Night 41: M61-70 Hallway

[arc_wrench]

Well, that was interesting. He'd just watched Lockdown being escorted out of the room by some of the staff. That meant one of two things, and he quite hoped it was the same as what it had been for him. A night of terrorizing meatbags was always fun, although HK did hope that if this was the case for Lockdown, the former droid would be able to

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M63

[notachick]

The night fell like it always did, but the announcement was yet again stranger than usual. Staring up at the intercom as the lights went out and the doors unlocked, Okita wondered just what sort of things the Head Doctor had in mind for today. Yesterday, he'd made the mistake of predicting the night's events based on a similarly ominous message. Tonight, however, he was going to think positively and decided that he was going to have a lovely night, even if things were going to try and eat his face off. After bidding Guy farewell and wishing him luck that night, the swordsman took a moment to compose his thoughts. Once Ayumu arrived, he wanted to talk with her and then head out across the Institute.

Going to the closet, Okita managed to wrestle his shirt off without much pain (just enough to remind him of why he hated how constrictive Western clothing was) and started to change. Wearing the sling inside his kimono made it much less noticeable, something for which Okita was grateful. He didn't bother to put on the Shinsengumi haori and hakama, instead leaving himself in his white kimono like always. Tying the obi was a bother, but he managed and soon sat down at the desk again, sighing in relief. It was nice to have his legs truly free again.

He rolled his good shoulder and glanced at his uneaten dessert. He'd managed to get the nurse to leave that and the plastic fork behind when they'd come to collect the trays, so now he had all the time in the world to eat it. Smiling to himself, Okita pulled the dish closer and dipping his finger into the frosting to taste it. Western clothing was dumb, but the desserts were heavenly.

Setting the food aside for a moment, he rose and went to the door, opening it and poking his head out in case Ayumu was on her way. However, instead of Ayumu, he caught sight of someone else entirely. Well, two someones. One of whom was doing a wonderful job at grabbing attention. Stepping a little further out, he put a finger over his lips to signal to the younger girl not to give his presence away to Yuffie and then waited for them to get a little closer.

Re: M63

[thatdamnedninja]

[ Go go threadshift]

"All the time," was Yuffie's smug reply. She grinned as she set off again (walking backwards this time), quick and proud and appearing thoroughly cheerful. Just because some things about the last few days had sucked, didn't mean that she could get herself down all the time. Or at all, really. That's what she had to tell herself. "It's my preferred method of transportation. Cars suck, boats suck, airships suck, walking is cool but it gets old real quick. Gymnastics are the way to go. There's no need to hide your appreciation for my skills, either; you can applaud if you want--"

Was there somebody behind her? Yuffie's head tilted, almost imperceptibly. The back of her neck was prickling in an entirely too stereotypical way. Who was it? Should she turn around? Maybe it was a crazy guy with a chainsaw like you got in the movies. Or an axe. Maybe it was a ghost! Or a figment of her imagination. Regardless, if it really was there, she could always kick it in the nose if it tried to cause trouble.

Re: M63

[remedying]

"I..." Yukari trailed off, catching sight of the guy; so, he wanted her to keep quiet? She was skeptical, but he did just step out of a room, so perhaps he wasn't something dangerous after all. Given that he didn't want his presence tipped off either, they probably knew each other, or something like that.

With an internal grin, Yukari shifted her eyes back to Yuffie. Hey, even she can be cooperative with these things sometimes.

"I guess it was pretty cool," she responded, not much thought put behind it. Yuffie sure had an ego, and Yukari wasn't one to like feeding those, but ... oh, whatever. As long as it kept her from acting like a brat.

Re: M63

[notachick]

The little one seemed willing to play, even if Yuffie probably knew something was behind her. The way the ninja tilted her head said as much.

Although, that wasn't what caught his attention. Both girls were out of uniform and wearing...not much at all. Was that what the future was like? It was pretty indecent all things considered. However, he was certain that this was just the way fashion went. He'd never really cared for such things very much, but Hijikata certainly knew about the sway of things. He also knew about women, so maybe the short skirts and pants were actually attractive? He had no idea.

Ducking back into his room, Okita tore a piece of paper out of his journal and crumpled it up into a ball. He hurried back to the entrance and then waited until they were just a little... Perfect!

Taking aim with his left hand, he tossed the paper ball at Yuffie's back and hoped that his aim wasn't as bad as he thought it might be considering he wasn't using his dominant arm.

