Ren Yamashiro, for maybe the third time that single evening, found herself in a dreadful dilemma. The head of the Azuma's carriage, a black all terrain limousine as long as physics allowed, was already on sight. With them being the culprit of the new infection alarming the entirety of the corps, plus the most prideful of all units available, her quarantine was in danger. There was little to no chance they'd allow inspection from her eyes, less so when Fubuki knew just how deep her eyes could delve into someone's self. Meaning she'd need help monitoring, and not counting the 2nd's chief's clones in the slightest, since they could only brawl not think, and the wind-user; who could only manipulate wind and not think, she was left with asking the single person who had shown more situational awareness than anyone she had met in the last decade.
For the second time in her entire life, Ren Yamashiro needed help from a man. She'd need to ask Roku Denki to keep a close eye on the Azuma, before the infection spread to all of her precious staff if any at all were in touch with it.
"...Commander" The guy in question was already right behind her, looking at the limo approaching slowly from the horizon; a healing batch on his swollen cheek and freshly showered (her orders), "Are you sure the Azuma Clan won't mind me receiving them? I'd be looking like an owl at them" Ren could only sigh inside her mind. For every word the guy spoke, only factual information came out of it.
"You're the Janitor of our Headquarters, they'd do well to get used to you receiving anyone taking a step into the place" The dark haired girl replied back, "Besides-," A snap of a finger and the card Fubuki had sent Ren appeared in front of Roku's eyes.
Least all of our honor is put to shame, allow us to apologize to the poor victim of our member's rage, Roku Denki.
Satisfied, Roku nodded towards her, the card disappearing with another snap.
"I still wonder how they learnt of all this, did you-,"
"They have eyes and ears everywhere, Roku Denki" She interrupted, already knowing this question would pop up. That it did only confirmed he was the right choice for this matter, "For all my abilities and power, I myself don't have any idea how" Ren sighed, shrugging as she did so. She had scanned the place for eternity, and no clue had been found as to how the Azuma learned about events that transpired around her headquarters.
"I understand" His demeanor was changing, not really a hundred percent dog-loyal, more like a known servant now.
She'd allow it.
"Let us head down to the lobby, they will arrive any minute now" The commander declared, marching towards the door, with the Janitor right behind her.
The door opened quickly and a thud sound kicked them out of immersion.
Yakumo Ezo, down on the floor, probably too busy eavesdropping to react to the door opening.
"Oh hey!" She laughed sheepishly, lifting herself up with ease. It was clear she had also cleaned up and her bruises were already taken care of, energy back to top levels, "I-uh, I was just wondering how long would ya'-,"
"The whole evening and night if needed, so get out of here unless you'd like to face Azuma Fubuki with us as well, Ezo" Ren wasn't in the mood, and Roku couldn't blame her. Mira had already briefed him a bit on what that woman Fubuki was capable when mad, and it sounded like night and day from the person he had perceived on his introduction.
Yakumo fled the scene like a cat caught stealing, but not before waving the janitor goodbye, promising to catch up later in her bedroom. Annoyed, Ren kicked the air around the floor before continuing her match.
"You're cursed, Roku Denki. That woman is out of her mind and clearly you're her preferred playtoy"Her mood got the best out of her and somehow allowed normal conversation to begin.
The laughter coming out of his mouth made Ren glad it actually did. This man had not shown emotion rather than sharpness for as long as she had witnessed it. Her respect he already had. Establishing common ground was something she could accept. Friends weren't something she needed; and for the longest of times, actually not even wanted. But the years had passed without people to confide in, joke around or even talk to-, and with her mothers words close to her heart, it had been a while since Ren had actually laughed. A bit of conversation was the first step towards fixing that.
"I'm sure cursed, but I wouldn't say the 5th's chief to be the reason, commander" He continued with his correct mannerisms, making her smile for a second. No need to drop the formalities, she wanted them intact, "It's too long since the last time I felt really alive and the chief loves taking me for flights. It makes me scared out of my heart, but truth be told, I've never felt more excited in years..." The janitor nervously added and Ren hummed in return.
So they had something in common.
"Flying is child play to me, but I can see what you mean. It's not like men could ever hope to fly like we do" She quickened her pace and Roku did the same, already nearing the elevator that led to the main floor, "Maybe-," but she stopped herself, wondering where would the thought come from.
The door to the mechanism opened and Roku waited for her to step in before doing so as well.
"Yes, ma'am?" He pondered, left in suspension.
Ren made a weird face within her mind. This was a first for her, and it felt as if a child attempting something new for the first time. Anticipation, anxiety, excitement.
Elevator going down, she cleared her throat.
"Ask me about flying when time isn't of essence; I may show you what real flying truly means" Ren couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth, but the deed was done. Her chest, for the first time in years, felt pride pouring out of her; no longer ego held, this was that of achieving something.
Ren Yamashiro offering something to a guy? Just insane.
"Why thank you, commander. I'll make sure to keep that in mind", His eyes for once weren't the sharp knife at her service, but softer like the way he referred to the captains. She felt accomplished and simply nodded with her head proudly like she always did, deeming the goal completed.
—
In the main lobby, the commotion was expected. Ren had already ordered all staff to keep distance from the Azuma until further notice, and for that they needed to leave everything prepared before the clan even arrived. Plates on every chair around the 7 available on the circle table, a full course of fish, rolls and different types of rice on every single one of them. The Azuma were arriving late evening and expected, at the very least, dinner to compensate.
Ren had an ego the size of a state, but also decorum to keep intact. This was tradition and there is absolutely no way she'd ever break it.
Everything in place, and no staff more than necessary in sight, she felt a bit more at ease. A tab on her shoulder brought her back to reality.
"Commander" Roku's eyes looked straight to the entrance.
Fubuki Azuma was walking proudly towards the entrance, a girl with a straight cut and glasses right next to her, plus a few other women following right behind. Roku had trouble with identifying everyone, but he could swear a child was among them.
