Kai: Hey people! Welcome to chapter five! In case you're wondering where out author is, she's uh… busy!"
Nikki: Busy? (snorts) She has her eyes glued to the TV and is watching all this anime!
Kai: Well…she told me she'd be busy…
Nikki: WELL SHE LIED! Nothing but petty excuses!
Jenny: Hey has anyone seen Jason?
Nikki: (sighs) He's in watching with anime as well…
Jenny: Ah! I'm gonna go see him! –runs out of the room- SEE YA LATER!
Kai: Guess we better start the chapter…
Nikki: Yeah I guess…wanna make out?
Kai: (grins)
With the Eternals arrival coming closer, Kai and Jenny were just as busy making everything ready. The day they were due to land in Orb, they had some spare time to personally prepare themselves for seeing Nikki and Jason.
Kai had to admit he was nervous and excited all at once. He had never been apart from Nikki for more than a day since he started dating her. So seeing her after 3 days of being apart made him slightly apprehensive. He sat on his bed, anxiously waiting for someone to tell him when the Eternal arrived, his hands were slightly sweating and he could feel tight knots gathering in his stomach. A knock on the door made him slightly jump, he turned to see Jenny walk in.
"Hey Jen, are they here yet?"
She shook her head "Not yet, I had some time to kill so I thought I'd come see what you were up to."
Kai gave her a sheepish grin "Well I don't have anything to do either so I'm just waiting for someone to tell me when they get here."
Jenny rolled her eyes at him. "Honestly, you're acting like you haven't seen her in years, it's only been a few days."
Kai suddenly looked serious. "Well I know, but it's not just because of that. For the last few days Nikki's been thinking I'm dead…I wonder how she'll react when she sees me."
Jenny noticed that he seemed nervous; she knew she was nervous about seeing Jason as well but wondered if it was for the same reason. Letting out a sigh, she sat down next to him.
"Well, I'll give you my honest opinion if you really want it." Kai turned his head and stared at her curiously. Jenny gave a little smile. "I think she will be more than happy to see you, I mean think about it, 3 days ago she watched your ship explode and thought that you had died along with it. Seeing you alive…well, if Nikki has a moment so happy where she cries a lot than I'm gonna say that your reunion with her will be one of those moments." She gave him a caring smile. "So you don't have to worry, she'll be overjoyed to be with you again."
Kai smiled in return. "Thanks Jen"
She gave him a playful sisterly punch on the shoulder "Anything for a good friend"
Suddenly there was a loud knock on the door and an officer opened the door.
"You two need to get yourselves prepared, the Eternal has just docked. Representative Attha wants to see you two immediately"
He rushed out before either of them could reply; glancing at each other they stood up and headed out the door.
Kai and Jenny rushed down the hall towards Cagalli's office. They wanted to be quick with whatever the Representative wanted, both were anxious to see Nikki and Jason.
Upon reaching her door, Kai knocked on it. Inside they heard ruffling movements before hearing Cagalli's voice. "Come in!" They walked in to see her putting papers away, seeing them she smiled. "I appreciate you two coming, please have a seat." She gestured to the two seats in front of her desk. Sitting down Kai looked around. "Where's Athrun?"
Cagalli waved her hand dismissively. "He's gone on some errands, now the reason I asked you down here." She leaned forward linking her fingers, staring at the two in front of her. "I know you're anxious to see Nikki and Jason, but I need you two to stay inside."
Kai hung his head while Jenny stood up. "You can't be serious! I know there were risks before but this is just ridiculous! This is Orb for crying out loud, what's the harm on stepping out for a few minutes and-"
She was interrupted when Cagalli slammed her hands on her desk. "It doesn't matter! Even going outside is too dangerous for you two!"
The room was silent after Cagalli's outburst. Kai looked back and forth between the two girls, slightly taken back by what had just happened. Slowly he put a hand on Jenny's shoulder, making her sit back down before turning back to Cagalli.
"We understand the danger Cagalli, if you like, we'll wait in our rooms and Nikki and Jason can come to us, that would probably be the safest solution."
Cagalli nodded at him, calming herself down. "Good idea, Kai. Ill let them both know the rooms you're staying in as soon as they arrive."
Jenny silently agreed with a slight inclination of her head, she knew the risk of going out but she hated been cooped inside all the time. Just for a little while she'd like to go out and have a little freedom. "Maybe after seeing Nikki and Jason they'll let us out for a few hours"
Cagalli stood up, causing Kai and Jenny to stand up as well. "I'm sorry to keep you two in here, but I swore to protect you both, and especially after the incident a few days ago I wanted to do my best to keep you safe until the Eternal arrived. Just relax for now; I'll let Nikki and Jason know where you are."
