04/21/2036; Valkyrie; 6:37p.m.
Sitting at the polished kitchen table, in the normal evening gathering for supper, Suzuha steadily shoveled in breaded chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans in several swirled combinations.
Maybe Ruka was secretly a chef before the war. Because she takes the standard stuff the facility provides, sprinkles motherly magic onto it, and turns it all into incredible, hearty meals. I haven't eaten this well for years.
Looking towards the middle aged woman as she eyed her daughter with a smile, she then looked to Kamiko as both of them held a brief low-volume conversation.
You two are almost exactly alike. Kamiko is how Ruka must have looked when she was younger. And Ruka is how she'll look when she's older.
Putting another scoop of chicken and potatoes into her mouth, she looked between both of them repeatedly.
Both of you are beautiful. Honestly. Okabe here must be one proud father.
Head turning to the man seated across from herself, she realized he was in the same state of admiration, listening to their spoken words.
...Yep. No wonder he's so protective. These two mean everything to him. He'd never leave them behind for any reason if they've made it this far already.
Tapping the handle of his fork against his half-empty glass of water, heads turned to him from the chime, and he set his utensil down, putting his hands together with an intersection of fingers.
"How was the training session?"
Trading looks, Kamiko's mouth opened as Suzuha smiled confidently.
"Productive."
"It went awesomely."
"Explain."
"Suzuha here was an unstoppable ball of energy."
"Oh yeah. Kickboxing, Judo, and that crazy obstacle course. Had a total blast."
Okabe slowly grinned.
"Is that so?"
"I've always been active. I would have visited that training room every day if I had known about it earlier."
"She revels in the muscle pain."
Flexing her legs with slight movement, Suzuha nodded.
"Better believe it. This body is ready for action."
"And action is what you will see. Tomorrow morning you will be briefed and meet your other team members. After supper you will gear up in the armory, and by nine in the evening, you will be heading back to the surface."
Processing the timeline in her mind, she shivered with a hint of anticipation and dread.
The surface. No longer safe and warm down here... I'll be ready for it. Can't hide under the ground forever.
"We understand, father."
"What became of your accuracy testing at the range?"
"We compared each other with the standard issue guns instead of our own."
"And...?"
"Did about the same, with hits and misses."
"And with your own weapons in comparison?"
"Far more accurate, but at different ranges."
"Right. It is easier to utilize tools you have spent lots of time with."
"Definitely."
"Personally I can't say much for my own accuracy ability."
"Why's that?"
His mouth moved in hesitation, and he turned slightly, eying Ruka as a cheeky smiled lifted her cheeks.
"He's been embarrassed for a few years now, since I've consistently grouped shots better than he does on the targets."
Suzuha blinked with surprise, entertained by the expression on the woman's face, her head propped upon her arm on the table.
Huh. Ruka is a better shot than Okabe...?
"Seriously?"
"Yes. Hououin Kyouma has never been too keen on firearm usage."
Saving face, Okabe nodded in admittance.
"Truth be told, I've never found a particular need for my own firearm, so my competence suffers as a result of unfamiliarity."
"I see."
Even as the badass leader of Valkyrie... He has no use for a gun. Weird. What would happen if he went out to the surface in person? Would he just surround himself with loads of soldiers?
Watching him resume eating, silence fell over the table's occupants, and Suzuha twisted a fork between her fingers.
Maybe that's why he stays down here. Keeping out of harm's way... Perhaps he fears being taken out if he goes on a mission personally, since he's not a great shot as it is. I guess there's no harm in staying alive if you're the key figure running an attempt at a nation's liberation. But then that means Kamiko, third in command here, is the one going out and about on missions. If she's the future leader of Valkyrie, why does she have to risk her life?
Peeking towards the young commander, she watched her head turn slightly, discreetly noticing Suzuha.
She probably takes pride in being out there. Representing the leadership guiding Japan towards freedom. I guess I take pride in being out there too. Raising hell and teaching SERN a lesson, one battle at a time. I can't say I've ever regretted fighting back. A while ago we agreed that there's an overall desire to defeat our oppressors. Even if it doesn't end in victory, it gives them something to think about, and something for the survivors to remember... Standing up against the stupid bastards that took over the whole planet. And yet, if I travel back in time and change all this... I'll be the only person to remember such a valiant struggle. But I'll also be the person that resurrected five billion people, and directed the future to a better timeline. Okabe must understand this, and that's why he's so adamant about this mission. But I don't even know if I can pull it off. I guess I'll just have to try anyway. I will be in a time machine after all... If things don't work out the first time, I could just fly back and do it over again.
