Full Metal Panic Fan Fiction ❯ Full Metal Panic! Essay Assignment ❯ 5th Step: Sousuke's Final Draft ( Chapter 5 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Perpetual159 
Anime/Manga: Full Metal Panic Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.24.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 840 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Full Metal Panic Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 05.24.2007 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 840 | Status: Work In Progress
5th Step: Sousuke's Final Draft
Taking a deep breath, I stretched my arms over my head briefly and cracked my knuckles. I noticed Sousuke looking up from his own paper and staring at me and I made a face that asked “what are you looking at?” Immediately, he looked back down to his paper and scribbled a few more lines before looking over his shoulder at Ms. Kagurazaka. She on the other hand, seemed to have been looking at us the whole time.
I looked out the window and noticed how the sky had been dimming, turning the day into night. My appreciation of dusk was interrupted when Sousuke spoke.
“I am done, Ma'am,” he said, curtly as usual when addressing someone of authority.
“Good,” Ms. Kagurazaka stated, then looked at me. “How about you, Miss Chidori... do you need more time?”
“Huh... I... I... no, I think I'm done too, Ms. Kagurazaka,” I said with hesitation.
“Great!” she said. She seemed to be more excited about this than either Sousuke or I were. “You may go home now.”
What! Go home?I looked out the window and noticed how the sky had been dimming, turning the day into night. My appreciation of dusk was interrupted when Sousuke spoke.
“I am done, Ma'am,” he said, curtly as usual when addressing someone of authority.
“Good,” Ms. Kagurazaka stated, then looked at me. “How about you, Miss Chidori... do you need more time?”
“Huh... I... I... no, I think I'm done too, Ms. Kagurazaka,” I said with hesitation.
“Great!” she said. She seemed to be more excited about this than either Sousuke or I were. “You may go home now.”
“Ma'am...?” Sousuke asked. Obviously I wasn't the only one confused.
“Yes, Mr. Sagara?” She asked casually.
“Ma'am... aren't you going to read our essays?” he questioned.
Ms. Kagurazaka on the other hand, simply smiled. “No. Mr. Sagara. That wasn't what I had in mind.”
“Huh?” I asked, now really confused.
“Miss Chidori.” She looked at me. “Mr. Sagara...” she then looked at Sousuke. “I'm not the one who should read those 'essays',” she stated. “It is up to you now what you should with it.”
“What?” I asked incredulously. I was kept two extra hours at school for this!
“Miss Chidori,” Ms. Kagurazaka started. “You may do what you want with the essays. The way I look at it, you only have three options. One: you keep it to yourself, after all, they are your feelings. Two: you may throw it away and pretend this day never happened. Three: you can show it to Mr. Sagara. That's why I made sure he was here. My suggestion is that you consider the third option closely. The same goes for you, Mr. Sagara.”
The feeling inside my stomach was hard to describe. It really felt like there was a blender inside crushing ice...!
“Uhh...” My thoughts were interrupted by Sousuke's infamous utter. I looked at him, he looked at me. We looked at each other, searching for something, a sign... whatever!
Ms. Kagurazaka cleared her throat as she stood up from her desk. “You two are excused now,” she voiced expectantly.
“Uhh...” Sousuke again.
“Yes, Ma'am,” I vowed respectfully and began putting the spare paper back into the desk. Sousuke just looked at me, perhaps wondering what exactly I had in mind. In the mean time, I simply did as I was told, putting the essay I had just written in to my book bag.
“Hmm...” Sousuke watched as I put it away perhaps with a bit of disappointment, and then turned to rearrange the desk he had been sitting on. Taking his own essay, he went back to his assigned desk, picked up his book bag, keeping the essay still in hand. That idiot... what did he think he was doing...!
“Are you ready to go, Miss Chidori?” he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Uhh... yeah, sure.” I slung my bag over my shoulder and we walked out of the classroom side by side. At the moment, I was just too confused to say anything to him, let alone stay mad anymore....
“Yes, Mr. Sagara?” She asked casually.
“Ma'am... aren't you going to read our essays?” he questioned.
Ms. Kagurazaka on the other hand, simply smiled. “No. Mr. Sagara. That wasn't what I had in mind.”
“Huh?” I asked, now really confused.
“Miss Chidori.” She looked at me. “Mr. Sagara...” she then looked at Sousuke. “I'm not the one who should read those 'essays',” she stated. “It is up to you now what you should with it.”
“What?” I asked incredulously. I was kept two extra hours at school for this!
“Miss Chidori,” Ms. Kagurazaka started. “You may do what you want with the essays. The way I look at it, you only have three options. One: you keep it to yourself, after all, they are your feelings. Two: you may throw it away and pretend this day never happened. Three: you can show it to Mr. Sagara. That's why I made sure he was here. My suggestion is that you consider the third option closely. The same goes for you, Mr. Sagara.”
