The duvet shifted as she tossed and turned underneath it multiple times within that hour. It had been the night after the two had their day-off and she couldn't get even a blink of sleep. She was tired, but her mind was quite awake.
Could it have been that she was still excited from the events of earlier? Not having anyone else to share it with other than the Captain - who was asleep -. She envied him, they both were tired and yet she was restless.
Maybe she could get some milk or something.
Slowly, she rose from the bed and tiptoed her way towards the small kitchen that they had. She wanted to curse loudly at the fact that they didn't have any milk there, she definitely wasn't keen on drinking creamer either.
She wondered if the lounge was still open.
Barefooted, she made her way towards the door of their room which lead to the halfway. If one call it that, the elevator had been surrounded in a half circle by the rooms of the different Blood Unit members. She hadn't seen the other floors of the place but she was certain that their rooms had been well furnished.
She understood why the 'journalist' woman was so upset in regards to what her comrade had said. Not that she wanted to run into her again. The pink-haired woman had too much character. Based on their first encounter.
After a couple of minutes of navigating her way through the darkness, she arrived at the elevator and eventually to the lobby. It was silent, not a single God Eater was out, but she was certain that she heard an operator typing away.
She had great respect for operators, they worked 24/7, although they had shifts, she knew that most of them prefered to keep working. Like a certain blonde operator that always made her coffee.
'I should send Fran an email or something.' She made a mental note of that before proceeding to the lounge, hoping to feel the carpeted floor as the tiled floors of the lobby made her shiver. She was clad in what usually consisted of her sleepwear, a tank top and a pair of shorts.
Briefly, the memory of the Captain first seeing her in that made her chuckle soundlessly. He had gotten so flustered and ran out the room, not that she was wearing anything indecent. Her shorts were long and her tank top wasn't exactly see-through or a piece of clothing that barely covered anything.
Her thoughts lingered to a certain silvette who was used to flaunting her body. And a certain oden-pan loving girl who wore even less. Although at times she wondered how they could fight wearing such clothes, she would remember that it's none if her business.
She found herself inside the lounge that was dimly lit, indicating that someone was inside. Proving her assumptions, the gentle notes of the piano reached her ears.
It was a haunting melody, a sad one that would definitely bring one back memories. She turned towards the piano to see a familiar idol focusing on the instrument that was placed at the right part of the lounge. She watched from behind as the other's fingers gracefully moving across the white and black keys of the piano.
Unconsciously, she found herself walking closer to the strawberry blonde girl, who was focused on the instrument in front of her. Just when she was barely a few steps away, the piano played a note that made both of them flinch.
"That mistake again…" Yuno sighed in exasperation, Brynn then remembered her as the girl who Romeo had been fanboying over. Her body acted on its own accord, then she found herself clapping, causing the other to quickly spin. Her eyes wide, looking almost like a deer that got caught in front of a light.
"That was beautiful." The God Eater praised, a grin graced her face as she approached the other. It's been awhile since she heard someone play an instrument, the last one had been Gil who she would usually pester to play for her. The piano gave a timid smile while averting her eyes from the newcomer. She had been too immersed in playing to notice anyone. It had been embarrassing since she made a fatal mistake while she was playing.
And yet, the blonde still praised her.
"Thank you," she began, managing to meet the other's ochre colored eyes, her olive colored ones greatly contrasted. The forest meeting the sun's rays. "I'm struggling with this certain part, however." The songstress paused for a moment to sigh, "I don't know if I'll be ready by later." At the mention of the word later, Brynn cocked an eyebrow.
"Later?" Had they forgotten to update her regarding an important event? That was unlikely, she had been with the Captain the entire morning, and even managed to stick around with a couple of Blood members during the rest of the day. They surely would have reminded her if something important were to occur.
Right?
A soft giggle had released her from her reverie of thoughts, her once downcasted eyes turned to face the idol. She was met with the girl covering her mouth to soften her giggles.
"The celebration," Brynn's eyebrows remained furrowed, still not understanding, "The party organized by Kota." With that being said, her lips formed into an 'o'.
She had to admit that she completely forgot about that, it's been awhile since they first arrived. It hasn't been mentioned since then, unless, that was what Nana and Romeo had been talking about earlier.
"Are you excited for tomorrow?" Nana asked her male blonde companion as the dreamy look in her eyes had been evident. Brynn happened to pass by to get some ice coffee from one of her favorite vending machines.
One that didn't have weird concotions in it.
"I'm pumped about it!" Brynn chose to ignore them and swiped her card to purchase the drink that she had been eyeing. Deciding to buy a few extra ones in case she needed them.
She also remembered why she couldn't fall asleep.
