damned_institute | [NIGHTSHIFT 35] M31-M40 HALLWAY

"Nope," Sheena replied, sliding down the wall to sit next to him. "I'm Sheena."

Her lips tugged up and she nodded back at the Clinic. "I've got a friend that kinda runs this place, but she's not too good at protecting herself here, so I'm making sure she gets here okay."

"Aoyagi Ritsuka. Just call me Ritsuka." Sheena was it? She seemed like a nice enough person and Ritsuka looked down at the fudge in his hand again, turning it over. Why was she giving him candy though? Wasn't it important to keep things like this?

"The silver-haired woman?" She'd helped Ritsuka before when he'd gotten caught by those bug-eyed creatures and torn up. She'd also helped Miku and Alfons, not that Alfons was here anymore. Ritsuka really wished he knew where his friends had gone. His attention stayed on the fudge, but his mind was elsewhere. If Sheena could make it here from the female blocks already, then where was Soubi? Maybe he wasn't coming tonight? What would Ritsuka do if Soubi didn't come? He'd have to survive on his own like always. He didn't need that stupid Fighter around all the time! ...even if it was nice to be close to him. Shifting the fudge from his right to his left hand, Ritsuka peered at his smudged fingers and absently said, "Nice of you, to come all the way here. I'm sure your friend appreciates it."

'Oh! So you're Ritsuka! Soubi mentioned you," Sheena replied with a warm smile. Unfortunately, though she kept the smile on her face, a moment later and it wasn't as bright as it had been.

So this little boy was Soubi's... Sacrifice. His master? Okay, this put a whole new level of wrongness and, well, creepiness to the fighting system that she'd been told about. This boy was the one that suffered all the pain and agony of fighting during battles? No wonder Soubi was somewhat grateful that connection thing that made it all happen wasn't working here. She didn't blame him for that much. It was still wrong, though, to fight and have the pain inflicted on someone who, in Sheena's opinion, was an innocent.

Trying to not let her inner turmoil over the boy show, she answered his question. "Yeah, her name's Raine. We come from the same world." She then grinned again. "I've got nothing better to do right now and, even though she can be kinda scary when she wants to, without all her magic, Raine sucks at combat."

She flicked her wrist and her paper spell cards fanned out. 'That's where I come in."

Ritsuka felt his stomach drop when Sheena said Soubi had mentioned him. What was the older man saying about him? And worse, what could he have said that would cause Sheena's smile to dampen like that? He felt like she was judging him and his relationship with Soubi and he quickly turned away, curling up a little more against the wall. At least Ritsuka knew who Soubi had been hanging out with. Sheena seemed nice, even if she apparently didn't entirely approve of something about Ritsuka and Soubi.

It was good there was a conversation change. It saved him from the potential disaster of exploding at Sheena. Raine Sage often came to the clinic. Ritsuka remembered her well. Without looking up at Sheena, Ritsuka asked, "So you fight for her and she heals you?"

Not much different from him and Soubi, minus the part where Ritsuka was useless and Raine had magic.

"Sometimes," Sheena replied. "I'm really stubborn, though, and don't like to let my friends know how hurt I am."

She put her cards away and turned more toward Ritsuka, worried about why the boy seemed to turn away from her. Did she say something wrong?

"So sometimes I fight on longer than I should before she notices I'm putting an act up and then heals me anyways. Raine's specialty, back home, is support and healing. She makes thing so much easier for a guardian like me; I can only heal myself a little and it doesn't always work."

It was bothering her the way he seemed to shrink away and the ninja had never been one to keep her mouth shut when she should. "Hey Ritsuka... did I say something that upset you? I didn't mean to.... I'm sorry."

Sheena and Soubi were very much alike then. Ritsuka's job was to take the damage though, rather than heal it. Sheena sounded strong, like Soubi, but she and Raine seemed to make a good combination, unlike Ritsuka. He had to work harder. Maybe he could learn how to help out like Sheena did with Raine and vice versa. "Mm, good system," he said, half-heartedly.

The fudge was melting in his hands so he finally stuck it in his mouth. He didn't like black things, but chocolate was a small exception. Sweets weren't his thing, but he couldn't refuse a present. It tasted good though, and Ritsuka suddenly remembered how he hadn't eaten much dinner or any lunch for that matter.

