Same Day. Near 2 PM.
(Small office. Yokohama Base.)
"…And due to our victory, I expect we're gonna get requested for more trainings from now on. The upper brass did not expect us to win again, so I assume they're gonna try and get us to crack. So better start mentally preparing for that. CO O'Connor did confirm that at least we get the rest of this week easy. So, any questions?" Takeru looks over his squadmates, a few raise their hands. "Kashiwagi, what is it?"
The short young man takes a step forward, saluting and standing stiff, "1st Lt, sir, will us rookies partake in these trainings to come?"
"Well, yeah, that's the plan of both O'Connor and me," he acknowledges with a nod, folding his arms. "I'd like to progressively place more of you in the drills alongside us, until we get to see you six fighting on your own. The CO did push me to see if you were ready for the trainings next week, but since we won I could convince him to wait you guys out a little bit more. Can't exactly send you out to a mock battle if you don't have a feel for each other's quirks in your gears," smirking a bit, he eyes the younger six one by one, they all return a firm nod in affirmation. "And of course, you're gonna have to follow my protocols during practice from now on, since our rep has gotten real high on the base," nodding and pounding his chest, all of his squadmates sigh dejectedly in unison.
"Sigh… So this was all just an excuse for you to prove your methods are better? Well, that checks out," Saki Sanada nods to herself, twirling the end of one of her twintails. "I do see the benefits of your strategies, sir, however, why must we have to always employ them?"
"It's simple, Sanada," Sakaki interjects from besides her squad leader, tapping her glasses. "If we don't hold our ground every chance we get, the American army will only keep insisting for the UN to adopt all of its protocols. As small as it may seem, every victory we score is another showing to the CO that there are skilled units within our ranks, that our methods are as viable as theirs. And as today proved yet again, Shirogane's acrobatics are our best weapon against the American pilots."
"What she said," Ayamine nods from her position near the rookies, hand on her chin. "They'll only listen to hard proof, so we gotta hold the fort from where we can. Can't back down now that we're on the spotlight."
"Still…" Nanase looks down for a moment, an elbow locked behind the clamp of a hand, "I do see what you mean, but our tactics are nothing like what other Imperial units use. I do not recall seeing such aggressive approaches during basic, or even in my TSF training drills."
"Well, they are a creation of Takeru, after all!" Yoroi affirms, winking towards her squad leader. "And thanks to that unpredictability, we get to keep on winning. You guys simply keep on training, you'll eventually get the hang of it."
"Yes, that's true," Tamase agrees as a dejected squeak leaves her lips, a shard of her soul as well as her shoulders slump slightly. "Even us had it hard when we tried to comprehend Takeru-san's thoughts on piloting."
"That's assuming he even thinks," Ayamine notes, with a smile.
"Oi, watch that tongue…" puffing his cheeks slightly, the soldier glares at Ayamine, to the amusement and chuckles of the rest. "Well, in a nutshell, all we gotta do is keep making it clear to those high above that we're not some dead weight. Every squad of yanks they send our way, we style on 'em hard. So," a mini smirk he raises, another hand pounding his chest, "I expect you all to keep up the streak we've got going on here, else you're gonna have to face me in the sims, mano a mano. I want another total victory next week, you hear me Lupines?!"
"Sir! Yes, sir!"
"Nice. Y'all better not start slacking or I'm gonna go to town on your asses if we lose. So… I guess that's a wrap? Yeah, that'll be for today. Dismissed!" Saluting his crew back, he then stretches his back and yawns a bit. "Man… But for real, I thought they had us back there for a sec."
"Yes, it was a surprise, truly, to see your plan in fact worked. I, well, had my doubts on whether we would come out unscathed from that reckless charge," Nanase admits, sighing most of the air in herself, folding her shoulders and cheer inwards.
"Leave it to the Leader to come up with the most stupidly effective plan there could be," Ayamine chuckles, punching Takeru in the shoulder.
"I don't recall you sharing any counterpoints though, Ayamine," he returns the smirk, arms folded.
"Not like you'd have listened," tapping her glasses, she sighs heavily, "Really, you did very well, Nanase. I think… it's the first time we score a triumph with a rookie while using the Iron Giant formation?"
"Yes, that would be the case," Tamase confirms, a smile blooming like a sunflower right at noon. "It's also the first time we win without all of us six in the same team."
"Yeah, that's true," Taichi Kashiwagi nods, taken aback. "Didn't think we'd win despite 1st Lt Mitsurugi not being here."
"Yeah… that's right…" Takeru relents, hiding his hands on his pockets, gaze forced to take an emergency landing, swallowing a sigh. "Anyways, we fought well today. Let's leave the talk of the trainings for tomorrow, let's hit the PX for now."
"What about the reports, Leader?" Sakaki presses.
"I'll handle 'em after dinner, don't worry. Come on, let's get going," he orders while pacing towards the door, waving a hand in the air. The words are met with sighs and cheers, chatting along they depart from the office.
Their banter remains as loud and lax as it always was, unhindered by the stares of other soldiers passing by. Both welcoming and doubtful, coming from either dark and teal uniforms as well as dark green ones, many were the eyes that fell onto their backs, on the backs of the 'special' squad of political hostages lead by an unknown player. As his squadmates walk ahead, sharing jokes and jabs, Takeru's steps begin to dull, to fall back. Following on automatic, holding his pockets with undeserved strength, what air was in him stagnated, pressed to be released.
"Sigh…" But even that did not dispel the drill within his heart, the looming reminder on his nape, the absence by his side.
Eventually, they arrive at the PX. Welcomed by the booming smile of Kyozuka, who had heard the rumors of their victory, all members of the Lupine squadron were rewarded with a bit of extra food and much praise from all cooks. Sadly, one half of the PX had gone silent at the exchange, yet they ignored it at large.
Mild complains towards Takeru's reckless approach came and went as glasses and chopsticks did their job, he teases back about how all of them have gotten almost as good as he, Yoroi covering his back on the sharing of jabs. Sadly, the newbies were then brought into the crossfire, asked on which side of the argument they stood. And for a moment, it was all smiles as usual on their table.