The feeling inside my stomach was hard to describe. It really felt like there was a blender inside crushing ice...!
“Uhh...” My thoughts were interrupted by Sousuke's infamous utter. I looked at him, he looked at me. We looked at each other, searching for something, a sign... whatever!
Ms. Kagurazaka cleared her throat as she stood up from her desk. “You two are excused now,” she voiced expectantly.
“Uhh...” Sousuke again.
“Yes, Ma'am,” I vowed respectfully and began putting the spare paper back into the desk. Sousuke just looked at me, perhaps wondering what exactly I had in mind. In the mean time, I simply did as I was told, putting the essay I had just written in to my book bag.
“Hmm...” Sousuke watched as I put it away perhaps with a bit of disappointment, and then turned to rearrange the desk he had been sitting on. Taking his own essay, he went back to his assigned desk, picked up his book bag, keeping the essay still in hand. That idiot... what did he think he was doing...!
“Are you ready to go, Miss Chidori?” he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Uhh... yeah, sure.” I slung my bag over my shoulder and we walked out of the classroom side by side. At the moment, I was just too confused to say anything to him, let alone stay mad anymore....
----
I had to admit, I was in a very unique and delicate situation. I felt a bit troubled and preoccupied... and I wasn't even in danger! Well... not exactly... one can never draw such conclusions around one very unstable, sometimes bipolar Miss Chidori. As we walked to the train station, I considered the options offered by Ms. Kagurazaka. The truth was, I would have never expected such behavior from our homeroom teacher. Indeed, it was out of character for her, but perhaps she had a hidden agenda... some ulterior motives I wasn't aware of, and still I'm not aware of. Whatever the case, I wasn't going to question it. She was my superior, and I wasn't going to go against her orders.The ride to our homes was very quiet, and incredibly awkward to say the least. Miss Chidori avoided eye contact with me. I did not say anything. Neither did she. We simply walked home, and the only thing I was able to do was enjoy her quiet company. Her quietness had me a bit worried... I was used to Miss Chidori being someone who was very outspoken and had no reserves in speaking her mind.
This indeed was an awkward position for me. I was never given such an assignment before, and I felt like I was flying blind, not knowing where was going, and what outcome any of my three options would have. If I kept the essay to myself, I knew that the frustration I held inside would remain as such, and things would probably remain the same, save for perhaps a temporal uneasiness between Miss Chidori and I. If I decided to discard the essay, the truth was I wasn't sure if I could've lived with that decision, and the possibility of regret would be present for many days to come. Those, however, were the least of my worries. What if I did give the essay to Miss Chidori? What would her reaction be? To be honest, the things I addressed in that essay weren't things to be taken lightly, and I knew that if Miss Chidori were to read them, she would be the last person to do such thing. Anything was possible. She could hate me for it, she could condemn me for the rest of eternity, or simply become acquainted with my true feelings. If that were to be the case, somehow I felt that our bodyguard-charge relationship would be at stake, but in all reality, somehow I felt that we were beyond that. Yes, it was still my duty to protect her, but there was something between us that went beyond the professional boundaries of a bodyguard-charge relationship.
Additionally, I was also tired of keeping these frustrating feelings that I could not comprehend bottled up. If anything, Miss Chidori had a right to know these things. If I was the one being protected, I would ensure that my bodyguard would always have a clear head, free of distractions, and frustrations that only hindered his ability to perform. Yes, I owed her that courtesy.
“Good night, Sousuke...”
I was snapped back to reality the second I heard her say those words.
We had reached her apartment complex and I didn't even realize it. Definitely! I had to share this information with Miss Chidori.
I watched as she started heading towards the main entrance, and I hesitated. Alright, here goes nothing...!
“Miss-Miss... Miss Chidori...” I said weakly, with hesitation. So much for gathering courage!
She turned slowly and looked at me. She had that troubled look in her eyes, and her body language no doubt screamed that she was exhausted. But I could not let this opportunity pass me by.
“Miss Chidori...” I sighed, looking elsewhere before looking back at her. She still stared at me blankly. “Miss Chidori, I'm sorry for what happened today...”
“Sousuke, don't...” she begged. “I'm tired. I want this day to be over with already.”
“I understand,” I said, stepping forward. Now or never. “Miss Chidori, I think you should have this.” I stuck one of my hand out in her direction, the hand that held to the essay folded in two the whole time.
She looked at me with confusion... baffled. That only encouraged me to move closer towards her. Standing face to face, I took hold of one of her hands, and placed the pages in her hand. “Please take it, Miss Chidori. You must. This will explain things better than I could. I've thought about addressing it with you, but I knew if I did so in person, I would cower and not do a thing.”
