Chapter 3: A Touch of Warmth
Natsume's POV
The long hours just dragged by, as briefing was held in the headquarters. Half of the dangerous ability class was there, along with a few new extras I haven't seen before. To me they looked like inexperienced newbies who didn't even know what they were doing, despite the haughty and proud expressions they wore on their faces, thinking this was some sort of prestigious event, only held for the most excellent alices. That's just stupid, looks like they don't even know what they're in for. This batch must be that new haul Persona was talking about that he got while "fishing". This feels like we're going to need plenty of help for this operation, and by plenty, I mean a lot.
"Don't forget that this mission would require the best of your abilities combined together. 'Mercy' shall be unacceptable in dealing with these people, because when it comes to infiltrating a corporation via sea, everything would always be ten times as hard, so best be prepared. We shall be leaving in an hour." Dismissed. Stated Persona, as he left through the doors to arrange some "stuff".
I look over at the clock; it was half-past ten. Great, that means another sleepless night for me. Nobara was there too, beside the clock, leaning against the wall, gazing off somewhere, as if she was in deep thought. I go over to where she was and start to say something, only to be interrupted, once again, for the umpteenth time today.
"I know you want to see Mikan-chan and the others before you leave, but it's ok, I'll cover for you. Just don't take too long this time. Ok?" She said rather timidly and seriously at the same time. What a weird tone…
"Thank you." I said to her directly, looking her in the eye. She nodded in reply and watched me as I went out the window and made my way into the night.
Mikan's POV
"She's been bothered by this fever all night, what do we do?"
"Quiet, Nogi. You'll wake her up."
A loud bang, followed by a soft ow.
"Who do you think would wake her up anyway?!"
"Whatever."
"Would you two please stop fighting?"I heard a vaguely familiar voice say from my right.
I didn't know if I was imagining or dreaming this. The hushed voices have been continuing on for almost two hours now, and from what I'm hearing, I can easily identify three people beside me in my room right now.
"Nogi won't shut up, Iinchou, can you do something about it?"
"Look who's talking."
"Can we just leave? I think we've made enough noise to wake up Mikan-chan."
"Ok."Two voices said in unison.
I felt a series of gentle touches right after that.
"Goodbye, Mikan-chan."I felt soft gentle hands pull up my covers higher.
"Have a good sleep, Sakura."I felt an equally soft touch pat my hand, and linger on that spot for a bit.
"Good night, Mikan."The gentlest and smallest of the soft warm hands stroked my head and eyelids, as if casting a spell on them to stay closed for the rest of the night.
What strange dreams. It's been quiet for a long time now, and I eventually slipped into a cloud of unconsciousness. Not until I heard some muffled sounds by my window.
A very warm and strong hand seemed to have reached out to stroke my hair and pat my cheek. The hand was rough, because it felt awfully bruised and calloused. It resided there for awhile, and was lifted up from its spot. After that, I felt a soft kiss on my shoulder. I sensed the mute shuffling of feet and eyes that seemed to burn me with its gaze. There was a brief moment that the sharp chilly air entered my room, and then I heard the window close once again, followed by the still silence of the night and the lingering warmth of that certain person's touch.
Such odd dreams, indeed.