"Kai! You are not going to believe what Mr. Naze brought into the shop today." Keisuke, a fellow Teiwaz engineer, exclaimed while approaching me on my lunch break. I sighed heavily, paused my fork mid stab, and slowly turned my gaze up towards the grinning man. My annoyance from having someone come between me and my meal must have been evident as he quickly muttered, "geez, come on, don't look at me like that. You freak me out."
"Keisuke, just tell me so I can finish eating."
The grin appears again as he leans forward over the table. "You're not going to want to finish because right now all hands have been called to strip this gundam down to its frame."
I shot out of my seat, immediately forgetting about my meal, and started grabbing my utility bag beside me, "Naze found a fucking gundam frame?! No time to eat, let's fucking go" I said, throwing my food into the trash and darting back towards the shop. I had always hoped to get my hands on a gundam frame, hell I've always hoped to just see one in person, and my chance has finally come.
I quickly threw my bag in my locker and slid on my jumpsuit before heading out to see my dream become my reality. Standing tall in the center of the bay was this beautiful white mobile suit with red, blue and gold accents. It has clearly been neglected over the centuries but was still a sight to marvel.
"There you are Ms. Kojimo" a strained voice called to me. I glance towards the voice to see my boss, a shorter man with sandy hair held back with a thick red headband and round glasses perched on his nose. I quickly make my way over to him as he hands me a tablet. "Now is your time to shine, my young protege, tell me what this machine needs." The Chief mechanic here has been teaching me everything he knows about mobile suits, but particularly gundam frames once he figured out my secret admiration. A lot of people find him to come off a little insane, but his passion is like no other.
I took a look at the tablet with all the info pulled from the gundam before me. ''ASW-G-08 Gundam: Barbatos', you sure have taken a beating haven't you.' I thought while examining the data.
"Well Sir, besides being a full-on restoration project, which should be easy considering the spare Gundam parts Teiwaz has collected, we're going to have to do a complete overhaul on this system and recalibrate those reactors if we want this machine running even close to 100%. Right now, it is barely functional, and I'm surprised it survived whatever battle took place." I glanced up at it once more, "Especially if this was the result from Lafter or Ms. Amida."
"EXCELLENT MY DEAR!" He beamed as my rambling came to an end. I jumped and blushed a bit from his praise. "You heard her, everyone, time to take this baby apart!"
–
It had been several hours of non-stop parts stripping. I was up in the cockpit examining the rig for the alaya-vijnana, it clearly wasn't original and came from a mobile worker for sure. It was an impressive installment for what it was, and I'm surprised whoever owned this suit managed to get this to work. My thoughts were interrupted by a muscular man with dark skin and an interestingly inverted beard walking into the bay. His eyes were wide in panic and his mouth agape, I can only imagine he knew a thing or two about the pilot of this frame. I could faintly hear his freakout with my boss and decided to ask about it later.
"Kai, call it quits. Shifts over." Keisuke hollered up to me. I peered out of the chest plate with a pout,
"Do I have to?"
"Kaiya, just get down here before the ol' bat kicks you out. Mr. Barriston wants to see you and I was thinking a few of us could hit up Pub Someday when you're done."
"Did he mention what he needed to see me about?" I asked, suddenly beginning to feel on edge. It isn't every day the main boss wants to just have a chat.
"Other than a potential mission, I have no idea." He shrugged.
I jumped down from the cockpit, snagged the nearest railing to regain my balance, and made my way to the locker room. I'd only have enough time to rinse my hands and redo my hair before meeting with McMurdo Barriston, the head of Teiwaz. I could only hope that was acceptable after today's work.
I made my way to McMurdo's office, nerves building about what sort of mission he could be sending me on. I came to the Saisei with the Turbines a few years back, Naze being the savior of women like he is, so I'm generally in contract and under orders from him in-between my training here. Orders directly from McMurdo are rare, if any, and suddenly my filthy appearance feels disrespectful.
I paused both my thoughts and my walk and stepped to the side to let pass a beautiful young lady with voluptuous blonde hair and a formal red dress, followed by a boy roughly my height with the emptiest blue eyes I've ever seen. Assuming her importance, I gave a slight bow as she passed before locking eyes with the boy, never breaking our gaze until they left my field of vision. A bizarre interaction that took my mind off of my previous worries. Reaching his office, I gave a soft knock until I heard him call me in.
"Ah, Ms. Kojimo, I have been waiting for your arrival." The older gentleman greeted me.
"I apologize for my appearance; I was just notified of your summons at the end of my shift" I fumbled the words out as I gave a quick bow. He lightly chuckled before lighting a cigar.
"I wouldn't worry, my dear, you were just working on what I have decided would be your final test before sending you out." I furrowed my brow in confusion. "Our dear Naze has requested a sakizuki blood oath with a group of young men that he has brought to Saisei. I have given my blessing and it will be held tomorrow morning." Still a bit confused as to where I come into this, I nod my head to show I was listening before he continues. "If they are to be affiliated with Teiwaz in any way, we needed to take inventory from their ship. We found that gundam frame among the equipment. I have taken a personal interest in this suit and its pilot, so tell me, what do you think about it in its current condition?"
