• A Week Later •
Kai and Kaneda was sitting on the couch thinking really hard while Kei was cooking something up for them, and for the two people coming over.
"I got it!" Kai stood up, making Kaneda lose his train of thought.
"Jeez what the hell is it then?" Kaneda asked looking frustrated he lost his thought when he was so close.
"How about Kabuki!?"
It was quiet for a moment, then Kaneda burst into a fit of laughter. Kei chuckled a bit, but it was still way better than the other undercover names they were trying to give Tetsuo.
"Tetsuo's not going to take that dumb ass name." Kaneda eventually calm his laughing.
Kai flustered, "W-WELL! It's not like you came up with anything fucking better! Tetsuo probably didn't either."
door bell rang*
"Speak of The Devil." Kaneda said going to open the door, revealing Tetsuo; with his mask on and Kaori standing next to him. With a cute pink coat, that met at her ankles. As if it was a short dress, and a white scarf wrapped around her neck and mouth. Making her look adorable, with her pixie hair and black buckle shoes. Tetsuo wore the same big coat with fur like before, when they first saw him. Just with a scarf this time.
Kaneda whistle at Kaori who slightly blushed, "Y'all going on a date or something?" He grinned. Tetsuo just told him to shut up.
Kaneda was glad he even showed up, because he was a bit uncomfortable coming and not sure if he should. He didn't need any headaches, as that streak has been going well for awhile. Tetsuo wasn't the only one uncomfortable, Kei and Kai both were. Although Kaneda was talking with them, and certain things him and Tetsuo talked about… Not everything, but certain stuff.
Mainly how Tetsuo does feel sorry and the drugs they made him take wasn't helping, he's just not what you called good at expressing that. He never like showing any vulnerability in front of anyone except to him and Kaori. Maybe that's why he wanted to bring her as well, he wasn't going to but she was just happy to be out and with Tetsuo.
The girl is literally obsessed with him, Kaneda said to himself.
All in all they accepted it, but was still uncomfortable. Because Tetsuo could kill someone with a blink of an eye, or if you rub him the wrong way. Kai cautiously walked up behind Kaneda, he smiled at Kaori who waved at him. Then he slowly turned his attention to Tetsuo. Who finally removed his mask, and looked back at Kai.
"H-Hey Tetsuo… B-Been a minute man." Kai didn't want to make things awkward, he actually use to like hanging with him. He use to think they were the same.
"Hey Kai…" Tetsuo replied turning his gaze away. Tetsuo seemed more uncomfortable than anyone else, Kaori broke the atmosphere.
"H-Hi Kaneda and Kai… I brought s-some stuff from our place for breakfast, for Kei. Kei finally met up with them at the entrance. She greeted Kaori happily, they hugged. She looked at Tetsuo, who looked back at her with his usual resting bitch face. She smiled at him to his shock and even hugged him.
If it wasn't for what Kaneda has been talking to her in secret and telling her things. She probably would've just gave him the cold shoulder, and avoid him as much as possible. Although after hearing certain things, Tetsuo didn't really know what was going on. And only antagonizing him more, he would eventually feed into it.
"Nice to see you guys, I'm still prepping breakfast. You can come help me if you'd like Kaori."
Kaori nodded happily, but stopped and looked at Tetsuo. He smiled at her, and then she followed Kei in the kitchen. Kaneda rolled his eyes, 'I bet if you told her to jump off a bridge, she'll do it without a second thought.' Kaneda smirked, wiggling his eyebrows at him.
Tetsuo quickly frowned at him, and then punched Kaneda in the same arm he did a week ago on instinct.
"Ow! I was just playing man fuck. My arm is still sore from last time." Kaneda rubbed his arm.
Kai was about to ask, but decided on letting it go. "So… What were you guys doing before we got here. Kai perked up at the question.
"We were coming up with an undercover name for you… you know sense… yea." Kai ended nervously sitting back on the couch.
"Did you come up with anything." Kaneda chimed in.
