A/N: Here's the second exclusive Gaiden chapter!

Nothing too ground breaking. Just a little slice of life of a closet otaku and another very minor character.

The following chapter is chronologically seventh, and was not posted previously.

Enjoy.

xxxxx

Talley

xxxxx

I'm Talley Onodera, one of Hypnos' system operators, a technologically proficient worker for Mr. Yamaki, friend of old college buddy Riley, and a closet anime and manga junkie. Yeah, I'm a total geek, but I don't mind. The only aspect I do mind is lacking a boyfriend. I'm about to turn 27 and I haven't had a boyfriend since college, and that relationship only lasted a month.

Well, today, I'm about to change all that!

"Talley! Are you awake?" I quickly shot up from my chair as Riley's voice rang in my right ear. Perking up, I nearly jumped out of my office chair and turned around to see a perturbed Riley glaring over me. "Sleeping on the job today, Talley?" I looked up, innocently blinking with a donut hole stuffed in my mouth. Wolfing down my the sugary treat, I wiped my mouth and laughed like a total idiot.

"Riley, sorry, I... I just didn't get too much sleep last night..."

"Let me guess, you spent all night installing those anti-virus programs into your computer after downloading too much anime, right?"

"Yeah, well..." I stopped right there and tried to give Riley the impression that I was taking my work seriously. Yeah, that didn't work too so well. "...I did complete my report for this morning, at least."

"And nearly spilled coffee over it."

"Ok, I admit I've been a bit uncoordinated."

"You don't need to tell me twice. Talley, we've been working under Yamaki for almost seven years. We both graduated top of our class and he gave us an opportunity to work with his operations. Why? Because we were highly qualified and he wanted to utilize our technological skills. We're both his leading ladies and at the top of our game. Right now, we're in higher positions than ever before. Don't screw this up for yourself. I'm just telling you this..."

"...for my own good?" I finished what she wanted to say. She's been my friend for 8 years. She's three years my senior. She was 22 when I first entered Shinjuku University at age 18. We were top honor students in our Advanced Engineering classes and both equally skilled in our abilities. Still, she gained more favors with Yamaki than me. Heck, they're even romantically involved with each other outside work! If there's one area where Riley has me beat, it's romance. What is a cute little bumpkin and a closet otaku like me supposed to do? Riley knows the last time I had a relationship, it was short term. Since then, I haven't tried finding my partner.

"Listen, Talley, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

I turned and ran my finger over my Miku Hatsune figurine. "It's ok. I've got work to do."

"We can talk more during lunch. See you then."

I watched my friend leave and wearing a sexy purple business suit. God, Riley had it all. She has the looks, the stunning body, and learned from Yamaki to be a more vocal and assertive individual in the office. While poor little me looked average, more 'cute' than sexy, my body was nowhere near as stunning as Riley's, and I'm meek as a mouse around men. Sometimes I can be a bit of a klutz and somewhat socially awkward. I've been that way nearly my whole life. I've had very few friends besides Riley and Yamaki. But, other than them, well, I've got no one but my family to turn to. Is there any guy out there who'd want to take the time out of their busy lives and ask me on a date? Or, should I be the one to approach them?

It's about time I break out of my shell or I'll be in Riley's shadow.

But, first, time to get back to work!

I put on my iPod headphones and listened to some J-Rock tunes while working on one of our latest programs.

The more I worked, the faster time flew by and it was almost lunch time. I hurried over and pulled out my lunch kit before heading out to meet with Riley. As I turned the corner in a hurry, I bumped right into someone and landed on my side with my lunch kit, fortunately, still intact. Whew, what a close one.

"Oh, sorry about that, Miss Talley."

"No, that was my fault. I was in a hurry and I just hap-" I looked up as my eyes widened in shock as Air Force Pilot Nate Escobar offered me a hand. Nearly spacing out at the sight of the gorgeous-looking man, I... HUH? Gorgeous-looking guy? Was I just thinking that? "Oh, I'm sorry! I-I-I didn't think I'd bump into you here of all places! Hahaha!" Haha, indeed. Gosh, I found like a total geek! "I was about to head to lunch... and well... bumped into you and..." I couldn't resist Nate smiling to me as I took his hand and let him pull me off the floor. Holding my lunch kit, I stood there looking like a kid ready to eat my food. "What brings you here, Lt. Colonel Escobar?"

"I'm off duty. You can just call me Nate."

"Nate... yeah, that sounds better. What brings you here?"

"Well, I was invited by Yamaki to check out his latest designs for the Hypnos systems. You guys really upgraded the whole facility."