She looked into my eyes intently, and I could not help but to look away, slightly embarrassed. “Please, Miss Chidori,” I supplicated. “I believe it is in everyone's interest if you read what has been said in those pages.”
She continued looking deeply into my eyes, looking what, I don't know, but eventually, she nodded and held the pages close to her. Turning around, without saying another word, she walked into the lobby, and waited for the elevator to open. I did not leave until I saw her enter the elevator, and made sure that the elevator had ascended to her floor.
Taking a deep breath, I turned and jay-walked to my own quarters.
This indeed was an awkward position for me. I was never given such an assignment before, and I felt like I was flying blind, not knowing where was going, and what outcome any of my three options would have. If I kept the essay to myself, I knew that the frustration I held inside would remain as such, and things would probably remain the same, save for perhaps a temporal uneasiness between Miss Chidori and I. If I decided to discard the essay, the truth was I wasn't sure if I could've lived with that decision, and the possibility of regret would be present for many days to come. Those, however, were the least of my worries. What if I did give the essay to Miss Chidori? What would her reaction be? To be honest, the things I addressed in that essay weren't things to be taken lightly, and I knew that if Miss Chidori were to read them, she would be the last person to do such thing. Anything was possible. She could hate me for it, she could condemn me for the rest of eternity, or simply become acquainted with my true feelings. If that were to be the case, somehow I felt that our bodyguard-charge relationship would be at stake, but in all reality, somehow I felt that we were beyond that. Yes, it was still my duty to protect her, but there was something between us that went beyond the professional boundaries of a bodyguard-charge relationship.
Additionally, I was also tired of keeping these frustrating feelings that I could not comprehend bottled up. If anything, Miss Chidori had a right to know these things. If I was the one being protected, I would ensure that my bodyguard would always have a clear head, free of distractions, and frustrations that only hindered his ability to perform. Yes, I owed her that courtesy.
“Good night, Sousuke...”
I was snapped back to reality the second I heard her say those words.
We had reached her apartment complex and I didn't even realize it. Definitely! I had to share this information with Miss Chidori.
I watched as she started heading towards the main entrance, and I hesitated. Alright, here goes nothing...!
“Miss-Miss... Miss Chidori...” I said weakly, with hesitation. So much for gathering courage!
She turned slowly and looked at me. She had that troubled look in her eyes, and her body language no doubt screamed that she was exhausted. But I could not let this opportunity pass me by.
“Miss Chidori...” I sighed, looking elsewhere before looking back at her. She still stared at me blankly. “Miss Chidori, I'm sorry for what happened today...”
“Sousuke, don't...” she begged. “I'm tired. I want this day to be over with already.”
“I understand,” I said, stepping forward. Now or never. “Miss Chidori, I think you should have this.” I stuck one of my hand out in her direction, the hand that held to the essay folded in two the whole time.
She looked at me with confusion... baffled. That only encouraged me to move closer towards her. Standing face to face, I took hold of one of her hands, and placed the pages in her hand. “Please take it, Miss Chidori. You must. This will explain things better than I could. I've thought about addressing it with you, but I knew if I did so in person, I would cower and not do a thing.”
She looked into my eyes intently, and I could not help but to look away, slightly embarrassed. “Please, Miss Chidori,” I supplicated. “I believe it is in everyone's interest if you read what has been said in those pages.”
She continued looking deeply into my eyes, looking what, I don't know, but eventually, she nodded and held the pages close to her. Turning around, without saying another word, she walked into the lobby, and waited for the elevator to open. I did not leave until I saw her enter the elevator, and made sure that the elevator had ascended to her floor.
Taking a deep breath, I turned and jay-walked to my own quarters.
----
I was dumbfounded, to say the least. Sousuke, taking the initiative and giving me his essay. He truly was an enigma... always so unpredictable. I stepped out of the elevator and walked to my apartment. Absentmindedly, I dropped my book bag to the side and took off my shoes as I closed the door behind me. I sat on the couch, Sousuke's essay still clutched in my hands. I looked at the papers, two pages in total, folded in half, a couple of moist spots here and there. I smiled softly. He must've been really nervous and sweating... as usual. Typical.With trembling hands, I unfolded the pages and immediately noticed the sloppy written characters—undoubtedly, this was Sousuke's handwriting.
