Day 46: Lunch

[tostepforward.livejournal.com]

The mere fact that she'd been susceptible to whatever hold the Institute had had on her yesterday was sufficient to leave Ayumu both upset and angry - no, not angry, downright furious, both at herself and whoever was responsible for that. But there was also the fact that because of it, she'd lost out on an entire day of work, and in several ways had ruined some of what she'd done already. That little conversation with Himura the day before, for instance, was something she'd sincerely prefer not to remember if she'd had any choice in the matter.

Unless the man was a complete moron, which, unfortunately, was one thing she couldn't believe of him, he had to have realized just who her brother was. After all the effort to keep that fact quiet (not exactly a secret, but certainly not advertised; half the Shinsengumi probably never even realized it because there was no reason to) she'd gone and chatted about it with him. Told him all about it, practically painted a bright target around a weakness that shouldn't have existed in the first place.

She'd spent the shift in the Sun Room pretending to sleep, while in truth forcing herself into calm. After years of practice she could shunt away the useless and distracting emotions, focusing only on what was important and needed to be at the forefront of her mind, and by the time the intercom signaled the lunch period she was feeling considerably calmer. The time to silently observe others had, as well, alerted her to something she probably should have noticed earlier: Mello was back. Would her previous objective be reinstated now? He seemed to have far less of a bulletin presence this time, so perhaps not. Still, though, it bore investigating.

None of her thoughts were visible, of course, as she moved through the line, examining the lunch selection somewhat dubiously. Now with the benefit of Yuuko's memories she might recognize the food, but she certainly didn't share the enthusiasm for it that her imaginary self apparently had. Ayumu skipped past that part and settled for the salad bar and some bread, then positioned herself in a place where she could watch both the door and the rest of the room, setting her journal open in front of herself as though planning to write something. There was far too much that she'd missed, too much work to do now.

[for Okita]

Comments

[idolism]

He was used to mentoring other people. For all that’d been left unsaid--there were a hundred tips and warnings he could’ve given Zack, after all, some of which were better left on paper--Aidou had touched on some of the more important points. Combined with some sense and the Institute’s swift learning curve, the guy had a pretty good start, didn’t he?

The vampire would keep him in mind, too. Usually if either of them were going to write the other off, whether because Aidou found something lacking, or Zack knew a vampire when he saw one, it would’ve happened much earlier in the conversation. A workable acquaintance was always something to keep in mind. And there was time enough to consider his options… more than twenty-four hours before he could attempt the basement again, and with the preparation that went into it, tomorrow night was an overly optimistic judgment.

“You’re welcome,” the noble replied, and waggled his fingers at Zack in an idle goodbye. He still had a couple of slices of pizza to eat before he was collected by his own nurse. He could do it. “I’m sure we’ll see each other.”