Chapter 20: Eren is in the Hospital
Eren's head was in a lot of pain when he opened his eyes again. The bright lights stung his eyes as they fought to get adjusted to the brightness. He felt disey and nautious, a feeling he really hasn't felt in years. He guessed that the last time he felt this exhausted was while recovering after a few training accidents during the Cadet training. Since he became a shifter, pain was something he only experienced for a few hours at worst.
"Finally, you're awake." He heard a familiar Russian voice to his left.
"If you're what greets me in the afterlife, I know I've been evil." Eren said sarcastically.
Sergei was sitting next to his hospital bed in a relaxed pose with his legs crossed. He looked bored.
Eren took a moment to reflect on his current state. He noticed that there was bandaging and cloth on his face to help with the bruising. His left eye was swollen, and he could barely see out of it. He noticed there was a small tube in his arm that ran to a bag. He had no idea what its function was, but assumed it had something to do with the medical technology here.
His body felt sore and underneath the hospital gown, he could see some bad bruising and a few freashly made cuts. They were already scabbing over and should heal within the next week or two.
Thankfully, Eren didn't feel any broken bones or injured joints.
"No, no afterlife yet. Though with how reckless and suicidal you are, I wouldn't be surprised if you'll be there soon." He said.
"You already doubted me once." Eren said.
"And I wasn't proven wrong." Sergei said as he crossed his hands.
"After what I did?" Eren asked.
"If I didn't happen to drive by where you washed up, you'd either be dead or in police custody, which is the same fate." Sergei said.
"How is being arrested the same fate?" Eren asked.
"Because they'd give you death penalty for what you did." Sergei said.
"They're criminals." Eren countered. "Why would they care?"
"Being Yakuza alone is not crime in Japan." Sergei said. "As far as the law would be concerned, you murdered innocent people."
"Even with all those guns stored there?" Eren asked.
"Da, those would carry charges." Sergei said. "However, most workers at warehouse would not be charged because there would be no way to implicate them. Even if they were criminals, vigilantism is also illegal."
"Either way, I survived." Eren said.
"By sheer luck." Sergei said. "If fate didn't happen to place me there, you'd be gone. Then what?"
"Then I'd fail, at which point I die." Eren said. "But at least I fought."
"Damn, your views are so fucked, you know that?" Sergei said.
"What else am I supposed to do here?" Eren asked.
"Maybe try to do something with life other than going on suicide fights." Sergei said.
"You got me into this life Sergei." Eren said.
"Again with this?" Sergei asked. "I didn't make you attack safehouse, hell, even Yakuza boss didn't force you. That was you."
"I had to show that bastard that he doesn't own me." Eren said.
"So, you go off and get yourself killed to stay free from Yakuza?" Sergei asked. "I don't think it worked, because now boss is very invested and interested in you. If you wanted to stay out of war, you failed. Badly."
"Now he knows not to fuck with me." Eren said.
"No, now he knows he needs different way to deal with you if you no longer follow what he says." Sergei said.
"What do you mean?" Eren asked.
"Do you think he's stupid, that he won't try to find some way to deal with you if you become problem? What happens if you join his rival? Do you think that he won't plan for that?" Sergei countered.
"He knows not to mess with me." Eren said.
"Instead, he'll target more vulnerable prey." Sergei said.
"Speak plainly Sergei." Eren said.
"Single mom, Ai. You think he won't target her?" Sergei asked.
"Oyabun will have a death wish if he did." Eren said.
"He already has people reporting on you and her." Sergei said.
"What?" Eren asked.
"There are a lot of people that report to Oyabun Yoshida. He owns largest Yakuza in Tokyo. He doesn't need people to tail you, just report on you." Sergei said.
"Ai keeps her identity hidden." Eren said.
"From normal people, these are Yakuza. And you didn't exactly stay subtle yourself." He countered. "Yoshida probably knows that the girl you see is Ai from B-Komachi."
"So, he's using her against me?" Eren asked in frustration.
"Partially, yes." Sergei answered.
"Partially?" Eren asked.
"This new boss, from the Nakano-Kai, you think he won't try to target Ai now?" Sergei asked. "Yoshida knows you have people you associate with. Not only does he want to keep them as collateral to deal with you, but he also wants to protect them so that others can't manipulate you against him."
