More Than Human – Chapter 3

John shook his head as he looked to Sarrina, "Hey, listen, Paul is a bit...well more than a bit, of an idiot. If he says anything about you or makes a comment that you don't like, just ignore it. Just try to use very small words around him. Big, intelligent ones scare him."

"Okay?" Sarrina blinked at both John and Ayano. Adults are strange people, well at least ones older than her.

"Play nice, Dorian. Don't let her stay up too late, and make sure she eats all her vegetables." John snickered, reaching out and ruffling the kid's hair.

"Hey! I'm not a child! I'm eighteen, thank you very much," the cyborg grumbled, pouting a bit as she glared at the retreating Kennex. "Old Man..."

The detective rolled his eyes as he opened the door for Ayano, smirking as he gestured for her to exit the apartment. "This way, mi'lady, you carriage awaits." The chuckle he pulled from the Japanese woman actually made something inside him start to heal. John couldn't explain it if he tried, but having caused her to smile and laugh, even if a bit, changed his gloomy outlook. At least he did something right for once.

Ayano followed the police officer down through the apartment complex and back to his vehicle, a rather shiny black one, "Nice car," she complimented. Cop cars had been highly updated over the years, but it looked like he took good care of his. He opened the driver's side and popped the trunk for her. Thankfully up until now her suitcase was a rolling one and didn't put much strain on her injured shoulder, but now she was faced with the prospect of /lifting/ it... Sighing, she pressed the handle in and stood it straight.

John heard her sigh, and walked around to here. "So Wonder Woman does have her limits. You can fight off bad guys, fall from a balcony, but you can't lift a suitcase." His teasing was light as he lifted up the bag up and into the trunk for her.

"Even Wonder Woman gets injured," the Japanese woman countered just as snarky, "Arigato for your help." She placed the bag on her uninjured shoulder on top of the suitcase once it was in, then went to the passenger side, "If I'm Wonder Woman, then who are you? Batman? Tall, dark and mysterious, gloomy with frown wrinkles on your forehead and slight dip down on the corners of your lips, and hidden gadgets?"

"Well I do kick ass," John snickered as he slipped into the driver's seat. "And I'm /not/ gloomy, by the way. I'm a fun guy. You can ask anyone. John Kennex is a fun guy. I'm great with kids too." Funny how he has known Ayano for only a short time, and he practically spilled his guts out to her. Dorian would be checking his health by now.

Ayano laughed, "Is that so? What do you like to do that's fun?" She leaned back against the seat. She was so tired, and the day was still young, "Do you have alcohol at your place? I could really use a drink...to numb the pain in my shoulder," she added not lying but only telling half the truth, "I'm not asking for you to drink, you have to stay vigilant, and it's not like I'm going to get hammered. A lot's happened today."

"I understand. Besides, I could use one myself just to take the edge off." John nodded not even giving a real thought to her story. The woman had lost a good friend of hers, been attacked by gang members, and now likely faced jail for her illegal experiments on her Goddaughter. "I've got some Brandy and Scotch. Take your pick because I can't go out and buy any...I go to this bar. The drinks are good, but the best part is the wom-wonderful, ehm, music. They had great music. Best is the city, hands down." Real smooth John. Just go ahead and tell the lovely lady about the hot Cop Bunnies at the bar. That'll make points for ya.

Arching a brow at him, she just shook her head, "Brandy sounds good. Perhaps you can take me there sometime. It may be stereotypical for someone like me to like sake, but I do. Maybe, in turn, I could take you to my favorite restaurant?" She noticed how he was manually driving instead of auto, "I would've never guessed we were on manual. You're a good driver."

t was John's turn to raise a brow at the woman beside him when he glanced away from the road, "You actually don't mind? Not only that, but you're calling me a good driver? I'll be damned. That's a first. Most develop paranoia after riding with me. I go too fast or I'm reckless. Even Dorian says stuff kike that. Should I be worried about /your/ driving skill then?"

