05/27/2036; Valkyrie Infirmary; Intensive Care Unit 02; 15:37p.m.
Sitting in a steel chair beside the patient's bed, Okabe patiently observed the teenage soldier's peaceful slumber, healing alone after the fervent labors of medical staff tending to her wounds. An oxygen mask provided a consistent exchange of breath, filtering in and out of her lungs with gentle rises of her chest, and medical fluids steadily trickled into her body through several intravenous entrances, tucked among numerous bandages unseen beneath the blanket covering her.
Do not worry, dearest Suzuha. You've done your part, risking your life against nearly impossible odds... Now we will take care of you.
Hand rising to the goatee on his chin, he crossed his arm, supporting his elbow.
Amazing, truly. Not only piloting FG204 back and forth through time successfully, but to return here... Retracing the overland route to the Gate with no supplies or transportation. Suffering from several wounds all the while, and still pressing on. This is the tenacity and drive you've consistently shown me. Regardless of who you happen to be at the differing times we've met... You've always renewed my respect, one way or another.
Closing his eyes, Okabe sat still.
Regrettably, it is this motivation that's earned you the wounds you're healing from. Determination to honor your father wishes, as well as those of Ruka and I... Even so, none of us can blame you for failure. Not with knowing how hard you've tried.
Picturing the cylindrical time machine in his memory, his heart stirred.
We had no idea if changing the future was possible by this point, even knowing FG204 remains in our presence, still quite functional... Perhaps we should bring it back here into Valkyrie for safe keeping. Its astonishing by this point that it hasn't been discovered or destroyed. I suppose with the victory at Shizuoka two weeks ago, there is little attention paid to the greater Tokyo area... Which explains the nearly non-existent patrols you encountered on your voyage back here.
Eyes opening, noticing Suzuha's head had turned on her pillow, a hint of a smile curled onto his cheek.
Yes, miss Amane, a fair amount has happened here in Japan in the month you accidentally skipped over. We'll be certain to brief you on things once you are able and cognizant. Perhaps I'll leave it to my commander to update you on the situation... Considering you both are on quite friendly terms. I'm sure it won't take long for you both to discuss your separate adventures.
Rising to his feet, maintaining his ongoing silence, Okabe turned and walked to the nearby door. Pulling it open with a faintly audible click of a latch, he paused to look at Suzuha once more.
In the meantime, rest and reflect, my old friend. You've experienced some of the dangerously unpredictable aspects of time travel... And now you shall understand why I've long since given up on it.
Tuesday, May 1st, 2012; Beijing, China; 4:03p.m.
Leaning back against a wall, staring at several lifeless bodies strewn along the blood-splattered floor of a hallway, Suzuha tremored uncontrollably, hand pressed firmly against the side of her stomach as blood slowly seeped from between her bare fingers.
I've been hit... One of these guys actually shot me. Just like Tokyo, but instead of my leg... My gut. Whatever is right here. I don't even know what might have a chunk of lead in it right now... Dammit this hurts! And its just bleeding through my fingers... I need to slow this down somehow or I'm going to be in a bad way real soon.
Shoving her fingerless glove into a pocket of her camouflaged pants, she stumbled into movement, limping from an already injured leg. Watching the PM-9 machine-pistol bounce against her bosom awkwardly, her free hand pulled the weapon to the side, and then lifted her bloodied shirt up slightly, daring herself to look at the wound.
Swallowing, her feet drew to a halt as her eyes sank downward, and her blood-soaked hand pulled away, revealing not only an entry wound, but also an exit a spare few inches apart. Mouth drawing open with silent horror, she watched both holes in her skin produce slow trickles of blood, staring with morbid fascination.
Ohhh myyy... It went clean through. That's better than... No it isn't. Ohh god this is... This... There isn't a bullet poisoning my insides but...
Shakily pressing her fingers over each wound individually, she gasped, hand drawing away from the viciously sharp pain rippling along the side of her stomach.
This is bad. I need to stop this... I don't even know where...
Continuing her forward hobble down the hallway, a desperate search for first aid began as her eyes hungrily searched for signs of a restroom.
I could be dying and might not even know it. I'm bleeding out from being shot, my leg... Nnngh, is wrecked and I don't even know what's wrong with it, and I don't know where the hell I'm going to find bandages or anything!
Heavy, shaky breath pulled deeply into her lungs as several signals of excruciating pain wracked her mind over and over.
God I hope this is mission worth it... Changing the future. Hopefully I haven't ruined everything by killing people that are trying to kill me.
Awakening from a slumber of unknown length, her blurry vision readjusted to the dim concrete and steel surroundings, and with a momentary rise of her head, breath left Suzuha's nose as the same bed and medical apparatus met her eyes. Arms weakly propping herself upright from behind, she looked over towards the nearby door, only to realize a woman was seated nearby, lowering a book with pleasant surprise. Eying the individual, she rose to her feet, and after a moment of clarity as she drew closer, Suzuha blinked with surprise.
"Misses... Urrr... Ruka?"
"Yes, my dear."
Watching her hand descend to her face, the velvet touch of a mother's fingers brushed her cheek, sending a tingle of memory through her skin.
"Welcome home."
Hearing her familiar gentle speech and unexpectedly straightforward greeting, Suzuha's eyes fluttered shut, allowing several tears to pool and drift from her eyes.
