[FIC] Misunderstandings, part 4 {Chapter 4}
Posted: Sun Sep 21, 2003 1:55 am
The rain had returned. A conspiracy must exist, a conspiracy to ruin what should have been a triumphant day.
"Damn you, Sousuke." Kaname walked slowly down the hallway of Souske's apartment, grocery bag in hand, and not even the hallway was not free from her sullen wrath.
"Stupid hallway. Too damn dark. Too damn long. Too damn dusty. Too...damn... close...to Souske!!!" She told herself to calm down. After all, why was she upset?
She stopped outside of his door, and the moments slyly masqueraded as hours. The world seemed a bit off kilter, and she held a hand out to catch herself, as if the building might violently tilt or the floor might suddenly fall away.
Kaname's thoughts continued to buzz along the inner lining of her skull. "No regrets," HE had said. She sighed. The words coninued, uninvited. No regrets. No regrets. No regrets. No r e g r e t s. N o R e g r e t s. Her anger returned, simmered, then erupted. NO FREAKIN' REGRETS?!! Like hell! Didn't Kaname regret making the promise of dinner. Didn't she regret spending an hour staring numbly at can lined shelves and fiercely palpating produce nearly to the point of battery. Didn't she regret standing thirty minutes in line at the cashier, the malodorous worker in front of her and the wailing baby behind her. Didn't she regret fighting the wind and sideways rain on her journey to be standing right here, right now, probably for the last time.
"Last time" she whispered. "Last time." Mercurial as it was, Kaname's mood remade itself again. If this were one of her last times with Sousuke, did she want it to be nothing more than a dance of regrets? Was that what she wanted to remember? What that what she wanted Sousuke to remember? They had shared so many different kinds of things together. Danger. Happiness. Comedies of error. Voyages into fear. Triumph. Anger. Frightful moments. Tender discoveries. And she had thought there was more she wanted to discover. She had long since admitted to herself that he was more than a guardian when she was in danger...and more than a social innocent in need of her guidance. She was afraid to admit just how much she wanted, but she knew without a doubt the thing she wanted most: more time.
What was impossible for most was instinctual for Kaname. With a smile, and a goal in mind, she conjured up a good mood. She rang Sousuke's doorbell, and rapped hard on the door for good fortune. She intended to find out EVERYTHING. When he was going. Where he was going. WHY he was going. Did he have to go. Or, did he WANT to go? If it was his choice, was there something she could do to change his mind? Her mind locked on that thought for a moment, and she blushed fiercely when it wandered out of bounds. Could she consider? WOULD she consider??? No No No No.
Kaname listened, and heard nothing. No movement of furniture. No footsteps. Not even any gunshots or explosions. Was Sousuke gone already? "Sousuke" she whispered. No, he must be in there.
"SOUSUKE " she growled. Even though Kaname had not been waiting overly long, her mood signalled its intention to change lanes, and she let fly with an angry and audible denouement: "YOU MORON!!!" she said, directed at herself.
As if on cue, Sousuke opened the door just as Kaname vented. "Kaname? Are you THAT upset? Will you accept my apology if it is necessary?"
"Ah...No...Not necessary." After a few moments had passed, and Sousuke had not moved, Kaname asked "Sousuke, is there some reason you don't want me to come in?" "Again" she though silently to herself.
"No, Kaname. Certainly Not. No reason at this time. Please come in. Sorry"
"Thank you...but, S O U S U K E, is that the way you dress when a woman comes to your apartment to cook you diner" Kaname said, noting that Sousuke was wearing fatigues, boots, and a well set harness. At least he didn't look like a walking armory she thought, smirking.
"I don't know. I...I mean 'No,' Kaname." Sousuke said, fighting consciously not to stand at attention. "After today...Uh...I...Uh...did not think you would want to stop by. And lately, I like to keep ready for action.
Kaname knew the reason for his readiness. She disregarded it and pushed boldly forward. "You didn't...FORGET...again...did you, Sousuke?" she grinned, giving off as little menace as the subject allowed.
