Veiled Ambition

Hints:

'In one of the more light-hearted official doujinshis/omakes, Ayanami is shown trying to find a pet, but all the animals are afraid of him.' (Quotation from Wikipedia)

Chief of Staff Ayanami fancies a pet! I got the inspiration from the quotation above and thought I might have a go at a two-chaptered fic about it. Yes, two chapters at the very most; one for the progress and one for the aftermath:-)))))))

In my story I pictured an expectation that Ayanami managed to take to a dog after all! And alas no, it's no large handsome macho hound that might suit the imperious Chief of Staff better; in fact it's a bit of a dainty…I hope it won't become a jaw-hanging setting for you readers:-)

Disclaimer:

This is my third output of 07-Ghost fanfic and above all I own neither the manga nor its characters! They belong to their creators, Yuki Amemiya and Yukino Ichihara.

Chapter I: Master Ayanami desired a doggy pal

It was unconventional for the austere Chief of Staff to be mentally possessed by something other than work; and it was even more unconventional that the silver-haired military elite should be seriously thinking about raising a pet for leisure company. Although Aayanami never announced his submerged longing for non-human buddies, his inquisitive subordinates managed to discover the secret nonetheless.

One morning Ayanami was summoned to an urgent meeting and Lieutenant Hyuuga was left alone to categorise his superior's finished documents. As the bespectacled assistant hummed merrily and flipped through the mountainous paperwork, he found a crumpled sketch sandwiched between two large journals and took it out.

There was no need to smooth the paper because one could easily make out what was on it. Ayanami had drawn a rough outline of a large muscular animal, with four pads, a furry tail and pointed ears like those of a canine. Beside it were a few lines that were definitely of Ayanami's clear, precise penmanship.

Dogs are friends and comrades of humans. They trotted at their masters' wake, wagging their tails, yearning for attention and intimacy; they stand on their hind legs to deliver a fluffy hug and a slobbering kiss; without hesitation they defended their masters and risked their lives to fight and protect. Man would never feel lonely if he raised-

Here the sentence ended; evidently Ayanami hadn't cast his conclusion, but Hyuuga thought he knew what his boss had intended to 'raise' and he did not bother to swallow back his snorts of laughter.

Were these affectionate lines composed by someone else, he would have skimmed without any particular feelings about it; nevertheless, it was thoroughly different to see them spring from somebody who appeared to care about nothing but unmoved business. All in all, after exhibiting a barrelful of grandeur reflections for pretexts, the reserved Chief of Staff only craved a pet of a dog. Still smirking, the cheerful subordinate folded the paper and slipped it into his pocket.

He had just discovered a disguised but incredulous character of his superior, and it would be a lot of fun going question the man all about it.

The following night saw an exhausted Ayanami slumping drowsily in his seat and a smug-looking Hyuuga leaning against the back of his boss' armchair, the sketch clutched in one hand and an apple lollipop in the other.

'What's your meeting about, Aya-tan?' he asked, and simultaneously smoothed the crumpled paper and deliberately hovered its square of shadow over Ayanami's forehead.

'The Chairman's hysterics,' replied the Chief of Staff rather wearily, 'he desires a stupid blitzkrieg in some District and I've got to arrange my people for it. How reckless of him.'

Hyuuga smiled quietly to his lollipop. It was not Ayanami's nature to voice a word of moody critique about 'Chairmen the oldy conservatives'; nevertheless, Hyuuga was confident that his next move would help his boss out of this cynical state.

'I think there's a means to cheer you up.' He said joyfully.

'What is it?' the silver-haired superior sounded coldly indifferent.

'What you have illustrated.'

'And what is that supposed to mean?'

Having detected his boss' fading patience, Hyuuga grinned and thrust the now smoothed picture into Ayanami's gloved hand.

'Look at your adorable sketch and sentimental outbursts, Aya-tan. I reckon a simple confession of "I'd like a puppy" would have saved much trouble.'

The languid Chief of Staff stiffened, then stood up so quickly Hyuuga nearly dropped the paper and his delicate lollipop.

'Where did you get this?' demanded the superior; he looked aggressive, though the joyful subordinate took it as an Aya-tanish sort of concession and abashment.

'Why, Aya-tan, I helped classify your folders and paper and I found it lurking there.' He said in what he considered to be a soothing tone, 'really, Aya-tan, I didn't mean to mock you. If you really want a puppy, just tell me openly and I'll go buying one for you.'

Ayanami glared at his companion, and yet Hyuuga felt certain that the dark grudging tinge in those liquid amethyst eyes was slowly fading away.

'You will do it?'

'If you insist.'

'Then I'd require a large, vicious species. A hound.'

'As you please.'

And then it was settled- Ayanami was going to raise a pet dog and Hyuuga would set off to seeking one.

'Aya-tan.'

'…'

'Aya-tan, wake up! I've looked. There's a dog farm in town and they have loads of species.'

'…No need to inform me of this. Go purchase one and bring it back.'