The Azuma clan had arrived.
Quickly, Roku set feet in motion, approaching calmly but with determination, eyes not wavering. Reaching the entrance, he bowed once the tall woman named Fubuki got close enough for words to reach ears.
"Welcome to the Magical Elite Corp's Headquarters!" He exclaimed, with a courteous smile and closed eyes. Not closed enough to not scan anyone, but close enough to show kindness. Now that he could actually take a look, the Azuma clan was diverse in personalities as it was scary, but not by much. He'd need to pay close attention to see what was wrong with either of them.
"Wha!? Another guy?" A high pitched voice brought the attention. He had heard about the girl, the time stop peach blessing, Yachiho Azuma. Truly a formidable power, "And who is this guy supposed to-, oof" He didn't expect the clean hit to the head the huge persona of Fubuki took on the girl.
Her eyes were as stern as they were mysteriously deep.
"This person" The woman continued, with her hand forcing the head of the smaller girl into a bow whether she wanted it or not, "Is Roku Denki, one of the reasons why we're here...as I hope you remember" Her stern eyes drilled holes through the teen, to which she just froze in fear before nodding and bowing quietly, stepping to the side.
"Ma'am" Roku still continued with the procedures, having no time to spare, "The commander is waiting for the Azuma Clan to join her in the main lobby. Please allow me to guide you there; like you said I'm Roku, here to be of service to you all" His words of choice left no complaining from either of them, eyes not wavering against Fubuki's.
"I see you've been trained correctly, young one" The leader of the clan commented before nodding towards Roku. He took the message and turned around, with the Azuma Clan following behind him.
"Thank you, miss Fubuki. We took the liberty of preparing a small dinner for everybody; it's late and we know hunger must be kicking in" He heard someone celebrating quietly. Hunger was a thing then.
The table was served already, with Ren in one of the many chairs available. A proud smile on her face and eyes looking straight towards Fubuki.
"Everyone! Please be welcome!" She announced with gusto, arms open. The clan followed suit, taking their sits. Some Roku recognized from the cards Ren showed him, others he had no clue, "Feel free to indulge, this reunion is something Fubuki and I planned due to the events that occurred a night prior, but we can start in a bit. For now, enjoy" She finished, watching as Roku walked around the room, silent and patient.
"Thank you for the food" The woman with the glasses commented with a happy face, already bringing up some to her mouth. The child person next to her did the same, munching away.
Soon the room acquired an amicable aura, chatter from the clan members filling it in.
Fubuki had decided to sit right next to the commander, probably for easier communication. To Ren's eyes, nothing seemed out of the ordinary so far.
The clan's leader though, still seemed very much sharp on the eyes. Not mad, but inquisitive. It took about ten minutes of mindless chatter, until she finally started.
"About yesterday..." The giant of a woman begun, "Homare still being on a clinical bed, I hope you have some details about the incident, Commander" Her eyes were scary, but so were Ren usually so it neutralized itself. Voice tone at graveyard levels but very understandable.
"And that I do" the dark haired commander replied before eating a bit of meat and continuing, "In all honesty, Homare Azuma...to keep it in simple words, she had a virus" Suddenly the room was quiet, all eyes on top of the commander. For all their information gathering, this was news to the Azuma, "According to the Janitor's experience, Homare Azuma was erratic ever since the beginning of the day. I hadn't noticed much of a change until later that day, but she was said to be twitchy and unnerved. You were present, Fubuki. You may have realized something" The head of the clan frowned, pondering for a moment. For all her years knowing Homare, she hadn't noticed a change in her aptitude or demeanor...it itched her, in a wrong way.
"I didn't, but she's always been a volatile girl..." She replied with honest words. Eyes way softer, Fubuki turned around to look at Roku, who was always a distance away and alert for anything the Azuma Clan could request, "What else did you notice, boy?" Ren's eyebrow twitched a bit; she had all the information, no need to get Roku involved. Still, it was clear Fubuki wanted the words straight from the source.
Roku waited, looking at the commander for affirmation. The dark haired girl merely nodded gracefully, allowing the interaction.
"First I'd like to clear out that I don't know Homare Azuma from a first hand experience. As the clan may already know, my first encounter with her was yesterday, and it wasn't a pretty one" Some around the clan grimaced, the news still strange on their ears. Homare was rough around the edges, but never someone who'd attack powerless people on the go. It left a bad taste of mouth on the Azuma, being such a well known clan and whatnot. "Still, I don't hold it against her; you can ask our commander, I personally hoped and asked for any repercussions to be lifted. What happened yesterday was well beyond Homare's decisions" Fubuki nodded towards Roku, who's voice was clear and sound. Others did the same or at least lightened up on their grip. The mood was lifting, "About what I saw, the commander had already mentioned Homare's antics, but it was also clearly a physical change" He coughed before continuing, "I'm afraid this may cause some ruckus around the family; but Homare Azuma brandished dark lips, darker eye balls and veins when the attack happened. A clear sign of infection. The dark veins were more prominent on the tip of the lips, and this is information I hadn't consulted with the commander, but I'd bet to say that the venom was taken through liquids" He finished, "Water, even"
A smack on the table brought everyone's attention towards what he had before assumed was a child.
Azuma Tovera, confused as all hells.
"Are you saying we have an intruder around our family!?" She inquired, enraged, looking straight towards the boy. Any other member of the clan or the corps would hide away in fear from the little woman's wrath, her attitude well known around the corporation. Roku instead didn't flinch, eyes sharp as a samurai's blade. Fubuki wouldn't miss that fact.
"What I'm saying is, the enemies found a way to reach their newest weapon into the Azuma. If it is by a traitor or by mere use of water systems, I don't have a clue" The dark haired janitor replied back, not missing a beat. The little woman remained on her feet, glaring at the boy.
"Former chief..." Fubuki warned lowly, eyeing her mother, making Roku internally cold. This is Tovera Azuma? Suddenly, his life felt on the line for a little.