"So, he's going to protect Ai?" Eren asked.
"When warriors are away from their tribe is when the enemy attacks." Sergei said. "You can't possibly be there to always protect her, so Yoshida will protect her as well in order to make sure no one can leverage you against him."
"How do you know all this?" Sergei asked.
"Because I'm damn good criminal, and it's what I would do." Sergei said.
"Then I'll have a word with Yoshida." Eren said.
"I'd recommend don't, at least not now." Sergei said.
"Why?" Eren asked.
"Because, even if he plans to use her against you, he will devote a lot of resources to protect her. Especially with how you proved yourself." Sergei said. "So, at least until Nakano-Kai boss is dealt with and this little gang war is over, I'd recommend you let him tail you and her. That way she stays protected."
"Will Ai know?" Eren asked.
"No, she won't. They will not approach her unless she is in danger and you're not around." Sergei answered.
"Damn." Eren said to himself.
"You care a lot about her, don't you." Sergei said.
"She's an innocent person that doesn't deserve to be brought into this." Eren said automatically.
"So, you don't see her as a lover?" Sergei asked.
"No, she's not my lover, nor will she ever be." Eren denied.
"Yet you have a desire to protect her." Sergei noticed.
"Shut up Sergei." Eren said.
"Speaking of which, she's on her way." Sergei commented.
"You called her!?" Eren asked angrily.
"Da." Sergei said.
"Why the hell did you call her here?" Eren asked.
"Figured a little bit of tender care would help you after what happened. And that's not something I'm good at." Sergei laughed.
"Do you think it's a good idea for her to see me like this?" Eren pointed out. "She could piece together that I was at the safehouse."
"Do you really think so?" Sergei asked.
"What the hell do I say to explain this?" Eren asked.
"What were you going to say when you get discharged and she sees all your injuries at home anyway?" Sergei asked. "She'll learn about injuries anyway, and if she's going to piece it together now than she'll piece it together later. It doesn't matter when you tell her about injuries."
Eren wasn't sure what to say about that. These injuries would be around for a while, especially the bruising. He would have no way of explaining it.
"It's better if we explain now while I'm here." Sergei said. "Work related accidents in manual labor is very common. Besides, Ai is no doctor, so she won't be able to tell injuries are from fight and not product collapse."
"They can still piece it together." Eren said.
"You think uneducated idol and two four-year-old children would believe their neighbor is the Akuma No Ko?" Sergei asked.
"The what?" Eren asked.
"You didn't see news." Sergei said. "Let me show you."
Sergei took out his phone and showed Eren a news article. Eren couldn't read it, but he saw pictures showing security footage of the attack, specifically him using the Ar-peegee against the Yakuza.
"By the way, who the fuck uses RPG like that?" Sergei asked.
"I'm more used to it like that." Eren said.
"You're fucking high, I don't know how you survived. How did you even aim?" Sergei asked.
"You just get really good at it." Eren said.
"Point is, a lot of Yakuza were detained by the police. Most will be set free since they can't pin charges, but they're all talking about the western devil who destroyed them. The media dubbed you the Akuma No Ko." Sergei said as he put the phone away.
"What does that mean?" Eren asked.
"A word for word translation is Devil of Child, but Japanese is reversed to English. It basically means Child of Evil or the Child of the Devil. Depends on how you want to translate it." He said.
"So, they've made a name for me?" Eren asked.
"You weren't subtle kid." Sergei said.
"And you don't think Ai would think I was involved?" Eren asked.
"If you were told that Ai was prostitute, would you believe it?" No, Eren would not. "Because people we're close to don't ever automatically assume we're bad people. They'll believe anything, especially if she cares for you. You don't even have to be very good at lying."
"I still don't like it." Eren said.
"Better here than a few days later in apartment. At least I can vouch for you." Sergei said.
"Because you're the picture of reliable." Eren countered back.
"You're Ukrainian immigrant who served in Russian army, I'm Russian immigrant who served in Afghan war. It's not odd for me to want to help a fellow veteran." Sergei said. "Plus, unlike you, I actually have legitimate businesses that they can look up. Under false names of course."
"Whatever you say Sergei." Eren waved him off.