Heart beating with a little more resolve, she speared several green beans, scooping more of the mashed potatoes, and putting it all into her mouth.
Hadn't really thought about that, honestly. If things go badly, I can just go back and try again. That makes me feel a little bit better about this mission.
Looking up towards Okabe again, realizing he was passively eying her, a hint of a smile graced both of their mouths.
Kyouma here jumped back through time a hundred times, and at least he saved his friend's life. If he can do that with a microwave, I can change the future with the real deal. Dad's prototype, FG204. That must be why he has so much confidence in me, besides just being his best friend's daughter. He knows the machine is capable, and he believes I'm capable of piloting it, and completing the objective.
Man. For barely knowing everyone here, they sure have a lot of faith in me. I feel lucky to even be alive after these past few years.
Standing by the table in Kamiko's quarters, inspecting the four large paper targets with dozens of holes strewn in a variety of groups and scattered hits, both teens stood with arms crossed.
"Obviously nobody has an advantage here."
"Its been a while since I last used either of those guns."
"I don't carry anything besides my rifle anyway."
"Then I'd say our accuracy is equal."
"Equally shaky."
Suzuha smiled from the word, looking to the commander.
"Next time we'll have to trade personal weapons."
"Then it'll be even worse."
"Yeah, probably."
Sliding the targets together into one stack, Kamiko's vision rose hesitantly upwards towards her friend's face.
"Kinda crazy that you'll only be here for another day."
"You're telling me. I'm still getting used to the constant warmth and pale grey everything."
"Its normal after a while. You're never too hot or cold... And we at least have that paint program, so my room can be colorful whenever."
"Yeah, true."
"But yes, sometimes this place can get a little monotonous. Not much tends to change around here."
"Not until stuff happens and you have visitors."
"Like you."
She shrugged.
"Yeah."
"You've probably been the best surprise we've had around here... Once we realized how important you are."
"I suppose. It was by chance that I even ended up here in the first place. But now that I'm here, I already have to move on again. I hoped I would be able to stay longer but... I guess that's not what I'm destined for."
Kamiko's head sank.
"I wish you could stay, Suzu. I really do."
"I know."
Suzuha put her hands in the pockets of her pants, and for a moment, both of them stood in silence.
"Hey."
Eyes meeting, she offered a smile.
"How about we wander around again. I enjoyed all the exploring last time... And that way we won't be sitting in here waiting for the hours to pass."
Nodding, Kamiko exhaled, heart aching.
"Yes. Let's do that. I know a few more places we can see."
"Awesome. Lets go find them."
Turning towards the door, Suzuha took the lead, and Kamiko followed in tandem into the hallway, entering the kitchen after only a few paces.
"Heading out?"
Pausing by the main entrance, both teens looked towards Ruka as she leaned against the counter, telephone in hand.
"Yeah. Gonna wander around for a while."
Watching her daughter nod with a weak smile, Ruka maintained eye contact with Kamiko for several seconds, reading her emotion-laden expression perfectly.
My dearest child. I know your heart hurts, with your friend's disappearance looming. Be strong, and whatever you do, do not hold back your feelings.
Offering a sympathetic smile, she watched as both girls disappeared through the door, hearing a faint dial tone emitting from the phone in her hand.
You won't regret telling Suzuha how much you value her companionship. And believe me, if she wasn't destined to leave our world forever...
Eyes closing, her head sank in an unexpected blush of emotion.
You would finally understand the level of love I held for the one I admired the most... And you two would be absolutely beautiful together.
04/21/2036; Valkyrie; 9:03p.m.
Rising upwards through a shaft in one of the many elevators in the facility, several eyes followed a single light as it progressively rose up along a panel of buttons, finally reaching one labelled 'Main'. Waiting as the doors noisily slide open, several staff members exited with specific destinations in mind, leaving Kamiko and Suzuha on their own, stepping out of the elevator car and peering down the hallway around them in opposite directions.
"That way."
Heading to the left, hands slipped into pockets, and both teens remained quiet for several paces, turning into another hallway branching off to the right moments later.
