Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
November. It was cold as hell yet manageable compared to Russia's harsh climate. Misaka wore a yellow jacket over her uniform though it was prohibited. She even took her time in the bathroom. The water was freezing cold. Kuroko just had to wait.
The girls were grateful the dorm supervisor had the heater on. Class went on without a hitch, unfazed by the misty ambiance.
However Tokiwadai's busy preparations are even more callous than an instructor's schedule. The preparations for Ichihanaransai started in May. Seven months of heavy planning by the student council would bear fruit in just two measly days.
They only have a week left.
There is even a rumour that Tokiwadai's Queen, Shokukou Misaki, will be adjoining to the theatre club again as the school play director. She had volunteered as means of entertainment (with her abilities). Shokukou will be administering Prosper Mériméé's written novella, Carmen.
Konguo Mitsuko will be performing with various other students for the band club presentation alongside Wannai and Awatsuki who are quite the musicians themselves. Meanwhile Kuroko is trying to come up with an excuse to have a day off during the Ichihanaransai. The teleporter had busied herself with the cafe and stall idea, hoping for her sweet Onee-sama in a maid outfit. She even invited Uiharu and Saten in advance to attend and help her out. They were thinking of selling Karage or Taiyaki. Just thinking about it made Uiharu's mouth water.
Now the only thing they have to do is to wait for Friday.
Meanwhile outside Tokiwadai's academic walls Eztali is watching Misaki Mikoto from afar. Just the other day he met Misaka 10032 and informed her of the Festival. The clone remained expressionless as she states her Onee-sama's lack of consideration to ask her instead. He smiled and offered to take her there.
The magician had been more meticulous since the last time. He no longer used Unabara's appearance but his own. If ever the Railgun catches him stalking her it would be him and nobody else.
From where he was Eztali is fine. He didn't need to talk to her or let her know he longs for her. He was that kind of guy. It was just satisfying to see the object of his affections happy.
But ever since yesterday when he saw how the electric princess reacted to Kamijou and Index's display, the magician had been plagued with concern. He was there that time, in the shadows, and would have attacked Touma head on, even if he had no chance of winning at all.
He did realize that it wasn't Touma's fault.
Eztali came to the conclusion that Touma could only rely on him to protect her, not make her happy. And though Misaka may not reciprocate or know his feelings for her that won't stop him from keeping her from potential danger; in the only way he knew how: acting as a frontliner and away from her. Eztali has a heart that had a tendency to go beyond boundaries. One dazzling smile can make him go for an entire lifetime. And maybe, just maybe it could be for him. Even just for a while.
Accelerator was really, really pissed but tried to keep a straight face. He was mentally berating himself. But eventually he knocked on Worst's door. Kikyou said it was his job. Well, that's just fucking great.
Worst opened the door just two centimeters. Accelerator forced his way half through, much to the clone's annoyance. He saw Last Order sleeping in the corner with the balloons floating above her ginger head.
"What is it Tou-san? Misaka is disturbed and would like to punch your light's out."
He doesn't come to them on a regular basis (except for life-and-death situations) so she has every right to be irritated. The albino had his mouth in a long thin line, like he was about to puke or say something in the pits of his soul like "I laid an egg" or "I'm gay." Worst speculates. She observed his nervousness and the way he won't look in her eyes.
Oh shit, could it be? He scratched his back part of his head as if hesitating. She leaned closer. Is this it? Ottou-san…for the love of- spit it out!
"There's this…uh, festival. I already talked to Yomikawa and Yoshi-"
She smiled deviously. Finally. Took you long enough you dog, she thought.
"You wish to ask me to go on a date? Misaka accepts on a condition that you have to be patient and wait until Misaka is ready. What hotel shall we go after? What shall I wear? Misaka asks as she gets excited and feels the need to-"
Accelerator's eyes widened. Damn you Kikyou, this is the reason why I don't want to be the one to talk to them, he thought.
