I Bring An Offering

[IWASE EIJI]

It had been a while since Eiji gave his notebook to TSUKINA AMAYA and he was eager to know what ideas she had for him. His drawings were crude, he was not all that great in it, but he hoped it helped her get an idea of what he wanted and add her expertise in bone structure to it.

Despite being at the same school, it was difficult to find a moment for them to talk about it. Eiji had club activities and extra-curricular studies and she was busy as well. It became easier to meet at her home. They settled on a date and this was it.

Eiji wanted to give her something to thank her for her time. Through Hiroki, he heard what would be a good idea and bought a small chocolate cake for her. While he was there, he bought one for Hiroki as well, in a flavor he liked. At least, Eiji assumed so, since he saw him order it before.

He arrived at the house with his bag on, the two small boxes in there. Hideo, who was close to the door as he intended to leave, was the one to open him. "Hiroki is in the living room," he said as he let him enter. Eiji had bowed his head politely to Hideo and apologized for getting in. When he mentioned Hiroki though, he stared at him. "Actually, I am here to see Tsukina-senpai," he explained. Yoshihiro was also not too far. He would have ignored the two guys had Eiji not say that. Both Hideo and Yoshihiro were staring at him. "Tsukina...""...Senpai?" said the two of them. They stared at each other, baffled at this. Someone came to meet Amaya of their own free will. And called her a senpai. What was going on?

[TSUKINA AMAYA]

Amaya, for the first time in quite some time, expected a visitor as she had settled with that person so they could talk of the bird structure she had came up with. She even made a drawing of it so Eiji could base himself on this for when he would build his robot. She didn’t go too artistic in it but it was well-detailed enough for him to understand what she had gone through. Besides, searching birds bones was quite fun to do but she would never admit it too loudly, even if bone searching was something she would usually do.

She didn’t hear the door at first but when she saw the time and aware that Eiji was someone punctual she walked out of her bedroom, sighing at the sight of the bright sun. She didn’t hear the boys when they were shocked to hear that she could be someone’s senpai, quite honestly, it was still weird to hear.

She noticed though that Eiji wasn’t alone and that Hideo and Yoshihiro were there, much to her displease. “Iwase-san, I’m glad you could make it if you please come with me to be away from the radiant ones.” She said, putting emphasis on the two last words that implied that she wanted to be left alone.

[IWASE EIJI]

Hideo meant to leave and, at first, the arrival of Eiji was not going to change that. He was not a regular face at the house but he came before, with Hiroki, meaning they all expected him to see the guy. But his plans were halted when he heard him talk of Tsukina. Weirder yet, he called her senpai. True, he was younger and the polite way to refer to her would be like this, but who would call her a senpai? Yoshihiro was surprised too. He couldn't say he knew Eiji, even with Hiroki pointing out they were studying at the same school. But it was strange to think Amaya could know him, almost as much as him seeking her time and attention.

Amaya butted in. She knew his name, unlike the two other guys who could not remember. Eiji nodded at what she said, seemingly unaware of the reaction he caused in the others. He moved closer to Amaya, ready to follow her wherever she wanted them to go to work on their project. Well, his project, but he was in need of her assistance so it was now a little bit their project.

"She knows him?" Hideo said. Did she see him that one time Hiroki brought him home? It was not like the guys could remember, as it was not something they care about then. "And she's inviting him in," Yoshihiro added to expect how weird it was. Hideo dropped his plan. It was too weird, he needed to check what was going on. And find Hiroki, in case he knew. Yoshihiro was of the same mind. And yet, Eiji still didn't seem aware of the confusion he was causing.

[TSUKINA AMAYA]

Amaya, unlike the others wasn’t too phased by the fact that she might know someone who wasn’t them. Wasn’t it what they wanted to see happening? To see her have friends? Now that it was the case, they seem to find it as weird as it could be, and yet, to her, it was pretty normal, even more, when it involved bones and skeletons but they did not need to know the details. She was just glad that it was only Hideo and Yoshihiro for now, knowing pretty well that Osamu was studying in his room and Hiroki was practicing his play in his and asked not to be disturbed because he didn’t want them to get spoiled for the big performance.

