The second round of attempts had fared on better than the first. Worse, since noon had barely passed before Musume decided she was done for the day. "This isn't going to work." She couldn't help but feel that Yusei was using her as target practice. Every time she even came close to beating him, he pulled out an impossible victory.
"Are you sure you're doing it right?" The sharp billow of energy was enough to refute his question. Musume was extremely in control of herself. That wasn't the issue. Neither of them had been able to access the Accel Slipstream with all the negative turmoil between them.
"I'm going back." One of the few issues she was having with Dilucesco was the turning circle. It meant she literally had to circle around Yusei. "Use that big brain of yours and figure out what you're doing wrong." They had moved to the far north of New Domino for less populated surroundings. Reporters had lined the mountain pass and every Duel Highway in the city was riddled with cameras since their repeated Duels the day before.
Because of the extra distance, Musume arrived at the penthouse just as Phantom was quietly coming downstairs from her afternoon isolation. "What've you done with Leo?" Tossing her helmet onto the couch with more force than she needed to, the absence of the young prodigy was nearly concerning.
Leo is playing an online game. Her tone sounded almost relieved at the interruption to her lessons. He says that his guild needs him and his 'sworn enemy' wants to partner up for a series of quests. It will do him good to relax for a while. A slave-driver in training, even Phantom couldn't keep up with the endless enthusiasm. It was a point of focus on the study of Abi. How was your day?
"Is there still nothing to drink?" With three obsessives in the group, only Luna possessed the forethought to order food. Unfortunately, this also meant that alcohol was rarely included in the list.
I am starting on dinner now. In an effort to earn her keep, Phantom had been volunteering for cooking duties. To be brutally honest, it narrowed down to herself and Luna. If the other two had their way, every meal would be instant ramen.
"Yay. What is it this time?" Sarcasm dripped from every syllable before she remembered it wouldn't be noticed. As much as Musume enjoyed free food, she had little favour for the mild meals that Phantom pumped out.
Brazilian shrimp stew on a bed of rice with optional garnish of spring onion. Pulling shallots, potatoes and carrots from the vegetable drawer, she began rinsing them clean. Would you like to discuss the problem? I may be able to help.
"What do you assume that I'm having a problem?" Phantom was using a knife to cut the vegetables. That meant Musume was standing three feet behind her with a much larger blade prepared.
You have been increasingly stressed since the police raid and absent every day since. Also, Rinsing the knife under hot water, she began pruning the potatoes of any questionable spots. You do not usually draw the Tender Hands. Pointed at her back was the legendary blade responsible for her current form and lack thereof.
"You think you've got it all figured out, don't you?" That unassailable calm she projected only served to get on Musume's nerves. If it hadn't been for frequent stabbings, she would have stabbed Phantom all over again. In fact,
Would it happen to concern Professor Fudo? The knifepoint paused an inch from the armour. Musume realised that it might be dangerous to use at that precise moment. I am aware that you two have... difficulties. I am willing to help however I can.
"Who told you about Yusei?" If Leo had been blabbing her secrets to this outsider, she and he were going to have a very similar chat to the sort Phantom was about to get.
Have you forgotten that you tried to strangle him two days ago? Musume paused awkwardly. With all the other problems that had grown since then, it had slipped her mind. She had been thinking about doing it for so long that the memory had merged with hazy imaginations.
If you are unable to overcome one problem, try fixing another. Continuing to prepare the ingredients, she was infuriatingly patient. It might amaze you the inspiration that happens when you least expect it.
"You're right." Her bright tone caused Phantom to halt her knife. Musume hadn't sounded his upbeat since they met. It was alarming. "How much of this stuff can you make?" Pointing at the mess of ingredients, a nasty plan was forming in her mind.
Enough for a dozen people. Enraptured by that smile, she couldn't focus her mind on anything other than obeying. I planned to set aside a few portions for when you or Leo became peckish.
"Make all of it." Pulling out her phone, she smoothly navigated to the hidden contacts list. It was far easier to use the handset now that she had some practice. "I'm going to make a call."
Leaning against the back of the bathtub, Yusei had to admit that the hot water was soothing to his muscles. Akiza had arrived home at about the same time he had and instantly ordered him to take a bath. He preferred to shower but the definite relaxing nature was setting in. At least, as long as he didn't open his eyes.