Re: M63

[thatdamnedninja]

Alright, there was definitely something behind her. Yukari wasn't all that good at hiding her reactions, and she could just feel it. Kind of like you'd be able to feel a needle in the spine, or something equally weird. And then --

-- Yuffie slipped one foot back, sliding casually out of the paper's path, and half turned as she went. Then it was just a case of… woah! Out of all the people in the Institute, Orangello was the last person she'd expected to run into tonight. She'd recognize that hair anywhere. She swung out with an open palm, smacking the paper ball right back towards where it'd come from. With a little more force than it'd originally been thrown with, but, well, whatever. You reap what you sow! "Y-Yukari! Now you're conspiring against me? I'm wounded, totally hurt, cut to the core." She slumped dramatically against the wall, clutching her hand to her heart. Luckily, she'd had the presence of mind to slip the candy fish back into it's wrapper, and subsequently back into a pocket, before she'd started with the gymnastics. "I'll never be the same again. I hope you're happy, traitor."

And there she paused, turning her head to eye Orangello. The mock-wounded expression was still firmly in place. "You've got interesting ways of saying hi to a girl."

Re: M63

[remedying]

"Hey," Yukari began to point out in between another small chuckle; this was like watching a pair of first graders have at it with each other. Although, she couldn't say she would rather not be involved with the playful silliness, if only to lighten up her mood some. "It was all his idea. Who knows what he would have done if I ratted him out."

Re: M63

[notachick]

Even if the paper ball didn't hit its mark, Okita was glad to see that he could still throw with his left arm. The one thing he couldn't do, however, was get enough accuracy and speed up to deflect the ball back to Yuffie. Instead, he ducked back into his room, watching as the paper ball bounced off the door and rolled under his bed. "Nice aim~" he called out before poking his head back into the hallway.

"I would have been ever so sad," Okita said, in response to-- wait, Yukari? Kaito's not!girlfriend! This was certainly an interesting meeting if there ever was one. Yuffie and Yukari, both of them coming down his hall? For what? Maybe to retrieve Yuffie's weapon, as he had noted her talking to another young man earlier about that same thing. Well, he'd think about it later. Right now he needed to keep them moving so that they didn't run into Ayumu when she showed up. "And Yuffie-san has interesting ways of walking from point A to point B. All three of us are quite well matched, don't you think? I thought I heard your voice so I thought I'd come out to say hello."

Waving his free hand to Yukari, Okita grinned at her. "But now I really should get a bit of rest. You take care of her now, hm, Yukari-chan? She's a fiesty one. As is Kaito-kun."

Re: M63

[thatdamnedninja]

"Probably stalk us into town tomorrow and pelt us with glitter-covered paper animals," Yuffie groaned. She stuck her tongue out at the both of them, which shredded her whole 'save yourself! It's too late for me…' act to tiny tatters, and hopped smoothly back to her feet. The stick was, miraculously, still in her left hand.

Her petulant expression melted into a grin. "Who'll be taking care of who, now? I'm gonna be spending the night rescuing her from evil slime monsters. Kaito'll thank me on bended knee." For rescuing his (not!)girlfriend, was the unspoken implication. And as fun as it might have been to hang around, Okita was bidding them farewell, and her weapon would just be a few feet away by now. "Later, Orangello!"

She bounced over to snag Yukari by the sleeve, then started onward.

[Threadshifting here!]

Re: M63

[tostepforward]

[from here]

After Yuffie and her companion had finally left the hall, Ayumu waited a short time longer until she was fairly certain it was empty enough for her to pass unnoticed. She didn't know who else might have rooms there, after all, especially since the last time new people had arrived others had been shifted around. Best not to unexpectedly come face to face with Himura.

Or Homura, for that matter; she'd noticed a comment he made on the board about not being in his previous room any longer. And she still wasn't quite certain what to make of the man at this point, not after the events of the night before. She'd prefer not to have to deal with him until after she had more information, if Okita would even give such.

She made her way down the hall to his room and paused a moment to listen, verifying her assumption that his roommate had already left for the evening. Once satisfied she opened the door, careful not to make a sound, and cast a wary glance around; only then did she slip into the room and push the door closed behind her, no longer bothering to try to hide her presence.

"'Orangello'?" she asked once inside, giving Okita a mildly baffled look. Yuffie certainly hadn't tried to keep her voice down, and that was an...interesting nickname.