She got slightly annoyed as they kept their act, thinking it was the weirdest thing ever that she might know someone and that a person might find her of pleasant company. She should invite the owner of the black magic club sometimes, over, just to see their reaction. Actually, she could, just so they could discuss dark arts together and she took a mental note of the upcoming plans. “Get over it.” She simply said to them both before she gestured to Eiji to follow her. “Unfortunately we will only be disturbed in common areas, don’t mind them.” She glared at the two guys, finding it quite annoying that they were this shocked.

[IWASE EIJI]

Amaya was losing her patience on the boys. Even Eiji could feel that, although he didn't quite get what the fuss was all about. He knew that some people at school gave Amaya a scary reputation but he didn't know her enough, or her reputation, to think anything about it. He didn't know they were trying to have her interact with people more. Considering she didn't retreat when he went to speak to her, he thought she had no problem in that regard.

"I don't know where you want us to wor, I will simply follow you," he told her as she apologized for the boys. Hideo and Yoshihiro had the same thought for a brief secon though, if she claim they would bother the two of them, where would she suggest they worked? And te thought of her room came to their mind, but they both rejected it, Yoshihiro faster than Hideo.

The two wanted to follow them as well. Not to join them, just to know what was going on. And then perhaps go run after the other two guys so they can be weirded out by it with them. But they neede to know what was going on and where they could spy on them first. Eiji paid little to no attention to them though. He just wanted to get to work.

[TSUKINA AMAYA]

Amaya never liked it when she got that much of their attention. Couldn’t they just mind their own business? She thought that Hideo was supposed to go out, and yet, he was still there, even Yoshihiro grew more annoying than usual, in her opinion that is. She did consider going to her bedroom for a good period of time but then she remembered an unused room that would probably be less scary for Eiji and was in an opposite wing of the house that could serve as an office for her aunt when she was visiting and had a table for them to work. She, unlike the boys, was allowed in that part of the pension and she was certain her aunt would have no objection if she was the one using it. “I know a place.” She simply said, giving the boys another warning glance that literally told them to follow me and you will die.

They were used to her warnings, and hopefully, they would respect their privacy for that part of the day. They were going to work on an important project for Eiji-san so she wanted to show him the best of the things she could come up with. “I just need to get the sketches I have for you.” She said those were in her bedroom. “But I have the perfect place for us to work, in peace.” She added, putting emphasis on the last two words, making sure that they were getting the message she did not want to be disturbed.

[IWASE EIJI]

Obviously Amaya would know of where they could work. It was, for all Eiji knew, her home. Or at least the place she lived in at the moment. It woul make sense to know the place well. He did pick the glance she gave at the boys, forcing him to turn around and see them with a puzzled expression on his face. But he followed her without a word.

Eiji followed to the place. The guys came along as well, from a distance. Once they realised where she intended to take him however, they retreated to go and fetch the others. The one they were the most interested in telling was Hiroki of course, since he knew Eiji, but they couldn't help stopping by Osamu, disturbing him in his studies to say that someone came for Amaya, and it was not Matsumi. They didn't tell him who it was though, that was for Hiroki's ears.

Maybe the boy wouldn't be pleased to see them barge in, as he asked to be left alone so he could rehearse, but they walked in anyway. "Does your friend know Amaya?" Hideo asked directly. He didn't know the boy's name however, so he couldn't say. Yoshihiro was there to help shed light on who he was referring to. "The guy you brought in once, that you said went to our school, came for Amaya. They're working together right now on... something." Hard to tell what, none of them had any idea.

[ENOMOTO HIROKI]

Amaya might have thought of showing her room to Eiji, mostly to have peace and quiet but she had trouble letting others into her sanctuary, it was mostly to stay away from the radiant ones. While Eiji didn’t shine like the others, he still did. The fact that he asked her for help only toned that down a bit and didn’t make him look as intimidating as the others. She grew to tolerate the boys though, she just didn’t when they were acting as if she was just out of a circus. She stopped by her room, telling him she wouldn’t take long, and got the sketches out when she left and guided him towards that spare room she thought about. “Here we shouldn’t be disturbed and we have a table to work on.” She explained to Eiji, unaware of what was going on behind her back, literally.