"Besides, maybe if you see her now, you might rethink your suicidal ways." Sergei said.
"What's that mean?" Eren asked.
"You need someone to temper you. Someone who can show you more than fighting or death." He said.
"I'm not using Ai like some kind of moral compass." Eren said.
"E-excuse m-me." A nurse came into the room.
Eren noticed she was probably around mid to late twenties, dressed in a white shirt, white pants, and had a weird kind of white hat.
"T-there a-are people here t-to see you." She said.
"Send them in." Sergei said in Japanese.
"She seemed nervous." Eren said.
"Da, I had to threaten her." Sergei said nonchalantly.
"Threaten her?" Eren asked.
"Hospitals usually run a check with the police for situations like this, especially after what happened." Sergei said. "The director of this hospital is a Yakuza member and normally lets in people who are questionable and doesn't report certain people if the money is good."
"And that's legal?" Eren asked.
"It's legal for him to be Yakuza, but everything else is illegal." Sergei said. "Just don't get caught." He shrugged.
"And the girl?" He mentioned the nurse who left.
"She learned you weren't being reported since you had combat related injuries and decided to be a morally upstanding citizen." Sergei said.
"So, you threatened her?" Eren asked. "How?"
"You'd be amazed at how little security people put on their Social Media." He laughed. "I found out she has young son and even what school he goes to."
"So, you threatened her kid?" Eren asked.
"I told her if she reported anything, I'd hang her son upside down and skin him in front of her."
Eren stared at Sergei, not entirely sure if he was being serious or not. There was a long pause after Sergei's chuckle before he realized he said something odd.
"I wouldn't do it." Sergei put his hands up. "But she doesn't know that I wouldn't..." He trailed off. "It's just a lie and empty threat to keep you from the electric chair, or whatever form of execution Japan does these days. I honestly don't even know if they do capital punishment anymore." He trailed off.
"Glad you have morals." Eren said sarcastically.
"Do you think Eren is ok?" Ai asked Miyako as she drove.
Ai was in the back where she normally was with her kids, while Meimei was in the front seat but with Miyako driving.
"I'm sure he's ok." Miyako said.
"Yea, his boss just said there was an accident at work. He should be fine." Meimei said.
"If he was badly hurt, there would have been a different conversation on the phone." Miyako reassured Ai.
"I know, it's just, I hope he's ok." She said.
"Awe, little Ai worried her boyfriend might be hurt?" Meimei teased.
"H-he's not like that. It's normal to worry about a guy who's hurt Meimei." Ai tried to argue.
"Don't worry mama, Eren-San is tough." Ruby smiled.
"Yea he is." Meimei turned around to address Ruby. "After all, he fought that one guy off. A little slip won't keep him down." She laughed.
"Meimei, please face forward." Miyako said.
"Awe come on." She sighed. "I'm just playing with Ruby-Chan."
"Would you just act your age for once?" Miyako said angrily. "You and all the other girls are almost twenty, maybe you should start acting your age!"
"Kind of hard when we constantly have to pretend to be sweet and innocent girls all the time." Meimei said while adopting a cute pose.
"I swear, you idols have maturing issues from how you always have to act." Miyako shook her head.
"You used to be fun, what changed? Getting too old?" Meimei joked.
"You know my husband can afford to lose one idol; you're making it tempting Meimei." Miyako said threateningly, though giggled a bit at her threat.
"Bring it on, all that dancing we do keeps us strong and in shape." Meimei winked at Miyako.
"Hold up, something's on the radio." Miyako cut her off.
Miyako turned the volume up so they could hear the news report better. Everyone was listening in, curious at what caught Miyako's attention.
"According to recent reports, there was an all-out attack on a warehouse over in the port at Yokosuka. So far, a few workers who have been known to have ties to the Nakano-Kai Yakuza group have been apprehended and are undergoing questioning. CCTV cameras have also captured much of the fighting, though in grainy detail."
"According to current assumptions, it's believed that the western Yakuza member was involved. Footage shows a single man equipped with military grade weapons and explosives attacked the warehouse. So far, other media reports are referring to him as the Akuma No Ko, since the apprehended Yakuza members have reported he's likely in his teens."
