Reality Storm: Chapter 5
by K.Huntsman
released 31st August 2000
Seiji was watching the beginning of the sunset. It was a glorious blaze of pinks and reds and golds and seemed to promise clear weather for the next day, though he would have to check with Touma to be certain of that.
Laughter and shrieks drew his attention to the lake, where his friends and Nasuti, as well as most of their guests, were playing. Seiji smiled slightly to himself. Shin's swimming lessons seemed to have degenerated for the day into a water fight/cannonball-off-the-end-of-the-dock festival, with Shuu, as always, winning for the most impressive splash. Only Wufei held himself aloft from such games, nesting with a book halfway up the large oak near the dock. Seiji noted his position with approval; the Chinese warrior was able to keep a clear view of his allies, as well as a strategic view of the surrounding area. No one would be able to sneak up on him while he read.
Trowa, meanwhile, was swimming calm laps up and down the lake.
It was a bit sad, Seiji reflected, that the young man couldn't join in the games of the others.
What's sad? Ryou asked, catching part of Seiji's thought.
Trowa.
Ryou blinked a few times, then turned to look at the lonely figure swimming back and forth. So did Shuu.
Yeah, Shuu said after a minute. I guess that is kind of sad, isn't it? I mean, you may be an uptight jerk sometimes, Seiji, but at least you know how to play.
Thank you, Seiji said drily. Then his eyes narrowed, looking at the blond Gundam pilot who had stopped playing as well and had a hand held to the side of his head. His expression was bewildered.
Was it possible...?
Quatre, Seiji thought carefully and deliberately.
Quatre's head jerked around and he stared across the distance right into Seiji's eyes.
Seiji smiled and promised himself that he would soon have a long chat with the other empath. Why don't you try to go drag Trowa into the games? he suggested, and turned to go towards the driveway as he heard the unmistakeable sounds of Touma's driving.
"We've returned!" Touma called out as he exited Nasuti's Samurai.
"Welcome back," Seiji said, melting into view. "How did your trip go?"
"Sufficient parts were acquired," Heero replied brusquely, accepting the bags Touma handed him.
"I believe we called upon every parts store, junkyard, and car dealership within the range of one day's driving," Touma elaborated, giving Seiji goods to carry as well. "We also managed to obtain the additional vestments our five new friends will require, as well as fulfilling Shin's every culinary whim. What does he want 'rose water' for, anyway?"
"I have no idea," Seiji replied, "but I'm sure it will be delicious."
"Where is everyone?" Heero asked.
"With the exception of Wufei, in the lake. The last I saw, they were attempting to drown one another."
"Proves Wufei's got sense," Heero commented, then marched into the house, his arms full of paper bags containing varied heavy bits of machinery.
"So, how was your day?" Seiji asked.
Touma glared at him. "Unconversational."
He's an empath, you know, Seiji commented, leaning against the kitchen wall and unhelpfully watching Shin cook.
Who is? Quatre? Touma asked from the den, where he was seated before a Go board, playing against Ryou. Even with Nasuti's help, Ryou was losing rather badly.
Ace, Seiji replied.
So what do we do about it? Shuu flipped channels in the living room until he settled on a random period drama.
I'll talk with him, Seiji offered. I think he's been hearing us.
WHAT?! Touma and Ryou both sat bolt upright. Shin stopped stirring and turned to look at Seiji.
Kourin's master shrugged. Not distinctly, perhaps, but... should it be so surprising that we're not the only people in the world with talents?
Shin turned back to his soup. I suppose not. We've just never met any of them before.
Well, we have now. Seiji pushed off from the wall and came over to stand beside Shin. He accepted a small sip of the broth and paused, letting the taste roll around his mouth. He smiled and nodded once.
Shin nearly blushed in pleasure.
Quatre was curious.
Through the open window he could hear the other pilots playing a game of two-on-two basketball until dinner, switching off on partners and teams every five points. Duo had asked if he wanted to play as well, but Quatre had declined. It would make an uneven number, he'd explained, and there was something he wanted to discuss with Seiji.
That was true enough.
He still nearly jumped out of his skin when the knock on the door came.
"Come in," he said, hoping he didn't sound nervous.
Seiji entered, closed the door behind himself, and leaned against it. He studied Quatre for a moment before speaking.
"So, you're a psychic," he said.
"Psychic?" queried Quatre, a little confused.
"You feel things that others don't," elaborated the taller blond. "Don't you?"
Quatre warily nodded.
Seiji's smile was sudden, soft, and blinding. "You've never met another person with those abilities, have you?"
Quatre shook his head. "No. Except maybe Heero, and I'm not sure about him."
"You've been hearing us, haven't you?" The tone was non-accusatory.
He nodded. "Just... a low buzz in the back of my mind." Then he looked into Seiji's visible violet eye, realizing what had just been implied. "You talk to one another? All of you?"
"Just the five of us," Seiji replied. "We're... linked. It's complex, and a long story."
"Ah." Quatre understood long stories and understood when he was being told to back off. "I haven't been eavesdropping."
"I didn't think you had been," Seiji allowed. "At least not deliberately."
Quatre hesitated. "May I ask you some things? You seem to be more confident with these abilities than I am."
Seiji nodded. "Of course. But perhaps some other time. Shin sent me up to call you for dinner."
"Ah." Quatre smiled; he'd already been treated to Shin's culinary excellence, and it rated with that of any five-star chef he'd ever eaten from. "Then, by all means, let's not keep him waiting."
"My sentiments exactly," Seiji agreed. He opened the door for Quatre, and they proceeded down the stairs with a certain understanding, Quatre felt, glowing between them.
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