The Confession "Atsuko would you please wait up," I called as I jogged up to the said girl who sped up as I approached. She abruptly stopped and I collided into her back. Once she turned, she gave me a cold glare that froze me, then walked off as I just stared after her.
I felt a hand placed on my shoulder and saw Miichan grin at me. "What'd you do this time captain"
I shrugged her off, "when do I ever know what I do to make her angry at me...and stop calling me captain"
Miichan laughed. "Well from what I've seen for the past few months, you two are an inseparable duo, so be sure to make up with her."
How can I make up if I don't know what I'd done wrong... Miichan ran off to join the group. Like many others, she was a new addition to our team. It'd been about a year and a half since I'd met Atsuko and the others, and declared to create a "family" to fight against the government. True to my words, we gathered a few girls who were willing to join our cause. Now, we were at the abandoned forest where I'd taken Atsuko about a year ago, constructing our soon to be home and base. For some reason, the girls saw me as their captain...leader...I didn't agree, but even the older members seemed fixed on me having this position.
Day by day I learned things from the girls, and grew to really see them as my important family. Atsuko especially. She was always by my side, on missions, on making decisions, but...I seemed to always make her angry at times...Like now.
"Yoh captain!" Yuko waved as she and Haruna walked up to me. "Just saw Atsuko storm past us, what'd you do this time"
I sighed, "nothing...I think"
Yuko laughed at my expense, "Always nothing eh...well if you and Atsuko were close like me and Haruna, you'd have no problems" she said as she clung to the taller girl.
I raised an eyebrow, "Give me a break, you two always fight"
She grinned, "and we always make up...in the most loving ways...if you know what I mean" Haruna smacked her and I blushed, not oblivious to their intimate relationship since I met them.
"Hey cap, Atsuko seems mad, what'd you do?" Sayaka asked, as she and Sae waked over.
I glared, "why does everyone assume I did something wrong!"
They all stared at one another then back at me, "because you're the only one who can make her act like that" Sae answered.
"So what'd you do?" Sayaka asked, as I once again defended I did not know.
"Well...what was the last conversation you had before she got mad?" Haruna provided.
I crossed my arms and began to think. "Well...I'd just gotten back from a mission with Tomochin, and by then Atsuko already seemed angered. She'd asked why she didn't come on the mission with me instead like always, but I told her that I didn't really need her on that mission and Tomochin was available." The looks they all gave me told me I'd clearly done something wrong. "What!?"
"You still have a lot to learn little captain," Yuko sighed.
"And taking Tomochin instead of Acchan of all people" Sae looked at me pityingly.
"What's wrong with taking Tomochin?" I questioned.
Yuko flicked my forehead, "Idiot, practically ever since you saved her, Itano has had a thing for you"
I lightly pushed Yuko away and rubbed my forehead, "what's a 'thing'" I asked, as Yuko and Haruna sighed while Sayaka and Sae laughed.
"Just forget it..." Yuko gave up but then shot me a stern look, "just go talk to Atsuko and for once...try to express yourself more. Honestly watching you two dance around one another is tiring"
I had no clue what Yuko was saying, but figured going after Atsuko was a good idea, especially since we all had a group mission to go on later this evening.
I found Atsuko practicing her shooting at our shooting range and approached her. "Hey,"
She put her gun away...thankfully...and turned to me with a calm look.
"Um listen...I'm sorry if I upset you...It's not that I didn't want to go on a mission with you..You know I love partnering up with you" I smiled, "it's just with the team growing, it's good to get others out on the field and use their skills. It just seems productive to function this way...I really didn't mean anything wrong by it" I confessed, and Atsuko seemed to relax as she walked up to me and held my hand.
"I know...I'm sorry...I overreacted. You're just doing what you think is best...Like always" she smiled as she gripped my hand and I returned the gesture, smiling at her. Being with Atsuko always felt right.
"Come on, we should prepare for our mission"
"Minami" Atsuko called as I was about to turn, still holding my hand. When facing her, I saw she was intently looking at me, and that caused me to suddenly feel hot all over.
"Wh...what's wrong?"
"Ne...Don't you ever wonder what it's like to have what Yuko and Haruna have" she seriously asked as she locked her eyes with mine.
"What...Yuko and Haruna have?" I repeated stupidly.
My brain wasn't really working due to the very close proximity between Atsuko and I.
She narrowed her eyes and a faint blush crept on her cheeks, "Yes! You know what I mean!"
My mind felt completely jumbled.
Eh! Wait! She means...but we're only 15...wait! This is too sudden...Isn't it? I was at a blank, not knowing what to say. Scared of saying anything really. I didn't want to lose the relationship I had with Atsuko, and I still wasn't used to intimacy in any way.