"W-Well I did, and T-Tetsuo didn't mind the name." Kaori said while cutting some veggies.
"What name did you have."
"K-Kabuki… S-Sense you know the mask." Kaori replied back to Kaneda. Kei and Kaneda froze in silent, Kai grinned so hard. Because the trio knew that Kai has said that name suited him because of the mask.
"HA! I guess the name I chose isn't so FUCKING stupid now! Thank you Kaori." Kai announced it proudly on the couch, Kei and Kaori chuckled. Kaneda kicked Kai lightly in the stomach, making him lose balance. Falling behind the couch, the only thing you heard from him was 'asshole'.
"You like that corny ass name?" Kaneda turnt his nose at Tetsuo.
"You still like that Corny ass red outfit." Tetsuo clapped back. The two just glared at each other, they were about to argue before they heard Kei say breakfast was ready. They all sat at the dining room table, they were chatting together. Except Tetsuo, he never cared for conversation. Kaori spoke every once in awhile, when she could relate with a subject.
As they finished, Kaneda's guys busted through the front door. Not even knocking first, startling everyone. It was a good thing Tetsuo was faced away from the door, he put his mask back on.
Kei gave the men death glares for not knocking, they looked nervous and sweating. They took a step back out and knocked.
"Come in." She said to them, they entered bowing an apology. They all went to see their leader, when they noticed the masked man next to them… Especially Mizuki, who didn't have the greatest encounter. Tetsuo looked at him, smiling behind the mask.
"W-W-Why is he here…?" Mizuki asked scaredly.
"O-Oh, well he's going to be the new member of the gang. Don't worry guys he's cool." Kaneda told them
"Well as long as you don't make him angry." Kai got smacked in the back of his head by Kaneda and Kei. Earning an ouch sound from him.
"W-What's your name." One of the members asked. They all looked at Tetsuo, who stepped in.
"U-Um, this is K-Kabuki…h-he doesn't speak… he's uh… A mute kid, you know vocal issues." Kaneda lied.
"K-Kabuki?" One of them questioned, the four was sweating nervously. They didn't know who all remembered who Tetsuo was and the incident, it was a lot but they didn't know if they knew. So have to keep him under wraps, till things are good with Tokyo. That's if they'll ever let that incident go.
"How did you know what his name is, if he can't speak?" Another member asked.
"It's called writing dumbass, he's not disabled." Kai remarked. They just rolled there eyes at him.
"Now that we got that introduction out of the way, you guys didn't just intrude. Just to say hi and interrogate the new recruit, so what is it you want? Because we don't go out till later?"
"Well it seems like a group of guys is trying to come on our territory, it's some group that goes by 'SKULLS'. Th…"
As the guys were talking to Kaneda, Tetsuo began having a headache gripping his head, Kaori noticed and came to his side. Holding up gently by the arm
"T-Tetsuo… W-What's wrong, a-are you okay?" Kaori whispered to him, as he was trying to hold himself up on the kitchen sink. It doesn't look like whatever's causing him pain, isn't getting better. Because the counter was slowly cracking, and Kaori was getting worried.
Kaori slowly was guiding him to take him somewhere else. She went up to Kai and whispered something to her. Kei nodded and told her she can got to her and Kaneda's room. One of the guys noticed them going upstairs.
"Hey where are you guys going?" A member asked, they turnt there attention to the two going upstairs. Kaneda looking worried on what was wrong, Tetsuo was fine earlier
"O-Oh… U-Um T-K-Kabuki isn't feeling to good… he'll b-be fine, j-just chronic headaches… W-When he eats to much, so I'm just taking him to relax." Kaori, still helping Tetsuo upstairs.
One of the guys smirked, nudging the other, "Oh sure! Help him relax, we know you guys are just gonna f-"
"H-HEY! Yeah, the room is just straight down the hall." Kaneda interrupted. Kaori face flushed nodded before disappearing upstairs.