Taking a deep breath, I began reading:
My SituationTaking a deep breath, I began reading:
By Sousuke Sagara
Despite my dismal progress in adapting to civilian society in Japan, there are a few things I must address before I decide to change my mind. Over all, my performance in carrying out my mission has been adequate, not exactly exceptional. This is a result of my failure to properly judge unexpected situations, something that Miss Chidori has pointed out repeatedly, but for whatever reason I have utterly neglected to grasp. Miss Chidori has stood by my side faithfully, teaching me, showing me how things work in the civilian world, patiently waiting to see the result of all her hard work. Regretfully, I have but managed to disappoint her each and every time. My situation is a very unique one; where I must adapt while protecting her life from any and all possible harm that may come her way. (The reasons for protecting her are classified and I cannot disclose further information on the matter.)
Many times I find myself being pulled from all sorts of different directions, and to bear with it is not an easy task. On one side, I have certain obligations overseas which regularly require my combat expertise, forcing me to constantly travel back and forth from Tokyo to different areas of the world under turmoil. Because of the continual recall, not only do my school grades suffer severely, but most importantly, Miss Chidori is practically left unprotected—something which troubles me beyond description. When this happens, deep down I feel that I am failing her somehow, but in my situation, being pulled from so many different places is at the moment beyond my control.
Another situation which I find incredibly frustrating is learning to understand my feelings. Before coming to Tokyo, this had not been a problem. Being detached from my personal feelings was second nature, inevitably helping me to always keep focused on any task at hand and impartial, but most importantly, proficient. My only worries were to accomplish the mission successfully, and move on to the next. Though many people think the world of war is confusing and difficult, it is simple and straightforward as long as the mind is kept clear, detached and free of emotions. There are only two options: life or death. A world with feelings, on the other hand, proves to be frustrating, difficult, without simple, straightforward explanations to all its different phenomenons. Everything is inferred, never clear, and worse yet, you are expected to know the way it works the second you're thrown in it. In a world of feelings, the rules are obvious to everyone but me. With Miss Chidori, I've learned some of them as I went along, but it has not been an easy task. I'm used to a world where things are explained clearly, where the picture is clear, where there are steps to follow in order to accomplish any given objective. I'm used to living in a world where everything has a clear explanation; where the answers are found in a manual depending on what you're asking. This other world... the civilian world, everything is so vague and inconsistent; rules are constantly changing and filled with loopholes, and you are expected to know them all, and continuously adapt, and the second things change, you are expected to notice that change the second it happens. Well, it is not easy. It never has been, and I don't think it will ever be for me. But I will prevail... it's the least I can do for all that Miss Chidori has done for me... the last thing I would want her to think is that all her hard work has been in vain. On the contrary, I am eternally grateful. And for that, the rule will never change.
On the same token, the civilian world has its benefits. While in the world of the battlefield choices are scarce, the civilian world is full of possibilities. Freedom is a right, while in the battlefield it's a privilege and seldom present. In the battlefield we must fight for freedom, for a chance at seeing the light of another day. Freedom has to be earned. And to be earned, survival is imperative, of course. This is not an easy task. These are some of the many reasons why it is difficult to adapt. Coming to a world that is completely contrasted to the only one I've known to is hard to assimilate. When all my life I've lived in a world where looking behind your back is second nature and assessing your surroundings was an essential step in securing your life, coming to a world where all these rules are obsolete and don't apply leaves me in a bind. Therefore, I react the only way I know how to. Adapt to my situation based on the principles of battlefield... it is, after all, all I know. That, perhaps, is the reason why Miss Chidori is so fond of calling me “clueless.” Indeed, I am clueless in her world. I have no other choice but to succumb to all the names she calls me, for after all, they seem to fit me perfectly. I don't mind as much anymore, though. I've become accustomed to them, and I've accepted my fate. I shall be her number one idiot.
Idiot, jerk, moron, stupid, useless, military maniac, dimwit, clueless, dense... those are just to point out a few of the very colorful names Miss Chidori has in her book of “endless insults for Sousuke Sagara.” Should I feel flattered that I have my own book? Ha! Well, at least I have a book! But despite all this, Miss Chidori has a way of reaching the depths of my soul and touching me in a way I find impossible to describe. She was the only one capable of reviving my humanity... the one who provided me strength in times of despair. She was the one who showed me how to live once again when deep inside I was dormant, if not dead. Her smile provides me with the will to go on, to believe that beyond all the suffering and turmoil of the world, there are things in life that are worth living for. She showed me that the little things in life make everything we live for worthwhile and irreplaceable. Miss Chidori has shown me the value of life, and whatever beauty the world actually possesses. She has shown me that living is not only about survival but enjoying life's rewards. She has shown me that it is okay to embrace my feelings, as opposed to shutting them down. She has provided me with irreplaceable memories that I shall carry in me and protect for the rest of my days. Just looking at her living, enjoying life, sharing moments with her friends—and occasionally with me—makes my desire to provide superior protection much stronger... possibly beyond what I could truly provide. It... it makes her the most important part of my life, the part I am willing to die for. Her presence, her everything, if she allows it, is the most valuable thing I possess. Being with her, I feel at peace, and yet, ready at a moment's notice to destroy anything in my path that could cause her harm or displeasure. Being with Miss Chidori provides me with the desire to adequately balance my wanting to protect her with learning to love life, instead of struggling with it. It is a work in progress, and it is by no means perfect at the moment. I hope—yes, Miss Chidori has also taught me how to hope—that someday I can do both at the same time, to have the perfect balance where I can be efficient and maintain my humanity all at once. Someday....
