The afternoon light slanted low over the hospital parking lot, casting long, fading shadows across the pavement as Riku took his first steps outside the door. It was three o’clock, or at least near and the air was fresh, a good contrast to the strong sterile scent inside, feeling the afternoon light kiss his skin. Riku adjusted his grip on the small duffel bag holding his few belongings from his stay. He had hoped to slip out quietly, maybe fetch a ride somewhere else but when a familiar pick-up pulled up to the curb, one that had the PDCD logo painted on its door. He wasn’t surprised to see Mr. Takeda behind the wheel.

Takeda leaned over to open the passenger door.

“Thought I’d swing by, save you the trouble of calling a ride. After all, you’re not back to full strength yet,” he said, watching Riku with a glint of familiar worry hidden behind a gruff smile.

Riku slid into the seat though reluctant at first, but still gave a nod of thanks as he got in, stowing his bag by his feet.

“Thank you…sir,” he said. He glanced at Takeda.

"Hope I didn't put you out of your way, though."

Takeda scoffed lightly, pulling away from the curb, his eyes on the road.

“BAH- Nonsense. You’re one of the best I’ve got. It’s no trouble.” His gaze softened briefly as he glanced at Riku.

“Besides, I wanted to see for myself that you’re alright. Paperwork’s one thing—seeing it’s another. You got all your medical expenses covered, right?”

Riku nodded.

“Yeah, don’t worry, sir. Filed for worker’s comp and everything.”

Takeda chuckled.

“Haha Of course you did. I should’ve known better.” He shook his head, a grin breaking his usual composure.

They drove in companionable silence for a few moments, Riku gazing out the window at the city’s familiar yet detached scenery. Monotonous concrete buildings blurred by as they passed. People moved through their routines on the sidewalks—businessmen in tailored suits, children in bright, cheerful clothes on their way back from school, couples strolling arm in arm. It struck him how, despite the monsters that exists beyond the city. Life remains unsteady, unfazed, Normal, he thought. This was what ‘normal’ looked like, the kind of life he tried to blend into. Yet, the stiff, restrictive cast on his arm was a jarring reminder that he wasn’t quite a part of it.

“How’s everyone? And the whole cleanup operation?” He spoke out whilst his eyes are still glued outside

Takeda sighed. “Had to halt it for a day. The JKSDF extended perimeter checks to make sure that...well, that it doesn’t happen again.”

“Bright side is, they’re covering the lost wages.”

Riku gave a small nod, his gaze shifting back to his cast. “That so? That’s good… at least people aren’t losing pay,” he murmured. A few more seconds passed, and then he spoke again, quieter, almost hesitant. “Sorry, boss. I put the new hires in danger.”

“BAH- Don’t bother with that. You’re all safe, and that’s what counts,” Takeda said, though his voice held a note of compassion under the firm response.

“Still,” Riku continued, his voice edged with guilt. “They were my responsibility. I shouldn’t have let them out of my sight.”

Takeda nodded slowly, keeping his focus on the road. “Yeah, but that’s exactly why I had you look after them—because I trust you. If any of them got into trouble, I knew you’d pull them out. And you did.” He glanced briefly over at Riku, his tone softening. “Though, seeing you hurt for it… that’s on me.”

A moment passed before Takeda continued, his expression thoughtful. “Besides, they want to be JKSDF, and if they’re serious, I figured putting them with you would be the best call. Speaking of which… I heard you told Arikawa about your time in service?”

“Mm,” Riku nodded. “It came up. He’d pieced most of it together himself—no use hiding it once he’d figured that much out. I felt like he deserved a little honesty, sharing a bit of my own experience. Not something I usually mention, but maybe… it’ll give him something real to think about.”

Takeda smiled faintly, a knowing look in his eyes. “Seems like you’re already teaching them more than just how to pick up gore and rocks.”

“Well, you were never good at hiding it, to be fair. I still remember your first day at the PDCD, looking fresh out of a training field. You didn’t really blend in—you stood out. Not every day you see a man take to the job with that level of work ethic. I suppose that’s why you are one of my best.” Takeda chuckled.