"I completely forgot about it." The blonde sheepishly admitted, matching her grin with her words. This earned her another smile from the pretty girl who sat on the stool. "Well then, don't let me bother you. You should go practice a bit more." She suggested with a small smile, walking closer to the grand piano and leaned a bit against it.
Although she was uneasy, Yuno readied herself by taking a deep breath. Positioning her fingers over the piano keys as her foot settled themselves on the sustain pedal. Once she was ready, she began to play.
The piece had been the same one as the had been playing earlier. The God Eater watched as the girl skillfully transversed her fingers along the monochromatic keys.
Brynn wasn't new to seeing the girl play, after the numerous videos that Romeo had forced her to watch, she had to admit that the girl was good. And that she was guilty of streaming her songs whenever she had the time.
Without realizing it, 3 minutes had passed by quickly and the pianist had successfully played the piece without mistakes. At the end of it, Brynn clapped, careful not to make too much noise but showed her joy and amazement in her expression. The pianist couldn't help but mirror the smile with one of her own.
"I assume that you managed to do it without mistakes this time." Brynn winked and straightened herself up.
"I did," Yuno stood up as well, beginning to fix the piano by putting back the velvet cloth that covered the keys and the cover itself. Brynn waited patiently as she did. After she had pushed back the chair, the Idol turned to face her. "Thank you for the support."
"I don't think that you needed it." Brynn teased, "You wouldn't be this admired and famous if you didn't do well during your performances.
A sheepish smile found itself in Yuno's face, there was some truth in what the female was saying after all. "I'm not that famous… But, even so, no matter how many times one would perform on stage, it's still nerve-racking." She confessed.
"I'm certain that you'll do fine tomorrow." She wasn't lying when she said that, the girl did pretty good during her last practice. "I don't believe that we've ever formally met. I mean, bumping into you isn't something that I would be calling formal, I don't know about you, though." This earned her soft laughter from the songstress.
"I suppose," The olive-eyed girl attempted to return the humor. "It's been quite a while since that encounter." She mused, the other nodded in agreement.
"I'm Brynn Amaryllis Mercu, pleased to finally officially meet you." She said with grin that reached the corners of her ears, offering a hand for the other to shake.
"You're more popular than you think you are, Vice Captain." Brynn looked at her with a puzzled expression which the other had quickly dismissed, "Yuno Ashihara." She gladly accepted the handshake with a polite smile on her face.
Yuno's warm hand met with Brynn's cold one. After a couple of seconds, they let go. Still offering each other the warm smiles that they had for each other earlier.
Brynn was glad that the girl in front of her wasn't a snobby or stuck-up person. She definitely couldn't tolerate those kinds of people. Often tempted to kick them in the face or show off her favorite finger.
She wasn't referring to her thumb. Nor to her pinky, index, and ring finger.
Brushing those thoughts aside, she knew that she definitely would be enjoying this girl's company. She had something to make Romeo envious about. Maybe she could use it as bribe to give her his share of food.
The two continued to idly chat, Brynn, pouring herself a glass of milk, making tea for the songstress who gladly accepted it. They sat by the lounge bar area.
"If you don't mind me asking," Yuno began after ending their topic regarding some of the songs that Yuno produced. "Why are you up so late?"
Brynn then remembered that she randomly entered the lounge in her sleepwear without much explanation, she figured that the clothes and the milk gave it away.
"I had trouble sleeping, so I decided to get some milk, but I heard you playing and forgot about the milk." Yuno's dainty giggles filled the room again.
"I suppose that music makes you forget about a lot of things." The singer said in a knowing tone, averting her eyes from her companion. The blonde merely nodded at this, there wasn't much for her to forget anyways.
After a couple of minutes, random topics, and laughter that they tried to keep to a minimum, the two decided that it was time that they head in for the night. Brynn had found out that Yuno also happened to be staying in the same housing area floor as them, so they made their way there at the same time.
"It was nice getting to know you, Brynn." Yuno said the moment that they stepped on to the floor that they were staying. Labelled as the Blood Section.
"Likewise," she smiled warmly in response, her hand finding its way towards the other's shoulder. "Get some rest."
Brynn swore that she saw Yuno flinch ever-so-slightly, but it was quickly masked with a soft yawn and a smile, "You too." With that being said, she made her way to her room which was at right side nearest to the elevator. Brynn's room was parallel to it, she watched as Yuno entered before allowing herself to retreat into hers.
The moment that Romeo entered the room, his eyes had widened as a grin began to spread on his lips. Inside the lounge was the other members of Blood, as well as other God Eaters from the Far East.
"There's so much people!" He excitedly announced, like a child that got lost in the candy store. What he meant by people, was the women that dressed alluringly. Gil, who had entered the same time as him, noticed this and rolled his eyes.
