As Denika slept, her head against the compartment window, I re-examined the notebook I had been keeping since Denika had left it on my bed all those weeks ago. Each day had at least a page and a half entry, along with the occasional sketch. I noticed that I would need a new notebook very soon, and added that to the running list I had of things to get while in Central.
Speaking of Central…I wondered what Denika's reaction would be to the city. Northern HQ was surrounded by a town of about 6,000, whereas Central had a population of roughly twice that, according to the last census. There were more cars as well, so the city was generally noisier than North City. I had to hope that Denika wouldn't immediately want to return to North City once we stepped off the train.
---
At the first station that we stopped in, I noticed Denika seemed a bit nervous. Spring Hill was farther south than she had ever been in her life, but was far less busy than North City on a slow day. As I watched, a group of three young women, and one young man boarded the train bound for South City. Denika also watched the group, a frown on her face.
"/The young man looks as though he will be carrying shopping bags very soon…don't you agree/?" Denika glanced at me and shrugged a little, while we waited for our train to arrive at the station.
"/Perhaps…but he may not be traveling with the group…or he and one or two of the women may be traveling to a different city/…." I had to grab her hands to keep her from worrying the ends of her hair too much. That was one thing I had noticed. Whenever Denika got really nervous, or was worried about something, she'd play with the ends of her hair.
"Denika, relax. After we arrive at Central, I'll give you the 5 sens tour. I can show you where I used to be stationed, and we'll see if any of the pencils Jean managed to get lodged into the ceiling have fallen out yet…" Denika smiled a little at that.
"If he can beat my record of five, I will be impressed….oh! The train!"
I'm sure we amused the locals as we ran to the platform to get onto the train, Denika's braid flapping about as she ran, and myself trying to keep up with her.
---
"And after the puppy started urinating on the floorboard, Lieutenant Hawkeye disciplined him…her method of discipline is…strict, to say the least." Denika chuckled at that. We were still a few hours outside of Central, and we had decided to talk about our past experiences with our co-workers. I had told Denika about Jean, Heymans, and Cain already, and was just finishing telling her about how Black Hayate had wound up in Riza's care.
Denika had told me as much as she knew about Pytor (who was really named Peter, but had been given the nickname "Peta" by Zahkar), Arseny, and Zahkar, but was a bit reluctant to discuss Vladmir. I had expected the subject to be a touchy one, based on what Jamika and I had overheard that day in the park. I decided not to continue on the subject; instead choosing to tell of one of Colonel Mustang's less-than-stellar moments.
"Denika, did I ever tell you about the time that Lieutenant Hawkeye had to trip Colonel Mustang?"
Denika's small smile was a reassuring site, "No…do tell…"
---
"This is the Central City station! I repeat: this is the Central City station! All passengers departing for East City, West City and Central should disembark! Please check to make sure you have all of your belongings…."
I stretched as I awoke; Denika curled up in my arms.
"Denika…Denika, wake up…we're in Central…" Denika yawned and stretched out, opening her eyes slightly.
"We are here already?" She and I both jumped when a hand hit the window with a loud "WHAM". When my heart finally stopped threatening to jump out of my chest, I looked to the window, only to see the grinning face of Breda, and further back on the platform, Fuery.
Denika's expression as we got our bags and made our way to the exit summed up most of what she was thinking, but her statement still made me stare after her, mouth slightly agape, "You said Breda liked to tease…Arseny could give him run for his money."
---
After introductions and formalities were taken care of, it was agreed that we find a restaurant and enjoy a slightly quiet dinner. I noticed that Breda seemed a bit surprised by Denika, as did Fuery. After the first round of drinks had been consumed, I noticed everyone seemed more relaxed, even with Denika still looking around nervously at times.
After everyone had ordered their food, Breda turned the discussion to our plans for surprising Jean. We would be leaving Central the next morning, and driving out to the Lake. After that, we'd stay a few days, and then we'd drive back, and go our separate ways for the time being.
---
After we had eaten our fill, it was unanimously agreed upon that a few more drinks wouldn't be a bad idea. Fuery opted not to drink too much, while Denika and Breda discussed different types of Vodkas. I had a feeling I knew where their discussion would go, and sure enough, Denika ordered a bottle of Vodka, and two shot glasses.
I knew Breda would be in trouble soon, as Denika had only had one glass of white wine throughout dinner, whereas Breda had had a few rounds of Stout. As Denika turned to stare Breda in the eye, I knew things weren't good. This game, which I had watched Denika play with Pytor, was one that I myself had had difficulty with. Seeing as Breda's concentration was already going out the window, I knew he'd wind up drinking at least two shots.
The first round of Stare Down went to Denika, as did the second and third rounds. Breda must have realized he was in trouble in the fourth round, because that round, Denika was the first to blink, and had to drink a shot of the vodka. The next three rounds, Denika lost twice, and Breda lost once. The next round was won by Breda, followed by Denika, and finally, Breda won the last round.
After the bartender took the bottle of Vodka and the shot glasses away, I noticed Breda looked a bit wobbly, and when Denika suggested that we all go and get some rest, I knew Breda would be feeling the Vodka in the morning.
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The next morning, I noticed that everyone in our group seemed a bit tired. Fuery was falling asleep in his cereal, Denika looked like she was half awake, and when Breda finally showed up at the café for breakfast, he looked less awake than Denika. After a few cups of coffee, we were all a bit more awake, and ready to pack our suitcases into a rental car for the drive out east.
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Author's Note: Wow, I fail hardcore...I had this chapter up on my writing journal before I left for Anime Weekend Atlanta back in September, but forgot to update it here...sorry guys...-.-;;
Reviews:
Kain Fuery: Thank you very much for the compliment...A lot of the relationship between Vato and Denika was actually pulled from some of my own experiances... some, but not all...
If there's anyone I missed, I apologize profusely! Also, the next chapter is going to be a bit delayed, as this year, I'm participating in NaNoWriMo...