Atsuko kept holding my hand, waiting for an answer, I knew what she meant but...Decided to avoid it. I let out a nervous laugh, "Ah! You mean how the two of them always have mock battles even though they're so close. Guess the two of us haven't really sparred seriously before and we could...Haha." I awkwardly said as I rubbed the back of my head with my free hand. Atsuko looked at me disappointingly ...possibly knowing I was avoiding the question.
My suspicion was answered when her frown turned into one of anger, she suddenly gripped my right hand too tightly and then twisted it behind my back. She then kicked me behind my knee and brought me down to one leg, then using her other hand, placed it on my neck and forced me down flat on the floor. Pinning me to the ground.
She brought her head down and whispered in my ear, "trust me, I'm not worried about seriously sparring with you" she forcefully released me then walked off. I slowly stood and rubbed my sore wrist.
Great...now she's really mad at me. I headed out shortly after and met up with the girls going on the mission. Atsuko was already there talking to Mariko. Yuko came up and elbowed me, "what the heck did you do. She seems even more pissed."
I sighed, this time it was clearly my fault. "I'm still terrible with people...aren't I?"
Yuko let out a breath and placed a hand on my shoulder, "you've improved in the past year and so...but you still hold yourself back. Atsuko's always been patient when it comes to you...but if you keep up what you're doing, you'll really push her away" she advised as she walked back to the others.
But...I don't want anything to change...
Yuko, Sasshi, Atsuko, Miichan and I headed off towards a government controlled village. It was a small but well off place that gave their supplies for the government in exchange for being safe and accommodated. Sasshi had pinpointed a shop in that location that had supplies and technology we needed to build our base, so we were going to retrieve it.
Atsuko seemed to bluntly ignore me on our way there and conversed with Sasshi. I admit I was saddened by her distancing herself from me. Then again I was okay for now since I didn't know how to speak with her at the moment.
"So I was thinking of using this new laser gun I developed!" Sasshi suddenly said as she pulled out a large gun and aimed it at a nearby tree.
"No!" We all said, knowing her inventions were deadly to both the enemy and us at times.
"Oi Sasshi, don't forget the plan. No violence if it can be avoided, these are citizens, not soldiers we're dealing with" I reminded.
Sasshi pouted as she put her weapon away. We kept walking, and Haruna, Yuko, and Sasshi conversed animatedly as we neared the village, and Atsuko walked ahead of us. Not being able to stand her being cross with me, I jogged a bit and matched her pace.
"Th...We'll be able to come closer to finishing our home once we get these supplies" I smiled. She kept facing forward though and ignored me. "Um...Ah! You won't believe this, on my mission with Tomochin this morning, she tripped while we outran some soldiers and fell into the water. It was pretty funny!" I forced a laugh and Atsuko stopped and glared at me.
"I'm trying to think, can you please be quiet" I gulped and nodded, she then continued to walk.
"Sometimes I think it's best you do keep quiet" Yuko smirked as she lightly smacked my back. Sighing, I continued following after Atsuko.
Once we reached the village, I placed the hoodie on my head and tried to blend in with the crowds. Normal citizens didn't know how most of us looked, and as long as we avoided patrolling soldiers, we'd be okay. However, I had to be careful not to let myself be seen in case anyone recognized me for various reasons.
Reaching our destination, we saw the shop a bit on the hilltop, but it was closed...Just as we'd hoped.
"So what's the plan?" Sasshi asked .
"Three of us will stay back here away from their sight and observe the two others as they head to the shop. The owner is bound to be in there. We'll try to get in without force if possible, but if needed, threaten him, but try to avoid killing."
"oh, I want to go!" Yuko raised her hand.
I shook my head, "no way, not you...Sasshi knows the supplies we need so she can go. Either Atsuko or I will go with her."
"I'll go" Atsuko quickly said as she grabbed Sasshi and headed over. The rest of us concealed ourselves and watched.
"Ne, are you sure sending Atsuko up there in her current mood is a good idea?" Haruna asked.
"Yeah, why are you worrying about me and not her" Yuko complained.
"...She knows how to control herself...besides, she wouldn't have taken no for an answer" I told them.
"...Ah, maybe this is a good time to explain to you that Tomochin likes you. That's what we meant by she has a 'thing' for you" Yuko suddenly said an my eyes widened. I quickly turned to her and narrowed my eyes.
"Now really isn't a good time to tell me that!"
Yuko raised her hands in defence, "Hey! I'm trying to save you from stupidly mentioning Tomochin in front of Atsuko like that, you're playing with her feelings you know" Yuko scolded.
This time I got angry and grabbed Yuko by the collar, "I don't do that!" I practically yelled.