Kai smiled and bowed at her before walking out, Jenny following him. After the door closed, Cagalli sat back down. She felt guilty keeping the two of them inside, but she felt it was part of her responsibility to keep them protected at all times. Once the other two arrived she could relax, Nikki and Jason were highly skilled and strong coordinators. Once they were here she would have nothing to worry about. Letting out another sigh, she pulled a file out of her desk drawer, not looking forward to all the paperwork she needed to finish.
On the Eternal, Nikki leaned against a wall near the ships entrance. Around her, other young teenagers chatted away excitedly about fun things they wanted to do once they were allowed out. Nikki slightly glared at the younger crew before turning the other way. Seeing them all this happy aggravated her, she just wanted to get out of this blasted ship and have some time alone.
From the other end of the corridor, Jason made his way down keeping a look out for his friend. Spotting two girls, he approached them wondering them if maybe they had seen her.
"Hey, excuse me ladies." The girls giggled at sight of him making Jason sigh impatiently. "I was wondering if you've seen a girl go past you, she's kind of tall and has long brown hair. Did you see her go past here?"
One of the girls gave him a shy look before answering. "Oh you mean Commander Clyne? Yes we did, she didn't look too happy. She went down to the end there where everyone else is."
Jason nodded at her. "Thanks for your help." He walked off leaving the two girls giggling at him.
Walking through the crowd he finally spotted Nikki standing up against a far wall, a little distance away from the other crewmembers. He made his way over to her and leant on the wall next to her.
"So…what're you gonna do once we're let out?"
Nikki glanced at him for a second before looking back the other way. "Go walking" She blankly replied.
Jason raised an eyebrow. "I see, mind if I come with you? I want some fresh air before I head to ORB HQ."
Nikki slightly shrugged, indicating she didn't really care. Suddenly the ships doors opened and Lacus's voice was heard. "We have arrived in Orb, everyone please enjoy your stay here."
Jason raised an eyebrow. " Leave it up to Lacus to sound nice and friendly while dismissing everyone."
He turned to see Nikki had already disappeared; he grabbed his bag and rushed out to find her. Spotting her several metres ahead, he silently followed her. She needed her space, so he walked behind her at a safe distance.
Nikki walked along the streets, paying no heed to the citizens around her. Her goal right now was to reach the one place that held meaning to her, once there she could finally relax. All of a sudden she felt her arm being grabbed and she was roughly yanked to the side. A large hand covered her mouth and she could feel an arm feeling her around the waist, a hand snaking up her top. She heard a deep voice in her ear. "You're a cute one, how about you come with me and we'll have some fun." Repulsed at being touched, she forced her arm out and elbowed him hard in the stomach. The man doubled over, distracted from the pain. Forcing him onto the ground with her leg, Nikki grabbed his arms and pulled them behind him. Around them, people stared in awe at her, amazed that a girl was able to defend herself that way.
Holding both of his arms with one hand, she grabbed the back of his collar with the other and pulled him up. Leaning in she spoke dangerously into his ear.
"You touch me like that again, and I'll rip your arms off" To show that she wasn't joking; she pulled his arms back further causing him to yelp in pain. "One more inch and I can remove them from their sockets…so I suggest you stay the hell away from me."
She let go of his arms, before violently kicking him, sending him flying. He landed with a thud a few metres away. Nikki gave him one last glare before walking away, ignoring the many stares that followed her.
A little ways away, Jason saw the whole event. When he saw the man grab her, his first instinct was to go and help, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw Nikki flip the guy around and force him onto the ground. He tried not to laugh, even in a depressed mood she was able to kick the ass of any pervert that tried to hit on her.
He then saw her walk away as if nothing had happened. Jason shrugged, not to sure with what had just happened, before continuing to follow her.
Nikki continued to walk for while, barely aware of anything around her. She knew Jason was following her. After the attempted assault from the thug, she saw him watching from a little ways away. But she didn't care, he was most probably bored so she heed him no attention. Turning a final corner she found herself at the place she was searching for. Tree's surrounded the area, soft green grass covered the ground and a small playground could be seen on the other side. The park wasn't overly too big, not many people were around, but for Nikki it was the most important place to her. She walked up a little ways, making her way up a small hill. Looking out it showed some of the rest of the city, there wasn't too much to look at but Nikki always enjoyed the view. She stood in between two trees that seem to make a doorway for her. She gazed out into the distance, once again lost in thought.
Jason continued to follow Nikki through the streets of Orb, fully aware that she was heading for the park. She and Kai had shared special moments there; it was the place they first confessed to each other, shared their first kiss together and gone on many dates there to spend some quality time with each other. And now she had gone there to most likely think about all those precious memories.
Turning the corner he spotted her standing on the small hill of the park. He made his way towards her and stopped a few metres away. The two stood in silence, Nikki too engrossed in her thoughts to say anything, and Jason to scared to speak. After a few minutes Jason finally spoke, the silence unnerving him.
"Nikki, you can't keep doing this to yourself"
She paid him no attention and just kept her blank stare ahead of her. This lifeless attitude of hers was starting to get on Jason's nerves.