Re: M63

[notachick]

Even if Ayumu didn't make a sound, Okita knew that someone was coming. He'd always been good at keeping an ear to his surroundings and since he knew she was coming already, the slighest hint of the knob turning put a smile to his face. She'd come as she said she would and Okita was able to confirm that yes, she was still here and still as good as she ever was. He sat at his desk when she entered, his back to the door as he tried his best to write in his journal. It was difficult with his shoulder out of commission, but if he kept his journal in his lap and conserved movement, then he was able to write. He'd figured that out toward the end of the day, which meant his nurse hadn't been privy to his notes as she had been earlier.

"Yes, it is her nickname for me." He closed his notebook and opened the drawer with his left hand, slipping it back inside. He knew she'd been reading it, but that didn't mean he wanted to leave it out like an invitation. "I have one for her, too, but she has yet to weasel it out of me."

With his things in order, Okita turned in his seat and smiled up at Ayumu, his right arm hidden inside his kimono, the hand just barely sticking out the front. He preferred this to wearing that sling, even if it wasn't as efficient. "How are you tonight, Ayumu-san?"

Re: M63

[tostepforward]

"Interesting, that the two of you get along so well." Ayumu remained where she was a moment longer, eyes narrowing slightly as she regarded Okita. She hadn't had the chance to get a good look at him during the day, not without getting closer than was wise, but she'd seen enough to believe that he'd been seriously injured, and what she saw now was bearing out the assumption.

Her tone remained light and casual, even when she was quite obviously evaluating what she could see of his physical state and injuries. "Especially considering her other friends." And the fact that the two of them were on the verge of open warfare, especially during the last dinner shift together, but that was partially due to her own front.

Yuffie, however, was not what Ayumu intended to speak about tonight. There were far more pressing and interesting matters. "I'm fine - what little injury I received the other night is all but gone now. You, however. Well. Is that all from last night?"

Re: M63

[notachick]

Ayumu was scary when she was mad. Okita had been chased out of the kitchen enough times to learn to not sneak snacks anymore, but he'd never quite experienced such scrutiny before. Usually, he'd sent Tetsu, or just done it when she was out shopping - not that he'd ever tell her - and he made sure to take a few things that someone else might have liked so it wasn't so obvious it was, well, him. She probably knew anyway, but how could he resist when she always kept the kitchen so well stocked and the food was always so good?

He could tell she was looking him over and he stuck his tongue out at her playfully, winking. "I find that she might be of use someday and while her alliance currently lies with Himura-san, that doesn't mean I can't try to win her to our side instead - and her get off your back." Unless, of course, things weren't going so well with Ayumu and Yuffie. Okita hadn't liked the looks of the notice Himura posted on the board thanking the other ninja for her 'note.' If Himura was trying to uncover something, then Okita would stop him. He wanted to know what note that was, but he couldn't exactly ask now. "Keep your distance from her, regardless. Unlike the people we are accustomed to dealing with, she's a mercenary and will do as mercenaries do."

And now that the unpleasant business was out of the way, Okita moved to grab his dessert. Cake and frosting were things he rarely had and so he was going to savor every-- well, damn. His hand froze in the process of pulling the plate over and he tilted his head to the side, as if that would help him avoid the question. "...maaaaaybe?" He paused and then edged the dessert closer, hooking the lip of the plate with his fork. "...okay, yes, but I can explain, really. It's not as bad as it looks."

Re: M63

[tostepforward]

Whatever had happened to him physically, he was certainly still acting like himself. Of course, knowing Okita, he'd probably still playfully tease his comrades while bleeding to death, so it wasn't entirely a good criteria for judging his condition. Ayumu merely gave him a small smile in response to the wink, though one with very little humor in it. She'd acknowledge the gesture, but at the same time she was still quite clearly concerned about his well-being.

The explanation did make sense, and she nodded slightly as she moved to pull the other chair closer. At least one of them could try to put themselves in Yuffie's good graces, and she did have to appreciate any effort that could lessen her roommate's suspicion. She'd like it even more if there was some way to drive a wedge between the other ninja and Himura, since between the two of them they seemed to be ferreting out something and whatever it was it likely wasn't good for her, considering the interested parties. "I do my best," she assured, though with a somewhat wry twist. "It's difficult when we spend dinner together every evening."

She lowered into her seat, putting herself more on the level with him to make conversation easier, but remaining perched on the edge of the chair and ready to move out of long habit. The way he hesitated and seemed to be trying to avoid the question only convinced her that she definitely needed to pursue it, but at least he didn't try to keep the pretense up. "I'm listening," was all she said, though, folding her hands in her lap with an expectant air.