"The Akuma No Ko is seen using a rocket launcher in a reverse grip. Additionally, he's seen using explosives and several grenades to not only kill the people in the warehouse, but also destroy the contents inside. It's discovered that much of the destroyed equipment are military grade weapons that have been smuggled from China, such as rifles and pistols."
"The police have confirmed that there is an escalation in gang activity and that this event proves there is a war between the Yakuza groups in Tokyo. The police are instituting an 11 PM curfew for all residents of Tokyo. Residents are advised to report any suspicious activity to the police."
After the radio switched to a J-Pop song, which actually happened to be one of B-Komachi's songs, Miyako lowered the volume, so it was barely able to be heard.
"That's crazy." Ai said as she looked down.
"Yea..." Meimei agreed. "The Yakuza have military grade weapons? And they're fighting each other now?" She asked in disbelief.
"That's horrible." Ai said.
"Mama, what is going on? Is it getting worse?" Ruby asked.
"It's ok Ruby-Chan." Ai said to her daughter lovingly. "It's only for a little while, until the police catch the people responsible."
Ruby looked a bit worried about it but didn't question her mother. She knew that Ai was always right about these things, so she didn't want to question her own mother.
"What do you think of this new devil guy?" Meimei asked.
"I don't know." Ai responded. "Whoever he is, he sounds dangerous."
"The police have made a statement, saying that according to the CCTV footage, the attack was carried out entirely by the Akuma No Ko, which so far there are an estimated thirty casualties in the warehouse."
"T-thirty people killed by one man?" Miyako asked in surprise.
"Who is even able to do that?" Meimei asked.
"This guy is insane." Miyako agreed.
"But the police will get him soon though." Ai tried to look on the bright side. "After all, Japan is a safe and well protected place. We have some of the best police, so we'll be fine."
Ai didn't want to think about the potential terrorist that was running around Tokyo right now. She didn't like the idea of people like that, people who hurt others for their own gain and benefit. So, she had full faith that the Japanese police would be able to handle the situation before it got worse.
"Still though, thirty people that were armed." Meimei said to herself. "This guy can't be human."
"Maybe he's some rogue experiment." Miyako laughed.
"Yea, like some kind of secret American super soldier. Like that one movie Aqua watched, the one with the shield?" Meimei laughed.
Aqua got annoyed at that. He still didn't know why these women didn't appreciate western films. Especially superhero movies, if there was one thing America did well in entertainment, it was their movies.
"We shouldn't worry about any of that." Ai said as she put her arms around both of her children. "They news is scary and not good for little kids, so we should turn it off."
"Some of us still actually listen to the news Ai." Miyako said.
"Nope!" Ai said cheerfully. "No bad things when they're around." She pointed to her children for emphasis.
"Fine." Miyako said as she turned the radio off.
"Star-T-Rain, really?" Meimei asked.
"It's a good song." Miyako said.
"I know, but I really don't want to hear my voice right now." Meimei laughed.
"It would be better if we saw a video, you're dancing is much better." Ai teased.
"Still doesn't match your looks apparently. If being an idol required talent, you'd be out of a job Ai." She shot back in a similarly joking manner.
"Mama is the best!" Ruby defended, though had to be held down by Ai before she tried to attack Meimei.
"I guess Ai-Chan's number one fan disagrees with me." Meimei laughed. "I can't argue with that."
"Nope, not at all." Ai laughed as she held a struggling Ruby.
"Hey Eren, how are you?" Ai asked as she walked into the room.
Ai almost slapped herself at the stupid question. How did she think he was doing? There was an accident at work and her looked bruised and hurt from the accident. It was such a stupid question to ask.
"Eren, hope you're doing ok." Meimei said.
That sounded much better, at least it showed she cares about his health.
Both girls had their disguises on their head, specifically a ballcap and large sunglasses that helped to hide their identity. Both girls had to use a fake identity in order to make sure both the staff and other patients didn't recognize them.
Both girls froze for a moment as they saw a man who they assumed was Eren's boss. He was clearly a westerner, with a well-kept beard and slicked back hair that had a lot of grey showing. He wore a long trench coat and seemed intimidating to the two young idols.
"Hey Ai, Meme." Eren greeted.
"Ok, now you're doing that on purpose." Meimei grumbled. "It's Meimei."