"Well Sir, while the frame itself is intact and has managed to survive the last few centuries, it is definitely clear there is a lack of spare parts or repair knowledge aboard that ship." I noted, hoping my tone didn't come off too critical. He gave a smile and leaned back in his chair.
"You'd be correct. You'll get an understanding of why when you meet them tomorrow." My eyes got wide again, new jitters joining the party. "Naze mentioned your love and knowledge of these machines. The whole reason you stay down here instead of being on board the Hammerhead is to get experience working on different mobile suits, no?" I gave a quiet 'yes sir' as he continued, "He thinks you, specifically, would be a good fit aboard their ship as they make their way to Earth. I agreed having a Teiwaz mechanic overseeing the care of their gundam would be in everyone's best interests. You are to get that gundam restored and in top condition before you all leave Saisei, understood?"
Holy shit. So many thoughts raced across my mind. My first mission outside of the Hammerhead. My first mission being a head mechanic, I've only ever been support on the Hyakuri and Hyakurens.
"y-Yes sir, understood. Thank you for this opportunity." I gave a deep bowed in appreciation.
"Be at that ceremony tomorrow. You're still a Turbine and I have a feeling those boys may need assistance in formal attire."
"Of course, sir." I bowed once more before leaving. I stopped down the hall from his office and took a few deep breaths to process everything. Excitement and pride started to come over my nerves as I made my way back to my living quarters to clean up and head out to Pub Someday.
–
"Heeey you made it!" Shiro, another one of my coworkers shouted as I took a seat next to Keisuke at the bar. I gave him a big grin, ordered my drink, and glanced around at the unusually busy bar. Seems like a big group came in to have some fun.
"How'd it go with the old man?" Keisuke asked and I turned my attention back to him.
"Not at all as terrible as I thought" I chuckled "but I won't be seeing you boys for a while it seems."
Shiro gave a loud groan of disapproval, "WHY?!" These two had obviously been here a little while as I had gone to my place to wash up and change into a pair of baggy black joggers and a forest green off the shoulder crop top. Shiro wasn't generally this loud.
"Dude, Shiro hush, no need to draw attention, you dunce." I scolded, noticing the look the bartender had on his face when he slid my drink to me. I gave him an apologetic smile. "I'll apparently be headed to Earth to aid in the maintenance of the machine we've been working on. So I'll be gone however long that is gonna take."
"WHELP, that just means we need to celebrate!" I rolled my eyes at the two buzzed boys beside me, I didn't come to get shit faced, I just wanted to relax after all the heavy lifting today.
"How about this, you boys can celebrate for me. I have a ceremony to attend in the morning and a hangover wouldn't be wise for me, especially in front of the Big Boss." Shiro scoffed at me while slamming down another drink. "I think I'm gonna just take in the view tonight." I smirked, turning around on my stool to observe the unknown group of boys, whose presence seemed to be disrupting regulars.
"Hell yeah, looks like it's a double the drinks night!" Keisuke cheered, clanking his glass against Shiro's. I shook my head at them while my eyes studied these strangers.
Most of them seemed to be my age or close, clearly teenagers who had to grow up too fast just to survive this rigid universe. I moved my gaze from table to table, snapping a mental picture of those who caught my fancy, 'nothing wrong with sightseeing', until I stopped upon the boy from earlier. His back was towards me, but he was wearing the same oversized green coat, the white emblem printed on the back was unmistakable. It matched a bunch of the others, so it was clear they came together. I subconsciously took a sip of my drink when I could feel unfamiliar eyes on me, pulling my gaze back into focus I shifted my eyes past the boy to his friend.
His chin raised slightly and those piercing golden eyes narrowed, assessing me. I must have zoned out when I recognized his younger friend, so I don't blame his suspicion, but in that moment some sort of fire burned within me from his stare. The way his lilac fringe hung over his right eye, that sharp jawline clinched ever so slightly, all mixed with his gaze made my mouth dry. I dared to pull my eyes away from his and slowly raked them down his body, enjoying every inch of what I was seeing, before pulling my eyes back up to meet his once more. A quick smirk grazed my features as I sent him a quick wink then turned back around in my chair.
'Holy shit Kai you did not just do that' I screamed at myself; the alcohol must be doing something because there is no way I could make such a bold move. I looked at my empty glass knowing one weak drink didn't do shit, something about that guy just pulled something out of me I've never had the chance to know.
A jab to my ribs pulled me from my thoughts and I glanced up to see the wolfish grin on Keisuke's face.
"What?"
"Of all the time I've known you, I have never seen you so much as give a second glance to a guy and here you are fully undressing one with your eyes."
"He's hot, sue me."
