Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them. –The Little Prince
"Shouldn't you be heading home?"
The tone was slightly irritated. Misaka looked up. It was past the student curfew but they were in a different part of Academy City. And apparently with the city's least caring population. She could tell because of the number of Skill-outs. Some of them they encountered before. Most of the delinquents idle here and there, smoking, drinking and laughing like idiots. But nobody bothered them.
After the kids left Accelerator and Mikoto were headed on the same direction. However during their walk they found themselves just getting further and further away from their separate destinations. Nobody said a word as if it would break their unspoken truce.
"Why aren't you going home?" she asked her arms over her chest.
"I asked you first." He retorts back with his left hand shoved in his pocket.
"Why should I answer that?"
They had a distance between them as they walked side by side. Their footsteps echo against the pavement. His crutch made a distinct clinking sound each time he brought it down. It was pretty cold and soon it would be winter. Strange enough they were the only ones there.
"So you're not going home?" Accelerator said.
"What are you being so inquisitive about?" Misaka said getting a little miffed.
He wasn't planning on making conversation if that's what she was on about. Accelerator just wanted to be alone. Or so he thought. Besides, they weren't exactly chummy to begin with.
"Just answer the goddamn question."
She shrugged with the intention of not answering at all, a smirk on her face. The albino felt a twitch of annoyance.
"Whatever. But if you get fucking raped don't blame me."
The electromaster matched his scowl.
"As if I'd ever need your help!"
"You expect me to lift a finger? Don't flatter yourself."
They glared at each other for a minute then turned away. He knew the Railgun can protect herself.
"Bitch." he mutters under his breath.
For some reason he too didn't feel like going home yet. It was a nice night for a walk. A strong breeze swept past them making both Level 5 espers shudder.
"I should've brought a sweater…" the electric princess mumbled.
They stopped under a lamppost waiting for the stoplight to turn red even though they were hardly cars about. Accelerator adjusted his choker electrode.
"Hey." he said suddenly.
The ginger haired girl let out a sigh.
"What?" she snapped.
"Do you…"
…
"…do you take me for a boy?"
Huh?
Boy
The albino hid his face at what seemed like a stupid question. At first Misaka was about to laugh but his tone was serious. She only raised an eyebrow at her companion. A mere glance at his lower region made her blush.
"Is…is this a trick question or something!? If-if you're being serious then I want you to know that I won't judge!" she decided to say.
"That's reassuring…" he said softly.
Misaka frowned. That was definitely weird. Does she even have to know why?
Deep down Accelerator was scolding himself. He was having a battle within him. Was it wrong to ask other people's thoughts!? Why the fuck did I ask that!? Well, he was curious and it came out of his mouth before he could stop himself.
They resumed their walk in silence. While Misaka was lost in her own thoughts Accelerator watched her hand as it tuck a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. This girl, he thought, was balanced. His calculations are flawless but he didn't need it to figure out that the Railgun has the entire Sisters' good and bad traits.
He realized she was an amiable heroine.
And also his victim.
"I'm sorry…"
Sorry.
Her big brown eyes widened. Misaka stopped dead on her tracks. His voice was nearly inaudible but she heard it perfectly. She felt her throat dry as she tried to laugh it off.
"For what Accelerator?" her lips tugged into a feigned smile.
Accelerator bit the inside of his mouth until he tasted the tangy taste spread in his mouth. He wanted to apologize to her for a long time now. When she came to visit it slipped his mind and forgot all about it until now. But no matter what his excuse is he was still shirking. His deeds were carved in stone, in her mind and in her heart. It was better to acknowledge it than never at all, lest it becomes a problem in the future.
"…for everything."
He choked out; something Misaka would never thought number one would ever do.
That's when his face met a paralyzing punch. He lost his grip and fell on the concrete. The plastic bag with his brand of coffee burst and the cans clattered around him. Accelerator didn't see it coming but he was glad nonetheless. Glad to feel her wrath*.
It would worry him if the Railgun passed up the opportunity. It was as if a weight were lifted from him. He grinned and licked the bleeding part of his gum. His cheek was numbed and he could smell iron. It was the second strongest punched he received next to Touma's right hook.
"You sure could hit." he said and spat a mixture of blood and saliva.
"I really wanted to do that so I had a lot of practice." this time she smiled genuinely and offers her hand towards him, "You should have dodged though."
