Infinite Build 3rd Skit: Sento's sick day
We are Sento
The Touto Science branch is wild right now. So is the whole world, ever since the three earth event. The entire world is trying to wrap their brains around the situation. As you can expect, I am stressed beyond all my All nighters. It's wild. "Come on! We need to at least meet the quota! Then we can all rest!" The new manager for work said handing me more paper. I let out an exhausted sigh as I reached for another energy drink. Fuck my life… Why did I agree to take on some of my Co-workers work?
Later…
I let out a tired sigh as I dropped my face onto the keyboard of my computer. Everyone else does a similar groan of pain. "It's done~" My coworker groans. "I'm not going to work at the academy tomorrow. I'm taking a day off." I grumble under my voice. My coworker from across my desk looks over to me. "Wait, don't you need to make those reports to the parents?" My Coworker reminds me. I proceed to bang my head against the keyboard.
Sento:(in pain) Ahhh~!
The next day…
I drag myself into work, barely managing to get 5 hours of sleep. I arrive at the door of my office. I enter it and drop myself into the chair sitting in the center of the room. I slide up to my desk and I activate the computer and I begin my work. 5 minutes in and I find myself face planted on my desk absolutely tired. The door opens, and Chifuyu walks into the room.
Chifuyu:(walks over) It's really cold in here. If you keep it like this you'll get a cold.
Sento:(exhausted) That's a superstition.(sits up) Cold can't give you an actual cold. It's just a myth, true that it lowers people's immune systems but isn't the cause of colds.
Chifuyu:(looks at Sento) How is it, someone as exhaus- A-Are you okay?
Sento:(looks at Chifuyu) Me? Fine always, I'm just a… Little...(reals back) ACHOO~!
I sneeze into my coat before I grumble and put my head against my desk. My head aches, throat dry, sinuses clogged, and my balance has been off. "sigh~ This is because you push yourself." Chifuyu said, looking at me. I turn my head to look at her as she texts something on her phone. "What are you doing?" I ask her, sending the text she walks over to me and grabs my arm lifting me up. Bringing me out of my office and outside. "Are you planning on hobbling my body back to the cafe?" I ask Chifuyu, she sighs as we exit out of the building, Chifuyu activates the Black Knight as we fly into the air. Right, forgot about that.
Infinite Stratos Cafe
Tabane:(runs over) Waaah~! My Sen-chan! Are you okay?!
Sento:(sweatdrop) I'm fine… It's just these people worrying to- ACHO~!
Chifuyu:(sighs) Sneeze on me once and I will kill you.
"Don't be like that! Come Chi-chan, let's get him to his room." Tabane said Chifuyu agreed and we headed inside, I'm dragged over to my room. Then the two place me on the bed and cover me. "Sleep tight Sen-chan." Tabane said walking out, Chifuyu looks at me and pats me. "I'll come to see you later, so just rest Sento." Chifuyu said before walking out of my room… Soft bed...
Later… We are Ichika
I walk towards Sento's office, carrying a tablet with info for him. Where is he? I can't find Sento anywhere. "I wonder what happened to Sento-Sensei?" Charlotte ponders. As we approach his office, Cecilia, Rin, Houki, and Laura are talking to Yamada-Sensei. "Hey guys, what's happening?" I asked walking over.
Yamada:(turns to Ichika) Ah, Ichika-kun. Is that for Sento-san? I was just explaining that Sento has left early for the day.
Ichika: What? He has, why?(looks at Houki) You think it could be-?
Houki:(shrugs) I dunno. But it would make sense if Faust or someone else were to try to attack now. They'd get the jump on us.
Yamada:(chuckles) No, that's not the case. He just went home early due to him being sick.
Everyone:(confused) Sick?
Yamada:(hand on cheek) Yes, ever since the Three Earth Crisis. Governments around the world have been pushing their workers around the clock. Things are calming down, but many of those workers are taking sick leave. Sento-san seemed to take on a lot of work for other coworkers and became sick.