I looked from the papers in my hand and sighed. I cleared the tears that had been running down my cheeks with my unoccupied hand as I leaned back unceremoniously against the couch backrest.Despite my dismal progress in adapting to civilian society in Japan, there are a few things I must address before I decide to change my mind. Over all, my performance in carrying out my mission has been adequate, not exactly exceptional. This is a result of my failure to properly judge unexpected situations, something that Miss Chidori has pointed out repeatedly, but for whatever reason I have utterly neglected to grasp. Miss Chidori has stood by my side faithfully, teaching me, showing me how things work in the civilian world, patiently waiting to see the result of all her hard work. Regretfully, I have but managed to disappoint her each and every time. My situation is a very unique one; where I must adapt while protecting her life from any and all possible harm that may come her way. (The reasons for protecting her are classified and I cannot disclose further information on the matter.)
Many times I find myself being pulled from all sorts of different directions, and to bear with it is not an easy task. On one side, I have certain obligations overseas which regularly require my combat expertise, forcing me to constantly travel back and forth from Tokyo to different areas of the world under turmoil. Because of the continual recall, not only do my school grades suffer severely, but most importantly, Miss Chidori is practically left unprotected—something which troubles me beyond description. When this happens, deep down I feel that I am failing her somehow, but in my situation, being pulled from so many different places is at the moment beyond my control.
Another situation which I find incredibly frustrating is learning to understand my feelings. Before coming to Tokyo, this had not been a problem. Being detached from my personal feelings was second nature, inevitably helping me to always keep focused on any task at hand and impartial, but most importantly, proficient. My only worries were to accomplish the mission successfully, and move on to the next. Though many people think the world of war is confusing and difficult, it is simple and straightforward as long as the mind is kept clear, detached and free of emotions. There are only two options: life or death. A world with feelings, on the other hand, proves to be frustrating, difficult, without simple, straightforward explanations to all its different phenomenons. Everything is inferred, never clear, and worse yet, you are expected to know the way it works the second you're thrown in it. In a world of feelings, the rules are obvious to everyone but me. With Miss Chidori, I've learned some of them as I went along, but it has not been an easy task. I'm used to a world where things are explained clearly, where the picture is clear, where there are steps to follow in order to accomplish any given objective. I'm used to living in a world where everything has a clear explanation; where the answers are found in a manual depending on what you're asking. This other world... the civilian world, everything is so vague and inconsistent; rules are constantly changing and filled with loopholes, and you are expected to know them all, and continuously adapt, and the second things change, you are expected to notice that change the second it happens. Well, it is not easy. It never has been, and I don't think it will ever be for me. But I will prevail... it's the least I can do for all that Miss Chidori has done for me... the last thing I would want her to think is that all her hard work has been in vain. On the contrary, I am eternally grateful. And for that, the rule will never change.
On the same token, the civilian world has its benefits. While in the world of the battlefield choices are scarce, the civilian world is full of possibilities. Freedom is a right, while in the battlefield it's a privilege and seldom present. In the battlefield we must fight for freedom, for a chance at seeing the light of another day. Freedom has to be earned. And to be earned, survival is imperative, of course. This is not an easy task. These are some of the many reasons why it is difficult to adapt. Coming to a world that is completely contrasted to the only one I've known to is hard to assimilate. When all my life I've lived in a world where looking behind your back is second nature and assessing your surroundings was an essential step in securing your life, coming to a world where all these rules are obsolete and don't apply leaves me in a bind. Therefore, I react the only way I know how to. Adapt to my situation based on the principles of battlefield... it is, after all, all I know. That, perhaps, is the reason why Miss Chidori is so fond of calling me “clueless.” Indeed, I am clueless in her world. I have no other choice but to succumb to all the names she calls me, for after all, they seem to fit me perfectly. I don't mind as much anymore, though. I've become accustomed to them, and I've accepted my fate. I shall be her number one idiot.
