Before The End

Space

Nazeera

Nouria has graciously given the task of unloading our cargo to some other people.
As we have the first of many weekly meetings to attend. How fun.
We've only made a few minor improvements in North America so far, but it's better than we thought for just a week.

Sam explains the main issues we are facing and we work out what requires more attention.
Overall an incredibly boring meeting.
When everyone's getting up to leave, Warner approaches me.

"I've set up the screen in the medical tent."
I think he feels better being near Ella so I don't argue with that.
"Alright, let's go then."

"Wait- where are we going?" Kenji shows up, grinning at Warner's annoyed sigh.

"Nazeera and I have a call to make. You are not invited." Warner adjusts his tie, green eyes scrutinizing him.

"Excuse you, I don't need an invitation. There wouldn't be a party without me." Kenji crosses his arms and lifts his chin.
Warner looks unamused.

"That's great, but it's actually not a party anyways." I clarify before Kenji shows up in a party hat, throwing streamers about.

"We're having a conference call with the other Supreme kids overseas."

"Huh." Kenji clicks his tongue, "and why can I not join?"

"Because you are only going to distract us, and I do not want you near me." Warner answers, aggravation in his voice.

"I don't want your weird fluffy penguin ass near me either." Kenji scoffs, slightly wounded.
Warner steps forward, a sign for me to end this disagreement.

"Right so, Warner and I will go. And you should probably go get some sleep." I give Kenji's arm a squeeze, sort of feeling bad for excluding him.
I would have no issue with him coming, except this is important, and Warner is already going off the rails.

"Oh." Kenji looks at me, clears his throat, "okay fine then."
Warner stands up straighter, heads to the door.

I drop a quick kiss on Kenji's cheek, about to follow Warner out.

"I'll see you tomorrow."
A hand latches onto mine, Kenji frowns at me confused.

"Tomorrow? It's like not even 8 yet."

"Correct. However, this is most likely going to take a few hours. I'm sure you want to get some rest so I'll see you at breakfast."

"Oh. Breakfast."
Kenji scratches the back of his neck, I don't miss the disappointment in his tone.

I give him a smile and he sighs.
Then leans to lock his lips with mine. A slow pleasant kiss that makes my head spin.
With a final goodbye, I walk out the door.
———————————
The Reestablishment was a worldwide movement, all of the Supreme Commanders worked together to abuse resources for their own benefit. The economy was structured into making the rich richer and poor poorer.
We conducted this specific session to discuss how to rectify this as international trade is a major factor.

It's around 1 am when we conclude our meeting. I leave the medical tent eager to relax. Crickets chirp all around me, filling the empty silence as I follow along the lantern lit path.

Unlocking my door and swinging it open, I am momentarily stunned.
Because in my bed right now, Kenji Kishimoto lays fast asleep. Covers pulled up to his chest as he tightly hugs the other pillow.
A wide smile befalls my face by seeing him.
But also what.
Why and how is he here?

Shutting the door as quietly as possible, I creep my way to my wardrobe, making as minimal noise as achievable.
Other than the fact that it is unexpected, I have no problem with him being here. I will admit that I kind of missed him, and tomorrow is still hours away.
It would suck if I had to wait longer to see him.

Reaching the bed, I slowly and carefully try to remove my pillow from his hold. He flinches slightly, frowns as I take the pillow and place it where it should be.

I settle down onto the mattress beside him, still pleased he's here. I hear some muttering and twist my head to him. Kenji squints his eyes in the nearly pitch black room, a sluggish smile on his face.

I'm not sure if he's awake or not, his eyes are shut again. But then he moves closer and drops right. on. top. of. me.

I am deathly still, feeling quiet breaths on the bottom of my neck. He's a little heavy, Kenji's upper body is bigger than mine, so I'm trapped unless I wake him.
But it's not bad, after the original shock from his contact dissipates. It's comforting.
I feel safe. I feel okay.

Running my fingers through his raven hair, I whisper his name to see if he's awake
"Kenji?"

I get a "mhm" back. Semi conscious.
"How'd you get in?"

"Spare key." He mumbles, shifts a bit then exhales a breath.
"I missed you."

Oh.
I register the words, melt into a pathetic little puddle of joy. My feelings somehow grow stronger every time he does something, he is actually going to kill me one day.
————————————————————————
Kenji finally wakes when dawn breaks.
"Naz?"

He raises his head above my face, grins loosely.
I share the expression,
"Hi."

Kenji moves off of me, sits up. I kinda miss the feel of his body against mine.
"What time did you get here?" He yawns, stretching his arms.

I rise to sit beside him,
"Around 0100 hours."

Kenji nods and starts rambling.
"I didn't plan to break into your room. Like I went to mine and it was like empty and I wanted to see if you were back. But then your room smelled like you-"

My lips curve up watching his sad attempt to explain himself, and he sucks in a breath.
"Are you upset? Is that a "I'm going to murder you and laugh the whole time" smile or a happy smile?"

I'm laughing now, and I move to kiss his cheek.
"I'm not upset, Kishimoto. You're safe for today."

His happy expression returns, and he dips his head to kiss me quickly before we get up for the day.

One of the biggest things in my mind though, is the spare key Kenji used.
I need to install a hundred more locks on the door with unique keys only I own.
I have issues with people in my space.
Except Kenji, he is allowed.