since I will be the one fixing your AT's after every single battle you're gonna have, let's just say you give me a headstart."
"You know perfectly well I could take care of myself." He scuffed out arrogantly.
"I beg to differ. Who was the one who saved you during that battle with Orca?"
"I didn't need your help back then. You were practically dying after it all ended."
"But without me, we wouldn't have both our live out that waterfall for sure." I spoke out with a dead serious tone.
He slumped back to his couch. He looks defeated as it should be. The creasing of his eyebrows is telling me that he must be probably thinking of what to say next. I gave him the time he needed and went to the kitchen with the bowls to wash them. My ice cream was a pile of goo by then so it would be rather strange of me to eat it now. I watched as the tasty treat just drained down the sink. After washing the dishes, I went back to the living to find Agito leaning forward, placing his head low with the support of his two arms on top of his knees. His chin rested on top of those fists as he stares at nothing. I walked cautiously to my sofa chair and sat there. I watched him wake from his gaze and focus those sharp golden orbs to me.
"Are you really not going to tell me what's wrong?" I started with an endearing tone.
"Why do you have to be so persistent? It is just annoying." My lips molded into a small smirk.
"Because if I don't, your bitching will be the death of you."
"Like I said, I'll be fine."
"Like I said, no you won't" I let out a short giggle
"What in fucking hell is funny?"
"Nothing." I stood up and walked to the stairs
Agito was bewildered by the sudden change of mood and stood up to face me. "Where are you going?"
"You said you were going to get your AT's. We are getting it."
"Huh? What you mean 'we'?" And then again, bewildered.
"Did you forget the tuning or do you think I'm too stupid to find your AT's in my house?"
"Fuck! Don't sass me."
He followed me up to the second floor and in front of the door to my room.
"Wait here while I change to my SC." He did as told and laid his back on the wall behind him as he crosses he arms to his chest. In short, his waiting stance.
I got inside, turned on the AC and slid out the box that contains my SC under my cabinet. Kururu was kind enough to give me one since she knows I would be on-the-job while training. I took off all remnants of clothing from my body and slipped in the suit. It was the standard SC for the TTT. Translucent and skintight as can be. It has 7200 sensors used for tuning as tuners would want to catch the rhythm of their riders. There are also plug on either side of the suit for us to connect to our Synograph and other devices. This may not be my first time trying this thing on but I always feel as though I am naked rather than clothed.
I check myself in the mirror. My pigtails got to go. I change my hair up to a bun so that the hair won't be a problem. I got the equipment ready. Since the procedure is minor, I just connect a wire to my tuning adaptor for my laptop that would help me translate the rhythm and record the data. Kururu gave the develop software in case I might need it someday.
"Alright, you can come in." He walked in looking rather bored and eyes wondering from side to side. He closed the door and searched for me.
"Hey, who the hell are you?" Here we go again. He can never notice me without my pigtails. Give me a break.
"Agito! For the millionth time, I am Yayoi." He came closer and scanned every inch of my face until he was satisfied with his findings.
"Guess it really is you." I let out a sigh. I can't believe this guy.
I proceeded to finalizing the preparations. Using what Kururu and the other girls for TTT, I manage to go on this operation without a sweat. I turned to Agito and brace myself. Now for one last thing.
"You may take your clothes off."
Bored looking as usual, he obeys to the order with a sigh and started stripping off his clothes. I could my cheeks heat up and decided to look away. Ever since the time I accepted the fact that I had a crush on this boy, my world started spinning out of control but for now, I ,at least, hope do a good job. I will try not to complicate things too much so I toned downed the feelings and focus on the task at hand. I press my hands on either side of my face to calm myself down. Breathe in. Breathe out.
"Where should I lie down?" Agito asked. Does he even know the gravity of that question?
"You may lie on my bed." I heard noises of rustling fabric.
"Can I use your blanket?" My heart skips a beat and my mind was a mush. He is now naked. Naked.
"Of course." I answered with a broken voice that I practically prayed he did not notice. I close my eyes to focus on calming down myself.
When noises stopped, I decided that that was the green light so I took in a deep breath and faced him once again. He was staring away at the window beside me bed with the covers placed lazily over his lower half aside from his legs which dangled out. I closed the distance between us. Now that he was at least two feet away from me, I can't my eyes from wondering around his body. He had a lean body prior to his size but the days of training and battles really gave him a built. Under all those scars from constant battle, I could see that his muscles are well- developed and toned.
I placed a hand over my chest to steady heart and breathing. Sooner than later, he turned to meet my gaze.
"Please lie down now. This won't take long."
"Okay." He did as told and laid down. I can't read the guy right now. I am a mess right now while he is completely oblivious to it. This isn't fair.