"But still… Time sure flies, huh?" Kashiwagi slowly says, poking at what remained of dinner in his tray. "It feels like it was yesterday that I was transferred here, fresh out of basic."
"Yes, I'd have to agree," Nanase nods, taking a second to drink, leaving the synth juice in her mouth for another. "I still remember the shock when I got the notice I was being sent here instead of joining an MDF squadron almost a year ago. And I didn't even train in UN colors."
"I'd have to agree…" Sanada shares the nod, closing an eye and shrugging, "Well, I never though I'd become accustomed to this base, yet here we are. By the by, it is December already. Do any of you have plans to visit your family during the holidays?"
"Yeah, I got word from my sister that she's getting a break," Kashiwagi says with a smile, wide and lax. "We're gonna visit my younger brother and Mom for a few days."
"I, too, am going to visit my brother," Nanase smiles, small yet warm. "Though, since he has to return to the MDF, I won't be gone for long. What of you all?" she asks, glancing at the rest.
"I think my brother will be busy with… his partner during the holidays," Sanada comments, filling her mouth with a spoon-full of rice in undeserved tension, lips and brows narrowing. "I don't truly have any plans in particular."
"Well, I still haven't heard back from Papa…" Tamase hunches over, almost closing her eyes shut. "I'm gonna wait until he writes back to take my vacations."
"My dad is AWOL, as always," Yoroi laughs before downing the rest of her juice in one swift go. "So I'm gonna go to Tokyo for a few days to kick back, maybe visit the parks that are still there."
"I was thinking the same thing," Sakaki says, gaining the agreement of the other rookies.
"I want to visit the eateries of the Capital. Heard they make some tasty yakisoba," grinning much, she said along a nod.
"…Is that all you think about, Ayamine?" tapping her glasses, she stares as a brow raises a bit.
"No, I just have good taste, is all," she shrugs, smirking back.
"What was… Ahem… If you find any good restaurants, tell us about it, okay?"
"Sure, I guess."
"So 1st Lt Shirogane, what about you?" Nanase queries, looking towards her leader.
Who was absentmindedly staring at the TV, having finished his food, and took a second to acknowledge the question, "Huh? Me?"
"Yes, were you planning to visit the Capital or another city?"
"No, not really… Well, it depends."
"Oh, are you waiting for 1st Lt Mitsurugi to return?" She forwards, immediately flinching as he subtly grimaced.
"…Something like that, yeah," breathing in deeply, he then forced another smirk up. "So you better enjoy your break, 'cause once Meiya comes back and next year rolls in, we're resuming our mock battles in full force."
All the newest members immediately gape at the claim, sighs and dejection permeating their complexions. Sakaki and Tamase couldn't help but to share the sentiment, whereas Ayamine and Yoroi chuckled to the declaration.
"But yeah, time sure flies… It's been a year already since that day, huh." Looking up, sobering up, tone cascaded down as the slight frown did in his face. And a sigh leaves on its own, recalling the decadent state Santa was in almost exactly a year ago.
"Yes, that's right…" Tamase rests her arms on the table, gaze lost admiring the rim of her plate. "A year since…" twisting her lips, to avoid saying anything unnecessary, to counter the stones that fell on the pit of her stomach, a sliver of her voice is only allowed to leave, "…that Christmas."
"Um… Did you say 'Christmas'?" Sanada inquires, tilting her head and blinking in quick succession.
"Ah, right. You guys also don't know, do you?" Takeru nods, scratching his nose.
"Let me explain, it'll be faster that way," Sakaki offers, her leader nods back with a smile. Clearing her throat, a finger raises to do laps. "So, you see, back then Shirogane had proposed us to host a Christmas party. Since we were left without doing anything, we thought we'd give it a go. It was… fun, in all honesty."
"Really? What kind of stuff did you do?" Kashiwagi asks, eyes lighting up. The rest of the rookies scuttle closer to the table, curiosity setting in.
Sakaki then tells of the festivities, Ayamine insisting again in chaining it to some of their own local ones to her leader's scolding. The mention of the present exchange got all the listeners interested, yet Sakaki and the rest look away from each other for a second, a second where the soldier sighs and looks up, a second where those four sought his gaze only to once more feel those cuts all over their necks, that piercing on their stomach.
"…Shame the leader got the best present in the end," Ayamine comments with a faint shrug, to break the sudden silence.
"Hm? What did he get?" Nanase inquires, looking his way.
"Well…" scratching the back of his head, he looks upwards again. "One could say… I got, like, many presents at once."
"…Like the private sim practice session," Ayamine teases, hitting his rib with an elbow, wearing a widest smirk.
"A-Ayamine!" Sakaki complains, face flushing deepest crimson. "Why do you keep bringing that up?!"
"Did happen, though."
"Kei-san, come on…" Yoroi looks down, pursing her lips, her thighs crashing, melting against one another. "Don't put Takeru on the spot like that."
"Sigh… Really, Ayamine?" He gives a dubious, accusing gaze while tapping the table.
She chuckles, returning a small smile, "I spoke the truth, and nothing but the truth."
"What's this about a sim run, sir?" Sanada asks, all the other rookies staring at Takeru as if they were kitties following a treat. "Was it an intense training session?"
"…I mean, well, it was kind of, like, you know, how to say it… Yyyyeaaah, yeah, it was intense and let's leave it at that."
"…Is this something uncomfortable for you, sir?" Kashiwagi inquires, not used to seeing their leader hesitate or be embarrassed.
"…Yeah," he then glares at Ayamine, who kept her mouth clamped with a hand to avoid chuckling at his bitter expression. "Anyways, that's the gist of that. And then… well, I'm sure you've heard what happened since last year's Christmas."
The table fell silent, as quickly as the smiles also escaped their lips. As the rookies fold their cheer inwards, their own struggles during the first months of this year coming back up, all five members of the last cadet squad from the 207th school grimace in unison, recalling their first and last meeting with CO Radhabinod. The days that followed, the integration of US troops into the base, the adjustment of their training course to better fit with America's doctrine after the Treaty was reinstated. To say nothing on the silent treatment, the dismissal they received from the new authorities along all other remaining personnel from Alt IV.
