Year: 774 / November
You, me and them
If nothing had woken her up, Ruri would probably have slept all day, and maybe even the next day. But this morning, a gentle caress on her cheek slowly roused her from her torpor. She struggled to open her eyes and saw 17 crouched in front of the bed.
He smiled at her as soon as he perceived her movements.
As she kept opening her eyelids, she noticed a small ball of silver hair forming a uniform mass just to the Cyborg's right. Two points of light emanated from it. A small head... two large, raised ears...
No sooner had Ruri finished opening her eyes than Volt saw the signal he'd been waiting for. The puppy leapt onto the bed at lightspeed and literally smothered the young woman with licks that made her stand up so fast she nearly hit her head on the headboard.
- Ouch! Yes, yes but... let me breathe Volt! Raaah 17 help me!
- Hello.
- Yes hello! Not my face, Volt! Where did he leave his snout to smell so bad in the morning?
- No idea.
- Great...
- You can join me outside, I made coffee for you. The human babies are sleeping on the couch, so we'll be able to talk better if we go outside.
- All right. I'll put on a tracksuit and come right over.
Ruri stretched for a long time, trying to get dressed while avoiding the wolfhound's attacks on her clothes, which he was trying to tear to shreds. She turned to her alarm clock and was surprised to find that it was almost 9am. She hadn't really slept, about 5 hours, but seeing 17 when the sun had long since risen was highly unusual. What could he have done with the few hours she'd left him? In any case, the young woman, though still very tired, was already thinking more clearly than the day before. So she quickly left the room to join him.
The living room is still plunged in darkness. On this late November daylight only partially penetrated the cabin, but 17 hadn't opened the shutters as he usually did before leaving for his shift. He had left them closed, and Ruri understood why. Lying together on the living-room sofa, Mint and Moss were indeed sound asleep. Their breathing was regular and they held tightly to the edges of the blanket that 17 had laid over them. He had lit a fire in the fireplace, making sure the room stayed warm.
Closing her jacket zipper over her throat, Ruri decided not to come any closer. She wanted to, but didn't want to risk interrupting a sleep that seemed so peaceful. So, taking Volt with her, she hurried out.
On the front porch, she found 17. He had placed coffee, two cups and cookies on a wooden stool, just in front of the bench on which they often sat together at the end of the day.
- So, you've entered the universe's best boyfriend contest? asked Ruri, smiling at such a sight.
- Does this contest exist?
- Not that I know of, but you've got a good chance.
- Well, why not? I like to be the best.
- Haha yes, I know.
17 was relieved. Ruri still had dark circles under her eyes and her gait was still shaky. Clearly, her body still needed rest. But she was in much better shape than the day before. He beckoned her to sit down beside him, served her the coffee and gave her time to eat and drink a little. They both watched Volt rush off towards the horse paddock, and the young puppy began to run in all directions, slaloming between their legs and wagging his tail.
- What a predator... Ruri finally said, blowing on her cup.
- He's too young to react aggressively to such large animals. He sees them as playmates. But when he's in the forest, it's very different.
- Is it?
- Yes, all he has to do is smell or see a small animal and he'll stop and try to get closer. But he doesn't know what to do next.
- His pack couldn't teach him to hunt, he was far too young. So much the better, we'll be able to counter his instincts more easily. Just don't encourage his predatory attitude. Ignore him when he does that.
- It's a shame. I wanted him to learn how to hunt poachers.
- Haha, but yes, of course. Releasing a semi-wild adult wolfhound trained to attack humans. What a brilliant idea, I wonder what could go wrong.
- You always have to spoil my fun.
- And I get paid for it!
- Pity. It was an excellent idea, but I won't insist.
Ruri nodded and smiled again, then inhaled deeply. The air was very cool on this winter morning, but she loved the atmosphere of nature falling asleep. The sun's faint rays and the warmth of her coffee were enough to make her feel completely comfortable outside, sniffing the air laden with the characteristic scents of the coming winter. Without realizing it, she had closed her eyes. Her head was still heavy and she leaned it mechanically against the front of the house. She could literally have fallen asleep here, lulled by the sound of the wind. 17 said nothing at first. He wanted to let her enjoy this little moment of relaxation, which he felt she really needed. The previous nights must have been overloaded with shouting, and he was sure the young woman would appreciate a little silence at last.
- I know you haven't had enough sleep, he finally told her after a few minutes. But I'm going to have to leave soon. Do you think you can hold out for a few hours?
- Of course I can. You shouldn't have stayed here this morning. You're always the first to arrive at headquarters and ...
- Don't worry, I've got it covered.
- What's that supposed to mean?
- I've warned the rangers and Owen that things are going to be a bit different for a few days. I'll stay with you in the mornings to help you sleep. And I'll come back at least once during the day, depending on the activity, so you can get more rest.
- But the ...
- The rangers have changed their own schedules to replace me. I'll still do a little tour of the park at sunrise. And with the cameras, if I see an emergency, I can always leave and take care of it. That way, during the day, you won't be totally alone looking after the human babies. And in the night...
- Oh, I...
- From now on, I'll stay home all night. When it's bedtime, you'll go into the bedroom. The twins will stay with me in the living room, so if they wake up, I can take care of them.
- But you...
- As for my nightly training sessions, I'm going to stop them for now. That way, I can stay here and keep an eye on them, and you can get a good night's sleep.
- Oh, no!
- Oh, yes.
- 17, I haven't been able to say a word since...
- Yes, what a pleasant experience indeed!
- Stop it, Ruri seriously exclaimed. All this is important to you. Your work. Your training. I know it's important.
- At least as important as this thing you have to write.
- My thesis? A thing ?
- I'll bet you anything you haven't written a line since they got here.
