Fanfic: "Glimpses brighter than Sunshine"
Author's Notes It took me nearly a year to complete this, how embarrassing -_-; Anyway, this is still an explorative fic and pairing, although surprisingly, a number of fans also like this pairing and I've been getting alot of positive feedback from my readers.
DOOZO YOROSHIKU! I do hope the audience enjoy this off-tangent part of the Glimpses Arc, as much as they did the vignettes. Please let me know what you think; feedbacks are appreciated anytime! :)
Title: Glimpses brighter than Sunshine
Theme Set: Epsilon, from 1sentence
Fandom: Get Backers
Rating & Warnings: PG - PG13, possible spoilers in the anime and manga, abuse of the English grammar and punctuation symbols
Genre: Fluff. Teenage angst. Romance.
Summary: A teenage crush, possibly first love. The makings of a romance in 50 sentences.
Acknowledgment & Dedication: To all fans of this pairing. And to the song that inspired most of the themes, "Brighter than Sunshine" by Aqualung.
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, Ban Mido and Natsumi Mizuki are part of the Get Backers franchise, owned by and copyright to Rando Ayamine and Yuuya Aoki. I’m just a mere fan and lowly writer who wishes this pairing was canon.
+-------------------------------------------------------+
#01 Motion:
He was constantly in motion, running and restless, always moving from one place to another; because it was what his job as a Retrieval Agent required, because he couldn’t allow himself to stay attached with one place… or one person for that matter - he was too dangerous, except - every once in while, he’d just stop and still in this small café: for coffee… and for her smile.
#02 Cool:
Maybe it was his piercing blue eyes that hides so much depth and mystery; or perhaps the unrelenting kindness he masks within the invincible strength he possessed - exactly what makes Mido Ban so totally cool escapes her, but Natsumi thought that it could have probably been all of the above.
#03 Young:
They were only a year apart, but most of the time he felt much, much older, as though he'd lived a thousand years more; until he would catch himself chasing away a slight blush whenever she'd smile innocently at him for one reason or another - and then Ban would realize how young they were still.
#04 Last:
She hides a secret fear every time Ban and Ginji would walk out the door of the Honky Tonk for a job; but she could do nothing, except hope and pray that it wouldn’t be the last time she’d see them.
#05 Wrong:
It was a mistake, he couldn’t possibly be falling in love with her - then as if on cue, she turns and gives away her brightest smile just like that, for him, always for him - and then Ban couldn’t think anymore of a reason why he shouldn’t be.
#06 Gentle:
Her touch was always so gentle; even when re-dressing his bandages, she was very careful so as not to induce more pain - not that he’d feel it anyhow - as Ban was only conscious of the soothing caresses her fingers made onto his skin.
#07 One:
Natsumi never really grasped the concept of “ano taisetsu na hito ichiban”[1] that her friends would constantly gush about, it was too juvenile for her taste to bother - until she met a certain dark-haired boy with enchanting blue eyes that is, and suddenly it didn’t seem very foolish at all.
#08 Thousand:
The small cake had cost him two-thousand Yen - but seeing her smile in delight because of it, that was priceless.
#09 King:
He was never Prince Charming in her dreams, neither was he the Knight in Shining Armor - those roles did not quite suit him, as she realized that he was far more noble and gallant than that; only Kings could wield and control power like that, without even trying.
#10 Learn:
His powers may have been limitless, his fighting skills unparalleled and his clever wit simply outstanding; but when it comes to matters of the heart and romance, Ban finds that he has much to learn… and re-learn.
#11 Blur:
She could not exactly recall what had happened in the warehouse; images of smoke, electricity and gunpowder rushed through her mind, making her head hurt, everything had been blurred at that point - all that she can remember was waking up to a warm leather seat, to the crisp smell of the water and the faintest traces of nicotine filling her lungs, and from probably the most wonderful dream she’s ever had in a year.
#12 Wait:
Lately, Ban finds it harder to leave Shinjuku for out-of-town jobs; maybe that’s why he’s always anticipating the drive home, taking comfort in the knowledge that she’d always be there, waiting for them to come back… waiting for him.