"Worst, believe me when I say that that's the last thing on my mind. And that you're fucked up. Last Order is coming with us. I don't like to take any chances but I can't have you both completely under house arrest in the apartment." he said in the most calm voice he could muster.
The clone was obviously disappointed. Ah, well, it's worth the shot, she thought grimly. Her frown lasted for about a millisecond.
"You are a very deftly man Tou-san…I like that. Misaka says as she openly flirts and places her hand on his chest."
The albino inwardly cringed removing her hand. There was a light blush on his face.
"Have some decency. It's this weekend. If you don't wanna go, the better!"
She considered.
…
"What should Misaka and Last Order wear? Misaka asks as she rephrases the latter question."
A vein popped on the side of his forehead.
"How the hell should I know!? Ask Kikyou!"
Accelerator glared at her. What the hell does he care? For all he knew she could go nude…wait what? Fuck no! They'll get mugged before they could reach the place, have her raped by some gang and he'll have to drag her sorry carcass home before Judgment and security robots come. So it'll be just his fault.
"You know what. Yeah, just go ask her."
He rubbed his aching temple. Worst didn't seem to like the answer however.
"What now?" he snapped.
Her eyes were suggesting something he knew he would regret. Sighing loudly he took out his phone.
"Fine then, I'll call her! She's probably attending anyway."
A gleam spread across Worst's eyes. She ginned.
"Misaka loves Tou-san sooo much! Misaka laughs and expresses her deepest gratitude." she gave him a death hug and shoved him off the doorway. For added insult Worst slammed the door on his face.
The albino cursed under his breath. He didn't exactly have Misaka Mikoto's number. So he harassed Touma for it. Touma just did what he was told and texted him Biri biri's number.
But he spent a few minutes staring at the call option.
"What the hell!?"
Misaka was bored out of her mind during class. Suddenly she felt her phone buzzing in her pocket. She secretly slips the green phone underneath the table to check who's calling her at this hour. It was an unknown number. Then the instructor's eyes narrowed on her. The electromaster cancelled the incoming call.
The albino's brows furrowed together. He called Touma again and yelled at him on the other end. A misfortune, indeed, to have his right eardrum blasted. The poor guy was assailed with colorful words that were very much similar to a certain ginger haired girl.
"Did you actually call her?" he asked when Accelerator had finished.
"…uh, yes."
Why was he angry again?
"What for?"
Accelerator didn't like where this is heading.
"None of your business."
Touma raised his brow in confusion.
"You do realize she might still be in class."
In class.
In class.
…
Idiot.
Accelerator face-palmed. How could he be so… Fuck, why didn't he… Motherfucking-! It took him a lot of restraint not to break the phone to pieces. He saw his bedside table and had it crushed in seconds.
"What's that sound?"
He didn't answer.
In class. In class. It was like a broken record.
He hadn't realized he used his ability without the aid of the electrode until later.
"Hello? Are you still there? I'm hanging up…"
It was a good thing that Touma was on the phone. If he was right in front of him he might not ever live it down.
"I knew that!"
"Oh, well whatever man. Good luck then."
"Good luck on what?"
"Gotta go, I still have someone to feed -" Touma hang up on him.
"Bastard! Hey! I'm still talking!" Accelerator threw his phone on the couch.
"Girl problem?" Aiho asked with a smirk.
"No!" he fumed, red faced, "Fuck off!"
"Do you know this number Kuroko?" Misaka asked.
"Eh? Lemme see…nope. I don't know Onee-sama. If you like we could have Uiharu track it."
"Or maybe I can just call it." the electromaster suggested.
"Whatever you say, Onee-sama. How about a hug?"
She ignored her friend and stared at the series of numbers. I don't know why but I get a feeling it's important, she thought.
"I wonder who it was..."
After cooling his head Accelerator returned. Yomikawa and Yoshikawa were at the dining table having a cup of afternoon tea. He found his phone where he left it. Accelerator slumped down and glared at the device. Suddenly it rang and flashed a name. It was Mikoto's number.