- ... no, it's true. But your training is super important!
- It's just a hobby for me.
- No ! Imagine if another dangerous alien thing appeared, like the monster your sister told you about and we've all forgotten!
- Buu. And she also said we shouldn't talk about it either, to avoid the memories of the earthlings resurfacing. What's that got to do with me, anyway? I am out of the running for a while.
- No, you're not ! No, no, no. You told me what 18 told you and the giant energy ball at the end, you participated. And right after that, Goku wins. It's obvious that it was your energy input that changed everything and allowed him to win.
- ... Are you serious?
- Absolutely!
- Haha!
- What's so funny?
- You. And your ability to analyze fights.
- In my eyes, you're always the strongest.
She was joking, of course, but there was truth in her statement. 17 looked at her, amused, but this unshakeable confidence she placed in him was still very pleasant to feel. Ruri didn't see the extent of the power that now distanced him from the Saiyans he had once struck down. She didn't see all that. She saw him. Only him. And no one had ever made him feel so useful and important. In this little world he had recreated for himself at her side, it was as if all the evil that had befallen him had never existed.
It may have been a small world, but she was the center of it, and he felt at home there.
« You... And I... »
This feeling, this deep attachment he felt just by seeing her.
17 thought back to the events of the previous day, and the long hours of reflection that had followed.
- I owe you an apology, Ruri, he said, gently wiping a drop of coffee from the corner of her mouth.
- No, I owe you an apology, she corrected. I shouldn't have lied to you and told you that everything was fine and that I was managing on my own, when it wasn't the case...
- Why did you do it?
- ... I don't know why. Let's just say... it was something... 100% human. So I thought, for once, I could take charge... without having to... ask you for help...
- And because you thought I wouldn't be able to look after human babies? 17 mischievously asked, provoking a scathing but unconvincing denial from her companion.
- No no no! Not at all!
- You're a liar. Cute, but a liar.
- But...
- There's no need, Ruri. I can understand that. I don't even know how to shop without you, so you're not wrong. I have no idea how to look after human babies. Without 18's help, I couldn't have done anything yesterday.
- Ooooh, it's true! We owe her a lot. I wonder what lies you could have told her to get her to help you...
- I know what to do with her, don't worry. 18 can't refuse me anything. She never could.
17 smiled, clearly very amused by the simple reminder of the previous day's conversation. Quietly sipping a second cup of coffee, he watched in the distance as their horses and the wolfhound seemed to enter the paddock.
Ruri knew that his relationship with his twin was very special. He was very happy, even if he'd never told her so, to have succeeded in repairing this bond that the events surrounding Cell's arrival had distended. Sometimes, one or the other would decide to call, without ever having a specific reason for doing so. But the timing was always right. 17 would then slip away, preferring to be in the quiet to talk with his sister. Ruri had never witnessed a single one of their conversations. Her companion seemed to want to keep the details of his new life to himself, and even if the young woman didn't understand the reasons, she loved him too much to try and impose. Whatever the reason. 17 felt good this way, and she even understood that brother and sister didn't tell each other much about their private lives. Their exchanges seemed much simpler, but it seemed to her that neither felt the need. Their relationship simply didn't work that way, and never had.
17 couldn't explain it, but they didn't need to talk about anything in particular to understand each other. Just by the sound of their voices, they knew everything about each other's state of mind, their preoccupations, their joys or sorrows. And knowing they were doing well was more than enough for them. That's what they'd agreed between themselves, years ago, as they were staring at the horizon side by side, on the beach in front of 18's house.
For the time being, they each went their own way.
However, the young woman couldn't help but be curious, a curiosity that 17's silence on the subject only accentuated.
- So, what else interesting did she tell you last night? she asked, trying to sound detached.
- She gave me some tips for human babies. Basically, it's all about diverting their attention with tricks to make them stop crying.
- Is that all?
- No.
- ... and ?
- And what?
- Raaaaah but it's not possible to always have to worm things out of you like that ! It's the principle of conversation! I talk, you answer, and we start again! !
- Oh yes. Sorry. I always forget that part. You want to know what 18 told me besides stuff about quieting babies, right?
- YES!
- Well, if I had to sum up our discussion, I'd say my sister called me an immature, irresponsible idiot. If memory serves.
- Oh wow ...
- Unless it's in a different order, but that doesn't make much difference...
- Uh, no, it doesn't. I think she's a bit harsh on this one...
- You don't think I'm an idiot? asked 17 with a smile.
- Oh, yes, of course, the young woman replied with a laugh. But as for the rest...
- If you ever met her, I'd deny having said it, but 18 is often right about me.
- She's your big sister, and I'm sure she knows her little brother inside out.
- That's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about, 17 said, putting down his coffee. 18 has a point about irresponsibility. I've acted totally... stupidly in the last few days. I left you to look after the babies on your own, even though it's an exhausting task.
- ...I haven't really asked for your help, babe...
- And I didn't insist much. I probably jumped at the chance. It's true that... humans, I have trouble interacting with them, the little I do is always complicated. And babies... I have absolutely no idea how these things work...
- Things ?
- But that's not an excuse. Even if it's only for a few days, I promised to look after them too. And you and me, we're a team. I haven't been up to the job, and I'm really sorry, Ruri.
- No, don't say that, the young woman replied tenderly. Let's just say that on this one, we both sucked. Me and my stupid desire to prove to you that I can manage without your help. Pride is such a stupid feeling.
- I almost resent it. All right. Enough with the jokes. Deal, partner?
17 held out his clenched fist, looking amused, and Ruri hastened to do the same.
- Absolutely! And I have to say, you did great last night without me.
- The babies are still alive, as promised.
- I've seen it. And that's the main thing! Did they stop crying after I left?