"Suzu."
Eyebrow rising, her head turned to her friend, who kept looking straight ahead, mind working through several thoughts.
You know, you're the only person to ever call me that...
"If somehow, you aren't able to complete your objective... Would it be too far out of consideration for you to return to our time?"
Blinking from the question, she pressed her lips together, eyes lowering to the floor passing underneath them.
"I've thought about it."
"You have?"
"I mean, if things don't change, and we don't reach that divergent percentage your dad talked about... I guess if changing the past is hopeless, I could return here."
"Are you sure?"
"I mean, I grew up into this world. Everything sucks, but this world is all I know. That's mainly what scares me about going back in time. The past is going to be completely different."
"At least you won't be wandering around in the aftermath of a war."
"Yeah. But at least I know I can make a difference here. I'd just have to find my way back into Valkyrie... If your parents will let me back in."
"Of course we'd bring you back in. Dad said our objective doesn't change unless you change the past. So if you don't, and its still the same here, we'll still be fighting the same battle."
"Then in that case, I'd gladly rejoin the cause. That would mean I'll have failed my mission... But I'd make it up to your parents somehow."
"It's alright. They'd understand if you at least tried. You wouldn't be the first person that's attempted to prevent this future."
"I know. But your dad has you and your mom. That's part of why he gave up and accepted things as they are. You all are a loving family that's still together... I don't have anybody left."
Drawing to a halt, Kamiko sighed sadly.
"Oh, Suzu, don't you feel that way. We all care about you here. Mom and dad brought you in because they remembered you from when we were all younger. They care about you too."
"I know they do. But they still want me to go through with this mission. I'll just disappear again into the lonely world out there, but this time it'll be years in the past. Unless I find your dad or someone, there's no guarantee I'll find anybody to help... And its frightening. This whole mission is so important, but there won't be anything familiar I can fall back on. I have no idea if I'll actually get anywhere or do anything right."
"No matter what happens, Suzuha... I believe in you. You've made it through everything this world has thrown at you. Don't fool yourself into thinking you can't do this when we both know you are more than capable."
Shivering with bashful pride from the commander's words, a smile forced itself through, lifting the corners of her mouth as she looked away.
"Thank you."
"Of course. As much as I wish you didn't have to leave... I know that this mission is important, especially if it changes everything around us and prevents the war. And now I understand why you're the perfect person for the task."
Looking back, Suzuha watched as her friend's hands came together in front of herself.
"Kamiko."
"Yes?"
"If I can't change the past somehow, I promise I'll return to this future and try to find you."
Vision rising to her curly, dark hair, and then meeting her eyes, the girl nodded in agreement.
"That would be wonderful. I mean..."
"I know what you mean. Don't worry. We'll just see what happens, alright?"
After a heavy-hearted exhale, she stepped over, wrapping her arms around Suzuha and drawing her into an unexpected embrace.
"Alright."
At first surprised, her arms curled around her friend's body in response, with one palm slowly drifting between her shoulder blades, chins resting delicately on opposite shoulders.
She's taking this pretty hard... I am her only friend, and I guess she's my only friend around here. Everyone else I've ever known when I was younger, and some of the other soldiers in the JSDF... I don't know where any of them are now, if they're even alive.
Standing still, realizing secret comfort in her friend's affection, she allowed Kamiko to remain, releasing a silent, sympathetic sigh from her lungs.
I must mean more to her than I thought. We've only known each other for about a week but we hit it off right away. I've never befriended anyone so easily, especially somebody so important to everything that's going on here in Japan... Not that it matters all that much. On the inside, she's just a young woman like me, hardened by this difficult future we grew up into. We've got a lot of similarities, and it turns out our parents used to all be close friends. Maybe that's why we get along so well. I don't remember meeting you in my early childhood... But I really wouldn't be surprised if we did. That would explain some of the familiarity after eighteen years. Some kind of distant connection.
Heartbeat spiking, Suzuha's eyebrows furrowed from the possibility.
You're right, Kamiko. There must be a whole lot more going on here than you and I know about. If only I was able to stick around and unravel the mysteries... Then we could put our heads together and start making sense of this world we're living in. But then again, if I alter the past and redirect the future... None of this will even matter anyway.
Waiting patiently as she released herself from their embrace, a swirl of emotion filled the void left as she stepped aside.
