MBV and the Nexus. Saejima's mansion and Aoife's Brownstone. Relationships

[microbots]

((This part of the log is in Japanese))


Saejima: *miserable, cranky, and in a bit of a mood. Has a fever, is achy all over, and has been informed that he's not allowed back at work until his chest cold subsides. Has been stuck in bed all day. Currently cuddling the little SD plushie Deckerd that Makoto got for him and sulking*

house bot: *peeks around the door and quietly indicates that Mr. Toudou is here to see him*

Saejima: *bit of a nod, indicating that Mr. Toudou should be let in* *doesn't trust his voice right now*

Mr. Toudou: *is peeking around the door himself a moment later* *quietly* Hey, 'Guv. You look like crap.

Saejima: *Look* *cough, hack, grumble, sulk*

Mr. Toudou: *frowns with concern as he comes in and pulls up the kitchen chair that was standing with the back facing the bed* Wow. You really must be feeling bad. I gave something to one of your bots to warm up. Rachel-obaachan says it works really well against chest colds. *then notices the plushie as he sits down* Hey, is that a Deckerd doll? *grin*

Saejima: *nod* *raspy* It was a gift...

Mr. Toudou: *chuckles* Yuuta-kun said he was going to send you something. I thought it was just a drawing though. *still grinning at the little doll*

Saejima: *headshake* *still raspy, yup* The doll came from another friend...

Mr. Toudou: Ohhh. *thoughtful look, but can't bring to mind any other friends that the Commissioner might have* Don't think I've met that one.

Saejima: What brings you here, Kenji?

Mr. Toudou: *distracted by fishing for the name of the unknown friend by suddenly remembering his own problem. Face reddens slightly as he rubs the back of his neck* Ah... Well, you see, Guv. *looks down to try and gather his courage, then takes a deep breath and looks up* I know you've got no interest in women, but some of us aren't like that and... Well... I met this lady. *looks away again*

Saejima: *raised brow*

Mr. Toudou: Heh... I guess I came here so you could laugh at me. A guy my age thinking of stuff like that. *face gets redder* And she's young too. But she's interesting, and she has kids. *voice more quiet* I like kids.

Saejima: *soft chuckle, followed by a coughing fit and some grumbling about the coughing fit*

Mr. Toudou: *winces with sympathy as he watches the coughing* Maybe I should come back some other time.

Saejima: *after the coughing fit subsides* When do I get to meet your ladyfriend? *is totally going to tease you about this later, when he's not feeling like death warmed over*

Mr. Toudou: *more blush!* Ah, well. I don't know if I'd call her my ladyfriend yet, Guv. I've only met her once so far. But I went to her house and met a couple of the kids. *rubbing his neck and looking away again*

Saejima: *knowing look* *is trying not to cough again*

Mr. Toudou: *deep breath* She's... well, she's invited me for supper tonight.

Saejima: *raised brow and a bit of a smile*

Mr. Toudou: *slowly* ...You're not going to laugh at me, are you?

Saejima: *headshake*

Mr. Toudou: *blinks* But, you know, if I'm seeing someone I won't have as much time to go to the hostess bar with you and my crew.

Saejima: *snerk, headshake* Don't worry about that.

Mr. Toudou: *slight, surprised grin* *then looks toward the door as the robot knocks and peeks* Oh, there's your medicine.

Saejima: *can't help it. Pulls a face at the idea of taking medicine*

house bot: *rolls in with a tray in his hands. Tray bears Mr. Saejima's favourite mug with the giant transforming gundam on it. That mug is giving up a very nice smelling steam* *comes over and offers the tray to his master*

Mr. Toudou: *watching this with a slight smile*

Saejima: *surprised expression is a go as he catches the scent of the mug's contents. Thanks the house bot as he accepts the tray*

Mr. Toudou: *hurries to help his friend get the legs on the tray folded down so that it can sit comfortably over his lap* Here, let me fix your pillows.

Saejima: *grumps a bit about needing assistance, but consents to Mr. Toudou's help*

Mr. Toudou: *gets him properly propped up, and then looks at the mug with surprised interest* That doesn't smell like medicine.

Saejima: *agrees* I smell lemon, some onion, apple cider vinegar, chicken, and rum...

Mr. Toudou: *grins as he settles back on his chair* Well, it sounds like something Rachel-obaachan would make, anyway. Maybe there are good reasons for having women around. *laughs*

Saejima: *snerks and sips at the mug's contents* *relaxing as his aches are soothed, his breathing clears a bit, and he starts to feel sleepy*

Mr. Toudou: *watching him* So how is it, Guv?

Saejima: It's good. *a bit less raspy-sounding now*

Mr. Toudou: *looks in the mug* Better drink it all up.

Saejima: *small nod, working on that now*

Mr. Toudou: *frowns and thinks quietly for a few moments as his friend drinks*

Saejima: *sounding a bit doze-y now* Remind me sometime to ask Rachel-sama how she got so good at taking care of humans...

Mr. Toudou: *chuckles* You wouldn't say that if you got her hangover remedy first.

Saejima: ... Is it that bad?

Mr. Toudou: *slight, thoughtful grimace as he remembers the mixture* The flavour's unspeakable.

Saejima: *sympathy mixed in with sleepiness on his face* Then don't tell her you're hung over?

Mr. Toudou: But she got the recipe from Wolverine.

Saejima: ... *silent for several moments* *then* ... Huh.

Mr. Toudou: And it did work, after the kick.

Saejima: How'd you get to drink at the Ark?

Mr. Toudou: *blinks, and then grins* Oh, Jack-sama and I were just having some coolers as we looked over the manual for my car.

Saejima: Ah... *slight jerk as he starts to nod off*

Mr. Toudou: I hadn't realized I'd had the entire box till I woke up the next morning with that green gloop staring me in the face.

Saejima: *confused expression is a go* Green gloop?

Mr. Toudou: The hangover cure. *pushes chair back a bit* But I better let you sleep.

Saejima: Ah... *small nod* Tell your ladyfriend "Hi" for me...

Mr. Toudou: *embarrassed again as he rubs his head* Ah... sure. Good night. *gets up and heads out, pausing by the door to wave*

Saejima: *splatsleeps mid-wave*


hour later


small, stocky woman: *comes wandering into the room as Drill Boy's thrusters fade into the distance and the ocean sounds. Is wearing the uniform of Mr. Toudou's engineering crew, and her short black ponytail has some grey in it. Grins at the sleeping man, and then takes the kitchen chair and turns it backward before sitting in it. This done, she reaches over to take his hand and pat it with gruff reassurance* *softly* Sleep well, Juuzo. I'm right here. And when you wake up I'll rub this Vick's ointment on your back. That works every time.