#13 Change:
Nobody ever really knew when things had started to change between them - a furtive glance, a secret smile, a noticeable blush - only Ginji thought it was inevitable anyway.
#14 Command:
It was more like a request, really; but despite his recent injuries, Ban found himself carrying all the bags of groceries Natsumi had just brought from the store, and not exactly minding it.
#15 Hold:
She didn’t understand why, but she held onto his mug desperately, and would probably do so until he returns from Mugenjou - as though the mere act would create a lifeline, binding Ban, until he comes back safe and sound.
#16 Need:
It drew from the constant need to protect her - even from himself.
#17 Vision:
She would often wonder what he sees when he uses the Evil Eye, how he creates nightmares with it, why most people fear it - because all she knows is that when she had looked into his eyes, she never wanted to wake up from those dreams.
#18 Attention:
He’d feign oblivious to her shy, clandestine stares, a mixture of warmth and longing in her dark-grey eyes whenever she looks at him - he was a monster through and through, dangerous and menacing; Ban doesn’t think he deserves Natsumi’s admiration.
#19 Soul:
She was never afraid to look directly into his eyes, even if he would shy away his gaze from her - it was her only real opportunity to see his soul; and she knows, despite what they say, that Ban Midou has one.
#20 Picture:
Not even Ginji knew of the picture in his wallet - it wasn’t in Ban’s character to be a hopelessly romantic loon - but he kept it safely tucked and hidden nonetheless, even if he has already memorized every curve and turn of her smile.
#21 Fool:
At times she wished that this was just a phase, a simple crush that would soon ebb and disappear in time - she was a fool to think that he’d ever look at her that way.
#22 Mad:
No matter how badly the retrieval job went, no matter how utterly ridiculous his day had been and he felt down right pissed and crappy - he could never really bring himself to be totally angry at world when she’s there, with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a smile.
#23 Child:
Sometimes she’s just as much of a child as Ginji is.
#24 Now:
Now isn’t really the time to be daydreaming of blue eyes and mysterious, knowing smiles - she has university exams to study for!
#25 Shadow:
His past was like a shadow that would continue to follow him wherever he goes; reminding him of its presence, most cruelly, in the brightest of lights.
#26 Goodbye:
She would never say that word, even if she’s numb with anxiety - instead, with that perpetually cheerful smile on her face, she’d wave at them and say, “Ja, mata ne!” [2]
#27 Hide:
He would not leave his spot under that broken lamplight, his figure clothed by the darkness of the night - not until he’s satisfied that she’s safe inside her house.
#28 Fortune:
That brand-new table tennis paddle didn’t actually cost him fortune, but for Natsumi, Ban’s Christmas present was invaluable.
#29 Safe:
It gives her a sense of serenity, a sense of comfort; knowing that he’d always be there, watching over her.
#30 Ghost:
Ginji almost never usually notices these things, but that ghost of a smile that graced his best friend’s lips when the cute waitress handed him his coffee, was enough to nearly make him squeal like a rabid fan girl.
#31 Book:
She hoped Ban did not notice her, sneaking glances at him from the book she was supposed to be reading.
#32 Eye:
Most people feared the Jagan; then again, just like Ginji, Natsumi wasn’t quite like most people.
#33 Never:
She does not believe that Ban will never be capable of loving and falling in love, however tough and arrogant he might act, he was just probably a little scared to try.
#34 Sing:
Sometimes, when he thinks neither Paul nor Ginji was looking, he’d watch her out of the corner of his eye as she cooked or baked while humming a cheerful little tune.
#35 Sudden:
She wasn’t exactly sure what - or how it happened; one second she was setting down his usual cup of coffee, and in the next, his lips were on hers and then… she really couldn’t think anymore.
#36 Stop:
Perhaps there is something that was more invincible than him; a force that, even he, the Great Midou Ban-sama would not be able to stop in a million years… but, if only for her sake and her safety, he will just have to.
#37 Time:
It only lasted a minute - why couldn’t he have given her eternity?
#38 Wash:
He’d be damned, if he admits to being a little bit jealous of Ginji flirting and teasing with Natsumi as they washed the dishes together.