When they knocked at Osamu’s door, he didn’t think much of it and opened it only to hear what they had to say. Did someone come for Amaya? That was not Matsumi? It got his curiosity alright and he followed Yoshihiro and Hideo without any second thinking towards Hiroki’s room who was busy repeating his lines. He was interrupted by Hideo who questioned him. “Friend? Which friend? I have a lot…” he said, slightly confused. Why were they even talking of Amaya?

“Ah,” he said as they referred to Eiji-kun. “Eiji-kun? He is from your school.” He said to Yoshihiro. “I did mention her before to him, I don’t know what he would want to work on with her unless it has something to do with robots.” He said, now that was getting him interested in the matter and he stood up. “Eiji-kun is there? I did not know that!” He was happy he would get to see a friend, but curious to see how much on a friendly term he was with Amaya-chan!

[IWASE EIJI]

Eiji followed quietly. He didn't know much of the house, it wasn't like Hiroki gave him a tour, and he didn't come since that one time. It was a very big place, a bit intimidating in that sense, but he said nothing. He tried to take note of the path they took in order to locate himself better should he, for example, have to go to the toilet at some point. She got them to a room that looked perfect for them to work. "This is perfect," he agreed. He got a chair for himself, placed his bag on it at first. he opened it to pull out his notebook and pencil. He then pulled out a box. He knew which one was for Amaya and which one was for Hiroki. The store did not write their names but wrapped them differently to make it easier to distinguish. He could then pull out the part of chocolate cake he bought for Amaya and place it on the table for her. "It's to thank you. Hiroki-kun said you liked it," he explained. He thought it was important to show gratitude, especially since she never had to do any of that.

The boys were all gathered in Hiroki's room now to discuss this. Hiroki seemed confused at first but gave away the name of the boy eventually. Not that any of them cared. Unless he had a crush on Amaya. Then they would have to investigate. But Hiroki didn't seem to know about. He didn't seem to know about what broght him here. They looked at each other, finding it unlikely that Amaya would want to talk robots. Skeletons, ghosts, demons, sure, but robots? Unless it was one in a horror movie, it was unlikely.

Hideo moved towards Hiroki. "You should go see what he came here for. He's your friend after all." Yoshihiro nodded without even realising it. It was true that, as his friend, Hiroki should be the one going there to ask question. He should be the sacrificial lamb here. "You can bring them tea or something and ask it without it sounding weird. They are in the spare room." They all knew they were not supposed to go, but with drinks in hands or the people in it, surely it would be justified. Besides, a boy was in here right now, with Amaya. They had to check. And by that, they meant send Hiroki and look from a safe distance.

[ENOMOTO HIROKI]

Ayama was glad that Eiji agreed with the location she went for, besides they would surely be left alone at this rate so she would be comfortable to talk skeletons and bones and junctions he would need for his robot. It was fun, being able to talk about things that fascinated her. It might not be a horror movie but skeletons were a sensitive subject for her too. The more the better and the only downside to it was that they couldn’t talk skulls as they were her favorite. “I am glad you agree to this.” She said she did show him where the bathroom was, a few doors down in case he needed it before they made it to their final destination. If he needed it she would always show him the anatomy models they needed. She looked at the box, curious to see the gift that was brought on the table, even more, when he mentioned Hiroki’s name. What did he have to do with this? “For me?” She asked, still unused to having such things for her. “Can I peek in?” She asked him wondering about what it might be.

Hiroki listened to them as they said that Eiji was there with Amaya to have a conversation of some sort. He didn’t think that Eiji would go straight-talking to Amaya like that, it surprised him. He didn’t scream like that kind of bold person before, and he was getting as curious as to the other boys as to what was going on! Osamu had to agree with Hideo as well, Hiroki was their best bet in this and the only one she would tolerate in without much questioning on their parts too.

Hiroki sighed before letting putting his lines aside. “Fine, I will go look it up and get them some tea.” He conceded. They were right, he was the one who had to check on and see what was going on with that.

[IWASE EIJI]

Eiji didn't buy her something to flirt with her. As he said, it was a thank you gift. She took on her time to research something for him. She didn't have to. Nor did she have to spend this time to discuss it at length and offer suggestions on how he could make it work. She looked surprised, of course. He nodded as she asked if she could have a look. He didn't offer her a box after all, the gift was inside.