At times, it was like being trapped at the bottom of a well. Those high above wouldn't even acknowledge they were there, the walls would continually close in further and further upon them, the stagnation would become routine. The days flew by without mercy, without change. Silence and lack of orders, patrols and stationary guard duty, barely any time slots to train in the sims. Day by day, night after night, knife over knife thrust into their gut.
If every day is the same as the last, can you truly say that there is a tomorrow coming? Such were the feelings that brewed not only in the six cadets, but in many other members of the UN. It all became harder on those six pair of shoulders when the last known face, their Instructor, quit her post to return to the Fuji Corps, without as much of an explanation and with only corporate decorum as her parting words.
Graduating without any known face around, without any small honest congratulations. Only cold handshakes, protocol nods and rehearsed speeches. It truly felt as if they were stranded, but they didn't even get the luxury of an island. Simply floating in the sea, watching as the clouds fly by, as the sky changes color. Day in and day out, the same routine, the never-changing board.
That is, until they effectively graduated and whoever was in charge made one fatal mistake.
To avoid courting controversy, to send a quiet message that their faction was in control of Yokohama, they left the last trainees from the 207th school isolated as an independent squadron. And to both parley with the Diet and the Shogunate, while also threaten them in a way, the new authorities decided that Sakaki and Mitsurugi would remain as common soldiers, mere grunts on the rows. Should any misconduct occur, this new squad could, and perhaps would, be sent to the frontlines, be used as escorting meat shields.
Problem was, the new squad needed a leader. However, the five young women were too important to place them carelessly under someone. Too grand the repercussions would be upon the UN if an American or a sympathizer were to grow drunk on the power they held over these women, you'd understand. So the new authorities chose the rather unknown young man of the bunch, who Kouzuki herself had shielded, who was for some reason the only person the ESPer of the base would talk to, as the leader of the six. A small token of appreciation towards the scientist's collaboration.
What would be the difference, they thought. There's nothing this nobody could do with this squadron full of VIPs, they concluded. The more they searched Takeru, the less they understood the motives behind Kouzuki's protection. Some thought it was some old debt she was paying, others crafted deductions that there was a carnal element in their relation, and some thought the man was but a smokescreen erected by the scientist. In the end, Takeru was a useful pawn for the new CO. A nobody that could be easily replaced, that the hostages would not mind as their leader, that could also tend to the… psychic doll, as they put it. It is quite fair to affirm that his unassuming profile was indeed a rampart for the soldier, despite the quirkiness of his piloting that had caught the CO's attention once the profile was reviewed. Few were those complimented by the Mad Dog, so at least the pawn would make himself useful eventually. A simple conclusion for a simple soldier, you'd understand.
However…
"…Still, it was all worth it for that first mock battle," Ayamine affirms as both arms fold, returning a smile, lifting the clogging air that permeated the table.
"Y-Yes, that is true," Tamase quickly lifts a hand to agree, nodding much. "I still can't believe we haven't lose once, though."
"That's because we're a squad full of Super Elite Soldiers," Takeru affirms, giving out a few drowned, villainous chuckles.
"And here we go again," Sakaki shrugs, sighing, "Just keep the teasing to a minimum in the battles," she reminds, expression serious and tight, stone-cold as her tone.
"I dunno what you're talking about," Takeru laughs while rolling his eyes. "Not my fault they can't read some totally telegraphed moves, or even mind their own spacing."
"…1st Lt, I don't think it's their fault," Nanase comments, rubbing her forehead with a finger as the dizziness of the day's sim run returns. "I still cannot comprehend how you came up with those aerial maneuvers you perform, or that I was able to mimic them to some degree."
"And try to think how the Americans felt when he defeated two of them with that air jousting thing he does," Yoroi adds as she slowly swatted a hand in the air, sharing a chuckle with Takeru.
"Don't remind me, please," tapping her glasses then pinching the bridge of her nose, she shakes her head. Ayamine solemnly nods in agreement.
"Well, but even that seems like so long ago," Tamase notes, resting a cheek on a hand. "It feels like the year started just some weeks ago, and… It's already December, and we have been performing much better than I thought we'd do in these months."
"…We still don't have permission to sortie, though," Ayamine complains, resting her chin on both hands' knuckles.
"Can't do much about that, more than to keep kicking yank ass," Takeru asserts with a nod. "Shame we can't throw another party like last year, though. Would be pretty dope if we could."
"…Dope?" Nanase asks, lost as a penguin in a desert.
"Uh… You know, awesome?"
"Sigh… It's been a year since we've known you, and you still manage to come up with more Shiroganese words," Sakaki repines, tapping the table very slowly with a finger as he chuckles while messing with his hair.
"It's just how it is, Class Rep."
"And you still call me like that, too. You're our squad leader, you know? You should stop addressing us so casually."
"Real broken up 'bout this, dog, but it do be like that with me."
"Wh-What did I just tell- You know what? I'm not going to bother."
"Careful, chief. She's learning," Ayamine remarks, sharing a smile with Takeru towards Sakaki's low groans and shuffling lips.
"Come on, no fighting on the table," Tamase says, trying to glare at them. "But it would be nice, if we could celebrate Christmas again," planting the misdirection, she smiles as she stares at the ceiling.
"Yeah, but I don't think we'd get the approval," Yoroi laments, resting her frame on the table.
"Oh, could we still do a gift exchange?" Sanada suggests. "Maybe not for Christmas but, perhaps for New Year?"
Four gazes briefly grace Takeru, before hurriedly leaving his eyes. Fingers tracing wrists, legs rubbing together, melding together, the back of teeth caressed slowly by the tip of a tongue, air filtering in carefully by the nose, a glass of juice serving as a distraction. He sighs, then clears his throat, the festering swirling feelings within.
"If we keep a low profile, I don't mind doing that again. But let's make sure to keep it to ourselves, we never know how others might take to that. Especially with how sensitive our fellow Japanese are as of late," he reminds, both them and himself.