"Of course not!!! I would not do that Kaname!!!"
Satisfied, Kaname changed tact. "Ah...Souske?"
"Yes, Kaname?"
"Could you, maybe, step out of the way so I could walk these things into the kitchen? Jeez...do I have to do ALL of your thinking for you?"
"No, Kaname!" Souske exclaimed, moving out of her way. "Please, the kitchen area is this way."
After she placed the groceries on the counter, Kaname returened. "OK Sousuke, how about you giving me a personal tour of your apartment before we get started?"
"But Kaname, you have been here before..."
"Yes. Once with Captain Testarossa and a creepy freaked out terrorist boy. Once with Kurz and Melissa and their growing family of beer cans. And a few times with the full Study Group!!! Sousuke, is there some reason you don't want to show me around your apartment?!!!"
The look in Kaname's eyes galvanized Sousuke into action quicker than a gunshot would. The tour was efficient and thourough, from Sousuke's standpoint. But Kaname was far from satisfied. "That was a meticulous tour, Sergeant! A credit to your unit to be sure."
She even went as far as to salute him. "But you skillfuly avoided showing me what you liked about your home, or what you like to DO here." A switch clicked in the back of Kaname's brain, and the urge for Mischief pushed out all thoughts of cooking or questions. "But, that's OK...I'm pretty good at figuring out things by myself. Remember, I gave you a chance Sousuke...."
Smiling happily, Kaname actually skipped over to a closet. "What's in here Sergeant? A shrimpy captain in a small towel?" Opening the door, she found a stash of weapons ammunition sufficient to arm a small militia. "Oh, you NAUGHTY boy!!!"
Flustered, Sousuke had no idea where she was next headed, what she might do, and how he might stop her. Kaname slid along the floor, to peer under the bed. "Is this where you keep those s p e c ia l magazines that Kurz brings you?"
"Sergeant Weber would never do that!!!"
"Of course he would. And Melissa, too!" Kaname said, finding only a pile of military manuals and a few stray shell casings. "Aha...land ho...full speed ahead" she exclaimed, spying his desk...and the desk drawers. "What have we here, Treasure Island?" she asked, hand on a drawer knob.
"Kaname!"
"What's wrong, Sosusuke, something to hide? I KNOW you would not keep secret documents in a site you had to leave unattended during the school day. And I DOUBT even you would booby trap your own desk! So...is there something you are trying to hide from me?"
"Of course not! It is just not proper to handle a person's personal things!"
"Ah...lighten up Sousuke. What's wrong with handling a person's personal things if he doesn't mind?" Kaname asked, suddenly blushing when she realized how someone might take what she said out of context.
"OK...you have permission," Sousuke said bravely. For some reason he was unsure of, Kaname's face grew bright red. "Kaname...is something wrong? Are you ill? Is it your circulatory problem again?"
"No," she managed to croak out unconvincingly, "I'm fine...there was just something caught in my throat." She opened the drawer. "Let's see now.
Some current CDs. Some popular magazines. I like these," she started, smiling at Sousuke.
"A nice Mini-disc player, a sports watch, some breath mints, some hobby cards..." She smiled, ran over to Sousuke, forced open his mouth, and looked into his throat.
"Sousuke!!! Is there a normal teenager trapped down there?" She cupped her hands around her mouth, pretending to use a megaphone. "H e l l o---D o w n---T h e r e..........W e ' r e---H e r e---T o---H e l p---Y o u..........We'll get you out.......We won't let this Military Monster swallow you again!!!"
"Kaname..." was all Sousuke had time to say before Kaname ran back to the desk. Before commencing further exploration, she aksed "Are these all your things Sousuke? Do you USE these things?"
Determined to salvage some pride, and to put up a good front, Sousuke proudly and claimed "Yes Kaname, they belong to me. I will use them when opportunity allows."
Kaname dove back into her task. "Hair brush. Chop sticks. Headpho..." her voice suddenly stopped.
When she spoke again, her voice was tight and low: "Opportunity?" she growled.