"About time…"
Unbeknownst to him the two women were observing him from the kitchen doorway. They thought he seemed peeved and glad at the same time. It was amusing actually. Accelerator picked up the call. The first thing he heard was "Hello!? Who the hell is this!?" it wasn't Mikoto's voice but a rather high pitched one.
"Uh, hey…"
There was mild scuffling on the other end and then silence. He heard a crackling of lightning on the background.
"Hello…?"
"Oh, hey, sorry about that. Hello? Is anyone there?" it was the Railgun who answered this time. Her tone was perplexingly polite that it doesn't seem right.
"Hey, it's me." the albino said softly.
"Me who?"
He gaped.
"Accelerator! Stupid bitch!"
"Acce-! Asshole! P-p-pervert! Stalker! How did you get my number!?"
"Don't get your hopes up! Me? Stalk you!? You gotta be fucking kidding me! And how I got it is none of your business!"
"I nearly got in trouble when you called earlier! You expect me to believe that!" she shouted on the other end.
He thought she sounded fairly pissed and that was right.
"Oh yeah that reminds me. Why didn't you pick up huh!? You said it yourself that you didn't get in trouble! " he yelled back.
"Pervert!"
"Frog! I don't suppose you have underwear like that too."
"Pervert! I'll punch your face twice as hard when I see you!"
Accelerator wasn't aware he was smiling the entire time. When he sees her…
"Anyway what do you want?" her tone was now less violent.
"Ichihanaransai,"
She didn't say anything for a minute.
"What about it?"
"I can't believe it!" the ginger haired girl exclaimed.
A while ago she was complaining about Accelerator's attitude on the phone to which Kuroko has no idea about. The pigtailed girl wanted to say something but Misaka was in no mood to be interrupted. She wanted to stab whoever it was that upset and took her Onee-sama's attention. Misaka had never been this openly irritated to anyone especially with her as an audience.
"Onee-sama~!" she tried to cut in again and failed.
"I know you're on my side Kuroko! When I see that asshole…! We'll see!" the Railgun paced around the room waving her fist, "That bastard even had the audacity to order me around!"
Kuroko was shocked beyond all comprehension at the words. The cosmos had warned her before. It can't be! Audacity to do what? Order her queen around? What order? Make Onee-sama do this and that? Or maybe that then this? No! No! No! No! No! The teleporter had blown a fuse without her companion knowing it. Who's the fucker who seduced Onee-sama!?
Before Kuroko had a chance to get the name of the perpetrator the electric princess' mood altered suddenly. She received a package. Her mother had sent her a white-purple komon with a note attached to it. Misuzu had been studying extensively for the last few weeks and would like to visit her once her exams are over. Misaka's father too sends her his regards. He won't be able to come anytime soon and to compensate he had paid a large sum for the kimono to be shipped and smuggled inside Academy City. It was made from silk. The obiage was light pink fabric, very feminine. The obijime or sash goes well with its floral pattern. There was even a familiar green character for an obidome, autumn leaves Kanzashi or hairpin, a new geta and a pair of tabi or slip toe socks.
Even Kuroko was slightly fazed by the extent of the surprise. Misaka felt the smooth fabric between her fingers. The gesture touched her deeply. She missed her parents.
"We're out of aspirin, Accelerator. Do you know anything about that?" Kikyou asked standing in front of him.
Accelerator merely shrugged and continued turning pages of the magazine he was pretending to read.
"I know you're not reading."
"Did you check?" he said blatantly.
The woman grimaced and held out an empty container.
"It seems your migraine had escalated this week. I think you better have a check up this Saturday."
"Then that would cancel the plans, won't it?" the albino closed the magazine and lazily looked up. "I'm fine Yoshikawa."
"Well, then Ill pretend until Monday." she was clearly not buying it, "Just a quick scan and don't be fussy about it. By the way, what are you going to wear at the festival?"