The albino hesitantly took it. Her hand was warm and soft. Accelerator used his crutch as support as she pulled him up. When he was back on his feet he rubbed his cheek which was bruised.
And so that "someday" were a week and a punch to earn friendship.
"Help me with this will yah!? Stupid violent bitch." he said pointing at the mess she made.
"Who needs that many coffee, dumbass? Only a nutcase would drink that many! -Oh wait! You are one!"
"Less talking more helping!"
.
.
.
"Accel-chan wake up! Misaka Misaka also has good news! She can cook! Come on! Aiho-chan taught me! Misaka Misaka wants you try it as she pulls on the covers!"
The albino peeped between the sheets. He had circles under his eyes. Kikyou had chewed him out last night for coming home late with a rare banged up face.
Mornings were his greatest enemy, more than faggot magicians and stupid espers. Yomikawa had the curtains drawn letting the rays of sunshine in.
"Go away brat…" he said weakly.
Accelerator was too lazy and so he turned to the reclining part of the couch. And also to block out the noise and the view that comes with it.
"But Accel-chan I made pancakes! Misaka Misaka urges since she added her blood and sweat in it!" the little girl cried.
What the fuck? That doesn't sound any better than poison. He glanced at Last Order. Hell no. That face won't work on me.
"Rise and shine sleeping beauty." Aiho said.
"Shut it."
Accelerator buried his head on the cushions. Why can't they bother Worst instead? Oh, that's right. She doesn't wake up until noon.
His head was aching from lack of sleep. There was nothing good about mornings. Night time, now that was good. He'd like to say he was nocturnal but refrained from caring.
Then again, the sizzling aroma of bacon and syrup- No, he won't give in to temptation. Damn you, human necessities.
"Hey Accelerator, we're having coffee-"
He bolted right up from his prone position. Life was really great with coffee in it.
"Just coffee. I'm not taking any diarrhea-in-a-plate." the albino said taking his sheets and pillows away.
Last Order clapped; glad her Accel-chan is awake. She grabbed him by the arm and led him to the dining table.
Kamijou Touma, in Misaka's dictionary was the very definition of an idiot. Or so she says. She would deny her leniency towards him though. If in fact zapping him was a form of intimacy and trust. Damn, she loves him. Was there any more to it? Well, aside from Index living with him and a bunch of women frolicking inside his life, yes. But she was determined to meet him halfway. To hold his hand and ki-
"Onee-sama~!"
Kuroko's voice brought her out of her reverie. The teleporter jumped out of nowhere but Misaka quickly moved to the side. Shirai Kuroko landed face first on the ground.
The Railgun was planning to see Touma that day. Force him to spend time with her and maybe go on a date. But she does hope it would be real this time.
"Onee-sama, that hurts…"
Misaka extended her hand. Kuroko had her eyes on her Onee-sama's bosom and was prepared to strike again when Misaka electrocuted her upon contact.
"Hn, nice try Kuroko. Hey, aren't you on Judgment duty today?"
The tan suited her nicely. The teleporter managed to raise her thumb.
"I am…in charge of keeping you…away from the vending machine…" she said lying on the ground, "I'm just waiting for Uiharu…and Saten-san."
"Well, I'm going to have a drink." the ginger haired girl said and did a swift chaser on the vending machine.
This time it didn't sound an alarm. Kuroko sat up as Misaka sat on the bench with her soda.
"Want one Kuroko?"
"Onee-sama, will you ever stop kicking that thing?"
"Nope, it still has my ¥10,000. So for the time being this is what its' worth."
Shirai sighed and smiled impishly.
"Oh, Onee-sama…"
Not long after Uiharu and Saten arrived. They were going to shop later. And also to look for a cute Yukata to wear at the Ichihanaransai which is held in November. Tokiwadai and the other top schools were preparing for the upcoming cultural festival.
"Would you like to come with, Misaka-san?" Uiharu asked.
"Nah, I've got something to do. Thanks though." she said.
"You're not going to see that ape are you?" Kuroko said glaring daggers at the Level 0 in her thoughts.
"O-of course not!"
"Oh, Misaka-san's blushing." Saten observed.
"I am not!"
"Onee-sama, if you value my life you won't go to that ape!" the pigtailed girl said crawling on all fours.
"Let's go Kuroko-san. Mii-san is expecting us for about an hour ago." Uiharu said, always the voice of reason.
The electromaster watched her three close friends go. So, where was she at? Right, Touma. She got up and finished her soda.