((We switch to English here.))


Aoife: *fidgeting and frowning* Leggy, you're going to laugh at me.

Legacy: *puzzled expression is a go as she looks up from her homework* Huh?

Aoife: *deep breath, is letting off a very faint feeling of confusion and nervousness*

Legacy: *worried now* What's wrong?

Aoife: *quietly* Remember how I told you about that guy Damien and how I liked him, but I wasn't his type?

Legacy: *quiet for a few moments as she thinks back, and then she nods* Yeah...

Aoife: *rubs the back of her neck and then hugs herself* *very quietly* I... think... This guy really likes me. And he's interesting. Loves kids. Made Violet laugh and fed Twip till he was full. Talked to him all the time he was doing it... *feels convinced she's being an idiot even thinking of this*

Legacy: *blink blink* When was he here?

Aoife: Last night, when you and Dee were at the sleepover at the factory.

Legacy: Aww, darn. He sounds like a good match for you, Aoife. *sly grin* So, what's his name?

Aoife: *blushing now as she gives her daughter a grey-eyed frown* He's old. And human.

Legacy: *seriously* I'm human too, Aoife. If being sweet on one another makes you both happy, and he's good with kids, then go be sweet on each other for awhile.

Aoife: *hugs self and frowns*

Deidre: *lifts head from where she's folded into an impossibly small box* -Mail come, Leggy sissy.-

Legacy: The mail's here. *moves to get up so she can get the mail*

Aoife: Okay. *leaks just a little of what feels like fear*

Legacy: *will give Aoife a hug first, then go get the mail*

stocky guy in a nice jacket: *straightens quickly from where he'd been stooping to pick up the parcel on the doorstep. Blinks, and then grins* *Japanese accent* You must be Legacy-chan.

Legacy: Er... Yes... *confused now* Is there something I can help you with, sir?

guy: *seems to be blushing just a little* Ah, your mom didn't tell you about me. Heh, this is embarrassing.

Violet: *comes trotting up behind Legacy to see what's going on. Looks up, sees the guy, and squeals loudly* Toudou-sama! Unca Ken!

Legacy: ... *dirty rotten brat grin* *looks over her shoulder* Aoife! Your boyfriend is here! *knows she's going to catch heck for that, but really, she doesn't get to tease the woman very often*

Mr. Toudou: *blushing more now* B... b... b... boyfriend?!

Violet: ...? *look at Uncle Ken. Look at Leggy Sissy*

Legacy: *has pity on the man, since she can tell how flustered her comment made him. Will let him into the house*

Mr. Toudou: *thanks her courteously, but he's really feeling a mixture of emotions right now. He's glad to have met her, and wants to love her like a daughter. He's very happy to be here, but still so very uncertain because he's so much older than Aoife...*

Violet: *attaches herself to his leg as he walks past her*

Mr. Toudou: *gentle words for the little purple girl, and very real affection*

Legacy: *will do her best not to wibble* *quietly and sincerely* I'm glad you and Aoife met.

Mr. Toudou: *pauses and straightens with Violet in his arms as he looks at Legacy uncertainly* Ah. Really?

Legacy: *nods*

Violet: *snuggling as she's lifted* Really really.

Legacy: *quietly* I can tell you two are happy when you're around each other.

Mr. Toudou: *surprise and a bit of confusion as he smiles at her* You can tell that?

Legacy: *nods and rubs her arm a bit nervously before deciding to just be honest about what she is* I'm X-Positive... And an empath...

Mr. Toudou: Ah. Yes. Aoife-san told me you could feel what other people were feeling. *eyes widen slightly and he glances down the hall toward the kitchen* *softly* She is?

Legacy: *small nod* *quietly, with a bit of a smile* Yeah...

Mr. Toudou: *quiet himself* And you're happy about that... *big feeling of relief and thankful wonder* *and then some quiet joy*

Legacy: *gets the mail and moves to gently patpat Mr. Toudou's shoulder*

Mr. Toudou: *smiles at her, but then looks around* You have another sister? The cat? She was away with you the last time I visited.

Legacy: Deidre. *nods* She's with Aoife...

Violet: No. She's with the box. Deedee LOVES boxes. She should marry one. *laughs*

Mr. Toudou: Oh, she should, should she? What would Deidre-chan say to that?

Deidre: -Yup. Marry box. Happy ever after. Loooooove box!- *lovebombs everyone present*

Mr. Toudou: 0_0

Legacy: *laughs* Silly Deedee.

Mr. Toudou: *blinks and looks at her, then blinks again and laughs* Well, let's go say hello. *smiles and holds up the bag he's been holding in one hand all this time* And then we can see what's in here.

Legacy: *smiles and nods* Alright.

Mr. Toudou: *looks at her uncertainly as he walks down the hall beside her* Is Damson-chan here?

Legacy: *nods* I can't guarantee that she'll come out of where she's tucked herself into though...

Mr. Toudou: *chuckles* That's alright. I just brought something for her too.

Damson: *shows Legacy a picture of a peach*

Legacy: *blink blink* *chuckles*

Mr. Toudou: *steps into the kitchen and looks around, frowning slightly in puzzlement when all he sees is Deidre in her box and Rose and Twip in their pots on the table*

Aoife: *is a feeling of hiding here in the pantry*

Legacy: *raised brow, glances at the pantry*

Mr. Toudou: Did she step out? *sets the bag on the table and then goes to one knee to gently scratch Deidre's ears and speak to her softly as she leaves her box to come see him*

Violet: *looks at Legacy from where she's standing beside him, then giggles*

Legacy: -Aoife, I know you're in there.- *to Mr. Toudou* I don't think she did...

Aoife: *very faint panic seeps past her shields*

Mr. Toudou: *looks up at Legacy, then looks around again before focusing on the pantry and raising his eyebrows*

Legacy: *ducking her head a bit* -Aoife... C'mon. He's honest, and a good person, not to mention Vi adores him.-

Aoife: -And he's human. And... I used to kill all the guys that loved me.-

Legacy: -You don't any more, do you?-

Aoife: *quietly* -No. But...- *fleeting thought of the guy she'd been falling for before he vanished from the Nexus and a wondering if she's being stupid or fickle*

Legacy: -You're not being stupid or fickle, Aoife... And you know as well as I do how unpredictable the Nexus can be. Why not enjoy the moments you have with Mr. Toudou?-

Aoife: *feel of a deep breath* -Am I worth being loved?-

Deidre: *looks up* -YEAH!-

Mr. Toudou: Whoa. What was that for? *looks at the big kitten with surprise*

Legacy: *quietly, and sincerely* -More than you'll ever know.-

Aoife: *shuddering sigh*

Mr. Toudou: *stands and turns toward the sigh, frowning with concern* Aoife-san? Is everything alright?