Yuko calmly peeled my hands off her, "maybe not on purpose...or maybe it is but you don't acknowledge it. You tend to ignore how people feel because you don't know how to handle the situation."
I was slightly taken aback, and before I could yell back, Haruna shushed us and informed that Atsuko and Sasshi were knocking on the door.
Turning our attention to the shop, we saw a young man step out. Sasshi began to speak but of course we couldn't hear anything.
The young man seemed to shake his head, and was about to close the door, but Atsuko stepped forward and began to speak. I could see him get flustered for some reason...Was Atsuko flirting with him! It looked like she was.
She placed a hand on his chest and stepped forward, giving him a sweet smile.
I gritted my teeth in anger.
The hell is she doing! I was about to step out but Yuko and Haruna held me back. "Hey, down captain! She's doing this without violence like you wanted"
Clenching my fists, I returned to my position. I saw the young man nod, and Atsuko smiled, she then stepped up and...kissed him on the lips.
My eyes widened as I saw the exchange. I was close to pulling out my gun and shooting the guy, but instead I felt my muscles go slack. My heart felt heavy and a thousand things seemed to go through my mind. I was upset, angry...jealous? But this was just a mission right, so why feel this way.
After separating, the young man seemed to let both girls in. I kept staring at the spot Atsuko was but snapped out of it once Yuko shook my shoulder.
"Hey...you okay?" she asked.
I let out a small smile, "yeah. Why wouldn't I be, those two are getting the supplies we need then we can be on our way. No causalities."
Yuko and Haruna exchanged a look, and I knew they didn't believe me, but let it be.
After a few minutes, we saw Atsuko and Sasshi come down the path.
"We got them!" Sasshi said as she pointed to her storage watch.
I forced a smile, "good job you two"
"Ah, well, Atsuko was the genius here, she always was a great actress! Even I believed her when she kissed that guy! Not to mention he was cute!" she laughed, but quickly shut up when Haruna and Yuko sent her a look.
"Shall we head back" Atsuko said without even once looking at me as she again walked ahead.
On the way back, I felt frustrated and angry.
What the heck is her deal! How could she do that! Once we reached our unfinished base, Sasshi said she'd head off with a few other members to work on the construction plans. Yuko and Haruna also parted, leaving Atsuko and I standing at the field. We both just stood there quietly, so I decided to speak up first.
"What was up with that back there?" I asked, letting anger slip into my tone.
"I was just getting the job done" she said defensively.
"You could've done it another way"
"This made the most sense, besides, this way he wouldn't report us later on since we didn't threaten him or use force. That's what you wanted right?"
"I didn't want to you to kiss him!" I paused, taken aback at what I just said. I shouldn't complain, right, she got the mission done....
She narrowed her eyes, but then returned to a clam pose, "you don't have a say in who I can or can't kiss...It's not like we're together..."
My eyes widened, and I calmed myself down as well. I gave her a dejected look, "that's not fair Atsuko...You're making it sound like I don't have a right to care about you unless we're romantically involved"
This time she was taken aback, and anger crept in her features, "I'm not fair? You're the one whose being unfair! Care about me all you like! But friends don't go getting upset about who other friends get intimate with!" she yelled as she stormed off.
However, watching her walk away...something in me triggered. She was the one person I didn't want walking away from me. I quickly ran after her and grabbed her arm, forcing her to turn to face me.
"I'm trying okay! I really am!" I told her. "I know it's not an excuse, but I'm still getting used to things...Getting used to having so many people around me...And I'm trying my best to keep you all around...to make you not hate me or leave me...I don't want to be alone again..."
Atsuko stopped her struggling and looked to me, "you can't keep being scared of losing us Minami...Don't you see that what you're doing is actually pushing people away...You have this wall around you that intimidates other getting close to...the new members and us included..."
I nodded. "I know...That's why I stopped you from walking away...Atsuko...I don't get it...No...I do. I'm scared to progress our relationship because I don't want to lose what we have now...I don't want you to get bored with me or hate me...I can't stand the thought of you hating me or leaving me...Not you" Tears began to form at the corner of my eyes as they spilled down. Atsuko was taken aback.
"Gomen...Gomen ne...For ignoring how you felt, and being insensitive at times. I hated it when you kissed that guy...I didn't want you to do that with him or anyone else...I don't want to lose you to anyone else..."
I lowered my head to hide my tears. In fact I had been running away from my feelings for awhile. Atsuko was always someone special, and I knew I never wanted to lose her. Seeing her kissing that guy, seeing her walk away made me realize that I truly didn't want her with anyone else. I selfishly wanted her for myself.
