Chapter Text
KURO languidly opens his eyes to see REI’s worried visage looking down at him. He tries to say something, anything to assuage her concerns, but finds his body unresponsive, and he simply closes his eyes again, slowly, quietly….REI takes her head into her bosom and cradles it, giving it the occasional pat.
REI:
No need to worry my little coffee bean, I’ll nurse you back to health, so please just stay with me.
She nuzzles him before turning to glare at SHIRO who is getting acquainted with the mini fridge in his friend’s dorm room.
REI:
Excuse me, but I believe this should be your job, no?
SHIRO leans back from the fridge, a bottle of soda in his right hand, and a rather blasé expression.
SHIRO:
You’re doing fine.
REI frowns and thoughtlessly drops KURO’s head back upon his futon.
REI:
While I am not opposed to the whole “tsundere” angle, this is a time of great importance in your relationship! What if he doesn’t pull through this?
SHIRO closes the fridge with a notable slam and marches over to REI, stopping mere inches away from her slightly taller face. Today she’s wearing a white, sleeveless frilly top, a beige skirt and on the other side of the room are opened toed wedge sandals (an indication of a complex towards her petite size)–her hair is done up in a high pony tail that accentuated with a pink ribbon, with matching choker. Meanwhile SHIRO is in his red vest and shorts seen during his B.H.B adventures, indicating this is a day off from school that poor KURO seems to have gotten the bad end of as he is sick, but of course with friends like his, things can definitely get worse. SHIRO gives REI an evil glare as he crosses his arms.
SHIRO:
For the record, I’m all about free love and being with whomever you want despite gender or whatever, but I really need you to understand that Kuro and I do not swing that way, no matter how much you want that to be true.
REI sneers at him.
REI:
Denial is not a pretty thing, dear pup. Wasn’t it you who was jealous of Kuro and I’s relationship? If you don’t “swing that way” why would you care about what it is we do?
SHIRO:
Fuming.
I don’t care! It’s just seeing you hang all over him is sickening!
REI:
Singsong.
Sounds like a jilted lover to meeeee~
SHIRO:
YOU TAKE THAT BACK.
REI:
Why don’t you try and make me? I’d wager that I’d have the advantage considering what happened the last time we had a bout.
SHIRO rolls up his already short sleeves and points at REI.
SHIRO:
Ooooooh, now it’s on, sister. I’ve been itching for a rematch with you since then, and I don’t intend to hold back!
One can almost feel the electricity sparking between the two as they prepare to leap upon each other until KURO coughs and extends his arm.
KURO:
Weakly.
Guys, please, don’t fight.
SHIRO is in mid lunge, but REI turns away to be at KURO’s side, leaving him to crash into the opposite wall.
REI:
Of course, my midnight baby! Anything you say!
KURO turns to REI who grasps his hand.
KURO:
I’d really like it if the two of you could get…along…
KURO’s hand slips from her grasp and he is completely still. REI’s hands go to her mouth and she leans over his body.
REI:
Kuro? Kuro! Please don’t go, Kuro!
SHIRO pulls his head out of a closet and gives REI an evil look.
SHIRO:
Dammit…..
A little while later KURO is in the base infirmary resting as a female bomber doctor speaks to REI and SHIRO.
DOCTOR:
He’ll be fine with a little medicine and bed rest, no need to worry.
REI:
Oh thank goodness doctor! We were ever so worried about him!
She shoots a pointed look at SHIRO who scowls and turns away.
DOCTOR:
One thing bothers me….it’s just a normal cold but his immune system seems to be taxed as if something’s been stressing him out lately.
SHIRO and REI both sweat nervously at this.
DOCTOR:
Would you two know anything?
BOTH:
Nope! Nothing at all!
The doctor gives them a look as they both go to great lengths not to look at her.
DOCTOR:
I…see. Well, you’re welcome to wait here for a bit, but that might be a bit boring. Maybe you should take a walk around and check back in later?
SHIRO and REI exchange glances and sigh.
BOTH:
I guess so.
Opening theme: As long as I am me….
Is it because I am me, that I know powerlessness and loneliness?
If I were someone else, would I still have experienced misfortune?
Would shooting stars in the sky and the moon in the skies look different from another’s point of view?
The dreams and wishes I’ve embraced hard enough to break –would they still be as meaningful?
The little things; my height complex, stubbornness, and how I wear my heart on my sleeve,
Are all a part of me. Light at times, heavy at others, but never more than I can shoulder.