Tovera growled for a bit, but Roku didn't budge for a second. His unwavering presence plus the intense look Fubuki was giving her, and the small woman decided to let it go and sit down.
"Lips and dark veins..." Satisfied, thehead of the clan brought a hand to her chin, taking a thoughtful position. "Is that why you've been intensely scanning each one of us since we arrived here, dear janitor?" For once, Roku looked taken aback. He hadn't expected anyone to notice, but it was clear he wouldn't be able to fool someone like the head of the Azuma clan. Ren merely sweat dropped.
"Those were my orders, Fubuki" Finally, the commander interrupted the chat, stepping in. On the side of his eye, Roku noticed she had finished her plate already. Clearly, someone was hungry, "It's thanks to Roku Denki here that we got all this information, so I personally asked him to overview the reunion. I didn't think he'd spill the beans that quickly, but it remains true. Someone infected Homare Azuma, and there's no need to look for culprits, because we already know who did this" Ren finally stopped to take a breath. She had somehow stepped up from her place to walk around the circular table, stopping right next to Roku, who was looking at no one in particular, the eyes of the former head of the Azuma still sending daggers his way. He wouldn't mind, this was bound to happen after saying anything towards a peculiar family like the Azuma.
"I had no qualms, if I did I'd have done something about it when we arrived; you don't have to worry" Fubuki reassured the guy and he nodded, directing his gaze her way. Even sitting on a chair, she was almost Roku's height. Truly a giant, "My concerns were around the infection itself..."
"We're doing a thorough investigation, but so far we don't have much info. Homare is clean off the virus now, merely resting. The thing seemed to remove itself from her system once whatever it was, triggered. You'll be allowed to retrieve her or visit once the head of the medical center deems it so. Let's leave it to the hands of our capable staff"
"So how do we approach this danger? Are we to expect things to go south and then act on it?" Yachiho finally said something, with some grapes on her hand. She had been waiting for a bit, stunned at how things rolled out against and with the Janitor. Her grandma was one of the scariest individuals on earth, period. How he brushed off her rage, she had no idea.
"You don't need to wait for anything, 6th unit's vice captain. As the janitor mentioned, unless you've been acting strange or brandish any of the issues marked by, you're clear. The only way to stop this is by catching it before it catches us. Look out for weird behavior, and strange marks around your comrades; no one knows the Azuma clan members more than either of you so it's yours and our responsibility" The commander replied back, focused. The Azuma were all quiet and worried, even the ever stoic Maia looking around her sisters, scanning each of them just to make sure nothing was wrong.
"We'll begin by inspecting our water system. I believe the janitor here is on the right course; there is no way the enemy would be able to infiltrate on our facility otherwise. I will do a thorough investigation, and everyone will need to have their supplies and water scanned before doing anything with it" Maia had been quiet the whole time, but now that the matter was clear, she had no more doubts to start getting on the move.
Out of a sudden, Roku started breathing deeply. Internally he clicked his mouth.
Anxiety.
"If you excuse me for a minute..." He voiced out, looking straight towards Ren, who stared with confusion before nodding anyway. So long he didn't take more than five minutes, she'd allow it.
Quickly he went out from the entrance and took a left turn, hiding from view. Everyone was busy discussing or eyeing their clan fellows, worry setting in.
In a smooth movement, he already had his lighter and cigarette out.
Two puffs and everything was back to normal.
"Hey you" Roku was too focused looking up to the sky, and was a little taken by surprise from the voice. Turning around, he encountered the same child-woman from before.
Knowing who it was now, he took an instinctive step back, hitting the wall with his back. Nevertheless he continued smoking, eyes never leaving hers.
"I ain't gonna bite you. I'm just not allowed to talk my mind with that ogre keeping me in check" Roku simply sweat-dropped. As far as he was concerned, that ogre was her own daughter.
Tovera squinted her eyes into the janitor, who just stared mindlessly, sharply as needed. After a minute, she nodded with satisfaction.
"I like you! Why don't you marry one of my grand daughters? You have the eyes of a warrior, and I respect that" She concluded, arms crossed and with a smug smile in her face. The shock was so hard it made Ren Yamashiro fall out of her chair, as she had been keeping an eye on the encounter since the little woman decided to step up and follow Roku Denki.
Roku remained stunned for a bit before finally reincorporating.
"I'm...not trying to sound ungrateful and I know your daughters are very pretty" The woman could already see where this was going, but was not deterred. This man knew what it meant to be offered marriage towards a clan member such as the Azuma clan, "But I don't know any of your daughters,and you may call me stupid, but convenience plays little part in my decision to get married, positioning or else be damned" The short psycho had to give it to him; Roku had a way with words most men just lacked nowadays.
"Well, the offer will stand indefinitely anyway, I think you're a good specimen for a grandson, male or not" Tovera would not waver. If not today, she'd get someone to at least try and pull the boy; she deemed it worth the effort.
"Thank you...I guess" Roku still made no commitments, and with his cigarette halfway through, he nodded towards the woman, smoking right after.
"Hand me some, would ya'?" Perplexed, Roku inhaled again before offering the thing to the little lady. He knew she was endlessly old, but hadn't expected her to actually take a toke. She did so elegantly, as if she had been smoking her entire life.
Quickly the cig was put away, the woman using some power to reduce the little remaining a to ashes and even less than that. With a movement of her head, she signaled it was time to return.
Call him crazy, but he felt next to a comrade for a bit, not the powerhouse of a monster the woman could really be.
Nearing the table, Ren was eyeing him suspiciously. People had already finished their plates and continued chit chatting; it was clear they'd stay the night.
"Were you watching?" Roku asked the commander once he got close enough to whisper. Fubuki was nowhere to be seen, and neither was Maia, the two closest to Ren. This was a good time for some communication,
"Yeah. I can't say this is weird behavior from the former commander, but it's still strange you managed to catch her interest" She explained, lifting her plate with magic and floating it towards the janitor, "You need to pick up the plates, I've locked the cleaning staff inside the kitchen, per quarantine" She sighed, "Fubuki and her vice chief went to visit Homare Azuma; we were just informed of her status"
Roku received the plate plus some others Ren levitated towards him, before nodding.