"Thank you."
"Its the least we could do. You were prepared to give up everything for the sake of the world."
"But I failed you guys."
"Nonsense. Your assignment was a shot in the dark with slim probability of success. The fact that you returned alive... On foot..."
Suzuha's heart beat slow and heavy, vision reopening to Ruka as she shook her head.
"Miraculous."
"I guess."
"Suzuha... We owe you for risking your life on our improbable wish."
"As long as you guys don't mind that I wasn't able to change the future... I promise I won't be -."
"Suzuha."
Speech halting, her mouth slowly drew closed from the unexpected seriousness in Ruka's voice.
"We all told you, before you left... If you could not complete your mission, to find a way back to Valkyrie. Back to us."
"I know. I know you all told me. And I tried, even knowing so."
Watching as she reached up, brushing her fingers through her brunette hair spread around her shoulders, a soft whimper exited the teen's lungs from the comforting sensation.
"Yes. You tried valiantly. What matters now is that you returned, alive."
"Are you sure? Even with everything that was at stake?"
Her fingers gingerly drifted to the side of Suzuha's face, brushing hair behind her ear.
"I'm sure. Regaining a family friend we haven't seen for years brought great happiness and hope. Having to let you go, after only a week of your return, was very hard for all of us."
"It... Was?"
"Very much so. Your mother and father were among our greatest friends, and you're the last vestige of both of them... Why else do you think we hoped for your return?"
Suzuha's head sank, and a fresh round of tears pooled on her eyelids and coursed down her cheeks.
"If you guys knew this... Why did you send me away?"
"Because we believe in you. Your father wished for you to put his work to the test... And achieve what he and Okabe couldn't."
"But I didn't achieve it. I didn't change the future or save the world... I didn't achieve anything."
"You made it back here. Back to Valkyrie. Please, Suzuha, I promise we aren't upset with you. We're grateful for your return. Please believe me when I say so."
Vision rising back to Ruka, worry visible in her expression, the teen's lungs shakily emptied.
"I believe you... And I thank you for letting me back in. I'm sorry... I've just been through a lot. I don't mean to upset you."
Her thumb drifted back across her cheekbone, palm curling around the teen's chin.
"Don't you worry, miss Amane."
Watching her arm retreat, the dull haze of medicine cleared away as a different thought bloomed into vocalization.
"Ruka."
"Yes?"
"Kamiko... Is she here?"
A smile lifted the woman's features from hearing her daughter's name.
"She's on assignment, but she should be back tomorrow."
"Will I be able to see her?"
"Of course. Right now she's unaware of your return... But I'm sure she'll be beside herself when you two meet again."
Face reddening in a blush, Suzuha slowly nodded.
"Probably."
"Anyway, I'll let you rest now."
Turning towards the door, and twisting the handle downward, brighter light flooded in from the hallway outside.
"I'll see you again soon, Suzuha."
"Alright. Thank you."
Waiting as Ruka's silhouette disappeared around the door, Suzuha then lowered herself back down onto the bed, and a murmur drifted from her throat as she closed her eyes.
Kamiko comes back tomorrow... And I don't even know when I'm getting out of here. Haven't been hurting very much lately. Guess I'll see her whenever.
Shifting beneath the blanket, feeling the adhesive cloth of numerous bandages still wrapped around her skin, her lips parted in a sigh.
Gonna be crazy, seeing her again. She probably thinks I'm gone forever. I wonder how she'll react when I just suddenly appear in front of her.
05/30/2036; Valkyrie; 18:17p.m.
Seated at a polished steel table, Suzuha brought spoonfuls of broth and vegetables to her mouth, lazily following the changing meander of edible objects in the bowl in front of herself.
Finally out of that hospital bed, and on my feet again... Barely. Whatever. Right now I've got a nice hot bowl of soup in front of me, and that's pretty much all that matters.
Looking at her smooth and healed forearms, and then down at her black T-shirt, her free hand sank down, slipping underneath the cloth. With a moment's hesitation, her fingers touched her side, gently prodding the bandage wrapped around her stomach that covered a healing bullet wound.
Alright. Not too bad. Everything's doing better... After four days in intensive care. Pretty sure I slept through two of them. I remember Okabe bringing me in, and then the oxygen, and after the morphine... Just fuzz. Nothing besides Okabe and Ruka seeing me towards the end. Pretty generous of them, though. Welcoming me back in and treating me. I was in pretty bad shape... And now I'm doing a lot better. Even my leg has nothing to say as long as I keep the morphine patches going.
Another breath left her nose after a swallow.
If anything, I'm glad just to be mobile again. Being stuck in one room with nothing to do got terribly boring towards the end. I don't even know how long it will be until I return to any kind of active duty... But at least I'm safe and sound, and have food. And a home, I guess. Now that I think about it, the only thing missing is -
Head rising as the door in front of her was pushed open, curly dark hair and the slender figure of a teenage woman filled her vision. Then, as their eyes met, recognition clicked, and her eyes widened as a name automatically rolled off her tongue.
"...Kamiko."
Watching the girl halt instantly, both of them blinking with genuine surprise, her mouth drew open with visible disbelief.
"...Suzu?"
Tingling unexpectedly from the nickname, she hummed, setting her spoon down.
"Hey."
