Those Dogs Are Barking (and Having Kids) BSD second gen au

Chapter 2

Emiko smiled as she looked at the lively group. A new member was always a cause for celebration, that's what her mom said.

Nearly everyone was in high spirits, mingling around the office. Lenore and Nara stood by the snack table, having a seemingly-heated discussion about something. Those two were like siblings, always arguing. Akio was talking to Hibiki, their grins blinding. Taeko stood near the window, half curled into themself. Shit.

She walked over to them. "You okay?" She murmured, kneeling down to their level.

"It's loud.." The small ginger mumbled. "Would it be rude if I went away for a while?"

"No, of course not. Want me to join you? I know a great quiet place." She smiled softly.

"Sure!" They smiled, following her out into the hall.

"When I was younger, this place was so stressful and loud, 'too many cooks in the kitchen', y'know? I had to find a place to be alone," Emiko said. "And I found this!" She stopped in front of a door, leading to an old, unused office."Here we are, want me to stay with you, or do you want to be alone?"

"Could you stay?" Taeko sat down on one of the chairs, spinning a bit before stopping themselves.

"Of course," She smiled, sitting across from them. "Quiet or talking?"

"Quiet." They murmured, smiling a bit.

Emiko nodded, pulling out her phone to read, also shooting Sakura a text, although she likely already knew. She was very aware of her employees and their locations when she wanted to be, a perk of her ability.

After a short while, Taeko spoke up again. "Can we go back?"

"Of course, let's go." Emiko stood up, stretching slightly. Taeko followed suit, smiling.

They walked back to the party, Taeko heading towards Nara, while Emiko went to Hibiki.

As soon as she approached, she started speaking, "I completely forgot to apologize earlier!" She said, "I'm so sorry for what I said, I didn't mean any of it!"

Hibiki smiled. "It's fine, I'm sorry for pinning you to the wall! You were really convincing!" She laughed softly, pulling her into a hug.

She hugged back, smiling. "Thanks! I also never introduced myself... My name is Tanizaki Emiko!" She smiled softly.

"Nice to meet you, Emiko!" Hibiki let go of her, grinning. "I'm so happy to be here..."

"I'm glad you're here too! You'll be a great addition to the team!" She grinned.

They kept chatting until the party ended, exchanging numbers before parting ways. Hibiki had to finish moving into her dorm, while Emiko had promised that she'd bring dinner home.

Everything was just fine.