Kaori found the room, and sat Tetsuo on the bed with Kaori. Kaori lend against the headboard of the bed, she slowly leaned him against her small chest. She started rubbing circles on his back, and rubbing his head. She didn't know why his headaches started acting up at this moment.
he seemed not too upset nor used his powers, which is his main triggers. The other that they don't know, he can't really use his powers with killing intent. His powers go hay wire and feeds off of his negative emotions. That's the biggest reason they can't be around people. Whenever Kaori use to go out, she could hear all the gossip and negative things from people's mouth about Tetsuo and Akira those two years ago.
Kaori knew what kind of person he was and understood him, more than anyone. Tetsuo is just hurting and he puts up a front to protect himself. She may get yelled or cursed at occasionally by him, but it doesn't really hurt her like the guys she use to talk to before she met him. They had pretty much the same problems when it came to socializing, People, and feeling unimportant.
Those moment where he would treat her as if she was the most precious and amazing person to be around and if she was the only one he really needed. She cherished every bit of it, especially when he threatened the guys if they didn't bring her back. Which made her heart flutter, she loved Tetsuo to earth and back. Everyone knew that and sure others did too about Tetsuo… Well maybe Kaneda.
She was still with Tetsuo, trying to calm him down and humming a melody to him. As she didn't have any singing talents, she didn't feel as though she has a lot to give. But Tetsuo never complained or probably even cared.
She noticed Tetsuo, repositioning himself sitting up slightly. He was still rubbing his head clearly sweating slightly, Kaori still rubbing circles on his back. "D-Do you f-feel better… W-What was wrong with you earlier?"
Kaneda walked in the room, with Kei and Kai standing by the door. Kaneda sat next to Tetsuo on the opposite side, "Tetsuo you okay."
"S-Someone's in my head…" Tetsuo finally responded
"Who?" Kaneda looked at him.
"I don't know… T-They seem to h-have the same powers as those kids.
They didn't know what that mean, but that didn't sound good to Kaneda. Tokyo was still healing from the previous event, they didn't need another one… Although maybe things can be different, they have Tetsuo back but a bit more relax but still an ass.
He just hope he doesn't have to deal with another headache, that's the last thing they need.
•••••••••••••••
Location - US - Virginia
At Project SP base a government official of the pentagon named, "Adam Stone". Came all the way from Washington to see one of the subjects. Specifically Susie as she has requested to take a leave and visit to Tokyo.
As Adam was passing the corridors of one of the test rooms. One of the scientists came out to speak to him on a matter with one of the subjects. She's also the one that has approved of Susie's little leave
"Mr. Stone sir, I know why you came down here."
"Do you now Ms. Morbid?" Adam kept his speed and pace.
"P-Please sir I don't believe there's anything wrong with her wanting to be curious… Also I think it'll d-" He swiftly turned to her giving a stern stair.
"I don't care what you think! You do not have the authority to give approval, without consulting with me first dammit! It's bad enough. We have to leave with the fucking freak shows."
Even though Adam was the one that started this program, for the war they're bringing to Tokyo. As they no longer have their so called savior AKIRA, they'll learn to not down talk the US. He finally made it to the room, where Susie was all dress and excited to go meet her AKIRA. Although she was dealing with a severe headache, trying to peak into Tetsuo's mind and he clearly was not having it.
Adam approached the young teen, who slightly looked up at him unfazed by his intimidation tactics. She could kill this man in heart bear, but knew the consequences of that. "What the hell is your purpose for this little request of yours?"
"I just want see the aftermath of Akira, I want to know what it feels like. They're energy comforting and relaxing for my mind… Is it a crime to tour?" She gave him her best innocent grin, which only made him scowl more than before. Susie didn't think anyone can make themselves uglier, when they change there expressions.
Tiffany Morbid intervened, "I promise you sir, we'll have a surveillance on her powers. I'm sure you know, she's fully aware of the consequences. If she does anything… out of character." She glanced at Susie quickly before looking back at Adam.
"If she causes any havoc, we're coming for you first." Adam told her threateningly, before walking away to check on the analysis of the other subjects. Susie face turned to a scowl, the man really made her sick.