Suddenly, Sheena was apologizing though and Ritsuka risked a glance up at her before looking away again. "No. You didn't say anything." A person didn't always have to verbalize disapproval, after all. "How long have you known Raine?"

At least he finally ate the fudge; that made Sheena feel a little better. Something was still really bothering the biy and he apparently wasn't going to tell her. She didn't know whether to believe him or not about the whole not saying something wrong bit, but decided she wasn't going to press the issue.

How long had she known Raine? She wondered if this was a question about how long she'd known of the half-elf's existence or how long they'd been friends cause there was a lot of difference there. How long had she known Raine anyways?

"A couple months," Sheena replied after doing some mental math. "How long have you known Soubi?" Might as well ask.

Thankfully, Sheena dropped the subject. Ritsuka didn't really want to get in a yelling fit over who he chose to hang out with, not when he was still waiting around to see if Soubi was actually going to show up or not. If the guy ditched him tonight, then he'd be ready to yell. Until then, he could wait. Besides, it wasn't like Sheena was outright telling him that Soubi was some pervert or something. Or maybe that wasn't what she was tight-lipped about at all. Great, now he was curious.

"How long...?" The question caught Ritsuka off guard. A couple of months and Sheena and Raine were already a good team. He knew that when he first met Soubi, he'd just transferred into the new school, but he couldn't quite recall exactly how much time had passed. "...awhile, I guess. A few months?"

Maybe longer. Ritsuka couldn't recall, but Soubi had seemed to know him on sight. If they had met before the 'change,' then Ritsuka had no way of knowing how long he'd really known Soubi. And even after all this time they still weren't syncing well. "Are you Soubi's friend now?"

Oh. So he hadn't known Soubi any longer than Sheena had known Raine. That was kinda intersting. it made her wonder how many of those... word battle things he'd been in. But, for once, Sheena didn't ask the question on the tip of her tongue.

"I'd like to think so," the ninja replied. Someone like that needed a person who sensed his sorrow and Sheena could feel it keenly in Soubi's words when he spoke of his battles and his Sacrifice.

"He climbed up into the tree to talk to me when I offered to come down, so that's says a lot about a person," she continued. "He's a very talented artist."

Relief flooded his system as soon as he heard Sheena say she considered Soubi a friend. That meant there was at least one other person looking out for him other than Ritsuka. Not only that, but Sheena seemed capabale of actually helping Soubi out. Maybe Soubi might actually open up to her, too. He never seemed comfortable doing it with Ritsuka, which made sense considering how the two of them seemed to be getting awkward around each other.

"He is. He's going to college for it." Ritsuka's voice brightened just a little when he said that. He couldn't draw at all and he was fascinated by anyone who could. Soubi had even managed to paint something for Ritsuka here, which he kept hidden away safely in his journal. Soubi could also be charming when he felt like it, and it seemed he had when he met Sheena. "...take care of him, would you?"

Ritsuka stopped when he realized what he'd just said and the forlorn manner in which he said it. He hadn't meant to say that at all! What the hell! Flustered, he tried to dig himself out of the hole he had just flung himself into. "I mean, you know, watch out for him as a friend would, yeah? He's kind of an idiot a lot of the time so he might do something dumb and just, uh, don't...let him."

Operation Save My Dignity was an utter failure and Ritsuka dropped his head against his knees in defeat with an exasperated sigh.

[ooc; sorry for the multi-posts, had some spelling and grammar FAILS]

[no worries.^^]

Her eyes widened a little in surprise when Ritsuka asked her to take care of Soubi. There was something just terribly sad in the boy's voice, it tugged at Sheena's heart. She'd always been soft-hearted underneath her stubborn tomboyish exterior, and it'd been cropping up more and more since she stood over Colette with that dagger all those weeks ago in Palmacosta.

Her surprised expression softened and a little bit of amusement danced in her eyes as Ritsuka got flustered and tried to recover from the care and concern he'd just exhibited for Soubi. It kinda reminded Sheena of herself when it came to a caertain Idiot Chosen. She banished that thought as soon as she could, giving herself a mental boot to the head in the processs. Yeah, stop thinking about him.

"I will," Sheena said with sincerity, reaching a hand out to gently rub Ritsuki's shoulder.