Man. I have no idea what I'm about to unleash once I go through with this. This must be how Okabe felt with that microwave years ago. You can't even begin to imagine what could change... You just hope that all the important things are still the same.
Eyes meeting again, Suzuha's heart throbbed heavily.
And you, my only friend... You won't even be born yet back in twenty-twelve. So I won't even have that. I won't have anything but an objective, a time machine, and if I can find him in the past... Okabe himself.
A lengthy breath left her nose, and her hands slipped into their pockets as they resumed walking down the concrete corridor again.
I really don't know how to feel about all this. There's so much to take in, and so much I'll be leaving behind... I don't know what's going to happen. I just hope that everything works out in the end, and that I'm not wasting everyone's effort, just cause I can't figure out how to change the future by altering the past... Even though I have no idea how the hell I'm going to do that in the first place.
04/22/2036; Valkyrie Intelligence Room; 8:41a.m.
Watching a hand drag across the holographic wireframe map several times, Suzuha stood, restraining a yawn with a momentary shudder.
Didn't get to sleep through this meeting.
With two taps on different marks on the map, a yellow line appeared between them, routing through several surface streets and a length of the elevated Shuto Expressway.
"...Given the sparse presence of patrols as it is, movement under the cover of night should proceed fairly quickly."
"Sir, any internal combustion vehicles will surely give away the team's position."
"Then they'll utilize one of the electric personnel carriers."
"Understood, however I must state that the-."
"I am already aware of the value of the vehicle. I need all of you present to understand the value of Miss Amane's survival and delivery to the objective."
Watching numerous eyes pan from the glow of Okabe's face to Suzuha, she looked around at the various individuals standing around the digital table.
Last time I came in here, I was an unknown stranger to everybody. Now I'm the most crucial element of a mysterious high priority mission, and only three people here even know why I'm the chosen one for this task.
"You've already been briefed on the implications of her mission's success... A future completely devoid of this ongoing struggle. She alone will be the one utilizing the machine. I simply need a team capable of escorting her to it, and returning with minimal losses incurred. That is why I have personally chosen every one of you for this task."
"Kyouma, sir, in the event that the mission is a failure, what contingency actions do we take?"
"We continue operations as intended. Valkyrie's ultimate objective will not change unless the future in its entirety does."
Looking around the table at the four other male and female soldiers, with Ruka and Kamiko also standing present, Okabe was met with several nods.
"Transportation will be readied by nine in the evening, and I expect all members of this assignment to be fully equipped and ready for departure by ten o'clock. Dusk will already be on its way out by the time the team reaches the surface."
Looking to Kamiko beside her, Suzuha's heart beat steadily with anticipation.
Ten at night... I was honestly expecting this to happen in the day. Or the afternoon. Guess it makes sense to move under the cover of darkness. I typically avoid fighting at night but... I'm not the one orchestrating this mission. Okabe has to know what he's doing.
"We have one shot at this, and I cannot stress enough the importance of Suzuha's survival. Do not be reckless, but understand her life is of great priority. She is a capable fighter with military training, and has survived numerous encounters with the enemy, so thankfully she is not helpless."
Panning around at the four different faces scrutinizing her, Suzuha eyed them one by one, met with varying nods.
Thankfully... Alright, Okabe. I'm a teenage ex-military ass-kicking survivalist. I can hold my own out there, especially with a squad and a competent commander by my side. But now I wonder... What kind of combat have these four seen? They're all adults. Kamiko and I are barely there. Still in our late teens. We probably look like children still. But that will change once we get out there in the thick of it. I almost can't wait to see how she is out in combat. Not that I wish for her to be shot at... But she's probably ten times as badass when the need arises.
A slight shiver ran along her backside.
Man. Now that I'm heading towards my first actual assignment with Valkyrie, I'm feeling a rush. I don't want to leave this world behind, but I've been wanting a purpose ever since I've gotten here. Now its coming straight at me like a freight train. I'm getting a lot more than I asked for. But I'll handle it and we'll see how this all goes... See if I can actually fight my way to a time machine, fly it into the past, and mess with the flow of time.
Peering down at the corner of the map, 'Yokohama' appeared in her vision, and a calm breath exited her nose.
Pretty wild. A week ago I was wandering around on my own down there. Not sure of where I would end up, or how long I would last. But now... I've got the resources of Valkyrie and its people at my disposal. I just have to do my part of this mission, once they all do theirs by escorting me to FG204 in one piece.