Eren shrugged, not caring too much about her constantly correcting him. He never really tried to remember her name since it was so confusing to him.
"You're idol girls, right?" Sergei asked.
"Eto..." Ai stuttered, unsure of what to say to the man who knew they were idols.
"H-how do you know?" Meimei asked.
"Saw you girls when I dropped kid off at beach, not hard to put together." He shrugged.
"I knew we should have just picked Eren up..." Meimei whispered to herself.
"Don't worry, secret safe with me." Sergei laughed at their reactions. "I'm actually big fan, hope to get autograph one day."
"Sure." Meimei smiled and posed with a peace sign.
"Of course, we'd love to." Ai did the same pose.
Both girls fell into their idol persona around the stranger, which really annoyed Eren, though Sergei seemed to enjoy it.
"Where's your kids?" Eren asked Ai.
"They're with Miyako-san at the waiting room. Kids aren't allowed here since they're too young unless they get special permission to visit family." Ai explained.
"Hope they're doing ok." Eren said.
"So, is Eren-San ok?" Meimei asked.
"DA, he's ok." Sergei said. "We had accident at warehouse in northern Tokyo, a bunch of boxes fell from shelf onto him."
"Oh no..." Ai said sadly.
"I got video of it too, want to see?" Sergei held out his phone.
"No, no, we're good." Meimei waved off, not wanting to see Eren get hurt.
"You sure, it's really cool." He laughed.
"I think they're good." Eren said, playing along with the lie.
"So you employ Eren?" Meimei asked.
"Da." Sergei said.
"Are you Ukrainian too? Your English accent is unfamiliar to me." She said.
"Ukrainian?" Sergie laughed. "No, I'm Russian."
"How do you know Eren?" She asked. "I thought Ukrainians and Russians don't like each other."
"Don't like each other?" Sergei laughed at that. "Twenty years ago, Ukraine was a part of Russia, well, sort of." He stated simply. "Depends on what you call the old Soviet Union. Besides, plenty of Ukrainians are still loyal to the old Russian way."
"So, how do you know Eren exactly?" Meimei asked.
"He's veteran, like me." Sergei said. "I fought for the Soviet Union back in the 80s, got a business moving supplies and antiques through Japan from the mainland, and built quite the business for myself. I met Eren a little while ago and offered him a job. He was fresh out of Russian army so didn't have many places to go."
"Yea, that about sums up my life story." Eren shrugged, not elaborating since he knew it could cause them to be suspicious from his lie if he said anything contradictory.
""I thought you were from Ukraine." Meimei said.
"I was conscripted by the Russians after they took Crimea." Eren lied.
Ai paused for a moment when Eren said that. There was a feeling that Eren wasn't being all that truthful to them. He didn't seem like he outright lied, but it was weird to her. Up until now, he's always been vague, but now seemed different. She couldn't explain it, but he seemed different when he said that.
"Well, I'm glad you're here now." Ai smiled at him. "Japan is completely peaceful anyway and I'm glad you found people you can rely on." She referred to Sergei.
Ai chose to ignore that feeling, interpreting it was her being paranoid or just overthinking things. After all, what reason does Eren have to lie? Even if he did lie, it was understandable. Talking about being forcefully conscripted and made to fight a war probably wouldn't be something someone wanted to talk about in detail.
She heard stories about American Soldiers who would either lie about their experiences or refuse to talk about it because they witnessed terrible and tragic things. Either innocent people getting killed or nearly dying themselves. Ai knew nothing of what being a Soldier was like so she didn't question it if Eren did decide to lie about certain things.
After all, she knew better than anyone that lying can be a shield to protect oneself. She knew that if Eren did lie, it wasn't to manipulate or hurt others, but more so to protect himself.
"Eren should be ok to discharge today, the hospital doesn't think it's necessary to keep him longer than obsoletely needed." Sergei said.
"We can drive you home Eren, if that's ok with Sergei-San." Ai said.
"Sergei-San?" Sergei smiled. "That sounds cute from you girl." He laughed.
Sergei was actually kind of happy meeting an idol. They're as cute and innocent as they portray themselves. Of course, he knew it was all an act and a lie, but he wouldn't have it any other way. He loved western and Asian entertainment.