Riku smirked slightly, gaze drifting to the passing streets.

“Guess some things stick, whether you want them to or not,” he replied carrying a wry warmth.

It was a short drive back to Riku’s apartment complex, and as they approached, Takeda guided his truck into the narrow driveway, the engine settling into a steady hum before he turned the key to silence it.

Riku stepped out slowly, taking his time as he gathered his small duffel bag from the footwell. He gave Takeda a quick nod, appreciating the ride more than he let on.

“Here we are. Take it easy for the next couple days, alright? And don’t even think or worry about getting back to work, just rest that arm of yours.” Takeda giving Riku a nod.

"I’ll try boss, thanks again." Riku chuckled as he closed the door shut.

“And hey—tell Lady Chiyo and Yumi I said hello!" With that, Takeda gave a quick wave and pulled the truck out of the narrow driveway, its rumbling engine fading as he disappeared down the street. Riku watched until the bumper turned the corner before heading toward the building’s entrance.

The stairwell was quiet, save for the steady thud of Riku’s boots against the worn concrete steps. his underfoot marking each familiar step he’d taken countless times before, 7 years? has it been since they lived here. The air was still and cool, after all this time. As always, he had the stairs to himself, the extra space was a welcome given his condition.

At the top landing, he paused in front of his apartment door and tried to knock, keeping his touch light. Almost instantly, hurried footsteps scurried on the other side, shuffling and stumbling as they neared.

Although the knob turns before the footsteps got closer. The door opened, and old Lady Chiyo’s warm expression softened further as she took in the sight of him.

“Ahh Tatsumaki-san, your home,” she greeted, her gaze briefly flickering to his cast.

“How are you feeling?”

“Better-” he replied with a slight smile. Before he could say more, small arms flung around his waist in a fierce hug, nearly pushing him back a step.

“Riku!” Yumi’s voice was muffled as she pressed her face into his jacket. “I missed you!” her small legs jumping.

He chuckled, letting her embrace him to her heart’s content.

“Missed you too. Sorry I was gone for a while.”

Lady Chiyo stepped aside, her smile gentle.

“Come on in, both of you. I made tea. Yumi’s been counting down the hours till you got back. Practically got her head glued to the clock” Laughing mildly.

Riku stepped inside with a smile, Yumi still clinging to him like a small, joyful vine. As he crossed the room, he felt comfortable and eased especially at the sight of the inside. Lady Chiyo had certainly worked her magic while he was away; the place was just as clean as he’d left it, perhaps even more polished. The soft afternoon sunlight filtered through the open windows, casting gentle patterns across the floor and illuminating the space with a warm glow that made it feel more...welcoming.

He kicked off his shoes on the floor and set his duffel bag by the entryway with a soft thud. Before he could take a moment to soak in the surroundings further, Yumi grabbed his hand, tugging him toward the couch with an infectious eagerness.

He settled onto the couch, at least forced to by the little girl, with a small sigh of relief. Lady Chiyo appeared with a steaming cup in hand. He accepted it gratefully, with his one arm. Feeling the warmth seep into his palm, it was just right, hot but not scalding. He took a sip, letting the gentle, sweet bitterness ease both mind and soul.

Sitting near, Yumi practically bounced in her seat, her eyes sparkling with swelling pride as she watched him drink.

“I helped make that!” she beamed, her voice bright.

Riku smiled wider, warmed by her enthusiasm.

“Did you, now? well it is definitely, delicious.”

"Yumi has been very good lately," Lady Chiyo chimed in, chuckling

"She even helped me clean everything spotless."

The compliment made Yumi beam even brighter, her cheeks flushed as she smiles wide, proud. It was true, Riku can most definitely see the small details and the certain tiny touch Yumi had made—from the fluffed cushion, to the dusted surface, even how some of her stuff where neatly packed away...Her efforts, though small and subtle, made the apartment feel warmer, cozier… more like home than ever. Perhaps this is what ‘Normal’ should feel like, or what normal, and that assurance alone makes him smile.