We all looked at each other and all of us worried for him. "Sick, huh?" I said crossing my arms. "I bet Sento would like a Banjou family Specialty meal for sickness." I muttered to myself, remembering we have all the ingredients for the soup. "What you're going to give Sento a protein shake?" Laura asks. "No! Just some Chicken Noodle soup." I said back crossing my arms.
Yamada:(putting hands together) Ah, soup. A wonderful idea, what about if you all gave him something to put him in a better mood.
Houki:(thinking) I guess, I could make some vitamin rich rice balls. My family would make those for me when I was sick.
Rin:(crosses arms) Eh, he'll feel better with some healthy steamed dumplings. It helped me when I was sick.
Charlotte:(smiles) Ah, I think we have ingredients for Ratatouille. I think that would help.
Laura:(crosses arms) Fortunate I made some Beef Stroganoff yesterday. I'm sure that would help him.
Cecilia:(ponders) Hmm… Perhaps I should cook something.
Everyone:(in sync) NO! Do not cook anything for him! You'll make it worse!
"EH?! Ah… T-Then maybe some tea?" Cecilia asks. "Yeah that could work." I said, I look at everyone else. Seems we all agree to that. Tea is a much better idea compared to the horrifying thought of her cooking something for Sento. If Cecilia did, she'd probably kill him! I shiver at the very thought. Cecilia looks at us in confusion to our complaints.
Later… We are Sento
Sento:(sniff~!) I guess… My immune system has failed me.
Chifuyu: Stop complaining and get some rest.(standing up) I'm gonna go out and grab some stuff from the shop. You just rest.
Sento:(looks at Chifuyu) Okay. Don't let Tabane in here. She'll make it worse.
"Noted." Chifuyu said before she leaves, I lock the door behind her remotely. I sigh as I lie in my bed sheets, I feel a bit disappointed by my current situation. I have so many projects that I wanted to work on… It's then I hear a knock at the door. Hmm? That was fast… Or. "Who is it?" I ask. "It's me Sento." Laura's voice comes through the door. "Oh, Laura. You, *Cough* sorry, come in." I said, using my HUD I unlock the door, Laura enters carrying a bowl of Stroganoff and a fold out table. Placing the bowl on my desk, Laura folds out the table and sets up the table.
Laura:(places bowl) Apologies for barging in when you are resting, I wanted to bring you something to eat.
Sento:(sits up) I see.(feels head) Argh, my head…
Laura:(reaches out) I… Um… Do you need anything?
Sento:(smiles) Don't worry about it. Anyways, thanks I haven't had much time to eat anything for a while so this is a blessing. Thank you for the meal.
I take the spoon and I begin to dig in. "Is the taste Satisfactory?" Laura asks me. The beef is well cooked, the sauce and mushrooms work well and taste great. I look up at her a bit embarrassed. "Yup. It's good." I respond, she has a small smile before she recollects herself. "That's good to hear, I hope this helps you get better." Laura said.
Sento: Hey, Laura. I need to ask this. Why did you start calling me by my first name?
Laura:(looking at Sento) Huh? Oh, well. It's… Something I learned from my Sister.
Sento:(raises eyebrow) You're sister? What did she tell you?
Laura:(rubbing back of head) W-Well, she told me about family. I became interested by how she described the relationship between you, Tabane, and my sister.
Sento:(sweatdrop) I shudder to think what kind of things she told you about me. We've never been on the… Best terms for awhile.
Laura:(smiles) That's just it. She talked about how much fun she had being Mii-tan, meeting you, and even working with Tabane. The Inventor's antics aside, she spoke highly about the relation between you two. She loved having someone to talk to. Almost like an older brother, somewhere in there. I realised that just like her… You were like…
Sento:(raises eyebrow) Like?
Laura: A brother. Just like how my sister feels. You taught me more than anyone has taught me in all of my life. When you got angry, you did because you were worried about me and everyone else. You made me learn more about myself…(blushing) I guess… I wanted to pay you back. Is… all.