Tiffant sighed loudly, then turned to Susie smiling. "So you ready!"
"Ready!" Susie replied happily.
——
• Next Day •
Susie and Tiffany made it to their destination, only vacationing in Tokyo for just three days. As they are not allowed to have subjects unwatched for so long, and it's not like Susie said she wanted to vacation. She wanted to go where the destruction happened with Akira and Tetsuo.
They stayed in a run down hotel in Neo-Tokyo that's still repairing. Saying the place was in bad shape was an understatement, the destruction from 2 years ago was powerful and definitely impactful. Tiffany look horrid at the state of it, but Susie on the other hand smiled at the chaos as she saw it to be beautiful.
As Tiffany unpacked, Susie was putting on her outing clothes. "I'm a go say hi to the people Tiffany, I'll be back!"
"Don't be gone for too long." Tiffany said, before Susie left. She was glad she found a way to link to Tetsuo to sense where he was. That'll be the first person she's going to visit first before anything else.
— —
Today was just a day to relax for Kaneda, Kei, Kai, Tetsuo, and Kaori. Kaneda and his gang didn't need to scavenge or beat assholes to a pulp. Kei didn't need to help restore the city as they got a lot done, and they deserved a break after doing so much. Kaori was decently stocked up with food and materials for her and Tetsuo. As Tetsuo isn't able to be out in public like that or doing anything, that may trigger his powers.
The Trio was playing poker at their living room table, Tetsuo and Kaori was just sitting on the couch watching the news. Sense there wasn't much to watch, they'll chit chat everyone once in awhile. As Kaori was snuggled close to him. Kaneda was able to have Tetsuo come around more often.
He would lie and say he only came, because Kaori wanted to see Kei. Which could be true, but not everytime. Kaneda is sure the girl wouldn't give two shits staying locked up forever in that house with him. They've been that way for a year, yes they finally found out how long they had been alive. Just a year, which is amazing they were able to stay under the radar for that long.
"Royal Flush boys!"
Kaneda left his train of thought, when Kei slammed her cards down. The two boys looking in disbelief. "H-How do you get this EVERY TIME!" Kai shouted in disbelief. Kaneda was just pissed off and confused, he threw his cards resting his cheeks on his hands.
"That's bullshit." Kaneda mumbled, Kei laughed getting up coming behind Kaneda.
"It's alright Kaneda, we all know you're not good at poker." She leaned his head back and gave him a kiss, pulling away before heading upstairs to get something.
Kaneda only rolled his eyes, and perked up and turned around towards where Tetsuo was sitting.
"No."
Kaneda just blinked at him, "You don't even know what I was going to fucking ass!"
"Yes I do, I don't want to play your dumbass game."
"Pussy… Scared you might lose to pro." Kaneda smirked, it was something fun about pressing the teens buttons. He saw him twitched at his words. Tetsuo turned his attention to Kaneda, but before he could say shit. There was a knock on the door.
They all turned their attention to the door. Not really expecting anyone, Kaori gave Tetsuo his masked. Kai headed to the door to see who it was, "Who Is It?" When he didn't get a response. He creaked the door to see who it was. Kai was taken aback by the beauty at the door, fully opening it for everyone to see who it was.
It was a tall white ginger head with freckles, with the cutest smile and a body like no other they have seen. They quickly realized she was a foreigner, Kai turned around in panic and looked at the others mouthing if they know English. They all shook there heads.
"Don't worry I'm fluent in Japanese, My name is Susie Former. I'm vacationing here from Virginia in the US. I wanted to greet the people of Neo-Tokyo." She smiled even more. They were shocked how fluent she spoke, Kei heard it too as she made it back down with everyone else.
It was clear Kai was love strucked, as he clearly couldn't introduce himself properly. Without babbling making Susie laugh at him at how cute he was acting.Kaneda coming to save his friend from deep embarrassment.
"I'm sorry about my friend Kai, he's still a virgin." Kaneda chuckled, after getting a smack from his friend.