Ritsuka was glad he couldn't see Sheena's expression both because he had his face hidden against his knees and because it was dark. It also meant she couldn't see his, which was currently embarrassed and blushing like a moron. Ugh, he hated it when he did stupid things like that! Even worse, it was the stuff those stupid girls in comic books did. He was a boy for God's sake! A BOY. Not that he much cared for stereotypes, but still - it was ridiculous.

Time to focus on something else. The fudge packed against his cheek provided a good distraction and he started eating that to keep his mind off how dumb he was being. It was really good, actually, even if it was the color black.

A hand touched his shoulder and Ritsuka jumped, almost choking on the candy in his mouth. Right, Sheena was still talking to him. Duh, that was a given. He calmed down and looked up at her, hunching over in embarrassment. "...thanks. He needs it."

The summoner jerked her hand back when Ritsuka jumped, worried that she'd upset him. No... it just seemed she'd startled him.

"Don't worry. If I see him trying to do something stupid, I'll take care of him," she replied. "Everyone needs someone to look of for them."

She paused for a moment. "Hey... can I ask you something personal Ritsuka? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

"He does a lot of stupid things, but that doesn't mean he's going to quit them." Like smoking. Ritsuka hated the smell of cigarette smoke, but it clung to Soubi like a blanket and the Fighter wasn't about to give up his bad habits just because Ritsuka complained. He could order him, but that would be against Ritsuka's own principles, so that was out of the question. Realizing his last statement came out a little caustic, Ritsuka bowed his head and, in a much more polite tone of voice, said, "So yeah...um, thanks. I appreciate it."

But then Sheena wanted to ask a question and Ritsuka's head buzzed with what it could be. Was she going to ask about his relationship with Soubi? Or the...non-relationship? What exactly had Soubi told her? "...uh...sure?"

Sheena tilted her head a little as she tried to figure out if Ritsuka really was okay with her asking about something as personal as she was about to. But, she did say he didn't have to answer and, if he chose not to, she wouldn't push. When she asked her question, her voice was soft and quiet.

"Do you like being a Sacrifice?"

Did he...? What? Ritsuka blinked, the shock of being asked such a question in a place like this almost enough to throw his entire thought process off the track. Soubi had told her about that? Of all things he could have said, he talked about him being a Sacrifice? Ritsuka hadn't told any of his friends about it, and he had the impression that not many people were supposed to know. Then again, it wasn't like they were all that secretive about it. It was just that people didn't ask.

But...did he? "It isn't a question of me liking it or not," Ritsuka said, looking away. "I'm part of it and there isn't really a choice. But this is what I need to do, to get peace and discover the truth behind my brother's death." The ones responsible were the Seven Moons, Nanatsu no Tsuki. He'd vowed to find them and make them pay. Even if...his brother wasn't really dead. Ritsuka wanted answers and the only ones who had them were the Seven Moons. He'd been on his way to Goura, but they'd never made it. "And it isn't bad. It doesn't bother me."

"I understand all that... but, do you like it?" She paused, concern in her eyes. "Soubi doesn't like being a Fighter."

Soubi didn't like being a Fighter? Ritsuka's head snapped up and he looked at Sheena, unable to hide the confusion in his eyes. Soubi was always the one telling Ritsuka to be stronger so he could be a better fighter. Soubi was always the one who wanted to protect Ritsuka like a Fighter should. He didn't like it?

"...he doesn't..." Ritsuka repeated slowly, then dropped his gaze and pushed himself up from the ground. He had to go see Soubi now. He had to ask if it was true and order that stupid idiot to tell him the truth. If he didn't like it, then why was he pushing for a bond? If Soubi wasn't a fighter anymore, then that would mean he wouldn't have a reason to be around Ritsuka anymore. And that would mean... Ritsuka felt his temper flare and he clutched his dark flashlight tightly in one hand. Why hadn't he just told Ritsuka?! Why hadn't Soubi just told him the truth instead of pretending all this time that he actually wanted to help him and be his Fighter and have Ritsuka be his Sacrifice?! Ritsuka had been trying to be what Soubi wanted him to be, only to find out that Soubi didn't even like it.

"I don't care!" he snapped, grabbing his backpack and flinging it onto his back. The old wounds flared up when the rucksack hit him hard, but he was too angry and confused to think about it. He wanted to get away from Sheena now, somewhere far away so she couldn't see him when his anger left him feeling hollow and scared and crying for no stupid reason. Feeling his hand start to tremble around the flashlight, Ritsuka turned to stalk off. "It's the only reason he came to see me anyway, so if he doesn't like it, he should just leave me alone!"

