Day 60: Music Room (Fourth Shift)

[stray_shinigami]

It wasn't often that Renji felt less like punching people in general as his day wore on. This was a new experience for him. A not unwelcome one, if he was being honest. And the fact that he felt less like punching Fai? Kind of mind-blowing. The sort of thing Zen masters would probably use as a kouan to reach an all-new level of non-punching

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[hasnomeaning]

[ scream that icon.... ]

If the Second Child did know anything, she was not likely to share it. And more to the point.... Rei's eyes watched Aigis, then she gave a slight incline of her head. "I am not certain, but all of my comrades may be gone." The males she was more sure on. Soryu, Ayanami had not seen in parts. It could be that the other pilot was still around. Somewhere.

She did not doubt Aigis's claim. For the other had had more luck in narrowing down what had happened to the both of them--which still existed as something to be discussed, though not in this timeframe. Rei gave a perceptible nod to the point, accepting the fact. Though the other continued, and Ayanami listened intently. To words that could be spoken by herself. Did Aigis have any idea of what those things meant to Rei? More than likely not, but it remained all the same. Rei bowed her head, eyes closed. "...I am myself." A reiteration. A fact. A promise. "I cannot be anything than what I am."

It came less as an explanation and more as a want. A need. She would not be any other. She was herself. And would not allow any other's desires or mind to pull her apart. Not again. Not in any way.

[no_dont_go]

[You like it? :3 Also, sorry for late >_<;;]

"Oh." Aigis' brows drew together in sympathy. It was a sad thing to lose one's comrades. She understood very well that pain. "I am sorry for your loss. All my friends from home are gone as well."

Rei seemed to hold onto Aigis' assertion that she would always be herself, no matter what. They were of a like-mind in that sense. However, Aigis was beginning to see that 'change' was possible, but 'change' did not mean becoming a different being altogether. It was subtle and augmented oneself, but it did not change one completely.

"Yes." Aigis nodded again in affirmation. "We should do what we can to gather information on what truly happened in your absence. It may not culminate into conclusive data. However, we may discover at least a little more about the institute's goals for us all."

[hasnomeaning]

[ extremely!~ very cute~ ]

Empathy was not an aspect Rei held to, but she could understand. Both she and Aigis were now the only ones left from their comrades. Ayanami nodded slowly. "...We're the ones that were left." Or the ones that were strong enough to not vanish. She could not claim to know what happened to those who disappeared. It was not of her mind to tell it.

She hesitated only for a moment after Aigis spoke again, then gave another nod. "All right," she said softly. "I'll follow your lead in this."

[no_dont_go]

[\o/]

Being left hurt, but it was perhaps for the best that they were not mindlessly following the institute's influences. It still pained Aigis to know most of her friends had succumbed, but she wouldn't let it get to her. She would stay strong. For her friends still here and those now gone.

Aigis was surprised by Rei's sudden proclamation of allegiance in the matter. Pleasantly surprised. "No one has ever followed me before." She was always the follower. Following Minato or Heat or Utena. But this time, Rei was relying on her to lead them in this mission. Well, she would take up that offer then.

Reaching out with a smile, Aigis finally felt she had the the right to hold her friend's hand. She never initiated these things on her own, but right now it felt like the "right" time for such a move. She could have been wrong, but she was willing to take a chance.

[hasnomeaning]

Despite Aigis' claim, Rei would hold to what she had said. Aigis was more knowledgeable. Therefore, it would be Rei who followed. She was one who could switch to any role, provide support and backup or move to lead others, but if asked a preference--which had never been done--Rei would move to support more than any other. She would guard another's back wholly and completely, and this was what came as truth.

The other moved, smiling, and Ayanami allowed the touch easily, the clasp of hands. She glanced downward, to the fingers entwined, and slowly returned the gesture. This person was.... Aigis was becoming something in the way of bonds. And in this place, the girl was quite possibly the only possibility of that that Rei had. The others were likely gone, and only this girl, human or not, had reached out to Ayanami in a way that had affected. So it was that-- "Aigis," she said quietly, emotionlessly, as she looked on at the fact of two clasped into one. "If you need assistance, tell me. I will help you if you have need." She would be there, if Aigis needed anything.