She really laughed at that, "I dunno. Some say I have a lead foot, others say I'm a safe driver. It all depends. I only go Auto at night usually, I use to fall asleep in the car as a kid and when it's nighttime I tend to drift off." She shook her head, "In all seriousness, I do feel comfortable with you driving. I know you wouldn't let anything happen to me." She didn't know /how/ or /why/ but she did feel safe around him.

"Of course I won't...I mean Maldonado would rip me a new one if I let anything happen to a witness." his voice became serious with a soft tone as he made that excuse. Having already witnessed the woman in a fight that nearly cost her, her life, John didn't have any desire to have that reoccur. he'd never felt so...so out of control as in that moment of her being flipped over her railing. He had no ability to stop that, but he could watch over her now.

"Of course..." She was just a witness, valuable only because of the information she held. Ayano knew she shouldn't feel so...hurt by such a statement, but she was anyway. She had kept in the down-low since starting work on Sarrina, no dating, no one of significance besides her parents. Then they died and now Sarrina just had her. Her focus really should belong to the girl and who was after them, not herself. That was selfish. "So, what do you do for fun?"

"I go to the bar I told you about. To this great gym a little ways from my apartment. Sometimes the movies...I, uh, have most of my fun at work since being a detective takes up a majority of my time. Though sometimes, it's great to just sit down and eat at my favorite restaurants." God, now that he started talking about it, John realized how boring he really was outside of work. In fact, his job was the most exciting thing about him honestly.

"Oh yeah real fun," Ayano teased, "What kind of movies do you like? I prefer action, adventure and fantasy." She took a good look at him, "I can definitely believe you go to the gym," she hummed appreciatively, liking how his muscles showed through his shirt, flexing as he moved the steering wheel and manipulated the pedals. Why not flirt and look? She was probably going to jail anyway, might as well take advantage of what was in front of her.

"Action, hands down. Though I don't mind a mystery or two," John couldn't help a smirk that formed on his lips as he purposefully adjusted the intensity of his grip so that his muscles flexed more for show. Memories of high school flashed in his mind. Perfect. Maybe he can impress her even more. "The gym is actually essential since I've got to keep up with the bad guys after all. Although, it just comes naturally for me. In high school I won All-City three years in a row. You can walk into my high school, and see my name still stands on some records there. They used to call me the White Cheetah on the count I was so fast." He held one hand up like a claw and made a breathy 'rawr'.

"Oh /really/?" Ayano smirked, shifting to look at him better arching her brow in amusement, "Well you know, a Cheetah symbolizes not only speed, but focus, brotherhood, elusiveness, ability to focus intently on something for a short period of time, swiftness, self-esteem, and keenness of sight. Unlike other hunting cats, cheetah's run down their prey. If we are moving with great speed but little direction, cheetah energy helps us to keep our eyes on our goals and to find the most direct way of achieving them. Sometimes we must carefully consider all aspects of a plan to reach a goal." She smiled, "At other times, it may be necessary to be flexible and adaptable in rehashing plans. The cheetah period of rest teaches us that intense activity should always be followed by a time of rest, relaxation, and contemplation."

"I'm impressed." John grinned, his chest swelling a bit by all this new information. "So where did you learn all that? A fortune cookie? I can see me being like that. I aw /fast/ in high school. I still am. I can run down any criminal, and I do achieve my goals in the most direct way. You should see me work. I don't stop until the criminal is in the Cubes."

"I like spiritual things and learning about animal symbolism. I'm more in-tune with the Fox," the Japanese woman smiled, "They focus more on camouflage, believe it or not. The Fox's greatest gift is not being able to outrun the hounds, but to know in advance when they'll be on the hunt. They detach from their surroundings and observe with all of their senses." It was amusing how she was inflating his ego, "You took down those gang members rather well, I agree. I hope you'll handle this case with just as much determination as your others."