Legacy: *moves to open the pantry so she can give Aoife a hug*

Deidre: -Mama need hug!- *headbutts Mr. Toudou gently on the hip*

Mr. Toudou: *comes over with Legacy, the concern very clear on his face now* Aoife-san?

Legacy: *gonna hug you with all the huggy strength she can muster, Aoife*

Aoife: *little sob gets past her defences despite herself*

Mr. Toudou: *hesitates, but then gets butted again and puts his arms around both Legacy and Aoife* *gentle and gruff* It will be alright.

Aoife: *sucks in her breath and leaks Squee! to Legacy, then hides her face against her daughter*

Legacy: *soft chuckle at Deidre headbutting Mr. Toudou, more hug for Aoife* *quietly* -Everything is already okay.-

Aoife: *slight embarrassment* -This feels so safe.-

Mr. Toudou: *grins at the ladies in his arms* Is it better now?

Legacy: *grin for Aoife and Mr. Toudou*

Aoife: *quietly* Thanks, Ken-san. *slight grin up at him*

Mr. Toudou: *thinks she's so tiny and adorable for someone so smart and strong*

Legacy: *happy feelings and agreeing with the feeling safe*

Aoife: *bites her lip and scolds herself as she looks down and blushes* I should check what's in the oven.

Mr. Toudou: *lets her go, his smile going quizzical. His own blush doesn't quite show*

Legacy: I'll get it. *scoots to do so*

Aoife: *meep! Escape thwarted! Now what?*

Mr. Toudou: Ah well. Come and look in this bag, Aoife-san. Tell me if you think the children will like these things.

Aoife: *well okay. That's interesting...* Alright. You know you didn't need to bring them anything.

Mr. Toudou: But I wanted to. I'd like them to think fondly of me.

Aoife: Suck.

Mr. Toudou: You know, my friend Rachel-sama calls me that often. *opening up the bag of gifts as he talks and laughs*

Legacy: *thinks she knows why. Agrees with Mr. Toudou's friend, and wonders to herself if it's the same Rachel she knows*

Mr. Toudou: See, here's a doll for Violet-chan. *holds up a beautifully painted kokeshi doll* And I have another doll for Deidre-chan.

Legacy: *looks up from getting things out of the oven* ... Incoming furry derp... And he brought Kimahri and Jenny with him... *smiles*

Aoife: *had already looked toward the door with a rueful grin*

Mr. Toudou: Ah... *looks from Aoife to Legacy uncertainly*

Aoife: *reassuring grin* Legacy's boyfriend and his mentor and mentor's lady.

Mr. Toudou: Ohhhh. *glances toward the door as he gives the wooden doll to Violet and the stuffed panda to Deidre*

Legacy: *makes sure that what's in the oven won't burn, goes to greet her boyfriend* *squeaks as she's scooped up and nuzzled affectionately* *laughing now*

Mr. Toudou: *as he's abandoned by Violet and Deidre in favour of the newcomers, he turns to face them and then stops short with surprise as he catches sight of the boy who's cuddling Legacy* Oh, Mrrpt-Nyaah!

Lumen: *blink blink * Er... No... Just X-Positive...

Kimahri: *soft snort. Has met some of the local Mrrpt-Nyaah recently*

Mr. Toudou: *turns to look at the snort, blinks as he sees Kimahri for the first time* Er...

Kimahri: *brief nod of greeting, turns his attention to Jenny*

Mr. Toudou: *standing there quite gobsmacked and a bit intimidated by this massive blue furry guy*

Legacy: *as she's lovingly squished and cuddled* Kimahri won't hurt you.

Mr. Toudou: *blinks and gets his brain rebooted, then glances toward the girl before turning back to the big blue guy* *slight bow* Forgive me. You must be Kimahri-sama.

Kimahri: *slight nod. Isn't much of a conversationalist, it seems*

Mr. Toudou: *aaand then he's looking uncertain and brain broken again*

Aoife: *blinks as she catches his confused thoughts, and then looks compassionate* Remember when I told you that people from any reality could come here, Ken-san?

Mr. Toudou: *looks at her* Ah... yes?

Aoife: That includes realities that are only fiction in others. Kimahri is a game character in your friend Rachel's reality. But in other realities he's a living and breathing person.

Lumen: With a shiny horn! :D

Legacy: *cue facepalm*

Kimahri: *soft rumble of a chuckle. Knows Lumen's fascination with shiny things and bells*

Aoife: Kimahri is Lumen's second father. He's taken him under his wing while he lives here in the Nexus. Jenny... *offers a hand to the tiny doll of a woman in Kimahri's brawny arms and gets a little hand in hers and a sweet smile* ...Is his second mother.

Mr. Toudou: *surprised expression is a go*

Legacy: *startled squeak as Lumen begins tickling her* Eeeeee! Lu! No! *laughing and squirming*

Lumen: *brat grin is a go*

Aoife: Lumen, behave. We've got company. *moves to hold Mr. Toudou's arm*

Mr. Toudou: *surprise and brain break fades at the touch of her hands. Smiles down at her, his eyes shining*

Aoife: *blushes and smiles back* May we see the rest of the gifts you've brought, Ken-san? *yup, forgot to finish the introductions*

Lola: *curious whicker from Lumen's back. Can't see who you're talking to, Aunty!!!*

Mr. Toudou: *looks toward the sound*

Legacy: Lu! Let me down so I can get Lola!

Lumen: Awww... *sulks as he gently sets Legacy on her feet and turns so the petite blonde can reach the purrpony who is currently peeking out of the big sling on his back*

Lola: *happy sounds. Sees Mama! And Aunty! And someone she doesn't know, but hi!*

Aoife: *grinning widely* Ken-san, that's my granddaughter, Lola.

Mr. Toudou: *face brightens* You told me about her. *reaches into the bag and pulls out another soft panda, then steps over and offers it to the little fuzzy black being in Legacy's arms* Hello, Lola-chan. Would you like this?

Lola: *happy whickering before she leans to snag the black and white thing with her mouth*

Mr. Toudou: *grins* You like that, huh?

Lola: Yup! Fanks!

Mr. Toudou: *startled* Oh. You can talk. I hadn't realized you were old enough.

Aoife: *gives him a quick look, but then quirks a little pleased grin as she realizes that that really was the reason for his surprise*

Lola: *happy fuzzeh*

Legacy: *proud of her daughter*

Lumen: *griiin*

Kimahri: *is that quietly amused rumble back behind Lumen*

Lola: Mmmyup! :3

Mr. Toudou: *charmed by that fuzzy baby*

Violet: Lola, come down 'n play! *waves her wooden dolly as she sits on the purring Deidre, who is laying on her back and making cute at Kimahri*

Lola: *wiggles. Wants down, Mama!*

Legacy: *will gently set Lola on her feet and chuckle as the purrpony bounces over to Violet*

Lumen: *very quietly as Mr. Toudou and Aoife look into the bag of gifts* Who's the dude?