About the quickly degrading status of the relations between Americans and Imperials. Both in the base and in the Empire at large, as the presence of US troops was but the first sign, the tip of the spear of intrusive impositions forwarded by America in exchange of their aftercare under Alt V.
"Just remember what the rumors about changing the menu did a few weeks ago, and let's keep it to ourselves. If worst comes to worst, I'll take the responsibility. Got it?" looking at every one of them for a second each, he returned their nods.
"So… What should we get for the exchange?" Nanase asks, and Takeru then retells the rules, specifying how the presents should be able to please anyone who gets them, and other details he thought in the moment to ensure this little plan went well.
A few more debates, some odd comment or two, once that line of conversation dies down most of the squad excused itself from the table, having reached the end of their duties and having free reign over the late afternoon.
A few hours later.
(Managerial Aisle. Office.)
Scribbling sounds and keyboard taps fill the room, faint and distant. Carefully, almost paranoid, she reads the report of the day's activities. Resting the pen to hydrate, to move her wrist in circles, Sgt Ziffer nods. "Your performance never ceases to amaze, 1st Lt Shirogane. For one piloting an F-4, you're certainly gifted."
"Well, it's more thanks to my style than anything else," he says, nodding shortly. "It's easier when the entire squad can support my charges. In any case, the report is already in your hands," he stands stiff, giving a salute.
She returns the gesture, standing up while returning the pages to the folder, taking it to the proper shelve. "Consider it filed, we shall have the results online before the festivities begin," she slowly says, returning a small smile while brushing her wavy hair off her face. "Your performance is greatly appreciated, 1st Lt."
"…I guess that means more mock battles during January?"
"Indeed," she notes with another subtle nod. "I was hoping to have you Lupines share training drills with other UN units, particularly mixed ones from freshly stationed recruits. Do you believe it would be possible?"
"Yes, it's no problem. We don't have any issue with training with foreigners or anything," he smiles back, folding his arms.
"That is greatly appreciated, 1st Lt," she says with a smile. "However, first things first," Ziffer notes while again fiddling with her hair. Going up to a small closet, she procures a small box from it. Sealed in tape from all possible angles, her hands slowly and carefully hand it over to the soldier. "Here is your reward, for the exquisite display of these last months."
"Wow, didn't think you were being serious."
"Sigh… Believe me, procuring a quality wine has become a rather… necessary part of my duties," she repines, sighing as she flattens her UN dress.
"Huh, go figure. Must be hard to match the Colonel's taste," he surmises, going by the dejection in the usually stalwart and composed Sergeant.
"No, his taste is easy to predict depending on the season. Placating it is what's an issue. But I digress, requesting a single bottle is honestly a humble reward for your services, 1st Lt Shirogane," she repeats, giving a short bow. "We shall continue to rely on you, both to safeguard your comrades and give us triumph during the practices," she then salutes, returning to her habitual composure.
The soldier returns the gesture, placing the box under his free arm. "Likewise, Sgt Ziffer."
"And," almost closing her eyes, taking in a slow breath, she folds her arms and faces away, "the Colonel has expressed his agreement to allow the notion of the, ahem, delivery you requested a few days before."
"Oh… Is that so."
"Worry not, we shall not inquire into the matter. All I ask is a notice beforehand if you were planning to take some days of leave."
"Understood. Please send my thanks to the Colonel."
She smiles, giving a nod. "I will, shortly."
Sharing one last nod, the soldier excuses himself from the office, leaving the bureaucratic side of the base.
Takeru then sighs as he walks back to the more habitual hallways, slowing down his march. A few moments pass with him staring at the ceiling, trying to recall if he had forgotten to mention anything of note. A rhythmical pair of footsteps snaps him out of that trail of thought, returning to reality he sees both Sakaki and Ayamine walking his way.
"Oh? What an unusual pair we have here," he commented with a smile, stopping to wave. "Something up, guys?"
"Shirogane, please keep your poise," tapping her glasses, she scolds. "Would it kill you to remain formal?"
"Maybe, you never know," he and Ayamine chuckle, Sakaki groans subtly. "So, what is it? Don't worry, I got the report filed already," he pridefully mentions, sticking his chest out.
"Color me surprised," Sakaki nods, remaining silent for a second.
"So, you two need something?"
"…We want to talk with you," Ayamine says, arms lightly crossing.
"We're already doing that, though," he counters.
"Heh, guess we are," she then focused her sight on him fully, unblinking. "You know what this is about."
Looking around, sensing no eavesdroppers, he throws himself against the wall. "Sigh… I don't know what you're trying to ask, nothing changed."
Tapping her glasses, she edges closer on one side. "And what happens after tomorrow?"
"That… depends on Meiya."
"You have given some thought to both outcomes, right?" she presses, spinning a finger, sight locked on his features.
Lips are pressed, but he still returns a nod and the stare. "…Yeah, and I won't drag things out or make any noise. No one is gonna notice anything during the missions, I ain't letting my personal stuff get in the way of work. I promise you that, Sakaki, Ayamine."
Holding the gazes in silence, firm and sturdy, yet also darkening. The usual shining reflection in the surface of his eyes was slowly submerging, allowing what nested in the depths to come forth along the small grimacing, the faint tightening of his hand upon the box.
"That will suffice," tapping her glasses upward, her shoulders lower slightly as she holds an elbow hostage. "I know you usually daydream, but I think the rookies are getting mixed signals from your attitude as of late. We understand why, but still, it makes us a bit anxious to not find your usual answers in the PX or during training."
"…Yeah, I can see how. I know these small things weird you out, I know. But today was the last day of that… for better or worse."
"Say, why does it have to be now?" Ayamine asks, truly puzzled, taking a step closer.
"Yeah."
"I see… This does kind of remind me of last year."
"…In which way?" he asks, Sakaki does with the narrow stare and brows.
Ayamine idles a hand on the back of her head, eyes shuffling around and about. "Well, you getting all resolute and determined outta nowhere. Can't say I dislike that, but… Does it have to be now? Just as we're getting hounded with mock battle after mock battle?"
