Ronin Warriors Fan Fiction ❯ Gifts & Appreciation ❯ - chapter one ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Yoroiden Samurai Troopers.
That would be Sunrise / Bandai, Nagoya TV, and Sony.

Gifts & Appreciation

- chapter one
by: WingsofSakon

It was a special day for Nasuti. She was finally coming back after visiting home for nearly two years. Which was a long time for them. Unfortunately, the only boys home where Seiji and Shin. Seiji agreed to stay and be the 'official house sitter' and Shin took the opportunity to stay behind with him. Insisting that no one should be alone. And that such a place would keep him more than busy. As for Ryo, Shuu and Touma, they all had their own agendas. Although, Seiji never really delved into them. Their business was their own and the house was always there with open arms to them. Besides, he knew Shin always kept track of them. Probably better than their immediate families did.

And early on this day. His redheaded friend tweeted around him like a little sparrow. Happily anticipating her return. His plan... to welcome her home with a small party and gift.

Shin hadn't entirely told him what he had in mind or if he even had anything in mind. He just blindly went along. Although, after passing a few questionable shops along the way. He was starting to wonder just where Shin was taking him.

Until another block went by he had finally had enough. "Shin, where are on earth are you taking me?"

Shin cleared his throat to be heard over the voices of passing people and answered. "I thought we would find Nasuti's coming home present here." He said as he stopped at a door, pointing at it.

"What's in there... " Seiji asked as he examined the outside.

"Don't judge me... " Shin said in pause. "Its a make your own jewelry store. You can pick your own material. Which are all raw."

"Raw-but she's going to be home tonight. Doesn't it take time to process?"

"Don't poke holes in it." Shin pleaded. "I am sure not everything is completely raw. What kind of supply and demand would that be. Will you just come in and look? I really didn't want to do this alone. I wanted it to be from the both of us." Seiji shrugged in compliance and followed him in.

Where he found himself surrounded with tons of different materials. From wires, chords, straps, spools, clasps and connections to trinkets and stones. Far more charms than anyone could sanely sort through. Boxes and Tupperware lined the shelves, walls filled with premade projects. He was slightly surprised at how quiet the cluttered shop was. And thought perhaps Shin had unknowingly chosen a price gouger. But he let himself get tugged through it by his sleeve.

"I was thinking she might like something simple. Like this... " Shin said as he pointed out a dainty braided bracelet with jade stones wrapped throughout. Seiji nodded.

"Or do you think she would like something like this?" He added as he pointed out a pair of earrings. Cute kittens dangling at the ends. Seiji shrugged.

"A ring perhaps?"

Seiji realized he had no idea what he was looking for and that's why he was really there.

"I am not sure, maybe, earrings. Not those." Shin nodded and moved along the aisle. "Something a bit more classy." Seiji added.

"Is there something I can help you find?" A lady's soft voice asked grabbing their attention.

"Yes." Shin said happy for more help. "We were looking for a pair of earrings as a gift, classy and simple."

She smiled at him and held her hand in one direction. "Over there is our pre-made earrings. We have many different styles to chose from." Then held her hand in the other direction. "This is our personalization station. Where you can actually create your own. Or if you like we can take everything you pick out and put it together for you. You can pick it up at a later date. You can chose from anything you see."

Seiji could see that Shin was a bit overwhelmed and decided to step in. "We sort of needed it today. Is there a big waiting list to do it ourselves?"

The lady shook her head. "A young lady is just finishing up. I am sure by the time you pick out your materials you could get started."

"We'll do that." Shin said.

"Great." The lady said as she found a small container and gave it to Shin. "Take your time, there's lots to see."

"Excuse me... " Seiji said before she could slip away. "I was told you have raw materials to choose from?"

She nodded. "Yes, we actually do. Although, since we tumble everything ourselves. You wouldn't be able to get them by the end of the day. But, they are over there." She said directing them to a corner of the store by the window. "It just depends on how big of stone or stones you intend to use."

Shin nodded letting her know he understood. As she left Shin sighed slightly. "Well, I guess you were right."

"It wouldn't hurt to look." Seiji said feeling a little bad and led him over to the corner.

"I would have planned better but i didn't even think of this until the other day."

Seiji grazed across what seemed like a field of different stones. Varying in shapes, colors and sizes. Each one with their own kind of sparkle and shine, some with none. It was almost like they had a personality all their own. He kind of had a pang of guilt to see something with a life of its own tumbled into some one else's sense of beauty.