#39 Torn:
While the boys took their time off at the hot spring, she gathered their clothes to mend - yet again - the broken stitches.
#40 History:
True, she really didn’t know much about him - about his dark past, about his even more mysterious ancestry or lineage - but maybe, just maybe, he’d tell her about it someday.
#41 Power:
It was something he kept only to himself, a fear not even his closest friend even knew about; that day he would use the ultimate power… in the final battle of life or death.
#42 Bother:
It often bothered her at strange moments - how come Ban never copped a feel of her bosom?
#43 God:
He wasn’t Catholic, neither was he raised a Buddhist; sometimes though, he couldn’t help but wonder if there truly is a higher power.
#44 Wall:
She had felt the barrier he’d put up between them the first time they met, she wasn’t fazed by it however; Natsumi decided she would continue to watch him from the other side of that invisible wall.
#45 Naked:
He was the one hoping to get a sneak peak of her and Madoka lounging in the hot spring bath behind that rock; he never quite expected that she’d be the one to actually see him in all his naked glory.
#46 Drive:
He was usually so reckless - he needed to be in his job - but whenever she’s in the car, he makes sure that he doesn’t violate any - or at least, less traffic rules.
#47 Harm:
Natsumi was familiar and well aware of Ban’s inexorable strength, she couldn’t help but worry though, even at his minor scratches and injuries.
#48 Precious:
She held the soft, miniature doll in her palm, gingerly, as though it were made of glass instead of cloth; whispering a silent vow never to lose it again, for not only will the memories of her mother be lost, but - blue meets gray for an instant, she smiles - the few precious ones she has of the present as well.
#49 Hunger:
He wasn’t as totally hungry as Ginji was, but he felt exceedingly vengeful at that stupid monkey who stole the bento that she had cooked and prepared especially for him.
#50 Believe:
With a fluffy comforter and a warm cup of cocoa, she had settled by the window ledge of the Honky Tonk, watching the glimmering lights of the Tokyo night skyline and waited, patiently like always.
+-------------------------------------------------------+
Translations
[1] ano taisetsu na hito ichiban - "that most important person"; a shoujo-manga jargon for boyfriend or sweetheart
[2] Ja mata ne - See you later!
PUBLISHED: 11.28.2006
DOOZO YOROSHIKU! I do hope the audience enjoy this off-tangent part of the Glimpses Arc, as much as they did the vignettes. Please let me know what you think; feedbacks are appreciated anytime! :)
Title: Glimpses brighter than Sunshine
Theme Set: Epsilon, from 1sentence
Fandom: Get Backers
Rating & Warnings: PG - PG13, possible spoilers in the anime and manga, abuse of the English grammar and punctuation symbols
Genre: Fluff. Teenage angst. Romance.
Summary: A teenage crush, possibly first love. The makings of a romance in 50 sentences.
Acknowledgment & Dedication: To all fans of this pairing. And to the song that inspired most of the themes, "Brighter than Sunshine" by Aqualung.
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, Ban Mido and Natsumi Mizuki are part of the Get Backers franchise, owned by and copyright to Rando Ayamine and Yuuya Aoki. I’m just a mere fan and lowly writer who wishes this pairing was canon.
+-------------------------------------------------------+
#01 Motion:
He was constantly in motion, running and restless, always moving from one place to another; because it was what his job as a Retrieval Agent required, because he couldn’t allow himself to stay attached with one place… or one person for that matter - he was too dangerous, except - every once in while, he’d just stop and still in this small café: for coffee… and for her smile.
#02 Cool:
Maybe it was his piercing blue eyes that hides so much depth and mystery; or perhaps the unrelenting kindness he masks within the invincible strength he possessed - exactly what makes Mido Ban so totally cool escapes her, but Natsumi thought that it could have probably been all of the above.
#03 Young:
They were only a year apart, but most of the time he felt much, much older, as though he'd lived a thousand years more; until he would catch himself chasing away a slight blush whenever she'd smile innocently at him for one reason or another - and then Ban would realize how young they were still.
#04 Last:
She hides a secret fear every time Ban and Ginji would walk out the door of the Honky Tonk for a job; but she could do nothing, except hope and pray that it wouldn’t be the last time she’d see them.