04/22/2036; Valkyrie Training Center; 14:27p.m.
Dragging her fingers up through a head of sweat-soaked hair, pulling her ponytail aside with a flick of her finger, Suzuha lowered down, settling into a position to launch.
Every day. I'd be tearing this place up every day if I was to live here. I wish somebody had told me all of this existed when I first arrived.
Rising onto her toes, wearing high-grip split-toe shoes, she arched upwards, coiling with energy as a digital timer counted down ten seconds.
That guy's already a quarter of the way through the course ... Three, two, one...
Blasting forwards, rising upright into a full speed sprint, she grinned with glee as her lungs brought in great steady breaths of oxygen, and she darted between several walls and around several corners, vaulting over a low bar with her arms keeping her aloft in the air for a spare few seconds. Soaring over a shallow pit, she then tucked down and rolled underneath a padded steel beam, rising to her feet and resuming a rapid pace forwards through the obstacle course.
Too bad its not the end of the month. Or whenever they change this place around. This would be nuts if it was different on each of the two days I've been here.
Hopping up onto progressively taller platforms, only for them to end in a ten foot drop to a flat landing zone, she held her breath.
Tuck and roll. Tuck and shoulder roll, uhh...
Feeling her feet plant firmly on the edge of the last platform, she dove forwards, bracing for the impact and curling down into a ball from the dive towards the floor. Landing squarely onto her shoulders, her arms came out as she somersaulted forwards, rising upright onto her toes with a push upwards, but suddenly finding herself losing balance and sprawling out flat onto her chest with a momentary slide along the padded fabric.
Wow, shit. That failed.
Thrusting her body upwards onto her feet, she leaned forward in rapid acceleration, regaining her swift pace through the course.
Never did master that diving roll move. Bending your knees works too when you're coming down from decent heights.
Hustling towards a pad standing vertically against the wall, she turned alongside it at a shallow angle, jumping upwards towards it, and planting two quick steps into it before launching in the opposite direction onto an elevated pad, only to approach a large rounded cylinder with a pole mounted onto it. Leaping towards it, her fingers grabbed hold, and she swung around in an arc, releasing grip and managing a controlled landing, resuming speed and dragging her hand alongside a corner in an opposite turn.
Running on walls. That'd be awesome to master... And hard with a bunch of gear and guns. I'll have to practice it sometime. Maybe when I go back in time or something. I bet whatever city I end up in will have plenty of places to get all acrobatic. That'd be something different.
04/22/2036; Valkyrie; 17:15p.m.
Sitting on Kamiko's bed after a recent shower, legs crossed and dressed in a black T-shirt and mesh shorts, Suzuha's fingers steadily twisted thick strands of her hair into the second of two braids.
Been a little while since we've done the ol' battle braids, huh? Sure was nice to let you hang loose for a while. Sadly combat is not kind to loose hair... And I'm not going to sacrifice any of this hard earned length any time soon.
Eyes lowering to the hair ties around her wrists, her vision then sank lower to her folded legs.
Sure is nice that they provide new clothing here. This stretch fit stuff is damn comfy too. I need to find a pair of those split-toe shoes like they had at the training center... Those could be massively useful for whatever happens in the past.
A single footstep registered in her hearing, and her fingers drew to a halt, gripping the unfinished braid tightly as she slowly turned her head towards the sound.
Standing near the door, Kamiko stood with her hands together, but as soon as their eyes met, she turned her head bashfully, looking on as she quietly entered the room.
"Hey."
"Mom is preparing food for you and I... Supper, and rations for later on."
"That's good news. I'm going to miss her cooking for sure."
Head sinking towards the floor for a moment, Kamiko silently inhaled, looking towards her friend and watching as she patiently wound her hair around in a twisting pattern with familiar determined focus.
"Ever do your hair up in anything like this?"
"Not really. I keep it short and its always been a little curly... I just let it fall as it does."
Tilting her head slightly, eying the commander's dark locks of hair resting in wavy groups, a hint of a smile graced her lips for a moment.
"Well it looks wonderful no matter what. You and Ruka both do it well."
Turning her head in a mild blush, Kamiko stepped over towards her nightstand next to the bed.
"Thank you."