I smile and let out a little chuckle before I have to turn away and cough. "Ah, Sento!" I gesture to her that I'm fine. I turn back to her as I place my hand on her head and I rub her head. Like this. She's like an adorable kitty. Not even a government can take away the fact that Laura is still just a Teenage girl. Laura is a bit confused at first but accepts it, almost… looking like she likes it. "Thank you Laura. I'll be careful." I tell her, smiling. Laura smiles back standing up and walking towards the door. She opens the door, looks at me and salutes. "Dismissing myself. Rest well… O...Onii...Sento!" She said before leaving the room in a hurry. Nii-chan huh? I lie back in bed, putting aside the plate. What an odd year this has been.
Later…
Feeling a bit better, I get out of bed and move down into the kitchen area. There I find Chifuyu talking to Ichika. "H-Hey you two." I greet the two, they look away from a small pot boiling on the heat. "Hey, you good?" Ichika asks me, I chuckle as I sigh. "As good as I can get. C-came down here for a drink of water. But it looks like I'm getting dinner." I said as I walked over to a table and took a seat. Ichika takes the ladle and pours into a bowl, some chicken noodle soup.
Sento:(smiles) Ah *Sniff!* A classic.
Chifuyu: I was going to buy the ingredients myself, but Ichika had already started to make it at the Academy.(places) So I had him bring it here.
Ichika:(grabs coat) Well, I have to get back soon. Stay safe Sento, later.
"Hmm?" I watch as Ichika walks out of the Cafe. He's not going to stay? Homework… Or… I glance at Chifuyu who's taking a seat across from me. He's being her sister's Wingman… Color me surprised Ichika, looks like the Meathead can read the room. "So… Where's Tabane?" I ask Chifuyu as she puts the utensils out on the table. "She's handling something with Gentoku that's going to keep her busy all night." Chifuyu explains.
We are Observer
"*Aa~Choo~!*" Tabane sneezes as she stands on a radio tower terminal. "*Sniff* It's so cold up here..." Tabane said as the wind atop the tower blew her hair around. "Then maybe wear something warm!" Gentoku shouts wearing a jacket and long pants. "SHUT UP! I look good! Even cold!" Tabane exclaims, still wearing her normal outfit as the wind continues to blow. "A-Ah-*ACHOO~!*" Tabane sneezes, with Gentoku groaning.
We are Sento
Sento: Then… it's just you and-
Chloe:(exits Fridge) Hey~ What's for- Oh, Sento you're awake. Hello Chifuyu.
Chifuyu:(smiles) Hello, Chloe. Yes, Ichika had made some Chicken Noodle soup for Sento so I was having that with him.(glances at Sento)
Sento:(Sighs) I'm too tired to argue.(points to counter) Eat over there, don't wanna get sick right?
Chloe:(walks over to pot) Yes, I'd much prefer that.
Chloe gets a bowl of soup and digs in, Chifuyu and I follow suit, all before I clean myself up, get some medicine, and then go to bed. It was probably for the best that I wasn't alone. I'd probably get Chifuyu sick while trying to be smooth… I toss myself to the right in bed and close my eyes.
The next day…
I open my eyes and lift myself up, my head still aches but my mind shifts to a Cinnamon aroma entering my nose. Is… Someone making something with Cinnamon? I change into warm clothing and walk down stairs. There I see Cecilia pouring a cup of tea into a cup, along with a simple fruit salad, and toast.
Cecilia:(looks at Sento) Oh, good morning Sensei! I was going to bring this up to your room but if you're feeling okay, I can put it on the table.
Sento:(nods) I'd like that. Thank you, Cecilia.
Cecilia:(setting up table) I was going to make you something, but everyone shot down my ideas… All except for these. I wonder why?
Sento:(whispers) Maybe because you're cooking is best left for someone who can eat steel.
"Hmm?" Cecilia asks looking at me. "Nothing. It's simply that they didn't think that I should have anything fancy." I said aloud as I begin to dig in. Cecilia sits at a separate table. "I suppose so." Cecilia said as she and I take a sip of the tea she brewed. "Ah~!" We exhale at the same time. This is really soothing. "Delicious right?" Cecilia ask, I nod in agreement.