- No, they did it once more.
- Oh, no ! But how did you manage to divert...
17 then turned to Ruri with a smile. He showed her the open palm of his left hand, and conjured up a ball of bluish energy. It rose a few centimetres and began to swirl slowly around the young woman's face, before evaporating, leaving fine luminous particles to fall to the ground.
- Pfffff, that's cheating! Definitely ... mumbled Ruri.
And without answering, 17 stood up, a slight smile on his lips. Making a victorious "V" with his hand, he merely nodded briefly to the young woman before flying off without further delay to return to his job in the park. Left alone, Ruri hurried back inside. She sat silently at the foot of the sofa where the twins were still sleeping peacefully. She gently adjusted the blanket in which they were wrapped and watched them for several long minutes.
They seemed fine. Their breathing was slow, soft and regular. Only their clenched fists and tight posture made her realize that nothing they had been through was behind them.
She painfully remembered the image of those two babies, terrorized, thirsty and crying in their beds, upstairs in a house where their parents had died.
The young woman quickly wiped away the tears starting to form in her eyes. This was no time for tears. Mint and Moss both needed her help, and she was determined to do all she could to provide them with the safest possible environment. Although she'd never had to look after children before, let alone ones so young, a deep attachment had already formed between her and the twins. With Hazel, she'd had a few days to familiarize herself with the care and gestures to deploy with babies, but for the rest, she hadn't needed a lesson. When they weren't prone to crying fits, Moss and her sister spent their time with her.
Close by.
They would come to her, clamoring for her presence, her cuddles or to be in her arms. Their doll-like faces and big, bright eyes would melt her heart in a split second. And beyond her promise, Ruri felt a real attachment and tenderness for them. It happened instantly. She didn't have to think about it. When those two little babies crossed the living room on all fours, following each other, then stretched out their chubby little arms in her direction, she had nothing to think about.
As if driven by something stronger than all her thoughts, she would leaned toward them. Protect them. Comfort them. To shower them with love. To make their laughter echo and their tears stop. It was visceral. Instinctive.
Still, Ruri was feeling a little overwhelmed by the responsibility that had fallen to her. Gently stroking a lock of Mint's hair, she thought again and again. About Hazel. About her tenderness. That "je ne sais quoi" that had made her feel like she was a mother from the first time she'd seen her. And more. She was a mommy. Her gentleness. Her caring. And... for a second ... the memory of her own mother came back to her. The sweet taste of the breakfasts she'd prepare for her before leaving for school. The smell of her favorite sweater when she would cry in her arms.
« I'll never be able to do as well as you... » she thought with a sigh.
Even if this situation wasn't destined to last.
Even if the twins would soon be entrusted to other family members.
Ruri wanted to do her best.
And to know that 17 would help her, that he was by her side...
Ruri suddenly felt less alone.
Yes.
She wasn't alone, and never had been.
« ...But I'll do my best! »
And at this thought, Ruri began to smile again. Full of hope, she temporarily forgot her fatigue. It was as if her discussion with 17 had invigorated her. The morning wore on, with the young woman doing a bit of tidying up, until the twins woke up and cornered her again.
She did, however, have time to start a washing machine.
And it was only then that Ruri noticed something: since their return from the North, 17 had kept the outfit she'd found for him at Oak's, no doubt washing the sweater himself directly in the Ranger break room. His old jeans with holes in them, his shoes and, above all, the T-shirt with the Red Ribbon emblem. He had left all these clothes in the dirty clothes basket.
And he hadn't put them back on once.
- Volt! Give me back my slipper right now!
Ruri set off in pursuit of the young wolfhound across the living room, under the curious gaze of the twins. Clearly, the puppy had no intention of being caught and, still holding his "prey" firmly in his mouth, set about escaping the furious human in pursuit. His small size enabled him to zigzag with ease between the furniture, much to the amusement of Mint and Moss.
- Come back here! exclaimed Ruri after another dodge.
The puppy responded with a growl and broke into a fearsome sprint towards the bathroom. Suddenly, an unexpected force grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and lifted him off the floor.
- Give, asked 17 in his calm voice.
Volt struggled for a few seconds, but didn't insist for long. He put the slipper in his master's hand, wagging his little tail and yelping, and 17 lifted him back onto his paws.
- Here, he said, handing Ruri what was left of her slipper. But I don't think it survived.
- You bet ... stammered the young woman as she contemplated her gutted shoe. You really are a walking disaster, Volt!
- I still think my idea of dropping him on the poachers would increase your shoes' chances of survival.
- Nice try, but still no! Bravo and thank you, fortunately you arrived at the right moment. He obeys you so well! Looks like all that training in the forest is paying off.
- At least there is someone who recognizes who the boss is around here.
- The boss is the brightest one, darling.
- And ?
- Nothing, I don't want to offend you. It's up to you. So, how'd it go? Did you find it?
- It's a ferret. I've caught it. I'll let it go in an hour, when you and the kids have gone to bed.
- Thank you, babe !
More than two weeks had passed since 17 and Ruri had spoken. Their new routine was now well in place, and the adjustment had been surprisingly smooth. Although she continued to look after the twins, 17's help proved invaluable. He would prepare breakfast and most meals, take care of household chores and even give the babies their first bottle with her.
Above all, he allowed Ruri to sleep while he looked after them at night. Which wasn't at all useless, as the twins' meltdowns occurred mainly at this time.
In fact, for several days he had been trying to find the source of the strange noises coming from their attic that always distressed Mint and Moss. And now, at last, he had captured the wild animal that was causing them.
- I'll buy you a pair of slippers tomorrow, said 17, coming to sit next to Ruri.
- By the way... can I ask you something?
- Yes, you can.