"And you, commander? Are you staying here?" He asked, ready to take his leave. The dark haired woman merely nodded, taking a sip of juice as she did so.
"For the time being, I'll wait until the former and her granddaughters are gone. I expect you to be here after delivering the plates and brief me on anything you caught a glimpse of" Ren ordered, and Roku merely nodded again, taking his leave, "Oh! And bring me something sweet from the fridge!" She managed, and he nodded, internally chuckling.
Apparently the commander had a sweet tooth and an endless stomach, having had huge breakfast and supper just a few hours ago and still managing to eat all of her dinner earlier than usual.
He walked around the people and started collecting plates from the remaining members on the table. Some had already taken their leaves to their respective guest rooms, others like Tovera were still enjoying dinner plus a bit of liquor.
"Thank you, it was delicious" A cute woman with a strange pony tail and blue hair thanked Roku as he collected her plate, her bright golden eyes staring at him with kindness.
"You're welcome, ma'am. I'm glad you liked it, there's more in the back too if you want some" Roku offered a smile and the girl denied with her head, a small blush adorning her features. If he had to describe her, he'd say she resembled a marshmallow
"That's my granddaughter, Himari-chan" Tovera informed Roku once he got close to retrieve her plate or serve, her eyebrows wiggling comically, "She's cute, right? Strong too" Roku laughed weakly, nodding as he went.
"She's cute, I'll give you that" Still, he had no desire to progress with the thought, "Want some more?" The little woman denied with her head but lifted her cup instead.
"More sake!" She requested, her cheeks already a light shade pink, meaning she was tipsy.
He would've complied, but a hand stopped him before he could reach the cup from her hands.
"No need, Roku Denki. This woman doesn't need anymore alcohol" It was Fubuki, who had somehow snuck right behind them, with Maia by her side.
"Geh! Party pooper" Tovera still complained and made a face before resigning her efforts, "Fine, I guess I'll go lay down for a bit, this place seems woobly" She stood up and started stumbling around thing , making her way to the hallway.
"Are you sure she's fine on her own?" Roku asked, staring as one of the strongest individuals to ever grace the surface of the earth crashed on walls and used them for support.
"The former commander of the magical elite corps can surely handle herself in official headquarters, you don't have to worry about her" The giant of a woman assured Roku, "Besides, I wanted to speak with you for a second, do you mind?"
"I just need to deliver the commander some dessert, so if you'd allow me a minute or two..." The head of the Azuma merely nodded with content, taking a sit where Tovera was before, her daughters still sitting around the table.
In less than a minute Roku had handed the awaiting commander a small slice of chocolate cake, and was back with the head of the Azuma Clan.
"Yes, ma'am?" He inquired, head bowing as he approached.
"No need for this formalities, I am here to apologize" For once, she was the one that bowed instead, "On behalf of the clan, we are sorry for our member'a doings. I want you to know that we don't stand for violence towards innocents, and we are mortified about what happened" Her voice was deep as it was serious. Roku could only sigh in response. The apology was honest, the sentiment there, but he felt like it wasn't due, not when the one in a clinical bed was actually the ninja woman and not him.
"I thank you for the apology, but like mentioned early, I don't hold it against Homare Azuma nor the clan. In fact, I'm happy it happened to me and no one else got hurt in the process...if you had seen the explosion the venom inside Homare created, you'd have realized the same" He argued back, with a smile on his face, "I'm glad she's recovering well, and I want all of us to move past this if possible, Lady Fubuki" To his words the woman smiled, her mood brightening. It had been a while since someone called her lady or had actually been this courteous without being enticed by fear, and it was a nice change of pace.
"You're a good man, Roku Denki. I can't help but notice that" The woman stood up and nodded his way, "We shall move past it, but count on the clan for a favor back to you when you need it. I believe you'll understand that us owing you a favor can be very beneficial to you...more when I just know life's got a lot to bring your way from now on" Fubuki started walking towards the same hallway Tovera had gone through, nodding a goodbye his way, "I'll be on my way"
"Have a good night, lady Fubuki" He answered back, bowing as he did so.
Meanwhile Ren just stared at the exchange, eating her chocolate with gusto. She nodded towards Fubuki once the giant woman left, all three of her daughters following suit.
The commander sighed. Still a long night to go.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
"So there wasn't any sign of infection?" Ren Yamashiro and Roku Denki were back on the commander's office, midnight already setting in.
"I'm happy to announce that no, there wasn't any, ma'am" Roku replied back, rubbing his hands together as he did so. The dark haired janitor was, for once, showing signs of exhaustion; cracking his back every other moment and yawning discretely whenever possible.
"Well, I wanted to check on anyone carrying the infection, but if there's no one then I'm happy as well" The commander sighed, no progress in sight. Still, the fact that no one was infected was good news.
Another yawn from the janitor and the commander finally realized just how late it was. Another sigh.
"You can leave now, Roku Denki" A yawn escaped from her own mouth, "It is rather late...good work today. I expect this level of commitment towards further indications" Roku finally exhaled and relaxed.
"Thank you, commander" He bowed towards Ren and made his way to the door, "May you rest well!" Ren nodded back to him before the janitor disappeared from sight.
Ren rubbed her temples for a bit. In one hand, she could go and sleep. But in front of her a piece of paper remained unanswered.
She pondered for a second before growling, not quite understanding.
Somehow the request she made to get a better room for Roku Denki...was denied.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Roku walked the hallways back to dorms quietly, enjoying the silent nature of the headquarters at night for the first time since arriving there. Some staff were still diligently working on duties, others obviously sleeping; most of the remaining ones were health related, and he could only understand.