Cecilia:(smiles) This is one of my own personal favorites, me and my roommate often have a cup of tea together like this. Reminds me of home and friends.
Sento:(smells aroma) It's a wonderful smell, feels like my stuffy nose is clearing up with this aroma.
Cecilia:(looks at Sento) A good cup of tea when one is sick is amazing, no?
Sento:(looks at Cecilia) A good cup of tea when someone is in a good mood is just great, Period.
"Agreed!" Cecilia concurs, after that we silently finished our breakfast and exchange some small talk. "Sensei?" Cecilia asked, looking at me. I put away the plates into the sink as I look at her. "Hmm?" I muttered.
Cecilia: It has come to my attention that there are a lot of people suffering all around the world, before I didn't even consider it, but now… Thinking about my situation makes me wonder if I can do anything…
Sento:(nods) Ah. *Sniff* A dilemma of the many problems around the world… Are you asking me for ideas of how to help?
Cecilia:(nods) I never really considered it until the Three Earth Crisis happened. When Ichijou Sensei was killed, I realised that it wasn't just him. The homeless, the hungry, the people who don't know what to do, and so many more. It just made me feel more like I knew nothing of the rest of the world… I want to help in some way, somehow…
Sento:(thinks) Hmm…(grabs medicine) Well, I think you are in a Unique position compared to others.
Cecilia:(looks at Sento) What do you mean?
Sento:(pours cup of water) Well, you have lots of money and resources. And while you may not have your whole family's wealth, I'm sure you can more than help out a Non-Profit organization, or even make your own.(takes medicine) Just something to consider. I'm going to go to bed now. Have a good day Cecilia.
Cecilia:(nods) Yes… Have a good nap Sensei.(stands up) A non-profit organization huh?...
I walk up to my room and back into bed. Rest… I need rest. I close my eyes again.
Later…
After an hour or so, I needed to do something other than lay in bed. So I got out of bed and down to the lab, doing some simulations and some minor work on the belt. As I type away on my computer, I hear the fridge door open. "*Sniff* Hello?" I ask, from the stairs I see Houki walk in with a small bento of Onigiri. "Oh, hello Hoki." I greet, as Houki walks over, placing the Onigiri on the table next to me.
Houki: I was thinking you might like a little snack by now.
Sento:(nods) Thanks. I was about to get up for a small snack. Hold on.(grabs tissue)
Houki:(steps back) Yeah, I'll let you do you, while you enjoy those Onigiri.(looks around) So my Tabane-nee is out?
Sento:(nods) Yeah, she's still helping around due to what she and I did with the world's network. So sorry, but it's going to be sometime before she can return.(sighs) I imagine it's the same all over the world. I'm kinda regretting my action then…
Houki chuckles at the statement, I look at her. "It's also the thing that helped save the world. I think that's a fair trade." Houki said, I shrug at the thought as I bite into one of the Onigiri. I hear music as the Uso Hopper jumps over to Houki, to which she catches the Robo Rabbit and puts it on her shoulder.
Houki:(looks at Sento) Also… Thanks, for helping me reconnect with my sister.
Sento:(smiles) Of course.(grabs Onigiri) It's a double whammy, I help my student overcome one of her problems as well as get some back up for future battles.(looks at Houki) I'll be counting on you two.
Houki:(smiles) You mean us four right?(rubs cheek of Uso Hopper) Because it's thanks to these little guys that we're able to help you as we do.
Sento: Which was made by my Handiwork. So you two better pull your weight- Ah-*Achoo~!* Ugh...
Houki:(chuckles) If you can make remarks like that, then you'll be back on your feet in no time. Or you force yourself back on the field.(walking away) You know, you may call me and Ichika stubborn, but you're pretty stubborn yourself.