"Mmm," Leaning against his chest with her hair loosely tied up in a bun, Akiza gave an easy sigh. "This is nice." Dripping water sounded as she raised an arm from the water and wiped it dry. She had entered the bathroom and invaded the tub before he was even aware of what was happening.
"Easy for you to say." He was struggling to figure out how he kept lurching from problem to problem. Life had used to be simple. Run one of the largest research institutions the world had ever seen, search for a cure to a unique brain condition, parley with a criminal organisation who sought to control him and his friends. Everything was far more difficult now.
"That's because you're all tense." Moving his hands to her shoulders, she set him to rub her shoulders without a single flicker of guilt. "You need to learn to loosen up."
"I can loosen up." Kneading the stress from her shoulders, he could practically feel her toying with him.
"Mm-hm." Leaning forward, she clearly didn't believe him. "Lower." Moving his hands down her back, he switched to knuckles without risking opening his eyes. "Really though, when was the last time you did something just for fun?"
"Well," That was a tricky question. Yusei enjoyed his work but that meant most of his scientific pursuits had at least one practical angle behind them. "I recently took a lovely lady dancing."
"And the boat caught fire before sinking." Certainly a memorable evening. Sadly, not entirely for the reasons she had been hoping for.
"Whoever said it was on a boat?" There was a tense moment before;
"Funny, Fudo. Real funny. Out a bit." She relaxed back against him as his hands moved to the sides of her chest. "I think bending over your Runner yesterday did something to my sides." Skin pulled taut beneath his fingers as she gave an experimental lean. "My muscles are sore."
"Don't blame the machine." At least this was one subject he could touch without worry. "You should have just moved if your back was starting to hurt."
"Is that so?" Stretching up the length of his body, she didn't stop until her head was tilted up past his ear. "Like this, you mean?" She laughed at the discomfort on his face and planted a small kiss on the corner of his jaw. "Did I say you could stop?" Hesitantly, he continued his ministrations as she moved back to her former position.
Tickling up and down her ribcage, he waited until his breathing was returned to normal. "You're cruel." Akiza shrugged at the insult.
"Maybe. Around a bit more." Without even thinking, his hands started to glide around the curves of her chest and encountered the corners of her ample breasts.
"Wait..." It took had taken his longer than it should to figure out her play.
"Oops." Even with closed eyes, he could feel that playful smile. "I don't suppose that I can ask you to move a bit higher?" Instead, both hands pulled away.
"We talked about this." If the steam hadn't coloured his cheeks, her intentions would have.
"No," Slipping around, she knelt in front of him. "You talked about it. Look at me." Placing both hands on his blushing cheeks, she smiled tenderly. Stroking a thumb across each cheek, she spoke in a soft tone. "Yusei, open your eyes."
Against his better judgement, he did. While he was very tempted to look at her other features, it was the softness of her gaze that caught his attention. There was no judgement or harshness there. Only a gentleness in the warm brown. "Whatever happened eight years ago is behind us. We went our separate ways. You're the scientist: tell me the odds of coming back together again." She could tell by the flicker in his eyes that he was starting to factor in the variables.
"I mean," She dug her nails in just the slightest amount to imply that an exact guess wasn't necessary. Being held hostage like this was impossibly unpleasant.
"My point," She stressed while relaxing her grip. "Is that there's always going to be a problem. Something is always going to give a reason to put your life on hold. That means you have to find a way to keep living regardless." She could tell she was slowly losing his attention. The corners of his eyes were twitching as he fought baser instincts. "For... just look!"
Instead, he shut his eyes again. "I told you already." With her hands still wrapped around his head, there was no chance that he could look away. "Not until we're... safe."
"You seemed eager enough before." Forcing his head to face her, she was starting to get impatient with him. "What's the problem with a little fun?" Squirming in her grip, she was starting to wonder just how inhibited he was.
"What makes you think I'll stop at a little fun?" Pausing as she processed the words, Akiza had a tempting smile.
"You're cute, you know?" Leaning in, she carefully planted her lips against his. "Fine." Brushing against his face again, he could feel the tightness of her lips laughing at him. "No fun for you."
"Then what are you doing?" Feeling her breasts press against his body as she leaned onto his neck, his breath caught in his throat. It was increasingly difficult to control himself as she ground against his thigh.
"Well," Marking a path along his neck, Akiza murmured the words between impacts. "I never said I wouldn't have any fun." Tilting his head back, she edged upward and fastened his mouth across his again. Even though he knew the risk of temptation, Yusei couldn't stop his hands sliding up the smooth skin of her back.
