A/N: Ah, this is bad, I know, but I got the sudden inspiration to write another Infinite Stratos story, and so, I'm starting another one! It's one of those things where I have to get it out, before I forget about it, you know? So anyways, please enjoy the read, and let me know what you think about it. I'm trying to do a story in which Ichika's personality is a little different, and a little more realistic, as compared to the anime. It's hard for me to imagine someone so incredibly dense, so you can bet, that there'll be a lot more romance, and possible smut. Primarily, it will start with Chifuyu and Tabane, and will probably end up as an expanded harem.


Ichika was early, and he knew it. But, that didn't stop him from eagerly awakening and just about scampering to have everything ready. Normally, it would concerning for such a young boy to be as enthusiastic as he was in preparing for the day, and essentially fulfilling the role of being a housewife, but he certainly didn't mind. In fact, he quite enjoyed the job. Paying almost no attention to his tousled hair, he had promptly thrown on the nearest articles of clothing for the day, made himself look presentable and silently slipped down to the kitchen. He grabbed the apron hanging off a hook, tying it in a neat knot and proceeded to procure ingredients from the fridge, all in one practiced and fluid motion. It was as if he was born to do this.

He pulled out a short stool to stand on in front of the stove, proceeding to cook a scrumptious breakfast for two, with an endearing smile on his face, lips curling at the sides. He hummed softly to himself as he worked, moving from one plan to the other, and from cabinet to cabinet. By the time the other occupant of the house trudged down the stairs, Ichika had just finished with preparing the meal, setting it down carefully on the dining room table, between the silverware that he'd set out earlier. The steam rose steadily from the plates, curling and twisting in the air before disappearing.

Ichika quickly removed the apron, draping it on the back of his chair as he greeted his elder sister in a chirpy tone. "Good morning, Chifuyu-nee!"

"Mnn." Chifuyu hummed in a monotonous response, stomach grumbling as she plopped down in the wooden chair adjacent to Ichika's. She did not spare him an extra glance as she immediately began to shovel the food down her throat, each scoop precise and efficient. "Thanks." She mumbled in between bites, as the eggs promptly disappeared in its entirety. The sausages were quick to follow its descent.

Ichika's brows furrowed in thought as she inhaled her meal. His eyes wandered around the kitchen and into the hallway, leading, eventually, to the front door. As per usual, the house could pass a military inspection. Even without her asking, Ichika kept the house dust-free and immaculately clean. He claimed it was because he had a talent for housework, among other things, but in actuality, it was because his elder sister, had no time for it. It was such a minor thing, so he wanted to have it all out of the way for her. So the only room that was incessantly difficult to maintain in pristine condition, was hers. Her room in particular followed the tendency of nature's laws, leaving her room progressively messier with each passing day. That was of course, until Ichika personally barged into her room and cleaned every article of clothing and various items off the floor, brassieres and panties included.

Words from yesterday floated into his mind as he slowly ingested the food before him, said words mingling with Chifuyu's gruff voice from just a moment ago. You always act like this, don't you? and I feel sorry for her floated around in his head. But, no matter how long he spent ruminating over the matter, the thoughts just didn't click yet for him. It was as if some fundamental piece of his puzzle was missing, and he was still being asked to solve it like his life depended on it. Wasn't it impossible, then?

"Uh... Chifyu-nee...?" Ichika ventured, the distinct feeling of possible discovery gnawing at him. Could this be the day, perhaps, of self-discovery? Chifuyu had long since finished her meal and eyed him curiously as she finished her drink. "Good luck today." He started, earning a hesitant frown from her, "can I come cheer you on in the stands? You fight wonderfully, and I just-"

Chifuyu cut him off immediately. "Yes, but what are you trying to get at, Ichika? Stop beating around the bush, you know that irritates me to no end." Ah, cold as always. As Ichika had often thought, her existence was that of a sharp blade. And yet the beauty of the sword was so captivating. Dangerous, yes, but breath-taking.

"Can I ride with you to the Arena?" Ichika asked to which Chifuyu nodded tersely to. He released a breath he was unaware of holding. "But do you actually want me there, Chifuyu-nee?" He inquired, eyes locking on to hers. Their similar chestnut brown orbs staring deep into each other. He decided that he wouldn't mind losing himself in them. The question, however, was simple, and yet, it had various meanings behind it. What exactly was he getting at?

"Don't be ridiculous, Ichika, why wouldn't I? You always-"

"That's only because I want to be with you, Chifuyu-nee. You cave in because I insist so stubbornly, but don't you find me a bother? A burden?" It was Ichika's turn to cut her off.

Chifuyu's eyes widened marginally at the statements, her mind whirling, churning out several possibilities simultaneously. Could it be...? She had worried for his safety in her participation of the tournament. There was always enemies, and you weren't always able to be there. But, he was also hinting at a fundamental flaw that she had. Or more so, a habit that she hadn't bothered to change, and yet, she wanted to. At the time, it was simply too difficult for her, alone. "Of course not, and you want to... be with... me?" She trailed off, fighting heroically to maintain a neutral expression, and keep a blush from developing on her face.

