When Sanda calmly approached Lane and instructed him to relax, he consciously followed her advice. His nerves tingled with worry and excitement as he stared down the door. He nodded at her words, knowing she spoke from experience. But when she placed a hand on his shoulder, his eyes were automatically drawn to her reassuring gesture. And then the words she said to him the night before echoed in his mind:
'I've got your back.'
He silently thanked her for support by bringing his hand up to pat hers twice. He nodded once more when Sanda was ready to walk into the building with him. It inspired him to step forward, not losing the nervousness he displayed, but subduing it with a newfound eagerness. She was right; this was a brand new experience for him, and he wouldn't come out of it the same as before. Something within him desperately wished to experience that.
When they approached the doors of the fortress, Lane paused to take off his hoodie and fix his hair once it slipped over his head. He grew hot from wearing heavy layers, and he didn't want his dress shirt to become damp with sweat. He stuffed the hoodie between his legs as he adjusted his shirt and tie, fixed rogue strands of platinum hair, and bent down to brush off dirt clinging to his shoes. He stood up carefully so he wouldn't make himself dizzy, and as he continued to fidget he shot a glance up to Sanda. She probably thought he was overthinking it. He wouldn't deny it if she said anything.
"It helps me feel put together, is all." Lane thought he had to explain his neurotic behavior. Once he believed his outfit looked presentable, he grabbed his hoodie and shook it out, folding it quickly to lay it over his arm. Then he sent a more confident gaze Sanda's way. "I'm ready now."
He willingly took the first step to push through the door. The cool, conditioned air welcomed him, and a sigh of relief hummed through closed lips. That was a nice feeling. Not too cold, but not ineffectual either. Just the right temperature to relax his features and let him observe his surroundings casually.
Lane would honestly tell someone he didn't believe Sanda at first. People who looked more outlandish than him? Than her? Creatures of unimaginable form, in bone and flesh, walking and talking casually like anyone else? It blew his mind and, with a couple of unique characters present in the lobby, he couldn't stop staring. Wings. Horns. Multiple arms? Skin of various colors and saturations? It was all here, unashamedly existing in physical space. The stuff he'd only read in fiction and saw on the screen, 100% real. He suddenly forgot why he came to the Uesureyan Fortress. Fortunately, he wouldn't forget for long. A face he easily recognized caught his attention, and his bewildered gaze lit up with surprise.
"Uncle Richard!"
The muscular, six-foot-eight Santō-Hei whipped his gaze towards the voice. He adjusted his big, circular glasses as he focused on the familiar face. When he recognized who it was, he turned back to the two young men he was helping.
"Hey, guys, I need a quick moment. You keep looking over those job listings and get back to me, ok?"
With their understanding dismissal, he thanked them and made his way over to the new arrivals. An excited grin took up Richard's whole face as he brought the porcelain man in for a hug.
"Lane, my guy! What are you doing here? Gemma finally lost her mind?"
"No way," Lane protested as they separated. He answered with total confidence, "I did."
A hearty laugh shook the dark-skinned man as he brought Lane in for another side hug, ruffling his hair at the same time. For once, Lane looked so relaxed and calm that his messed up hair didn't bother him. He simply smoothed it back in place as he introduced Richard to Sanda. Or tried to.
"Uncle, this is-"
"Nitō-Hei Hoshi," Richard bowed before her respectfully. Lane's eyes widened with surprise as Richard addressed his superior. "It's an honor to be in your presence."
"You know her?"
"Course I do, kiddo. Hoshi-Hei is one of the most effective Rangers Star Army's seen to date. Her reputation precedes her."
Lane couldn't help but marvel as they both stood before him. How much respect Richard held for his superior.