I know I face forward only because I don’t want others to see these tears of frustration,
And I run forward --I’m too stubborn and prideful to give up, because until the end I will be me.
Tripping and falling along the way only means I have a new starting point to begin.
The soil I kick up as I run is the only time I’ll stop and smell the flowers.
As long as I am me, even if others snicker under their breath, I won’t stop, and won’t be stopped.
Episode 11: Transaction Trouble.
Although the part of Bomber star where SHIRO lives is out in the country, there is a sprawling metropolis where the modern meets the chic. –Diamond City. The Base is located not too far from the capital full of sprawling architecture and the conveniences of modern technology, but is still far off from SHIRO’s quiet life in the self-described boonies. It is here that he and REI stroll down the street to pass some time while they wait for KURO to recover, but after a bit of this they come to a realization…
SHIRO:
…Do we really have to hang out?
REI peers over at SHIRO and blows air thoughtfully.
REI:
No….no, I suppose we don’t.
An awkward silence passes by them as they stand silently and watch people –bombers and other alien species alike go about their business.
SHIRO:
So, um, I guess we can go our separate ways then?
REI:
….That would be the plan, I suppose.
More silence, as the two both wearily look at each other, and remember KURO’s words to them.
KURO:
I’d really like it if the two of you could get…along…
SHIRO and REI both groan.
BOTH:
Thinking.
The guilt is killing meeeeeeeee.
SHIRO glances at REI and turns up his arms.
SHIRO:
Awkwardly.
Well, I mean, I guess I’ve got nothing else going on today so if you wanna do something…
REI crosses her arms and gives SHIRO a sneer.
REI:
Oh? Who’s to say I’m available? Did you perchance make an assumption that I have nothing to do today, darling?
SHIRO makes a face.
SHIRO:
If you’ve got something to do why are you hanging out here?
REI:
Purely for your benefit. After all, you’ve no friends other than Kuro and I do you?
SHIRO:
That’s not truuuuuuu…
SHIRO holds this note as he thinks of a rebuttal and realizes he has none.
SHIRO:
I’m perfectly able to hang out on my own, thank you! …wait, are you presumptuously calling me a friend?
REI:
I am a friend of Kuro’s, and since he inexplicably seems to enjoy having you as a friend, I suppose I have no choice but to begrudgingly accept your friendship as well.
SHIRO:
You seriously make no sense, you know that? You don’t like me –and the feeling is mutual, but you’re really into this thing where Kuro and I are an item. Moreover you’re basically his girlfriend and---
SHIRO pauses and gives REI a cursory look which she tilts her head and blinks at.
SHIRO:
…I was expecting you to deny that last part.
REI:
Why would I? It is my ultimate aim when all things are said and done. It’s just he’s a little bit slow on the uptake, but nothing worth fighting for comes easily.
REI frowns.
REI:
So you only say that to him for the reaction?
SHIRO:
How would you understand the feelings of bros? Of course I have to mess with him whenever I can!
REI takes her hands and puts them on her face as she swings around excitably, a clear blush on her face.
REI:
Oh no, that’s so cyuuuuute!
SHIRO:
I think I actually understand you less now.
REI calms down and nods.
REI:
You’re definitely perfect for him.
SHIRO sighs and turns away.
SHIRO:
I don’t think I want to understand you.
REI perks up and follows SHIRO as he saunters away.
REI:
I wasn’t kidding when I said I was interested in learning more about the two of you. Apparently your first encounter was at your father’s funeral?
SHIRO pauses and turns around.
SHIRO:
He told you that?
REI nods, her hair bouncing as she does.
SHIRO:
Geez, for someone without a mouth, he sure is talkative….yeah, we met there. My Dad was a cop so his funeral was one attended by all sorts of people. I’d assume you know that he’s from a pretty affluent family, yeah?
REI:
I know this, yes.
SHIRO nods.
SHIRO:
So he came to the funeral and I dunno his reasons, but he practically insisted on being my friend.
SHIRO thinks back on a younger KURO and himself fondly until he realizes REI has a purple notebook with matching pen and is taking notes.
SHIRO:
…Now I don’t feel like talking about this anymore.
REI:
Oh poo.
SHIRO:
You manage to make everything seem really filthy, you know that? More like, when did you two start hanging out?
REI:
Not too long after I came to the base. Like you, he was rather aggressive in befriending me.
SHIRO:
…wait, he came onto you?
REI:
Indeed. It was oh so adorable! I just had no choice but to acquiesce after some time ..and it was a good decision on my part.
SHIRO:
So we’re essentially here because of him, huh….