Breath quickening, the dark haired teen stepped inside, closing the door and taking apprehensive steps towards the table. Awaiting her approach with utmost patience, Suzuha beamed as their vision remained locked together.
"Yes, I'm real, silly."
Reaching her hand out, her motion was matched shakily, hands clasping together with fingers curling delicately around their palms.
"Suzuha."
Finally confirming they were both truly, physically real, a surge of emotion erupted inside both teens, forcing a sob out of Kamiko's throat and a single laugh from Suzuha's. Then, after fruitlessly attempting to save face, both teens began weeping openly, and their free arms outstretched, hands meeting and fingers pushing between each other.
Remaining still as tears fell, hearts burned in an inferno as best friends reveled in a moment of impossible re-connection.
"I can't believe... You're here. How... And when?"
"Its been a few days. I wasn't able to change the future... So I came back like you guys said, and I found my way back here."
Sniffling, Kamiko's arms shifted as she wiped her eyes with her upper arms one at a time.
"I didn't think you actually would... But you're back, and you're still alive."
"Yeah. You are too."
"Haven't seen much combat since you've been... Gone."
"Well I'm glad. I got my ass handed to me after going back in time. Was covered in bandages for a while."
"You were? What on earth have you endured?"
"Well... My leg got thrashed pretty good... My side had a bullet go all the way through... I tried face-planting on concrete after falling a couple meters the other day... And the rest of me got beat up from a fun variety of stuff."
Inhaling discreetly, Kamiko squeezed her hands tightly.
"Well you'll be safe here. I won't let father assign you anything until you're one hundred percent again."
"That was my intent anyway, Commander."
Gasping, both girls turned as Okabe stepped into the kitchen with his arms crossed, with a visibly elated Ruka just beside.
"Mom, dad, I..."
"Yes, Suzuha is back against all odds."
Trading expressions, and then blushes of mirth, both teens looked back and forth at Kamiko's parents.
"She reappeared the other day and was put in intensive care. Now that she's mobile again, she's staying with us."
"Don't worry, you two. I've already assigned Suzuha to bed rest, and I'm sure you'll be more than capable of tending to her needs."
Looking to her mother, Kamiko nodded rapidly.
"Yes. Of course."
"Anyway, Kamiko dear, have you eaten?"
"No. I barely got into the door here."
"There's soup already made."
"Alright. Let me get to my room and change clothes."
Relinquishing her hands, she nodded towards Suzuha, rubbing her eyes again with her now-free digits.
"Hold on Suzu. I'll be just a moment."
"I know. Do whatever you need to. I'll be here."
Bursting into a giggle, Kamiko turned and hurried down the hallway, heart beating giddily as she shoved her bedroom door open, watching as motion-sensing lights along the bottom of all four walls illuminated the floor.
Oh my god Suzuha is back in my life and I don't even know how she pulled it off... And now I'll be tending to her, so we can catch up and not be limited to one week like we were before she left...
Slowing to halt in the dim lighting, the teasing memory of them both locked together in a kiss swirled around in her mind, and she dropped her bag aside onto the floor, chin tucking into her shoulder as she reddened.
Oh. That's right. That happened.
Eyelids fluttering, she peeked over her shoulder, tingling with romantic elation.
I bet she remembers... Why wouldn't she?
Stepping towards her dresser, she quickly tugged her fatigue shirt off, tossing it aside and pulling open a drawer. Pulling a plain black tank top from within, she slipped the garment over herself, and then sat on the bed, untying her boots and pulling them off one at a time.
I'm sure she does... Maybe I'll let her bring it up first. We're probably about to spend a lot of time together. If I'm nursing her back to health... Maybe I'll be exempt from normal duties for the duration. That would be fantastic. We could just hang out and talk about anything for hours... Just like last time.
Head turning towards the large glass pane mounted on the nearby wall, reflecting the lights from the floor, her smile blossomed into a grin.
All those pictures we drew... And we can make even more. Oh my gosh. This is like a dream come true. Several dreams, actually. Suzuha coming back was something I wished for so many times these past couple of weeks... And somehow it actually happened. She's here, alive, eating soup at our table.
Rushing back towards the door, she padded down the hallway with breath held, only for it to be released as a bandaged Suzuha peeked up at her above a spoonful.
Teehee, you're actually here...
Grinning at her in turn, the commander paused for a fleeting moment, having noticed Suzuha's brunette hair was fashioned into a ponytail.
...And you're still so darn pretty. Even when wrapped up in bandages.
Stepping up to the oven, she plucked the lid off a pot, waiting as a cloud of steam drifted out from inside. Lifting a large spoon from the counter and scooping a portion into a nearby bowl, she then dropped the lid noisily onto the pot again, whirling around with excitement and nearly spilling some of her soup. Strutting over with a grin, she set the bowl onto the table, tugging the chair beside Suzuha out and plopping down onto it. Beginning into her meal, she peeked towards her wounded friend, waiting as she noticed her. Then, both girls burst into a moment of laughter.
"You don't know how happy I am... That you made it back here."
"You're telling me. I'm glad to be somewhere safe again... The three days I spent in twenty-twelve were awful."
"Three days? But you..."
"Yeah. I flew back a month later on accident. I'm sorry... I know you probably thought I was gone forever."
Eyes meeting, both of their hearts beat heavily from the juxtaposition.