All sorts of emotions seemed to go through Hiroki's face as he wondered what it was all about then got put on the spot as the one who had to go and check. "Think about it, you might know him but we don't. And her aunt doesn't. If she finds out Amaya was left alone with a boy without anyone of us knowing what they were here to do and what happened, you imagine what she'll do to us?" Hideo pointed out. They all had it easier around here as long as they watched over Amaya and helepd her out. Of course, they would rather leave her on her own most of the time. It just so happened that for once their curiosity coincided with their duty.

Hiroki gave in and they were all pleased with it, ready to follow the boy donwstairs, or take him there if need be, to get some tea prepared and then go spy on the two.

[ENOMOTO HIROKI]

Hiroki didn’t expect Eiji-kun to actually go see Amaya. Well, he did talk of her and told him that she wasn’t as scary as she might seem to be and that you could have a conversation with her without fearing for your life. He was glad that he did though as it meant that if more people were talking to her, others might see that she meant no harm and that they could talk to her too. However, the boys were right, he might need to check on them, just to make sure that Amaya wasn’t going to scream or choke on Eiji, that would turn out to be a horrible turn of event! He sighed, aware that he was the one having to do that but still did and he walked out of his room. At least, they didn’t say anything that implied him being cute and that he could be immune against her wrath most of the time.

Even Osamu had not thought of it that way, darn, if she was to be flirted with and her aunt was to unapproved of it. He preferred not to think about it and agreed with Hideo there. “You’re the best option and risk less if you show up there.” He added on to Hideo’s argumentation.

Hiroki went to the kitchen to prepare some tea for his guests, knowing what flavor that Eiji might prefer and one that would work out with Amaya’s taste. What he wouldn’t do for the sake of not getting grounded by Amaya’s aunt! That woman could be scary as hell when she wanted, no wonder why Amaya could be something when she was upset, it must be on her aunt’s side of the family! When everything was ready he stared at the other boys. “You stay back I don’t want Amaya to throw anything at me when I get in.” He warned them. He was willing to go up there and talk a bit with Eiji but there was a limit, and he would rather have them stay back at a far distance for now even if it wasn’t what they might have wanted at first. He then put his acting skills to the test and pulled a bright smile out of his lips as he walked up to the forbidden space and knocked softly at the door.

Amaya, never considered that Eiji might be flirting with her, not when he talked to her about bones and structures. She knew that it was out of business that he did that and she was fine with it. That someone might ask her for help on the matter was a big deal; proof was that the guys were surprised of it just as much as she was but it was a nice change. It wasn’t like scaring people away. Having gift as well was a bonus and you could see a glint of excitement as she wondered what it was and opened the box to find a chocolate cake. Bingo! She would want to help Eiji with any project if he was to pay her with chocolate! She rested her hand on her heart for a moment appreciating the gesture. It was at that moment that she heard someone knocking on her door, she was about to yell when she heard Hiroki’s voice. “Amaya-chan? I heard that Eiji-kun was there so I got you two some tea so you could work peacefully.” He said softly before showing up with a tea pot and two cup of teas that was ready for them. Amaya frowned for a moment at the thought before finally nodding and letting him in as she closed the box of her present, not wanting to show him to Hiroki in case someone would steal it away from hers. You never know with them around!

[IWASE EIJI]

Hiroki might be worried for his frien Eiji, but the guys were just as equally afraid of Amaya.True the girl knew how to fight back, but they all witnessed how she could sometimes freeze instead. What if Eiji did something to her then? Hiroki wouldn't want to consider it, being his friend, but the others felt the right to worry over it, at least until making sure he wouln't do anything to Amaya. And then perhaps would they also worry for the boy should he try to do something. Who knows what she was capable of sometimes!

Hiroki was normally the one who could manage the most without angering Amaya. Yoshihiro would anoy her by his sheer presence, the others might also. But Hiroki, on top of looking inoffensive, was also a friend of Eiji, making it justified for him to see them without it being obvious he only came to have a look at them. The boys were all ready to follow Hiroki, at a safe distance. They wanted to have a look as well, they couldn't just sit there and wait for Hiroki to come back with a report on the situation.