"Is there something wrong Kaname? Is something caught in your throat again?" Sousuke walked over towards Kaname, and noticed what she now held in her hand. "K-Kaname. That's...uh...a condom you are holding."
"I KNOW what it IS, Sousuke...I am NOT stupid!!!" Kaname clenched her fists fiercely. "SOUSUKE!"
"Uh...yes, Kaname?"
"The condoms. Have you..."
"Yes, when..."
"Yes?" Kaname asked, almost proud she didn't shout.
"Let me start from the beginning. As I have before. With Sergeant major Mao..."
"Sergeant major Mao?!!" Kaname blurted.
"Yes. Just after being assigned this mission. I..."
"MELISSA?!" Kaname was furious at first, but soon didn't know just what she was feeling. At first she did not trust herself to speak.
Finally, with a toss of her head, she broke her silence. "Fine. You can make your own choices. Don't let ME stand in your way." She turned and headed towards the door. "After all, you are a man, right? And a Mercenary. Why should I be surprised? It certainly does NOT matter to me."
"Kaname? Where are you going? What I did for Sergeant Major Mao...Don't you want me to do the same for you?"
Kaname froze, as if stepping in a pool of quick-drying adhesive. "M-m-me?!" she choked.
Momentarily regaining her composure, she turned and raised her arm, hand curling as if grasping the hilt of her handy halisen. "ME??!!! WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I WOULD WANT THAT?!!! FROM YOU?!!! NOT IF YOU WERE THE LAST MAN ON THE PLANET!!! NOT EVEN...IF...YOU WERE A MAN...AND NOT A STIFF-NECKED WACKED-OUT MILITARY MACHINE!" The last word WAS shouted, and Sousuke was stunned, as if hit in the head with a poleaxe.
"But...Kaname...when I told Sergeant Major Mao that I had made use of condoms, she did not get angry. And she gladly accepted my explanation that I had used condoms as emergency canteens. Have I done something wrong, Kaname?"
It was Kaname's time for a date with the poleaxe. For a moment, her mind went totally blank, and she was uncharacteristically at a loss for words, much less speech. Being who she was, her instincts kicked in, she smiled, and headed off to the kitchen.
"If I don't get started, dinner will turn into breakfast!" she said, cheerfully. Realising something, she ran back to Sousuke and placed the unopened condom in his palm, before heading back to the kitchen. "There's plenty of water in the kitchen, Sousuke" she laughed loudly.
Sousuke was not certain what had happened, and spent a short while retracing all the steps and all the words that had been spoken, to no avail. He put that matter aside, and was about to ask Kaname if she needed any help. The doorbell rang, interupting that offer.
Sousuke grabbed a pistol from the nearest closet, and padded quickly but quietly to the door. Looking out the peephole, he did the unthinkable.
He froze.
Moments passed, and the doorbell rang again. Sousuke opened to door, and looked uncertainly at a familiar face. "Madame Captain!" he started, surprised to find that Tessa was dressed in street clothes. Expensive street clothes. And smelling ever so slightly of perfume. "Captain, why are you here? Are you in danger?!"
Smiling, Tessa shook her head. "No, Sousuke, there's no current threat. I was in town with members of a survey team, personally examining a number of additional safehouses. And, I wanted to take time to stop by and check on you." She smiled, and looked intently up at Sousuke. "Aren't you going to invite me in, Sousuke? I promise, no terrorists this time."
"Madame Captain..."
"And Sousuke..."
"Yes, Captain?"
"This is a friendly visit. You know, the kind with the emphasis on the word friend. This is not a military situation. You do not have to be so formal. In fact, I am requesting you treat me like Miss Chidori or any of your other companions. Please, Sousuke."
"Of course. Mad...uh...Tessa."
"See Sousuke, it's easy. I swear, no hidden MPs. No one ready to spirit you away to a tribunal and a hanging." She took a moment to pose unconsciously. "Now. Are you surprised to see me? Maybe even happy?" she continued softly, not quite with a purr.
"Yes, naturally...I mean I think so...Captain. Sorry. Tessa, have you come to get me?"