- Do you think... it would be possible for us to go together with the twins?
- Are you afraid I won't find you a good slipper?
- What? Oh! Not at all! Your fashion sense is close to absolute zero but for slippers, it doesn't matter!
- Ah?
- Actually... it's mostly that I haven't been out in over 3 weeks. I'm locked in here all day and... I confess I'm a little choked up about never talking to anyone... You know what I mean?
- Not really.
- Oh yes, that's right, I forgot I lived with a bear ...
- A cyborg.
- ... Have I ever explained to you what a metaphor is?
- No.
- That's what I thought. 17, I know you don't really like talking to people. But I'm a people person. I like talking, chatting, gossiping. Human beings are SOCIAL animals. We need to interact with our fellow human beings. Is that any clearer?
- No. But I don't need to understand utility to understand when you say you want to do something. Do you want to go into town yourself and let me keep the twins here?
- Frankly, I think getting out and seeing people would do them a lot of good. They cry a little less, don't you think?
- Yes, they do. They're still a little apprehensive, but they're getting better.
- What do you think?
- No problem at all. We'll go tomorrow morning as soon as the three of you are ready.
- Awesome! Can't wait!
And indeed, after a few hours' sleep, Ruri rose at dawn. Moss and his sister were still asleep, and the sun hadn't even risen yet, when the young woman was already running around the house, overexcited, trying on a whole bunch of different outfits to get ready to go out. 17 was watching her, amused by the spectacle, without saying a word. He merely mumbled a few words of validation at each of Ruri's suggested "looks", a validation he knew she wasn't really expecting.
She finally opted for a gray plaid skirt, accompanied by a black sweater and opaque tights. She put her long hair up in a bun, applied her make-up for ages and finally came back to him, a sparkling gleam in her eyes.
- Do you like me? she asked with a big smile.
- You're beautiful, but it would be even better without clothes...
17 gasped, his wide eyes betraying his surprise at hearing himself say that, and Ruri burst out laughing.
- Hahaha! Looks like you've let your thoughts get away from you, eh?
- A strange phenomenon...
- Oh no, that's just your reproductive instinct kicking in. A rush of testosterone, no doubt.
- Sorry...
- You're still a biological being, my love. Come here...
Ruri affectionately held out her hands for 17 to grasp. He stood up, letting her guide him to her, until he was only inches from her mouth.
"Do you want to make love now?" he asked himself, with a hint of doubt in his mind. The presence of the twins right next to them did indeed seem totally contradictory to what Ruri was starting to do. But when she did, he couldn't stop the flood of thoughts that assailed his brain. The idea of smelling her, of feeling all those pleasant sensations... In fact, reason and reflection had no place when he laid eyes on her body.
- Stretch out your arms... Ruri whispered to 17, who immediately complied.
He then felt a weight on his hands and looked down to see that the young woman had just placed one of her legs on them, wearing a pair of lace-up boots which she immediately tried to zip up.
- THANK YOU! she exclaimed, winking at her companion.
- You're ... welcome?
« A rush of testosterone you said ? »
- They're sublime, but a pain to wear, continued Ruri as if nothing had happened.
- It's... strange... shoes that are painful to wear...
- It's a girl thing 17, don't try to figure it out. Well, there you go... it's all tied up. Everything set?
- I'll get the car ready. I made some coffee if you want some.
- Thanks, love!
Ruri smiled, and so did 17. Her naiveté still amused him as much as on the first day. She knew how to be seductive now, but on a day-to-day basis, she was still as clumsy and carefree as the first time he'd spoken to her. She really didn't understand what he had in mind; she was simply too happy at the idea of returning to the village. He then realized that Ruri was looking forward to this outing, and preciously noted this information in his memory. Nothing made him happier than to see that gleam of joy flood his companion's face.
But when he opened the cabin door, he froze.
- Is something wrong? asked Ruri when she saw him.
- Come and have a look.
- What's the problem ? Oh!
In front of them, nothing can be seen but a great white expanse. The snow that fell during the night has covered everything, so much so that the small dirt road leading to the village below was no longer visible. Even in the middle of winter, this part of the world was not as cold as the north, and it rarely snowed, let alone with such intensity.
- It's beautiful… said Ruri, happily. The babies will love it! It'll remind them of home...
- Maybe, but your jeep will never drive over terrain like this, interrupted 17.
- You think so?
- Yes. You should really think about buying another one.
- But I like my old Betsy.
- Because she has a name too?
- Well, yes. Does this mean we're stuck here?
- I'm going to send an energy blast to remove the snow...
- Wait! No 17, you could touch the forest and hurt animals !
- Ah. Yeah. Damn.
- Could we clear the snow with a shovel?
- Yes, I could do that quickly. But we don't have a shovel.
- Ah. Oh. Okay ... so ... I guess we'll have to postpone the trip until tomorrow ...
She had spoken with such sadness in her voice that 17 immediately turned to look at her. She wasn't crying, but her wet eyes were limpid. She looked disappointed, very disappointed. No doubt equal to the joy she felt at being able to chat a little with other human beings. He was genuinely touched by her pain, even if Ruri's pout made him smile inwardly.
He found it hard to understand why the young woman wanted to see people so badly, but he probably couldn't really manage ever.
17 thought for a few seconds.
« No shovel ... no energy ... babies ... »
And suddenly...
- Not necessarily, he finally murmured.
- What?
- I might have an idea.
- You know, I've heard this before...
- When the human babies wake up, get them ready. I'm going to the garage to see if I can fix this.
- Are you sure? I don't want to bother you too much...
- Didn't you want to go to the village?
- Oh, not so much, you know, Ruri stammered.
- I need new clothes. We could buy some, couldn't we?