Idiot, jerk, moron, stupid, useless, military maniac, dimwit, clueless, dense... those are just to point out a few of the very colorful names Miss Chidori has in her book of “endless insults for Sousuke Sagara.” Should I feel flattered that I have my own book? Ha! Well, at least I have a book! But despite all this, Miss Chidori has a way of reaching the depths of my soul and touching me in a way I find impossible to describe. She was the only one capable of reviving my humanity... the one who provided me strength in times of despair. She was the one who showed me how to live once again when deep inside I was dormant, if not dead. Her smile provides me with the will to go on, to believe that beyond all the suffering and turmoil of the world, there are things in life that are worth living for. She showed me that the little things in life make everything we live for worthwhile and irreplaceable. Miss Chidori has shown me the value of life, and whatever beauty the world actually possesses. She has shown me that living is not only about survival but enjoying life's rewards. She has shown me that it is okay to embrace my feelings, as opposed to shutting them down. She has provided me with irreplaceable memories that I shall carry in me and protect for the rest of my days. Just looking at her living, enjoying life, sharing moments with her friends—and occasionally with me—makes my desire to provide superior protection much stronger... possibly beyond what I could truly provide. It... it makes her the most important part of my life, the part I am willing to die for. Her presence, her everything, if she allows it, is the most valuable thing I possess. Being with her, I feel at peace, and yet, ready at a moment's notice to destroy anything in my path that could cause her harm or displeasure. Being with Miss Chidori provides me with the desire to adequately balance my wanting to protect her with learning to love life, instead of struggling with it. It is a work in progress, and it is by no means perfect at the moment. I hope—yes, Miss Chidori has also taught me how to hope—that someday I can do both at the same time, to have the perfect balance where I can be efficient and maintain my humanity all at once. Someday....
“That idiot...” I whispered sadly. “That stupid jerk...”
For once in my life, I was at a loss for words. After reading that, I didn't know what to think... other than that I loved him all the more. That stupid otaku had a way with words and he didn't even know it! I smiled, thinking about the irony of it. While he had a gift, I was dumbfounded. For once we were playing each other's roles to the teeth.
Suddenly, something dawned on me. What was I still doing sitting there like a moron? Was I expecting him to do all my work for me? I stood up, quickly strolling towards my school bag and fishing for the essay I had written. Instinctively, I ran to the door, jamming my feet into my shoes as fast as I could manage while I walked out my apartment towards the elevator, papers still in hand. I pressed the down button, but the elevator was taking its sweet time.
“Agghrr...!” I roared with frustration and ran towards the stairs... the elevator would have to wait for another day... a day where I wasn't in such a hurry. I ran out my apartment and dashed across the street, briefly looking to see that it was clear before crossing. Skipping the elevator in his own apartment building, I madly skipped stairs as I climbed up, until finally, I reached his door. Knocking like a police officer and out of breath, I waited in front of his door, wondering what was taking so long.
“Sousuke...!” I wailed out of breath.
Immediately after, Sousuke appeared shirtless, drenched in sweat, wearing nothing but a pair of Mithril issue sweatpants. I stared briefly, admiring his very well cut physique and noticing all his battle scars. No doubt, Sousuke practically resembled a Greek god with that knock-out body.
“Miss Chidori...?” he asked confused. “Are you alright?”
Snapping back into reality, I looked at him and sighed, though still a little out of breath. Out of nowhere, my tears began spilling again the second I gazed into his eyes, and the second I felt my tears streaming down my face I threw myself against him, holding him tightly against my own body, disregarding his slippery skin against my arms. “Oh... Sousuke...” I whispered, my voice cracking. “You idiot...”
He stood frozen, not knowing how to react. I sighed impatiently. “Sousuke!”
I felt him flinch against me and I almost smiled. I pulled back enough to look at him. There he stood, stiff like a stone, but his eyes betrayed his emotionless face. He looked at me confused, not knowing what to do.
“Sousuke...!” I repeated menacingly.
“Y-ye-... yes, Miss Chidori?” he stuttered.
“Sousuke, when a girl throws herself at you crying you're supposed to hug back!” I said, sniffing slightly.
He looked at me blankly and I stumped my foot furiously barely missing his own. “SOUSUKE!” I barked.
Immediately after, I felt his arms creep around my waist and I smiled, holding him close to me again. “You clueless idiot...” I muttered as I buried my face against his moist shoulder. Feeling the moisture, I looked up again and looked into his eyes. He looked down at me with an unreadable face. Too many emotions were flashing through his eyes for me to pick them all one by one.
“Sousuke...?”
“Yes, Miss Chidori?” he asked.
“Sousuke, why are you so sweaty?”
“I-I... was doing my afternoon workout routine,” he replied.
“Oh...” I voiced, enjoying the feeling of his arms around me. I smiled at that. There was one way to make him sweat even more. “You know, Sergeant... you really should hug me more often...”