"Get you, Sousuke? Whatever do you mean?" she said, secretly pleased at his discomfort, even if not for the reason she hoped for.
"The fax" Sousuke said with a rush, still standing at the doorway. "Am I to return? Am I to abort this mission?"
"I see. I suppose I should stop this before I confuse you any further. I apologize for my little joke. I didn't specify WHOSE return. I didn't specify anything at all. I guess I wanted to see what happened when I came here. And more importantly, I wanted to give you an opportunity...if not the necessity...to think about your duties here. To think about your FEELINGS regarding your duties here."
"Feelings?" Sousuke asked, confused. "What do my feelings have to do with my mission, Captain?"
"Tessa," Tessa started, "and your feelings are important in this case, Sousuke. How can I put this?" After pausing a brief moment, her eyes a bit distant, she continued. "You are a valuable operative Sousuke. The only soldier we have capable of operating the lamba driver, growing pains and all. We could certainly use your help in improving that device, and we are hard pressed to do so without a planned course of trial and error. You are also one of the best Arm Slave pilots we have: your teaching is missed, and you inspire others with your attitude and penchant for success. There are many places you can be of service, Sousuke...I and others have the difficult task to figure out where you can be put to best use. And yes, if things are too close to call, your feelings DO matter. Your feelings may be what sways our decision." Looking into Sousuke's eyes, she started to say more "And..."
"And?" Sousuke asked.
"Nothing, Sousuke. I am a bit fatigued from walking around the city...may I come in and sit?"
"Certainly. Ah..."
*Tessa + Kaname = Trouble?* At that moment, Sousuke had no trouble with his mathematical skills.
"Thank you." As she walked forward, Tessa noted Sousuke's hand spasm, opening and closing briefly, allowing her a brief glance of the condom. She felt a quick rush of blood to her head. "Sousuke? Is THAT for me," she joked, trying to cover for her moment of shock, trying to seem non chalant and in control of her emotions. Embarrasment and curiosity were quickly replaced by uncertainty and suspicion. Still, she managed to joke even further, "I usually prefer to be greeted with flowers...."
She started to follow an edgy Sousuke into the apartment.
"S O U S U K E. Everything is fired up and ready to go. Are you going to be a gentleman and come in here and help me, or must I take care of everything myself?" Kaname's voice grew louder as she walked away from the kitchen area. She stopped when she caught sight of Tessa.
Kaname stared at Tessa.
Tessa stared at Kaname.
Sousuke closed his eyes, and started a countdown.
"T-Tessa?" Kaname stuttered.
"Miss Chidori" Tessa countered.
"...15...14...13...12...11" Sousuke continued.
Kaname glanced at Sousuke. And Tessa glanced in rapid succession at Kaname, Sousuke, and the cliched fist holding the condom. Sousuke sweated.
Time seemed to slow inexorably. Unmeasurable moments passed before anyone spoke again. "I see. I should be leaving now. I should have called ahead. My apologies. I hope I did not ruin the mood, Miss Chidori" Tessa said with a plaster smile.
In a quiet voice only Sousuke could hear, she continued "I suppose I should not be surprised, Sergeant. She is an attractive girl. And you are somewhat reckless." She almost said 'handsome.' " I cannot say I am not disappointed...but I am not surprised. You do spend a lot of time together, after all, and opportunity has been known to usurp propriety."
She sighed audibly. "Perhaps you have gone in too deep under cover. Perhaps I need to pull you back out again. For your sake, Souske. For Miss Chidori's sake. And for the mission's sake."
As Kaname had started to head in her direction, Tessa finished in an unimpeachable hurry "When I return, I will discuss matters with Mr. Kalainin. I shall then inform you of our decision. I promise not to send the the answer by fax."
Tessa turned and exited the apartment, striding quickly down the hallway, maintaining as much dignity as she could. Sousuke almost followed when he saw her stumble. He was too stunned to call out before she rounded a corner and was gone from sight.
His inner sense telling him to turn, Sousuke did so, coming face to face with Kaname.