Legacy: *quietly, knowing full well Aoife can hear her* Aoife's boyfriend.

Lumen: *eyes go wide* You're pullin' my tail.

Legacy: *headshake and a bit of a grin* I'm not.

Lumen: But... he's an old guy. *soft yelp as something crackles and sparks at the tip of his tail*

Legacy: *startles*

Mr. Toudou: *looks over quizzically, not noticing the slight smirk on Aoife's face*

Legacy: *fussing over Lumen*

Lumen: *trying to calm Legacy down and giving Aoife a wary look*

Kimahri: *paying his student no mind right now*

Mr. Toudou: *softly* Ah... Legacy-chan? Here's your gift.

Legacy: *calming down enough to blink a bit* Huh? *still looks a bit spooked*

Mr. Toudou: *holds out a coil of good copper wire and some sheets of coloured crafting plastic* I wasn't sure what you would like, so I thought maybe you'd like to make another pair of wings?

Aoife: *inner squee at the man's observation skills and thought process*

Legacy: *blink blink. Big, sunny grin as she accepts the wire and plastic* Thank you.

Mr. Toudou: *grins back* I wasn't sure what colours you like, but many girls where I come from like purple right now, and green always looks nice with that.

Aoife: *aaand he's a weirdo about colours, just like her! XD XD*

Legacy: *small nod* A lot of my clothes are green...

Mr. Toudou: *sincerely* It must make your eyes look very pretty.

Lumen: She looks good no matter what she wears.

Legacy: *SO much blush*

Mr. Toudou: *glances at Aoife and bets to himself that she's the same way*

Aoife: *wrinkles her nose at him*

Mr. Toudou: *puzzled, but then remembers that she can catch his thoughts and laughs with embarrassment as he rubs the back of his head*

Aoife: *hand on his arm, and then peeks into the gift bag* Oh. There's something here for Lumen and Jenny too. *chuckles*

Mr. Toudou: What? Did you make something appear? *reaches for the bag to look*

Lumen: *blink blink* Huh? *clueless kid is clueless*

Aoife: No. They were already here. Don't you remember this, Ken-san? *takes out a big metal jingle bell painted to look like an orange*

Mr. Toudou: Oh, that. I thought maybe Deidre-chan would like it, but then I found the pandas. *takes it into his hand* Who would like this, then?

Lumen: *eyes big* Bell...

Legacy: *trying not to snicker. Knows how her boyfriend gets*

Kimahri: *not even bothering to hide his snickering*

Mr. Toudou: *laughing now* You? *holds out the bell to Lumen, his dark eyes twinkling*

Lumen: *griiiin as he reaches for the bell*

Mr. Toudou: I'm glad you like this, Lumen-kun. *wide grin*

Lumen: *distracted by playing with the bell* *jingle jingle jingle*

Legacy: *chuckles* You just made his entire week.

Mr. Toudou: *takes the bag and pulls out the tiny golden bow pendant on its fine golden chain that he won from a random lottery that he stopped to put money into* So this is Jenny-san's, then? *offers it to the tiny woman*

Jenny: *shy hidings against Kimahri, but her sweet smile is visible*

Kimahri: *soothing rumble for Jenny, crouches so she can get a better look at the gift*

Mr. Toudou: *voice gentle now* Do you like this?

Jenny: *peeks at Kimahri, her big eyes shining*

Kimahri: *small nod*

Legacy: *gently* Jenny doesn't really talk either...

Mr. Toudou: *softly* I can see that she likes it. Should I give it to Kimahri-sama, then?

Aoife: *surprise at the title he gave the big ronso, but then grins*

Jenny: *snuggles Kimahri*

Kimahri: *slightly puzzled expression is a go*

Aoife: -He's calling you someone older and more respectable than himself, Kimahri. Go ahead and take that pretty and put it on Jenny.-

Kimahri: *small nod, will carefully reach for the pendant and proceed to put it on Jenny*

Mr. Toudou: *softly to Aoife* I didn't bring anything for Kimahri-sama.

Aoife: *laughs out loud* You brought him something pretty for Jenny.

Mr. Toudou: *puzzled*

Legacy: Kimahri's hobbies include protecting Jenny, finding things to give her that she likes, and holding her close.

Deidre: -But Aunty Jenny only like what Unca Kimmie like. So one present good!- *purrs to her panda and her little relatives*

Mr. Toudou: Ohhhh. I see. *grin*

Aoife: *looks in the bag, and then blinks and grins* A book for George and speciality chocolate for me. *big hug*

Mr. Toudou: *startled, but then grinning and hugging back*

George: *beeping. Wants to see his new book*

Legacy: *grinning and starting to feel a bit giddy from all the glee in the room*

Aoife: *and now she's embarrassed and going to look in the oven after putting George on the table on top of the 'Find Fred' book. She snuzzled against Mr. Toudou's chest during that hug*

Lumen: *happy rumblings*

Legacy: *squeaks as she gets picked up again, and then she's laughing*

Mr. Toudou: *bewildered look for Aoife turns into laughter as he looks at the teens* You two. What do you think you're doing?

Legacy: He's being silly... I'm just along for the ride.

Mr. Toudou: I see. *mock stern look for Lumen. Legacy will be able to feel his fondness toward her and his beginning of protective feelings*

Lumen: *oblivious to the look. Has the girl, has a bell. Is happy*

Legacy: *bit of a squee, hides her face against Lumen for a few moments*

Aoife: *without looking around from taking the big meatplant roast out of the oven* -What're you squeeing about, Leggy?-

Legacy: -... I have no idea. It just seemed like the right thing to do?- *giddy and whee*

Aoife: *amused* -What are you high on?- *turns and sets the roast on the table*

Mr. Toudou: *wide eyes. Has never seen a roast that big!*

Legacy: -...I have no idea...-

Aoife: *chuckles and turns back to the oven*

Legacy: *giiiiiddddyyy and wheee, mostly because now she's picking up Lumen's glee*

Aoife: *takes the savoury bread pudding out of the oven, inhaling the delicious scent of mushrooms and veggie broth* You guys are going to make me silly.

Mr. Toudou: *stepping forward when he sees the size of that terra cotta roaster* Let me help, Aoife-san.

