Chapter Text
Anri hated Ego.
She may have been the one to hire him, and it was entirely her fault that his contract wasn’t detailed enough, but that didn’t mean he had to be such an A-Grade douche about it. Her shoes squeaked as she powered towards the video room of Blue Lock, arms fumbling with folders of player data and extra yakisoba for Ego… he really did need to eat better, especially if he was going to find and train the best striker to represent Team Japan.
Anri came to the door. Shifting her cargo to one arm, she grasped at the handle, shoving her shoulder against the door to push it open. She squeezed her eyes shut as she scrambled to keep the pile of supplies in her arms. Taking a deep breath, she settles her stuff onto a table to look around at the new mess.
She supposed he lived there.
Clothes were scattered everywhere. Black dress shirts and wrinkled pants carpeted the floor, creating a game of The Floor Is Lava! that would put even the best players in distress. The small trash can that hid in the corner of the desk was overflowing with tissues and hastily packed in yakisoba containers. Peeled container lids were scattered around the desk chair, half their excess sauce fermenting on the ground. Their best friends, spice packets and used mayonnaise packets were scattered nearby. A loveseat was pushed into a far corner, a sleeping bag twisted into a knot on top. The room was full of trash and the musk of a man who would not sleep until his goal was fulfilled.
Said man was slumped over the top of his desk. Glasses knocked off his face, Ego had fallen asleep again. In Anri’s opinion, he looked better when he appeared to be knocked out. Sounded better too. Less weird rants and more progress.
Anri shuffled against the wall to the light knob, carefully twisting until the light was just enough to see where the safest places to step were. Exhaling, Anri sidled back towards the door, mentally calculating how much a purchase for a grabber gun would set them back.
Because really, did he have to throw his clothes everywhere?
~
Ego couldn’t stand Anri.
He hated when she walked into the room and all the attention went to her. She's just so blah, no one should even look at her besides me.
He hated the way she could pull more funds for the project with barely a look his way. His fabulous negotiating skills totally would have gotten far more funds.
He hated how she met him blow for blow, point for point, insult for insult. So what if he looked like his mom still cut his hair with a bowl?
He hated her sweaters, which were a clear violation of the dress codes for the Facility. What if the boys saw her, and got distracted?
He hated how she meddled with his food. He’s had enough of pre-set diets, thanks.
He hated her. Simple and easy as that.
Slowly picking his head up, Ego squinted his eyes as he grasped at the glasses on his desk. As he grasped at his glasses, Ego saw that the video room had been cleaned up. The small dresser under his desk had all the drawers closed, and the floor was walkable again.
Yes, he really did hate her.
Stretching, he checked his watch. 5:00 AM. Way before he should be up, and way before Anri gets up. He yawns, slumping over again. Those lucky lumps of talent are coming along fine… I haven't played my own games in a while though… he drags his feet across the floor as his thoughts wander.
I wonder how Noel’s doing. I haven’t seen him since… jeez, has it been that long? I still can’t believe it really ended that way…
As Ego collapsed onto his sleeping bag, he can’t help but wonder: Does Anri remember?