[ Closed ] Don't look back in anger, I heard you say

[of_the_highest_caliber]

Characters: Subaru of_the_highest_caliber and Sayaka tookupthesword
Date: 8/23
Summary: Clearing the air over lunch dinner THERE IS FOOD, OKAY?
Warnings: None I can think of. Do either canons even need spoiler warnings anymore?
Notes: Don't ask me how this fits in chronologically anywhere.


For someone who had invited another over to clear up the constant awkward misunderstandings between them, Subaru was not at all nervous about Sayaka's visit. In the time leading up to her arrival she busied herself first with a quick shower, then a bit of sweeping, and finally preparing the dinner she had planned since yesterday. The scent of steaming stir-fry vegetables and baked chicken fill the kitchen and adjacent room. Though Subaru has only set out two places on the low table, it looks as if her preparations could easily feed five or more. Chopsticks and other utensils are both available, tea, soda, and water are all ready in their pitchers or bottles, and she's just waiting near an open wall for the few minutes before the hour was up.

Comments

[of_the_highest_caliber]

Sayaka.... [ There is nothing she can really say to that. It looks like she's wrestling with several attempts at words, though, if she watches the way her lip quivers or that Subaru's eyes can't decide on where they want to focus on the girl.

—it's either that or she's about to cry. ]

[tookupthesword]

And that's why I kept on saying that no one could help me if I ever went back.

[of_the_highest_caliber]

[ Halfway through that, Subaru rises from her spot and rounds the table to drop back down right next to Sayaka. Silently, she takes one of the girl's hands — the one without the ring — in both of hers and just sort of hunches over.

In part, it's to check for a pulse and for warmth (though her own hands will be a touch warmer no matter what), and this is only if Sayaka lets her. The other part is for reassurance. ]

[tookupthesword]

[Because of the connection between soul and body, their is a pulse and warmth. Sayaka though is just looking at what is happening oddly. With what she all just said... a simple holding of one hand was not what she was expecting.]

[of_the_highest_caliber]

[ That was just a prelude to what was next. Relieved to feel that Sayaka's body at least appears to be alive, Subaru's emotions get the better of her and she brings those hands up and around the other girl for a hug. Hopefully that won't end poorly like it did when she surprise Akiha with one. She's had a trying couple of weeks... ]

[tookupthesword]

[Sayaka just sighs and accepts the hug.]

[of_the_highest_caliber]

Sorry. [ She mumbles. ] I know some people don't like this but I just couldn't help it. I thought... your body...

[tookupthesword]

Would be like touching ice? [Someone has a dark sense of humor these days.]

[of_the_highest_caliber]

...yeah. Something like that. [ . . . ] I had some people think the same about me, once, so that's part of why I was afraid.

[tookupthesword]

... Huh? [That's really all she could say to that.]

[of_the_highest_caliber]

Ahh, that's... [ At this point, it's only fair to trade one life-defining secret for another. ] ...because I'm more machine than people know. So some used to think that I wouldn't feel human at all.

[tookupthesword]

... ... I think I should hold back on some questions.

[of_the_highest_caliber]

[ Subaru shakes her head. ] Go ahead, Sayaka. You can ask me anything at all.

[tookupthesword]

Okay.

... Can you do a rocket punch?

[of_the_highest_caliber]

[ Subaru doesn't get why that's an odd question. ] Hmm... I guess that depends on what you mean by that.

[tookupthesword]

Your fist becomes jet propelled and shoots off. It's a little iconic for some.

[of_the_highest_caliber]

Eheheh, no my limbs all stay attached. I'm a combat cyborg, not a robot! [ ...welp. ] It's not something I can ever easily talk about.

[tookupthesword]

Okay, okay.

... Combat cyborg?

[of_the_highest_caliber]

Mmn, you know... you might have heard about cyborgs before, right? People who get implants to replace some function they lost or to enhance it. New eyes, ears, limbs, brain chips, things like that?

I'm... all of that. And a lot more. [ Subaru looks down at her hands. ] I'm not the only one. My sister and I were from the same lab.

[tookupthesword]

... I know what a cyborg is.

I was just wondering why a cyborg for combat doesn't like fighting.

[of_the_highest_caliber]

I wasn't raised that way. In fact, my dad didn't want me to join up with the Ground Forces at all, but after what happened... I couldn't just stand by. Even if it meant I would have to hurt bad people to protect the peace, I'd already made up my mind. [ Said with calm, but certain determination. ]

[tookupthesword]

What about things that aren't people?

[of_the_highest_caliber]

When I say that, I mean any threats. There are plenty of monsters and robots and things like that which I've had to fight before. But I spend most of my time now doing maritime search-and-rescue. [ A little laugh. ] Basically, I'm on Mid-Childa's equivalent to the Coast Guard.

[tookupthesword]

So you go to work in a swimsuit?

[of_the_highest_caliber]

Ehehe, the diving suit is only for training and diving. I wear my armor the rest of the time, since I do most of my work on land or on a ship. [ At least now this explains why she was playing Lifeguard at the beach and the lake on those days. ]