- You mean... not just me buying you a tracksuit but... you and me? Together? Like... a shopping trip?
- Uh... yeah? I guess we are.
- OH MY GOD! ! But I have to make a list! You need new jeans! At least 3 in fact! You need to change your socks too, I've been dreaming of throwing these horrors down the chimney for YEARS! ! And sweaters! T-shirts! ! ...
- We could start with an outfit, couldn't we? asked 17, imploringly, realizing with concern that a terrible trap was closing in on him.
- Oh. Yes, you're right. Step by step. Jeans in your size! That would be a revolution!
17 nodded, happy to have got out of this mess and to see his companion smiling again. He then slipped away to his garage, where he disappeared for almost an hour. In the meantime, as agreed, Ruri waited for the twins to wake up, fed them and dressed them in the few warm clothes she had remembered to take with them when they had left. She realized that she hadn't taken much with her, and that if the babies had to go out more often, it would probably soon be insufficient. The idea of returning to their old home crossed her mind, but she told herself almost immediately that she didn't feel up to it yet. The trauma of Oak and Hazel's death was still too raw a wound for her to face. She thought back to 17's offer to buy clothes and began to jot down with relish on a sheet of paper everything she felt like buying for the babies.
Participating in this exercise filled her with a whole new joy, and she didn't even notice the time passing until she heard 17 calling her and asking her to join him.
The young woman somehow managed to take the twins in her arms, and in turn made her way to the garage, 17's lair, where he spent most of his free time repairing anything that might break down in their very old shack.
She placed Moss and his sister on the floor, and the babies scurried off, crabbing wherever they could, closely followed by Volt.
In front of Ruri stood 17, hands on hips, in that posture she knew meant he was self-satisfied. Just behind him was their yellow quad bike, which he had taken out of his capsule. At the front, attached to the handlebars, she noted the presence of a sort of green bag she'd never seen before.
- And now I've finished! exclaimed 17, showing her the machine.
- What have you finished?
- The « baby transporter ».
- The ... what?
- I've worked out how to get to the village. Going there on horseback isn't possible if you want to come back with supplies. And I suppose you don't want us to try to fly either?
- Certainly not! The babies will get scared, and you won't be able to hold all three of us! Besides...
- So that just leaves the quad, and it can run on snow with no problem. So I installed this baby transporter to hold Mint and Moss during the whole trip.
- ...
- I can feel the skepticism. Am I wrong?
- Oh no, you're absolutely right.
- I've taken a sports bag that I use to store rags. I've modified it a little, attached straps to the front and filled the bottom with cushions for them to sit on. I also installed belts like in their car seats.
- You're joking, aren't you?
- No, I'm not.
- You're telling me you're SERIOUSLY planning to carry MY BABIES around in that thing you cobbled together from a crappy old bag?
Ruri's raised eyebrows did not escape 17, who immediately understood the danger of the situation. The defensive attitude of the female protecting her young. This attentive posture, still calm, but ready to leap at your throat. He would have laughed, if he hadn't had a premonition that he might lose his life.
- Anyway, it's cold outside, so the babies will... continued Ruri, before being interrupted again by 17.
- I put on blankets.
- But this thing is ...
- Solid. I know it, I made it myself.
- This is nonsense...
- What do I risk if I'm wrong?
- Your life.
- Mmmmm... Okay. Give me a baby.
- WHAT ?
Mint and Moss had joined them. As Ruri didn't react to their presence, they both had sat down next to each other, looking at 17 with curious eyes. The latter suddenly approached and gently took the little boy in his arms.
Moss let him do so without saying a word, staring at this strange adult, as silent as ever.
17 placed him gently in the bag, leaving his hands just underneath to catch him if necessary. The baby seemed to hesitate for a few seconds, and 17 could hear Ruri's worried breathing from across the room. She was shivering at Moss's slightest movements, and her heavy gaze shifted from the little baby's figure to that of her companion, who would have howled with laughter had he dared.
The baby tossed and turned, again and again, in the soft, comfortable setting in which it had been placed. Then, after a while, he began to smile, waving his arms and laughing.
- Ah, you see? That means this baby is happy, 17 noted with satisfaction.
- That doesn't change the fact that it's too dangerous...
- No, it isn't, because I'm telling you it's solid. Don't you trust me?
- ... yes, of course.
- Give me the second baby.
- Mint.
- How do you know the first one was Moss?
- Really ?
- It's not that easy to tell them apart.
- If you changed their diapers and dressed them in the morning, you'd do better.
- Change their what?
- Ah yes, it's true that you haven't taken care of it yet, darling. Remind me tonight to show you, replied Ruri, laughing.
- Is it complicated?
- Nooo and you'll love it, I'm sure.
- Okay. So, what do you say? Shall we put my method to the test?
17 didn't wait for Ruri's response and settled Mint next to her brother. He tied them securely, feeling the gazes of both babies on him, then wrapped them in a blanket. He then settled into the seat and started the engine. The twins let out little cries of surprise, but the vibrations of the quad seemed to amuse them greatly, for before long, they were wiggling around, giggling all the more.
Ruri looked at them, her chest tight with anxiety at first, before gradually their laughing faces softened her as only they knew how. In the end, she let herself be persuaded, surprised even to find herself doubting her companion, in whom she usually placed all her trust. It was as if the presence of the twins had changed everything, made her more fearful, more cautious... more prudent.
Not without taking Mint and Moss out and putting coats on them before reinstalling them, the young woman climbed onto the quad behind 17, to which she clung. Together, the four of them set off in the direction of the village adjacent to the park. The journey only took about fifteen minutes, but it was refreshing for Ruri. Feeling the cool caress of the breeze on her cheeks was a welcome boost. Locked away for weeks in a dark, isolated wooden hut, she had felt trapped. Like a hamster in a cage, spinning in circles with nothing to see but a very narrow perimeter.