A knock at the door interrupted the most confusingly pleasurable torment Yusei had ever endured. "Yus, you in there?" Crow could be heard shuffling just outside the door. For one burning instant, Yusei hated his brother.
"Don't come in." Trying his best to sound normal, Akiza tried her best to foil his efforts by moving her efforts to his cheek. "I'm in the bath!"
"What's the problem? I'll just not look." The lock on the bathroom door was sturdy yet hardly complicated. It was designed to be opened with a screwdriver if there was any problem inside. Anything flat enough could undo it. Like the buckle on Crow's belt.
As the door clicked open, Yusei impulsively pulled Akiza tighter against him to preserve the barest shreds of their dignity.
"He's got company!" While he had been trying to find a way to prevent embarrassment on both sides, the impish face on his chest threw him to the wolves.
The door, which hadn't even opened enough for the wood to slip from the frame, paused before closing again. Even in the resolute *click* of the lock being put back into place, he could hear the conniving grin of his ginger brother.
"Do you realise what you've done?" Despite the warmth enveloping him, he went cold with dread. There was no end to the damage his brothers could do with the information.
"Would you have preferred that he came in?" Batting her eyes, she didn't even pretend to apologise. "And seen us like this?" Rubbing her chest against his, she could feel the effect as his manhood stirred back to action. "Mmm." Smiling tauntingly, she pecked at his nose one last time. "Still," Drawing back again, she felt a perverse pleasure in watching him blush anew and averting his gaze. "He ruined the moment."
"I can't believe that you did that." Examining a spot on the ceiling, he tried to ignore the knots in his gut. "You know what those two are going to do to me."
"That reminds me." Her tone should have warned him as Akiza fastened her lips on his collarbone and sunk her teeth in as hard as she could while sucking as if her life depended on it.
"Phhh!" Sucking in air with a pained tone, Yusei couldn't deny it was certainly doing something for him. That said, "What was that for?"
"Just a little warning." Licking over the wound, she could tell it would blossom into a deep bruise soon enough. "I don't want anyone else thinking they can make a move."
"Akiza." Getting bitten hurt less than the words. "You don't think that I'd,"
"Oh, it's not you I'm worried about." That same dangerous edge in her tone had been passed onto her daughter and Yusei instantly knew it was time he stopped talking. "It's just in case any skanks think they can try and take what's mine."
"Since when was," Wrapping all four limbs about him like a spider, she pressed them as closely as they would come that day while her tongue wrestled with his. Their saliva mixed and swapped as she kept their mouths entwined long enough that he could scarcely breathe at the end. "Yours. Got it." Shoving him back against the tub as she wiped her mouth, Akiza had a twisted grin while her tongue licked away the rest of the residue on her lips.
"Don't spend too long in there." Carefully stepping out of the bath and wrapping a towel around her chest, she finally relaxed the almost mystical hold she had been weaving. "Oh, and Musume called. She's bringing Phantom over for dinner." Walking across the hall, she nodded affably to Yusei's skulking brother as the scientist gently slid underwater and considered drowning himself.
I am confused. Dropping from the back of the Duel Runner, Phantom was also concerned. The last time they had both been in Poppo Time had been... interesting. What are we doing here?
"You said I should try and fix one of my problems if I can't fix another." Pulling her helmet off, she fixed her hair with one hand with that self-satisfied smile still in place. Entrancing as it was, Phantom was beginning to get a little unsettled. Nobody smiled that much around her without duplicitous motives.
… Why do I feel that you are trying to use my words against me? A tiny bat at one ankle distracted her from the growing suspicion. Hello. Bending down, she lifted a mewling cat in both hands.
"Don't forget the food." Leaving her helmet on the console, she carefully withdrew a chunky container of the shrimp stew from under the seat.
I think you should carry it. She said while backing off a step.
"What? Worried that I'll stab Yusei as soon as I see him?" There was a dangerous pause as she adjusted the sword. "Seriously?" There was definite attention being paid to the weapon as the box was picked up. It faded as footsteps came down the stairs.
"Musume, Phantom." Smiling at the pair, Akiza was dressed in a tatty shirt and looking pleased with herself. "It's good to see you."
"Remember what I told you." As much as Phantom's attention had been on the sword, Musume's went to her left leg as it started to twitch.