Some nodded toward him, others ignored his presence, too busy to care. He could feel different stares with different airs of either curiosity or disgusts, but he was way too used to them on the normal world to pay notice. Most girls would always judge a man for what he was or what he could offer to a household, sometimes not even that. The power of blessing had really breached a huge hole within society standards, and if it wasn't for the government, men would've been marginalized a long time ago.
The dark haired guy made it past the populated area and took the elevator leading up to the bigger rooms, where he was (momentarily) staying. He had to bet that the 5th chief was already fast asleep.
Roku neared the door and, longing for some rest, tried turning the handle quietly just in case.
He was proved wrong immediately.
"Hey! Roku-chin!" A flash of purple and the woman he'd thought deep within Morpheus domains tackled him, overly excited like a dog seeing its owner for the first time. Body pressed against him as if he'd disappear outta sudden.
The man was so tired that he couldn't even push Yakumo away, instead he just patted her back, the chief's hug actually feeling warm for a bit. The day had been long and both his cheek and back ached, his skin felt sticky and his ears ringed; Roku was by all means tired to the end of it, even smoking out of the question.
"I thought you were asleep" He managed once the chief finally let go. If she had a tail, it'd be wagging left to right by now.
"I was waiting for ya! How'd it go? I saw some Azuma going into their rooms a few hours ago, thought you'd drop by soon after" The purple haired girl explained, a big grin on her face. Truth be told, she was about to sleep right before Roku's steps reached her ears, and him opening the door had actually just incremented her energy by ten fold. She wasn't sure why, but she wouldn't complain either way.
"You know how the commander goes, she wanted a full briefing about my observations; thankfully nothing seemed out of place with the remaining Azuma, so we can rest assured for a bit at least" A loud yawn escaped from Roku's mouth that made Yakumo realize just how exhausted he actually looked, "If you don't mind...I'm dying for a shower" His comment kicked her out of her brain.
"I don't mind! Not even a little bit" She winked, not really trying but still wanting to jest, "Take it, don't worry, I won't peek. Pinky promise...unless you-,"
"No, it's fine" He cut her joke off, chuckling as he retrieved clean clothes and a towel; all black, "I'll be done in a minute, it's been a long day and all I want is some rest" The guy cracked his back again and the sound was so bizarre even the Chief cringed.
An idea popped into the hyper woman's head and she decided to just wait quietly as Roku entered the bathroom.
Inside, the shower was warm and quick, scrub once or twice and be done with it. If anything, the janitor only wanted to feel freshened out. He could always clean up tomorrow morning again if needed.
Two feet out of the tub, clothes on and he was done.
Coming out, he had already expected to see Yakumo on his face again, but not with a mattress down on the floor and a bottle of moisturizing crème in her hands.
"Welcome to our resort services!" She exclaimed, already in character. Where she got that mattress from he had no idea, it wasn't his own, "Would you like a massage?" Roku sweat dropped.
"I don't think a chief should be-," But her eyes were already pleading like a child on a toy store, and he didn't have the heart. His back also hurt like all hells anyway. "Yes, I do want a massage, lady. Just make it quick" The cheer she let out reminded him the ringing of ears he was suffering, but that was a normal thing nowadays anyway.
"Just take off your shirt and lay down on your stomach!" She ordered once the janitor kneeled in front of the mattress.
A big, bombastic side eye was thrown her way.
"...No funny business, alright?" Her eager nods didn't assure him much but still he obliged, "And don't ask" He added, confusing Yakumo until he finally removed his shirt.
A loud gulp and shock.
Scars everywhere.
"I'm ready, miss massager" Out of a sudden Roku was already down on the mattress, laying on top of it and waiting. Her shock finally got away, and with troubled thoughts pushed aside she continued with her game. No funny business. She hadn't expected to find that much damage on his back, but he had said not to ask as well.
"O-On it, dear client" Yakumo squeezed the bottle and dropped some of the cream on her hands, rubbing them together to make the work easier, "I'll be sitting on top of you-, but no funny stuff! I promise" Roku eyed her for a second before finally agreeing and turning his head to the side, ready to relax.
Hands ready, she placed them both on the janitor's bare lower back. Yakumo could already feel the scars on the surface of his skin, realizing most were deep and only a few were light and superficial. She just wondered how come he had this many, but still she wouldn't voice her questions.
A few minutes in, and Roku chuckled out of a sudden.
"You ever given a massage before?" He asked. For once, Yakumo felt a little embarrassed, and only denied with her head as she kept naively rubbing his back with slight force, not doing really anything, "You feel those little ball-like on my back?" She ran her palms around and found a lot.
"Yeah..."
"Just push on them and try to dissipate them, think of it as dough but with muscles. It's just a knot of them" She nodded eagerly. Task received, the purple haired chief started pushing on the knots she found with a little more force than before.
Every time she did so, a pop could be felt.
"That's it" Roku commended her efforts, "That's what you're looking for" Yakumo nodded again and continued pushing. Pops could be heard every single time but with every push, they lowered down a bit.
How Roku even learned to give massages, she'd never know.
One push a bit too hard and Roku grunted with a rough voice, but nodded anyway to confirm that was right.
The woman on top could feel her cheeks burning up from the sound, never having heard something like that before. That was way different, not cute like other girls from different units or any other experience she had felt (or seen).
Still, she had promised no funny businesses, so she merely gulped quietly and continued.
15 minutes in, and she felt satisfied with her job.
"Done! It feels like nothing's popping anymore" She proclaimed with pride, "Does it hurt...anywhere else?" the chief asked, but to her surprise, only light snores could be heard.
Some time in between her doings, Roku had actually fallen deep asleep. Placing her hands on her mouth as if she couldn't control noises coming out of it, Yakumo got up from her position to inspect the sleeping beauty below her.
Finally for once since she had met the guy, Roku looked at ease, breathing slowly and softly. His eyelashes were prettier than what she had expected, maybe because his sharp gaze wasn't right below them anymore. His lips thin and shiny, eyebrows a bit thick and expressive, even asleep. Yakumo found herself staring unknowingly.