And if she'd thought she'd come to terms with it, this sudden whiff of freedom had made her realize that wasn't the case.
As for the twins, they didn't seem the least bit frightened. Quite the contrary, in fact. They looked all around them, chirping with excitement at the slightest animal, rock or body of water that surrounded them.
Seeing them so happy reassured Ruri greatly. 17 felt her arms tighten around his waist, the young woman giving him a tender hug that lasted until they reached the village.
Each holding one of the babies in their arms, they strolled together through the narrow streets. The early hour was salutary, as there were few people around. And while Mint and Moss seemed to have complete trust in Ruri and 17, they were strangely afraid of people they didn't know. They had already been examined several times by the village doctor and were just beginning not to cry when they saw her.
The few villagers they encountered were far more enthusiastic about his companion and the twins than 17 had expected. No sooner had they caught sight of them than they were greeted one after the other, so much so that they had to stop almost as soon as they had taken a step. And much to 17's dismay, Ruri was seized by a sort of bulimia of discussion. She began to talk as if she'd been silenced for years, exchanging enthusiastically on the slightest trivia.
Silent, 17 remained slightly in the background.
To spare the twins any unnecessary stress, he spontaneously took on the role of babysitter. While his companion chatted, he held them in his arms and waited patiently. Mint and Moss clung to him, wordlessly, watching the comings and goings of the adults around them. From time to time, if someone came too close to them, they would turn their faces to 17's sweater and bury their eyes in it, but at no time did they cry. Ruri was right next to them, and whenever they did, she immediately rushed to reassure them with these little words and kisses that had an immediate power over them.
When, after what seems to him to be a veritable ordeal, they manage to make their way to the only clothing store, 17 realized that his suffering was not about to end.
Being able to indulge in one of her favorite pastimes sent Ruri into a veritable frenzy. She began to run up and down the shelves of the little store, once, twice, three times, in one direction and then the other. The saleswoman followed at a brisk pace, and 17 noted with fascinated apprehension the incredible cumulative speech rate of these two humans. They exchanged questions and answers at a frantic pace, so fast that he couldn't grasp the meaning of their conversation. From time to time, they punctuated their exchanges with shrieks and shrill exclamations that startled him every time.
After a moment, the two women turned towards him and 17 froze, worried to feel the weight of their intense gazes on him, as if they were undressing and dissecting him at the same time. Up and down, they scrutinized him intensely. Then, in the same about-face, Ruri and her new accomplice rushed to a shelf, nodding in agreement.
Meanwhile, 17 was sitting on a small wooden bench beside the door. He had put the twins down beside him and was waiting for his companion to finish shopping. Suddenly, Ruri's voice could be heard from the back of the store.
- How are the babies?
- They're fine.
- You're keeping an eye on them, aren't you? I mean, you can't keep your eyes off the babies!
- But absolutely, I know.
A cold shiver ran down his spine as he realized he hadn't really been paying attention to what the human babies were doing. He'd almost « forgotten » they were there. So he immediately turned to them.
"Phew, they're still there..." he thought with relief as he saw they were still in place.
In fact, Mint and Moss were very quiet. They were always intrigued by 17's presence. He was there every day, and now every night. He wasn't a "bad guy". But he wasn't like the nice lady who showered them with kisses, hugs and tender tickles. He just stood there, watching them out of the corner of his eye, not interacting with them too much. He intimidated the twins, but without frightening them.
And when this big man started to look at them, the brother and sister reacted in a split second. They stopped staring at Ruri and concentrated solely on 17. The three of them sat facing each other, the latter and the twins staring into each other's eyes for endless seconds. Only the sound of pacifiers could be heard in this long, silent exchange. Babies don't talk, but faced with these two terribly mysterious little beings, 17 wasn't necessarily better off in terms of communication. In fact, all three were at about the same level. Unable to express themselves.
And it was the twins who made the first move.
Moss suddenly waved his little arms, almost immediately imitated by his sister. 17 looked at them, unsure of what to do. Call Ruri? No. His pride couldn't bring itself to do so.
« If 18 managed to do it without a manual, I don't see why I should fail, » he thought.
So they watched them, trying to understand.
To no avail.
Until...
17 stopped and realized.
The little boy had just managed to cross his arms awkwardly.
"Like ... me?"
That was it. Even if it wasn't well done, because he hadn't really mastered the gesture, Moss had just tried to imitate 17's posture at that very moment. Still sitting up, noisily sucking his pacifier, the baby was indeed trying to strike the same pose as him. And so did Mint. Just as approximately.
And 17 had no idea what to do.
And so...
They stayed like that.
For a long time.
Until an exclamation sounded right next to them, followed by a flash of light.
- Ohhhhhhh but you're so cuuuute my babies !
- Ouch! 17 exclaims, blinking at the light in front of him.
- Oh, sorry, darling, replied Ruri, joining him. I'm sorry, but you were so cute I had to take a picture!
- A picture of what?
- Well, of you three! Ohhhh my little love chicks you're too too adorable!
The babies reacted immediately to the young woman's voice and turned away from 17 as quickly as they had approached him. Chirping and waving in all directions, they stretched out their arms towards her, and Ruri began to kiss them, giggling.
- My babies! Oh yes, my babies! That's it, I'm done. How did it go? Was the big man nice to you? I hope so!
17 shook his head and glanced at his companion's feet. He'd never seen such a pile of bags. The amount of clothes she had chosen must have been gigantic. He let out a long sigh, but changed his mind when he saw the young woman's happy face. This outing had undeniably been good for her.
- Did you find everything you were looking for? he asked, pondering how best to transport such a mess in one go.