Lips folding in, hands entwining, he hunched over under a cold pressure on his nape. "…There will always be external factors I can use as excuses. Work is piling up, the situation has to be better, gotta read the mood, and all that jazz. Thing is, that's just me being freaked out. There's… no point in dragging things on once you notice it's going nowhere."
"I…" looking away as she twisted her lips inwards, Sakaki's voice lowers a bit, yet gains a small edge to it. "…I didn't knew it wasn't working for you two," so she states, awaiting a reaction.
"Oh, all the contrary, actually," and the soldier immediately shoots down her expectations as if an enemy TSF they were. "But… Well, let's just say I'm getting," inhaling deep, eyes close as the box becomes intimate with his uniform, "flashbacks of the unsavory variety about how things are today."
"Flashbacks?" Ayamine couldn't help but to raise a brow in wonder.
"It's a manner of speech, just that," scratching his head, he looks up. "I don't like how Meiya's been as of late, I'm sure you guys noticed it as well," he says, staring. Both look at each other, nodding slowly in equal concern. "I dunno what's on her mind, but I don't like it at all."
"So… Again, why now of all times?" Ayamine insists, leveling an inquisitive stare, taking a step forward.
"Because I want to show a sign."
"How do you mean?" Chizuru inquires, half curious and half concerned.
"…Well, you know me and Meiya have been together for a year. But it's just that. Just… kind of dating within the base. So I want… to show her, and those around her, that I'm being serious about this. That's why, well, I've been mulling over what to do, how to do it. But I think I'll be fine, regardless of the answer I get."
"And is that little box tied to your plan?" Sakaki asks, giving a look to the thing.
"Oh, no, this was just an extra," he smiles, shrugging. "It's nice thing to have if it goes well, and if it doesn't I'll find a way to put it to good use anyways."
"Still, don't strain yourself," Ayamine suggests, back on track. "Even in the worst case, we're still here if you need us."
"Don't worry, I won't dump my problems onto you guys. And you can bet I ain't letting this ruin our work, be sure of that."
"Didn't expect any less," she smiles, giving a light punch to his shoulder. Only to fold her arms and give a narrowed stare. "I wasn't talking about that, thought."
"Then, what did you mean?"
"If things go awry, and you ever get lonely," wrapping both arms around herself, her abdomen, as she pushes her back forward, Ayamine then smiles, the tip of her tongue roving her lips. "Wink, wink."
"…If you're going to say that, you could at least wink along, you know?" he and Sakaki sigh, Ayamine chuckles as she returns herself upright. "But no, I'm gonna have to stop you right there, 2nd Lt Ayamine," voice rising up away as he leaves the wall, Takeru stands stiff as he shoots her a glare, a mixture of the basilisk and Medusa for the petrification of both of his underlings. "Regardless of the answer she gives me, I love Meiya. And while I… appreciate the feeling, I wouldn't have it in me to use you like that, Ayamine, or anyone else for that matter. So don't even think of saying or doing anything like that again, ever. Got it?"
"…See? What the hell are you scared about?" punching his shoulder, she smirks and nods, short yet sharp. "That passionate look fits you better than the mopey expression you've had on since Mitsurugi took her leave. You've got this, tiger."
"Well, I mean…"
"Just be yourself, and everything will be fine," she affirmed, with a nod and a thumbs up.
"I do agree with Ayamine," Sakaki asserts with a smile, again drawing circles in the air. "If you show that same resolve, I think the message will get through to her."
"…I hope that's the case," Otherwise, it's game over for us. Or worse… back to that damned mountain, he mulls within, chills running a grand prix on his back. "But still… Ayamine, I'd like to avoid a reprimand, so don't break the boundaries."
"I won't. Sorry, I was just testing you."
"…We both know that's not true," sighing, shaking his head as his stomach grew void, both women flinch a bit, caught off guard by the words and the downcast look in his face. "I should be firmly reprimanding you, yet I can't even muster any flare to do so… Some leader I am, huh."
"Have some more faith in yourself," Ayamine patted his shoulder a few times, stronger with each repetition, "You've become a fine leader, I can't find a complain with you. And…" her fingers molding for a moment, recalling smiles and shiny gazes during the training drills, inhaling into the vanilla scent which in his hair lingers, she hastily shakes her head. "…And you have handled everything well enough until today. I got your back, chief."
"Hopefully not with your bosom," Sakaki comments, sending her a dagger with each eye, as she also took a step closer to him. Unexpectedly for her, both Takeru and Ayamine burst out laughing, unhinged as they share a high five. "W-What did I say?"
"Damn, it's like she was waiting with the scythe at the ready," hitting his knees as he wheezed, Takeru says through moistened eyes.
"Don't worry, she's just jelly of the real deal," smirking at Sakaki, rolling her chest in defiance, she affirms.
"You two… How can you shift gears so easily?!"
"Sorry. For real, sorry… Ahem. And thanks for caring, Class Rep," managing a smile as he leans back, appeasing Sakaki's ill mood, Takeru takes a second to look into their eyes, and nowhere else. "I know I might not be the best leader you could have asked for, but trust me on this one. I am worried yeah, but… That's just how I am. I know this can get in the way of our training but I can't help but be nervous," Since Meiya has been rather down lately, what with those letters she's getting, he sighs again, deflating a bit.
"No, I wasn't placing blames!" Sakaki hurriedly deflects, gulping suddenly, tone and breathing hastening. "It's just… We'd like to, you know, do our share to keep the peace in the squad. And… lend you a shoulder or an ear if you need one. I would… like to support you, to be there if you ever need me- Wait, not like that! I didn't mean-"
"Come on, Sakaki. I know… I know you five wanted to get on with me since Christmas last year," he shrugs, an eye closed. Ayamine mimics the gesture, nodding towards the tilted Sakaki. He clears his throat, resting on the wall again. "Let's not try to avoid the eggshells. I've been trying to be considerate towards you all, is all. It's the least I can do for not having gotten a clue until so late," sighing a rift from deep in his chest, he admits.