Soon the remaining hours of noon pass, and then the evening comes and flows. Dinner was heavily assisted by Lady Chiyo, her cooking beating Riku's by a mile though he doesn't complain. Savoring each warm mouthful while Yumi happily chattered beside him, sharing every little detail of her day and proudly showing off her school grades, her voice bright and lively.

Lady Chiyo sat across from them, occasionally chiming in to tease Yumi about the spelling mistakes in her homework or to remind her to slow down between breaths. Oh how easy were the hours slipped by in quiet, companionable moments.

The outside sky darkened, the moon having long since risen in place of the sun. Time came for lady Chiyo to return to her own apartment, gathered her small things that she moved when Riku was away. Moving with slow grace of someone who was perfectly content. Standing at the door, she turned to Yumi and Riku, her old-bright smile was soft and affectionate.

“Well, it’s time for this old lady to get some rest,” she said, patting Yumi’s head and giving Riku a nod.

“Goodnight to both of you. Try not to keep him up too late, alright, Yumi?”

Yumi nodded enthusiastically, a beaming smile spreading across her face. Lady Chiyo chuckled and added, “And, Riku, don’t worry about tomorrow. I’ll be more than happy to take Yumi to school.”

“Really, Chiyo-sama, I don’t know how to thank you enough,” Riku replied, his voice full of gratitude.

“Don’t even think about it. Just rest that arm of yours and get well soon,” she insisted warmly. “You and Yumi have been dear to me since you moved in here—it’s the least I can do.”

With one last fond look, she waved them goodnight and stepped into the hallway, leaving Riku and Yumi wrapped in a quiet that felt as comforting as any home could be.

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Now alone with Yumi, Riku felt the evening’s calm settle over them like a gentle blanket. Yumi stood beside him, looking up with hopeful eyes.

"Riku," she asked in a soft, lilting voice, “can I watch some TV? And maybe draw, too? Just for a little while?”

He gave a slight, playful sigh and glanced at the clock, feigning a stern expression before his mouth turned up in a warm smile. "Alright, but just for an hour. Then it’s off to bed, deal?"

“Thank you!” she squealed, her face lighting up as she dashed over to the coffee table. She quickly gathered her crayons and sketch pad with one hand, clutching the remote in the other as she knelt on the rug by the Television. the screen flickering on, and not long after she began her work with a soft hum.

Riku watched her for a moment, a gentle smile tugging at his lips as she lost herself in her drawing and the media she tries to imitate. The sight felt as precious as it was familiar. Letting out a soft, contented breath, he moved toward the window, drawn by the cool, crisp night air.

He slid his hand along the window frame, feeling its slight chill, and gazed outside. The neighborhood was still, and perfectly quiet. He allowed his gaze to wander, taking in the peaceful night, until something caught his eye—a row of black cars pulling up along the curb outside the apartment complex.

One after another, the vehicles slowed to a halt, headlights dimming as they parked in a precise line.

Riku's hand tightened instinctively on the frame, his peaceful mood shifting into a guarded tension as he continued to watch, It wasn’t until the doors opened, and he sees a figure long since from his past, he took in her stance and outline against the night...

----------------------------------------

Narushima Sinon, had arrived at the city as fast as she can arrange upon hearing of the incident that transpired almost a day prior. She drove quietly, with her entourage close, a line of dark and nondescript vehicles that moved in synchrony, companying her car.

Only when they reached the apartment complex did the convoy slowed. She gave a glance at the dashboard, confirming the address she'd pull from Riku's profile, a slight furrow in her brow as she is made to wander how much he has possibly changed. Years had passed since they'd served together, and though they separated years ago...Here she was, still firmly a part of the same life he'd left behind. Though she held little regrets for her choice...Even if it left her scarred.

The line of vehicles came to a smooth stop along the curb. Sinon straightened in her seat, taking a steady breath before she pushed the car door open and stepped out. The others in her entourage moved almost in tandem, stepping out in a display of trained unity. A few stood by, while others kept a respectful distance.