"Ah, maybe a little bit more." John half shrugged as he finally came to a stop in front of his apartment building. "Well, here we are. Home, sweet, home." He exited the car shortly thereafter, eager to perhaps show her all his achievements. Why making the best impression on her felt so important, John couldn't say to be honest. He just knew that impressing her came second only to the target on her back.

Following suit, Ayano watched as other cop cars were showing up, "Backup I presume." As she got out, the car in the lead parked and out of the corner of her eye while she went to the trunk, she saw a rather lovely woman with rich brown hair and deep brown eyes get out. As John was hauling her suitcase out, she slung her carry-on over her shoulder.

Valerie took out her badge and showed it to the other woman, "I'm Detective Stahl. You must be Ayano Rei, correct?"

"Indeed," Ayano nodded.

"Well I must have won the lottery to have you watching my back instead of Paul." John joked as he surveyed the area real quick. "Valerie is one of the top detectives in the force. She's helped me out of more than one binned. I think you two could be friends actually. Ayano here took on gang members by herself /and/ saved her own life from tumbling over railing." To brag about the Japanese woman really made John swell up with pride. Ayano had done this. Ayano had done that. It felt like bragging about his glory days, only he would take to seeing her smirk over any trophy. Wow...how sappy was he.

Ayano blushed and rubbed her neck, "I'm not /that/ amazing. I took martial arts and I'm well aware of my surroundings. It's all about having good reflexes to handle those sorts of situations. Though I did get injured. No one's perfect." she smiled, "It's nice to meet you, Stahl-san...ah..."

Before she could change what she said, Valerie smiled, "Stahl-san is fine. Are you going to be alright? I can take a look at it if you need me to. We need you..."

"Alive and well, I know. I'm a witness," Ayano sighed, "My niece bandaged me fine, but I plan on taking a shower later." She looked between her and John, "Considering...would you be alright with me contacting her with you com to take a look at it and everything?" she blushed a little, her dark tan skin taking on a sot of red hue.

John had to force his face to remain straight despite the urge to smirk. He needed to at least look mature, rather than show the fact that his head was in the gutter. "I'll have Valerie contact Rudy to have him set up a secure connection just to be safe since these aren't pre-scholars we're dealing with. Rudy is of our best scientist and computer experts. Once he sets something up, you can talk with her for however long you want."

"That would not be recommended, Detective Kennex. as we are here to protect Miss Rei," Stahl's MX said matter-of-facty, "To distract her would prevent us from that. Even now, staying out in the open is dangerous."

Ayano waved her hand, "We're not high schoolers. We can be professional about this. I'll contact you after my shower. Re-bandaging me won't take more than ten minutes, I promise."

Looking at John, Valerie nodded, "My MX is right. Better get her inside and safe, John."

"Hey, Tin Head, Detective Stahl can do a number of things you wouldn't 'recommend'." John grumbled. He hated those things. Always had to slap their data and statistics in his face. He'd take working with Dorian over them any day. "Anyway, come on Ayano, I'll show you to my place. Stay safe out here, too, Valerie. I like to remain alive." Of course he was joking. John trusted Valerie with his back.

Val smiled reassuringly at him, "Of course, My MX's got me while I got you, as much as you don't trust them," she chuckled and shook her head.

Ayano didn't miss how she checked him out, or how he glanced back at her with a smile as he hauled her suitcase by the handle. Was there an office romance between those two? They acted more...friendly towards each other. She shouldn't be jealous, she probably only had about a week to a month to be free, and most of that time would be spent in a safe house. She wouldn't even get to be with John after today. What would be, would be. They got into his apartment and she looked around as he closed and locked the door, "Impressive. Spacious...and surprisingly not messy." At his look, she giggled, "I imagined bachelor pads tend to be...the opposite of orderly."

