Strike in a place unexpected

[jianai]

[One of the transports carrying goods to Alhambra deposits a weary-looking person in a nun's habit. Except that nuns don't normally have horns, betraying that it's actually Ren.]

Ahh, it's good to be back! This place starts to feel like home for me, you know? I'm happy to report that the refugees received as much help and assistance as they should. There's still a lot of labor awaiting them, but that's something they have to do themselves. Their lives and well-being are no longer in any danger.

I must admit, that was some hard work. The living conditions were not ideal, though I'm used to it a little. Still, I don't regret it. In fact...

[Ren smiles embarassingly. Wait, is that blush on their face?]

I'm glad, and not only for those people. I mean, for myself. I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful individual.

So, what happened while I was gone?

Comments

[deathflag_survivor]

That's good to hear, and it's good to have you back again, Ren!

[But that blush doesn't go unnoticed.]

Though what about an amazing person? Aren't you always saying you love everyone?

[jianai]

I am, and I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it.

But this time, it's just... different.

[delouser]

You're back.

[jianai]

Indeed I am! Did you miss me?

[deathflag_survivor]

I know what you mean.

It's a good feeling. Nothing else quite like it out there.

[brought_it_back]

...They must be...very interesting.

You should tell me everything about them.

[jianai]

I'm really happy that you could experience it. Well, I'm happy for myself, too... but also a bit worried.

My feelings for humanity should be all-encompassing and unconditional. Is it really alright to play favorites?

[jianai]

Yes! His name is Mark, and he's interested in philosophy, reading and talking about the same kind of things that I like to read or talk about... he's also kind.

And a bit awkward socially.

[deathflag_survivor]

Well, you tell me. Do your feelings for this person mean you care and love anyone else less than you normally would? If the answer's "no" I don't think you've done anything wrong as far as I'm concerned.

[jianai]

You're right, Albhard. I'm really overthinking it, aren't I?

I just never felt this way before... it's a bit embarassing.

[deathflag_survivor]

Don't overthink it, just cherish it. A person who's made you feel this way would have to be exceptionally rare.

[jianai]

That's true. We've spent only two weeks together, but it was really an extraordinary time. Ah, I don't want you to think that I was doing some weird activities rather than working. That's not why I joined the relief force. Rather, by working together we grew a bit... close.

[This is some rather frantic explanation as far as Ren's usual goes.]

But it's not the first time we've met.

[deathflag_survivor]

Oh? A familiar face from before you joined the Unity Group then?

[jianai]

Not quite. Do you remember the ESUN patrol that was present when you met me the first time? The one that my kin captured, and the Unity Group rescued.

He was there.

[majestic_keiki]

It's mostly been quiet while you were gone. So a more permanent solution has been found for the refugees?

[jianai]

Yes, yes there was! Some of them accepted an opportunity to move to Optimus's new city. Others, those who didn't want to leave their country, were resettled on a new land. We've helped them build the foundations of a settlement - not quite a town yet, but more than just a camp.

Everything turned out fine in the end. I am very happy.

[majestic_keiki]

It must be a lot of work to build an entire city from scratch, rather than expanding one already there.

[jianai]

I'm sure Optimus didn't have too much trouble. He had most skilled Autobot engineers to help him, not to mention assistance from the human side.

[abugslife]

You seem to have obtained a peculiar outfit while you were gone.

[brought_it_back]

Is he a...man of the cloth?

[jianai]

Oh? Ah, no, no!

He's a soldier. I think you met him once, actually.

[jianai]

You may call it a clever disguise. The refugees didn't need to be concerned with why a person with horns is helping them. A nun whose hood seems a little bit deformed is not suspicious in comparison.

Also, this is quite comfortable.

[brought_it_back]

...?

[jianai]

Do you remember the ESUN team that was captured in a South American jungle? That's where you met me for the first time, and you fought bravely to rescue them.

He was a member of that team. After the assignment was cleared, Mark has been transferred to refugee guarding duty. That's how I met him a second time.

[majestic_keiki]

Right, there is that. The ones staying behind in Africa are okay too, I guess.

...So what is this about meeting someone? You better prepare for Tamaki being extremely interested.