Sheena darted to her feet and reached out to wrap her arms around Ritsuka, trying to pull him back against her chest in a hug, not caring about the backpack at all. She been an idiot and not clarified that Soubi not liking being a fighter was her opinion and not Soubi's. Damn her and her ability to communicate properly sometimes.

"No! He didn't tell me that," she said in a hurry. "It's just what I think from the way he sounded when he talked about it. Please calm down!"

He felt hands start to pull at him and he panicked, twisting around to push Sheena away. He didn't like being held by strangers, especially not when he was angry. People reaching for him usually only meant one thing to him and even if Sheena wasn't Misaki, that didn't mean his gut reaction wasn't to get away. Her hands caught in the backpack and Ritsuka struggled to get away. He wanted to scream at her to not touch him, but nothing came out. Instead, he slipped and his knee hit the ground as his hands came up to cover his head on instinct.

When the blow didn't come, he realized he was being stupid and lowered his arms to rub his sore knee. Now he didn't know what to believe. Had Soubi really said that and Sheena was just covering for him, or was she telling the truth? He didn't want to think about this. He felt tired after his outburst and now he just wanted to see Soubi or sleep. "...it's fine," he said, a little too quietly now that he had calmed down a little. "Just forget it."

Sheena flinched when Ritsuka automatically reacted as if she was going to hit him, exhibiting a terror she'd not seen in... like ever. Someone seriously hurt this boy in the past and that made her blood boil. Still, though, she wanted to pull him close and give him a sense of honest comfort he'd probably never had in his life before.

The summoner knelt down next to him. "I'm not going to hurt you," she said in a quiet, honest voice. She held her hand out, palm up in an offering. "Come here... please?"

Now that Sheena had let him go, his heart rate was returning to normal. He hated how worked up over nothing he seemed to get here. It was so stupid, especially when it seemed that no one here was going to hurt him. Other than the monsters, of course. But Sheena wasn't a monster, she was Soubi's friend and a good person. Then again, his mother was a good person, or had been until her Ritsuka disappeared.

Ritsuka checked his knee, but since it was only going to bruise up, he probably didn't need to worry about it. He was about to stand up when Sheena knelt next to him and held out a hand. Why did she want him to go to her? He gave the hand a wary look and then sighed, shaking his head.

"I'm fine. Really." Standing up, Ritsuka brushed himself off. He knew what she was going to do and he didn't want it. Even at twelve years old, he didn't want to be treated like a kid. Sure, he secretly wanted to be held and go to the grocery store with his mother like all the other kids, but he wasn't ever going to admit that. He had to learn to stand on his own two feet, even when he had such immature outbursts like he just had. "I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I overreacted."

For a moment, Sheena looked hurt at the rejection, but she pushed that away as she stood up and refastened one of the buttons that had come undone on the white dress shirt she was wearing thanks to the trip. Had Ritsuka not been the young boy he was, she would have turned red at the embarrassment of having accidentally flashed the boy the top of her bra. Showing off cleavage was normal but that was usually it. Why did they have to give her such a tight shirt anyways?

"It's okay," she replied. "I'm sorry for talking about stuff I probably don't understand enough to."

Ritsuka wished he didn't have to hurt people's feelings in order to be independent. Soubi was always asking him to let him in and Ritsuka never did. He couldn't, really, because anyone who came too close could eventually hurt him. It was the same with Sheena. She was so eager to help that Ritsuka knew he'd regret it if he learned to lean on her for support. One day, she'd be gone and he'd be at a loss for what to do. Sort of like how he was now that Soubi was still AWOL.

"I already said it's fine, so don't worry about it." Now he just felt awkward. Staring down at his feet, Ritsuka shuffled his toe against the ground and hooked his fingers around the straps of the backpack. "...I don't like being hugged. It's not your fault."

"Oh... okay," Sheena replied, ruffling the messy tail her hair was pulled back into. "You just... looked like you needed one."

Now she felt stupid and it was all awkward and...

"Where were you going to go?"

[NIGHTSHIFT 35] M31-M40 HALLWAY

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35

Re: Outside M35