Ai and Meimei though were a bit uncomfortable from the Russian. It was so weird to have a man that was clearly in his 50s or 60s like young Japanese idols. Especially with how he smiled, which just screamed scary and intimidating.
"Anyway, I should leave and let you have alone time." Sergei laughed as he walked past Ai and Meimei. "Seems kid has his ride home."
"Thank you for letting us know Sergei-San." Ai bowed respectfully to the old Russian.
Sergei waved goodbye as he left the room, intending to get back to his work.
"That's another guy who knows who we are." Meimei sighed in a bit of frustration.
"Sorry." Eren said.
"It's not your fault." Ai waved him off. "We should have been more careful, though we shouldn't tell the President. He'll have a fit." Ai said.
"Agreed, the old man will have a heart attack." Meimei agreed.
"So, how are you doing Eren?" Ai asked again. "Are you in pain?"
"Surprisingly, not really." Eren said. "I thought I'd be in more pain from what happened."
"They probably have some kind of Anesthesia in your IV." Meimei mentioned.
"Anesthesia are special medicines that help to reduce the feelings of pain, which can sometimes have side effects like drowsiness and confusion." Ai recounted from what she heard about from a TV show. "At least I think that's how it worked."
Meimei sand Eren stared at her, which caused Ai to look at them in confusion. Did she say something weird.
"What?" She asked.
"Why did you just explain all of that?" She asked.
"Because I figured Eren didn't know." She shrugged. "You didn't, right?" She turned to Eren.
Eren stayed quiet, not wanting to let her know that, yes, he didn't know what that was until she explained it.
"See, he does that thing where when he doesn't know something, his eyes narrow." She pointed out.
"Wow, you are already learning his subtle habits?" Meimei laughed.
"Sorry Eren, I didn't mean to imply anything." Ai apologized, hoping she didn't offend him.
"It's ok." He shrugged. "I appreciate you telling me." He said.
"Yea, she's starting to learn a lot about you Eren." Meimei gave a coy smile. "Maybe she lik-"
"Quiet!" Ai said as she grabbed Meimei's mouth.
"Everything ok?" Eren asked.
"Of course, everything is fine." She laughed.
"We should take you home now." Meimei suggested. "I'll ask the nurse for a wheelchair."
"I don't need one." Eren said as he started to get up.
"Hold on, you still have an IV in your arm." Ai said as she rushed over to Eren and gently pushed him back into the bed.
"I can just take it out." He said.
"No, we need a medical professional to do it." Ai said.
"It's just a needle." Eren said.
"You can hurt yourself or get infected." Ai said angrily. "Let a doctor or a nurse pull it out." She said again.
"It's nothing I can't handle Ai." He pushed against her, trying to stand up.
Ai inhaled as he did, getting clearly angry at Eren. What is wrong with him, doesn't he see he's being a fool by just not cooperating and trying to act tough?
"Listen Eren." She said sternly. "You were crushed by a bunch of boxes are hurt. So, we're going to make sure everything is done the correct way. So, you're not going anywhere until a doctor says you can leave and until a doctor pulls that IV out. I don't care how tough or manly you think you are, but you're staying healthy no matter what."
Eren stared at the short girl, completely shocked that she just scolded him like a child. It's not like it bothered him. Eren had much worse in the past. Between getting his limbs repeatedly ripped, cut, or bitten off, to gauging out his own eye, Eren suffered much more than this little bit of scratches and bruises.
Yet now, he was being bullied into remaining in a hospital bed by someone who he could easily overpower. Even if he was missing both arms he could overpower her, very easily.
Yet instead, he relented and laid back into the bed and followed her instruction.
"Fine." Eren said in defeat.
"Good." Ai smiled. "It's important to care about your health, so I'll help take care of you."
"Great." He said in annoyance.
However, Eren felt kind of nice at the care she showed. He didn't really remember a time when someone cared so much about him. Sure, Mikasa always protected him, but the way she cared for him was more by protecting him. The last time he felt this kind of care was maybe his mother.
Ai gave off this motherly care that was so different from her idol personality. It wasn't forced like that persona and came very naturally to her. He wondered if this was the real her.