#05 Wrong:
It was a mistake, he couldn’t possibly be falling in love with her - then as if on cue, she turns and gives away her brightest smile just like that, for him, always for him - and then Ban couldn’t think anymore of a reason why he shouldn’t be.
#06 Gentle:
Her touch was always so gentle; even when re-dressing his bandages, she was very careful so as not to induce more pain - not that he’d feel it anyhow - as Ban was only conscious of the soothing caresses her fingers made onto his skin.
#07 One:
Natsumi never really grasped the concept of “ano taisetsu na hito ichiban”[1] that her friends would constantly gush about, it was too juvenile for her taste to bother - until she met a certain dark-haired boy with enchanting blue eyes that is, and suddenly it didn’t seem very foolish at all.
#08 Thousand:
The small cake had cost him two-thousand Yen - but seeing her smile in delight because of it, that was priceless.
#09 King:
He was never Prince Charming in her dreams, neither was he the Knight in Shining Armor - those roles did not quite suit him, as she realized that he was far more noble and gallant than that; only Kings could wield and control power like that, without even trying.
#10 Learn:
His powers may have been limitless, his fighting skills unparalleled and his clever wit simply outstanding; but when it comes to matters of the heart and romance, Ban finds that he has much to learn… and re-learn.
#11 Blur:
She could not exactly recall what had happened in the warehouse; images of smoke, electricity and gunpowder rushed through her mind, making her head hurt, everything had been blurred at that point - all that she can remember was waking up to a warm leather seat, to the crisp smell of the water and the faintest traces of nicotine filling her lungs, and from probably the most wonderful dream she’s ever had in a year.
#12 Wait:
Lately, Ban finds it harder to leave Shinjuku for out-of-town jobs; maybe that’s why he’s always anticipating the drive home, taking comfort in the knowledge that she’d always be there, waiting for them to come back… waiting for him.
#13 Change:
Nobody ever really knew when things had started to change between them - a furtive glance, a secret smile, a noticeable blush - only Ginji thought it was inevitable anyway.
#14 Command:
It was more like a request, really; but despite his recent injuries, Ban found himself carrying all the bags of groceries Natsumi had just brought from the store, and not exactly minding it.
#15 Hold:
She didn’t understand why, but she held onto his mug desperately, and would probably do so until he returns from Mugenjou - as though the mere act would create a lifeline, binding Ban, until he comes back safe and sound.
#16 Need:
It drew from the constant need to protect her - even from himself.
#17 Vision:
She would often wonder what he sees when he uses the Evil Eye, how he creates nightmares with it, why most people fear it - because all she knows is that when she had looked into his eyes, she never wanted to wake up from those dreams.
#18 Attention:
He’d feign oblivious to her shy, clandestine stares, a mixture of warmth and longing in her dark-grey eyes whenever she looks at him - he was a monster through and through, dangerous and menacing; Ban doesn’t think he deserves Natsumi’s admiration.
#19 Soul:
She was never afraid to look directly into his eyes, even if he would shy away his gaze from her - it was her only real opportunity to see his soul; and she knows, despite what they say, that Ban Midou has one.
#20 Picture:
Not even Ginji knew of the picture in his wallet - it wasn’t in Ban’s character to be a hopelessly romantic loon - but he kept it safely tucked and hidden nonetheless, even if he has already memorized every curve and turn of her smile.
#21 Fool:
At times she wished that this was just a phase, a simple crush that would soon ebb and disappear in time - she was a fool to think that he’d ever look at her that way.
#22 Mad:
No matter how badly the retrieval job went, no matter how utterly ridiculous his day had been and he felt down right pissed and crappy - he could never really bring himself to be totally angry at world when she’s there, with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a smile.
#23 Child:
Sometimes she’s just as much of a child as Ginji is.
#24 Now:
Now isn’t really the time to be daydreaming of blue eyes and mysterious, knowing smiles - she has university exams to study for!
#25 Shadow:
His past was like a shadow that would continue to follow him wherever he goes; reminding him of its presence, most cruelly, in the brightest of lights.
