Day 55: Courtyard [4th Shift]

[gald_digger]

Talking with friends usually put Anise in a better mood, but the subjects that she, Guy, and Tear covered at lunch were so heavy that Anise couldn't help but feel weighed down afterward. It was hard to think and talk about the terrible things that came about from her lies. She wasn't going to cry, not now, but she felt like she needed a little

Comments

[hasnomeaning]

The day had certainly been more eventful than she would have liked. There were things necessary to have happened, and knowledge that certainly needed to be learned, but Ayanami felt as if she had experienced enough in the last twenty-four hours. Her cool resolve was weakened, and her natural stoicism was lacking. She allowed herself to be led outside, and then merely moved to a bench nearby. After lightly brushing off some of the snow, she sat, the placed a hand against her face.

That was it, then. Another nightly happening. Another who had pressed against her mind. She did not know if she liked Byrne Faraday or wanted nothing more to do with him. It was not yet in her to decide. All she knew at the moment was emotional exhaustion; something entirely foreign and completely unwanted.

[Aigis~]

[no_dont_go]

After being bundled in a coat, Aigis was led with the other younger patients out into the snowy courtyard. She had been curious about the snow before (How did it feel to touch snow with this sensitive skin?) but not as excited about experiencing cold again. She did have the warm thoughts and words imparted to her from Carter to dwell on though. Maybe they would keep her from freezing

[hasnomeaning]

The fact of a familiar voice of one not an Eva pilot was almost unknown, and yet Rei recognized Aigis instantly. There was something in Ayanami that accepted the other, and she was not upset by the intrusion as she would note otherwise. Her hand dropped like dead weight, and she tilted her head to look at the other. Was there a point to simplifying here? "Not pain," she gave quietly. "I am only adjusting to something unwanted."

More truthful than she would otherwise be. Whether or not it would happen again, it remained as such. An Angel, something that masqueraded as one, and Byrne Faraday. Three, now, had entered her mind, forced their emotions on her, giving the sensation that was becoming known--to accept that will, to give in to becoming another.

She was herself. Only herself. This was a permanent fact, unmoving, and yet, she felt her body lightly shaking.

[no_dont_go]

Aigis nodded, glad to hear Rei was not hurt. The adjustment was likely due to the change in atmosphere around the institute. Aigis was having to adjust as well, but it did not draw on her the way it seemed to affect the other girl.

She reached out to touch her hand but stopped when she noticed the other tremble. Aigis' mind whirled, trying to figure out what could be wrong, then remembered she had shaken much her first time out in the courtyard with Junpei a week ago. She thought that surely Rei must be cold.

"Here." Aigis sat on the bench right up next to Rei and reached to put her arms around her. That had been Junpei's response to her own shivering. It was natural, right?

[hasnomeaning]

The movement was half-expected, of the other girl seating herself next to Ayanami. The further motion was unexpected, but nothing in Rei rejected the contact. Aigis draped her arms around Rei, and the girl only bowed her head. Was there something in this? It was only physical contact; less, for the fact of the layers of cloth between them. This was something. That others did in regards to bonds. She was not unfamiliar. But had little wanting in the fact. The most she could claim was leaning lightly on Ikari the day in town.

But it was not unwanted. It was just not something natural in any way. She remained as she was, neither stiff or relaxed, for Aigis to do what she wanted. There was something of acceptance in the silence.

nnghn, so late T_T

[no_dont_go]

Aigis remained quiet for quite a few minutes, allowing Rei time to warm up. She seemed to have no inclination to speak. Neither did she show Aigis any reaction that indicated what she was doing was right or wrong in the situation. If Aigis had any doubts that hugging was not the best approach to warming someone up before now they were certainly gone after the quiet moment of acceptance.

"I am glad you are not in pain." Aigis kept herself close, unsure if she should let go. Junpei had held on to her for quite a while. One could never be too cautious when it came to catching cold.

"Are you sure you are not upset?" Adjustment could be uncomfortable at best, painful at worst. Rei was not one that allowed support easily as Aigis had learned the first night they had met. Even if it was just to keep her warm for now, Aigis wanted to provide that support. "Feel free to speak your mind."

The android did enough of speaking her own mind around others. Offering to return the favor was the least she could do.