2024-01-06: My Love, From the Other Side
- Log: 2024-01-06: My Love, From the Other Side
- Cast: Yuta Hibiki
- Where: The Hyper World, Tsutsujidai
- Date: U.C. 0098 01 06
- Summary: A letter sent on the eve of departure.
Dear Brother,
I've finally found some time to sit down and write you. Life is so different here! I'm even more impressed at how well you manage living in two worlds. I've been adjusting well enough. You weren't kidding about the paperwork!
I hope everyone back home has been doing well. I almost feel like I don't deserve to ask after everyone's welfare, but I'm going to anyway. How are Kaworu and Rei? I think about them every day. I'm sure I've annoyed all my co-workers by talking about them so much. But everyone here can agree how impressive and strong humans are. It's a relief we all have that much in common. There are some pretty colorful individuals in the Hyper World.
Of course I want to hear about your welfare, too, Sigma. Everyone here respects you a lot. I feel like I'm getting more credit than I deserve, just for being your brother.
How about my comrades? I know my leaving them behind has to have been hardest on them. I hope Tsutsujidai, and the world, have been peaceful to make up for it. Has Max been getting out of the house enough? I worry about him the most.
---
In the cool sunlight of Tsutsujidai's winter morning, an enormous figure crosses the street to City Hall. He carries a carefully packaged bundle in his arms. Upon entering the building, he is greeted warmly by those already assembled.
"Good day." Max rumbles, placing his bundle on a nearby table. "I hope you have all had a productive week."
The smell of warm bread fills the council room as Max unwraps his offering. He seems almost a little shy as the other citizens lean forward. One begins handing out napkins from a stack handily produced from the depths of Max's suit jacket.
"Our last meeting was bereft of refreshment. I took it upon myself to change that." Max's hands are deft as he begins to slice the loaf. "I hope it will be satisfactory."
---
And Borr? Are they keeping up their gardens alright? Even with Shozo's help, it's got to be a big job.
---
Blue eyes squint.
"I don't know."
Borr turns one way, then the other. The mirror before them faithfully displays their reflection -- a rather more colorful one than they're used to seeing. The cause of their hesitation, it seems, is a new tie. One of brilliant red, emblazoned with an Accepter-like pattern toward its tail.
They tuck the new tie into their suit, examine it critically, then pull it back out, drawing it close to their face. Silence stretches out, before they bark out a laugh.
"Ah, what the hell. Why not?" Borr turns, gesturing to an entire display of Gridman-themed ties. "I'll take the lot!"
---
I'm sure Vit's putting on a good show for everyone, but his heart is softer than you'd think. I'd be really grateful if you could make sure to check on him carefully.
---
"Remember, cut and sand in only one direction. You want consistency more than anything."
Vit holds up a half-build model. His kitchen table -- still smelling freshly of the furniture store -- is surrounded by people of all ages. Each has an identical model plane in their hands. The atmosphere is warm, friendly chatter filling the quiet.
Music plays faintly in the background from speakers mounted on the walls. Leaning to the side, Vit adjusts one of his friends' grip on their sandpaper, encouraging as he offers advice.
An alert sounds from his phone, earning a glance. A fond smile spreads across Vit's face, earning a round of good-natured laughter from the group.
---
Calibur must be watching out for everyone. He's been with me longest, after all. I have faith in him.
---
"N--now. Y--you stop that." The samurai mutters, half-heartedly, as another kitten finds its way into his crocheting bag. He sighs, knowing those tiny claws will leave the yarn in endless tangles.
But the sky is clear. Children play and chase each other on the playground across the park. Calibur's hands could move faster. This scarf could be finished in moments. But the wind sends a bit of yarn flying across the bench, and two kittens clamber after it, little paws flailing.
Calibur smiles. There's no real rush. Resting his project in his lap, he turns his gaze up. Tsutsujidai's sky is clear and bright. Deep blue eyes close, and he lets his thoughts wander.
"Thank you."
---
Akane, Rikka, and Utsumi are always on my mind, too. I trust them to move forward. I know we'll all see each other again someday. I probably shouldn't ask this, either, but... How is Yuta doing? He has every right to avoid everyone who was a part of my life, but I hope he isn't. I hope he's surrounded by people who love him.
---
"Nice one, Hibiki!"
Grinning, the young man turns toward the praise. "Thanks!"
Another teammate approaches, and he automatically raises his hand to receive a high-five. The coach calls break time, and the team heads to the sideline in one group. The girls' team practices on the other side of the gym still -- Tonkawa laughing as one of her serves goes flying in a random direction.
"You guys wanna get some food after practice today?" Yuta asks.
An agreement is quickly reached. They'll all go to that skewer place, with someone running over to tell the girls as soon as their own break starts.
---
I'm going to be assigned somewhere new soon. I wanted to make sure I finished this letter before I left. Once I'm finished with this job, I think I'll be able to take some vacation time and come back home. Take care of everyone until then for me, Sigma!
All my love,
Gridman