"What did you tell her?" Sharp words cut any possibility of a lie.
"Nothing." Yet still, she tried. And she might have succeeded, had that stern gaze not moved to one side. "Don't." Phantom practically radiated anxiety and discomfort. "Say nothing."
Nothing. The terror burst outwards in a poor reaction and the situation unwound.
"That one's on you." Even Musume scowled slightly less as Akiza lead them up the stairs. "What did you expect would happen?"
"Just tell me that you have booze." Even better, they had company. All three brothers were present. Jack looked happy, Crow looked smug and Yusei looked miserable. It was easy to figure which brother had shared dirt on which.
"Remember what we talked about." That twitch was back in the leg. Everyone was able to see it and Akiza took advantage of the spectacle to strike.
"What did she tell you?" Phantom had been straining earlier when it was just her. Four former Signers in one room tugged her loyalties enough that she couldn't resist.
Musume promised to stab me if I started kneeling again. Akiza looked furious, Jack seemed to approve and Yusei dare not risk expressing himself in case the blade turned on him next. Where do you keep the rice? A look about the room only brought confusion. Was it something I said?
"I promise, Musume isn't going to stab you." Taking Phantom by an elbow, Akiza steered her away from the top of the stairs.
I was considering asking her to. Eleven is an... uncomfortable number. Silence radiated outwards again. If looks could kill, Phantom would have been in trouble.
"She's stabbed you eleven times?" Unbridled fury echoed in Akiza's voice.
"It's gotta be five at most." Bringing the food to the kitchen area, Musume opted for damage control instead of denial. At least the men hadn't tried to join the conversation yet. It could still be salvaged.
Nine times while we tuned her Duel Runner, once when she thought I was about to pour away her coffee, Jack opened his mouth to support the attack but Crow stopped him with a warning hand. And once in her sleep when I was tidying up.
"Hang on," Musume checked the math herself as she put the tub on the kitchen table. "That sleep one doesn't count. I didn't even know I'd done it." She was relieved that the one from the rooftop hadn't been included in the count. It was the only one where the sword had been dangerous.
Regardless, Phantom said in a way that made it clear the sleep stabbing definitely counted. Where is the rice?
"Upper right cupboard." Finally interjecting to the conversation, Yusei was relieved not to get attacked.
"So, you're stabbing people now?" Being scolded by her mother would have mortified Musume enough if she hadn't used being a doctor for the extra 'holier than thou' attitude. It was especially difficult that she didn't have any real response to the question.
There is no reason to be concerned. Happily rinsing rice and boiling the kettle, she seemed unconcerned with discussing her victimisation. The Tender Hands is only dangerous when used against evil. I was most worried about the coffee one.
"I don't think pouring coffee away counts as evil." All eyes – normal and supernatural – looked away from one another. Few things in life were more evil than wasted caffeine.
"Don't we need shallots for garnish?" Dumping the stew into a large pan to reheat, Musume tried to steer the conversation away from her murderous tendencies.
Finely sliced. No look could be that genuinely innocent. Do you have a knife?
"I wouldn't push her." Crow finally joined the conversation. "She threatened to stab me because I laughed at her for studying."
"I'd stab you for a lot less." Seeing an opportunity to get two brothers at once, Jack jumped at the chance. "Yusei, do you have anything? Any reasons to be worried?" A tight necked shirt was covering the bruise on his collarbone. It was the only thing protecting him from Musume's wrath. That and his brothers' dubious ability to keep a secret.
"How are the twins doing?" Like Musume, he tried to steer the conversation away to safer waters.
"If he starts talking," Directing her words towards Akiza, Musume refused to even directly acknowledge the speaker. "I'm really going to need a drink."
No drinking. Rice was a miracle food. It cooked fast enough that she could start ladling up bowls before Musume was angry enough to draw her sword. Not if you intend to drive back. A pause came as realisation struck. Or fly. Do you fly a lot?
"She generally just wings it." It seemed that everyone was itching for a stabbing. Yusei was always at the top of her list but Crow and Phantom were tied in a close second. "Usually when she gets in a flap."
"Either stab him or stab me." Being dead last (by virtue of Akiza not qualifying for the list), Jack seemed volunteering for the next opening. "Just end my misery."
"Don't tell Crow you find him funny." Akiza was still amazed by the invisible smiles Phantom spread behind her mask yet this one seemed more morose than joyful. "He'll never shut up if you do."