"It was long overdue. Besides, the designs were all Riley's and my hard work."

"You two did a good job revamping the place. Yamaki speaks very highly of you."

I looked at him in befuddlement. Yamaki... speaks highly of me? Me, who's been pretty much been slacking off and falling asleep on the job? Nate, you have no idea.

"Talley?"

"What? Oh, yeah, without me or Riley, he'd be in a real pickle, right?"

"Well, I guess. Hypnos wouldn't be where it's at without you two being there to aid him."

"So, um... Nate, do you have any plans? Like for tonight?"

Nate didn't dismiss my question and was straight up with me. "No, not really. Maybe stay home and play with my dogs. Why?"

Why he asks? Oh, c'mon Talley, you can do this! "Iwaswonderingifyou'dliketocometodinnerwithme!" I blabbered on without giving time to slow down as Nate looked at me like I had just lost my mind. My face blushed as I awkwardly stood there without any resolve to be upfront with him. Why did I just do that?

"What? I couldn't understand you. Could you try and slow down?"

Let's take this slow, Talley. Ok, here goes. "I was wondering if you'd like to come to dinner with me. You see, Riley and Director Yamaki are going out to the Akaryuu, one of the finest restaurants in Shinjuku, and I'd like to know if you'd join me. Just the two of us... ehehehe."

"Just the two of us? You don't want to join them?"

"Well, no, I mean... wouldn't it be better if we left those two alone and spent some time together?"

"I suppose. I see nothing wrong, but where's the catch in this?"

Catch he asks? There's no catch really! I just want to see Riley and Director Yamaki's working relationship up close! I need to know how I can maintain a healthy relationship with a guy! I can't stay single for the rest of my life! I...

"TALLEY!" I heard Riley calling out from the other end of the hall as I bolted right off and unknowingly left Nate in the dust. I turned and waved to him. "Try and make it to the Akaryuu tonight, ok? If not, I'm cool! See ya, Nate!" I headed out of the office hall and shut the door behind me, heavily breathing and catching my breath whilst Riley faced me with concern etched on her face. "Hiya, Riley!" I waved and gave her one of my ditzy smiles.

Unsure why I was breathing so heavily, she blinked thrice and didn't think twice of questioning me. "You ok?"

"Fine! You...?"

"C'mon, you. And did you need to bring lunch? I thought I said I'd be buying us something down in the lobby."

"Oh, you did?" I said teary-eyed. "I didn't know."

"It's ok. Let's go."

"Ok!" I chirped and followed along behind her as we entered an elevator. After pressing the button labeled 'Lobby', the elevator shaft descended for us as we leisurely waited for our stop. With no one but us two, I took this time to send her a bunch of curious inquiries. "So, you still going to the Akaryuu with Director Yamaki?"

"Uh-huh, at 8 tonight. Why ask?"

"Oh, no reason..."

"Who were you talking to in there?"

"N... I mean, no one in particular."

"Did you know Lt. Colonel Escobar showed up to see Yamaki?"

"Oh, did he? To see our updated and remodeled Hypnos room?" I asked, playing dumb.

Riley added. "Yeah, and he was impressed. We'll be ready to install the new tracing grid programs very soon."

"Good, and we'll finally figure out those latest activities."

"According to Henry and his Chimera friend, they confirmed seeing strange lights crossing the skies."

"Yeah, I know. Hey, Riley, with the kids suddenly having super powers, do you ever get worried about them?"

"Of course, I do. They're putting themselves at risk for us."

I couldn't agree more. "Yeah, but I really admire their courage." Something I don't even have an ounce of when it comes to approaching a guy.

After we got off the elevator and began eating our lunch in the diner, I was the first to finish as Riley gawked at my eating habits. Unlike Riley, I wasn't always too concerned with my eating habits nor did I need to worry about weight gain. My metabolism was surprisingly very high and always been.

"You're gonna get fat the way you keep eating your meals like that!"

"Yes, mother," I replied with sarcasm.

"Maybe I should sign you up for the fitness center."

"Nah, I'm not too worried about my image unlike you." I said while drinking bottled tea.

This dealt a blow to Riley as she dropped her chopsticks and gave me an irked look. Slightly cowering back, she slammed her hands on the table and berated me.

"Image? I'm trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle! You're not even concerned about yours?"

I put down my bottled tea and smiled nonchalantly. "I'm going to live my life to its fullest and not worry about the little things. You're a health nut, and I get it. I eat healthy foods. I just don't see the need to sign up for a gym. Besides, I get all the exercise I want moving stuff around my messy apartment!"

