Sequence 2

After a moment of embracing his hands like this, the small medic’s eyes widened, and she promptly released them and stepped back. She turned away before taking small steps to pace, the slightest hint of red on her cheeks. Was she embarrassed? By this small display? Perhaps she had less experience at physical intimacy than he had. That would make sense; most teenagers weren’t being set up for arranged marriages nowadays. Along that mentality, it probably wasn’t proper of him to just let a girl lay her hands on him the day after breaking off a three-year relationship.

However, that didn’t explain this lingering awkwardness that had set in since the sudden conclusion of their rather unprofessional behavior. Shuji found himself needing something to say just to fill the silence.

His eyes strayed from her as he scanned the room for any topic of discussion. They settled on Umeki. His subordinate would make a decent piece for discussion.

“So… how long until Umeki’s in deployment shape?” he asked in a bored tone.

For some reason, she seemed a bit disappointed by this topic of conversation. She turned to Umeki and walked forward, placing her back to Shuji. “I fixed up the bone in her leg lickity split. Soon as the sedative wears off, she’ll be able to walk. She might be limping for a while. After all, a broken leg should take weeks to heal. Accelerating the process isn’t a perfect method. ‘still takes time.”

Staring at her back, Shuji approached the bed slowly. The young Lancer had never really learned how the Medical Division’s healing worked. He had never really cared about it; treatment wasn’t a thing he’d needed often in Tokyo. It was for those who were weak enough to sustain injuries. Like Umeki, for instance.

“So… any clue on how long it would take for her to wake up?” he asked in his best bored tone.

“That all depends on her I suppose. I’ve seen people with a strong will and resistance get back up in minutes. I’ve seen it take people out for several hours though. With Umeki-san, I’d venture to say it’s closer to the latter,” she said, suppressing a chuckle.

“Personally, I wouldn’t hold my breath for her to wake up if that’s the case. She might be here a while.”

This was received by another suppressed chuckle followed by a brisk cough and then silence. It was almost as if she was cutting herself off from laughing. Women were strange beasts.

“So, were you ever going to tell me why you were laying on the floor? Or was I just supposed to run guesswork?” he asked.

“My job’s done. ‘think I deserved a break. Also, I’m supposed to leave soon anyway, and I didn’t really feel like fixing up someone else that got themselves hurt being a dumbass.” As she spoke, she looked up to stare at a small wall clock. For a moment, the pair waited as the second hand ticked away. Its sound filled the room until the minute hand made its own movement striking the top on the hour.

“Well,” she began cheerfully turning towards Shuji. “I’m off duty. Now if you wouldn’t mind, get out of the way so I can leave. There’s a place down the street I’ve been looking forward to all day.” She slid around him and walked to the door of the room before stopping suddenly.

“Actually wait.” She turned around and offered Shuji a sly smirk. “You’re new to the area, and you could use the walk much more than I could. Pick up my order for me.”

Shuji sent only a look of amusement back. “And why should I do that?”

“Because you need to learn the area. And because I told you to.”

“What’s in it for me?” he asked, raising his eyebrows. Surely she knew better than to expect anything for free.

“Free food and the chance to eat it with a beautiful girl.” She leaned against the railing as her smirk widened into a small grin.

“Sounds good, but where are you going to find the beautiful girl?” he returned her smirk. At this, she straightened up and dropped her grin. With a sigh, she walked into the room and pointed out the door.

“Get to walking. I’ll order it. Isaribi’s the name of the place.”

Shuji began to oblige but stopped quickly as he passed her. “Aren’t you going to ask me what I want?”

“I’ll surprise you,” she said, mocking his bored tone. Shuji continued walking until he was back into the hallway. Wait, if she was ordering it, he would have to provide a name. Would she put it under his? It was only at this point that Shuji recognized he didn’t even know this girl’s name.

Turning on his heels, Shuji walked back into the room to see her still standing there with a very smug look about her. He’d love to wipe that off her face, but first… logistics.

“What name will the order be?”

“Sasaki Kin.”

Shuji stood there watching her for a moment as he committed her name to memory. He had the smallest feeling he might need that information. However, he could always be wrong.

“Are you just gonna stand there? Go on, Yotogi-kun. Pick up our food. I’ll be waiting for you in the courtyard when you get back.” Sasaki waved him away and walked towards the nightstand. For once without a witty response, Shuji simply left.

As he exited the infirmary, he reluctantly returned Aoi’s wave. That man was a little too friendly. Stepping out into the afternoon air, Shuji took in a deep breath. He had gotten used to the stale air of the infirmary, but it still felt nice to take in a little fresh air. Mindlessly, he reached into his pocket to acquire his phone.

