Stitched Together

Chapter 7: Nicknames

Hi everyone, just a quick little thing before the chapter. I'm super happy that you all are enjoying the story, your comments are very much appreciated. You guys are so nice it's ridiculous. I'm glad you all are enjoying it and I'm sorry I can't update as much as I'd like.  Thanks again so much for the continued support guys, now to the chapter.

I lift my heavy eyelids and greet the morning. "Morning Su-" I stop mid yawn and remember I'm back at my apartment. "Stupid," I mutter under my breath as I swing my feet out onto the cold floor. I brush my messy hair out of my face and trudge to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. I sip at the hot drink and survey my home. Calm, quiet...empty. Well, I should be getting to work. I change into my usual outfit and brush through my hair. "There's always a downside," I groan as I reach into a hidden drawer. Since I ate yesterday my RC levels are back up. I take out a syringe and a vile of RC suppressant. A few years back I did a little black mailing, so I got my hands on a fair supply of the stuff. If needed I could probably go out and get some more today. I shut one eye and wince in pain as the needle goes through my tear duct. I've always hated injecting it, but there's no way to avoid it. I lean on the counter and pinch the bridge of my nose as I blink away the pain. A knock at my door makes me shake it off and answer it. As soon as it clicks open I'm tackled.

"Good morning Reina!" A familiar voice giggles.

"Ah, g-good morning Suzuya," I stammer and he pulls back and holds out a bag, my bag.

"You left some stuff so I thought I'd bring it back," he smiles. I take it and step back from the door.

"Um, thank you. Do you want to come in quickly before work?" I ask politely. It's common curtesy of course. He takes a step but then stops.

"Actually if we're gonna catch the train, we should probably get going, Shinohara doesn't like it when I'm late," He sighs.

"Ah, actually we don't have to take the train..." I lead on, making him look at me with his big eyes. "I have a motorcycle actually," I explain. Its an older thing, I had a fair bit of money a while back so I splurged. I've taken good care of it over the years so it still runs like a dream. Maybe I'll get it upgraded a bit once I start getting paid.

"A motorcycle?!" He gasps with excitement. Oh dear, I probably shouldn't have said anything. I quickly grab my helmet from inside and lock up the house. He follows me down to the small parking lot in front of the complex and I point to the dark blue and black colored cycle. "Cool! We get to ride this to work," he says in delight, running up and observing our ride.

"I haven't exactly driven it with someone else on, but I guess there's a first time for everything," I mumble as I put the helmet on him. "Don't complain, I don't have an extra so just wear mine," I say shortly, before he can open his mouth. I swing my leg over it and motion for him to get on behind me.

"Can I drive?" He asks giddily, making me laugh.

"Absolutely not, you, drive a motorcycle, as if. The day I get on a motorcycle with you driving is the day you get a quinque," I tease. He clicks his tongue in disappointment before getting on. "Hold on tight okay," I grin as I start it up. As soon as I begin speeding off I feel his grip around my waist tighten and he holds me close. The wind stings my face but I endure it as I grit my teeth. After a short drive we arrive at our workplace. I park in one swift movement, jerking forward slightly as we come to a stop. I look back at Suzuya, who is still clinging to me. "You okay Suzu?" I ask, taking off the helmet only to find him with a big smile on his face.

"That was so fun~" he sings, hopping off. I give a small smirk and follow him into the building. "You know, I didn't think you were the type to use nicknames Reina," he giggles childishly. I realize my mistake and blush slightly at my informality towards him.