"Yeah, well, I like to keep things clean. Everything has a place and it should stay there or at least put back." he gestured to the very organized shelves and whatnot. "Anyway, through there is the bedroom, I'll let you sleep there tonight and I'll take the couch in here. So if you need me I'm only a few feet away. Through that door over there is the kitchen, you can help yourself to what's in there. The shower is in the bathroom in the bedroom." John shrugged as he scanned the room of his modest sized home. Better than a one room apartment, but at the same time could better.

"What are we going to do for four, five hours?" Ayano raised an eyebrow, "I don't particularly like drinking until after dark, usually in the safety of my own house or I'd go to a bar with Sarrina's parents. Her father hated drinking 'because it made him feel dumb' so he'd be the designated driver. So after my shower and dinner we can break out the brandy?"

"Of course. In fact while you take a shower I'll, ah, 'cook' something up. I hope you like oriental food. It's really all I can...do. How's Ramen sound? Or would you like something else?" John knew that he could really only 'cook' whatever leftovers he had in his refrigerator, or maybe even throw together a salad, but as for actual cooking...let's just say he could screw up cooking ramen. If she really wanted something, he could order out. It was typical of him to do, so there wouldn't be any specious activity. Valarie and her MX would be monitoring everything anyway, so he'd know if something were wrong. Besides, John wouldn't mention Ayano, or accidentally clue anyone in on her being there. Anyway, all of that really only was based around if she wanted something or not...wow.

"I don't mind cooking, John," Ayano laughed and she went to the bedroom, "Do you have any movies we can watch or something, like we were talking about in the car? That could pass the time and we could have popcorn as an appetizer," she giggled. After placing her carry-on on the bed, she looked around. It was nice in here, too. Walking out she took off her baseball cap and set it to the side, looking up and met her maple eyes with John's hazel ones.

John had to take a moment to snap himself out of his daze. Her eyes...deep brown, soulful, eyes. Everything about this woman just...he just hadn't felt a connection like this since- The detective quickly looked away as a ping of pain struck his heart. Anna... He hadn't felt an attraction like this since Anna. "Yeah...I, ah, have quite a few on my cloud storage. We can watch them no problem."

Ayano saw the flash of pain and frowned and furrowed her brows, "John..." sighing she shook her head, "I feel like watching a comedy, if that's okay? I think we've both had enough action for one day, hai?" she walked over to him and placed a hand on his kevlar vest, "Do you have to keep this on? I don't want you hurt, so it makes sense if you do, but it must be uncomfortable wearing it so much."

He couldn't help put to smile at her concern. John placed a hand over the one she had against his vest, "I've worn these enough that they hardly bother me any more. I would have you ware one, but I'm all out of spares. I guess that means you'll just have to stay close to me." Despite the lingering pain, John couldn't help but to flirt. Ayano...she had this sense to her that really just...pushed passed his guards right to his inner being. He shouldn't be feeling this way. Soon she could very well be in the Cubes for most if not the rest of her life for human experimenting...but that only drove him. He would figure out a way to prevent that if it took every resource he had.

Their hands...their touch...his calloused fingers caressed her skin. It was...comforting. Her honey eyes watched his face and she bit her lip. Swallowing thickly, she reluctantly pulled away and she went to the door, taking off her boots and setting them beside it, her Japanese manners taking affect. She was not unaware of his gaze on her. What was he thinking? She didn't want to look over to read it on his face. Was the action appreciated? Was it odd, annoying, cute...? Why was his opinion so important? Ayano had never experienced these feelings...besides her best friends and their daughter, no one had ever...cared. His looks, the way he watched her...she wanted to hope that it was different than what she thought in the car...that she wasn't /just/ a witness.

"So um...I'll let you pick the movie, John," Ayano smiled shyly. She felt like she was a school girl hanging out in her crush's home without permission.