As he walked along the sidewalk towards the exit of the GUARDIAN compound, he punched in the name of the restaurant to his GPS. It was two kilometers away? How was that “just down the road”? He let out a small groan. But it wasn’t really as if he could go back and refuse this task. And to be quite honest, he was somewhat looking forward to belittling her over dinner. After a few moments of this, he stopped.

“Just what in the hell am I doing?” he asked aloud. He was picking up food for a girl he’d just met less than a day after transferring and breaking up with his fiance. What was he doing? Just what in the hell was he doing?

No. He squeezed his eyes shut and slid his phone back into his pocket after turning it off. He didn’t want to think about Nagasaki or anything there. Shuji knew where that might lead him. So, he shook that from his mind and kept walking. He’d deal with the fallout later.

As he walked, Shuji felt a slight pain in his midsection. That was strange, he had dressed his wound after he’d gotten back from his mission. Moving his hand to his side, the area felt more tender than Shuji anticipated. No. He slid his hand under the tail of his shirt and moved them over his bandages. His face sank. Pulling his hand out from under his shirt and looking at his palm confirmed his suspicions: he had reopened his wound.

“Dammit Sasaki. This one’s your fault,” he whispered bitterly as he quickened his pace. Every couple of steps his face winced involuntarily. This wouldn’t be an enjoyable walk. Not one damn bit.

But, he continued his journey. In a matter of minutes, he arrived at the unimposing restaurant. He entered and picked up the carryout. Sasaki had paid for it in advance. This whole task was obscenely mundane.

The walk back was even more painful. Bandages he had applied weren’t stopping the blood flow at all. As he saw the GUARDIAN compound, he felt the blood begin to flow down his side. How bothersome, it was going to ruin his shirt. He liked this shirt.

He rounded past the office building and walked into the courtyard where he saw numerous GUARDIAN members enjoying their free time. Scanning through them, he looked for Sasaki. Shuji wanted to give her the food and then dash off to his room and treat his wounds before dinner. He’d just say he needed to use the bathroom; she’d believe that.

He kept scanning the courtyard looking for a glimpse of violet. That’d be his cue. Sasaki was also short, so finding her in any sized crowd was a daunting task. His eyes scanned the crowds as he walked forward, weaving around bystanders. When he stood in the middle of the courtyard, Shuji began to turn in search of Sasaki.

“You look a bit lost, Yotogi.” Turning in the direction of that sarcastic voice, Shuji spun around to see one Sasaki Kin had been standing behind him. Once again, he felt a small stoppage of time as he took in the change in her appearance since their last encounter.

Her long violet hair was pulled back into a ponytail with only her short bangs left in the front. A short-sleeved, white, button-up blouse and a pale yellow skirt replaced the set of unimposing green scrubs she had worn. The entire outfit seemed mundane as if to compliment her vibrant hair.

“You just going to stand there forever? C’mon, follow me.” She turned for him to follow and looked back before taking an assured step forward.

“Actually, I need to run to my room to take care of some business before our meal.” He extended his arm which held the bag of food. “Wait for me.”

“Personal business?” She narrowed her eyes as she looked him over. After a second’s passing a familiar smirk dashed across her face. “Did you really think you could hide that injury from a medic? No. You’re coming with me before you make that any worse.”

“And why would I do…” he began. But his protests wouldn’t be heard. Without a moment’s hesitation, Sasaki grabbed his hand and began her march to their location. She led him through and around groups of people without much care for acceptable group behavior. After they broke from the mass of people lounging in the courtyard, Shuji became aware of their destination: the female apartment complex.

His face felt the slightest bit warm as he realized this, but he kept his mouth shut and followed her lead. After all, Sasaki showed no hesitation to sedate those she deemed troublesome. They climbed the stairs, and she led him down to balcony hallway to a rather unimpressive door. Finally, she released his hand as she quickly pushed the key into the doorknob and unlocked the wooden barrier.

Pushing it open, she then turned to him and gave him an ungraceful shove into the room. Behind him, he heard the door shut and lock quickly. Shuji heard Sasaki move behind him but took this opportunity to take in the sights of her room.

In short, it was a cluttered mess. All over the floor were paper and canvas and the occasional splotch of paint. On the far wall, there was a desk piled under various art supplies. At least he thought it was a desk. In the middle of the room was a small table which was covered with food containers. How did anyone live in such calamity?

His train of thought was violently derailed as he heard blinds shutting behind him. Turning quickly, Shuji once again feel the heat rise in his face. What was this tiny devil planning? “Sasaki-chan?”

“I closed the blinds to protect your modesty,” she said in a nonchalant voice as she began to walk towards him. “Hand me the food and take off your shirt.”