In truth, Eiji knew Amaya before Hiroki mentioned her to him. She talked to him about a small anatomy model he played with, poiting out how he reassembled it wrong. But, had Hiroki not told him she was nice, he probably wouldn't gone after her. She had a reputation at school, one he was not all that interested to test. But he had to say she didn't look scary at all. She had a unique way of dressing herself that could be a bit creepy to some, but she said or did nothing that could be worrisome. She was not looking scary either when she looked at the box he placed in front of her. She was even, to a point, girly. The excitement in her eyes as she opened the gift, her reaction when she saw the cake. Perhaps he shouldn't say it, and he had no reason to, but that was more of a girly attitude, he thought.

They were interrupted by Hiroki coming in with tea. He had no idea how he knew he was there, since Eiji didn't tell him, but he thought of the boys who opened the door and how they first thought he came to see Hiroki. They must have told him. He didn't think about the gift and how it could be interpreted by Hiroki. He nodded as his friend walked in. "Morning, Hiroki-kun." He didn't think he had anything to hide so he was willing to speak with Hiroki if he wanted to, but he also knew they had to get to work eventually as well. For now, he was happy to see him. It meant the boy was there, so he could give his gift too later.

[ENOMOTO HIROKI]

Hiroki might be curious, just as much as they were but he trusted Eiji there; he wasn’t the kind of person who would try to make a move on someone even if it was quite a surprise that he would spend time with Amaya, without he having suggested to do so to begin with. He wanted to know too, what was going on but he had a bit of a feeling that it was less worrisome than what the guys might imply there. Eiji might be a guy too, just like they were, and they all know they didn’t have all clean intentions but he couldn’t imagine Eiji that way. He was too sweet for that! He preferred not to focus on this and went ahead with the task since if he might have not wanted to, he would have been forced into it and he was no match against the three of them. Even against Osamu; hence he was the smallest of the group.

He smiled at his friend, then at Amaya when she seemed to be reluctant about his presence. He didn’t mind it; he grew used to it and he liked to think that she didn’t mind him as much as the others despite the fact she would call him bright too. “I didn’t expect you would come here, what are you two up to?” He asked directly, this time, using his cuteness against Amaya before she could object his intrusion as he served them tea. He wasn’t ashamed of it, and he could as well know if Eiji intended to come and see him after whatever the business he had to do with Amaya was. He tilted his head to the side, to add emphasis to his unwanted skill and waited for an answer. “I swear I will leave you two alone after that.” He said as he glanced at Amaya who refused to say anything to him, instead, focusing on the gift that Eiji brought her and figuring that he would do the talking and she wouldn’t have to do it.

[IWASE EIJI]

In a way, Hiroki was wrong, Eiji was totally here to also make a move on someone, that someone was just not Amaya. It was why he bought something for Hiroki as well. He didn't expect the boy to come straight to him like that. He figured he would have to look for him after his work with Amaya but here he was and now Eiji wondered if he should give it to him now. But he was supposed to work, and it was important. He was a bit torn over it.

He didn't know if Amaya wanted to keep their work to themselves. He was not aware just how much the guys were willing to meddle in her business, so long as it didn't have to do with a horror movie. He just naturally answered his friend, not thinking about it. "I asked her to help me out shape the structure of an animatronic I wanted to make." Hiroki knew his love for robots after all. And Eiji didn't see what was worth keeping a secret in that. Plus Hiroki was his friend, he didn't see why he would have to hide that from him.

Eiji also didn't know that Amaya was hiding her cake from Hiroki. He wouldn't understand why if he had paid attention to this. His focus was on Hiroki. He had tilted his round, smooth face as he asked them what they were doing, and his eyes looked big and innocent that way. Did he also soften his voice? He could say all he wanted against being cute, he knew how to use that like a powerful weapon. Eijifelt his breath caught up in his throat as he really wanted to give the boy the cake he bought for him now. But no, he had to work. Then again, would he have the opportunity to see him later on? "Are you staying home all day?" he asked. He wanted to know if he would have a chance to come speak to him later or if he had to take that opportunity now.