He could hear Shin saying something about sorting through them but it was a haze behind his own thoughts. He had seen stones, gems and rocks before. But for some reason this time they demanded his attention. As if they wanted to be admired and noticed. Touched and handled. They intently led him along until a sparkle caught his eye.

It had to have been a display piece. Too big to put in a ring, earrings or bracelet. Well, if not to be too gaudy anyway. He picked it up to look at it. Holding it in the natural light. A warmth of sunlight washed through it. Lighting up tiny flecks inside and sparkling out beams of an enchanted dance. like tiny pixies playfully romping around the forest.

Seiji smiled softly at its beauty as he continued to gaze through to the other side. He was slightly taken back holding his breath when he seen Shin standing on the other side. The lights shinning off him in the brilliance of the sun. Almost as if he was actually the center of the stone and was just a moment in time.

"I think it might best to pick from the other merchandise." Shin said shattering Seiji's moment of fantasy.

"Sure, I'll be right there." Seiji said as Shin went back to the small charms. Taking a moment to give the stone one more glance. Seiji had an urge to see if it was for sale. Although, as soon as Shin found something he was quickly called over. Leaving the stone and its fascination to slip away.

They finally agreed on a plain studded pair. That had a dainty sparkle to them. They were a little disappointed to go into a customary store and not create their own. But they really seemed to suit her and stood out from all the rest. Seiji happily went in halves on it with his friend. And they both felt proud of themselves for finding such a piece. And hoped she would like it as much as they appreciated her.

On the way home they stopped at a nice little restaurant dockside. Where they could sit and enjoy the ocean as they had their lunch.

"It will be so nice to have Nasuti home." Shin said as he picked through his food a bit. It was something that always caught Seiji's attention. "I promise there is no fish in it." Seiji said distracted by it.

Shin nodded. "I know its... just a habit. I trust you. There's a shop on the way out of the city I want to stop at. I need to pick up some streamers." Shin said continuing in thought.

"Streamers?... a welcome home sign and gift isn't enough?"

"Of course not. Come on, Seiji, I been saving up for this anyway."

"Alright, alright. Any other stops?"

Shin shook his head. It wasn't long before Shin grew quiet and set his food down.

"Are you alright?" Seiji asked concerned.

"I don't feel good." Shin said as he wiped dampness from his brow. Growing even more pale as he shifted in his seat.

"Is it your food?" The blond stated as he grabbed his portion and tasted bits of it.

"Oh-I don't know, maybe.... I think I have to use the bathroom."

"Alright, I will wait here don't rush yourself." Seiji said as he watched Shin scatter off out of sight.

Seiji tasted more of Shins food finding nothing wrong with it. Then went back to his own. Finding nothing wrong with that either he slowly finished it. When more time had passed and Shin hadn't returned he grew more concerned. "perhaps I should have gone with him." Seiji said to himself out loud.

He waited a little longer and decided to go check on him. He found the restroom located behind the building. Men's room holding only a few stalls that were a little more than snug. "Shin?... Are you in here?" Seiji asked through the room.

It took a few moments, but a small voice from the farthest stall rang out. "Here… "

Seiji walked over to it and lowered his voice trying to draw less attention to them. "Are you okay?"

"Um…. "

"Shin?"

"I-I seriously don't think so." His voice cracked a bit.

"Let me in." Seiji said in a hurried concern. Pushing the door making it rattle a bit. Shin didn't open the door. "Let me in Shin or I will find a way on my own." He threatened. "Let me in!" He demanded frantically when he didn't get an immediate response.

"Give me a minute, I am freaking out, okay!" Shin spat out with a whimper. And after a few seconds the latch unlocked and Shin peeked from the other side of the door.

"What's wrong?" Seiji asked a little more calm trying to get a better look at him.

Shin hesitated. "I am… Seiji, I got a problem." He said trying not to cry.

"Shin, just tell me what's wrong. Let me help you."

Shin whispered something through the door. "What?" Seiji asked getting the whisper again. "Shin… I cant hear you."

Shin reached out and grabbed the blonde by the arm. Jutting his frame into the stall with him and quickly shutting the door latching it. Seiji was getting more and more worried. "What's going on? Do I need to find a phone?"

Shin took a few moments but finally turned around to face his friend. "I got a problem…" He whispered and pointed to his chest. "I am freaking out-what the hells wrong with me?!" Shin said starting to lose it as he exposed a now tightly fitted and a bit ripped sweater. Seiji's jaw dropped in udder shock. It was one of the few times Shin may have seen a tinge of fear on his face. "That's not helping!" Shin said as he wrapped his arms around himself trying to cover up his new and rather gifted endowments. "Help me." He added.