It is not simply his humour. Serving up four bowls of food, she piled them onto Musume to distribute to the men. The banter reminds me of my own brother.
"Are you close?" She hadn't mentioned a brother before. It was strangely difficult to imagine her with a family. Leo would probably have tried to push for the idea of an underground ninja-ghost family. It was good that he wasn't around.
Not for years now. She sounded sad as she handed Akiza a bowl. We have messaged a few times. No actual meetings.
"That must be hard. Do you wish you were closer?" Trying a forkful of the stew, she was amazed at the taste. For someone who didn't eat, the food was surprisingly zesty.
I... Blue eyes flickered around the room. Yusei and Musume – two people who barely got along – were feet apart without any sign of imminent violence. Jack and Crow were insulting one another without straying into curses or making it too personal. Even Akiza was looking more pleased with the food than was necessary.
You must be very proud of Musume. Her words were as ambiguous as the change in topic. Plenty of photos had been taken at the press conference at the end of the Pegasus Trinidad cup. More conspiracy theories were circling about the connection between the two redheads.
"We are." Unlike the majority of the planet, Phantom had knowledge about the Signers. She might have connected dots which other people didn't even know existed.
Very perceptive. Stubbornly good-natured, not that she would admit it. Mediocre at deception. Smiling benignly as she put lids on the pots, one hand tickled the cat perched on her shoulder. You, however, are far more subtle. It was that cheery smile that sent a chill through Akiza. Would you prefer to keep the pretence going? It is of no concern to me. Feeling the ruse starting to slip, Akiza instinctively made an effort to keep it in place.
"We're just having a conversation." In fairness, few others would have figured it out so quickly. Phantom happened to have inside knowledge.
I have been in therapy before. I know how it works. A tight smile was given at the admission. What was it? The hand shakes? Nervous twitch? I guess the raid was the final straw.
"All of the above." Shoving her bowl into Yusei's chest, Musume was relieved to stop pretending. She could barely stand being so close to him without venting. Four minutes was nearly more than she could handle. "You three, fuck off."
"Language!" One of the only things that could still make her wince was a reprimand from Akiza. "Boys, give us the room."
There is no need. Folding herself into the far chair at the table, she smiled as Hoshi scurried down one arm and began rolling around for attention. It is hardly a secret.
"What's not a secret?" Looking back and forth between the group, Phantom radiated chagrin. It was clear that Akiza applied doctor-patient confidentiality to anyone with a medical condition.
"She's gone loopy and Akiza's going to make sure her head's screwed on straight." Jack and Crow hadn't been educated on Phantom's autism and looked worried at the idea of a lunatic in their midst. Particularly since they were eating food she had made.
I assure you, the helmet is properly secured. Akiza let out a brief laugh as she buried her face in one hand. Phantom joined in laughing at her own awful joke.
"Let's give them some space." Ushering his brother's towards their rooms, Yusei communicated with a very exact look that going downstairs meant being trapped in Musume's exit path and blood would be shed if they spilt his bath-time secret.
How would you like to begin? Overpowering Hoshi with a stimulating belly rub marred the seriousness she was projecting. Rorschach inkblots? Dream interpretation? Talk about my childhood?
"Let's start with what's bothering you." Waving Musume's mouthing of 'Rorschach?' away, Akiza was concerned with the blasé attitude towards mental health as she seated herself at the table.
Hypersensory overload. The doctor's eyes narrowed at the instant answer. Self-diagnosis was rarely accurate and this one was plain fake. A regular component in autism were senses being overly stimulated. The results could cause all sorts of difficulties.
"The condition is called sensory overload. It can be caused by hypersensory conditions." Having patients self-diagnose was a massive hindrance to the medical profession. Once they had a malady in mind, all their symptoms would mysteriously twist to become perfect examples.
I am aware. Irony filled that smile. Which is the problem. I am literally too aware. I can... hear the police team across the square. They are debating the recent trial, if staking out Poppo Time is even worth it.
"How can you," Musume went to intercede but Phantom was already moving on.
Stephanie is working on her computer. There is a discrepancy in the weekly sales. Old stock wasn't disposed of and ended up being used. With so many police and reporters keeping watch on Poppo Time, staff had been too busy to do a proper inventory. Customers hadn't noticed the slightly stale food or grainy drinks. I am able to hear approximately half a mile. I felt the diagnosis deserved an upgrade.