"And you've done a damn well job at it," Ayamine smiles again, giving another thumbs up. "You never played favorites, and even when the CO forced you to put Mitsurugi as the second-in-command, you still included us all in the talks and the meetings. And… you've been tactful about your relationship, above everything else."
"Indeed," tapping her glasses, clearing her throat, exhaling the spikes and thorns, she returns his gaze and another nod. "It's those gestures, how you always listen to everyone, how you… bring Mitsurugi to your room when you need some private time instead of… doing it in our side of the barracks, how you both keep it professional most of the day, and how you…" biting her lower lip, she sighs heavily, "have handled our… small acts of jealousy, all that has cemented my thoughts that you were the right choice to be our leader. Despite knowing we, well…"
"…Why so red, Sakaki-kun?" Ayamine smirks at her, hitting her ribs with an elbow, artillery crushing the defenses.
"Come on, now," Takeru sighed. "You don't have to say it, I know. It's not like I haven't noticed the signs. I'm just doing what I can to be worth that trust, so rest easy, Class Rep. All this downcast act ends in a few days," he affirms with a nod.
"It's still hard on us to see you mulling over it all on your own, though," Sakaki asserts, shrugging. "We all want to see you and Mitsurugi happy, you know?" she stares, he nods.
"Because we all like you more when you smile, despite your stupid puns," Ayamine says, chuckling.
"Hey, don't diss my puns. They're my best character trait, laughing in dire straits," laughing to himself, he stuck out his chest in pride, half serious, half joking.
"See, much better. And… Just one thing," she whispers, rubbing an arm over and over. "If you do need some… company, well…"
"Ayamine, don't," Sakaki threatens, tapping her glasses, glaring in venom.
"Better that for it to be one of us than some random who'd spill rumors about," she dishes out, arms folding. "Not saying it has to be me, or anything sexual. Shirogane, if you do need to talk or sort out stuff, remember that you have your team besides you."
"Just… Sigh."
Face flushing, he exhales a flamethrower out of his lungs. About to hit the wall as his inner lips fall to his teeth, images of Sakaki in a run down house, of Ayamine in the rooftop of his school rushing towards him flash in his mind, distorted, delayed. Those echoes, those dear echoes of times past dull the anger, the erupting indignation that courses through his muscles. Takeru could do little else other than slump onto the wall, something tickling the lower side of his ears, the taste their love had left in his mind.
"I… don't have words, really. I'm flattered, honestly, that you feel this way about me. But… I have eyes for one, and that someone is Meiya. So… Sorry, but if things do go south, don't act any different with either me or her. Are we clear?"
"Crystal," Sakaki answers with a nod, never breaking the bridges between their souls. Ayamine scans his features for a second, before also returning the gesture. "However, well, are you bracing for that outcome?"
Pierced by that stare, by the scorching honesty, he had again endure a spike below his ears, flashes of his home world seeping in. "Sigh… You know the ties that Meiya has, the kind of people that… have 'managed' her life, so to say. Now, think about how those people would see someone like me being with her."
"You think they might convince her… to leave you?" Ayamine asks, starting to wring her hands.
"I've no idea, to be honest. But…" I do have these memories to work with, he concludes as his lips narrow, closing his eyes.
Seeing figments of snow, of a grand hall. And of Mitsurugi, teaching him a special stance for some reason. Alongside a few thoughts, thoughts he had harbored back then, ill thoughts towards some of those who surrounded Meiya in her innermost circles.
"I'll do all I can, but the choice is on Meiya. So I want no drama or any dumb suggestions if her answer is negative, got it? And if I get down… kick me in the ass to make sure I don't screw anything up." Both nod immediately, he smiles back. "And if the answer is positive, you'll have to forgive us if we're a bit… more intense for a few days."
"Just keep it out of sight then," Ayamine says, winking his way. "Don't bang her on our side of the barracks and we're cool. Otherwise, don't blame us if we get horny after hearing you fuck her brains out all night long," holding his gaze, she remains silent, examining his expression. Takeru returns a serious nod, firm and resolute, so Ayamine nods back with a smile.
"Yeah, we do not need to hear any of that," Sakaki nods hastily a few times, deep red surfacing on her cheeks.
"I won't, I promise. I don't want it to end up… muddling our relationship."
"Don't worry, we'll kick you into shape if… the dice rolls you a one," Ayamine nods his way, a wry smile as she pats his shoulder.
"Exactly. And if you need some time off… I'll take care of the squad along Mitsurugi," Sakaki affirms, firmly nodding, sharp and shining like the edge of a well polished blade. "Just… can you promise me one thing, Shirogane?" her voice lowering, a hand reached for her neck.
"What is it?"
"If things don't work out… you won't leave the squad, will you?"
"Of course not. You might have to deal with an emo version of myself for a while, but I ain't going anywhere," smiling at them both in radiance, he nods quickly.
"Heh, that's our leader," again punching his shoulder, she returns the smirk.
"I see…" a smile spreads as she treads her hair, as a pleasant lukewarmness covers her whole. "Sorry, I didn't meant to imply anything," she then bows hastily in apology.
"Sigh… It's cool, this is on me for letting the pressure get to my nerves. Don't worry, Sakaki," shaving the distance, leaving the free hand on her shoulder, he nods into her sight, straight ahead. "Just trust in your leader for a few days more, okay?"
Smiling at her, again as bright as the sun, the honesty serves as a panacea for the duo's woes. Seeing the honest cheer back up, the tension evaporates, vanquished from their postures as if struck by a dragon slayer. That irksome and crawling feeling in their backs also leaves in a blink, those boulders in their shoulders do as well, leaving only the vigor that his smile spurs on them, the heatwave of motivation which he elicits. After all, despite all their complains, he still was a shooting star of positivity in their otherwise dull military lives, you'd understand.
"Well… I gotta go leave this little thing in my room, and check up on Kasumi later," he says, waving at them as he walks into the hallway. Turning back, he then forwards an inquiring look at the guests, "Game session in the PX later?"