Aoife: *surprised, but then smiles and lets him*

Lumen: *jingle jingle jingle*

Aoife: Leggy, will you get the rest of the dinner? *grins at her daughter, her eyes sparkling and glowing softly*

Legacy: Yup... Just as soon as Lumen puts me down... *poking the older teen in the hopes he'll take the hint*

Aoife: *makes a fizzy sound come from the direction of the tip of Lumen's tail*

Lumen: Ack!!! *startles and checks his tail*

Mr. Toudou: *as he sets the roaster on the table* I just saw a little spark there. Is someone doing that?

Lumen: T_T *sets Legacy down and makes sure his poor, abused tail is alright*

Legacy: *patpat, moves to get the rest of the dinner*

Aoife: I am. *laughs* It was only a sound and light.

Damson: *image of a question mark*

Mr. Toudou: 0_0 What was that?

Legacy: *puzzled look*

Damson: *shares with her friend pictures of everyone's gifts, then climbs up Legacy's back and makes the question mark again*

Legacy: Oh! That's Damson.

Mr. Toudou: Oh! That's her talking? *smiles and reaches into his pocket* She's awake now. I can give her gift to her.

Damson: *agreement!*

Legacy: *laughs*

Mr. Toudou: *takes out the package of a blind packed Lalaloopsie micro figure* I tried to find something small. I'm not sure this is tiny enough. *uncertainty as he wonders how to give it to the tiny invisible girl*

Legacy: *approves of Mr. Toudou, gently reassuring Damson that it's okay to go grab her gift*

Mr. Toudou: *startles as the package is suddenly snatched from between his fingers, then watches with a wondering grin as it flies over to rest on the edge of Rose's big pot* Ah! There you are, Damson-chan.

Damson: *shows everyone a big butt*

Legacy: *facepalm*

Mr. Toudou: Hey, that's not very nice.

Lumen: Bhuh? *looks up from jingling his bell*

Damson: *shows Legacy a picture of a surprised face. This guy is talking to her. Most people outside the family don't*

Legacy: *gently* He's going to be coming around often, Damson.

Damson: *Legacy will be able to feel as the tiny wildling turns and looks toward her. Soft question mark. Why does Legacy like him so much?*

Legacy: *thinks of how calm and laid back Mr. Toudou feels. Also thinks of how happy Aoife feels when she's around him. Likes how happy everyone else feels*

Damson: *'silent' for a moment, but then shows an image of Mr. Toudou someday living at the Brownstone. This?*

Legacy: *slight headshake. Mr. Toudou has a home, and she's pretty sure he wants to continue living there*

Aoife: *glances over with a slight feeling of blush* -He was wondering if there's room for him here, Legacy. Wondering it already.- *looks over to where Mr. Toudou has been distracted by a head butt to the butt and is talking to Deidre, Violet, and Lola now*

Legacy: *blink blink* -Oh...-

Aoife: -He thinks it may happen in a few months. I... I'm not sure why he'd want to move.-

Deidre: -Silly Mama. Him wanna maybe get married some day.-

Aoife: *curses as she sticks her hand on the side of the roaster in surprise*

Legacy: *slight frown for a few moments* -I could che... Wait... married?- *boggling a bit*

Mr. Toudou: *looks up as a pale-faced Aoife sinks into the nearest chair* *sharp with concern* What happened?

Aoife: *hides her face in her hands*

Legacy: *starting to fuss and fret over Aoife*

Lumen: *acks and scoots to try and help calm Legacy down*

Mr. Toudou: *over to the big old fashioned sink and gets a mug of water, then brings it to the two women* *more quietly* What happened?

Legacy: *biting her lower lip and fretting*

Lumen: *so puzzled and worried* Legacy?

Aoife: *lowers her hands and transmits peace* I'm alright. Something Deedee said just surprised me.

Deidre: *sitting and making like hiding her face with one paw while Violet cheerfully beats on her side with both small fists*

Aoife: *squeezes Legacy's hand, and then takes the water from Mr. Toudou and drinks it* Thanks, Ken-san.

Legacy: *still wants to fuss and fret... but then she's squeaking as Lumen picks her up and cuddles her again*

Aoife: *pats Mr. Toudou's hand with the hand that isn't holding Legacy's anymore* Kids say the darnedest things sometimes.

Mr. Toudou: Tell me about it. And young robots are no exception. *not totally sure she's okay. See him hover a bit?*

Lumen: *blink blink* Young robots? You mean like Cybertronians? 'Cause I know one who's a derp.

Mr. Toudou: They were born on Earth, but their mother is Cybertronian. So was their father.

Lumen: Ah, sorta like the guy who's an alt of me. *nod nod, cuddles Legacy*

Mr. Toudou: Deckerd, Power Joe, Dumpson, McCrane, and Drill Boy are police detectives, but they still do some very silly things. *grins, relaxing again and stepping back from Aoife after she's given him the water cup*

Lumen: *looks up* ... You know a Drill Boy?

Mr. Toudou: *surprised, but nods* Yes, he's the youngest member of the Japanese branch of the Brave Police program. I built him.

Lumen: *soft snerk* *will set Legacy on her feet so he can get his phone out* The guy I know's prolly an alt... *carefully searching his phone until he finds the picture he's looking for. Offers phone to Mr. Toudou*

Mr. Toudou: *looks at the picture and grins, but then looks more closely* What's this sparkly thing he's holding?

Lumen: His and his girlfriend's kid... He found the glitterbitty in a Nexus toybox...

Mr. Toudou: *surprised and just a bit upset* In a toybox?

Damson: *shaking invisible bitty booty as she dances with her new dolly on the edge of the flower pot*

Lumen: *nod* Yeah... If it affected the little guy, all the loving and cuddling he gets from his mom, dad, uncle, and babysitter more than made up for it.

Mr. Toudou: But who would abandon a baby like that? *frowns*

Aoife: *gently* Actually, he could even have been born in that toybox. The Nexus is weird. *looks around* Dinner's ready, Leggy?

Legacy: *small nod, is snuggling against Lumen and trying to squash down her reaction to the feelings she's picking up*

Lumen: *carefully flips to a picture of Denpup and bittyDrillBoy conked out in a hammock* Den's usually in the Nexus anymore, and she's usually got the little guy in a sling on her back...

Mr. Toudou: *eyes widen, and then he's chuckling* Chibi Drill Boy!

Deidre: -No. Babby.- *gentle headbutt for her panda as she purrs and gets beaten on by her sister and Lola*

Lola: *headbutting Deedee-Sissy!*

Mr. Toudou: I only meant that he was tiny, Deedee-chan. *grins, and then looks at the picture again* Our Drill Boy is too young to have a girlfriend. His grandmother says that he's the equivalent of a human ten or eleven year old right now.

Lumen: *chuckle* The one that hangs out at the factory's about the same age as I am....