Pulling open a drawer and distractedly perusing through the contents within, her heart beat with unexpected pride.
Never been told that before...
"Kamiko."
Head rising, she blinked, hearing the snap of an elastic hair tie behind.
"Yes?"
"Can you help me with something?"
Turning around, she noticed Suzuha's hands were holding both completed braids behind her head.
"...I just need to get these to stay together back there. Kinda hard to see the back of my own head."
"Of course."
Sitting on the bed and positioning herself behind Suzuha, her hands delicately gripped the braids, and she ran her thumb along the twists of hair in a secret moment of admiration.
"Do you have another hair tie?"
"Two. Here."
Pulling them off her opposite wrist, she offered them back to her friend, and her hands rested idle upon her lap as Kamiko paired the braids together, twisting both of them together into a single pair, and then slipping each hair tie on individually. After several minor adjustments, heart beating, Kamiko sat back, and Suzuha's head turned, smiling as both braids hung below her ears, suspended above her shoulders by the knot behind.
"Perfect. I would never have gotten that done by myself."
"You're welcome, Suzu."
After a moment of silence, Kamiko's hand rose, and she touched the opposite braid, studying the tight twists.
"Did you learn to do this yourself?"
"My mom taught me how to braid them. Normally I just have two hanging on their own. But when I was in the JSDF, I either had to get my hair cut, or keep it up and out of the way. So I learned to do this, but I can't do it too easily without another person tying them together in the back."
"Does it hold up?"
"In combat?"
"Yes."
"Stays out of the way. I can wear a helmet no problem and they don't block my hearing or my eyes... So yeah."
"I'm not normally in the heat of battle too often... So mine just tends to stay the same."
"At least your hair is shorter. I have to move all of this out of the way."
"Well, when you're not in combat, you can let it be free. It was lovely when you had it loose these past couple of days."
Sitting still, Suzuha's eyes shut, discreetly enjoying the gentle touches of her friend's fingers on her hair.
"That only happens when I know I won't have to suddenly relocate somewhere... And I have water around."
"So, not too often?"
"Pretty much."
"That's a shame."
"Its not as if I'm trying to impress anybody out there anyway."
Another hidden blush warmed Kamiko's neck.
"I suppose."
Pulling the tail of the braids through her thumb and index finger in a gentle slide, her palm opened, and with a flutter of excitement and hesitance, she rested her hand onto Suzuha's shoulder, waiting for an adverse reaction, but then realizing after several seconds that there wasn't going to be one.
Heart aching sharply, her thumb drifted along the soft skin of her friend's neck, and she closed her eyes, spiraling helplessly through a medley of emotion.
Oh, Suzu. If only you didn't have to leave...
04/22/2036; Valkyrie Armory; 9:34p.m.
Suited up in a darkly camouflaged shirt and pants, with a utility belt around her waist and a shoulder-supported set of pouches across her chest, Suzuha adjusted several straps to a comfortable, secure fit, her body laden with the weight of half a dozen bullet-filled straight magazines for the PM-9, which sat on a nearby crate.
Nobody told me they have spares for my gun here. I love that drum magazine but I can't carry six of those around... Even though that would be awesome.
Turning slightly, she looked down to the combat boots on her feet as she stepped to the side, smiling from the comfort of a proper fit.
Gonna keep these no matter what happens. Not a lot beats a good pair of shoes on your feet.
Her vision rose along the floor, discovering Kamiko standing nearby, who she realized was inspecting her from head to toe, already dressed in her own battle attire. Eyes meeting, a weak smile did little to hide the reluctance visible in her expression.
"You look ready."
"I am. Suiting up goes a lot quicker when you've done it a few dozen times."
"I bet. I'm just glad to have stuff that's in good shape and adjustable."
"More of those luxuries we have here?"
An unexpected giggle left her lungs from Kamiko's remark.
"Yeah. Everything I had when I fled the military wore out or got broken. Had to keep finding new stuff."
Stepping over beside Suzuha, she lifted a pair of fingerless gloves from the seat, inspecting them before presenting them to her friend.
"Sounds bothersome."
"It is. Typically you have to take them from somebody else."
Slipping on the gloves and curling her fingers, she ran her thumb along her exposed fingertips, and for a few moments, silence lingered between the girls as they distractedly checked their gear.
Peeking to Kamiko as a pained breath left her lungs, she watched the commander patiently as her hands came together, fingers intersecting with delicacy.
