(A/N: Hello again, guys. So, yeah. I really do find this kind of fic easier. I WILL continue Hyperdimension Z Gundam though, because ever since I began to create this, more and more ideas on how the relationships in that timeline will progress. Also, character development concepts are coming back to me. I will try my best to at least continue this on. Don't worry, I ain't giving up yet.

Anyway, enjoy the 3rd chapter for the RaiXGear arc.

Oh, and on a sidenote, Raiken will be the only male character I will represent in each arc.

Because, why not? I created him anyway. Now, onto the fic!)

RaiXGear Chapter 3

[Nepgear's P.O.V.]

Later at lunchtime, IF and Compa had just arrived, full of baggage on their hands as Histoire opens the door. They had just arrived from their journey to one of Earth's space colonies, Side 4, a lush, peaceful colony filled with much wonders that intrigued me, also making me want to visit. Although, I could not neglect work here in the Basilicom, so Neptune and I had to stay behind.

"Welcome home, you two." greeted the Oracle.

"Hey there, guys! It's good to be back. Man, that was a fun trip." IF leaned on the wall for a bit, visibly tired from the long journey.

"We missed you, Histy, Ge-Ge…" the nurse with peach hair cutely replied.

"We missed you too, guys. Welcome back!" I gave the two a hug.

"Ah, geez, Gear. That's enough…phew." she hugs back anyway. Compa immediately returns the embrace. Compa's was a bit tighter.

As we go upstairs to the living room, Neptune immediately rushed out to greet us. Apparently, she just came from the bathroom. "Iffy! Compaaaaa!" and she gave the two a tight bear hug.

"Geez, Nep. Clam down. We've only gone for a week." IF responded.

"Nep-Neeeeep!"

"Let us have lunch, everybody. Nepgear has prepare quite the lovely cuisine once more for you two." Histoire interjected. "I will prepare some lemonade."

I helped out the two travelers with their baggage, leading to their rooms to and fro. They were heavy to say the least. As I helped them out, they told me their experience in the space colony just outside their world, the peaceful life there, the good people, little to no crime and stable status. The place they called paradise.

Apparently, the two also bought a lot of souvenirs from the various countries of Earth in that colony. Japanese goods, American goods, French apparels and everything. It was a breathtaking experience.

During lunch…

"…I never knew that the Feddies are real strict about their laws too. Like, commit a crime or even break the rules about curfew hours, you will be detained and questioned immediately! Like, I nearly got past the curfew time on the way back to the hotel…Wow." IF narrated.

"Although the neighbors are very warm-welcoming. They were super-duper nice. They even sometimes invite us to a karaoke on the top floor." Compa cheerfully added.

"So, the Feddies have nice duds and stuff too, right? Typical utopia-like, plot-convenient stuff like automated coffee machines and chairs in those cylindrical worlds!" Neptune once again was being meta. Oh geez…

"Well, Neptune, the people of Earth are not all that rich in some places. I kinda researched demography a bit aside from learning their technology." I said.

"Anyway, aside from Nep breaking the fourth wall, what's going on your end, Gear?" IF asked.

"Hey!" Neptune screamed. "I don't break it every sentence, Iffy! You meaaaanie!"

"Oh, Nep-Nep, you're the same as ever." Compa politely told her.

"Uhm…well, I met a cool vlogger today while I was buying the stuff we need for tomorrow's party." I narrated with eagerness to them.

"Yeah…*snork* your crush." Neptune smirked evily.

"I told you, it's not like that, sis!…I have no one with interest yet…" I bashfully exclaimed.

"Nep-Nep, stop teasing Ge-Ge. She might have a panic attack." said Compa once again with her polite voice.

"So, who's the person you're referring to, Gear?" IF asked.

"Raiken S. Tsutsumi." IF immediately bursted in excitement. "WHAT?! FOR REAL?!"

"Yeah. I just happened to run into him as he was heading for work at the military." I added.

"That's so coooool! Ohmigosh, Gear! What did he say to you?!"

IF is also a fan of Raiken, particularly his videos showcasing his weapon creations based on his own ideas, be it from an anime or a real life military weapon. She also loves his vlogs, showcasing part of his daily life and opinions of various things. She also follows his blog on Chirper, and is always on the lookout for a new update from him.