Once realizing what she was doing, she stepped away quickly in a single movement and denied with her head a few times, berating herself.
No funny business! she repeated in her head, clearing her thoughts away. Her heart was a bit poundy, cheeks flushed. Without noticing, she frowned. This was definitely not normal for the 5th unit's chief.
A yawn escaped her mouth and she shrugged like always. It could wait for another day.
It took her sometime to reincorporate, but once she did, Yakumo approached the sleeping guy once again, this time with pure actions in mind.
"Here we...go" With utmost care and precision, she pressed the air below Roku together and lifted the boy without him even noticing.
With a mischievous smile, she deposited the guy on her bed.
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The morning after.
Roku woke up with a start, eyes opening quickly and with slight panic. He couldn't remember the moment he had fallen asleep, but apparently he was still inside the chief's bedroom.
Quickly he lifted his torso up to find himself where he had least expected. Yakumo's huge bed. The janitor turned his head to the side in fear, but sighed in relief at the sight. No sign of the wind user anywhere.
He got off the bed immediately, scared at the hour. He didn't need a clock to realize he was late for his duties, and in a minute he was already fully clothed in white, ready to clean whatever he needed to.
A note next to the door stopped him for a bit.
I didn't do anything, just saw you too comfy to let you sleep on the floor~
PD. I'll be back before midday!
This was obviously a letter from Yakumo, and it made sense since he didn't detect any of her scent on top of him.
Deciding to trust her, Roku opened the door and left the empty room, onwards with work.
First stop, the kitchen.
"Ah yes, you're the new guy. Quite the harsh first two days I heard, huh?" Once entering the kitchen, he was greeted with a mountain of a woman, probably already on her thirties or more, wearing a classical chef attire, even the cylindrical hat on her head. Blonde. Scars. Some wrinkles, "You here to clean the place up?"
"That's my job, ma'am" Roku said while he looked up, discovering her blue glassy eyes that were...almost blank. The janitor held in his surprise.
A blind chef.
"Good. I'm Dian, I run things around here; the nasty smell has been bothering me recently, so get to it, and try not to hinder the team as you go" Even though the woman was clearly blind, her eyes still looked directly at his own, as if she knew the janitor's distance and height.
"I'll be done in no time" Roku nodded and felt stupid, knowing she couldn't see him, but still merely continued with his task. The kitchen was already full of people (his fault for not getting there earlier) but none of them seemed to mind him going up and about. There were also no men, but that wasn't a surprise per se.
The place was as big as a kitchen could ever be allowed to be, with multiple stations that were designated for different purposes. A washing zone, grilling, frying, freezers and more, all neatly organized. Fresh ingredients only.
It was still no issue for Roku Denki.
In a matter of minutes, more than half the complained places had been rubbed clean, deodorized and disinfected, looking squeaky levels of new. None of the staff were bothered by the janitor, who's only complain, as always, was having to wear white.
"Mister, here's an issue...rather stinky" A cute little girl probably half his age approached Roku, with a blue school uniform but also small version of a chef hat. He didn't have to be a genius to see the resemblance with the kitchen's chef. This was definitely her daughter.
She was pointing towards a freezer he had probably not checked just yet.
"Let's take a look" Roku's demeanor changed, eyes soft and amicable, tone kinder. The girl nodded eagerly.
He opened the freezer and immediately realized the problem, sighing profusely.
Yellow-ish snow scattered around the entire thing, with a pungent smell of alcohol reeking from it. Somebody had left a bottle of wine inside the cold freezer, and it had exploded overnight.
He turned his gaze around to see the little girl teary eyed, admittedly in a cute manner.
"T-This was my fault..." Glassy eyes and the form of a rainbow on her lips, about to explode into tears, "Mama told me to stash this somewhere, and I thought the freezer woulda' been a good place" She clasped her hands together and bowed down to the janitor, "P-Please don't tell mama! I was just allowed a birthday party, and I dun' wanna get grounded!" Roku could see the giant of a woman doing such a thing, and frowned.
Turning his gaze back to the fridge, the reason was clear. A very, very expensive brand sticker was laying around somewhere on the snowy stuff, making it clear this was no ordinary wine.
It mattered not.
"You don't have to worry, I'm a janitor, cleaning is my duty. You are a child, and your duty is to make mistakes" He placed a hand on the girls head, squashing gently her mini-hat and ruffling her hair a little, eliciting a smile, "I don't think mama would appreciate hiding this from her though. Your mama looks out for you and loves you, and this is a very expensive bottle of wine; knowing every detail may safe you a big bill of money" Roku still explained to her the consequences that could happen were she to hide the fact that she was the culprit behind this.
Whoever was in charge of the supplies would be very forgiving of a kid ruining something with zero intentions of doing so. Towards a grown adult, he couldn't say the same thing.
The girl's demeanor didn't change much. A pout, then realization, followed by guilt but worry. Exactly what the janitor expected.
"I feel like your mama would understand this if you explained it to her. Wine exploding in a freezer is a common mistake, but how would you know? You don't drink any alcohol, so there was no way for you to know this would happen" Roku tried again, crouching to reach her short height. The girl was distressed but clearly she had been raised correctly, collecting her thoughts and resolve.
"I...understand, mister" Her voice was low and sad, but this was the best way to safe them the hassle, "I'll tell the truth" Roku smiled at the girl.
"The truth is one of the only things that set us free, remember that, kid" Her big eyes opened up like small pearls and she nodded eagerly, quickly heading towards the busy chef in question, but not before vowing to Roku.
The janitor sighed. Cleaning time continued.
Around twenty minutes later, the fridge looked pristine, the reeking smell of alcohol long gone and removed of all the ingredients that got caught up in the explosion. Of course, he still listed all of them so they wouldn't think he somehow stole any.
"I'm done with the job, ma'am" Roku found the chef preparing some different types of sauces and cream, which made Roku wonder just who the bell even ate this much gourmet levels of food.