"If you've been living with this for so long, have you developed any coping techniques?" Akiza felt slightly disturbed at the privacy violations but knew it wasn't entirely Phantom's fault. It wasn't as if she had been creeping into houses to place cameras, this was simply who she was.
Long? It has barely been a week. Akiza glanced as Musume who was moderately sickened at the news. She had been right about their first encounter. Something had definitely happened.
"Oops?" The good doctor was struggling to figure out who needed therapy more. At least Phantom had an understanding of her condition. Musume had to deal with the guilt of leaving another person in recurring agony. "My bad?" Or denial.
Not at all. She seemed affronted by the half-hearted apology and not for the usual reasons. I would say that I am significantly better off.
"Sorry, I must have misunderstood." Akiza was starting to wonder if she could find a therapist to confide in. Between her Psychic abilities, Signer heritage and SRC position, the options were slim. The closest she knew were a few old psychologists from the Arcadia Movement. Admittedly, they had reported everything to Sayer but knowing two of three secrets was a good start. "You make it sound like you had a body but prefer... not having one."
Yes, exactly. A sigh of relief came as Musume evaded responsibility for her actions. More than anything, she had been dreading having to admit she was wrong.
"Why do you think that you are better without a body?" This evening had taken a stranger turn than she expected yet it was nearly a relief. Human psychology was what she had studied. It was where she would be able to help Phantom.
Can you imagine being hypersensory? The pain that entails? From feeling uncomfortable in her own skin to hearing the questionable music in other people's headphones, there had been far more disadvantages than advantages to her old self. A few hours of discomfort a day is far preferable to constant pain.
"And what do you feel is causing the pain?" On the face of it, Akiza figured that Phantom had been in denial about her loss and the sudden shift in her reality was difficult to process. Coupled with the supercharged sensory overload and it was a case study waiting to happen.
People. Was the simple reply. Everyone is more... alive in the afternoon. Fresh from a meal. Hopeful. Looking forward to seeing their loved ones. It... gets a little much. But I can endure. Vague thoughts began to stir in Musume's head as she recalled an earlier conversation.
"It sounds like you know a lot about autism." Switching track before they could get embroiled in a pointless debate, Akiza tried to another approach to learn more about her patient's background. "Have you studied psychology before?" Phrases like 'hypersensitivity' didn't really come up in casual conversation.
Only in passing. Like she had told Jack and Crow, focus on one area and learn the bits around it. Her particular area had been her own condition. I did read your theses though. Exceptional work.
"Thank you, I..." She frowned. "Both of them?" Even Yusei had only focused on the neurology one. Her psychology paper rarely received a look. It was neither groundbreaking nor exciting, merely a plain examination of the effects of childhood trauma.
Did your approach consider the effects of psychological growth on control over the emotional state and it's effects in mature subjects? Feeling that she was losing control of the session was nothing compared to having someone take an interest in her work.
"I did but there was little available data. I chose to restrict the methodology to initial stages of development for more accurate results."
Inspiring. Having to resist the urge to walk down the hall and destroy Yusei was enough for Musume. She wasn't sure how to cope with Phantom suddenly gushing over her mother like a lovesick puppy.
"What're you two talking about?" Her right hand was already inching towards the sword on her hip.
"I had to write a couple of papers for my degrees." Papers which – while earning her high grades – few people took seriously. "My neurology paper explored the way the brain reacted during Psychic Duels. I hadn't encountered many other Psychic Duellists since the Arcadia Movement so I ended up using old data as the evidence for the paper."
I was asking why the target group cut-off shortly after adolescence. Phantom was aware of how protective Musume could get. She was also aware of the grip forming about that handle below the table. The more mature a Psychic Duellist, the theoretically greater control they could gain.
"Oh." She released the sword. "You can scan my brain sometime. If that'd help, of course." She hurried out the excuse at the end. Bonding activities between her and her mother had been varied. A difficult revelation in America, one awkward brunch and a soggy hug were about the most of it. Brain scans wouldn't be too far from the average.
"I'm not working on it right now but we can still take scans and compare to my past results." Even if the thought of Musume meeting Din caused her heart to start pounding in terror. But the proposition of being measured against old data didn't go down well.
"But, I meant as a mature Psychic. I'm twenty-five!" Only technically, since the last eight years had been in a coma. Still, it made her a decade older than when Akiza had been recruited by Sayer. She felt that entitled her to have her brain scanned. Then Musume realised she was getting jealous of her mother being brainwashed by a psychopath and considered having her brain examined for real.