I got and bed and kneed beside him. I rolled down the blinds to darken the room and also, to hid my stupid face right now. My thighs were touching his thighs. I readied myself. This may not be my first time tuning him but this will be the first time that I will be tuning him as his official tuner. Shiver runs down my spine as I thought of the things other tuners did on their sessions.
"Aren't we supposed to be in some sex position by now?" He let out teasingly as he place his arms under his head. His face lit up to sinister grin and menacing feline eyes.
"Oh shut up, would yah?" I brushed off the sentence as if I wasn't thinking the same thing.
"Okay, let's begin. Please close your eyes." He did as told but let out a shrug mixed with a giggle that made himself rumble beside me. I can't say that I wasn't turned on by this action or any of the things he is currently doing because that would just be a plain lie.
He was the kind that crept into me slowly but hunted my thoughts erratically. I know he may not be the best of men but for me, he was always something intriguing. I find his tsundere behavior cute or sometimes annoying but I also accepted his reasons. Ringo told me about the story of the first thorn queen, Gazelle. Kaito- san told her the story of how he and Gazelle met. Sad and romantic story. I couldn't bear to think of the pain and happiness Kaito- san is feeling by seeing Agito as the spitting image of Gazelle. The fight Agito got in with Akira also wary him from trusting people. This boy has been through a lot. Maybe a little too much. The scars on his body are proof of his struggles and they cascade around his body beautifully like a painting. The amount of time it took me to realize that this boy carried half of my heart was agonizing but I learned that the reason why I was loved this boy. I want to protect him. I want to hide him away where the problems of the world can't bother him and the past not to hunt him. I drawn to him like a moth is to a flame and nothing in this moment right now is helping change that thought.
Turning back to reality, I gazed at the boy under me. He looks so peaceful with his eyes closed.
First, I ran my hand over his toned abdomen. His abs were flat and demure six-packs. I waited for him to relax his muscles before moving my hand up to his torso and dropping my body to close in on him. I had both arms reached for his shoulder to bring my body where we met chest-to-chest. I anchored my head on the space above his left shoulder. This feeling of being this close to the guy feels natural to me. I molded my body to him without any problems. I feel so at his to have him in my arms that it scared me of ever letting go.
I close my eyes to listen to him.
I matched my breathing with his. Breathe in… Breathe out… Breathe in… Breathe out…
I counted his heartbeat. 1-2…3…4-5…6…7-8…9..10…
I waited for the moment to sink then finally, I got hold of his rhythm. I shifted my body a little by curling my feet up to listen to it more. It had a swooping tempo. It was fast yet slowed on the middle before releasing a huge accelerando. This tempo was a little different from the tempo I heard in the waterfall. This was more dynamic and vibrant beat. This might be caused by his recent change of behavior. I shifted myself again and again to double- check on it.
After a few minutes, I was finally satisfied with the results.
"We're done." I broke the silence.
I did not wait for his answer as I started to painfully tear myself away from him and proceeded to my laptop on the floor to start with the programming. The software was basic algorithms and dynamics which translate the found rhythm in codes for the regalia. I uploaded the codes to regalia and got up to get Agito's ATs.
I glance at him for a short while to find him putting on his clothes. I guess that was what the noises behind me as I was doing my business.
I securely rigged the regalia back to the AT's upon arriving to my workplace. Finishing with the attachments, I mentally patted myself on a job well done.
"Here try them on" I gave the skates to Agito.
"Did you guys change the exterior?" He surveyed the item before putting them on.
"We thought the old one had a lot of flaws so Kururu and Kana helped me with the design."
We manage to change the design since the Fang Regalia's weakness is the forfeit of wings when it activates its awaken form, we thought it was best to change the material of the body. It now had a lighter weight and had double durability than the previous one. It now helps Agito to be agile even on the ground. Since the Fang is also an offense-type, Kana suggested on fixing the wind patterns by changing the angles of the body by introducing a slimline design to reduce the amount of vertigo Agito has to deal with.
"Humphh. It does feel a little lighter." He moved around the room to get comfortable with his AT's. I was disappointed to not be able to test them out for good but I guess that'll wait since my job here is done.
He stopped at his tracks and fixed his gaze to me again. "I guess I need to go now."
"Does this mean you're still not gonna what I bothering you?"
"Maybe not today." He moved to my window and opened it for a incoming peculiar exit.
"Okay. Alright, just try to stay safe." I tried my best not ask any more questions since I would bad to get on his real bad side.
He gave me a tiny smirk-and-shrug before jumping out my window.
Going back to my previous statements, this boy is gonna be the end of me.
Sorry for the delay. I was focusing on my midterms and got caught up with a lot of things.
It is my apology. It turned out quite longer than expected since I really wanted to finish the tuning before moving on.
To BakaAho and FuraHeart: I love you very much! You inspire me to write this. Thank you being the first to encourage me. 3
:3 Reviews and suggestions on storyline