"SOUSUKE...what was SHE doing here?!!!...................!!!"
**********************************************************
Finis
"Damn you, Sousuke." Kaname walked slowly down the hallway of Souske's apartment, grocery bag in hand, and not even the hallway was not free from her sullen wrath.
"Stupid hallway. Too damn dark. Too damn long. Too damn dusty. Too...damn... close...to Souske!!!" She told herself to calm down. After all, why was she upset?
She stopped outside of his door, and the moments slyly masqueraded as hours. The world seemed a bit off kilter, and she held a hand out to catch herself, as if the building might violently tilt or the floor might suddenly fall away.
Kaname's thoughts continued to buzz along the inner lining of her skull. "No regrets," HE had said. She sighed. The words coninued, uninvited. No regrets. No regrets. No regrets. No r e g r e t s. N o R e g r e t s. Her anger returned, simmered, then erupted. NO FREAKIN' REGRETS?!! Like hell! Didn't Kaname regret making the promise of dinner. Didn't she regret spending an hour staring numbly at can lined shelves and fiercely palpating produce nearly to the point of battery. Didn't she regret standing thirty minutes in line at the cashier, the malodorous worker in front of her and the wailing baby behind her. Didn't she regret fighting the wind and sideways rain on her journey to be standing right here, right now, probably for the last time.
"Last time" she whispered. "Last time." Mercurial as it was, Kaname's mood remade itself again. If this were one of her last times with Sousuke, did she want it to be nothing more than a dance of regrets? Was that what she wanted to remember? What that what she wanted Sousuke to remember? They had shared so many different kinds of things together. Danger. Happiness. Comedies of error. Voyages into fear. Triumph. Anger. Frightful moments. Tender discoveries. And she had thought there was more she wanted to discover. She had long since admitted to herself that he was more than a guardian when she was in danger...and more than a social innocent in need of her guidance. She was afraid to admit just how much she wanted, but she knew without a doubt the thing she wanted most: more time.
What was impossible for most was instinctual for Kaname. With a smile, and a goal in mind, she conjured up a good mood. She rang Sousuke's doorbell, and rapped hard on the door for good fortune. She intended to find out EVERYTHING. When he was going. Where he was going. WHY he was going. Did he have to go. Or, did he WANT to go? If it was his choice, was there something she could do to change his mind? Her mind locked on that thought for a moment, and she blushed fiercely when it wandered out of bounds. Could she consider? WOULD she consider??? No No No No.
Kaname listened, and heard nothing. No movement of furniture. No footsteps. Not even any gunshots or explosions. Was Sousuke gone already? "Sousuke" she whispered. No, he must be in there.
"SOUSUKE " she growled. Even though Kaname had not been waiting overly long, her mood signalled its intention to change lanes, and she let fly with an angry and audible denouement: "YOU MORON!!!" she said, directed at herself.
As if on cue, Sousuke opened the door just as Kaname vented. "Kaname? Are you THAT upset? Will you accept my apology if it is necessary?"
"Ah...No...Not necessary." After a few moments had passed, and Sousuke had not moved, Kaname asked "Sousuke, is there some reason you don't want me to come in?" "Again" she though silently to herself.
"No, Kaname. Certainly Not. No reason at this time. Please come in. Sorry"
"Thank you...but, S O U S U K E, is that the way you dress when a woman comes to your apartment to cook you diner" Kaname said, noting that Sousuke was wearing fatigues, boots, and a well set harness. At least he didn't look like a walking armory she thought, smirking.
"I don't know. I...I mean 'No,' Kaname." Sousuke said, fighting consciously not to stand at attention. "After today...Uh...I...Uh...did not think you would want to stop by. And lately, I like to keep ready for action.
Kaname knew the reason for his readiness. She disregarded it and pushed boldly forward. "You didn't...FORGET...again...did you, Sousuke?" she grinned, giving off as little menace as the subject allowed.
"Of course not!!! I would not do that Kaname!!!"
Satisfied, Kaname changed tact. "Ah...Souske?"
"Yes, Kaname?"