"I do!" Ichika exclaimed, as if he were being interrogated on the matter. It sounded like he was accepting marriage vows already. "You're all I have left, all that's important to me, Chifuyu-nee, I mean it! But look how strong you are... I'm so useless in comparison." A forlorn expression painted his visage, and Chifuyu's chest tightened, aching in response. She wanted to... do something about it. "You're the Brunhilde and about to win the second Mondo Grosso once again three years later. I'm sure you'll advance to the finals after today. And I'm just... Chifuyu's younger brother."

The string of confessions left Chifuyu nonplussed, and rather flustered as her mind reeled. There was a reason that not a single man was able to approach her in such a manner, besides Ichika. And there was the fact that since she'd had to take care of him since he was so young, they'd grown quite attached to each other, more so than she had anticipated. But in any case, what in God's name had brought this on?! It was all so sudden! For the fist time in a long while, she fumbled for her words. "Ichika... I didn't..."

For Ichika, this was all he wanted to know. It was more than enough. He finally understood, and he couldn't believe it, for this was all too good to be true. Her inability to respond to him was proof. For his benefit, his friend had given him a long, and stern talk, after they finished a video game matched. He had scolded and enlightened Ichika rather... roughly. And now, he felt as if his mind now had a light shining on it, making it possible for him to understand his thoughts. How unbearably dense he must have been!

"I'm sorry... I know it's sudden, and I've made you wait for so long... For me to notice..."

"When did you...?" Chifuyu trailed off after a short silence, still having a bit of difficulty in processing it all, but it was undeniable that her heart leapt for joy at the realization.

"Honestly, I don't remember..." He trailed off sheepishly, as he rubbed the nape of his neck. "I thought it was childish adoration and idolization at first, but now... I finally understand. It was so much more than that. I think I may have understood it at a primary level, but feared the repercussions... But, I really do l-love you, Chifuyu-nee, and not just as a brother-" Ichika had stuttered, and thus, his cheeks immediately coloured a light roseate hue. But, it would soon be forgotten, for Chifuyu pushed her chair back abruptly, and stood before him with a bit of an unreadable expression. However, thanks to his acute awareness of her, just the slightest twitch was indicative of her stony-walled exterior, cracking and crumbling as she reached for him, pulling Ichika into a tight hug. Perhaps it was because of their new awareness or exposed feelings that were brought to light, but all they could feel, was Chifuyu's generous bosom, pressed against his toned chest. He wasn't overly muscular, but was athletic, from the various activities that he regularly participated in. But more importantly, her soft mounds were stealing away his mental faculties as the siblings embraced.

It took a short while, as Chifuyu trembled, her lips near his ears, her warm breath puffing out, and washing over the sensitive skin. Eventually, her sultry voice reached his ears, as she whispered that she loved him dearly too. Indeed, at times, she had odd ways of showing it ,but, that would change with time.

The moment did not last very long, however, when a loud, extended whistle could be heard, and a thunderous crash out on the streets heralded the descent of one from the sky. And even though the front door was locked, the un-named person effortlessly picked the lock, and entered of their own accord. Not a heart beat later, someone with long violet locks bounded into the room, mechanical bunny ears flapping. She wore a frilly maid dress, sporting blue and white.

"Chi-chan!" Exclaimed the still un-named woman rather enthusiastically. Even though she was the world's brightest genius, her demeanour was juvenile, but endearing all the same. In addition, just because she didn't introduce herself, that didn't mean the two Orimura siblings didn't already know who their friendly assailant was.

As per usual, one hand from Chifuyu blocked her advance, much to the other's amusement, who, knowing the struggle would be futile, switched her targets. She barreled into Ichika, who nearly feel back on his rear-end from the sudden impact. His arms immediately shot out to catch her, and for the second time that day, he was pulled into a tight hug with yet another pair of well-endowed assets pressed against his chest, while she exclaimed: "Ikkun!" in an elated manner.

"T-Tabane-san!" Ichika chuckled nervously, as Chifuyu was about ready to sock said genius in the head. "C-Could you-" He trailed off, gesturing to the awkward position and feeling between them. Was it just him, or did she just start flirting?

"I have an idea with the Mondo Grosso!" Tabane explained, "and it's... printing. Do you have a printer?" She teased, giggling at her own joke.

"Tabane, just-" Chifuyu started, irritation seeping into her tone for breaking up the heartfelt moment so suddenly.

"Why doesn't Ikkun stay with me for the time being? That way, he'll be safe, and you won't have to worry about him." Tabane cut her off, trilling in a litling tone. "He'll be targeted son enough when the finals come around, according to my predictions."

This effectively silenced Chifuyu. That had been her biggest concern, and she couldn't believe that the thought hadn't occurred to her sooner. Ichika... staying with Tabane...? The prospect was, outwardly, appealing, but she felt even more protective of him than she normally did, now that their relationship had finally blossomed.

"Oh, that's why you were worried about...?" Ichika voiced her concern accurately. "It should be fine if I'm with Tabane-san, Chifuyu-nee. It'll be fine, right...?" He asked, turning to Tabane, who's lavender-coloured eyes now glimmered mischievously.

"Oh, I'll make sure he's safe, and with me... at all times..." Tabane quipped in response, the statement hanging in the now silent room, as a supremely suggestive innuendo.


A/N: Thanks for the read! Please, leave a review, so that I know what you think! I want to know if this is worth investing in. I will update this story when possible, and if I feel like you guys want to read this. Thanks~