'It is Aya-tan who fancies a puppy, not your diligent Lieutenant. Aya-tan must go and choose one himself.'

'I appreciate your taste.'

'But "a large, vicious species" wouldn't appreciate a sleepy master, Aya-tan.'

This was true, for Ayanami was again seen lounged in his armchair and appeared to have just recollected himself rather unwillingly from a daytime slumber. His military cap lay lopsided on his head, half revealing the fine silvery locks underneath.

Realising that mildness wouldn't do the trick, Hyuuga sneered and leaned in closer.

'Aya-tan, if you don't come with me and choose a puppy yourself, I'll fondle you.' And he slipped his fingers delicately across the smooth skin of Ayanami's cheek.

The effect was immediate. Ayanami's left hand sprung into life and captured Hyuuga's harassing one with the force of a pincer and the grace of a zombie. Gasping, the startled Lieutenant merely had milliseconds to experience the pricking numbness exploding in his fingertips before being shoved roughly away. He staggered backward, and yet by grasping the edge of the bureau with the other hand, he managed to steady himself rather timely.

Ayanami rose from the seat and reposed his cap.

'We are to make haste.' He growled, 'Lead the way.'

It was unusually cold outside, though it didn't concern Hyuuga very much since he had the sense to put on an overcoat beforehand. Contrarily, Ayanami never bothered to check out weather forecasts and therefore went out in his light uniform. As they walked, the cheerful Lieutenant swept appraising glimpses at the quiet Chief of Staff, feeling exceedingly satisfied at the frosted pallor now spreading over the latter's haughty profile.

You shouldn't have pinched my wrist in that merciless fashion, mused Hyuuga, I could have told you to wear more and suffer less, but now I'd prefer revenge to benevolence.

It took them about half an hour to arrive at the dog farm. The owner and breeder, a round-bellied and heavy-moustached local greeted them and led them in.

'My children and I are at your service, gentlemen.' The aged breeder pushed open the door of a room and bowed to the pair of subordinate and boss, 'I keep them all in this kindergarten.'

'Superb.' Hyuuga composed an ear-to-ear grin and laid a hand on Ayanami's shoulder, and was pleased that the frozen superior didn't seem to have the vitality to duck. 'After you, Aya-tan. I suppose you don't come here merely for freezing upon the threshold.'

They all entered. It was a circular room, quite spacious and blessedly warm. Wooden cages stood in rows on the floor, each holding a delicate-looking puppy within. The breeder approached the nearest one, crouched down beside it and slid his chubby palm through, patting the resident's tiny head with paternal fondness.

'They all have received excellent trainings.' Chanted the old man, 'No need to worry about messy waste and mischief.'

'Aya-tan, let's go have a scan.'

Ayanami padded forward and looked down into the fluffy little face of a baby Rottweiler. The creature had been sitting on its hind legs and eagerly wagging its tail, but the moment they locked gazes, the little puppy let out a frightened wail, flattened itself onto the floor and drooped its head in surrender.

'Ooops, Aya-tan. You don't glower at babies!' commented the Lieutenant, knowing only too well that even most military contemporaries could not suppress a shudder at an Ayanamish piercing glare. Obviously this was too much for an innocent puppy.

'I didn't.' Said the Chief of Staff coldly, 'It displeases me and vice versa.' Then he proceeded to the next one.

What happened next was entirely out of expectation. It turned out that all of the puppies recoiled at Ayanami's stare, a few of them even turning around and desperate to flee. Minutes later, Ayanami retreated to the threshold and remained speechless. There was no tinge of moodiness in his cool face, though Hyuuga was sure that he was in fact profoundly displeased, even offended.

'Unlucky You, Aya-tan.' whispered the cheerful subordinate, though he didn't sound compassionate at any rate, 'I can only assume that your aura sobers all domains of living being.'

'Ridiculous notion.' Growled Ayanami, crossing his arms.

'I'm really sorry,' said the old breeder awkwardly, 'I was kinda under the impression that these children are perfectly fit. I've got no idea why they behave so funny today.'

'Never mind. Apparently it's Aya-tan who is a bit funny because he had been numbed with cold. Do you have some other candidates?'

The folk scratched his balding head.

'There's one in my bedroom.' He said slowly, 'he is a bit of an introvert and he fears crowding with peers. Personally I don't think he's suitable.'

Hyuuga smiled smugly. 'Well, we should give him a chance. Bring him here.'

Minutes later the aged breeder returned to the kindergarten carrying an auburn-coloured puppy in his arms. As he advanced, Hyuuga recognised the features. It was a-

'A poodle?'

Hyuuga was surprised that he was forestalled by Ayanami, whose intonation turned out unnaturally harsh.

'Ah well, yeah, a poodle.' Repeated the breeder, 'I must say I'm not hopeful but let's try in the first place.'

He approached and stroke the little poodle's chin so that the puppy raised his head to look.