"Could you, maybe, step out of the way so I could walk these things into the kitchen? Jeez...do I have to do ALL of your thinking for you?"
"No, Kaname!" Souske exclaimed, moving out of her way. "Please, the kitchen area is this way."
After she placed the groceries on the counter, Kaname returened. "OK Sousuke, how about you giving me a personal tour of your apartment before we get started?"
"But Kaname, you have been here before..."
"Yes. Once with Captain Testarossa and a creepy freaked out terrorist boy. Once with Kurz and Melissa and their growing family of beer cans. And a few times with the full Study Group!!! Sousuke, is there some reason you don't want to show me around your apartment?!!!"
The look in Kaname's eyes galvanized Sousuke into action quicker than a gunshot would. The tour was efficient and thourough, from Sousuke's standpoint. But Kaname was far from satisfied. "That was a meticulous tour, Sergeant! A credit to your unit to be sure."
She even went as far as to salute him. "But you skillfuly avoided showing me what you liked about your home, or what you like to DO here." A switch clicked in the back of Kaname's brain, and the urge for Mischief pushed out all thoughts of cooking or questions. "But, that's OK...I'm pretty good at figuring out things by myself. Remember, I gave you a chance Sousuke...."
Smiling happily, Kaname actually skipped over to a closet. "What's in here Sergeant? A shrimpy captain in a small towel?" Opening the door, she found a stash of weapons ammunition sufficient to arm a small militia. "Oh, you NAUGHTY boy!!!"
Flustered, Sousuke had no idea where she was next headed, what she might do, and how he might stop her. Kaname slid along the floor, to peer under the bed. "Is this where you keep those s p e c ia l magazines that Kurz brings you?"
"Sergeant Weber would never do that!!!"
"Of course he would. And Melissa, too!" Kaname said, finding only a pile of military manuals and a few stray shell casings. "Aha...land ho...full speed ahead" she exclaimed, spying his desk...and the desk drawers. "What have we here, Treasure Island?" she asked, hand on a drawer knob.
"Kaname!"
"What's wrong, Sosusuke, something to hide? I KNOW you would not keep secret documents in a site you had to leave unattended during the school day. And I DOUBT even you would booby trap your own desk! So...is there something you are trying to hide from me?"
"Of course not! It is just not proper to handle a person's personal things!"
"Ah...lighten up Sousuke. What's wrong with handling a person's personal things if he doesn't mind?" Kaname asked, suddenly blushing when she realized how someone might take what she said out of context.
"OK...you have permission," Sousuke said bravely. For some reason he was unsure of, Kaname's face grew bright red. "Kaname...is something wrong? Are you ill? Is it your circulatory problem again?"
"No," she managed to croak out unconvincingly, "I'm fine...there was just something caught in my throat." She opened the drawer. "Let's see now.
Some current CDs. Some popular magazines. I like these," she started, smiling at Sousuke.
"A nice Mini-disc player, a sports watch, some breath mints, some hobby cards..." She smiled, ran over to Sousuke, forced open his mouth, and looked into his throat.
"Sousuke!!! Is there a normal teenager trapped down there?" She cupped her hands around her mouth, pretending to use a megaphone. "H e l l o---D o w n---T h e r e..........W e ' r e---H e r e---T o---H e l p---Y o u..........We'll get you out.......We won't let this Military Monster swallow you again!!!"
"Kaname..." was all Sousuke had time to say before Kaname ran back to the desk. Before commencing further exploration, she aksed "Are these all your things Sousuke? Do you USE these things?"
Determined to salvage some pride, and to put up a good front, Sousuke proudly and claimed "Yes Kaname, they belong to me. I will use them when opportunity allows."
Kaname dove back into her task. "Hair brush. Chop sticks. Headpho..." her voice suddenly stopped.
When she spoke again, her voice was tight and low: "Opportunity?" she growled.
"Is there something wrong Kaname? Is something caught in your throat again?" Sousuke walked over towards Kaname, and noticed what she now held in her hand. "K-Kaname. That's...uh...a condom you are holding."