REI stops and taps her temple in thought.
REI:
I suppose we are.
SHIRO’s stomach growls and he pats it sheepishly.
SHIRO:
Ah, I didn’t actually get anything to eat while in his dorm room, but money’s kinda tight for me right now…
REI:
Don’t you have a doting Grandmother at home?
SHIRO:
….She’s not really doting at the moment.
REI sneers.
REI:
I suppose if you’re willing to make it worth my while, I could feed you.
SHIRO:
…I think I’d rather just wait until I get home, thanks.
REI:
Suit yourself. I’m going to get money from the bank on my own then. You can head home, or watch me eat if that tickles your fancy.
SHIRO growls.
SHIRO:
I guess I could at least hear you out on what’s “worth your while”.
REI smiles and beckons to SHIRO.
REI:
Oh good. I knew you’d see it my way. Come along, pup.
SHIRO:
Do not call me that.
REI ignores him and the two head to a nearby bank to find that the outside ATM is out of order, leaving them no other option but to head in.
SHIRO:
On second thought, I dunno about this.
REI:
Whatever do you mean?
SHIRO:
Haven’t you seen like, every TV show ever? Going into a bank in this situation almost always means that it’s going to be robbed and there’ll be some sorta hostage situation. Why not just use debit?
REI:
Scoffs.
And allow those scalpers a fee? I’d rather die. You just have an overactive imagination, and I’m sure we’ll be absolutely fine. You do want to eat right?
SHIRO groans and follows REI into the bank where he hangs back as REI goes up to make a withdrawal –the bank is unusually busy today which adds to SHIRO’s uneasy mood. Still, he has nothing but empirical evidence from TV shows (and his Dad’s anecdotal stories) to go with so perhaps everything will be fine, maybe. At a teller window nearby, a burly blond haired man wearing a blue electrician’s uniform is conducting business. He has a strange almost hunched over gait, and while he isn’t ugly, his round bulbous nose gives his face a strange and unforgettable quality and that’s without noting the pink shades he wears over his eyes. If one is able to look past all of that, then the two small black and white beings with him also leave an impression. They have antenna on the sides of their heads that are similar to those of bombers, but where bombers don’t have mouths, they do, but their mouths are unnaturally wide and their eyes a vacant purple. The man is apparently having a bit of trouble with a withdrawal and the clerk –an female bomber is trying to gently humor him, but it appears she’s growing only more concerned as their interaction continues.
MAN:
Ugh, how the heck could I forget my PIN? I’m almost positive that was it…
One of the beings beside the man leans over.
BEING:
Hige-hige.
The man seems to understand this….somehow, and becomes irate.
MAN:
Am I getting the numbers transposed!? What, do you think I’m some sort of idiot?!
The clerk laughs nervously.
CLERK:
Sir, maybe you’d like to step out of line and let someone else be helped…
MAN:
What, and have to wait to be served again? Screw that, lady!
He then pauses and gives the lady a once-over.
MAN:
Come to think of it, you’ve been really antsy the whole time I’ve been here…what is it because of my face? Because I look suspicious? Why does everyone jump to the conclusion that I’m up to no good? Sometimes a guy just wants to do business without being harassed…is that too much to ask?
Perhaps because he is a boisterous person by nature, the man doesn’t realize that he is getting louder and his movements could be very easily perceived as threatening. Guards swiftly make their way to where he’s making a scene. The man sees them coming and despite himself makes a dash (with the black and white beings in tow) to the exit where two more guards block his path.
MAN:
Dammitall! I just wanted to take some money out! Why is this happening?!
He stops and moves with surprising speed away from both sets of guards and quickly grabs a nearby girl as a hostage to keep the guards at bay.
MAN:
Stay back or she gets it!
He pauses.
MAN:
….Actually I am pretty good at this aren’t I…
He covers his face with his arm and cries exaggerated tears.
MAN:
That’s nothing to be proud of, dammit!
One of the beings with him makes a face and shrugs his arms.
BEING:
Higehigehigeee.
MAN:
Now things have escalated?! Don’t take that tone with me! You saw what happened, this was inevitable!
The girl he has speaks up.
REI:
I realize I’m a captive audience –literally, but do you think perhaps we could move this along?
MAN:
Oh, yeah, right….uh see the thing is I hadn’t really thought things through after this.
REI:
Sigh.
You demand that they let you through or, I guess you harm me in some way.
MAN:
Pops forehead lightly.
Ah, right, right. Thanks girlie. (To everyone) Back up or the girl gets it!