"You and Haru would definitely get along." Romeo however, chose to ignore this remark and hurriedly made his way to one of the bar stools where a girl clad in green sat.
Speaking of the casanova, Gil saw his friend hitting on a few girls. Since he pitied some of the women, he excused his friend so that the two of them could converse. Although he wasn't directly being told, he was certain that the women were thanking him.
Brynn, who was dressed in the Blood uniform that was provided for long blade users, stood by the corner with a cup in her hand. It wasn't nothing too strong, she was tired and they just came from a mission, and she was certain that she would get a major hangover if she tried drinking anything stronger. The blonde wasn't exactly sure how parties were supposed to be like, the small celebration that blood had before didn't really count as one.
She definitely was enjoying, the casual atmosphere, the smiles that people would offer her whenever they passed by, the delicious food that was laid out for all of them. It was something that made her feel like she was normal. Like her occupation didn't involve having to rush head first into the battlefield with monsters that couldn't be defeated with conventional weapons.
It made her wish that it would last longer.
"My parents used to hold parties all the time." A voice chimed in from beside her, she didn't need to turn to see who the newcomer was. His deep masculine voice, and the way that he articulated his words gave him away.
"Ah, really?" She acknowledged him before taking a small sip from her cup, its bitterness seeping into her tongue, "I didn't take you as someone who enjoyed socializing that much." She quickly realized that her words may have seemed offensive, "I don't mean that in an offensive way, Captain."
Julius merely chuckled at his Vice Captain's defensive words, "I don't, but being a Visconti did require me to participate in such gatherings. Even at a young age." He sighed at the memory, it wasn't a one of annoyance, rather, longing and sadness.
"You know," Brynn wavered, thinking carefully of what she was going to say next, "you don't have to tell me this, if you're not comfortable with it." This earned her a soft smile from the charming male.
"There's no one else I'd like to share it with, Vice Captain." Brynn didn't know whether she should feel flattered or flustered, being the stubborn girl she was and not wanting to give Julius the satisfaction of seeing her get worked up, she mustered a small smile.
"I suppose that I could say that I'm honored that you choose to share that with me, Julius." She admitted, it felt nice to be trusted.
Julius hummed, taking a sip from his own cup, Brynn couldn't believe that the Captain was willingly drinking on his own now. However, she couldn't stop the grin that threatened to show itself the moment that she saw how his face contorted upon tasting the bitter liquid.
Pitying him, she offered him her drink, which he eyed curiously, "Here, try mine. I put lime in it." They exchanged their drinks, Julius sipped and he sighed in relief. Brynn decided to try his drink and her eyes widened upon realizing that it was a strong one. The other had failed to notice this.
"I remember that other business partners would force their daughters to play with me or get to know me." He chuckled in an amused manner, eyes closing indicating that his laugh had been a sincere one. "It was quite funny, how they attempted to pair me up with them. My parents never forced me to like any of them, however." Another sad expression showed on his face.
Trying to lighten up the mood, Brynn's hand found its way to put itself over Julius' hand which had been resting on the tables that were connected to the windows. "Well, you must have been quite the looker even as a kid." She winked, which earned a heartfelt chuckle from the male.
"If I didn't know any better, I would have assumed that you were flirting with me, Vice Captain." As if teasing him, Brynn squeezed his hand and winked at him.
"And if I was?"
The two of them began laughing, not knowing the slight truth that existed in those words.
Before the two could continue their conversation, the mic's feedback had earned their attention. Brynn hissing ever so slightly at the irritating sound. Following that, was the echo of the mic being tapped rapidly.
"Mic test, hello, hello?" The duo turned towards the low platform, the one where the piano that the songstress had previously been playing in. There stood a familiar orange haired captain, devoid of the clipboard that he always seemed to have. The wide grin on his face had ever been the same, while he remained unfazed by the multiple people who had been looking at him.
"Hello, everyone! Thanks to all of you guys for coming today!" He began, his jubilant voice had successfully drawn everyone's attention, causing them to halt in whatever activity they were doing. "I'm sure that all of you are having fun, and though you guys might already know, today, we formally welcome the one and only Blood Unit!" The people cheered, giving warm smiles to the members who were scattered around the place.
Brynn couldn't hold back a chuckle the moment that she noticed that Julius had ever so slightly flinched the moment that Kota's eyes met with his, "Maybe the executive unit's Captain would have a few words to say. Let's all welcome, Captain Julius Visconti!" The people cheered once again, raising their glasses, in the air, some unknown female God Eaters stared longingly at the young captain who -despite being hesitant- made his way towards the First Unit's Captain.
The dark blonde haired man gingerly took the microphone, unperturbed by the looks that he has been receiving. She wasn't surprised, she knew that he represented the Blood Unit and served as a replacement for Doctor Rachel for meetings involving Fenrir HQ. This would be a walk in the park for him.