I felt him stiffen against me again and I couldn't help but to giggle.
“Uhh...” he uttered. I was expecting him to take his hands away the second I said that, but he kept them in place.
I grinned at the clueless expression in his face, but then got serious. There were more important things to take care of than to flirt with the stiff sergeant.
“Sousuke...” I said softly, pulling away enough to look at him again. “I read your essay...”
“You did,” he stated looking at me intently, expecting me to continue.
“Yes, Sousuke, I did,” I stated. I looked into his eyes deeply, and taking one my hand from his shoulders, I caressed his cheek softly. “Sousuke... Thank you.”
He looked as deeply into my own eyes. “You're welcome, Miss Chidori... for what, though?”
I smiled at that serious face of his. Sometimes he really could be clueless. “For everything, Sousuke. For everything you've done for me, for being you,” I stated.
He smiled faintly. “Hmm... you're welcome, I guess.”
I smiled in return. “Thank you for sharing this with me, Sousuke... it really means a lot to me.”
“I'm glad you think so, Miss Chidori.”
“Sousuke...”
“Yes, Miss Chidori?”
“Do me a favor...”
“Anything, Miss Chidori...”
I looked into his eyes seriously. “Stop calling me 'Miss Chidori'... I'm your friend, Sousuke, we've been friends for years... call me Kaname.”
“Very well, Kaname,” he voiced. “Though please be patient with me... it will take some getting used to.”
I laughed at that. “Knowing you, Sousuke, I would need the patience of a saint!”
“You are a saint.”
“What?” I asked surprised.
He stiffened again. “Nothing, Kaname! Please disregard.”
“Disregard, my ass, Sousuke... I know what I heard,” I said knowingly, smiling at him.
This time, he smiled... a true genuine, full smile. “Very well, Kaname,” he said. Then his embrace loosened around me. For some reason, the second he did that, I felt a great sense of loss.
“Would you like to come in, Miss—Kaname, I mean.”
I grinned. What else could I do... I knew it wouldn't take him long to screw up. “Sure,” I said.
He released me completely this time, and stood aside to let me in. I walked in, kicking my shoes off in the process. His apartment was as bare as ever, only having the essential... that is, of course, essential by Sousuke's standards.
He closed the door behind him and we both walked into his living room. Once there, I turned around and faced him. “Sousuke...?”
“Yes?”
Offering him to take the papers I had in my hand, I said: “You should read mine, Sousuke.”
He looked at me questionably and I continued. “I read yours, Sousuke, it's only fair you read mine.”
He shook his head. “That is not necessary, Kaname. You should not feel obligated to share yours with me. I did it because I wanted to, because I needed to.”
“But that's just it, Sousuke... I want you to read it.”
He looked at me with seriousness... more than what he usually wore. “Are you sure, Miss—Kaname?”
“I'm sure,” I voiced confidently, disregarding yet another blunder of his.
He walked up to me and took the papers from my hand. I turned towards the balcony and walked towards it. “You might need some privacy. I'll be out here while you read it. I read yours alone, and I should return you the courtesy, I think,” I stated.
He nodded. “Very well.”
I walked out to the balcony and looked at the sky line, hoping his reaction would be a positive one.
For once in my life, I was at a loss for words. After reading that, I didn't know what to think... other than that I loved him all the more. That stupid otaku had a way with words and he didn't even know it! I smiled, thinking about the irony of it. While he had a gift, I was dumbfounded. For once we were playing each other's roles to the teeth.
Suddenly, something dawned on me. What was I still doing sitting there like a moron? Was I expecting him to do all my work for me? I stood up, quickly strolling towards my school bag and fishing for the essay I had written. Instinctively, I ran to the door, jamming my feet into my shoes as fast as I could manage while I walked out my apartment towards the elevator, papers still in hand. I pressed the down button, but the elevator was taking its sweet time.
“Agghrr...!” I roared with frustration and ran towards the stairs... the elevator would have to wait for another day... a day where I wasn't in such a hurry. I ran out my apartment and dashed across the street, briefly looking to see that it was clear before crossing. Skipping the elevator in his own apartment building, I madly skipped stairs as I climbed up, until finally, I reached his door. Knocking like a police officer and out of breath, I waited in front of his door, wondering what was taking so long.
“Sousuke...!” I wailed out of breath.
Immediately after, Sousuke appeared shirtless, drenched in sweat, wearing nothing but a pair of Mithril issue sweatpants. I stared briefly, admiring his very well cut physique and noticing all his battle scars. No doubt, Sousuke practically resembled a Greek god with that knock-out body.
“Miss Chidori...?” he asked confused. “Are you alright?”