- No, this store is great, but it's too small. I did as you said: I only took the bare minimum.
- The ... what? replied 17, almost choking on his own saliva.
- I hope you'll notice my efforts!
- Uh... yes, yes, I... notice.
- I've found you some absolutely FA-BU-LOUS jeans. Do you want to try them on or do you trust me?
- I trust you.
- And you're fed up, and you want to go home too, don't you?
- Also.
- Haha well received. I'll stop torturing you. We're going home. Thank you, honey. I really do. I was right to listen to you and believe in your DIY.
- My baby transporter.
- Uuuuh 17, really, let me handle the names, okay?
- Why ?
- Leave that to the professionals. If one day you invent a fighting technique, I'll give it a name. That way, you won't have to choose something lame like " kameha-thing".
- Kamehameha. You don't like that name?
- No, I don't. It sucks. The name is absolutely essential to sell. And frankly, this one sucks. In your notebook, I found nothing but crappy names. Except for two.
- Which two?
- "Final Flash" and "Big Bang Attack". That's stylish. It's powerful, it rocks. I love it.
- These are Vegeta techniques.
- He may have a terrible temper in your opinion, but he's got class.
- Haha ok Ruri. That's good. Shall we? I just need a few minutes to put this... bare minimum in the back luggage.
- Take your time! I'm going to have a chat with the saleswoman!
- Do you still have things to say to her?
- Yes, why?
- Well, nothing. I was just thinking that it's not just my stamina that's infinite. The number of words you can say is too.
- Is that so?
17 merely smiled and set about the puzzle of packing everything Ruri had bought into the bags he'd brought with him. Although he had clearly underestimated the extent of what they would have to bring back, he managed after a few minutes' effort and returned to the store. He had to wait another 10 minutes for Ruri to finish her conversation, then, finally, he was able to take Moss in his arms and install him in the front bag so they could leave.
Ruri followed with Mint and was about to do the same when she abruptly turned back, disappearing into the store for the umpteenth time.
17 waited cautiously, but she returned after a very brief absence.
- And now we're really finished, she smiled.
- What did you do?
- I bought one last little thing I saw in the window on the way out.
- Ah.
- Don't worry, it's very small. Tadaaaaam! Look at my little sweetheart!
Ruri turned slightly so that he could see Mint, and at first glance, he didn't notice anything in particular. He scrutinized the little girl as closely as he could. Then he saw a pink fabric bow in her hair.
- What was it?
- A ribbon. Look how beautiful she looks with it!
- Uh... yes, yes.
- And it'll help you tell them apart! I'll be back here to buy lots!
- Isn't one enough?
- Well no 17, I have to accessorize them to match her outfits! !
- . For sure.
- What do you think?
- That it's... a good idea, I guess. Shall we?
- Yes, we shall!
But they couldn't get very far. No sooner had they started than they had to stop. One of the babies had just started crying, loudly, and Ruri almost jumped off the still running quad to rush towards him.
It was Moss.
- Oh my baby, my precious little baby, what's wrong? Come on, come on, relax my sweetie...
She took the little boy in her arms and tried to stop him crying by rocking and kissing him, but to no avail. Yet Moss didn't seem frightened by anything. His face didn't contort, and if he cried, he didn't scream as he might during those phases of "terror" that so exhausted Ruri.
His sister didn't cry at all, whereas the twins usually reacted at the same time to something that had frightened them.
- Is he hungry? asked 17, thinking back to his conversation with 18.
- It's possible, but he took a bottle not so long ago ...
- Is it hurt anywhere?
- I don't know ... Wait Moss, wait ! No, leave Mint alone, sweetie. 17 ! Help me please, take Mint away, he's trying to make her cry too!
17 complied, and rightly so, for the little boy did indeed try to get his hands on his sister.
As if he was trying to grasp something.
- It's the ribbon, said Ruri. He's trying to take the ribbon from her. No, honey, we're not going to do that, it's your sister's! It's brand new, it must intrigue him! No, Moss, leave her present, it's not for you.
- In the meantime, he might want one too, remarked 17.
- Want what? A ribbon?
- A present. After all, it's not fair, why does Mint get a present and he doesn't?
- ... well... there's no reason, it's just that... do you think that's it?
- I don't know, I'm just saying that if the sister has a present, it makes sense that the brother would want one, right?
- Do you think we should buy him a ribbon? Why not, it's not usual for a boy, but if it makes him happy, I...
- Wait, interrupted 17, strangely unhappy with the idea.
- Wait, what?
- We'll be right back.
And it was with Moss still crying in his arms that 17 set off. In the few days he'd been shopping without Ruri, he'd come across a few stores, and the memory of one of them had just come back to him. The young woman watched him enter a small store selling newspapers and a few sweets. The idea that 17 might be buying candy for babies with no teeth yet crossed her mind, and it was with a more than questioning look that she greeted her companion when he returned.
But...
Moss had stopped crying.
A few tears were running down his cheeks and he was still spasming, but he wasn't crying anymore.
In his small fists, he was holding something.
A small, round, red shape that the baby never let go of for a second.
Ruri couldn't believe her eyes.
- But ... how did you do it? she stammered when 17 joined her.
- I bought him a ball.
- A what?
- It's a dog toy.
- WHAT?
- The salesman tried to sell it to me when I went into his store to buy your magazine on "the 10 best exercises for having nice ...".
- YES 17, I know which magazine you're talking about, no need to say it out loud in the street!
- He wanted me to bring him to Volt. But I didn't have enough change on me.
- So you bought my baby a dog ball?
- Yes.
Ruri gave him a look in which 17 thought he could detect murderous waves, and the young woman replied in a tone that left no room for misinterpretation.