"Thank you, Captain Kota for your warm welcoming." He nodded towards the other who had been a few feet away from him, this meritted him a grin. "It is our pleasure, to join forces with the Far East and to extend a hand, especially in defeating the Psions." His modulated and husky voice reverberated throughout the entire lounge. His shoulders remained squared and he stood with pride as he introduced his unit. "The Blood Unit, will aspire to do its best to provide whatever help that we can offer." His speech had ended, and the moment that it did, he earned another hearty applause and had returned the mic to the orange-haired male.
"Thank you so much, Captain Visconti!" Kota nodded, mirroring the action that Julius had done earlier, before turning back to the crowd. "Now then, to get this party started, I'd like to call on Ms. Yuno Ashihara who is here today to sing for us!"
All eyes turned to the brown-haired girl standing a few feet from Brynn. No matter how close she realized they were, Brynn did not take notice of her presence. Perhaps she arrived late, or she was too preoccupied with the Captain who was making his way back towards her.
"Quite the speech there, Captain Visconti." Although Brynn frequently used the title, she knew how to use it in a way that appeared to be teasing, and would secure her an eyeroll or a huff of annoyance from the young captain.
This time, it had been the former.
"Perhaps, next time…" There was a mischievous glint in the male's eyes as he spoke, Brynn couldn't help but cock an eyebrow at this, "I'll have you do the speech in my stead. It must be boring for the people to hear just my voice all the time."
It was her turn to whine. Although, she couldn't help but disagree with the last few words that the Captain had said. That people would bore of his voice. His voice was something that she would never bore of listening. The way that he articulated his words, the wide, and deep variety of words that he would use, the way that it sounded to effortless coming from him.
The man wasn't just beautiful in terms of appearance, his character and even his voice matched whatever physical characteristics that he had. It would be hard for one to believe that he's a slayer of the gods.
The regal-looking clothes that he was usually donned in added to that doubt. He was princely, kingly even. Fit to sit in a throne, as his people would either admire him.
Or envy him.
"Brynn, is everything alright? Do you feel unwell?" She blinked, realizing that she had dazed off in the middle of their conversation. Thinking about him. Her face burned up, incapable of holding it back at the realization of her thoughts.
"I-I'm fine." She cursed herself for stammering, causing her to grow even more red. Even the tips of her ears burned, which were fortunately concealed by her platinum-colored hair that flowed down her back like waterfalls.
The man in front of her had not been indoctrinated. Only staring at her with more curiosity and concern than earlier.
"Are you certain? You seem to be burning up." The red tint on her cheeks doubled the moment that his fingers brushed against her forehead.
She didn't know if he was teasing her. However, the way that he bit his lower lip, and how his eyebrows furrowed in frustration had proved otherwise.
"I must have had too much to drink." She hastily said while lifting up the nearly empty cup that she had in her hands, consequently, brushing aside the hand that travelled towards her neck. She knew that it was perfectly normal for people to check temperature that way, but with him doing it, she knew that it was the reason why she was burning up.
So much for trying to act cool and collected.
Julius couldn't help but notice how… out of character his Vice Captain was acting. She wasn't intolerant towards alcohol, in fact, she was just next to Gil when it comes to holding down their liquor. The drink that he got wasn't that strong either. Or so he thought, he had exchanged with hers after all.
Before he could say anything more, the younger one had attempted to slip away, "I'll go get some water and some fresh air. I'll be back." He could no longer protest, as the girl managed to gain some distance between the two. Before he could follow her, Gil had approached her along with Haru. Despite the encounter that they had the previous day, the two were acting quite cordial towards each other.
She wasn't lying when she said that she needed some water and fresh air. The blonde found herself to the company of the view of the dark blue sky and the small buildings that had been constructed around the branch. Lights flickered, some open, some closed. From where she was standing, the people looked like tiny ants, busy with creating or scavenging for food.
She sighed, taking a sip from the plastic cup that had previously been filled with alcohol. Now, filled with water that tasted extra bland due to the richness of the whiskey. It soothed her nonetheless.
She had no idea, how the Captain managed reduce her to a stuttering and flustered teenager. It was a foreign feeling, one that she was growing to be more familiar with.
Whatever it was, she didn't want it. Nor did she need it.
Call her stubborn, but despite the joy and amusement that it gave her, she knew that it would only get in the way of her job. Their job. Also, she was sure that the Captain only saw her as a friend, a colleague. Nothing more.
Though she wished it wasn't the case.
She groaned in annoyance, her own thoughts had betrayed her once again. Perhaps she should have brought more whiskey instead. Instead, she decided to remain on top of the small platform where she sat, enjoying the peaceful view that had been provided.
"How do you do, Eos?"