Mr. Toudou: How does he get his work done while spending so much time here?

Legacy: *quietly* He's got a good PINpoint... and sets it back to right after he's left...

Aoife: And I suspect there are a lot more Brave Police teams in his reality, and he might be on leave. *hands on hips as she grins* Are you guys going to make Kimahri wait all night to eat?

Lumen: *sheepish expression as he looks to his mentor* Sorry, Kimahri... Got distracted.

Kimahri: *soft rumble of a chuckle. Knows how the teen gets*

Deidre: *pushes her dish over with her nose*

Violet: *trying to climb her high chair. Try! Try! :D*

Lumen: *scoots to help Violet into her chair*

Legacy: *hugging her arm a bit and hesitating as Kimahri moves to bring Jenny to a chair*

Aoife: *quizzical feeling for her eldest as she sets out bamboo plates, sporks, and chopsticks*

Legacy: *sheepish* -I feel a bit fuzzy-headed...-

Aoife: *frown and gentle concern* -Do you need to lay down?-

Legacy: *headshake* -I'll be okay...-

Aoife: -Think we should eat upstairs in Scattor's room, so you can sit in his squishy chair?-

Legacy: *bit of a nod, rubs her arm a bit more as she tries to remember where she left her blocker*

Aoife: *snaps fingers, and then hands it to her*

Mr. Toudou: *looks around from helping Lola into her highchair. Gentle feeling of a question* *Legacy will be able to tell that it's aimed toward Aoife, and that the man is trying to talk to her mother in her own language*

Legacy: *quietly thanks Aoife, will turn her blocker on and take a few deep breaths*

Aoife: She's alright, Ken-san. She just feels things. *arm around Legacy and a bit of a hug*

Mr. Toudou: I hope we haven't made you sick, Legacy-chan. *meeps as he gets Lola nibbled*

Lola: *does you have noms, Unca?* *looks up at him with beeg eyes*

Mr. Toudou: *gently strokes the little purr-pony's head* We're nearly ready, Lola-chan. Your mother's just not feeling very well.

Lola: *ears up, whickermew at Mama*

Legacy: *quietly* I'm okay. Let's get ready to eat...

Aoife: Alright. Here are the plates and everything. *grins* Kimahri, will you carve the roast?

Kimahri: *nod. Moves to carve the roast*

Aoife: *passing out plates and eating utensils*

Mr. Toudou: *laughing as he looks at one of the sporks. Then looks up at Lumen* What do you use, Lumen-kun?

Lumen: Sporks. The kind I usually use're made of bamboo. :3

Mr. Toudou: *offers the one he's holding* Just like this, huh?

Lumen: *nods as he reaches for the spork* Yup.

Aoife: *soon has everyone served, thanks given, and everyone herded upstairs to Scattor's comfortable though slightly dusty sitting room*


later, after the guests have gone home


Aoife: *sitting with a sleeping Violet in her lap. Looks over at where Legacy and Lola are curled in Scattor's chair* *quietly* What do you think?

Legacy: *quietly* I like him. He's good peeps.

Aoife: *absent nod* But... he thinks he wants to move here? *her face says she doesn't understand that*

Legacy: *quietly* He really loves you.

Aoife: *forehead creases in a slight frown* He barely knows me.

Legacy: He knows enough to want to get to know you better.

Aoife: *bites her lip, the grey clouds fading from her eyes as she thinks of how it feels to be hugged by the cheerful Japanese engineer* *sighs and rubs her face*

Legacy: *quietly* He feels safe.

Aoife: *lowers hand and looks over as she absently pats Violet's back* What do you mean?

Legacy: *quietly* Like how Lu's dad feels... Steady, sincere, kind...

Deidre: *from where she's hiding behind the door* *sad sounds*

Lola: *ears up, whickermew at DeeDee-Sissy* *Why you sad?*

Deidre: -Ken-sama goed 'way.- *sad mew*

Lola: Ooooh... *sad whicker*

Aoife: What are you guys up to? *tries to hear what's causing the youngsters distress, but is a bit too swirly in her own feelings to focus*

Legacy: *quiet* They miss Mr. Toudou already...

Aoife: *silent as she listens to her house and hears it quietly echoing the sadness of the kitten and the kittenfoal* But we've just met.

Legacy: *quietly* You brought him to meet the family...

Aoife: *looks up, wondering what the significance of that is* Yes...?

Legacy: *quietly quoting something Denpup told her the other day* Sometimes, the Nexus brings the people together who are meant to find each other.

Aoife: *hand over her mouth to hide a wibble* But...

Lola: Mama needa daddy. *nodnod*

Legacy: *surprised look for the purrpony*

Aoife: *concern* You need Lu, Leggy?

Legacy: *headshake*

Lola: Nupe. Needa Daddy-Unca Ken. *nod nod*

Aoife: *red face* *uncertainly* No...

Legacy: *ded of embarrassment. Hunkers down in the chair*

Deidre: -Yes! Silly Mama.-

Aoife: *looks just like Legacy now*

Lola: Aunty needa kissy!

Aoife: *sounds like Legacy when she meeps, too*

Deidre: -Deedee go get Ken-sama.-

Aoife: *squeak!* No!

Legacy: *squeak*

Aoife: *deep breath* How about a little chocolate, and we all go to bed?

Deidre: *distracted* -Choccy!-

Lola: Choccy!!!

Legacy: *still hunkered in the chair*

Aoife: *gently, as she gets up and comes over to where Legacy and Lola are sitting* Leggy?

Legacy: *quietly* Are Dads supposed to feel safe to be around?

Aoife: *softly, going to one knee by her daughter and granddaughter* I... don't know about physical ones. I've never had one. But... Well, He feels safe. *quick glance upward*

Legacy: *small nod* I like him.

Aoife: *lays head on the arm of the couch* I've... I've killed a lot of men, Leggy.

Legacy: You introduced him to the family... Kimahri approves of him...

Aoife: *softly* And he tries to talk to me with his heart. He's reaching out to all of you... *quick, impatient movement to wipe away tears as they spill over*

Legacy: *going to hug Aoife muchly now* *is just a bit shaky from all the happy and the wind-down, but she's trying to be supportive*

Aoife: I don't feel like I'm worth loving. Some of the men I killed were just like Ken.

Legacy: *softly* Everyone is worth loving.

Aoife: *hides her face and cries despite herself, glad that Legacy has the blocker on*

Deidre: *going to cry now too, and come to sympathize with Mama*

Violet: *looking up with worried eyes from Aoife's chair*

Legacy: *so much hug for Aoife*

Aoife: *her sobs seem to tear out of her as she fights with them, but her face is wet with tears behind her hands* -And if he's here... it's not the Nexus that's brought him. I...- *cries more*

Legacy: *so much hug*

Aoife: *finally wipes her face* *quietly* I can't fight against my Master's will. I know He won't force me to do anything, but if He's brought Ken here, then... *wibble*

Legacy: *softly* He doesn't give us anything we can't handle... And He brings people into our lives when we need them... *quietly* Like when He brought you into my life...