"I KNOW what it IS, Sousuke...I am NOT stupid!!!" Kaname clenched her fists fiercely. "SOUSUKE!"
"Uh...yes, Kaname?"
"The condoms. Have you..."
"Yes, when..."
"Yes?" Kaname asked, almost proud she didn't shout.
"Let me start from the beginning. As I have before. With Sergeant major Mao..."
"Sergeant major Mao?!!" Kaname blurted.
"Yes. Just after being assigned this mission. I..."
"MELISSA?!" Kaname was furious at first, but soon didn't know just what she was feeling. At first she did not trust herself to speak.
Finally, with a toss of her head, she broke her silence. "Fine. You can make your own choices. Don't let ME stand in your way." She turned and headed towards the door. "After all, you are a man, right? And a Mercenary. Why should I be surprised? It certainly does NOT matter to me."
"Kaname? Where are you going? What I did for Sergeant Major Mao...Don't you want me to do the same for you?"
Kaname froze, as if stepping in a pool of quick-drying adhesive. "M-m-me?!" she choked.
Momentarily regaining her composure, she turned and raised her arm, hand curling as if grasping the hilt of her handy halisen. "ME??!!! WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I WOULD WANT THAT?!!! FROM YOU?!!! NOT IF YOU WERE THE LAST MAN ON THE PLANET!!! NOT EVEN...IF...YOU WERE A MAN...AND NOT A STIFF-NECKED WACKED-OUT MILITARY MACHINE!" The last word WAS shouted, and Sousuke was stunned, as if hit in the head with a poleaxe.
"But...Kaname...when I told Sergeant Major Mao that I had made use of condoms, she did not get angry. And she gladly accepted my explanation that I had used condoms as emergency canteens. Have I done something wrong, Kaname?"
It was Kaname's time for a date with the poleaxe. For a moment, her mind went totally blank, and she was uncharacteristically at a loss for words, much less speech. Being who she was, her instincts kicked in, she smiled, and headed off to the kitchen.
"If I don't get started, dinner will turn into breakfast!" she said, cheerfully. Realising something, she ran back to Sousuke and placed the unopened condom in his palm, before heading back to the kitchen. "There's plenty of water in the kitchen, Sousuke" she laughed loudly.
Sousuke was not certain what had happened, and spent a short while retracing all the steps and all the words that had been spoken, to no avail. He put that matter aside, and was about to ask Kaname if she needed any help. The doorbell rang, interupting that offer.
Sousuke grabbed a pistol from the nearest closet, and padded quickly but quietly to the door. Looking out the peephole, he did the unthinkable.
He froze.
Moments passed, and the doorbell rang again. Sousuke opened to door, and looked uncertainly at a familiar face. "Madame Captain!" he started, surprised to find that Tessa was dressed in street clothes. Expensive street clothes. And smelling ever so slightly of perfume. "Captain, why are you here? Are you in danger?!"
Smiling, Tessa shook her head. "No, Sousuke, there's no current threat. I was in town with members of a survey team, personally examining a number of additional safehouses. And, I wanted to take time to stop by and check on you." She smiled, and looked intently up at Sousuke. "Aren't you going to invite me in, Sousuke? I promise, no terrorists this time."
"Madame Captain..."
"And Sousuke..."
"Yes, Captain?"
"This is a friendly visit. You know, the kind with the emphasis on the word friend. This is not a military situation. You do not have to be so formal. In fact, I am requesting you treat me like Miss Chidori or any of your other companions. Please, Sousuke."
"Of course. Mad...uh...Tessa."
"See Sousuke, it's easy. I swear, no hidden MPs. No one ready to spirit you away to a tribunal and a hanging." She took a moment to pose unconsciously. "Now. Are you surprised to see me? Maybe even happy?" she continued softly, not quite with a purr.
"Yes, naturally...I mean I think so...Captain. Sorry. Tessa, have you come to get me?"
"Get you, Sousuke? Whatever do you mean?" she said, secretly pleased at his discomfort, even if not for the reason she hoped for.