Hopefully whatever he had to say would be as good an explanation as he'd claimed. All she knew was that, despite what had happened, despite the way that Homura had openly claimed responsibility for the man's injuries, Okita was still determined to follow him just as before. Hopefully their new leader hadn't lost his path, for this was already a dangerous situation, and having to deal with that would be...less than ideal.

Re: M63

[notachick]

Ah, that would explain things then. Yuffie was Ayumu's roommate. It was either a strange circumstance, or else a purposeful stab for enjoyment by this Institute. Much like sticking him with Guy had been on their first night. He really had thought Guy was going to have a heart attack simply because of his presence. Perhaps that was why they had such strange luck with roommates. Odd, to think that they were being watched like that, when no one seemed to care about weapons hidden about a room. "If you need a place to hide things, you can keep them here. Just in case."

Ayumu sat down more at his level, but he didn't feel any more at ease. The smile she'd given him wasn't a happy one and now he felt like he was about to get scolded again. He didn't like that she was just waiting for him to explain everything. Wasn't he supposed to be the leader? Ha, maybe this was why Hijikata got so snappy after having to give reports. It wasn't like Okita had done anything wrong and yet he felt like he had. Women. It was like that even with his sisters.

"Well, Homura-san was brainwashed and showed up while Heiji-kun and I were waiting for Kaito-kun, and then I got stabbed to a wall." Okita cut off a piece of his cake and stuck it in his mouth, trying to avoid having to say much more than he wanted. He'd given a basic outline, and he didn't necessarily want to go into high detail about an attack that really would likely never happen again. Homura felt bad enough about attacking his own people, and Okita knew he'd never inject himself again with whatever drug was in the vial. He also didn't need to let anyone know that it was Homura's own actions that led to his brainwashing. Such things were hard enough on a man who valued choice above all else; he didn't need people persecuting him for it. Finishing his bite of cake, Okita started to cut off another as he finally continued. "Homura-san is taking responsibility for his actions, but what it was not him who attacked me last night - at least, not the same. He had no control, and it is an unfortunate possibility that it could happen to any of us. The same happened to your roommate, I believe, if the board is to be believed."

Re: M63

[tostepforward]

Hiding things in Okita's room sounded like an excellent idea, and one which Ayumu wished she'd thought to suggest sooner. Clearly her wits were dulled. Though, to be fair, she'd no idea whether or not his roommate was more trustworthy than hers until he'd made the suggestion. Still, though, if she wished to store anything else it would certainly have to be here - though she was still reluctant to part with the hidden contents of her journal. Susumu was a weakness of hers, and she was well aware of the consequences of having flaws in one's armor, but...still.

She listened to the explanation in silence, mentally turning the information about and filling in the gaps of what he wasn't saying. If he'd been there with someone else, this Heiji who was apparently under his command if she understood correctly, and a threat had appeared - well, it was no surprise that he would have taken the brunt of the attack. And if the information she had was to be believed, it was true that those who were "brainwashed" in such a fashion had no choice in what they did, although there was at least one who had seemingly enjoyed it. But if Homura was not one of those (and his response to her message seemed to confirm such) then...very well.

Once Okita finished speaking she still didn't respond for several long heartbeats, only watching him eat his dessert. (And at least he was eating, even if it was only the dessert; hopefully he'd had some of his dinner as well.) Ayumu finally nodded slightly, expression shifting to her best concerned-big-sister smile as she gestured toward his injured shoulder. "All right, then, let me see how bad it is." The staff surely bandaged it up all nice and pretty, as she'd seen done with others' injuries, but she hadn't been the one to do it.

Re: M63

[notachick]

Well, she didn't seem upset at least. Okita looked down and started scraping just the frosting off, licking it off the fork when it had built up enough. That was probably going to earn him a warning, but it was so tasty. She couldn't blame him for wanting to eat the best part first, right? It tasted like cream, which was a delicacy even in his time. Milk and other things usually made him a little sick, but they tasted good, so how could he not eat them?

The smile came back though and Okita relaxed, smiling a bit himself. He didn't mind showing Ayumu his injuries - after all, she'd taken care of him before. She'd also taken care of his handiwork when he went up against the other recruits and went a little overboard. Unlike other people here, she understood his demon side; and so he wasn't afraid like he was with others. Sitting back, he slipped the top part of his kimono off, keeping the pain from his face as he moved. His chest was wrapped to help his ribs heal (despite there being not much that would help heal them) and his shoulder was heavily bandaged. "Not too bad, see? I know I've had worse than this before."