"He's still looking. I'm sure that exposed skin on your back isn't doing a thing to help him." My shoulders grew tense and I tugged at the bottom of my top a bit, the effort was useless and that made him laugh. "I'd say you deserve a little fun, if you know what I mean."
"Yeah probably." I glanced over my shoulder at the guy, my eyes immediately meeting his once again. His gaze was still intense but the initial hostility was gone, a playful desire taking its place. I bit my lip earning a pleased smirk. I turned my head back to Keisuke, "But as you already pointed out, that isn't my style."
"Gah, Kai you're such a buzz kill." He groaned and shoved my head.
"Yeah, a buzz kill." Shiro piped up, though I'm sure he didn't even know what we were talking about. He slammed down another shot and looked at Keisuke. "Wanna go have some real fun elsewhere and leave this loser to eyefuck strangers alone?"
"Ya know, I feel like eyefucking strangers has less consequences than actually fucking strangers like you are suggesting you go do?" I raised a brow and signaled for another drink.
"Still is more fun."
"If you say so." I shrugged and received a glare. Shiro was mad I wasn't giving him the responses he was hoping for. "Now go. I don't need you drunk assholes ruining my vibe."
They each gave a noise of disapproval before giving some form of goodbye. Shiro bumping his fist with mine as Keisuke clamped his hand on my head to give it a gentle shake until I swatted at him to get off.
'All that fuss over me leaving, just to ditch me at the first chance.' I thought to myself as I watched them leave, sipping my fresh drink. I snuck another glance at the mysterious hottie to see him giving some sort of speech to the boys around him, something about getting whatever the hell they wanted earned him cheers.
"It's really starting to get busy tonight" a familiar voice said a few seats down from me, pulling me from the scene I was watching.
"Yeah sorry, Merribit, a rowdy bunch from Mars came in." I heard the bartender explain, my head tilting slightly at the new info, 'They're an awfully long way from home.' I thought just before turning towards Merribit.
"Fancy seeing you here, Ms. Merribit!" I said, moving to a seat near her. She smiled kindly.
"Good evening, Kai. I heard you had a busy day."
"Yeah, no kidding. I'm sure I won't be slowing down either for a while." I responded before ordering another drink and preparing to socialize a bit longer.
–
"Well, it is getting late, and I have a ceremony to attend in the morning." I yawned, Merribit giving a quiet agreement. The group from Mars had started to slowly depart over the last few hours. I caught the mysterious guy's gaze a few more times that evening and as he progressively got drunker, the less subtle both of our stares became. Something just felt so right about his eyes on me, catching him looking at me felt electric, and making eyes at a guy across the bar suddenly felt so easy. I never did try to talk with him though, he may have brought some of my confidence to the surface, but definitely not that much. Not to mention, if he were actually interested, he would have tried to approach me, right? Guys are the ones that are supposed to do that, no?
As Merribit and I made our way out the door, we heard someone coughing and heaving. I looked over to the boy in the oversized coat rubbing my golden eyed entertainment's back as he emptied his stomach. 'Mm, must not be able to hold his liquor.'
"You hanging in there, Orga?" I heard the younger boy's voice quietly say. Merribit was already walking over with her handkerchief out. 'Orga huh? Is that your name, mystery hottie?'
"Here" she offered the pink handkerchief, "it's alright take it."
Orga grunted and looked over at her, moving his eyes to me briefly, then settling his sight on the fabric, a faint blush around his cheeks.
"If you wanna act like an adult, then you've gotta deal with the consequences. It's just a part of growing up." She continued.
I groaned at her mini lecture as Orga's shoulders fell a bit and he sighed. I don't know what he has been through, but clearly being seen as a child bothers him and I don't blame him one bit. "Ms. Merribit, the poor guy already feels bad enough, no need to tell him something I'm sure he already knows." He glances up at me but I try to avoid contact, I wasn't prepared to be this close to the guy, let alone speak up for him.
"It is time for you to head home too, kid" she pointedly says to me before turning and walking away.
"Man, how many times do I gotta tell you to stop calling me kid." I huffed and looked at the two boys. "Be safe getting to wherever it is you guys are staying and make sure to stay hydrated, maybe take an aspirin. It will make you feel better in the morning." Giving Orga a smile then turning to catch up with Merribit.
"Yeah, thanks" I caught his deep voice rasp as I had turned away, a chill ran up my spine and a blush dusted my cheeks at the sound.
A/N:
This is my first fanfiction since I was a preteen, back when Quizilla was still around. Oh yeah, if you know, you know. Anyone remember when you could add background pictures and music to Quizilla? OH then congrats, you qualify for a senior discount.
Anyway, there isn't much MSG: IBO love out there and my little weeb heart feels Orga deserves so much more love than there is. I'm incredibly nervous making this public and am constantly reading, watching, editing and rereading this story to make it the best I can with the little writing ability I have. So thank you for your time.
Uploaded on Wattpad under KarmaLei
Uploaded on Quotev under KarmaLei
Uploaded on Ao3 under KarmaLei
*These are also me*