#26 Goodbye:
She would never say that word, even if she’s numb with anxiety - instead, with that perpetually cheerful smile on her face, she’d wave at them and say, “Ja, mata ne!” [2]
#27 Hide:
He would not leave his spot under that broken lamplight, his figure clothed by the darkness of the night - not until he’s satisfied that she’s safe inside her house.
#28 Fortune:
That brand-new table tennis paddle didn’t actually cost him fortune, but for Natsumi, Ban’s Christmas present was invaluable.
#29 Safe:
It gives her a sense of serenity, a sense of comfort; knowing that he’d always be there, watching over her.
#30 Ghost:
Ginji almost never usually notices these things, but that ghost of a smile that graced his best friend’s lips when the cute waitress handed him his coffee, was enough to nearly make him squeal like a rabid fan girl.
#31 Book:
She hoped Ban did not notice her, sneaking glances at him from the book she was supposed to be reading.
#32 Eye:
Most people feared the Jagan; then again, just like Ginji, Natsumi wasn’t quite like most people.
#33 Never:
She does not believe that Ban will never be capable of loving and falling in love, however tough and arrogant he might act, he was just probably a little scared to try.
#34 Sing:
Sometimes, when he thinks neither Paul nor Ginji was looking, he’d watch her out of the corner of his eye as she cooked or baked while humming a cheerful little tune.
#35 Sudden:
She wasn’t exactly sure what - or how it happened; one second she was setting down his usual cup of coffee, and in the next, his lips were on hers and then… she really couldn’t think anymore.
#36 Stop:
Perhaps there is something that was more invincible than him; a force that, even he, the Great Midou Ban-sama would not be able to stop in a million years… but, if only for her sake and her safety, he will just have to.
#37 Time:
It only lasted a minute - why couldn’t he have given her eternity?
#38 Wash:
He’d be damned, if he admits to being a little bit jealous of Ginji flirting and teasing with Natsumi as they washed the dishes together.
#39 Torn:
While the boys took their time off at the hot spring, she gathered their clothes to mend - yet again - the broken stitches.
#40 History:
True, she really didn’t know much about him - about his dark past, about his even more mysterious ancestry or lineage - but maybe, just maybe, he’d tell her about it someday.
#41 Power:
It was something he kept only to himself, a fear not even his closest friend even knew about; that day he would use the ultimate power… in the final battle of life or death.
#42 Bother:
It often bothered her at strange moments - how come Ban never copped a feel of her bosom?
#43 God:
He wasn’t Catholic, neither was he raised a Buddhist; sometimes though, he couldn’t help but wonder if there truly is a higher power.
#44 Wall:
She had felt the barrier he’d put up between them the first time they met, she wasn’t fazed by it however; Natsumi decided she would continue to watch him from the other side of that invisible wall.
#45 Naked:
He was the one hoping to get a sneak peak of her and Madoka lounging in the hot spring bath behind that rock; he never quite expected that she’d be the one to actually see him in all his naked glory.
#46 Drive:
He was usually so reckless - he needed to be in his job - but whenever she’s in the car, he makes sure that he doesn’t violate any - or at least, less traffic rules.
#47 Harm:
Natsumi was familiar and well aware of Ban’s inexorable strength, she couldn’t help but worry though, even at his minor scratches and injuries.
#48 Precious:
She held the soft, miniature doll in her palm, gingerly, as though it were made of glass instead of cloth; whispering a silent vow never to lose it again, for not only will the memories of her mother be lost, but - blue meets gray for an instant, she smiles - the few precious ones she has of the present as well.
#49 Hunger:
He wasn’t as totally hungry as Ginji was, but he felt exceedingly vengeful at that stupid monkey who stole the bento that she had cooked and prepared especially for him.
#50 Believe:
With a fluffy comforter and a warm cup of cocoa, she had settled by the window ledge of the Honky Tonk, watching the glimmering lights of the Tokyo night skyline and waited, patiently like always.
+-------------------------------------------------------+
Translations
[1] ano taisetsu na hito ichiban - "that most important person"; a shoujo-manga jargon for boyfriend or sweetheart
[2] Ja mata ne - See you later!
PUBLISHED: 11.28.2006