She adjusted the lapel of her coat as she stood straight and firm. Giving glance up at the apartment complex, instinctively mapping the layout with her one good eye—the other concealed beneath a black patch that bore its own silent history. The guard at the building’s entrance stepped forward and gave a respectful nod, Sinon only returned the gesture with a curt of her own. Wordlessly dismissing any inquiry, as she proceeded towards the entrance.

Her heels clicked softly as she entered the building and ascended the staircase. With a subtle wave of her gloved hand, she signaled her entourage to hold back. Her intent clear: she wanted this moment alone. This wasn’t a military call, not exactly—this was personal.

She strode across the corridor with unhurried steps. Arriving at Riku’s floor, she paused outside his door. With a composed knock, she rapped her gloved knuckles against the wood and waited.

The door opened almost immediately after her knock, and there he was, standing tall with the same calm poise as hers. Riku's gaze met hers, steady and unflinching. They simply stared at each other for a moment, and each moment marking the long years since they last stood face to face.

"Sinon..." Riku said, finally breaking the standstill with a faint nod "You look sharp..."

Riku,” she replied, her voice soft trying to get the words out as best as she can summarized.

“It’s been a long time.”

“Seven years, three months… last I checked, anyway,” he shrugged

"Mind if I come in?"

Without a word, Riku stepped aside, letting her into the dimly lit space of his apartment. No sooner had she crossed the door, her attention was drawn to a young girl peeking out from around the corner, curiosity and a hint of shyness in her wide eyes. She couldn’t have been more than ten. The living room was scattered with crayon drawings, colored pencils, and a few sheets strewn across the rug, while the TV played a show in the background.

“Is this...?” Sinon began, eyeing the little girl as she ducked halfway behind the wall, looking at Riku with equal parts shyness and curiosity.

“Yes,” he replied quietly, his expression softening. “This is Yumi. She’s been living with me ever since..."

Yumi, uncertain of her, seemed to hesitate before Riku spoke again, his voice gentle but firm. "Hey Yumi, can we have some privacy, please?"

At this gentle urging, Yumi gave him a fast nod before collecting her drawings and darting off toward one of the rooms, casting a shy but intrigued glance back at Sinon before disappearing around the corner.

“Come on,” Riku said, gesturing toward the seating area. As the two settled, Sinon's gaze lingering briefly on the cast encasing his forearm.

“You look... well,” she said.

“Better than I felt yesterday." Riku glanced at his arm, a small shrug barely moving his shoulders.

"But, how have you been? After seven years, this is your first visit..."

Sinon nodded, her lips pressing into a tight line.

“It took me a while to find you, and longer to decide whether to reach out. I didn’t want to disrupt this life you've built…” She paused.

“And it’s Commander now. I was promoted not long after you left. I’ll be heading up operations at a base in Kansai.”

Riku raised an eyebrow.

“Ah, Southern Division. Congratulations. The uniform suits you better, is the Regional General there—is it still Moriyama?”” he said, the praise genuine but the way his face contorts, he still knows there was more to her attendance.

"He is." Sinon nodded, her expression betraying a moment of satisfaction.

“But I didn’t come here just to reminisce.”

Riku’s expression tightened, a wary look crossing his face.

“So… what do you want?”

She took a measured breath, choosing her words carefully, yet her one eye remained sharp.

"For months, I’ve been working to help keep the JKSDF at strength, doing my best to support it from my position. The aging population and the declining birthrate, every military force is running low on candidates...and the JKSDF is shorter on eligible pilots."

"I’ve been doing everything I can—attending college recruitment conferences, reaching out to veterans…”

Riku’s expression hardened as she spoke, and before she could continue, he cut in with a single, sharp word. "No."

Sinon blinked, her brow furrowing slightly.

"You didn’t let me finish."

“I don’t need to. I know what you’re here for, and my answer’s the same.” The ugly honesty was real. Riku rolled his tongue, letting out a sigh.