A vein popped on the side of the albino's forehead.
"Will you quit it with clothes!?"
"Whoa there. It's Ichiharansai. Where's your sense of formality. It's basically the school garden. You can't just go there in that garb. Don't you want to catch a girl?"
"Girl? Don't make me laugh Yoshikawa. I have to deal with two every day. And what's wrong with my clothes? Cultural festivals don't require you to dress up like a monkey."
"My, your argument is faulty Accelerator. First, those two have one face-"
"What the hell are you implying?" he said.
"I didn't say anything. And second, Tokiwadai's an all girls' school." Kikiyou said and crossed her arms over her chest.
"And how do you know I'll be going to that school? There are five in District 7. I could go to its neighboring schools."
"Just you? With whom?" she teased.
"Shut up and answer the gaddamn question."
"You called Misaka Mikoto didn't you? You were screaming at an inanimate object it's quite amusing to watch with Aiho-san."
"You. Were. Watching?" he seethed.
"Calm down."
"That inanimate object you were referring to is a phone, you're getting old. Now leave me alone. Go do some women stuff! I don't care."
"You mean shopping for a kimono for Last Order and Worst? Alright, I think we could get you something too."
"Ugh, whatever!"
Four days later…
Misaka and Kuroko went to Uiharu and Saten's dorm. The goalkeeper had suggested they check out this cool new place in District 6. They had also agreed on a little shopping trip for the materials in Kuroko's stall.
Food stalls are pretty tough to manage. But in the teleporter's case the stall next to her happens to be Unabara's. The grandson of Tokiwadai's owner was forced upon by his parents to participate this year, no matter how stupid it may seem and for exposure as well. He wasn't particularly fond of anything other than girls gawking at him or hanging out with his peers. Kuroko has no chance of gaining customers if Unabara was selling stuff. It only became a challenge when Misaka said so.
The place Uiharu was taking about was an inter-school lounge. They had various merchandises right down to Misaka's third world obsession, not to mention the cool and relaxing ambience. The girls were delayed chatting and drinking their iced coffee.
Saten was the one to break it. At that point their task to help out Kuroko was almost forgotten. After an awkward silence the Railgun spoke.
"So Yakitori it is then!"
Fortunately to their luck, there was a grocer just across the street. Kuroko and Saten looked for a portable grill, four packs of barbeque sticks and Styrofoam containers while Uiharu and Misaka head to the frozen section. They hauled in a five boxes of skinned chicken strips, some mixed veggies, spices and a cooler. The four of them met at the counter and bought quite a lot. Money apparently was no problem with Tokiwadai students. Saten and Uiharu inwardly sighed.
They decided to head back to Sokugawa student dorm as the sun was already setting. On the way the heads turned as Uiharu wailed. Not only did Saten flip her skirt but the girl with flowery headband forgot her umbrella at the student lounge.
"Oh, it's going to rain too, the entire week, I think…"
Misaka pursed her lips. She didn't believe the weather forecasts anymore since learning of Tree Diagram's demise from Index. The predictions may as well be a bunch of hoax or the Railgun is just looking for another reason not to rely on Academy City at all.
And besides, they were already more than halfway through. They took a bus going to District 7 and carrying loads of stuff. Kuroko proposes to go get it herself but Misaka was the only one who realized that Yakitori is a popular drinking food.
"But Onee-sama~!"
"I don't think it's going to rain…I'll get it."
"I'm coming with you!" the pigtailed girl said but the ginger haired girl had made up her mind and stopped the bus.
"You…really don't have to…Misaka-san. I don't mind. Really." Uiharu frowned.
"That umbrella was given to you by Haruue-san."
The Railgun flashed the bemused girl a smile that made Kuroko emit rays of animosity as Saten laughed in the background.
"Neh, Kuroko, you should help Saten and Uiharu with the load. Don't worry I'll be quick."