"A good woman always finds her man."
Such grace and poetry should be practiced, she thought. Misaka started at his dorm. But he wasn't there. His neighbor was useless too. She sighed and decided to wander off aimlessly.
For some reason that always work. It proved to be effective when her eyes caught a mass of dark unruly hair. Touma! Her heart did a back flip. She broke into a smile and forgot bumping into Shokohou Misaki that morning. Misaka was about to run to him but that can't be…since he is with someone. Index had her arm hook around his.
A pang of jealousy hit her and it poured out off her ears. Instead of backing down like a wimp Misaka was crackling with electricity. They were only a few yards away with their backs turned. Laughing.
The nun was out of her usual wimple and robes into a simple smock. She looked beautiful, the ginger haired girl screamed in panic inside her head. Misaka knew her chances were about 1.5 out of 10 with that bust size. It was wrong, plain wrong! And it seems like Touma's having fun too as he whispered something to the nun.
In reality Touma just saw a piece of rice stuck in Index's glossy hair. The bottomless pit stomach of Index had been an issue lately. She kept bugging him to buy her things that are out of season.
His smile was so breathtaking. How could he!? The third Level 5 esper in Academy City was emitting a black aura. It's time your misfortune acted up, she thought darkly as she zeroed in on his face.
"You per-!"
She was about to zap him as punishment when three simultaneous popping made her lose her concentration. Misaka quickly turned around and saw three kids. Their mouths were gapping at the scraps of brightly coloured balloons.
Those things… The electric princess hated those things since they were drawn to the electricity she produces and when it gets too close it bursts and hurts her ears.
"Ah, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'll buy you new ones!" she said, "Yeah, new ones! Just don't cry!"
Misaka didn't like kids crying. Ever. Just then an ice cream truck pulled over. Luck? From afar Touma and Index had escaped her radar.
"How about ice cream huh? Don't cry. Please."
"Really?"
"You won't drop it while we're eating?"
"No, I won't!" she promised.
She forgot about her agenda and just did her duty. Misaka bought them chocolate, strawberry and pistachio flavors. The kids were practically shaken up by the Railgun that she had to keep a sort of distance.
"We forgive you Onee-san…it's just that it was given to us for free."
"Oh, I'm really, really sorry though!" Misaka scratched her head in embarrassment.
"Are you an electromaster?"
"Yup!" she said very proud of herself.
"You were angry at that guy weren't you? Well, that's bad!"
"What are-"
"He has a girlfriend you know!" a little girl with dark hair said.
"I…"
That caught her by surprise.
Whoa, hold up.
"Shame on you Onee-san." add a boy who shook his head in disappointment.
"No, that girl isn't his-" wait, why is she explaining herself?
"Even so!" another kid said with strawberry dripping on his chin.
"But-"
"No buts! Get your own boyfriend Onee-san. So you can be happy too!"
Why was she being preached at by three little kids half her age?
"Can I talk now?"
"You may not Onee-san. You still owe us." a blond kid said who seems to be the leader. Darn kids.
Accelerator sat by the window contemplating. Trying to at least. He was having one hell of a migraine. Last Order was playing with the Gekota puppet finger on the carpet floor.
She did a great job making the plastic toy move with electromagnetism and a hairpin. Worst was at the couch watching a movie, bored at the pink haired lead actress and reacts only to the battle scenes. It serves as a distraction for the rest of the day while Kikyou was sewing the torn fabric from her Ao Dai beside her.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Everyone paused from what they were doing and stared at the door. It was a crisp knock. Aiho got her gun out. All of them became tensed except Worst. The Anti-skill woman pressed her back against the wall. She slowly looked through the peephole. A second later she tucked her weapon away and opened the door, revealing a young man of Hispanic origin. Accelerator knew that dark and wavy hair.
"Eztali."
The Aztec magician bowed. He carried a bunch of balloons with him. Last Order tilted her head at the sight of them and glanced at the albino for approval.
"It's for you," Eztali said addressing the clone when Aiho let him in, "I've been giving it away for free."
The little girl cautiously approached him. He smiled and gave it to her. It was the first time he saw Last Order.
"My, you look a lot like her…" he said.
Last Order returned the gesture and went to sit next to Worst. The two Sisters began to gawk at the floating devices.
"What do you want?" Accelerator said confronting him.
"I was in the neighborhood to see the person that holds my feelings…" he said sheepishly, "Then I remembered to pass on some things."