'I'm not interested in-'

The Chief of Staff's sentence was drowned away as the poodle's glittering black eyes located his violet ones. Blinking, the tiny puppy inclined his head like a curious child, straightened in his carer's arms and wagged his fuzzy tail. No petrified wails. No frightened trembles and no defeated prostration.

The breeder looked beside himself with glee. 'This is incredible,' said he, 'I think he accepts you, Herr Offizier. You should try giving him a cuddle and see how you two get along.'

The quiet Chief of Staff obeyed without protests, though the look of mingled disdain and unwillingness in his cold eyes did not soften the slightest. Holding his breath, Hyuuga stole a peep over his boss' shoulder and saw the puppy rubbing its forehead ingratiatingly against Ayanami's front.

'Goodness, Aya-tan, there's only one little problem-a poodle is not "a large, vicious species", is it?' The Lieutenant could no longer resist his elated giggles, 'But one thing is extraordinary; this kiddy looks so freaking inclined to you.'

Aya-tan cuddling a puppy, how picturesque.

Ten minutes later they left the dog farm and set off against the piercing cold outside. Ayanami had taken off his military cap to shield the wind for his new pet, and yet it was little use. The fragile poodle was still trembling, and so was his uncovered master.

Hyuuga cast frequent sideways glances at this miserable pair and felt slightly regretted that he hadn't told Ayanami to slip on an overcoat like he did. After all, the jokey subordinate had a good heart and the least thing he fancied was to discomfort Ayanami on his accord. However, the memory of himself getting mercilessly punished and the scene of the nonchalant Chief of Staff attending to a puppy had combined to impose bits of lingering resentment on his mind, and thus had made him jealous and reluctant to give a hand.

If only Ayanami could offer him the same proportion of intimacy…

Even as he mused, Ayanami had come to a halt. Hyuuga turned questioningly back to his superior, and immediately realised what had caused the hindrance. Ayanami had just removed his covering cap, and they both looked down at the tiny poodle plastering himself onto the rumpled fabric of Ayanami's uniform and whimpering in cold.

'Better take some measures before he turns into an ice sculpture, I must say.' Hyuuga leaned in closer and mopped the frosted auburn back, 'shall I carry him, Aya-tan? I've got warmer clothes.'

The Chief of Staff flashed a haughty eye at his human companion. 'No. I can manage it.' And then placing the cap back onto his own head, he unbuttoned the collar and breast of his uniform and cradled the whimpering puppy inside.

This was too much; well, too much for the amazed Lieutenant at the very least. Beside him was the Aya-tan who used to demand and kill and act as if he knew nothing of the softer side, and yet there was the same Aya-tan who was cuddling and warming a spoiled puppy in a way that could be seen as motherly. Hyuuga half pictured himself witnessing his silver-haired boss proceeded to humming a lullaby to the puppy, and was convinced that he would be the very first to faint away with maniac laughter if Ayanami really did do it.

'Aya-tan, am I going to be the one and only eyewitness of your rare exhibition of motherliness?' Hyuuga found it almost impossible to keep his voice steady because he was virtually wrestling with a strong desire to laugh.

'You can jeer.' The unmoved superior merely stuck to his usual laconism, though it sounded less impressive since his own voice was also shaking. The act of opening his collar in such weather was no good, for the piercing cold was slashing painfully at his side and he wanted nothing more than to crouch down and curl up like an alarmed hedgehog.

'I have a request, Aya-tan,' Hyuuga gathered himself closer to his boss, 'if you help me with it I'll give you my overcoat.'

Ayanami hesitated, then-'Speak.'

Hyuuga smiled and leaned in even closer so that his chin almost rested onto Ayanami's shoulder; his cheek brushed deliberately against Ayanami's neck and he closed his eyes, giving himself in to the refreshing aroma of the soft platinum-coloured hair. He knew the warmth of this intimacy was welcome to the superior because Ayanami did not reject.

'First, promote me, and second, treat me like you treat your dear little poodle.' He breathed into Ayanami's ear.

The superior twitched and turned to the subordinate. He looked utterly bloodless, though whether it was due to cold or anger Hyuuga was not sure.

'I can only promise you one but not the other.' He growled and stepped away.

Hyuuga smirked: Chief of Staff Ayanami surely was the most stubborn and interesting object he ever encountered. Shrugging to himself, the subordinate took off his overcoat and flung it over his boss' vulnerable shoulders.

In fact it's all the same to me, Aya-tan; you promise me one, and I shall obtain the other.

Chapter I ENDS HERE.

Notes:

*Yawning* finally there's some scenario lol- It covers 8 pages on my Word 2007 but the progress of writing was definitely a lot of fun.

Anyway, how d'you like the 'intimate interaction' between Hyuuga and Aya-tan near the ending? I was intended to portray a plain naughty Hyuuga though it turned out he was a bit over naughty…Above all I keep on the safe side, and my apologies for yaoi fangirls if the 'suspense' was disappointing.:-)))))))))

And finally, what d'you make of Ayanami raising a poodle? Is it adorable or plain weird? Do please leave your reviews and all opinions are to be appreciated.

Thanks for your support and for reading!