"I did."
"I figured."
Realizing the emotion-laden silence, Kamiko's mouth drew open.
"Do you remember when we..."
Eyes widening in a helplessly vibrant blush, Suzuha turned away bashfully.
"Yes." Of course I do.
Looking back, Kamiko's head was turned away as well, and her hands were curled tightly together beneath the table. Waiting with endless patience until her comrade turned back, she cautiously peeked towards her a spare few seconds later.
"I'm never going to forget those moments... No matter where I end up."
Hand hesitantly rising to the spoon sitting in the bowl before her, Kamiko's fingers curled around the utensil, stirring the soup distractedly to let it cool.
"I'll never forget them either."
Rinsing their dishes in the sink, Kamiko's turned from several shuffles of metal and cloth, watching with mild alarm as Suzuha struggled up out of her chair, bracing herself against the table with several stiff breaths.
"Wait, Suzu, give me a second..."
Drying her hands hastily and tossing the hand towel aside onto the counter, she hurried over, ducking low and bringing her shoulder beneath Suzuha's arm, gently helping her further upright.
"Where to?"
"Your room... Bed. I guess."
Feeling her arm curl around her neck, Kamiko strengthened her posture, helping a half-mobile Suzuha around the table and into the short concrete hallway beyond, seeing her friend's leg repeatedly buckle.
"How have you gotten around? You're still limping pretty bad."
"Okabe brought me here in a wheelchair... Honestly I've barely walked at all. I went from one chair to another, and then you showed up."
Reaching outward with her free arm and pushing her bedroom door ajar, her index finger then drug along a small switch on the wall, turning on several LED lights mounted into the ceiling, illuminating her quarters. Refreshed by the sight of a clean and neatly made bed, the commander resigned into a smile.
Thanks mom!
Slowing to a halt beside the mattress, Kamiko turned and Suzuha lowered herself down, prompting a seep from her chest as she released her heft from her friend, sinking down onto her back. Arms dragging out along the soft sheets, her head rolled to the side, following Kamiko's dutiful movements toward the faded old wood of her clothes drawer.
"Gonna change and take care of something real quick... Won't be too long, I promise."
"Take your time, commander. I won't go far... At all."
"I know. Make yourself comfortable in the meantime."
Peeling her sight away, up to the flat grey of a concrete ceiling above her head, she squinted as the nearby door to the bathroom clicked shut.
No windows... And no sun or blue sky. But at least this place is safe and warm... And that's enough to consider it a home.
Lifting her legs onto the mattress one by one, hands running along the grey sweatpants covering her legs, her fingers slid down along the material, gripping her toes. Pushing herself further back towards the adjacent wall moments later, her shoulders met the backboard between the bed and the smooth concrete wall, and she curled her legs, feeling a hint of soreness creeping from moving her sprained leg.
You're taking your sweet time to get better... I must've done a number to you with our fun commute back here. That guy back at the conference hall sure thrashed you pretty good too. I've never had a kick get blocked and grabbed like that... Whatever he did was fast and excruciatingly painful. But that guy's long gone, and you're almost back to working order. Can't really put my full weight on you, but at least you move for me.
Wrapping her arms around her knees, fingers intersecting, Suzuha sat quietly, listening to a hint of running water.
This is gonna be interesting... Being in here for days. At least that computer screen thing is in here, or I'd probably go insane from boredom. Can't even go to that training jungle gym cause I'm all messed up... Damn. I'm sure they've changed it around too... I'll get there eventually.
The bathroom door reopened, and Kamiko appeared in a black tank top and plain grey pajama shorts. Marching across the room, only to closing the opposite steel door to her quarters with much more reservation, she turned to Suzuha, and a seemingly preparative breath left her lungs.
"Do you need anything?"
"No."
"You sure?"
"Nothing's coming to mind. Just want to relax right now."
"Me too."
"Then come over here and hang out."
Heeding Suzuha's offering with a humored smile, she padded over and knelt onto the bed beside Suzuha's raised knees. Irides properly meeting in full, allowing a period of silence to linger as both teens calmly absorbed each other's presence, smiles blossomed into grins, and separate giggles danced through the still air.
"Its so crazy that you're here again."
"You can't seem to get over that."
"Duh! You were gone forever! You flew away somewhere into the past, and then you came back, and wandered all the way back to our front door."
"Your dad gave me a map. I was only gone for three days anyway."
"Three days for you... It was over a month for me."
"I know. That was an error on my part... I was freaked out by an approaching helicopter, so I guessed with the time and date... Ended up being a month later."
"Anyway, Suzu, you pretty much beat the odds by coming back here to Valkyrie... All by yourself."
"Yeah. Maybe I did. The hard part was doing all that walking while being injured all over the place... But the surface streets were almost completely empty. I encountered one guy on the whole journey... Took his ammo after knocking him out."
"That sounds like you alright."
"Didn't fire a single shot. Just kept walking. All night, and into the early morning."
"That explains your limp. What happened to your leg?"
"Back in China... Beijing, I was brawling with one of the security guys in the building the meeting was in. Tried to take him down with a kick, but he moved a lot quicker than I expected and got a hold of my leg. Next thing I know, I was whirling onto the floor below, and must have pulled a muscle or sprained something, cause my lower leg was on fire after that."
"What happened afterward?"