There was a long drawn silence.
"That doesn't answer anything." Yomikawa said.
The magician just smiled.
"Shall we talk about it in private?"
Aiho and Kikyou showed him to the dining table. The apartment was small as it is but Eztali didn't mind. While they had tea Accelerator went back to musing. Sooner or later they would call him.
He was alone in the living room. Last Order and Worst had retreated in their rooms to further analyze the balloons. A small smile appeared in his face.
"Should I consider bringing them along like she said?"
Back in Last Order's room the Sisters' were excited. And if one looks closer a red bracelet is partially hidden in Worst's sleeve. The albino gave it to her but she insisted that if the original placed it on the ankle then she'll do the opposite and have it on her wrist. Accelerator just let her have her way. Beats having her thrashing and cussing.
It was bearable. How? Like having a scruffy homeless kitten with incurable rabies.
She was more than dependent on him than he could imagine. Last Order has a lot of sense compared to her that's why he can't treat them the same way. They were just too different with different needs.
Yoshikawa had observed this symbiotic relationship. The two Sisters' see him more than just a protector now. A father, a friend, and a lover as well. He will be all this for them and would do anything for them. Why? Should there be such a question? It's because he craves a family.
It seemed impossible that there would be enough for himself. No, he didn't think so either. Accelerator knew he didn't deserve such a thing. He wanted to change but couldn't because he can't accept who he was; and intent on the idea of not being able to love himself. If he can't then how can he love others? He will, somehow. Because those in misery are the ones who understand true happiness.
The Railgun exhausted herself yet again with her ever loving devotion to kids. The other was purely coincidental but this is…déjà vu. She was bored anyway. Flying at that idiot would be a waste of time anyway, she thought. But sadly Misaka would prefer that. Because it would mean everything. Even to just vocally abuse him. And he would say "Ah, Biribiri, it's a misfortune but I won't fight you!" That would be enough. Because his sole attention would be on her.
"Onee-san!"
"Alright, I'm coming!"
The rest of the day was dull as it is. She never got to do what she planned. It's not that she gave up. No, she'll never give up. And she is known for her determination. Misaka knows how far she'll go to obtain his affections.
She got back in her dorm late that afternoon. Kuroko was still out so the first thing she did was go to the bathroom. The ginger haired girl took off her clothes then remembered the anklet she kept on.
Accelerator's bleached white hair and red eyes quickly resurfaced from her thoughts. His actions still confused her. In other words it was disturbingly amiable. She sat on the edge of the tub and undid the lock. The Gekota pendant was cute. Good thing that Kuroko didn't told her off. The anklet isn't exactly a childish badge.
Misaka took a long relaxing bath with the knowledge that the teleporter is nowhere in sight. Her senses were engulfed with floral scent that she liked. It was nice to have time for herself. When she had drained the tub after, Misaka grabbed a towel on the hook and dried herself. She stood in front of the mirror and eyed her damp hair.
"Should I have it long? It would be a bother but…"
The ginger haired girl smiled at her reflection then sighed. She wondered if she would ever be as attractive as her mom.
"I have to be…without getting the wrong impression. But necessity is first priority. A wig? Ugh, what would Touma think?"
She looked around as if someone might hear her. The electric princess turned away from the mirror. What was she thinking? If Touma likes her then it wouldn't matter if she was freaking bald. Then again-
"Gah! Why would I even…" she trailed off and just decided to sleep it off, "Probably from all the roughhousing…"
Misaka blowdried her hair and put on her flowery pajamas. While she buttoned the shirt she remembered to put on the anklet. Though the sun was still up but she didn't care. She crawled into bed and snuggled comfortably between the sheets.
She had Kill Bear in head lock. The electric princess yawned. She was so tired. Slowly her eyes closed.
"What…would…he think?" she mumbled.
The words left her mouth without her realizing it.
The next day brought no memory of her saying such a thing. If she did Misaka would introspect to no end. Because the person in her thoughts was the scowling, lanky, potty-mouth teenager with white hair.
AN: Why the hell am I still putting this stuff? Nobody reads it anyway. But if someone cared, go ahead. Anyway I want to apologize for this chappie if it sucked big time. It's just that I'm feeling down. *curses feelings*
Accelerator: Here! *tosses me a can of coffee*
Me: *catches it* Thanks I needed one!
Accelerator: I know, pay up.
Me: *throws the coffee back but he blocks it with vector abilities*
-midnightgamin