"Ah, right. I'll start flipping through them then." the detective cleared his throat, "There's some popcorn cartridges in the third cabinet to the right in the kitchen. You, ah, said you wanted some popcorn." He just, ugh, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. This...it wasn't good. Sure, John had broke more than a few rules before, but Ayano...She was not only a witness, but a possible criminal. He should just keep his distance. Ah screw it, "There's some seasonings in the shelf below them if regular popcorn is too bland for you."

"Awesome, arigato," Ayano grinned and they parted; her to the kitchen to make popcorn, and him to look though movies. In the middle of pouring both into a big bowl, she heard him shout 'aha!' and she smiled and mixed the seasonings and melted butter into it. Heading out into his living room she plopped down and tossed a popcorn piece at him playfully as he fiddled with the hardware to start the movie. It hit him in the butt and she giggled, "Dat ass," she said with a smirk.

John looked over his shoulder with a raised brow before glancing down at the thrown piece. Well look who wasn't being very subtle. "Popcorn is supposed to be eaten, not thrown." he chuckled as finished setting everything up. Her comment hadn't escaped him, however. He wanted to thank her for noticing his great ass, but that might cross the line. Instead, John sat down beside the woman and took a handful of the popcorn. "I think you'll like this movie. It's a classic."

"What's it called?" Ayano smiled, shifting closer. He did say to stay close to him. Though she made sure to keep appropriate distance between them via the popcorn bowl, wedging it between their thighs to keep the temptation at bay. She wanted to snuggle against him with her head on his shoulder, but... she sighed, "Sorry if my comment was out of line." She felt comfortable around him, and so she was just playing. He didn't seem mad, but they really shouldn't get close. Ugh...Fate, while she had her humorous moments, was quite cruel. Why couldn't she had met him before all of this? Though then that would make it harder...

"Ah don't worry about it," John shrugged it off with a smirk as he munched on his handful. "Anyway, I'm not sure you'll recognize this one. It's an old one from my dad's kid years. It's called Sister Act. It's one of my favorites actually. Old, and cheesy, but it's still a good one." Yeah, he was partial to the past before for all this technology and whatnot. Sure life still was hard back then, but hell it would have been nice not to have so much tech all the time.

Ayano smiled and leaned back. His couch was comfortable, and it was easy to settle down and relax, "Never heard of it, but if you recommend it, I'm sure it's great. You have good taste," she didn't mind stroking his ego, as it...felt like he didn't have much of one. He seemed as though people were always telling him was this, or that, and he was shot down all the time, yet he was tough. His thick skin kept him from showing it bothered him. She liked making him puff out his chest, square his shoulders, and smirk like that, like a bird preening his feathers. He really was so handsome, and she meant everything she said.

"Well that's a first." the male smirked, "Usually I'm told the opposite." John started the movie, glancing at her expression throughout the opening. If she didn't like it, he could easily play another movie. That didn't seem to be a problem, however, as Ayano snickered or giggled at the right moments. Maybe he did have good tastes after all... John watched the movie for a long while, not really focusing on the movie per say, but rather how to smoothly make contact with the woman. He finally decided on a old, cheesy move his dad had showed him when he was young and chasing after girls. Pretending to make a huge yawn, John stretched his arms over his head before draping one over Ayano's shoulders. '/Now just act like you didn't do anything./'

They were halfway through the movie by now and the popcorn was half gone since she had made two cartridges. Ayano at first tensed, feeling his touch on her, but then sighed, moved the popcorn bowl, and shifted closer to him, their thighs touching. She didn't go so far as snuggling him, but she felt...safe. His arm around her felt protective, and she didn't want him to let go. "John...arigato." The list of why she was thankful could go on and on, but...she didn't want to get all sappy. He probably didn't like that, anyway. So...a simple thank you was okay for now.

It actually worked. That amazed John as his hand started to gently rub her shoulder, feeling her different emotions. "Hey, no problem." he kept his voice soft, knowing she had more to say, but refrained herself, and he wasn't going to pry like some nosy neighbor. Whatever was on her mind, he'll either learn in time, or he won't. Plain and simple.