"Ugh, yeah, the pigsty."

"Hey now. All those figurines and collectibles are my hobby, Riley. I can't help if I'm a crazy otaku."

"We really are worlds apart, off duty," Riley sighed.

"But, we've maintained a strong friendship since college! Isn't that what counts?" I gave her one of my cute winks.

"Just how do you do it? You worry about so little and you're always self-composed."

"Well, Riley, that's a secret!" I said with my best Xellos impersonation.

My friend face-faulted on the table and resisted the urge to berate me. Despite what one might think, our arguments are very friendly. Even during our college days, we would get into passionate arguments over our work. One time when I wrote my thesis paper, she criticized a lot of what I jotted down and led to me defending my case. Of course, after our heated debates, we'd go right back to hanging out in our dorm and watch some of our favorite TV dramas like nothing happened.

Being younger, I was seen as the little 'kid' while Riley maintains that mature vibe. I'm not too bothered by it. Riley is just being herself and I love being me. I watch my anime, read my manga, collect my figurines, and have an unhealthy obsession for sweets. Riley goes to the fancy parties, wears her delicate dresses, watches her diet, and actively goes to the gym every five days a week coupled with yoga lesson twice a week. We might live different lifestyles, but that hasn't hindered our friendship any.

"Have fun with Director Yamaki tonight, Riley," I giggled as Riley couldn't help but smile and laugh with me.

"Hey, Talley!" I heard Nate's voice from outside the diner. We saw him standing outside and passing by waving to me. "See ya later!"

After waving, I turned away and dropped my chin on the table. Riley glanced over to me and resisted the urge to giggle.

"Don't tell me. It was Nate you were talking to?"

Shaking my head, I initially responded as my cheeks blushed. "Ye-Yeah..."

"Talley, I don't know what to say. You should ask him out!"

"Actually, I did, but you called to me. I did tell him to meet me at the Akaryuu tonight."

"But, you didn't give him any specific time to meet you? We could've all gone together."

"I just wanted it to be me and him."

"I see," Riley said as she grabbed my hands and saw my eyes as they started to tear up. "Dry those tears, Talley."

"I just want to know what it's like to maintain a stable relationship with a guy. You and Director Yamaki have been seeing each other for a while. And I'm always behind you when it involves men. I...I just don't think I'm cut out for Nate."

"You are. Just because you had a bad relationship with that jerkwad in college, doesn't mean you should give up."

"Thanks for the encouragement, but I'm not sure..."

Riley folded her arms and gave me a stern look. "Talley, ask yourself this: Will you regret staying single for the rest of your life? Is that going to make you truly happy?"

I really didn't think about that. In fact, ever since my last break-up, I never took a minute out of my time to mull over my relationship status with a man. I never even put the effort to find another guy to date until I find the right partner for me. What am I afraid of? Another rejection? Another jerk to kick me to the curb? Well, I know what I need to do!

"Guess I'll be at the Akaryuu tonight," I said with a smile.

Am I doing the right thing? The minute I got home I entered the pigsty of an apartment as Riley likes to put it. Walking in, my room was littered with paperwork and microwave dinner boxes coupled with drink cups and empty candy wrappers. As I entered my bedroom, it was plastered with anime wall scrolls and there was a bookshelf with a ton of tankōbon books ranging from titles like Fruits Basket, Fushigi Yuugi, Sailor V, Dragonball, One Piece, Rurouni Kenshin, Fullmetal Alchemist, and other really popular titles. I even had a few Korean manwa and The Slayers light novels sitting on a separate shelf. One table was filled with figurines of characters from various anime, from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Gurren Lagann to Tenchi Muyo! and Pokémon, and I even had a few pictures of me dressed as my favorite characters hanging on the wall. I distinctly remember cosplaying as Seras Victoria at a recent conversion, and thankfully on a day off!

God, I'm really such an otaku nerd. Haha. I wonder how Nate would react seeing all this?

I sat down next to my Calumon plush and checked my cell phone, skimming through various text messages. Riley sent me another message before I got home.

'Hey, Talley, you still showing up to see Nate tonight? Call me when you can. Riley/02.08.2008/6:30 PM '

"Oh, boy," I sighed and stared up to the ceiling as Nate's face kept showing up in my mind. I put on my game face and stormed toward my dresser. "All right, Talley, no more dawdling!" With that, I opened the dressed and pulled out a cute yellow dress.