Sinon fell silent for a moment. She took a slow breath, choosing her next words carefully.

"The JKSDF is running out of pilots, Riku. We wouldn’t be knocking door to door if we weren’t desperate. Things have changed drastically since our time." Her voice slowed, tinged with frustration, as she leaned forward.

"The media doesn’t show it, but we’re scrambling in the background, trying to operate whatever we can get our hands on."

He looked away, the line of his jaw tightening, fingers subconsciously moving over the cast on his arm. "Look at me, Sinon," he muttered, with a trace of bitterness in his voice.

"I’m not in any shape to fight. I’m not as good as I was..."

She shook her head, a knowing glint in her gaze.

“We both know that doesn’t stop the instinct. It’s still there, no matter what we do, or how inactive we get.”

Then her expression softened.

"My base has an old restored 3rd Gen Titan," her voice steady as she explained

"You may remember her... She needs a pilot...A primary pilot."

He bitterly shook his head, as if he could dislodge that suggestion entirely.

“I'm flattered I was your first choice... But six years was more than enough, Sinon. I’m sorry, I’m not getting back inside a Titan again. Not while I have a child that needs me.” Riku blatantly said...He paused in his sentence only look at the entirety of his small apartment. The space of it all, and how hard it was to fill it all with furniture and memories.

The heavy pause stretching between them before Sinon nodded stiffly, visibly forcing herself to relax.

“Okay… okay.” She drew a slow breath. “But let me at least make you another offer?”

“Whatever new cadets we can bring in,” she continued, her voice softer now, more personal, “they’ll need instructors. Mentors. I’m not asking you to fight—I’m asking you to teach.” She reached into her coat, drawing a small, worn folder. With careful movements, she placed it gently between them.

Riku only looked at the official bold letters stamped on the front. He eased a little, realizing she was definitely desperate...Giving her some slack he decided to ask.

"Look- If the JKSDF was really low on active pilots, then why did you take the promotion?"

Sinon gave him a somber smile. “They still allow me to deploy if needed, but my launches require authorization from Command. I’m not completely out of the fight. But as much as they wanted me in the field, they also needed me behind a desk.”

he perked

"Wait- does that mean, they got JT-Muramasa restored too?"

"They did, but she's no longer mine, I've been reassigned to a special one." Sinon said but held her tongue from disclosing anything else that’s classified.

Riku nodded, catching her drift, and in truth he was happy with how far she has gotten in her career. He knew the walls around them, the home, that he knew she couldn't cross at least not yet. They had both made their choice and split off...

Sinon took a breath and then rose to her feet. “Thank you for listening, Riku. I know you’ll think it over… whatever you decide, just know I didn't just come to see you out of business...I really wanted to see how your doing, and Im happy with what you got here...” She offered a gentle smile, her expression softened by something almost like fondness, though her usual composure held steady as she intentionally kept her posture stiff.

Riku nodded, standing as well. “Take care, Sinon...and thanks for checking in, if you have the time. You can always come visit.”

She nodded and turned toward the door, preparing to step back out. but before she could reach the handle, small footsteps pattered behind them. Yumi appeared, clutching a sheet of paper in her hand, her eyes wide and curious.

“Are you in the JKSDF?” the child asked, getting the small courage to urge closer step by step. Looking up at Sinon with unabashed wonder. She held out her drawing, colored lines in a child’s rendition of a Titan, and a small pilot proudly scrawled in crayon. “If you are, could you take this? Maybe you can give it to one of your soldiers?”

Sinon paused, momentarily taken aback by the girl’s sweetness. She knelt to Yumi’s height, accepting the drawing with a warm smile. “Thank you. I’m sure my team would love this.” She met Yumi’s gaze and added gently,

“You know, it’s not every day we get such a thoughtful gift.”

From the distance, she sees Riku watch with curiosity and some warmth. As Sinon's warm smile reflects how she gingerly takes the drawing, holding it close. Giving the child a gently nod, before standing back up once more...casting one last look to Riku before she steps out, closing the door on her way with a resounding Click.