"DUDE! WHAT THE HELL! Hehe ignore him. I'm Kaisuke."
"The names Kaneda Shotaro, nice to meet you Susie and um welcome to Tokyo. Oh! And this is my lovely girlfriend Kei." Kaneda introduced his girlfriend.
"Hi! Would you like to come in?" Kei asked kindly. Susie smiled and gave her a nod, entering. Kai closed the door behind them, her first attention went towards the person on the couch. She walked over to where the two was sitting.
"And might I ask who this mysterious character is?" Susie smiled with a seductive tone, getting too close for comfort not just for Tetsuo but Kaori as well. Kaori on impulse jumped between them as so she doesn't get closer, Kaori leaning over Tetsuo.
"I-I'm Kaori and T-This is Kabuki he h-has trouble speaking."
"Hmph oh so like you right now. A poor speech impediment."
Her response sort of caught them off guard. She realized it after Kaori resigned back in her position, feeling dumb and embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come off rude. I just knew someone who sounded like you. Which you have nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone has issues… Like I'm slightly deaf in one ear, so never feel embarrassed of your disability Ms. Kaori." She gave Kaori her best reassuring smile.
Although the more she spoke, didn't really help Kaori feel less embarrassed… She didn't have a speech impediment… She was just nervous and didn't like how close she was getting to Tetsuo. She felt as though she was about to cry, so she didn't want to make a scene or make Susie feel bad. It was just her insecurities getting to her as usual.
"I-I-I have to g-go to the bathroom… Excuse me." Kaori quickly got up and walk quickly down the hall to the bathroom. They all watched her leave, Kei went to go check up on her.
"I-I'm sorry… I really didn't mean anything malice behind it or insulting… I'm already making a bad impression." She said, pretending to feel sad.
Tetsuo grabbed the clipboard and marker next to him and wrote something on it. He showed it to Susie.
'It's fine Kaori is just a very sensitive person, she'll be fine. It's nice to meet you as well Susie'
Susie smiled at his kind words, "Thank you Kabuki, I'm glad I came across such kind people in Tokyo." She made herself comfortable sitting close to Tetsuo, which he seemed to not mind.
"Is it okay if I can spend time with you guys for a bit… You could like give me a tour of the lovely Neo-Tokyo. It'll be really nice if you could accompany me as well Kabuki." She gave him a sweet grin, she hugged his arm. Which to her surprise Tetsuo pulled away.
Kei was walking alongside Kaori, whose face a red and a bit puffy from crying. Tetsuo noticed, and quickly wrote something down showing Susie, 'Maybe tomorrow, I should head back home. just let Kaneda and he'll let me know'
He got up and went to Kaori, taking her hand and heading. Waving them bye, before exiting Tetsuo and Kaori situating themselves on his bike. Tetsuo didn't like it when Kaori was hurt, it made him feel weird.
"I don't think anything's wrong with the way you speak… I like hearing you talk." Tetsuo spoked loud enough for only her to hear. That made Kaori perk up a bit, Tetsuo wasn't good at comforting people. No one would think he cared, only Kaori. She knew what he meant and it gave her butterflies in her stomach, and she tightened her hold around his abdomen.
"Thank You." Was all she said smiling, before the drove off back to there place.
Susie saw them leave, she was a bit agitated by the Kaori girl. She can't believe he's dating someone so below him, and pathetic. She got up to get ready to head out and Kei noticed.
"Leaving already?" Kei wondered,
"O-Oh yeah, I got a message from the person I came with. She'll be upset if I leave her all alone and be gone for too long. It was truly wonderful meeting you all and can't wait for you to show me around tomorrow Ciao." She put on her fake smile, before exiting.
Kei looked confused on who promised her a tour. After Susie left she headed back to the motel she was staying at. She made it her goal to have Tetsuo, if it's the last thing she do.
She will make him hers and get him to join them. Before the war happens, because right now Tokyo still have a powerhouse in there corner, one stronger than Akira. She's going to make the most of this vacation.