By the time it was 7:18, I was fully dressed and standing in front of a mirror wearing my yellow evening dress and black high-heels. I only put on very little makeup on since I'm not very big into cosmetics and grabbed my purse. Brimming with renewed confidence, I stopped to feed my pet iguana before heading out.

I was 15 minutes late getting to the restaurant. I rushed to the front of the Akaryuu and tripped over a carpet, falling flat on my face.

"Ow, that hurt," I tried hard not to cry in front of the public. This isn't the time to be a ditz in a fancy restaurant of all places! As I was dusting myself off, I saw a recognizable face kneel in front of me and offering me a hand.

"May I, miss?" I raised my head and saw Nate's face hanging over me. He was fully dressed in his Air Force dress uniform. My eyes lit up as I took his polite offer and pulled myself off the floor. "I reserved us a table for two."

"Oh, thanks."

"I just saw Director Yamaki and Riley earlier, but I think we should dedicate our night just by ourselves. What do you think?"

"I-I'd like that," I melted from his words and accompanied him to a two-seated table near a large aquarium. "This is perfect." I sat down and looked at Nate, who wore one of the most gorgeous smiles I've seen on a guy. My last boyfriend sure didn't treat me with such high regard. All he cared about was 'scoring'. Once Riley told me the dark truth, I told the jerk off and he called me a bad name, saying I was only good after one night of sexual pleasure.

But, there's just something about Nate. I can feel a good vibe from him.

"Talley, you look stunning tonight."

"Um... really?" I blushed and checked over my dress. I wouldn't exactly call my wardrobe stunning. "It's nothing really. Riley's dresses are far more beautiful than mine."

"Ah, but I think it looks good on you."

"Thanks."

"Been on a date before?"

"Yeah, but it's been a while. Work and leisure time just got in the way."

Nate smiled as he called for a waited over. "Can we order two drinks? I'll have red wine."

"And I'll have a vanilla shake with a cherry on top!" I excitedly called out.

"Um, Talley, they don't likely serve those here."

"Oh," I zoned out for a few seconds and sat down blushing. "Just give me some water."

After the waiter gave me an awkward look, he walked away to bring back our ordered drinks.

I could hear Nate laughing it up, which didn't put me in the right mood.

"It... wasn't that funny..."

"Don't like drinking wine?"

"It's ok, but I'm not into drinking wine or other alcoholic drinks. I try and maintain a straight-edge life..."

"Nothing wrong with that, Talley. I do drink when a party's involved, though."

Oh swell. My last boyfriend loved to drink a lot.

"But, I'm a careful drinker."

Good, so not like my ex-boyfriend.

The waiter brought us our drinks as we continued talking for the next fifteen minutes. So far, so good, he's a pretty good guy. I'm learning more about his life and how he entered the Air Force. Then, we talked about our misadventures during the Rajita invasion five years ago. I was so young then. I was about to hit 23 then. Nate, I learned, was born in California and joined the Air Force at age 18. He's 29 now and currently lives on base near Tokyo. His sister, Rina, is an anchorwoman and reporter for TV-Nihon. It's good to get to know a sibling of a well-known TV reporter.

I giggled the minute he mentioned how he used to play pranks on his sister.

"Oh, you were such a jerk when you were a kid, Nate."

"Yeah, but then I wised up when I joined the Air Force."

"Nate, I've been meaning to ask you..."

Nate inquired. "What is it, Talley?"

"Would you like it if we were to go out more often?"

"Of course, you know, I've always had an eye out for you, but never had a chance to ask."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I mean your friend Riley is a hottie and downright sexy. No question, but you always had that cute, quiet, and innocent look when I saw you."

I turned away, blushing again. "Heh, well you're right. I am pretty shy around men. But, would you even want to go out with a girl who's a closet otaku? And someone who has a messy apartment and keeps an iguana as a pet?"

"I don't see how that makes a difference. You just like what you enjoy. You want to enjoy an unorthodox lifestyle. I see nothing wrong with that. I think girls like that are interesting."

"You mean... you don't have any problem with it? I shouldn't change?"

"Just be who you are, Talley. Don't try and be like your friend Riley."

Don't try and be like Riley? Yeah, I'll do just that. Seriously, this is what I've always wanted to hear a guy tell me. Nate, you just might be that Prince Charming I've been looking for.

"How long have you and Riley been friends?"

"Since we were in college together. About 8 years or so."

"And your friendship with her has been..."

"Strong as it's ever been. I used to envy her, but she encouraged me to be my own individual. We've always supported each other through thick and thin. Nate, I just hope our relationship can be the same."