"Same thing that happened to the others... I gave up hand to hand combat and just gunned him down. Not long after that, I took a bullet through my side. The whole mission pretty much fell apart when I started shooting everybody... Which is ironic, with everything I've been through in this world. You'd think wiping out the bad guys with gunfire would improve the situation."
"It didn't?"
"Nope. Made it worse, because they started shooting back. I was bleeding and freaking out, and realized I was getting real close to getting myself killed. It reminded me of a few other close calls, with the JSDF and in Yokohama... I hate to say it, but I was afraid to die, and that's why I bailed."
Waiting patiently for backlash that didn't come, Suzuha studied her friend's silent fascination with a feeling of remorse.
"...I'm a coward. Kamiko. I got my ass kicked, and I fled from my one mission. That's why I'm here."
"Suzu... You're not a coward. Honestly. We all hoped you would return somehow. That's why mom and dad and I all told you that we'd gladly bring you back in here, if you were able to make it back."
"I know. I remember. And I'm thankful... I just feel bad for backing out of this. Especially for my dad's sake. This mission is what he wanted, and I feel like I failed him."
"Oh... I'm sure he'd be proud of you, knowing you at least tried. I mean... You flew his life's work through time, more than once. I'm sure that would impress him greatly if he knew."
Seeing a smile finally break through her solemn expression, Kamiko tilted her head.
"Right?"
"Yeah, you're right. Flying that thing, FG204... Sure was scary and crazy. Kinda amazes me that I even figured out how to do anything with it."
"Didn't he give you instructions?"
"Written, and digital ones in the mainframe. Definitely helped."
"It took you less than five minutes to leave a month ago. I think you figured out what you were doing pretty quickly."
"Beginner's luck."
Laughing lightly, Kamiko playfully nudged Suzuha's shoulder.
"Oh hush."
"You try flying a time machine."
"No thanks. I'm alright with my time and place in this world."
"I am too... Figured everything would be nicer twenty years ago, and things definitely were better... But it wasn't the world I grew up in."
"Our world is a mess."
"Yep. But its the mess I know. Tokyo in those days is a utopia... Way different from the hazy gloom we're used to."
"I bet."
"You'd probably love it though."
"You think so?"
Answering with a nod, Suzuha watched as the girl leaned back, propping herself upright on her arms.
"...What was it like back then?"
"In twenty twelve?"
"Yes."
"What part?"
"Anything. The cities."
"Oh. I didn't see much of Beijing, honestly... But Tokyo back then was amazing. So noisy and colorful. Trains and cars everywhere, crowds of people... The sky was blue, and the air had all these different smells wherever you went. Then at night, there were lights everywhere. Every building, every street..."
Pausing, as Kamiko processed the descriptive information with visible wonderment, Suzuha released her legs, lowering them onto the sheets below.
"Sure sounds nice. Hard to believe you're describing the same city that's above our heads."
"Yeah. It didn't seem dangerous at all. Nobody had guns or anything."
"Probably because the war we grew up with was still years away."
"Guess so."
"How long were you in Tokyo?"
"At least two days. I wandered around a bit and checked everything out. Part of me wanted to stay there longer. But the rest of me knew I had a job to do. So I moved on to Beijing."
"And Beijing, was another big busy city, right?"
"Yeah. Definitely was big. Lots of tall buildings all over the place."
"You didn't explore it at all?"
"Nope."
"Oh well."
"Almost cost me my life, so I probably won't be back to visit anytime soon."
"Probably best."
Closing her eyes among the following silence, Suzuha watched a slideshow of imagery play across her vision, of both cities.
Frankly I won't be going anywhere else, anytime soon.
Peeking open as the bed shifted, Kamiko flopped down alongside her, her curly dark hair spreading out around her head as she lay flat on the mattress.
"Anyway... We'll have plenty of time to talk about your adventures, seeing how I'm going to be nursing you back to health for a while."
"I'm a tough girl... Shouldn't take too long to get better."
"Doesn't matter. You're my friend and I've missed you, so I'm going to take care of you."
"I appreciate it... And I missed you too."
Glimpsing a hint of a blush blossom across her friend's cheeks, her eyelid dropped shut again.
"Honestly, Suzu, I'm glad you're alive after all this. From what you've told me... You're pretty lucky."
"I don't know about lucky... I think I'm just really stubborn."
"And tough."
"So are you."
"Hardly. I'm just a commander. You're a survivor, Suzu. You've been through it all."
A great breath left the teen's lungs.
"Probably... But right now, I'm ready for a break."
Laying still, enveloped by the otherworldly softness of bed sheets and the darkness of a pitch black room, Suzuha's eyes passively moved from thought, wandering around in the dark void of Kamiko's bedroom quarters. Pressed against her upper back, the bodily warmth of her friend's body spread along her skin in a radiant expanse, causing her to tingle with bashful curiosity from the coziness of her best friend.
I forgot what this was like... Sleeping beside somebody. Not a stranger, but a friend. A close friend, close enough to share her own bed.
Listening to their passive draws and releases of respiration, she moved her leg, feeling nothing but a dull heft from the newly applied morphine patch on her calf.
I remember her being hesitant the first time... But I think she likes this. I know she likes me, so I'm sure she's more than willing to share her bed.
Turning on her shoulder, a loose group of hair drifted across her forehead as she attempted to peek at Kamiko in the complete darkness.