Houki walks back up the stairs. "I'll come back for the container later, rest up Sento!" Houki said walking away. I'm stubborn, this girl… Heh. I smile. I go to continue my work, but my head begins to ache. I should leave that here for now I guess. I sigh as I grab the container that Houki brought in and head up stairs. I cleaned the container and left it out to dry, before getting some medicine and sleep.
The next day…
A good night's rest and breakfast, I quietly enjoy a book for a few hours on my bed. You know, having a quiet moment like this is nice. "Hello Sensei!" Rin exclaims busting into my room. I silently close my book and put it to the side of my bed. And~ The moments are gone. Oh well. "Hello Rin, what have you brought me for lunch?" I ask, Rin sets down a bedside table
Rin:(places down dumplings) Here, some steamed dumplings, I made them by hand which is why it took me a while.
Sento:(looks at dumplings) Oooh, okay. This looks great and worth the effort.
Rin:(smiles) Yeah, I considered getting you some Spicy Chow Mein. Then I thought about it, and it's not a good idea to make you something that will make you have to go to the bathroom.
Sento:(chuckles) Thank you for your consideration.(puts hands together) Thank you for the meal.
Rin: I have some stuff to do, I have a call with my dad soon. I don't want to keep him waiting.
Sento:(looks at Rin) Oh? So you're talking with your family again?
Rin:(nods) It's slow and my parents still won't talk to each other, but I at least know they don't really hate each other.(smiles) I guess I know where I get my stubbornness from!
Sento: It's progress, hatred does not dissipate in an instant, same with Love. You're parents may not be willing to talk with each other yet, but nothing changes overnight. You'll get their, so keep at it Rin. Have a good day Rin.
"Thanks Sensei." Rin thanks before walking out of my room. I silently begin eating in my room. And the moment has returned… I glance at the door… And it continues I see. I enjoy the silence, I finish my meal and grab my book. I glance over to a bag sitting on the side of my bed. I assume Charlotte will be next, so I'll need to give this to her. I smile as I continue to read.
At Night…
Sitting at the counter, I work on my computer when I hear someone at the door. "Hello Sensei, you know the drill by now." Charlotte said walking in with a container. "It's Ratatouille for dinner tonight." Charlotte said walking into the kitchen with a container. "Wait, before you start. I have something for you." I said standing up and walking into my room. I get the bag and bring it down.
Sento:(reaches into bag) I've been meaning to give this back to you, now seems to be the perfect time.
Charlotte: Hmm? What is it?
Sento:(takes out watch) Recognize this?
I show Charlotte her mother's old Leather Watch. It's been repaired and glass replaced, it's gears are moving again showing the current time. "My… Mother's watch..." Charlotte said, picking up the watch. I reach into the bag again and take out another item. "This was also in the watch. It was placed into the watch carefully." I take out the picture and give it Charlotte.
Sento: From what the watchmaker and I theoried is that your mother placed the picture in there when it first broke. She wanted you to open the watch up and fix it and find the picture.
Charlotte: But… I never did…(looks at picture) I was too afraid to look back, no. I wasn't afraid, I clung to every bit, even as I became a tool for father…
Sento:(smiles) I hope this picture reminds you that you can let go, because the past will never disappear. Time, is a precious thing.(Charlotte looks at Sento) Yesterday is history, but it will always be there, tomorrow is a mystery which is why it can be scary. But we must move forward nevertheless. Which is why we must treasure every moment we have in the "Now." It's why the now, is called the Present. Because it's a gift for everyone.
Charlotte:(begins crying) Sensei…(brings watch and picture close) Thank you… Thank you so much…
Sento:(nods) Of course. Now let's enjoy every moment. Starting with some dinner!
Charlotte:(smiles) Yes! Sensei! I'll get right to making the Ratatouille!
Charlotte wipes away her tears and puts the watch and picture off to the side as she opens the container and prepares the dinner. I sit back down, thinking about everyone who's visited me in the last few days. Maybe getting sick wasn't that bad after all… I got to see everyone smile… This present I will treasure.
Skit Complete.