"It will if you'll allow me," Nate grabbed my hands as I stared him in his piercing eyes and became smitten with his smile. "I want us to have a good relationship."

"And so do I."

After dinner, we walked outside near an artificial pond and watched the fountain spew water over us. I laughed and seemingly danced with him while water sprinkled over us. By the time we got to my apartment, I showed him my mess of an apartment, which he took in stride. I led him to my bedroom and showed him my otaku haven. Again, he was overwhelmed with how my apartment turned out to be. Guess it wasn't what he expected. Oh well. I sat down on my bed as Nate put his hand over mine.

"Thanks for the invite..."

"Well, you showed up first. I didn't even give you an exact time."

"It's ok. I still had a good time."

My smile broadened as I turned and came to face-to-face contact with Nate. "Me, too." My alluring eyes drew Nate to me as we leaned toward each other at the exact same time. Then, as I leaned closer, my eye caught a PS3 controller sitting on the floor. "Hey! You want to play some games?" I knew right then Nate broke out of his trance and sighed. "Oh, sorry, did I ruin our moment?"

"Nah, I'm up for some gaming!"

In no time, we spent the rest of the evening playing games, from strategies to fighters. Though he beat me in the fighters, except the Sailor V ones, I easily overwhelmed him in strategies. I even creamed him in Pokémon battles.

"You call yourself a man, Nate? I'm whooping you!"

"Cause I'm just being a gentleman."

"Oh, please! No mercy!" I laughed after beating him in Duel Monsters. "Duel decided. I win."

Nate chuckled as he placed the control down. "That was fun."

"Gotta be heading out?"

"Yeah, I've got to get up early tomorrow."

"Lucky me, I've got a day off tomorrow," I teased him while walking him to the door. As he grabbed his coat and hat, I had my head down and twiddled my thumbs, showing my meek side again. "I had a good time."

"Me, too, Let's do it again. Anytime."

"How about this Wednesday night?"

I smiled in response and leaned forward to kiss his cheek. "Perfect. I'll call you before then."

"I'll remember."

We leaned forward for a kiss and with that offered each other a goodnight. I closed the door behind me and sighed deeply, leaning my back against the door. Sinking down to my feet, my smile broadened and I held Nate's number in my hand.

"You were right, Riley. I finally came out of my shell and found the perfect guy for me."

I'm Talley Onodera, 26 years old, and no longer single!

xxxxx

My Commentary: We're back in some leisure activity, but this time unrelated to anything to the Arcadian Cross plot. I chose Talley since she's a very minor character who rarely gets a mention in Tamers fanfics (as far as I'm aware). As you might tell, I completely contrasting Riley and Talley's lifestyles, and gave them different hobbies. Talley was more of the reserved and quiet type, and I could also see her being the closet otaku type. Talley as an anime/manga junkie and computer geek just seemed to fit while Riley as a health nut and a formal party girl type. One still in a kid phase and the other more mature. One with a messy and lazy lifestyle while the other takes on a more healthy and organized style. But, like they say, opposites do attract. Despite their differences, these two are still the best of friends.

Nothing really much to offer here in commentary, but I felt the need to give minor characters more coverage. This is a chance to expand on Talley's character, build her personality, and pair her up with Nate Escobar, who debuted as far back as The Invasion of the Rajita. Hopefully, who knows? Nate might teach Talley how to shoot with a gun. ;)

By the way, that Calumon plush was intentional after that one scene in Tamers where she meets him. ;)

As of Dawn of Chaos, Talley and Nate are still together. She will have had a relationship that lasts more than a month. What does the future entail for them as a couple? Who knows, but I might have some plans for them in Season 3 and in future events. Talley, especially, might have a bigger role outside being a member of Hypnos.

For the record, the Akaryuu is a fictitious seafood restaurant.

Not related to Talley, but since her love for anime and manga is mentioned. Just a few useless facts:

Top five rated anime in YYGDM Japan (2008): Sazae-san, Chibi Makuro-chan, Doraemon, One Piece, and Bishoujo Senshi Sailor V Revival

Top five most popular manga in YYGDM Japan (2008): One Piece, Bishoujo Senshi Sailor V, Naruto, NANA, and Fullmetal Alchemist

In the YYGDM-verse, Sailor V had its first anime run from Fall 1998-Spring 2002. The second anime adaptation was released in Spring 2007 after the manga secured record setting numbers that outranked other ongoing manga except OP, and acquired enough sponsors for Toei to produce the revival series.

And that's that. I've got nothing else to add. Hope you enjoyed this Gaiden extra!

Send a review and stay gold!