"Look! I know how you're feeling! I lost Jenny remember? Don't go acting like you're the only one that's suffering!"
It was like déjà vu, he had yelled at her this way before, just recently on the Eternal. But no matter what he did to try and reach out to her, it didn't seem like Nikki was going to say anything to him.
Jason let out a growl but this time spoke calmly. "Fine, be that way, but just so you know…Kai wouldn't want you to be like this."
He saw her flinch slightly, but she stayed silent. Suddenly Jason's phone rang, interrupting the tense moment. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out his phone and stared at it. Seeing it was Lacus, he flipped it open and brought it up to his ear.
"Hey, Lacus"… Oh ok…no it's not a problem, ill make my way over now…thanks, bye"
Hanging up, he placed the phone back into his pocket before turning to Nikki. "I'll be back, Lacus needs me for something" He turned around, glancing at her once more "Don't do anything stupid"
He walked off, leaving her alone. As soon as he turned the corner, Nikki closed her eyes and a single tear rolled down her face. "Kai…."
Jason hurriedly made his way to the Orb's Headquarters. He felt slightly uneasy leaving Nikki by herself, he knew that if her emotions were triggered in any way then she would go back to the way she was on the ship and he felt someone needed to stay with her in case that happened.
Reaching the main doors, he rushed in startling the two men guarding the entrance. Ignoring them, he quickened his pace and headed the direction Lacus told him. A few minutes later he found himself at an office door, he lifted his hand and knocked.
"Come in Jason" Lacus said from inside. He walked in to find that she wasn't alone. Lacus stood near the side with Kira next to her. Cagalli and Athrun both stood behind the desk, all four staring at him, Jason saluted all of his commanding officers before walking forward and standing in front of the desk.
"So…why exactly did you call me here?"
The room was silent for a moment before Cagalli answered him.
"We have something we thought you might like to see."
Jason stared at her confused. "What do you mean, what is it?"
Cagalli turned to Athrun and nodded at him. He walked around the desk and held out a small card for Jason to take. He took it and looked down at it, the number 21 was printed clearly on the front. He flipped it over to find nothing else, feeling confused. Holding it up he looked at Athrun in disbelief.
"What the hell is this? You give me a card with a number on it, what is that supposed to mean?"
"It's a room number," replied Athrun. "You are to go to this room, and there you will find something that will surprise and please you."
Jason looked back down at the card still not quite understanding. "So…do you want me to go there right now?"
Cagalli spoke from where she was standing. "It's best you do, the sooner the better."
Shaking his head, he turned and made his way out. After he left, Lacus turned to Cagalli.
"Maybe we shouldn't have been so vague and formal with him." Cagalli looked back at her.
"I didn't want to give away too much, but don't worry he'll get a nice surprise once he gets there."
Jason walked down the long hall, staring at the doors as he walked past. Finally finding "21" he stopped and stood in front of it for a moment. What was inside? What was in that room? Athrun had told him that in this room there would be something that would please him. "Well that just makes a lot of sense, there are many things that could please me" Not wasting anymore time, he placed his hand around the doorknob and walked in. As soon as he stepped into the room, Jason halted in his tracks at the sight before him.
There sat Kai and Jenny, who, at the sound of the door opening, lifted their heads and stared at him. When seeing who it was, Jenny stood up from her spot on the bed and smiled brightly at him.
"Jason!"
Kai also stood from his chair and grinned at his best friend.
"Hey there mate, how've you been?" Jenny rushed over and threw her arms around him. "Oh, I'm so happy to see you! I've missed you so much!"
Finally realizing that his best friend and girlfriend were actually real and not a figment of his imagination, he hugged his girlfriend tightly, feeling happier than he had in a long time.
End of Chapter
(Walks in and stretches) ooooh yeah gotta love those maratho-….O.O
Nikki/Kai: (making out heavily on a couch)
WHAT THE FRIGGIN HELL?
Nikki: (jumps off Kai) WOAH! Hey! Don't you friggin knock?
Why should I it's my house!
Jason: Wassup people!
Nikki: JASON! Quite sneaking up on me like that!
Jason: Sorry sis!
Nikki: I'M NOT YOUR SISTER!
(Sweat drops) Huh…wonder where Jenny went…oh well! Here's the preview for the next chapter! Hey Nikki get Jason out of that chokehold!
Nikki's heart was thumping loudly in her chest and it only increased when he started walking towards her. She couldn't move, couldn't even blink. Before she knew it he was right in front of her, gazing at her with his soft green eyes. Her breath hitched in her throat from the intense stare he was giving her. He lifted his right hand and gently brushed it across her cheek. She almost shivered at his touch, but didn't break her gaze from his. It was when he once again spoke to her, that she knew that it was really him.
"Nikki…it's me"
Her eyes shone with emotion as tears flowed down her face. The sorrow she had felt during the last three days burst out and the emotional walls she had barricaded around herself came crashing down.