Stitched Together

Chapter 5: First Day

I wake up fairly groggily and confused. When I realize where I am, I just sigh and hold my head. Last night was the worse sleep I've had in a while. Hunger is starting to tear at me, and there was the fact that Suzuya left secretly last night. I survey the room again quickly when I remember Suzuya. He's not here... That's odd. Is he okay?! I begin to worry but quickly remember how he handled himself the other day. Of course he's fine, but where is he? I finally get to my feet and cautiously peek out of the bedroom door. I sigh in relief at the sight of the familiar white haired boy. "Oh there you are Su-" I come to a halt when I see him standing at the kitchen sink. He was washing something, his hands were colored red as he scrubs the garment. My stomach lurches as I realize he has blood up to his elbows.

"Oh good morning sleepy head, I didn't mean to wake you up quite yet," he says in his usual chipper tone, which made the scene more terrifying. It's not so much the blood that bothered me, because I see plenty of in on my own, but it was the fact I knew that it belonged to a ghoul. "Are you alright, you're looking kinda sick," he tilts his head and comments. It's as if he sees nothing wrong with being covered in blood, actually he probably doesn't see anything wrong with it at all. I quickly spin around and go into the living room to flop on the couch.

"I-I'm fine," I answer as I put my arm over my eyes. That was a bold faced lie, I actually feel awful. My stomach feels like it's eating itself and my head is pounding. After a few minutes he comes up to me and stares.

"Well if you say so. Mr. Shinohara is coming by soon, so you should get ready," he notifies. I groan before rolling off of the couch and trudging to the bedroom to change. I splash water on my face and stare into the mirror. Just gotta hold on a bit longer, just a little bit longer. I smack my cheeks and plaster a smile on my face. I can do this. When I exit I find Suzuya sitting on the edge of the bed kicking his feet. He opens his mouth to say something but a knock on the door makes him jump up and go answer it. Shinohara smiles and waves at us.

"Ready to go to work you two?" He asks.

"Work..." I lead on with a tilt of my head.

"Did Suzuya not tell you?" Shinohara questions as he looks over to his partner. "Felicia, you got accepted into the CCG," He informs.

"Wha- Really... That's great!" I squeal and hug Suzuya tightly at the news. "Well by all means then, let's go to work!" I cheer as I march down the stairs proudly. On the drive there I can't help but notice Suzuya staring at me with his big eyes. "Is something wrong Suzuya?" I ask plainly. He diverts his gaze quickly at the fact that I caught him.

"I-it's just weird, you're so happy, you don't smile much," he mumbles. I realize that I really haven't been all that cheery around him.

"Well I'll try to smile more then," I grin at him. The least I could to is act more amiable. Here we are, the CCG office in the 20th ward, and my new workplace.

"Now we have a meeting to get to, we'll formally introduce you to everyone as well," Shinohara explains as we stroll through the lobby. I walk through the scanner without a second thought, knowing I'm much too weak to get picked up. We go down a hallway and into a meeting room. Amon and that annoying guy from the other day are already there. "Good afternoon everyone. I'd like to introduce the newest member to our division, rank 3 investigator Reina," Shinohara states and gestures to me.

"I-I'm very pleased to be working with you," I say meekly and bow. Suddenly something hits me, a partner, I'm a rank 3 so I need a partner. We take our seats and I look up at Shinohara discreetely. "Ah... Mr. Shinohara who is my partner?" I ask quietly.

"Oh dear did I leave that out? Well Suzuya and I actually are your partners. We don't really have many open investigators to take on newcomers right now, and since you were already aquatinted with us then the board found it best to assign you to study with us. Honestly I'm relived to have another person that gets along with Juuzou, there really aren't many. Maybe having you around will make him easier to handle," Shinohara chuckles lightly.

"Thank you Shinohara, I don't mean to be a burden so I'll try my best to help you and repay you for this opportunity," I say with determination. So I have to partner with the lunatic... I look over at him and he's playing with the stitches on his arm, not paying attention. Wow, that's just perfect. My feelings towards him are mixed to say the least, but my burning curiosity keeps him tolerable. At least I don't have to spend all my time with him anymore, he's too keen for me to do anything. Hopefully I'll get to go home tonight and finally have something to eat. It still astonishes me how this ditz is as strong as he is. I realize that I'm not paying attention either so I straighten out my posture and listen.

"Now, it is in planning for an attack on Aogiri tree in the 11th ward, but until that is confirmed please go about your typical investigations. Shinohara, you're needed on a scene were several ghouls were taken care of, but it shouldn't take much. You're squad is to continue investigations on the binge eater and any related leads. Now that everyone has their assignments I think it's time to get to work," I hear Amon finish. There is a murmur of agreement and everyone heads off. Seidou waves at me and smiles slightly, I just nod in brief acknowledgment before turning to Suzuya.

"Were you paying attention at all?" I ask with a small sigh.

"Eh, a little bit. Shino's gonna say it all again anyways so why should I?" he replies bluntly, looking up from his stitched hand.

"Alright, so off to that scene," Shinohara announces as he stands up. "But first, I have to go get something, so wait here a moment," he finishes as he walks out after giving us a kind smile. The sound of a wrapper getting tossed aside makes me turn and I find Suzuya with his feet propped up on the desk, sucking a lollipop. He notices my gaze and reaches into his jacket, pulling out another lollipop.

"Want one, here," he smiles and holds it out. I reluctantly take it and put it in my pocket.

"I'll reward myself after work," I explain with a thankful smirk. That was a good excuse, perfect. I'm not going to lie, I've always been curious about human food, sweets in particular. The look so delicious with their delicate appearance. I've tried a few things, but found that hard candy is the worst because you can't just swallow it. I'm sure the long lasting flavor is good to a human, but it's the worst thing for a ghoul. If I ate this here in front of him I would surely throw up. My train of thought is thrown off by Suzuya's playful voice.

"Don't you like it here with everyone Reina, this is the boring stuff but it gets more exciting when a ghoul shows up," he says, rocking his chair back.

"Yeah, I think it's nice being around such nice people," I answer, ignoring the second part of his statement.

"Well I'm happy you're here now, the only one who really talked to me was Shinohara, but now I have you too," he giggles cheerily. My expression softens at his innocent comment. Times like this are when I don't think he's all that bad. Just then Shinohara walks back in with an briefcase in hand. He sets it on the table in front of me. I open it cautiously and find the contents are two hand guns as well as ammo.

"Q-bullets," Shinohara starts," We didn't have anymore simple quinque like Juuzou's scorpion, but this should serve you well," he states.

"Thank you Shinohara, I should be fine with this, I wasn't half bad with a gun in the academy," I smile and thank him. Ranged combat wasn't a specialty of mine, but I wasn't bad at it either. However, any sort of weapon means I can go home tonight. I freeze up when I feel armed draped over my shoulders.

"Aww, that means Reina's going back home huh," Suzuya whines as he sets his head on my shoulder.

"Well yes Juuzou, she wasn't going to stay with you long," Shinohara says plainly.

"But I'll be so bored staying there alone again," he sighs, nuzzling my cheek. I try to wiggle free but he just tightens his hold.

"W-we've been over this Suzuya, I can always come visit, and we'll see each other here all the time," I stutter.

"Yeah...i guess," he pouts. This kid, I swear. Times like this I'm reminded that I'm just a tool for his entertainment. Children do get bored quite easily, and I'm simply a new toy to play with. I stand up abruptly, making Suzuya lose his hold on me.

"Anyways, don't we have somewhere to be," I state bluntly, grabbing the case and heading for the door.

"Yes of course, come along Juuzou," Shinohara follows me out and Suzuya soon after.