REI:
Oh that’s good, a good spin on it. It’s very you.
SHIRO who’s nearby makes a sour face.
SHIRO:
DO YOU NOT REALIZE THE SITUATION YOU’RE IN?!
REI:
Scoffs.
If something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.
MAN:
Scoffs.
Right? The ingrate…
SHIRO:
To the man.
DO YOU NOT REALIZE THE SITUATION YOU CAUSED?!
BEING:
Higehigehige.
MAN:
What? My pin isn’t….ah, oh….I did have the numbers transposed. Oopsie.
The guards move in, but the man produces a gun from his pocket and nudges it against REI’s temple.
MAN:
Were you not listening? One wrong move, and this girl’s toast!
REI:
Monotone.
Oh noooo, save meee~
SHIRO:
Thinking.
What angle is she playing here…
He glances around and everyone –patrons and guards alike are frozen in place by this sudden development. He has confidence in his ability to take the man out with a well-placed bomb, but could he do so without harming REI who’s held captive? That’s the problem….
SHIRO:
Thinking.
Putting aside the fact that I’m not even sure she wants to be saved, how can I disable the big guy without fragging them both?
SHIRO considers this for a moment, and comes to an answer.
SHIRO:
Thunder bombs would do it, but how do I start that spark?
SHIRO recalls his conversation with the knights and their annoyingly cryptic hints –so he’d have to find a means to summon them through their interests, right?
SHIRO:
What was Zhael into?
The focus of the people around him right now is on the Man and his captive, but what would Zhael want if she were here? Suddenly it comes to him, although he’s mortified on two fronts.
SHIRO:
I can’t believe it took me this long to realize it…and also, that I have to do that.
SHIRO’s eyes dart around nervously.
SHIRO:
To himself.
I don’t suppose I could wing it somehow, maybe?
Silence.
SHIRO:
Ahhhh, figures. Welp, here we go.
The man slowly steps toward the exit with REI, the latter absentmindedly humming a tune to herself.
MAN:
Um, While I appreciate your help in this whole…ordeal, it’d be nice if you’d act like a more traditional captive?
REI casts him a lazy glance.
REI:
I’ve not been a captive before you see, so pardon me if my conduct isn’t quite up to standard.
MAN:
And I totally get that! But I’m pretty sure people who are in this situation don’t hum offbeat tunes and send texts to their, um…I’m assuming that’s a boyfriend?
REI:
Puffs cheeks.
I’d like it if you didn’t read my texts, kind sir.
MAN:
That’s what gets a rise out of you?! More like I’m not a “kind sir”, I’m Mujoe!
REI:
Ah, well a pleasure to meet you, Mujoe.
MUJOE:
Likewise….NOT! Seriously what’s wrong with you?!
Their conversation is cut short by a chair clattering against a desk. Everyone looks up and their eyes meet SHIRO’s as he is in a pose on top of a desk –leaning downward with his face in his hand and his other arm high in the air.
MUJOE:
What the heck is he doing?
REI:
I’m not sure, but it’s oddly…fabulous.
SHIRO slowly stands up straight and opens his eyes dramatically.
SHIRO:
Do I have your attention, dear audience?
Scanning the room he sees all eyes are on him.
SHIRO:
Very good. Because this is where the real show starts.
SHIRO wills a bomb into existence, this time imagining the eyes of all of the audience on him as he does. To his surprise the flame aura that usually dances within the corners of his eyes dissipates and returns as a white flash of thunder and lightning. He takes a cursory glance behind and can swear that for just a second he can see Zhael forming the thunder bomb for him with an approving wink, however when he blinks her visage is gone and the thunder bomb –like times past is in his hand. The clientele in the bank are surprised by this and murmur amongst themselves, wondering just what kind of ability SHIRO has.
SHIRO:
Thinking.
It actually worked? I managed to create a thunder bomb?! Moreover I did it without needing that asshole to help me!
It takes all of SHIRO’s restraint to not leap in the air and cheer.
SHIRO:
Thinking.
Oh, right, right, I’m kind of busy with a thing –but best believe I’m going to shove this in that idiot’s face when I see him again.
To MUJOE.
Now, I’d recommend you let that girl go, or Imma bring the house down on you.
MUJOE:
What the hell man!? How did you do that just now?
SHIRO:
So you’re not gonna listen huh? Then let’s do this.
MUJOE:
Wait! I didn’t say….
