Disclaimer: I do not own Megami Kohousei, only my own strange musings about it.
Warnings: E/G shounen-ai hints. G/L hints.
Notes: I suggest you re-read chapter 5 again if your memory is really foggy. I make a brief reference to it. On a different note, Leena finally reappears (remember that cameo in chapter 2?).
Chapter 7 - Kindness
Many people didn't like 39, and not just because of his telepathy either. The boy was too withdrawn, too pale, too quiet…too strange. He didn't fight back when you insulted him, he didn't punch back if you kicked him. But somehow, when he looked at you with his blue eyes, cold as winter snow, you felt as if you were the one lying beaten on the ground.
Ernest didn't know he had that type of power.
But then again, the ones that did never knew his kindness either.
"G-Garu, you're choking me!"
"Oh, ah, sorry there, Ernest." Gareas released his unfortunate friend from his right arm chokehold, which was the Gareas version of a normal person's hug. He gave Ernest a little shake and dusted him off.
"Gareas, your reflexes actually seem to be improving!" A blond girl in a repair uniform walked up to them.
"Eh? Well of course. I am going to be a pilot after all," 37 sniffed, striking an exaggerated pose. He peered down with one emerald eye, and grinned, "I've also got the best repairer around."
"Ga~ru," Leena huffed, but there was a small smile on her face. It suddenly dropped. "But, really, you have to get your EX reactions under control. You had one during this session and the last. You'll get demerits if this keeps up."
Gareas waved her off, "Ah, whatever. I could have beaten that sorry excuse of a candidate team even without my EX acting up."
"Look, EX is precious and can run out. We need to save it for when you become a pilot, and when you will be handling a Goddess. It's not good to waste so much of it on practices. Anyway… if Ernest hadn't kept you from charging into an ambush, you wouldn't be so confident, Gareas Elidd!"
"Oh yeah?!"
"Yeah!"
"Oh yeah?!!"
"…Gareas…I'm not going to indulge you in a childish screaming duel."
"Well, erm, then fine! Yo, Ernest!"
Ernest was mortified. Somehow, two battling pairs of eyes had now turned their target radars on him.
"What do you think? With my instincts, I could have realized the situation soon or later on my own right?"
Leena rolled her eyes.
"W-Well, I, um…"
"Sir? There were some problems with the response time between each of your movements and the pro-ing's. I'd like to work out the realignments with you, if possible."
"Of course, Tune," Ernest smiled in relief at his savior. He knew perfectly well that there was nothing to be readjusted - Tune, she really was too kind.
"Hey, you're not getting out of this," an arm reached out to grip his wrist.
" I, uh…" Blue eyes tried to avoid green ones. Gareas remained mute for a total of three seconds. Ernest could hear the gears turning in 37's head. Gareas was frowning.
"Well then, thanks a lot Ernest!" The speed at which the smile and the lock hold returned was frightening.
"G-Garu…you're choking me again!"
"Oh, heheh, sorry."
"Ernest, you really are just too kind to such an idiot."
"Leena!" Gareas' head whipped around. Ernest was too busy gulping in much needed air to notice. That's when Ernest found all the curious eyes on him. He began to turn red.
"Um, Ernest-san…the realignments?" A voice piped up uncertainly.
With all the mayhem, a dozen candidates had formed a circle around their little group outside pro-ing training grounds. Gareas and Leena were still bickering. Tune was trying to cover her shock at discovering all the people around her, and providing an escape route for her partner. And Ernest? After a few more moments of embarrassment, he began to laugh. Leena began to laugh too. From the corner of his eye, Ernest caught Gareas surreptitiously admiring her smile.
"Maybe he's just hanging around you because he likes your blond hair and blue eyes."
39 didn't know why, but the laughter suddenly died in his throat.
"Ernest-san?"
"Oh, of course Tune. Please lead the way."
"Hey Ernest, I'll meet you at mess hall later, okay?!"
"Of course, Garu."
39 was kind enough to grace his friend with a smile as he left.
It was a little less bright than his usual ones.
The curious onlookers didn't know 39, so they didn't notice.
TBC…
Next chapter – Battle between 34 and 39!!
It's a nice long chapter folks, so please review!
Thanks to all readers and reviewers for their time.