Old Friends, New Suits

*The sun was setting off to the west, the moon just barely visible to those who looked in the opposite direction. One person in particular was looking as she leaned into the park bench, tired from her advancing age and the relatively and surprisingly stressful job at the new by high school. She swirled the beer in her hand and watched the darkening sky in contemplation.*

Andrea was walking through the park, with the intention of clearing her head. The last few days had been so horrible, the only thing she wanted to do was to lock herself in a room and cry for a week. But she knew perfectly well that she couldn't afford herself to do that. She needed to move on, as quickly as possible, and the only way to do that was to go out in public, where she wouldn't be able to cry even if she wanted to. The park close to the apartment building seemed like a good place for her to take a walk, so that's where she went. As soon as she approached it, though, she noticed a familiar silhouette sitting on a bench and sipping beer. Andrea couldn't believe her eyes. 'A-Akira?!?' she asked and approached.

*She takes a sip and as she sets the can back down she hears a voice that she had hoped to hear from for a few years now. With a smile and a loll of the head she takes in her former apprentice*

Hey there Andrea, long time no see. You always did look better in our uniform then in a skirt. *smirks sagely*

Andrea chokes up. She's barely resisting the urge to jump forward and hug Akira tightly. Instead, she simply sits down next to her. 'It really is you!' the girl smiles faintly. 'I've wanted to see you ever since I came back, but I couldn't get a hold of you, and Eos said you were really busy, so I...'

...Should have come anyway. I might be busy running a world wide intelligence agency while looking after a bunch if punk-ass kids, but I'm never too busy for those I care for.

*gives her a hard stare*

Next time I send you off on your own for years on end, I will ensure that you understand to write more often.

'I'm sorry...' she lets out a small giggle. 'I know I should have, but I was pretty sure you already knew what was up with me' Andrea gives a weak excuse, then leans back. 'Besides, I never got any letters from you either, Akira-chan!'

*Chuckles under her breath and takes another sip of her beer to chase it down*

Well I did keep tabs on you and I had hoped you would make the first move.

*gies her another look, this one more light hearted before the look suddenly softened*

How are you holding up?

'Eh? Oh, uhm... I'm fine!' Andrea fakes a smile. "That's neither the time nor the place to bother Akira-chan with my problems..." she thinks and looks down, in a vain attempt to hide her true feelings.

*snorts*

You should know better than to hide from me, Andrea... How are you holding up?

*this time the tone of her question brokered no argument*

Andrea sighs. As always, Akira had seen right through her. She really didn't want to bother her with her problems... but maybe it wasn't a bad idea for her to talk to someone she trusts. 'I...' the girl closes her eyes, in an attempt to hold her tears. 'I shouldn't have come back. I really shouldn't have...'

*Akira sighs and reaches out to place a hand on the young woman's shoulder*

Let it out...

Andrea looks at Akira, with gratitude in her eyes. She really needed to talk to someone close about this, but the only one around that fit the description was her brother, and she would never allow herself to cry in front of him. 'Kurai... He...' she looks down again. 'He died last week...'

*nods and gives her a small smile in understanding*

Yeah I heard... I'm sorry. If you need anything I will always be here for you, Andrea.

'That's not everything...' Andrea takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, thinking about how she should phrase the next part. 'Kurai... H-he was going to be a father...' she says and looks up at Akira, hoping that she would understand the implications.

*Her eyes flash before she lets out a snort*

You never do anything the easy way do you, Andrea. Well then, how are you planning to take care of things?

*her tone of voice showing her understanding*

She smiles sadly before leaning forward and covering her face with her hands. 'I don't know... I don't know at all... I'm so fucking scared, Akira-chan' Andrea admits, her voice trembling slightly.

*nods in understanding before allowing them to lapse into silence for a few moments*

I shall help you.

*she states simply*

'Really?' Andrea asks and turns her head towards Akira. 'I...' she says quietly, her eyes quickly filling up with tears. 'Thank you'

*Smiles and pulls her into a quick hug*

Hey, don't worry about it. Told you I would always be there for you, didn't I?

'Yeah, you did' Andrea smiles gently and hugs her friend back. 'But... It's not going to be easy, you know... I mean... Since I'm the worst mother ever, I'll probably need as much babysitting for myself as I will for the child' she giggles softly.

Pfft! Bull, you will do well. Besides, you have me and the entire organization at you rack, once a Satou always a Satou.

*smiles and ruffles her hair a little*

You and your child will get through this. I promise.

She lets out a small laugh when Akira ruffles her hair. 'Thank you... It really means a lot when you say it' she smiles. 'Sorry I had to trouble you with my problems again... I really didn't imagine our first meeting after all those years would go like this, but... In a way, I'm glad that it did'