Stitched Together

:Re Chapter 4: A Change of Company

There's only one week left before the auction raid.  Juuzou, Hanbee, and I all sit in the lobby as we wait for Mutsuki to show up for Juuzou to train.  I'm not quite sure how well the two will work together since that little Q seems quite meek.  I would've been happy to train him, but I'm a sword user like most of us in Suzuya squad.  While Juuzou's taught me a bit about knife work, it just doesn't come as naturally.  Perhaps it's because I used my kagune a bit like a sword.  Hanbee mixes an excessive amount of sugar into Juuzou's coffee as I sip mine.  Somewhere along the line he took up the habit of drinking coffee as well, but only if it was thoroughly sweetened.  "This is the first time the Quinckes will rush onto the scene.  It looks like Haise doesn't know what to do.  And one of his people isn't hyped up about it at all," Hanbee comments, handing the cup to Juuzou as he finishes his snack. 

"Looking after people is troublesome," Juuzou replies simply, talking a sip of his drink with crumbs clearly visible on his face. I nearly spit out my coffee at his remark.  Quickly I set my mug down and cover my grin with my hand, suppressing a laugh.  Juuzou notices and raises an eyebrow.  "What?" He huffs, and I finally breakdown laughing. 

"You think looking after people is troublesome? Have you ever tried looking after yourself? My god you're the most needy one here," I snicker.

"I am not!" Juuzou protests and crosses his arms. 

"Says the one with crumbs all over their face.  You even had Hanbee stir your coffee for you. If anything it's all of us that have to look after you," I laugh and poke his nose. We suddenly stop and turn when we hear Hanbee chuckle quietly.

"You two a complete opposites, it's a wonder how you even function. The way you take your coffee is even entirely different," he says with a smile while we just blink at him. "But then again, perhaps that's why you compliment each other so well," he finishes.

"Nah, have you met this guy. He's such a joker, it's hard to get him motivated about anything. He spends more time buying snacks than planning meetings. He's about as serious as his fashion sense," I say bluntly, flicking my hand in dismissal.

"Okay sure, she's no walk in the park either. Talk about a hot head. I can't even take a nap without her snapping at me. She's ridiculously stubborn; it's her way or the highway. And have you heard half the things that come out of her mouth? They're not very ladylike," Juuzou says with a grin.

"Ladylike my ass," I snap but immediately shrink back as I realize I was proving his point. "Shut up," I huff quietly. There was a moment of silence before he looks down at his outfit then to me.

"... What's wrong with my fashion sense? I thought you liked my suspenders," he pouts entirely seriously.

"Uh of course I do. I really do! You're so cute with them," I reassure him only to realize Hanbee is sitting right there. "Ehem, I mean, I think your suspenders are fine squad leader," I say with a nervous smile. Suddenly a new voice joins our conversation.

"Associate special class Suzuya," we all turn to see Mutsuki standing there shyly.

"Oh, it's Mutsuki," Juuzou mumbles, almost like he'd forgotten the Q was coming. "Together we're going in first so we have to make arrangements. So please Hanbee hang around somewhere else," he orders before pausing to look at me.

"Ah, it's fine, I think I may just accompany Hanbee for today, you two go ahead," I let him know and stand. "Mutsuki, it was a pleasure seeing you again," I smile and bow. He's surprised at the gesture and returns the bow hastily.

"T-the pleasure is mine associate special class Usoda," he says a bit flustered.

"Just Reina is fine in the future. Come on Hanbee, let's get out of their way," I say and beckon Juuzou's subordinate. "Goodbye Juuzou. If you two come up with any new strategies please let me know," I bid my farewells and walk off with Hanbee.