Yeah, obviously. She's probably happy as can be right now. I know I am. Having a clean bed in a safe home in this day and age... Talk about a rare luxury. Especially for a rebel survivor scooped off the streets. I used to have to scavenge for something soft to lay on... Sometimes just had to lay on a floor.
Head settling back down, she nuzzled the soft sheet beneath her cheek.
Screw that shit. I've earned a bed, and some peace and quiet... And I'm with my one and only friend again. I'm not giving any of this up. Not even for the sake of the future... That mission of mine was pretty noble, until the point I realized I was possibly dying, after killing people that weren't even in a war zone.
Taking in a great breath, she held in it as Kamiko's body moved for a moment, releasing it after several seconds.
Sometimes you have to learn the hard way that some stuff just can't be done. Just because people figured out how to make time travel happen... Doesn't mean we're able to fix everything that's broken.
Eyes slowly peering towards the room's unseen door, hidden by the absence of light, several of her fingers curled around the edge of the mattress.
I think I really understand why Okabe gave up long ago... And why he was so open to me coming back. I'm sure he's lost so much in the past, and tried to fix things to get them back, only to fail like me. At least he still has his girlfriend and their daughter, and I remind him of mom and dad. He's probably glad I'm still around, just for that reason. He even admitted that he wasn't sure the mission would be successful... Which is a pretty big deal, coming from the guy that's working to liberate the entire nation of Japan.
Dragging her thumb along the folded edge, her vision attempted to find her own hand, finally prompting her to touch her face with her own fingers.
There you are. Anyway... With him saying that to me, it kinda makes me wonder. What if I did somehow succeed? Would I actually change the whole world to some peaceful wonderland?
Hand lowering to the sheets again, her palm slid across the smooth surface.
Would I be okay with living in that time, leaving behind everybody else? I guess they'd probably all exist in the nicer version of the world, and people wouldn't be fighting for survival. I'd end up making the whole rebellion mean nothing, and I'd probably be the only person to remember it... That's kinda sad, honestly. So much effort, and it just suddenly becomes nothing but a memory. A lot more people would still be alive, yeah, but... I don't know how to feel about it. Maybe its harder for me cause I've actually had to fight to survive. I understand the struggle personally, so part of me could never forget. I'd wake up each day thinking about the world I left behind, and all the people too... Things wouldn't be the same.
Listening to the quiet reverberations of her own heartbeat among the vacuum of silence, she lay completely still.
I mean, the only reason I have a friend here, is because we met by chance out in Yokohama. Who's to say that part would be the same in some other future? Okabe might know, and one day I might ask if it would be possible... But it wouldn't matter. I didn't change the future, but I'm here, Kamiko is here, and we're both safe and alive. That's all I want to care about now.
Nestling a little bit closer to her friend's backside, Suzuha closed her eyes.
Food, shelter, and a friend... That's all I need in my life. I can go without a purpose for a while.
06/02/2036; Valkyrie; 7:33p.m.
Sitting opposite of Kamiko on her bed, Suzuha looked over a large dated map of Japan spread out between both of them, eyes following Kamiko's index finger as it hovered, pointed, and tapped on various places of the depicted island nation. Digesting another of Ruka's ambrosial evening meals served less than an hour earlier, she sat contently, enjoying the feeling of a pleasantly full stomach.
"Remember when they were talking about Shizuoka in the intel room?"
Blinking, and faintly remembering the digital map portraying the eastern coastline, she offered a hesitant nod.
"Maybe. What happened?"
"Well, we secured it while you were gone. Getting Japanese flags onto Mount Fuji was a massive morale boost for everyone involved. Dad was prancing around with excitement. I haven't seen him be like that for ages... It was pretty inspiring, honestly."
Slowly grinning from a mental depiction of Kamiko's middle-aged father, dancing around in the concrete halls of the facility, Suzuha began to nod.
"I'm sure. I had no idea that happened."
"Obviously you couldn't have known, being in the past and all... Since then, our forces are moving southwest at a crazy fast pace. We're like an angry beehive on the crest of a tsunami."
"Stinging and smashing?"
"Definitely. Nagoya and most of Kyoto are under Valkyrie's control too. Dad's been coordinating a defensive line across the mainland, so once we start pushing southwest, SERN's forces will be stuck behind a strategic land blockade. Then when we're ready, that's when we'll formally declare war, purge them out into the sea, and hopefully capture the rest of the mainland."
Seeing the fires of anticipation in Kamiko's eyes, Suzuha nodded, brimming with interest.
"I'll be ready for that."
"You and me both, Suzu. Ideally, we'll eradicate SERN from the southwest, turn north again, and with seventy percent of Japan's people and resources fueling the rebellion..."
"We'll take back our nation."
"Every inch of Japanese soil... If we can manage it."
"I'm sure Valkyrie can by that point."
"I think so too, but there's lots of islands. Taking back the whole mainland has already been a long fight as it is."
"I'm sure. But it'll be worth it. I definitely want to be part of the spearhead too, whenever it finally happens... Finally declaring war on the assholes that invaded our country is going to be amazing."
"Tell me about it, Suzu. Father's spent years figuring out what to say when we'll broadcast our declaration to whoever is out there in the world... If you think you're excited to tell SERN you're about to kick their ass out, you're in good company."