"We'll be there as always. And don't worry, we'll tell Yoroi and Tamase about our… discussion," Sakaki affirms, he nods in thankfulness.
"Good enough. Well, see you later tonight," he says, waving back.
"Ah… Shirogane, wait," Ayamine calls out, taking a step forward.
"Hm? What's up?"
She then stands straight, hands at the seams as her voice booms from her stomach. "The late afternoon shift ends at 2000 hours sharp, and the patrols leave right away," she notifies, to a confused Takeru who leaves his mouth half-open and a lost Sakaki who curls some hair, both sharing a gaze while trying to see what this was about. Ayamine continues the telling, nodding towards her leader. "The night watch is in charge of the Americans, but they always seem to take their sweet time before arriving. They never get to their posts before 2100 hours."
"…Uh, what are you talking about?"
She smirks, licking her lips. "That there is a one hour gap in the patrols of the sim rooms, if you feel like making use of it tomorrow."
"A-Ayamine!" Sakaki's lips quiver, not deciding what to say next, just opening and closing, hands briefly shaking at the lascivious scene she couldn't help but to imagine, at the kindling which brings red into her cheek.
"Sigh… Thanks for the intel, 2nd Lt Ayamine. Didn't knew you were such an adept scout."
"All in a day's work, chief," smiling small, she gives a lazy salute.
"Who knows? I might ask you to do intelligence for me one of these days."
"Would be my pleasure, sir. And don't be so tense," again hitting his shoulder lightly, Ayamine nods once more. "You got this, tiger," she then leaves a fist hanging in the air.
"…Sure hope I do," crashing one of his hands against Ayamine's, he chuckles along. "Thanks… for understanding."
Sakaki runs a hand onto her hair, before nodding towards him, "We'll keep things professional, Shirogane. You do not need to concern yourself with any altercations, because there will be none. Just… give us some minutes in the PX, okay? Some rounds of shogi, that's all."
He nods back, smiling again. "We agree on that, then. I won't say that nothing will change but, I won't forget all the help you've given me, and that… you reached out. You can count on me for anything you need. Except, uh, you know… love related stuff."
"We get it, it's fine. It… did help, talking this out with you," tapping her glasses, she raises a hand to return the lazy waving. "We'll be waiting at the PX. Don't leave us waiting, leader."
"I won't. See you later," Takeru then marches towards the barracks, hurrying up his steps.
Watching as he picks up speed, both women remain standing even after his figure had left their sights. Quickly catching up to the small steps Sakaki takes initially, both then go on their way to the pool in the lower levels of the base.
"…You know, never thought he'd actually admit to have noticed we like him," Ayamine says, scratching her head.
"Sigh…" tapping her glasses, she eyes her sideways. "Ayamine, why did you even try to suggest that you'd… well…"
"I wanted to test him. And it also felt really good, to feel his stare on me."
"Wh-What? Come on, be serious for once!"
"I am," returning the glare with a calm poker face, it brought pause to Sakaki. "I've been trying to get stuff out of my head lately, and it's been hard, you know? To keep up training, to just keep moving on day by day," she admits, thinking on those letters that don't stop coming, that are already becoming a babel tower raising to the ceiling. Swallowing a sigh, she looks up. "Shirogane has done much to help me keep my good spirits. It's not like I think about him all day… but to be perfectly honest," a hand presses an elbow into her side, a flicker tickles her legs and ears, "if he made a move on me, I… don't know if I have it in me to say no. But I don't want to do that to Mitsurugi, even if they break up. So, I dunno, I wanted to see what he'd do, to get this thorn out of me," she sighs, shrugging with a cracked gesture that does not resemble a smile at all.
"…Mitsurugi would murder you both if she learns of this."
"Heh, guess she would. But… That's also another good thing about this."
"Huh?" Lost at the smile, Sakaki draws a blank. "What are you talking about?"
"…Not wanting to lose to her, wanting to find my own niche, having him rely on me for what only I can do. And seeing the rookies look up to us, seeing our training bear fruit… It's not that bad, staying here in the UN," she tells as both hands reach for the back of her head, as she inhales deeply for a full second.
Steps slowing down, the mud that impeded her thoughts washed away, Sakaki sighs and nods. "Yeah… It's not bad at all."
"…And that's thanks to him. When we were all down in the dumps about the whole Alt… the whole change in authorities, with the Instructor leaving and all. And instead of enjoying his free time with Mitsurugi, Shirogane extended a hand to us. I found new goals for myself here, challenged by those crazy ideas of his. Even if he rejected me, I'm not… as broken up as I thought I'd be," running a hand into her hair, then tapping her lips, she couldn't help but to giggle. "…I don't think I could ever hate Shirogane, you know."
"…I guess that makes us two. Yeah, I'm dejected too, but above all other feelings I have, I still want to see him happy. As a thanks for having stood up for us when they tried to chain us down when we graduated, for having remained smiling during this year," she admits, a hand treading her hair over and over.
Short of air as she recalled the meetings with O'Connor, low threats and squinted glares, flares and slamming of hands upon tables. A plan to have Sakaki serve as a pawn at first, trying to play into the rather sour image she had of her father, only to gain animosity at her repeated refusal. Her steps slow down as she gulps tightly, feeling her throat close up as she remembered how the soldier spread in front of her, using his body as a shield as he defended not only her but the rest of the squadron, how he took the position of leader without hesitation. To shield them from the new authorities, who, for some reason unknown to the five women, found Takeru a more useful pawn than any of them. And how do her cheeks redden, bursting alive as a volcano just roused from slumber, as Sakaki's breathing picks up speed like a dragster as the few odd moments when he supported her ideas, when he had her standing besides him on official meetings, referring to her on equal terms with Mitsurugi, when he smiled at her, for her and only her. And how their combined efforts gave her the freedom to think, to have time to see the duties from a different position. To gain new goals in the UN, despite all that had happened.
Sighing, caressing her neck, Sakaki's gaze lost itself upwards as she bit her lips. "…Are we masochists or something?"
"Bitch, we might be," Ayamine chuckles, and Sakaki couldn't help but to mimic her.