I heard a sigh, then felt a hand on my head. Atsuko ruffled my hair and I looked up to see her smiling. "Really, such a cry baby sometimes" she said as she gently wiped my tears. "You're a lot of work you know that, always making me force you to say how you feel"
"Eh" I said as I sniffled like a kid.
She let out a guilty smile, "I may have kissed that guy on purpose to see how you reacted...I'm sorry though...If I hurt you" she sincerely said as she wrapped me in a gentle hug.
I buried my head into her shoulder, to relieved to be mad at her usual antics.
We pulled apart, and Atsuko gave me her dazzling smile. "I'm so glad I can see the childish side of the usually serious Minami"
I blushed and pouted, causing her to laugh. "Minami...I told you before I'd always stay by your side. I intend to always keep that promise...I could never come to hate you. That's why...If you want our relationship to stay the same, I'm okay with that. Now that you were honest with me, I'm really happy."
I lightly glared, then sighed, "you really aren't fair. After making me go through that and saying those things....You expect me to leave it at that"
She smirked, "hmm...is there something you want to say to me then?" she playfully said.
My face turned red and I narrowed my eyes, "you're going to make me say it aren't you?"
"Say what?" she feigned being oblivious.
I let out a tired breath. "I don't know how it'll work out...and even if it doesn't...Nothing will change between us...But...I don't think...No...I don't want to be with anyone else except you Atsuko...and I really can't stand the thought of not being the one by your side so...Um...well...I don't know...That's what love is right?"
Atsuko suppressed a laugh, "you were doing so well till the end there but...You're being you, and I couldn't ask for anything else! Even if it's not love now, we have our whole lives ahead of us to figure that out, right" she smiled as she intertwined our fingers.
I nodded with a smile, and Atsuko brought her face closer to mine. Unconsciously, I moved back.
She tilted her head, "you still technically owe me that kiss from when you first brought me here to this place"
"Um well...I mean...I don't exactly know...how...to...kiss" If my face turned anymore scarlet, I was sure it'd catch on fire.
"No problem, you have plenty of chances to learn and improve" she grinned as she brought her face closer, except I pulled back again.
"Um...maybe we can take a rain check?" I nervously said. She glared and grabbed me by my collar, and pinned me to the ground. Currently she was on top me and brought her head down till it touched my forehead.
I gulped, but my nerves suddenly disappeared when she smiled at me lovingly. This time when she brought her face closer, I didn't try to move. He lips finally reached mine in a sweet gentle kiss. Easily, I found myself replying to her kiss, as foreign as it was to me, I felt myself literally melting as she continuously pressed her lips to mine.
After a few blissful minutes, we parted for air. I didn't know that kissing took a person's breath away.
"That was...." Atsuko began to say.
"Wow..." was my response, and Atsuko laughed. "Not bad for your first time" she stood, and extended a hand to help me up.
"Th...thanks....Um, we should probably head over to the others to see if they need help" I said, face still red and heart still pounding like crazy.
"Good idea...We can also declare ourselves official to everyone, so they know you're off bounds...Like how Yuko and Haruna do"
I almost chocked, "I think it's too soon for us to be doing anything like Yuko and Haruna" Atsuko chuckled, "you're right, guess that means we should also postpone the use of tongues until we're older"
I raised an eyebrow, "use of tongues for what?"
Atsuko smirked, "you'll find out eventually" she then ran ahead to meet with the others.
"Eh, wait, tell me what you mean~" I said as I ran after her.
Omake:Yuko: ...For some reason I feel like I'll sully that certain innocence you have left if I explain to you the use of the 'tongue'
Minami: *Tilts head* For some reason I feel like you're the only person I can ask this!
Yuko: *Sweat drop* You really have been living in a hole your entire life...or the sewers I guess...
Minami: *Glares* I know that...That's why...Since I met you guys, it feels like I actually have a chance to really live...So I want to know these things!
Yuko: *Sighs* I'd rather be teaching you how to fight, but you're already insanely skilled at that...Wait a minute...Minami...You were very young when you lost your parents and started your life of vengeance...So...Do you know what sex is?
Minami: *Blushes and narrows her eyes* O...Of course I do!
Yuko:
Why do I have a feeling that to a certain extent she doesn't... *sighs* This will be our most challenging mission yet...There's some things you'll need to know now that you're in a relationship and...and I'm going to need backup for this...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Well that was the first one shot
Hope you all liked it
After Monday, I'll get working on the rest and see when I can update them
Maybe the next one by Wednesday
& I know this one was short, about 5-6 pages of MWord, but the others may either be longer or about this length
I'll try to make some of them longer
Topic: Travel To A Distant World: The Recruitment (Mayuki) [side story] (Dec 29 2013) (Read 143514 times)