Snapping back into reality, I looked at him and sighed, though still a little out of breath. Out of nowhere, my tears began spilling again the second I gazed into his eyes, and the second I felt my tears streaming down my face I threw myself against him, holding him tightly against my own body, disregarding his slippery skin against my arms. “Oh... Sousuke...” I whispered, my voice cracking. “You idiot...”
He stood frozen, not knowing how to react. I sighed impatiently. “Sousuke!”
I felt him flinch against me and I almost smiled. I pulled back enough to look at him. There he stood, stiff like a stone, but his eyes betrayed his emotionless face. He looked at me confused, not knowing what to do.
“Sousuke...!” I repeated menacingly.
“Y-ye-... yes, Miss Chidori?” he stuttered.
“Sousuke, when a girl throws herself at you crying you're supposed to hug back!” I said, sniffing slightly.
He looked at me blankly and I stumped my foot furiously barely missing his own. “SOUSUKE!” I barked.
Immediately after, I felt his arms creep around my waist and I smiled, holding him close to me again. “You clueless idiot...” I muttered as I buried my face against his moist shoulder. Feeling the moisture, I looked up again and looked into his eyes. He looked down at me with an unreadable face. Too many emotions were flashing through his eyes for me to pick them all one by one.
“Sousuke...?”
“Yes, Miss Chidori?” he asked.
“Sousuke, why are you so sweaty?”
“I-I... was doing my afternoon workout routine,” he replied.
“Oh...” I voiced, enjoying the feeling of his arms around me. I smiled at that. There was one way to make him sweat even more. “You know, Sergeant... you really should hug me more often...”
I felt him stiffen against me again and I couldn't help but to giggle.
“Uhh...” he uttered. I was expecting him to take his hands away the second I said that, but he kept them in place.
I grinned at the clueless expression in his face, but then got serious. There were more important things to take care of than to flirt with the stiff sergeant.
“Sousuke...” I said softly, pulling away enough to look at him again. “I read your essay...”
“You did,” he stated looking at me intently, expecting me to continue.
“Yes, Sousuke, I did,” I stated. I looked into his eyes deeply, and taking one my hand from his shoulders, I caressed his cheek softly. “Sousuke... Thank you.”
He looked as deeply into my own eyes. “You're welcome, Miss Chidori... for what, though?”
I smiled at that serious face of his. Sometimes he really could be clueless. “For everything, Sousuke. For everything you've done for me, for being you,” I stated.
He smiled faintly. “Hmm... you're welcome, I guess.”
I smiled in return. “Thank you for sharing this with me, Sousuke... it really means a lot to me.”
“I'm glad you think so, Miss Chidori.”
“Sousuke...”
“Yes, Miss Chidori?”
“Do me a favor...”
“Anything, Miss Chidori...”
I looked into his eyes seriously. “Stop calling me 'Miss Chidori'... I'm your friend, Sousuke, we've been friends for years... call me Kaname.”
“Very well, Kaname,” he voiced. “Though please be patient with me... it will take some getting used to.”
I laughed at that. “Knowing you, Sousuke, I would need the patience of a saint!”
“You are a saint.”
“What?” I asked surprised.
He stiffened again. “Nothing, Kaname! Please disregard.”
“Disregard, my ass, Sousuke... I know what I heard,” I said knowingly, smiling at him.
This time, he smiled... a true genuine, full smile. “Very well, Kaname,” he said. Then his embrace loosened around me. For some reason, the second he did that, I felt a great sense of loss.
“Would you like to come in, Miss—Kaname, I mean.”
I grinned. What else could I do... I knew it wouldn't take him long to screw up. “Sure,” I said.
He released me completely this time, and stood aside to let me in. I walked in, kicking my shoes off in the process. His apartment was as bare as ever, only having the essential... that is, of course, essential by Sousuke's standards.
He closed the door behind him and we both walked into his living room. Once there, I turned around and faced him. “Sousuke...?”
“Yes?”
Offering him to take the papers I had in my hand, I said: “You should read mine, Sousuke.”
He looked at me questionably and I continued. “I read yours, Sousuke, it's only fair you read mine.”
He shook his head. “That is not necessary, Kaname. You should not feel obligated to share yours with me. I did it because I wanted to, because I needed to.”
“But that's just it, Sousuke... I want you to read it.”
He looked at me with seriousness... more than what he usually wore. “Are you sure, Miss—Kaname?”
“I'm sure,” I voiced confidently, disregarding yet another blunder of his.
He walked up to me and took the papers from my hand. I turned towards the balcony and walked towards it. “You might need some privacy. I'll be out here while you read it. I read yours alone, and I should return you the courtesy, I think,” I stated.
He nodded. “Very well.”
I walked out to the balcony and looked at the sky line, hoping his reaction would be a positive one.