A different nurse from before wheeled in a wheelchair and helped Eren get into it after removing his IV. Eren was a bit weak from recovering but didn't feel too bad overall. Ai got behind the wheelchair and started pushing him out of the room, with Meimei in front so she could clear the way for them.
Eren was wheeled to the waiting area, where Ruby and Miyako were waiting for them.
"Eren-San, good to see you." Miyako said.
"Thank you, Yako." Eren said.
"Yako?" She asked.
"You mean Miyako?" Meimei asked as she crossed her hands.
"Your names aren't that easy for me to remember you know." He said. "The only one that's easy is Ai, because it's like an eye." He pointed to his own eye.
Meimei and Miyako looked annoyed at him but Ai laughed at that. She guessed it made sense, since he's probably more used to Russian and Ukrainian names than Japanese.
"Plus, it's fun to annoy that one." He pointed to Meimei.
"Hmmph!" Meimei turned away from Eren in annoyance.
Ai giggled again, glad that Eren was able to joke around a little bit despite what happened to him.
"Glad to see you're developing a sense of humor." Miyako said.
"So, we're going back to my apartment?" Eren asked.
"Sort of." Ai said.
"Sort of?" Eren asked.
"I'm actually going to have you stay in my apartment for a few days until you fully recover." She said.
"That's really not necessary." Eren said.
"It's ok, I insist." Ai said. "After all, you did save me before so it's the least I can do. Besides, after the stunt you pulled in the hospital room, I think you'll need someone nearby to care about your health." She glared at him.
"Fine." Eren shrugged.
Meimei was glad that Eren seemed to be a bit less stoic than before. He seemed like he was opening up a bit, especially around Ai, who was the only one trying to actually create opportunities for them to spend time.
"Hey Miyako-San, where's Aqua?" Ai asked.
"He said he needed to use the bathroom." Miyako said.
"Yea, but wait, that was twenty minutes ago..." Ruby thought to herself.
"That's true." Miyako said.
"I'll go check on him." Ai said.
"Ai, that's the men's restroom." Miyako tried to dissuade her.
Ai ignored her and went to the restroom anyway. With very little care or regard for privacy, she went in to find her son and make sure he was ok. The group waited outside the rest room entrance while she went in, and luckily, there were no men that were using it while she was there. However, the emptiness wasn't a good thing.
"Where is my son!?" Ai screamed as she ran out of the bathroom.
Twenty Minutes Ago
Aqua sneaked outside of the main door of the hospital, lying to Miyako that he needed to use the restroom. Hopefully, it would buy him enough time to get far enough away so it would take them a while to find him.
He knew Ai would be upset, but he couldn't waste this opportunity. The place where she worked was a thirty-minute walk from the hospital, meaning he'd be able to easily reach her from here. If he got far enough away, it would take Ai a little while to find him, then when he was finished, he could call Miyako from Ai's phone, which he took from her purse.
He felt bad for running away, but he needed more information on who Eren is, and that strange journal of his made Aqua question a lot of things about him. So, he resolved to run away for at least an hour or two, get his answers, and take the scolding and reprimanding from Ai when he returned. This was too perfect of a chance to ignore.
Now all he had to do was reach the location, which as long as he kept at a relatively fast pace, he'd reach there in time. His small body would make the trip difficult, but he knew he'd get there before Ai realized he was gone. Hopefully, she would also spend some time with Eren so she'd take longer.
Aqua was also glad that Miyako was still not the best at watching kids. She got better, much better, but she got too complacent in how well behaved Aqua and Ruby were, that she saw no issues with letting a four-year-old use a restroom alone. It gave him the perfect chance to slip out unnoticed.
Truthfully, he wasn't worried about Ai. She'd be easy to deal with. It was her that really freaked him out, and he dreaded having to see her again.
Hope you guys enjoyed this one lol.
I know a lot of people would think that people might piece together that Eren was at the warehouse, but I doubt it. After all, if someone told you that your friend was a criminal, would you believe them. Plus, I'd say the lie Sergei came up with was convincing, he even had "Video evidence", which he knew Ai wouldn't verify.
Anyway, hope you guys liked this chapter and the next one will finally see who "She" is lol. I hope I meet expectations. Again, it's an OC, not an established character. But you guys might find her interesting, plus the place she works at lol.