Aoife: *deep breath, and then looks at Legacy* Do you feel like this when Lumen hugs you? *gently shares past the blocker the feeling of contentment and value that she got from Mr. Toudou's hug*

Legacy: *small nod. Shares how safe she feels in Lumen's arms* *softly* Do you feel like that when you get hugged by Mr. Toudou?

Aoife: *quietly* Well, I'm not actually afraid of much.

Legacy: *quiet* Except for being loved sincerely?

Aoife: *bites her lip* Yeah, except that, I guess. *droops head onto the arm of Legacy's chair and sighs* ...Do you feel jittery when Lu hugs you?

Legacy: *bit of a blush as she nods* And a bit weak in the knees... Den said that's normal... But I don't know if she was telling a whopper...

Aoife: Well, I didn't notice anything in my knees, but it's like a tingle went all through me and my thoughts go all incoherently happy.

Legacy: *small nod* I noticed that...

Aoife: *wince* Sorry.

Deidre: *mental giggle*

Legacy: *bit of an amused look* I wasn't complaining...

Aoife: *blushes and closes her eyes as the corners of her mouth turn up despite herself*

Legacy: I'm happy that you found someone.

Aoife: *eyes still closed* He deserves to be loved, as much as any person can. *smile grows a little* He just checked on his grandson as soon as he got through his door. Seems the little guy's teething. *shares images of the fact that Mr. Toudou also has adopted children, and that one of those children is a teen parent to an adorable little son*

Legacy: *soft chuckle* -So his son's sort of like me...- *thinking of Lola*

Aoife: Deckerd's a serious guy. *chuckle* That Drill Boy Ken was telling you about is one of his babies.

Legacy: *small nod* *quietly* He's got a sister too?

Aoife: *smiles just a bit more, though there's sadness in it* They're Rachel's grandkids. The Rachel we met first.

Legacy: *soft 'heh', though she'll give Aoife a quietly puzzled look for the sadness*

Aoife: I never told you how those grandkids were born. It... isn't happy. You know Gunmax, the kid they keep scooping off the floor of the Black Dog and sending home after he gets sloshed?

Legacy: *small nod, bites her lower lip* He's one of Rachel's grandkids?

Aoife: Yeah. They don't know about him yet, though. He's Deckerd's brother, not just his clone.

Legacy: *wibble*

Aoife: *quietly* I'm just glad you can't feel his emotions. The poor kid's so lonely that he feels empty.

Legacy: *small nod* *quietly* I hope they find out about him soon.

Aoife: I think it'll be soon. But some other things have to happen first. *startles as Deidre headbutts her and Legacy* Oh yeah. Chocolate and bed.

Legacy: *startles and goes 0_0*

Deidre: *kissies for Sissy* -No scared. Just Deedee. Love you.-

Legacy: *deep breaths, hugs for Deedee*

Deidre: *mighty rumble and kissies with big kitty nose*

Damson: *is that tiny hand patting Legacy's shoulder as she projects a picture of Legacy's big four poster bed*

Legacy: *small nod* Yeah... Chocolate and then bed...

Aoife: *slight grin and teleports one of the two bars Mr. Toudou brought her into her hand* Lavender chocolate?

Legacy: *perks*

Aoife: *grins and shares*


few minutes later


Aoife: *sitting on the bottom step and gazing absently at Legacy's living room door, even though she knows that her eldest daughter, Lola, and Damson are all tucked snuggly in their beds. Her mind is quiet now, though she's listening to see what her Master has to say to her. The worry and confusion of earlier are faded, and she feels as though a blister has been lanced inside her. She also has a sense that she's supposed to wait here because someone wants to talk to her*

Kimahri: *approaching the brownstone now. Wants to talk to Aoife about Mr. Toudou*

Aoife: *perks with surprise and looks toward the open front door as she senses that quiet but steady presence* -Kimahri? You want to talk to me?-

Kimahri: *small nod as he moves into view*

Aoife: *slight, worried scowl* -Is something wrong?-

Kimahri: *headshake* *thinking about how happy everyone was earlier and wondering how you feel about Mr. Toudou, Aoife*

Aoife: *shuts her eyes to hide from her own blush and shows him*

Kimahri: *quiet for a few moments, and then he's chuckling. He enjoyed talking with Mr. Toudou, even if he didn't really say much during the conversation. Wonders how the kids feel about Mr. Toudou*

Aoife: *inhales deeply to get her own feelings under control and then shows Kimahri what she picked up from Deidre and Violet. Both children were deeply confused and upset when it was time for Mr. Toudou to go home*

Kimahri: *small nod* *slight tilt of his head as he thinks about how Legacy reacted to Mr. Toudou's presence*

Aoife: *shares some of what the human teen said about their visitor* *blushes strongly as she shares the teasing*

Kimahri: *soft snort. Remembers how some of his friends used to tease one another. Will nod and wonder whether Mr. Toudou will be visiting regularly*

Aoife: *nods* -I... I think so. He has his own family, and a full life. But he's looking forward to the day when he can offer me a ring.- *SO much blush, and a bit of her wibbling uncertainty that she'd been feeling at the thought*

Kimahri: *small nod. Moves to offer hugs* *quietly* One day at a time.

Aoife: *soft grunt as she's lifted off the bottom stair and surrounded by the soft fur of the big guy she's starting to think of as her third brother* *quietly* You think I should keep him too.

Kimahri: *another small nod*

Aoife: *soft snerk* Why?

Kimahri: Ken is a good person. *wow, a full sentence!*

Aoife: You want to saddle a good person with me? *amused eyebrow quirk as she looks up at him, the green in her eyes telling of her teasing*

Kimahri: Aoife is a good person too. *amused Ronso is amused*

Aoife: *sighs and rests her head against him* *shares that yes, she's starting to feel like she is willing to court, and someday to marry this happy engineer*

Kimahri: *gentle backrub and a quiet rumble*

Aoife: *thinks and ponders for a bit, and also listens to the world around her with all her senses. Then looks up* I introduced Jenny as Lumen's other mother without thinking.

Kimahri: *chuckles and nods*

Aoife: I know she doesn't even know she's a person. But your life is so bound to hers that the two of you are inseparable.

Kimahri: *nod of agreement*

Aoife: *softly* So I was right.

Kimahri: *soft rumble*

Aoife: *slight smile. Then blinks and looks around* ...Where is she?