SHIRO tosses the thunder bomb at MUJOE and it goes off after a few moments, but what he hadn’t anticipated is just how much bang he was going to get for his buck. When the bomb explodes, lighting expands and covers the entire room, destroying paperwork, frying chairs, and eventually shutting down all of the electricity in the room leaving everyone in darkness save for the sunlight filtering in from outside.
SHIRO:
….that didn’t work out the way I envisioned it.
MUJOE:
Ya think?!
BEING:
Higehigehigeehige!
MUJOE:
Oh right, yeah we probably should escape, huh.
MUJOE releases REI and before anyone can adjust to the new situation is out the door and running down the street while laughing.
REI walks over to SHIRO and pats him on the head.
REI:
…..You’re quite bad at this hero thing, you know?
SHIRO:
Shut up.
***
It’s some time later indicated by the sun sinking below the clouds and dusk coming upon the city, when SHIRO and REI are finally allowed to head back home after being questioned by the authorities and getting checked out by medical staff called after MUJOE’s escape. They had been relatively unharmed, and even though there had been plenty of questions in regard to SHIRO’s lightning powers, since he was (and is) unable to produce them on command, there wasn’t much more they could ask or do in that regard, so he was released. To his surprise, REI had waited for him, and the two began their walk back to the campus. At first they’re completely silent, but after a moment REI leans over to SHIRO and stares at him pointedly.
SHIRO:
What? What is it?
REI:
So, thunder bombs were they? That’s new.
SHIRO:
Oh, yeah. I’m not the average bomber I guess.
REI:
Considering that fabulousness you had to enact back there, I assume there must be some kind of condition for you to meet before you can use them?
SHIRO:
Sharp. Though I’m not going to answer any more than that on the account I’m still figuring it out for myself.
REI makes a face and a “hmmmm” sound as she casts a glance upward.
REI:
That’s fine I guess. I haven’t much of an interest in it after all.
SHIRO:
….I’m not sure whether to be offended or…eh, nevermind.
REI:
Actually what does interest me is your reasons for even bothering. Clearly you didn’t do it because we’re the best of friends, no?
SHIRO frowns at this.
SHIRO:
You really think I’d have left you hanging there just because I don’t like you?
REI:
Well, to launch such a “spirited” offense for someone you care little for is…dumb.
SHIRO:
That wasn’t nearly as eloquent as you usually are.
REI:
I was kidnapped today. Cut a girl some slack, would you?
SHIRO:
….I guess that’s a good point but…
He sighs and shakes his head.
SHIRO:
To answer your question, or statement or whatever, I just don’t want to end up regretting anything anymore.
SHIRO leans back and puts his hands behind his head.
SHIRO:
And the best way not to regret things is to do things.
REI:
That’s also the quickest way to regret things too, you know.
SHIRO:
Bah, I’ll think about that when I have to.
REI blinks and to his surprise begins to laugh.
REI:
I—I’m sorry, it’s just such straightforward foolishness and hypocrisy is actually refreshing in a way.
SHIRO:
Rolls eyes.
I just don’t get you, but at this point maybe I don’t want to.
REI:
I certainly hope you don’t believe this buries the hatchet between us.
SHIRO:
Of course not. I still think you’re a leech that needs to get up off my bro.
KURO:
And you a noisy puppy who can’t even control his wayward powers.
The two glare at each other and lighting sparks seem to dance between their eyes. Meanwhile, in the infirmary, KURO is sitting up straight in bed and enjoying some rice when suddenly his chest begins to hurt.
KURO:
Ugh…what’s wrong with me all of a sudden….I just started thinking about Rei and Shiro, and now…
He coughs and flops back into bed where the doctors rush in to check on his suddenly worsening condition. While this is going on, MUJOE sits in a park on the swings looking down at his hands, as his stomach protests.
MUJOE:
I really need to change my pin –or maybe try online banking.
The two beings with him nod in agreement at this as they all look into the distant sunset.
Ending Song: Passionate Orbit
Say, did you know, that heart beating in your chest…
Is a gift from the depths of this wide universe?
When we are born our guardian star breathes a silent prayer to the galaxy,
And in the break between dusk and morn, dyed silver-black hues it ends up in our hands.
As we experience our lives and are touched by the gentle but rusted hands of time,
Colors born from daily life drip from this gift from the galaxy yearning to be shared –to take orbit.
So when the time comes and your little universe yearns to orbit another’s –don’t be frightened.
Just clasp your hands together, and let those feelings bubble to the surface and become a star.
For each time two hearts intertwine and orbit one another,
A little more of the universe is filled with color.