"He said we can be friends. He wants to meet us if we have the time. Although, we didn't talk much, because he had to go to work. I did get his contact details though." I narrated.

"Wow, when I hear it from Ge-Ge, he seems like a really nice person! I want to meet him too." Compa clasps her hands together in enthusiasm.

Histoire decides to join in our colorful conversation regarding Raiken. She floats beside me and IF.

"I agree with Compa. I have met him a couple of times while he delivers his monthly reports of the Federation's activity. He is indeed a humble one." she warmly commented.

"Hey, Nep. Jr, we should contact him now! We gotta give the dude the go signal!" Neptune appeared from my back, hugging me tight.

"G-Gaaaah! N-Neptune! P-Please don't surprise me like that…" I blushed.

"You always fall for it everytime. But, that sweet sis-bonding stuff aside, we should call him and tell him that we're inviting him to our jam!" Neptune raised her fist up in the air with much enthusiasm than Compa.

"Uhh, he might be busy at the moment…-!" before I can finish my sentence, she grabs my N-Gear and opens the contacts tab. "A-Aaaaah! Neptune! What are you doing?!"

"Oh, just giving him a call!" Neptune was grinning. IF and Compa only sighed, watching the skit she was making unfold.

Neptune began to search for the contacts that start with R, and there the contact was. She immediately clicked on it and clicked the button.

"Here ya go, Nep. Jr! Tell him away!" Neptune gave the N-Gear back to me, I bashfully looked at the screen. Raiken's profile photo looked very handsome indeed that I can't help but blush.

"W-Wait! Why me?!" I exclaimed in embarrassment.

"Because you're the one who has made the first meeting with him. Come on, Gear, have some courage. He ain't gonna judge you." IF replied.

"You can do it, Ge-Ge!"

IF, Compa and Histoire closed in on the N-Gear as well. Apparently, Neptune clicked on the video call button, making me even more flustered.

The dial tone then began ringing, as we wait in anticipation.

[Raiken's P.O.V.]

A few minutes earlier…

It was 1:25PM in the afternoon. I took a little stroll down by the mall, greeting back towards some of the people who recognize me well through my shades. I was a bit known to some people who approach me just to say hi.

Before I began buying the things me and my sister currently need, I deposited my check at the bank, only taking about 20% off of it with me. Then, I stopped by various shops, buying some medicine for my migraines, some snacks and drinks, and occasionally some Tamiya spray paint cans from a crafts store for my next Gundam model kit project.

I stopped by the local hobby shop, hoping to find some models that took my interest. I ended up grabbing 2 models, both of which are big boxes. The cashier immediately catered to me with much enthusiasm, since he also knows my Neptube channel and my videos. "Oh, sir Raiken! That would be about… 7500 credits." the cashier smiled at me as I gave him my credit card. "Here. Oh, and here's a tip for you." I gave him extra 500.

"Thank you, sir. It's such an honor to serve you with the merchandises here!"

"Don't sweat it. Just keep doing your job well, alright? And—"

I suddenly hear my smartphone ringing, "Insomnia" by Craig David back on Earth as the ringtone. I grabbed it to see who was calling me.

To my surprise, the caller is none other than Lady Nepgear. Her profile picture looking very much polite and cheerful. I then suddenly remembered that I gave her my contact details earlier this morning.

I answered the call after a moment of looking at the phone. "Hello?"

Lady Nepgear replied in a bashful tone. "U-Uhm, hello? Raiken-san?"

"Yes, this is me. Is this Lady Purple Sister?" I replied formally.

"Y-Yes! This is Nepgear. Hi!" she shyly, yet happily proclaimed.

"Oh, Lady Nepgear. What is it? Do you need something?"

"Uhm, well…" her tone was soft and nervous, I can definitely tell.

Then suddenly, another voice rang out from the other line. "Wooooow. His voice is so cool and deep like a typical shounen character from a great mecha anime!"

…Huh?

"U-Uh…who is this?" I curiously and awkwardly asked.