Bursting into a spell of laughter, joined shortly afterward by Kamiko, Suzuha's head tilted back with a mirth-laden smile.
"That sounds like your dad alright."
"He's always been one for dramatic speeches."
"Your mom's probably heard lots of them."
A shrug of consideration turned into a nod.
"Yeah. She's probably lost count by now."
"Probably."
"Should ask her tomorrow sometime. See what she says."
"Go for it. I'm sure she'll have plenty to tell you."
Looking aside, her eyes slowly wandered back to the map below, focusing on the city of Yokohama.
"Last time I was here... It seemed like there were volumes of stories between your mom and dad."
"Oh there are. They've experienced a lot over twenty six years. I know I haven't heard all of them."
"Makes me wonder about the stuff my mom and dad saw and did. I'm sure there's all kinds of things I don't remember, or even know about."
"Absolutely."
"Probably would explain a lot about my childhood."
"It might. You could always ask my father too... Him and Itaru were very close. I'm sure there's all kinds of things he remembers about your parents."
Heart beating with a hint of anticipation, Suzuha nodded.
"Looks like I'll be talking to both of them soon."
"I think you should."
Watching her friend's arms move across the map, slowly pulling it over and folding it in half several times, Suzuha's own arms crossed, resting on her knees.
"I think I will."
Standing before the massive glass pane of the touchscreen mounted in Kamiko's quarters, both teens took alternating turns drawing pictures and sketches with their fingers, filling the black screen with the soft glows of rich colors. Various objects and characters appeared on both sides, springing from memory and imagination, and wandering eyes watched new images appear, prompting smiles and patient pauses of interest.
Hadn't really thought about this thing after I left... Bigger stuff on my mind back then. But gosh this is fun, and its not even one of the games.
Hand lowering from the glass, Suzuha watched Kamiko's index finger create another outlined image. Turning further, she studied her friend's gentle complexion, seeing her mouth drift open, eyes focusing on the board with creative determination. A soft blue color reflected off her face, and hints of the color danced among her hair, entrancing her in an innocent gaze of admiration.
She's right about this thing... The light reflects off the walls and turns a square concrete room into a colorful wonderland... And damn she looks really cute right now. Is it just the color blue doing this? She's really into whatever she's drawing. I wonder if she even notices that I'm looking at her.
Peeking towards Suzuha with a hint of interest, an unseen blush met Kamiko's cheeks among the light blue color reflecting off her skin, and her finger drew a jagged line, completing her drawing.
I see you there, Suzu. Have you seen me looking at you? Because I've been doing that a lot lately. I'm sure you notice, but you don't say anything about it.
Fingers curling inside her other hand, a peaceful sigh brought fresh breath into her innards.
Its okay though. We're not going anywhere for a while... I'll have plenty of time to be by your side.
Tingling with flights of elation, moreso as Suzuha unexpectedly moved closer, the comely soldier picked a bright green color from the pallet beneath the picture. Instead of stepping back however, a cheeky smile was present on her face as she reached upward and began drawing several abstract shapes around Kamiko's drawings.
Ohhhkay, you think so, huh? How about I just do this...
Tapping on the palette discreetly, her face split into a grin as Suzuha blinked with confusion, realizing her line's color had suddenly changed to purple. Peeking down and spotting Kamiko's digit guiltily withdrawing, she eyed the girl with a raise of her eyebrow, only to bring a burst of giggles out of both of them.
"...Something wrong with purple?"
"I was going with green."
"Yeah, green stuff going all around my work."
"I didn't draw over anything."
"See how close that line is?"
Withdrawing her finger, Suzuha blinked, eyebrows furrowing with a smile.
"Barely. It'll be fine."
"Well in that case..."
Brushing against Suzuha and casually nudging her aside, she dragged her fingers around her drawings on the opposite side, giggling lightly as several several purple squiggles appeared. Suzuha's mouth opened with comic protest, only to push Kamiko back over with a nudge of her hip and shoulder.
"Sorry, 'scuse me."
"Hey!"
Tapping on an orange color, a spiral was drawn directly over one of Kamiko's images, and she squealed with laughter, gripping Suzuha's arm and wrist with both of her hands. Hanging on as she yanked her arm closer to herself, Kamiko exhaled from the hint of muscle on Suzuha's bicep, pleasantly surprised by the girl's secret strength.
Releasing one hand, however, the other remained around her wrist, and their eyes met, tongues sticking out and noses wrinkling among their shared mirth.
"That orange was totally unnecessary."
"I know."
"You drew all over my cat face too."
Head tilting innocently, Suzuha rolled her eyes playfully.
"Oops, sorry."
Blushing from her adorable expression, a dainty sigh left Kamiko's bosom, realizing her friend was making no attempt to escape her hold of her wrist. In a seemingly bold move, her thumb slid lightly across the bottom of Suzuha's palm. Watching her distractedly glance towards the screen again, her thumb began drifting in a soft spiral, caressing the muscles of her fingers, and her heartbeat spiked as Suzuha's hand expanded, and her brunette hair shifted with a gentle pivot of her head, watching the small motion with a smile of interest.