"The fax" Sousuke said with a rush, still standing at the doorway. "Am I to return? Am I to abort this mission?"
"I see. I suppose I should stop this before I confuse you any further. I apologize for my little joke. I didn't specify WHOSE return. I didn't specify anything at all. I guess I wanted to see what happened when I came here. And more importantly, I wanted to give you an opportunity...if not the necessity...to think about your duties here. To think about your FEELINGS regarding your duties here."
"Feelings?" Sousuke asked, confused. "What do my feelings have to do with my mission, Captain?"
"Tessa," Tessa started, "and your feelings are important in this case, Sousuke. How can I put this?" After pausing a brief moment, her eyes a bit distant, she continued. "You are a valuable operative Sousuke. The only soldier we have capable of operating the lamba driver, growing pains and all. We could certainly use your help in improving that device, and we are hard pressed to do so without a planned course of trial and error. You are also one of the best Arm Slave pilots we have: your teaching is missed, and you inspire others with your attitude and penchant for success. There are many places you can be of service, Sousuke...I and others have the difficult task to figure out where you can be put to best use. And yes, if things are too close to call, your feelings DO matter. Your feelings may be what sways our decision." Looking into Sousuke's eyes, she started to say more "And..."
"And?" Sousuke asked.
"Nothing, Sousuke. I am a bit fatigued from walking around the city...may I come in and sit?"
"Certainly. Ah..."
*Tessa + Kaname = Trouble?* At that moment, Sousuke had no trouble with his mathematical skills.
"Thank you." As she walked forward, Tessa noted Sousuke's hand spasm, opening and closing briefly, allowing her a brief glance of the condom. She felt a quick rush of blood to her head. "Sousuke? Is THAT for me," she joked, trying to cover for her moment of shock, trying to seem non chalant and in control of her emotions. Embarrasment and curiosity were quickly replaced by uncertainty and suspicion. Still, she managed to joke even further, "I usually prefer to be greeted with flowers...."
She started to follow an edgy Sousuke into the apartment.
"S O U S U K E. Everything is fired up and ready to go. Are you going to be a gentleman and come in here and help me, or must I take care of everything myself?" Kaname's voice grew louder as she walked away from the kitchen area. She stopped when she caught sight of Tessa.
Kaname stared at Tessa.
Tessa stared at Kaname.
Sousuke closed his eyes, and started a countdown.
"T-Tessa?" Kaname stuttered.
"Miss Chidori" Tessa countered.
"...15...14...13...12...11" Sousuke continued.
Kaname glanced at Sousuke. And Tessa glanced in rapid succession at Kaname, Sousuke, and the cliched fist holding the condom. Sousuke sweated.
Time seemed to slow inexorably. Unmeasurable moments passed before anyone spoke again. "I see. I should be leaving now. I should have called ahead. My apologies. I hope I did not ruin the mood, Miss Chidori" Tessa said with a plaster smile.
In a quiet voice only Sousuke could hear, she continued "I suppose I should not be surprised, Sergeant. She is an attractive girl. And you are somewhat reckless." She almost said 'handsome.' " I cannot say I am not disappointed...but I am not surprised. You do spend a lot of time together, after all, and opportunity has been known to usurp propriety."
She sighed audibly. "Perhaps you have gone in too deep under cover. Perhaps I need to pull you back out again. For your sake, Souske. For Miss Chidori's sake. And for the mission's sake."
As Kaname had started to head in her direction, Tessa finished in an unimpeachable hurry "When I return, I will discuss matters with Mr. Kalainin. I shall then inform you of our decision. I promise not to send the the answer by fax."
Tessa turned and exited the apartment, striding quickly down the hallway, maintaining as much dignity as she could. Sousuke almost followed when he saw her stumble. He was too stunned to call out before she rounded a corner and was gone from sight.
His inner sense telling him to turn, Sousuke did so, coming face to face with Kaname.
"SOUSUKE...what was SHE doing here?!!!...................!!!"
**********************************************************
Finis
i DO hope someone will make a follow-up.