The commander came to mind, and so did people the likes of Fubuki Azuma. Suddenly, it made sense.
"Call me Dian. I heard what you told my honey, she's at times a punch in the face but with a cute side on her" The tall woman opened a microwave and took out a very good looking dish of fettuccine pasta with pieces of thinly cut, cooked pork and chunks of chicken, plus a side of plenty toasty bread as a companion, "Here, this is for your troubles" Roku's mouth was already turning to water, and his unusually eager feet movement brought a chuckle out of the chef, "Ain't you a hungry one?"
"I am, that's-," A loud noise coming from his belly cleared out any doubts of the statement, eliciting laughter out of the blonde chef, "...My bad" Embarrassed, Roku received the plate plus a fork and took a sit on the nearest chair available.
A bit of munching and he was sent to heaven, the toasty bread only adding even more pleasure to the action of eating.
Dian kept working next to the guy, humming to herself. Roku wanted to ask, or at least get an idea of how she could make delicate things without being able to see anything, but knew it was rude, so he'd abstain himself from the question.
Enjoying comfortable silence was far better.
In a matter of minutes Roku finished the food and stood up, letting Dian know he'd clean the plate and then take his leave, to which she only replied with a motion of her head going up and down, too busy preparing food for the guests of the day.
The janitor left the place and lifted up his sleeves, feeling nourished and with more energy, with the food the chef preparing helping him stay on all toes. He still had places to clean, and it was Friday, so if he wanted to actually go back to the real world on the weekend, he'd need to finish any and all tasks that same day.
Alas, nothing too complicated for Roku Denki.
The bathing rooms (Not occupied), done. Restrooms also cleared, main lobby's floor swiped clean. Elevator deodorized and bacteria-eradicated, the hallways squeaky clean, no trash seen anywhere or on any corner (not that there was much of any at all to begin with). In less than four hours, the dark haired boy was done with his job at hand, if only a bit sweaty. His back kept hurting, but he'd been crouching and kneeling for long periods of time so it only made sense. For now, he was free.
Shower time he thought, triumphal, already marching towards his lent room. There had been no sign of Yakumo for the entire time, and he appreciated the quietness allowed.
Crossing the hallway and reaching the elevator, the doors opened and Roku was greeted with vibrant violet eyes.
The commander in the flesh.
"Gooday, commander" The janitor bowed and Ren Yamashiro, who seemed distracted, finally came out of trance.
"Oh, Roku Denki" The commander seemed to be thinking about serious things, her mind wandering, "Are you being diligent?" She asked, regaining composure.
"Yes, ma'am. I'm already done working today...is there anything you might need?" Even now, he'd work if Ren required it. But the woman merely denied with her head, looking up to stare at Roku with tired eyes.
"It's fine, no need. You've done plenty. I'm just..." Okay, now it felt like the commander was actually a little troubled. Her eyebrows kept frowning, probably warring herself in her mind, but no words came out, "Well, never mind" She concluded, shaking her head to alert herself once again. Maybe she had gone through a bad night?
"Whatever you need, commander. I'm at your service, you know it" Roku tried and she only hummed in response. An idea popped in his mind, "There's parfait and pasta prepared in the kitchen, I had a taste a bit before, maybe some good food would help out? I can bring it to your office" The woman looked at the janitor, perplexed. Then her stomach lightly growled, and Ren realized just how hungry she was. The entire night had kept her going through records, trying to figure out just who on earth had denied her new rooming request. She had found no culprit, but also couldn't leave the HQ to find out who was running administration, because of her own stated quarantine. Yakumo was the only exception, and the Azuma were a special occasion that she herself had scanned out. Now she had pending issues she couldn't solve as fast as she wanted, and a busied note of tasks that quarantine wouldn't let her get done in time. By all means, a meal was in order.
"I guess I could eat something..." She nodded to herself, "I'll be waiting in my office, you better hurry, Roku Denki" The dark haired commander finally agreed, watching as the janitor stepped out of the elevator to make his way back to the kitchen. Before the doors closed, the janitor nodded her way, and the commander instinctively smiled, catching herself off guard.
Not even thinking any of it, the dark haired boy continued walking, whilst Ren questioned herself silently.
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Inside her neatly organized office, Ren sat on her chair as she scrolled around pads with administration info, task still at hand while waiting for Roku Denki to bring her some food. Her stomach kept nagging her, and looking at the clock, Ren berated herself. It had been about twelve hours since she had last eaten anything, and it wasn't about her to be negligent towards health. Frowning, she nodded to herself. She'd make sure to thank Roku Denki for reminding her.
As if per magical command, there was a gentle knock on the door and Ren made sure the place was actually tidied up correctly before allowing the janitor in.
"Hey there, commander" His tone was far relaxed, one hand saluting kindly and the other carrying a heavy looking plate. Pasta a la buonacera, looking so warm and fresh that Ren wondered if he had actually waited for the chef to cook it on the spot. Next to it a fair bit of salad with croutons and various veggies, and to end it a tasty looked cream brûlée, all in big portions. Her mouth watered and stomach growled low.
This was godsent for the dark haired commander.
"I brought some parmesano cheese already cut into squares on the side too, if you'd like..." Roku took out a small container from his pocket and opened the thing up. Inside, cheese.
"Yes, please" She nodded gracefully and Roku obliged with a smile on his face, pouring the thing down evenly on all spots of her pasta.
Done with the job, he shut the thing close and hid it back into his pocket.
"Thank you, Roku Denki. I've been so busy that time fled my hands, no time for eating" Ren felt very strange. With others, sometimes gratitude felt awkward out of her mouth. With the janitor, the commander really wanted to let him know she was grateful.
Funny. So this is what they meant with honest feelings?
"You're welcome, commander. I recognized that look you had right away. My little brother always skips his meals, it's easy to see when someone's hungry" The dark haired boy reciprocated, eyes soft. His aura let her know he was feeling off duty, and it made sense, it was Friday, and she was aware of their agreement.