Really? Phantom seemed surprised by the outburst. You... look younger.
"What's that supposed to mean?" She could insert the word 'act' as well as Akiza could and reached for her weapon again. "Just because I'm not as stale as you doesn't make me"
Stale? She was confused by the term.
"Old." Musume glared across the table. Phantom's overwhelming calm was finally proving to be too irritating to ignore. She wasn't going to continue to be condescended by everyone with a superiority complex.
"Let's all take a deep breath." Placing a calming hand on Musume's arm, Akiza stopped her from reaching an even dozen stabs. "And calm down."
"Only if she apologises for looking down on me." For a person with such issues giving apologies, Musume was quick to demand one.
I apologise if that was the impression I gave. An inch of blade slid from the sheath at the evasion. I only meant that you look good for your age. And, as for 'stale', She smiled amusedly. You are a year older than me.
"Pardon?" Akiza felt they had managed to get back the conversation back on track after her prideful slip. It was unlikely the autist had gotten the numbers wrong but it meant she was only two years younger than her doctor. "I guess we just thought that you were..." Icy blue eyes turned in her direction as the sentence faltered.
'Staler'? Both shoulders raised in a shrug as she continued to pet Hoshi. Do not worry about it.
"But... I mean..." Yeah, she was going to need to confide in someone after this. The sort of therapy she had trained to deliver didn't extend this far.
I am far more comfortable as I am than as I was. The gentle tone helped soothe away some of the guilt Akiza felt was her responsibility. Age is no issue.
"So, do you need any sort of help or are you good?" Those implacable eyes evaluated her without a single flicker of doubt. She had asked the question once before, when Phantom was still half-mad from the transformation atop that damp roof.
Good. The answer was the same as before. Better, even.
"Let's leave it here for today." Oh, was that what that smug smile looked like? Akiza suddenly felt sorry for all the people she had used it on. "We've made excellent progress but we shouldn't push too much."
"Should we come back for another session? Really plumb the depths of her problems?" How had they not been punched in the face more often? Akiza was sorely tempted and it was practically her face.
Musume. For a subservient, Phantom could sound incredibly patronising. There is one more thing I would like to say, if you do not mind? Hopefully not another weird revelation. Alone, if possible. Musume's gaze hardened. She was fine with sharing a joke but leaving the pair alone was stretching the boundaries of their budding trust.
"It'll be fine." There had been plenty of instances where Phantom could have hurt them beforehand. She wouldn't be stupid enough to try with Musume nearby. Even so, it took a full minute for her to stop trying to lurk on the stairs. "What did you want to talk about?"
I... would ask that you judge Musume so harshly. After every surprise that came from inside the armour, the altruistic request was only slightly lower on the list than discovering that she preferred being incorporeal. Many of her actions are... hostile only because she is extremely protective.
It appeared that Akiza wasn't the only one who knew how to observe others. Still, "She stabbed you eleven times." That one had fallen by the wayside. Similar to the way they didn't pay attention to the sword constantly tied to her hip.
And I would be... would not be here if she considered me a serious threat. Removing the front of her helmet revealed no deception in the flickering form. Trust me, the Tender Hands is not 'tender' towards a true foe.
"Yeah? Well, I'm not an expert in magic but I don't think it worked out so well for your first time around." Decorporealisation would have been traumatic to anyone else. Even if Phantom was happier, getting disembodied should have been an indication that something was amiss.
There is a simple reason for that; I hate myself. Putting the mask back into place, she covered it again with a gentle smile. But we can discuss that at a later date. Thank you for an... interesting evening. Fussing Hoshi's head, she nudged the tiny cat scurrying across the table before following Musume down the stairs.
"So, superhearing?" Putting her helmet back on, she knew it could be turned to her advantage. "Does that mean you know everything that's going on?"
That I can hear does not mean I am always listening. Slipping onto the back of the Runner, she had the most duplicitous smile yet. But I know when you blame Leo for farting.
"See, my hearing must be going." Swinging one leg over her seat, she somehow ended up kicking Phantom from the back. "Because I swear you said you want to walk." Reaching down a hand, she pulled her passenger back into place with a rare grin of her own.
Have you heard about the wonders of reviews? Try it for yourself! (I sound like a bad infomercial but you know it's worth it.)