It took a few but Seiji managed to find a little coherent thought. "Breasts… What-How, just now??"

Shin scowled. "No, twenty minutes ago I just managed to keep them under wraps till now. I don't know how- why or if I should even - should I go to the ER??? I don't know what to do!"

"I don't know either." Seiji exclaimed.

"This hurts." Shin said as he tugged at his shirt. "Too tight." He whined as he struggled with it.

A loud pounding on their door made them jump out of their skin. "Hey!! go do that some where else! Other people need to use this too you know!!" A stranger scolded as Shin shirt ripped more fabric from his tugging.

Seiji frustrated yelled back. "Wait your turn!!" And began to pull his blazer off.

The guy pounded on the door again. Seiji reached over to Shin and ripped the shirt halfway down and quickly covered him up with his blazer. "Now stop messing with it. We will figure this out at home." Seiji said as he started pushing Shin out the door. He didn't have time to take notice of the shock and embarrassment on the redheads face or the condemning looks from the stranger as they rushed out the room and to the car. Where he intended to get Shin home as quickly as possible.

Seiji tried not to let anything cloud his mind as he made his way home. Pushing out any: thoughts, fears and questions. Until he could handle them in calm and peace. His attention to Shin only returning when they reached the drive way.

"We're here." Seiji said as he looked over at his friend. Who was piled into the corner of the seat sobbing into the blazer. "We will figure this out. It's going to be okay." He assured softly. "Come on… lets go inside." Seiji said as he got out and then helped Shin into the house.

Getting him inside Seiji took a moment to breathe. "I'll make some tea."

"What? Tea?"

"Yes, what do you want me to do?"

"Help me!"

"I am going to make tea. Go change and come join me. We need to calm down, relax and think this through. I don't want this to get worse than it already is." Seiji said as collected as he could be.

Shin growled as he stomped away.

Seiji took his time and set down with a couple of hot cups of tea at the table. He was beginning to get concerned because he should have been back down by now. When he did. He came back quietly. Dressed in one of Nasuti's black, v-cut shirts.

Seiji didn't want to say anything, but couldn't help it. He delicately asked. "Bra?"

Shin didn't look at him as he sipped his cup. Slightly shook his head. "Didn't fit, I don't think."

"Well… I don't think it was anything you ate, or it would have happened to me also." Seiji said trying to move on. "All I can think of is it's a hormone imbalance." He said rationalizing.

"Imbalance?... What am I heckle and hide?"

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I don't know, maybe." Seiji considered it as he looked at him. Still thrown back by Shin's new figure. Figure… "Shin… is the rest of you, normal?"

"Normal nothings normal! Everything is all screwed up! We should call Touma."

"I am trying to help you! Do you really want anyone else to know about this? I will call anyone you want. We can call: Touma, your sister, Shuu, I can call the local news team if you want."

"Okay-okay… I am sorry." Shin said defeated and was quiet a minute or two. "If I poofed into this. You think I can you know… poof back?"

"Who's to say you won't poof back again. And then what if it's only one or two poofs? what if there is no more poofs and you're stuck either way?"

A look of horror waved over Shins face.

"I am not saying that's what is going to happen. We don't even know if it is a possibility. Now look. I don't have Touma's IQ. I can call him. Is that what you want?"

Shin sighed. "Even if you call him. He'd probably just think it's a joke or something. What am I going to do I can't be seen like this. Let alone keep wearing Nasuti's clothes. She notices when some one takes her socks. And they look just like ours! Oh-my-god…. Nasuti… she'll be home soon. Seiji!!"

"Shhh-calm down. You think maybe you could just hold up in your room a few days?"

"Do you really think Nasuti will not notice I am not around?"

Seiji nodded understanding that wasn't going to work. "How are you feeling… otherwise? Should I bring you to the doctor?? should I be worried?"

"I am… a little nauseas feeling but its subsiding."

"First thing is first then. Are we agreeing to wait a couple days before seeking any kind of help? And try to figure this out on our own." Shin nodded in agreement. "First sign of any sickness… ANY-you tell me and we bring you in for medical help." Shin nodded again. "A couple days and we still have no head way we call Touma?"

"Alright." Shin agreed. "What about Nasuti?"

To be continued….