"I know I've already said it, but... I really wish you didn't have to leave us forever."
Eyes closing, Suzuha released a quiet sigh.
"I know."
"You're the best friend I've ever had. You understand everything like I do."
Peeking open again, her eyes were met with Kamiko's downcast expression.
"Hey... It'll be alright, you know. I won't be your only friend in this place."
"I know. But you're probably the first person I've ever really been myself around."
"You just need to loosen up a little. I know you're supposed to be professional, but you're fun to be around too. Let other people see a lighter side of yourself."
"I'll try. Maybe I'll have to invite them to play games or draw like we did. Definitely had fun doing all that."
"Absolutely. That big touch screen was awesome. They probably won't have anything like that in the year I'm going to."
"Well, don't forget that in that time, the war hasn't even happened. You're lucky you get to go back to a time of peace."
She tilted her head in a shrug.
"Maybe. I have no idea what I'll be getting into though. Sure it won't be as tough as surviving out in Yokohama... But its still scary to think about."
"I can't imagine normal, peaceful civilization being worse than this world."
"Probably not. But I'll be way out of touch. Twenty six years is a long time to rewind to."
"A long time apart for friends too."
She looked out into the distance of the armory, watching several soldiers walk by.
"You'll still be my friend, Kamiko. Even after I go back in time."
Listening through the following pause, she exhaled, eyes lowering along the floor in front of herself.
Her first friend, and I'm about to leave her behind. Rough deal.
"Suzu..."
Turning her head from the distractingly soft whisper of her name, a shuffle of clothing and gear followed, and her eyes flew open as a hand rested against her cheek. With zero time to breath, speak or react in any manner, Kamiko pressed her lips against hers, beginning a tender, unfamiliar moment as they both remained still, unsure how to act.
Eyelids sinking shut, breath seeped from their touching noses, and after a patient and curious duration, she drew away, and Suzuha peeked at her, brow quirked with genuine surprise.
"I, uhh..."
That just happened.
Watching Kamiko blush bright red and back away a step, she followed her retreat with interest as she bashfully turned away.
"...Forgive me. I had to know."
Bosom tingling from the unexpected experience, a light laugh left Suzuha's lungs.
Wow. So, my first kiss, was with a girl... Must have been her first too. Crazy.
"You're alright. That was just..."
"Unexpected?"
"A little, yeah."
"I apologize."
"No worries."
Touching her hand to the back of her neck, Suzuha watched Kamiko patiently as she looked to her, and hints of emotion brought small smiles of elation to their faces.
You had to know what it was like to kiss your only friend... Should I feel honored? Cause I'm kinda confused, but maybe everyone's first kiss is confusing. How wild. Now that this has happened... The road ahead is going to be interesting. I guess Kamiko likes me. But we've been friends for barely a week. Was that some way of saying thanks? A farewell maybe? Sure gives an interesting message to the recipient. She did have soft lips though...
Rolling her eyes with a slight blush of her own, a breath left her nose.
Listen to yourself. You don't even know how to react to that. I bet she doesn't either. She must like me... Enough to steal a kiss. That was pretty bold for someone so quiet and reserved. Sure was quick though... I've never kissed anybody before now. I know she's only been my friend for a couple days, but I am leaving this place, possibly forever, in a couple hours.
Bashful elation arose inside her chest as Kamiko turned aside, fruitlessly attempting to adjust several straps on her gear.
God. I'm... I feel like I'd be totally fine with her kissing me again. Something about it is exciting and crazy... It feels weird. A good kind of weird. I don't even know how to describe how funny I feel right now. We're friends, and both girls. I think I'm just feeling funny because my first kiss was with a cute girl, when I half expected it would be a boy someday. Maybe. Doesn't really matter I guess. I doubt anybody really cares around here. There's more important stuff to get worked up over than two friends kissing. Maybe I should kiss her back. But she's the one acting on hidden feelings... I bet her mind is racing. Everybody probably feels goofy like this when they kiss someone they like for the first time.
Head sinking in a turn, her heart grew unexpectedly heavy.
Man. It is too bad I'll be leaving. We'll both be losing our best friend... And she'll lose the first person she's ever been attached to. I hope you forgive me, Kamiko. I wish I wasn't being forced to break your heart twice, just to save the future.