"Hi there! I'm your one and only, Nep-Nep! CPU of Planeptune! Nice ta meet'cha!"

I dropped my shopping bag as soon as I heard the sentence. Needless to say, I was shocked.

The absolute, cheerful and enthusiastic tone of her voice, the vibe people get when they hear or see an extremely upbeat person, it was the CPU of Planeptune herself, Neptune.

I stood there dumbfounded, and in silence. I was surprised by what I just heard and realized.

"…Uhh…did I scare him off by any chance?" I can hear her talking to Nepgear on the other line.

"Geez, Neptune. J-Just be quiet for a bit, please?"

"Oh, uh…okie-dokie. Sorry-dorry, Mr. Hotshot! I'm just rrrreeeaaaallly upbeat about this invitation flag and stuff."

"I-It's okay…uhh…its fine." I replied, a sweat drop falling down my cheek.

"I-I'm so sorry about that, Raiken-san. A-Anyway…a-are you free tomorrow?" she shyly asked me.

"Yes. I've been given a break tomorrow. Why do you ask, my Lady?" I answered.

"Well, Neptune and I decided to throw a party tomorrow in our Basilicom. Uhm, we want to invite you." she narrated.

"O-Oh. Uhm, sure thing, my Lady. I'll tell my sister first. I need her permission. But don't worry, I will come. I'm looking forward to it. " I replied with confidence.

"Oh, yay! We can see each other again." she replied.

"Yeah. Anything else you wanna ask? I'm open." I implied.

"N-No. Just wanting to invite you, that's all." she replied.

"Okay then. I have to go now. I'll be heading home soon." I politely told her.

"O-Oh! I-I'm sorry. Thank you for replying then. Take care!"

"You too, my Lady. Talk to you guys later." and I ended the call at last.

I didn't realize I was still standing outside the shop. For a moment, I thought I was still walking. Wow. I couldn't believe it myself either.

Lady Purple Heart invited me to her place. It's such an honor. I smiled to myself as I thought about all the fun things we can do at the said event tomorrow.

As I walked back towards my place, I looked up in the sky, the clouds became thinner, as the sun shone even brighter.

My sister saw me through the window as I open the gate to my house.

"Welcome home, little brother!" she said as we hugged each other.

"I'm back, sis. I got stuff to tell ya." I enthusiastically said.

A few moments later, we were eating lunch. Naomi made me some karaage and some tempura, along with some miso soup and iced tea. We talked about the things that had transpired for both of us today, even though it's just about normal routines and stuff, for now.

"…I see. Uncle Craig really found me out, huh. Thanks for telling me in his stead."

"Yeah. Also, I received my semi-annual pay." I said before I took a bite out of her delicious cooking.

"R-Really?! I-It's only May. Why did he give it to you so early?" she asked, surprised.

"He gave me credit for my advanced work, and finishing up some extra duties fast. He told me I should have a break. You know, relax and all. It was a fair deal. Although, I might still continue to do some work when I find some stuff that needs assistance on Facebook." I narrated.

"That's great! I'm so happy." she smiled sweetly, watching me as a chomped on more of her karaage. I have to say, her cooking is the best.

"Thanks. You know I just want to make things better for us." I softly proclaimed.

"I know. Me too, actually. I'm glad we're still able to enjoy life like this." she looked outside the window as she also eats her part of the meal.

"Anyway, I met someone this morning." I looked up at her. She looked back in anticipation.

"Oh, really? And who did you meet? A new friend? A girl?" she raised one eyebrow, smirking.

"Pfft. Yeah, whatver." I snorked it off, making her chuckle lightly

"So, who is it then?" she asked.

I looked out the window, pondering on the events that had transpired until now, as I sighed deeply, making her even more curious, I closed my eyes as I remind myself on how grateful I was to be able to meet her. Her innocence, her beauty, her smile, her polite personality, I couldn't forget it.

Memories of the event flashed before my eyes, as I smiled more. It was a fateful encounter indeed that began to change my life for the better.

At last, I then proclaimed, with confidence and utmost pride.

"Today, I met…Planeptune's CPU Candidate. Lady Nepgear."

All I can say about her reaction is…that she's having an extremely shocking meltdown right now.