"Really, why are we still rooting for the dense guy who didn't get a clue until the present exchange, and now rejected us both?"
"…Because he honestly cares about us?" Ayamine answers, honestly. Smiling much, arms joined behind her back, a pleasant tickling of feathers on her sides.
Sakaki could only nod, wrap both arms around her stomach to halt that similar quiver in her insides. "Yeah… You know, if only he had remained being a bit bratty it would make this all more bearable."
"Then, you'd have to write the reports for him."
"Ugh… I don't know which option would I dislike the most."
"Ha! At least we closed the door, once and for all."
"Yeah. If he didn't even hesitate now when we…" blushing, she shakes her head. "Well, in the end, it's all more experience to learn how to lead others properly," she concludes, drawing a circle in the air as they slowly descend the stairs.
"Maybe we should have made a move on him when we were sleeping together during training?"
"Sigh… Shut up, I'm still kicking myself for that."
"If only you hadn't been so much of a brat after the mock battle, maybe we could have shared Shirogane."
"Yeah, we- Wait, what?!"
"Heh, got you to say yes."
"Mmgh… You can be such an ass, really," folding her arms, she sighs as Ayamine chuckles. "But maybe we really should have made our move then. Ever since the Mt Tengen accident, Shirogane has only had eyes for Mitsurugi."
"…And even when we slept all together, he didn't do anything to us at night. Who would have thought Shirogane was such a gentleman?" she smiles, looking up.
"Well, that's true. He did turn out to be… a fine man…"
Choking a strand of hair, memories of the first night of the sleepover resurfaced. Of a broken tank top, of her knocking him out with a gun. Only to be followed by how she, accidentally according to her own justifications, had cuddled with him at a latter date. Static showers upon her arms as she rubs them over and over, in long and delayed strokes to pointlessly flatten her clothes. A small flash of a dream then assails her, an odd recollection of herself and Takeru visiting art galleries came to her mind. A most pleasant imagery which makes Sakaki smile as she rustles her lips, compacting her shoulders.
"That would have been nice. Visiting the Capital with him during vacation. Just the two of us, just me and you visiting art galleries, having a picnic, resting together while reading something…"
"Hmmm?" Ayamine peers closer, not liking the expression.
"Huh? W-What?" Sakaki takes a few steps back, stiff.
"…What a naughty girl you are, Sakaki-kun," so, she smiles. "So you did do something during the sleepover."
"W-What? Wait just a… It wasn't my fault!" He was the one who forced my hand, staring at me like that!
"Oh, why so red then? The lady does protest much, I think," she slices forward, smirking with a nod. "Maybe you got close and personal, mmh?"
The odd recollections invigorate, heartbeats clanging against her flesh. "Agaah. Just… It was an accident, nothing else. Just a brief glimpse as we were both half asleep," she asserts, having learned that honesty helped her manage the weight of the intrusive feelings.
"…Well, it's in the past, I guess," Ayamine relents, as she didn't want to be accused of how she, too, had cuddled with him during their training for that mock battle. "But, well, can't blame you for also looking at him like that. To this day, he's still constantly looking after us as he did during those days. Sigh… Hard to look past him when he keeps being like that." Hard to forget how he felt by my side, how warm he was between my arms when he keeps being such a warm and sweet bastard all the time.
"…At least we already got an answer. Let's just hope we can keep everything as it's been so far. We do have something nice built with the squad now."
"Do you have any plans in case Mitsurugi says no?" getting closer, getting serious, Ayamine asks. "Not saying she'd act any different but, you know, even if he's gotten tough, I don't think that's gonna be easy on him."
"Did you even see the fire in his eyes? I don't think we have to worry about that," so she shrugs.
"Well… I know I'd say yes in a heartbeat, but Mitsurugi has her own circumstances going on. I can understand why she's been so silent lately, and why she took a week of leave now of all times. And why Shirogane will do what he will." And he has my full support for having the balls to do it, "It is a big leap the one he's gonna jump."
"Well, that might be true but- Wait a second…" Puzzled by the choice of words, eyes widening for a moment, feet stopping cold, Sakaki shoots a glare at Ayamine. "When you say 'big leap'… you're not referring to, uh, you know…"
"Hm? Wait, you had told me you already knew?" narrowing her eyes in confusion, Ayamine asks. "Hadn't you eavesdropped on them talking about it before she left?"
"I did not do that! I was just going to hand him a report. And yeah, I heard then that Shirogane wanted to… make their relation official, right? To… well, to tell Mitsurugi's… relatives that they're together. It was just that, right? Announcing they're a couple, even if they never went through the traditions of the nobility to court each other and all that."
"…Oh, by the Holy Emperor. You didn't knew," chuckling, growing then into honest laughter as Sakaki remains befuddled, Ayamine leans for support on a wall, pounding it slowly as her knees and stomach waver and quiver upon the laughter which evolves to coughing. "Ahahaha… You didn't knew, holy shit!"
"W-What is it with you now?! What are you talking about?"
"Ahaha… Cough. Well, hehe, you see," she smirks as she approaches her squadmate, leaning on her shoulder. "This is just between you and me, since I don't think Shirogane wants this to be known, okay?"
"Okay, I won't say anything. What is it?"
"…I saw him as he picked up a delivery from the PX a few days ago. A small box."
"So?"
"So he opened the thing really secretively, to make sure the thing had arrived well and all, before signing the papers…"
"Get to the damn point! What was in the box?"
Covering her mouth with a hand, the whisper descends further. "…A silver ring."
Ayamine couldn't help but to start laughing like a madman once again, coughing as the air left her, seeing the reaction. Sakaki grows slack-jawed, face reddening into a red more radical than the Tank-Class, as both hands tightly grasp and dig at her face, as if trying to prevent her thoughts from leaking out. The floor spun on her, and the seasons might have shifted to full blown summer as she felt her everything flare up, in a tincture of emotions she could not name nor tame.
Understandable it is, both the shock and the concern that then follows. It is quite fair to affirm that such a course of action will place the soldier in quite the conundrum, to dare and ask for Mitsurugi's hand.