Kimahri: *will put Aoife down before he turns around, revealing the big sling he's got on his back*

Aoife: *chuckles* I should have known she was with you. But she's hard to hear.

Kimahri: *small nod*

Aoife: *gently touches the soft fur of the tiny sleeping unicorn woman, her mouth quirking at the corner as Jenny makes her soft little purling sound* She's happy. Even though she doesn't know it.

Kimahri: *another small nod and a bit of protective feelings toward Jenny*

Aoife: *steps back so that he can turn around, her own feelings reassuring and affirming about the big man's protectiveness toward Jenny*

Kimahri: *turns so he can face Aoife*

Aoife: *softly* We're both poor idiots with pasts, and we've found a safe port.

Kimahri: *small nod*

Aoife: *deep sigh as she looks toward Legacy's door again*

Legacy: *sleeping deeply and curled up around a couple of her plushies*

Kimahri: *concerned* Trouble?

Aoife: *surprised small snerk* No. She's sleeping a lot more quietly than usual.

Kimahri: *nod*

Aoife: *sigh* *quietly* I think a lot of my kids have already imprinted on Ken.

Kimahri: *another nod. Noticed that as well. Also noticed that Legacy seemed a bit giddy*

Aoife: *embarrassed again* I think I happy bombed her.

Kimahri: *snerk*

Aoife: *BLUSH*

Kimahri: *gentle patpat*

Aoife: *thankful quirk of a grin, and then stretches slightly* I think I'm going to go hunting. I'll see you later, hey?

Kimahri: *nod* *one last patpat, and then he's moving to head home*

Aoife: *grins as she watches him go, and watches the tiny woman in the sling on his back sleep the sleep of the utterly at peace. Then looks around her home and nods to it before stepping back and vanishing. Will go help the sick bots in the dragon Swindle's home reality instead of hunting tonight*


back in microbots 'verse ((And back in Japanese))


Makoto: *pokes Mr. Saejiima in the forehead to see if he'll wake up now*

Saejima: *starting to wake up, squirms and grumbles a bit about the poke*

Makoto: According to this note it's time for your next shot of medicine. And I have that ointment I said I'd rub on your back. *watches in her laid back way to see if he heard her*

Saejima: *bit of a smile as he sees who's here. Is always happier whenever Makoto's around*

Makoto: *sees that smile and chuckles* Ready? *is holding a glass with his next dose of medicine. And she's warmed it up, too*

Saejima: Yes. *moving to sit up*

Makoto: *one strong arm behind his back, and then offers the glass* Smells good.

Saejima: *as he reaches for the glass* It doesn't taste terrible, either. *chuckle*

Makoto: Hmm. Medicine that tastes good. *dark eyes twinkle at the amusing thought*

Saejima: *eyes sparkling a bit as he works on taking his medicine*

Makoto: Sounding better. *looks over at one of his little bots as it peeks in to check on him*

Saejima: *finishes drinking his medicine and nods a greeting to the bot*

Makoto: *feels the nod and turns back. Takes glass and lays him back down* Back rub?

Saejima: Yes, please. *going to try and get turned over on his own*

Makoto: *brings out the little blue bottle of ointment and opens it. Vick's Vapour Rub scent suddenly fills the room*

Saejima: *starting to relax as the rum takes effect again, knows he'll more than likely be conked out by the time Makoto finishes putting Vick's Vapour Rub on his back*

Makoto: Alright. Face and chest first. *quirks a brow at him* I can't put it on through your nightgown.

Saejima: *grumble* It's a sleep shirt... *works on getting it off*

Makoto: *sniffs the ointment and then wipes her watering eyes on the sleeve of her button front men's shirt* Need help?

Saejima: *having an argument with his sleep shirt* *more grumble* I might...

Makoto: Here. *sits him up and checks to see if he remembered to unbutton the garment*

Saejima: *nope. Which probably explains the difficulties he's having*

Makoto: You really are sick. *unfastens the buttons with one hand, and then pulls the sleep shirt off over his head* Or maybe you're drunk from your medicine? *yes, now she's teasing*

Saejima: *mock-offended huff*

Makoto: *lays him back and pats him on the chest. Gently amused tone* And yes, this is still pretty. Can I put the ointment on it now?

Saejima: *soft chuckle as he nods. Now knows that Makoto thinks he's pretty, but he knows she thinks flowers and sunsets are pretty too. Remembers the first time she followed him home after he, Kenji, and the rest of the engineers went to the bar to drink to Tomo's health*

Makoto: Close your eyes so I can get this on the right part of your face. *aiming fingers with ointment on them at his forehead and upper cheeks*

Saejima: *knows how much Vick's can sting. Closes his eyes and remembers how he woke up in the middle of the night with vague memories of being helped home, helped into his sleep clothes, and then into bed. Remembers how he nearly panicked when he realized that a lady had followed him home*

Makoto: *callused fingers apply the medication carefully and gently, with an engineer's precise skill, then move down to his chest and start working the ointment into his skin* This will have you up in no time.

Saejima: *sound of agreement as he remembers how he realized that the lady was beside the bed on a backward kitchen chair, and that he was feeling like he'd fallen out of bed at some point and hit his head*

Makoto: *strong hands attack any tension knots she finds, but are gentle around the areas that can get sore when one coughs a lot* So the boss brought the medicine to drink?

Saejima: *nods* Yes.

Makoto: *nods* His mind wasn't on the job today.

Saejima: His mind is on other matters...

Makoto: The bots are all alright. Though he and Yuuta-kun surprised McCrane's drone talking to itself in the men's room mirror.

Saejima: *snerk, wince*

Makoto: Easy. *gentle poke for a particularly ornery knot in his shoulder, and then sets to work relentlessly demolishing it*

Saejima: *starting to get dozy as Makoto works on the knot on his shoulder* *groggy amusement* He says I don't have a girlfriend.

Makoto: *amusement in her voice* Do you? Here, turn over. *moves to help*

Saejima: *as he turns over* Only if you want to be called that...

Makoto: *shrug* I don't care either way. I'm not going anywhere no matter what you call me. *helps get him settled with his face between two pillows so he can breath, and then sets to work on his back with the Vick's*

Saejima: *conked out mid-way through the back-rub, and snoring softly*

Makoto: *will get the ointment well rubbed in and the knots well rubbed out. Then pauses to grin at him before grabbing his sleep shirt and getting him back into it without waking him. Tucks him in, and then goes to raid the fridge and tinker with little bits of electronics and metal on the couch in front of the TV in the private theatre*

Saejima: *sleeps peacefully as the house goes quiet aside from the sounds of the TV. Knows that Makoto is there if the chest cold makes anything troubling happen*

((Written with random_xtras))