- All right, then. I'll give you exactly 1 minute to convince me not to pull out your hair one by one, she told him, almost pausing on each word.
- Why my hair?
- It's the only injury I can inflict on you.
- Ah yes, not wrong.
- 30 seconds 17.
- A ball is still a ball. And he stopped crying, right?
Moss was waving his ball around with a smile, squeezing the soft rubber ball with his little fingers. Ruri couldn't resist his face for long and finally burst out laughing. She had to face facts: the baby wasn't crying anymore.
- Honestly... a dog ball?
- The method doesn't matter, only the result.
- Haha! All right, then. I'll let you live.
- Cool.
- For now.
- Ah.
They looked at each other, then laughed at the strangeness of the situation. The tragic circumstances that had brought them here seemed temporarily removed. Suddenly, a breeze of lightness blew between them. For the first time in weeks, Ruri and 17 shared a moment of pure fun, without ulterior motives or painful memories, and even the cyborg felt a deep sense of fulfillment.
Just for a moment.
A fraction of a second.
Without the death of Oak and Hazel, without the guilt and remorse, without the fear of not being able to care for these two fragile beings in their charge.
With Moss's crying fit calmed, they were finally able to set off for home.
- 17 ? Are you done?
- Yes, I'm on my way.
It didn't take long for the couple to stow the quad and their new belongings in the bedroom. It was time for 17 to leave Ruri and the twins to join the other Rangers in the park. He took just a few minutes to pack his things in the garage and joined the young woman in the living room.
On the carpet, Moss and Mint were playing with Volt and the red ball. Ruri made sure that the puppy didn't keep it to himself, and alternately gave it to each of the babies so that they could both throw it across the room. Volt would then run to catch it and obediently bring it back to Ruri.
Ruri and the children seemed to be enjoying themselves, laughing out loud.
There was something reassuring and strangely pleasant about this scene for 17, who usually appreciated the peace and quiet of his home more than anything else.
He came to stand right behind Ruri, and knelt down beside her.
- You're entitled to say I was right, I promise not to exaggerate my satisfaction.
- Haha! Dream on, tin can!
- Just as I thought...
- On a more serious note, well done. Last time you had a helping hand, but this time I have to say you did it. You didn't tell me you knew anything about babies!
- I don't think I do. But I just... I don't know... I had an intuition. I understood what he had.
- And what helped you figure it out?
- No idea. It's just... the brother didn't want to be at a disadvantage to his sister. It seems normal to me.
The way he had phrased his sentence made Ruri react. Suddenly, a spark ignited in her mind. Her gaze shifted from the babies to the 17, and back again.
- Mmmmmm... she muttered, startling her companion at the familiar sound.
- Wow. What is it now?
- Would you say that the brother is disadvantaged in relation to his sister?
- Right now?
- No, in general.
- I don't know,
- Have you ever felt anything like that? I mean... with 18?
- Are you asking me if 18 has ever had something I haven't?
- Exactly.
- Of course ! It's obvious you don't know my sister, replied 17, laughing.
- What do you mean ?
- Let me give you an example. During our trip, we stopped at a gas station to fill up. There was a video game terminal inside. We played it to pass the time, and at the end, there was a "beep" and a guy told us we'd won a free play.
- And?
- And we argued about who was going to use it. After a while, the guy said it would be easier to ask our friend to choose.
- 16 ?
- Right. So I asked 16 who he thought should get the free play.
- ... and?
- And the big idiot immediately replied "18". Just like that, for no reason.
- My poor darling!
- Yes. It was totally unfair. It was my idea to drive that van and stop there, not 18 at all.
- And why did he choose your sister?
- Pure favoritism.
The expression on 17's face betrayed real annoyance, and he had just given this explanation with an offended intonation unusually expressive for him. Ruri then realized that he had actually felt upset at not having been chosen. It was undoubtedly a rather childish reaction that she found hard to project onto the being she knew, but it made perfect sense when she cross-checked it with what 17 himself had described to her of his character before the absorption.
A viscerally human reaction.
She had to bite her lip to contain the furious urge to laugh that came over her when she realized what he was unconsciously making her understand.
- Just one little question, she asked to divert his attention. Why did you play this game? Couldn't you have threatened this guy or blown up his gas station?
- One, I didn't really want to. And two, as soon as 18 had won, she wouldn't let me. It was probably more fun for her.
- To piss you off?
- Yes.
- That seems fair to me, actually. You like pissing her off too, don't you?
- I can't deny it.
- It's funny, isn't it, this sort of "love/rivalry" between you and her? The relationship between the twins is really fascinating...
17 straightened up a little, trying to read Ruri's eyes to understand what she was implying. In his companion's eyes, he saw only great amusement, and much, much tenderness. So he smiled back, realizing in that instant what she had just been thinking.
« Twins, eh... » he thought as he watched Mint and Moss play together again.
- Sounds like your experience has given you empathy for poor Moss, unfairly favored over his sister, Ruri whispered with a smile.
- It would seem so... he murmured in the same tone.
- It's a good thing, actually. Frankly, the more I think about it, the more I realize that between the two of us, we're really going to make it, babe.
- Yes, we are.
- And just like that, you've "repaired" a terrible injustice.
17 laughed, briefly but sincerely. Just then, the ball slipped from Mint's hands and rolled slowly towards him.
Ruri didn't intervene, and 17 grabbed the object himself.
Holding the ball in his hand, he seemed to think for a moment.
Then he placed it on the ground and, with a slight movement, rolled it straight towards Moss, who immediately caught it with a cry of joy.
- Let's just say that this time, it's the brother who wins the free game, he finally told Ruri, hilariously.
17 then got up and left for his shift.
Even if it was only for a short time, the human babies' stay seemed much more interesting than expected.