Before the teleporter could further protest Misaka had jumped out to catch another bus. Sake would be good, she thought, although it's against school regulations… It'll definitely knock Unabara off his high horse.
The apartment was shook by loud waves of cries. Accelerator who by far was in a four day stupor bolted up from the couch. His red eyes wide with fear as rushed to the source. He had forgotten his crutch beside the couch but it did not matter to him at the moment. It came from his room where he found Last Order bawling her eyes out. She was holding her arm.
"What!? What's wrong!? What happened!?"
The albino knelt down beside her and inspected. He found nothing. This alarmed him more. "Where does it hurt?"
He was scared stiff. The corners of Last Order's big brown eyes were streaming tears down her cheeks. Accelerator glanced at the bedside table he destroyed a few days ago, now a pile of mess.
"Did you…"
His question was answered instantly. She held out her index finger and there it was a fucking splinter.
A trickle of rain made her look up at the darkening sky. She grimaced as a drop hit her face and the thought of perusing the shop a minute ago. So maybe the blimp is still reliable to some extent, she thought bitterly as it began to drizzle.
Misaka opened Uiharu's pink umbrella. To her delight it was big enough for two to three people. It wasn't a total waste. All around the puddles were starting to form and water gushing at the sewer grates.
The sound of the pattering raindrops was lulling her back to the student lounge where it was warm and cozy with hot cocoa. Thinking about food made her stomach grumble. She wished it didn't rain.
Then as she tugged the items she bought her eyes caught sight of two fleeting figures. The first one was tall and skinny while the other was small with bright ginger hair like her own. They quickly ducked over the low hanging of the inter-school lounge building. Curiosity peaked, Misaka stopped and walked back to where she started.
"Accelerator?" she called out.
At the mention of his name the albino whirled his white head around. The Railgun took note of Last Order's yellow raincoat with duck patterns, whereas Accelerator's only protection was a personalized hoody. He was drenched from head to foot carrying a plastic bag and his crutch with one hand.
"You. Not again." he sighed, "What the hell are you staring at?"
"As if I was staring at you!" she retorted.
The feeling of concern and worry ebbed away at his smugness. Last Order by this time was wringing her hair turned too. The look in her eyes was too much for Misaka. She smiled and waved at Mikoto.
"Onee-sama! Misaka Misaka played in the rain but Accel-chan told me not to!" the little girl said under the shade.
"Shut up brat! Stay still!" he said as he caught her from slipping.
But the clone couldn't be contained and she bounded towards the Railgun. The little girl's enthusiasm was unwavering even in the most dreadful of weather. In fact, Last Order has never seen rain and was more than thrilled to share the information and experience with the other Sisters. Misaka saw the unbridled shadow that cross Accelerator's face. He held out his hand but stopped shortly watching Last Order run.
"Hey!" Misaka said, "You're gonna catch a cold! Come on!"
The electric princess beckons her to get under the pink umbrella and a pair of little arms collided on her thighs. Misaka giggled. She balanced the stuff she carried and picked Last Order up.
Accelerator felt a pang of jealousy. He grimaced, a bit of his territorial side that he wasn't aware of.
An hour ago…
Yomikawa Aiho had returned from her work at District 2 only to find chaos. She half hoped that the reason would be something to point her gun. But sadly it wasn't. Last Order was whimpering when she entered the living room.
Kikyou had removed the offending splinter but of course it still hurts. And there was also the complete lack of band aids. The Judgement lady only nodded when Accelerator came to the rescue. Seriously, she thought, where does this kid get all that cash? From his daily dose of twelve cans per day was enough to suggest that her salary was a joke compared to his. Must be from all those research and experiment on his body. As grim as it was, that's how most students are in Academy City.
Last Order clung to him as he made her put on a rain coat. He inhaled through his nostrils and grabbed his hoody before half carrying the little girl to the nearest apothecary.