Chest tight with heartache, mustering further bravery, Kamiko's fingers unfurled from her friend's wrist, tucking around the backside of her pinkie finger, and then sliding upward, palms meeting, and fingers intersecting with unexpected ease. Following her arm up to her shoulder, rising to her bashful hazel eyes hiding among her dark hair, Suzuha stared at her best friend carefully. Feeling a wave of warmth crawling up along her neck, reaching her cheeks and swirling into a firestorm of a blush, her lips parted, with no words to follow.
I don't know what to say or do. This feels like those times before... She keeps surprising me with these things. With her actions towards me. And this... Holding hands. This is making my insides feel funny, and its not even like its a crazy thing to do. But my heart's beating, and I'm sure hers is even more. She's blushing like mad and I can barely see it in the dark, but there's a lot of words and feelings probably spinning around in her head... Just from her fingers slipping in between mine.
Eyes flitting down to their intersecting digits, their arms remained suspended together.
I mean... We've already kissed. That was crazy enough on its own. But both of those were to say goodbye, or thanks, or something... This is different.
Fingers folding and resting on her knuckles, she returned the action only seconds later, listening to the low buzz of the screen beside them both.
Yeah. This means something else.
Stare softening as Kamiko's eyes met hers again, they shared a blush-laden gaze, nurturing the tender moment as they remained focused on each other.
Something more... Maybe.
06/05/2036; Valkyrie; 3:22p.m.
Brushing her fingers along the smooth skin of her leg, fingertips dragging over the thin morphine patch on her calf, Suzuha peered down at the large clean bandage around her side, just beneath her tank top shortened by a knot.
Almost there... At least the pain is almost gone. Laying around and relaxing sure has helped... Especially with a friend around to take care of me.
Head turning as the mattress shifted abruptly, Kamiko shuffled along on her knees, coming to rest against the backboard of her bed.
"Alright Suzu. Its time."
"Just don't tear my hair out with it. I've earned the length I have."
"I won't... You're not as tangled as you think you are."
Changing positions slightly, brush in hand, Kamiko watched with held breath as Suzuha sat in front of her. Swiftly undoing her ponytail with a downward tug on two hair ties, she brushed her hair back over her shoulders, presenting her mane of brunette hair in a wave of motion.
Oh... My goodness.
Blinking with pleasant surprise, Kamiko's free hand cautiously collected a large group of it, fingers curling and drifting through thick strands, and for a moment, the brush drifted down to her lap, distracted by various senses and feelings as she played with her friend's hair.
Its so long and there's so much! Brushing this is gonna take forever. Not that that's a bad thing...
Lifting the grooming tool higher again, she tucked it into the expanse of light brown, beginning several gentle pulls downward, watching as Suzuha's head tilted forward slightly. Watching her own concise movements, a smile spread further with each pull as long orderly lines appeared, painting a vertical pattern onto a canvas of clean brunette hair.
"How am I doing?"
"Just fine. This feels amazing... Keep going."
Beaming with mirth, she tucked the brush around one side, coaxing hair behind her ear with several gentle movements, and then doing the same to the other side, drawing back all of her hair in a waterfall of volume. Then, her brush began several long processions from the top of her scalp, all the way down to the ends beneath her shoulders.
"...Oohhh, wow. Please keep doing that."
Blushing from her friend's pleasure-edged whisper, her heart thrummed a little faster as she obliged.
Suzu... I don't know which of us is enjoying this more right now.
After several additional motions, tucking her fingers in among her hair and gathering it back in several temporary ponytails, Suzuha's head began drifting lower.
I'd say you are but... Huh. Now you're starting to look like you're...
Watching her head rise straight again, a giggle left Kamiko's mouth, realizing her guess was correct as she continued. Lifting her fingers higher and dragging them along the back of her scalp, she matched her hand's movement with the brush further below, freeing a murmur of sensory satisfaction from Suzuha's throat, and in just the same manner as earlier, her head began to sink downward.
"Tired?"
Watching her lift herself aloft again, Suzuha turned aside, peeking back over her shoulder.
"A bit, yeah."
"You look sleepy."
A hint of a smile met her lips, eyelids visibly heavy.
"You're lulling me to sleep back there."
"Are you ready for a nap...?"
Feeling remarkably youthful, she nodded, eyes closing.
"Probably."
Reaching over and setting the brush aside on her nightstand, Kamiko then began arranging her bed pillows behind herself, setting one across her lap.
"Come here."
Reclining against the backboard behind, she waited patiently as Suzuha scooted herself back, drawing close and gently lowering herself onto Kamiko's body, head coming to rest on her chest. Tightening herself with held breath, their bodies settled in relaxation, molding into the other's figure.
"How's this?"
"Perfect."
Peeking down at her friend, meeting her peeking up at her, their cheeks reddened, and Suzuha's eyes drifted closed.
Just like you.
Arms coming together, her hands turned flat, resting on Suzuha's toned abdomen. Then, driven onward by their closeness, her chin lowered, coming to rest atop her head in a lingering nuzzle, discreetly taking in her scent.
Just like this moment, too.
Head rising upward, discreetly tempted to press a kiss into her hair, her lips parted, only to form a single word instead.
"Comfy?"
Seeing her friend's head shift in a gentle nod of confirmation, she closed her eyes, head drifting back until it came to rest against the backboard.
Oh, Suzu... You just rest easy, okay? I'm not going anywhere, any time soon... Not with you here with me... You amazing, beautiful survivor.