Roku cracked his neck on both sides before continuing.
"And Roku or Denki are fine, if you'd like" The janitor nodded her way and Ren was taken aback at the offer, not once having actually faced this turn of events.
Was this a line to be crossed? Some sort of change on the dynamic? It felt subtle, for sure; but it was clear whichever she chose would morph them into something else. His name would get them closer. Second name, probably at least acquainted.
Not choosing either would leave them both how they were right now, but was that the point? She internally grimaced, options running through her head. Outside no time passed, she wouldn't leave Roku hanging awkwardly, but in her mind...hold on-
Well, Roku felt correct in her inner voice.
She nodded to herself again. It was decided.
"Fine then, Roku it is" She had seen this in Netflix series, and felt accomplished. It was a step towards a personal goal, and it was a good one. Although it felt-
"Roku it is, commander" It felt a little halfway through...was she...
Flushed cheeks invaded her face a little. Ren felt embarrassed. Reciprocating this was a must, per social norms, but it still felt a little strange. She needed to find a work around...
And so she did.
"When...we're not on official business, you may call me Ren as well. I-uh...I'll allow it" Ren managed, for the first time in her life feeling flustered. Roku on the other hand acted normally, this exchange feeling natural even if it was the commander. In fact, it only felt surprising that she had no qualms about it.
"Alright then, Ren it is" He chuckled, relaxing his posture a little. His eyebrows lifted up after a second, "Oh, please go ahead and eat! It'll get cold and Dian said it's best to get it warm" The dark haired commander nodded, feeling her nervous self letting go after a second. Even though the whole exchange had left her a little stressed, she realized it felt very much like the right thing to do.
Taking a bite and then another one right away, Ren finally found herself in heaven. A happy sound even escaping her lips. This was definitely what she needed.
"Well then, I'll take my leave, I really need a shower" Roku declared, hands back to his pockets but remaining relaxed, "Take good care, Com-, I mean, Ren" Her cheeks were full, so she couldn't say anything, and Roku strangely looked a bit anxious, just like he was yesterday when he took his leave out the Azuma reunion, so she only nodded and the man nodded back, side smile, before going outside the room.
Two minutes passed before Ren suddenly felt the weight of the moment. Somehow the food tasted a little less than before and her fluttery happy feeling dissipated. She frowned.
Roku leaving had actually diminished the entire scene. Was she happy for the food, or was it the company? She was hungry and still eating, but now she felt-,
"Hey, commander" The same guy brought up her attention, his head poking from the slightly opened door. "I just wanted to talk to you later tonight, if that's possible?" The sudden downer feeling immediately left Ren, and instead it was welcomed with anticipation. She didn't need to take a look at her schedule. Of course she had time.
"I'll see you here at nine, don't be late" She answered immediately, not wavering. Roku merely nodded back happily, waving another goodbye, "And thanks for the food!" She managed before he completely left her range.
The room was alone again but this time she didn't feel that down anymore. Again she frowned.
Whatever it was, she'd figure it out later.
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Roku laid down inside the bathtub, warm water oozing out of it and a delicious lavender scent adorning the room. He had been overworking that day, and his back hurt. But he paid it no mind.
Rubbing here and there with enough soap allowed his skin to feel alive once again, and that made him happy. The warm set of black clothes waiting next to him were ideal for the rest of the day, and he didn't have any duties until night reached. He had to ask the commander some questions.
Mainly, how he'd reach the real world and then come back for the weekend. He had no idea, someone had opened a portal before, but he couldn't do that himself.
Still he hoped Ren would have quick answers for him and didn't ponder too much.
His eyes lifted up to think, but immediately, he noticed something strange.
Firstly, it seemed like a trick of the eye, maybe an illusion. Roku rubbed his eyes twice with his fist and then blinked, to try and fix it.
The image only made itself clearer. A frown adorned the janitors face. This made no sense whatsoever.
Why was there a peach-looking dark fruit...hanging from the ceiling?
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"And this is your card, don't lose it, you're only admitted back because you have a special permit" Two swipes of a magically enhanced scanner, a small interrogation, and that was it.
Yakumo Ezo, finally back from her visit to the 5th unit's quarters; their official scanning was scheduled for later, but she still needed to go and check up on her girls nonetheless. Now it was late midday, nearing up night and she felt eager to bother people. (Mainly Roku Denki). Mira had been the one stopping her on feet so she could take a look at her and see if Yakumo was infected. Of course she wasn't.
After given a green light, the wind user skipped through, not even using the hallway. She flew away to the top of the HQ, heading straight towards her room. First stop to look for the janitor would probably be her own bedroom or the outsides, taking a smoke.
She dove into the air and stopped only after reaching her bedroom. She smiled widely. The water in the bathroom kept was running, so Roku was probably taking a shower. Fate helped Yakumo find him.
She opened the window and floated in, letting herself into the bedroom. It was neatly cleaned up, the mattress she had used last night nowhere to be seen m, clearly cleaned by Roku himself.
"Hey, Roku-chin~" She muttered right next to the bathroom door.
Yakumo waited for a reply that never came, so she tried again.
"Roku-chin! I'm back!" She yelled, eager to have a conversation or something, even banter. Nothing came. She made sure once again but the sound of water was running quite loudly...
The wind user felt her feet getting damp, and looking down on the floor she noticed a bit of water running out from the door. Alarms set in.
"Hey, Roku! Are you here? Are you okay!?" She banged on the door, care thrown out the window. No reply, but the door was locked. She banged again, to no avail.
Yakumo wasted no time. In a matter of seconds the door was blown open, not harsh enough to injure anyone on the inside but with enough strength to lift up dust and create a dust/vapor screen.
It took a few seconds before it dissipated, but once it did, it left Yakumo speechless. Her eyes wide open, mouth clenched, palms numb.
In front of her laid down Roku Denki, inside the bathtub clearly passed out, with a long vibrant red katana going through his chest.