As it turned out it was closed for the night. The Albino had a map to the entire City in his mind when he switched to the MISAKA network. He cursed as the next one was at District 6.
They hopped on a bus, paid their fee and sat as far away from everybody else. He kept constant vigilance as Last Order nurse her finger. When the conductor announced District 6 they fled among the rows of people.
"There!" he pointed at the low beige building with a glowing sign.
The sliding doors opened for them and once they stepped inside Accelerator towed the little girl to the right aisle. He picked up a pack of Band Aids and ripped the box. The albino knelt down to Last Order's height and took her hand. He proceeded to place the adhesive bandage around her index.
When he stood the man at the counter was giving him annoyed looks.
"I'll pay for it, geez." he said.
It seemed his appearance frightened the man. He should be, he thought. Rolling his eyes, Accelerator moved to the next aisle followed by his ward. While he looked for aspirin Last Order was in a dilemma.
"Accel-chan? Misaka Misaka would like to ask a favor."
The albino turned with an irritated glare. What now? Taking it as a yes, she raised her injured finger covered by a band aid with heart designs.
"Misaka Misaka asks if you will kiss her booboo. It will make her feel better."
Accelerator's red eyes squint and glanced wearily at other customers. Seeing none but the man he pecked it once and resumed piling the basket with bottles of aspirin.
Back to present…
The number 1 esper in Academy City had a sense of pride in him even as he looked down at his own demise. Sometime after hearing the Railgun complain about an empty stomach the three of them were at a family restaurant. They sat at the booth at the far end. Not many people were around now since the curfew was near.
It took him a lot of restrain not to bark at the couple sitting at the table near them. Misaka was too distracted to care. Last Order has all her attention. It was like having a real little sister. What will Mom say, she wondered giddily.
"Look at them!" a woman said to her husband, "What a cute family!"
"Yeah, but isn't the girl a bit young? I mean look at the guy."
"At least they had a cute girl."
"I must admit…she is quite cute, darling."
"Ah, young love…"
Accelerator was about to pounce at the couple when the waiter came to take their order.
"What will you have sir?"
His red eyes scanned the menu before it flicked once to the Railgun.
"Shouldn't you be asking the lady first? Idiot."
The waiter flushed at the mistake. Misaka was pleased and gave him a small smile. Accelerator so as not to seem affected by the gesture berated Last Order who was between them to sit still.
"Ah, right, yes sir. What will you be having ma'am?"
Once they had their orders fill, Misaka got right back to her little sister. She couldn't believe how not so different the little girl was from her younger self. But halfway through she and Accelerator bickered.
"Hey what's that?" he suddenly pointed at the object beside her.
Misaka looked at the bottles of sake she bought for Kuroko. She refused to tell him what it was for until their food arrived.
"Drinking game? And I thought you're damn decent." he smirked at her.
"I didn't say drinking game. Don't make up something." she snapped.
"Hah, I bet you can't."
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"Nothing Ms. Frog can handle I suppose." Accelerator said and laughed.
"Hah, I can take you on, Perv. Just keep your hands to yourself." Misaka's face heat up.
"Wouldn't dream of touching you… so how about a round then?"
As it continued to pour outside Last Order could only watch at the exchange of words. She didn't mind any of their colorful words. She was actually glad they were getting along quite well (in her opinion)
And yet what will happen if you have a bottle of sake, two powerful hormonal teenagers and a clone? Disaster perhaps…or something embarrassing?
AN: Ahaha. So sorry for the late update. We can't all stay up late in the wee hours. Gotta have the right feeling to write (and effort to type) Gah, hadn't touched my PC for a while. Can't cut in with schedule and long trips. Nope. But since its Christmas…happy holidays viewers.
1. Karage – Japanese style fried chicken (often on a stick)
2. Taiyaki – a fish shaped pasty with hot filling.
3. Yakitori – various kinds of grilled chicken on sticks. It's a popular drinking food in japan.
~I dunno I just googled it.
-midnightgamin