A/N: sorry about taking so long, my comrade editors had some serious questions and I was obliged to answer them. I have begun a new naming scheme for my chapters, based loosely off the Kuroshitsuji / Black Butler series.

As always, enjoy and feedback is most welcome

The Maidens, Cohabitating

At the invitation of Captain McElroy, those survivors at Haneda International who wished to relocate somewhere more permanent would sail on the morning tide aboard the Ark Royal. A scattered few accepted the offer, Alex, Misa and Asuka among them. To their dismay, Shido and his cult boarded as well. Wisely, the two groups were quartered on separate decks and kept away from each other as much as practical.

The steam to Okinawa Prefecture from Haneda took less time than Capt McElroy had allowed for. By early afternoon, the Ark Royal dropped anchor in the bay northwest of the village of Yoneshroikei on the south tip of Ikeijima. A shore party was organized under the overall command of Marine Capt de Souza to sweep the islet clear of Them. The bridge connecting the islet to its larger southern neighbor was promptly secured and sealed off as the Marines and sailors worked their way northeast toward the ryokan at the northernmost tip.

Yonashiroikei was secured without incident or encounter from Them. What the Royal Navy found instead was a town hastily evacuated and in a state of disarray, but empty and quiet. A series of crude, yet effective barricades were constructed around the western edge of the town nearest the harbor to give the civilian evacuees aboard the Ark a place to stay on shore and thus out of the Navy's way.

Disembarking from the Ark Royal, the collected survivors were escorted into the recently cleared village. By this point, no one bothered to unpack their belongings and thus the landing went quickly and smoothly.

Once again, Asuka had brilliantly succeeded in securing quarters for herself, Alex and Misa; a nice raised bungalow with three rooms, kitchen to the rear and a full bath. While nowhere near as large as the house she and Shaun shared the first night, it was more than adequate for the three housemates.

That evening, Captain McElroy had sent around a proclamation informing the survivors that Ikeijima had been secured and swept clear of Them. Anyone wishing to remain would be more than welcome to do so. He further stated that the Ark Royal would remain at anchor in the small harbor to the northwest of the village to aid in resettlement.

With stars in her eyes, Asuka began to fantasize about her new home. Shaun would come through the low gate, up the path past the garden she lovingly tended and sweep her into his arms. They would share a passionate kiss before moving on to a long overdue romantic evening.

Alex and Misa watched as Asuka began to hug herself and giggle like a school girl.

"Oh, she has it bad," Misa observed.

"Yep," Alex agreed. "It would be a shame to interrupt, but we ought to get in and settled."

With trepidation, the two girls carefully approached the madly in love Asuka. Without warning, Asuka grabbed Alex and prepared to plant a big wet kiss.

"Ahem," Alex interjected loudly.

"Uwah!" Asuka shrieked. Her lovely fantasy shattered, she gazed upon the two scandalized teenagers.

"Oh my goodness," she apologized. "How long…"

"Not long," Misa lied. "We should get in before dark."

Despite the continued assurances from the Navy and Marines, Misa went through the entire house and bolted and secured every means of entry into the house.

"It's not just against Them," Misa reasoned. "There are some rather sketchy looking men on this island too."

Not willing to argue the point, Asuka and Alex let it go. The days of constant fear had come to a seemingly abrupt end, but the tensions spawned would not fade quickly.

All three made a thorough sweep of the house to catalogue what they had. Tallying the kitchen stocks, Asuka estimated about three days worth. To everyone's delight, the electricity and water still worked perfectly. The three housemates located all the bedding, tools and other household items that may come in handy, including a fishing pole. The bedding lain out for the night, they told stories and sang themselves to sleep on the floor in the main room.

Alex awoke to a pleasant aroma and something soft and warm pressed to her body. Her eyes slowly focused on something soft and violet. Waking fully with a start, Alex found herself gently spooning a fetal positioned Misa; her arm wrapped around Misa's petite frame, their fingers entwined.

Fearing a repeat of the bath incident from a few days prior, Alex lay stock still and prayed that Misa would roll off on her own. A soft noise to one side revealed Asuka trying, unsuccessfully, to sneak out of the room. With a wink and a sly smile, Asuka slipped into the adjoining hall.

Panic and fear clouded Alex's mind. Sure, she liked Misa – as a friend – but this…this was too much for her teenage mind to process. What would she say to Misa when she woke up? Gee I'm so sorry?

Gently as she could, Alex tried to extricate herself from Misa's sleeping form. Misa stirred and rolled over to face Alex. Grinning drunkenly, she laid a hand on Alex's face and proceeded to claim her lips. Alex simply shut down.

Presently, Misa gained full wakefulness. Wide-eyed with embarrassment and shame, Misa quickly crab walked backwards a few paces to put distance between them.

"I am so sorry," Misa pleaded. She assumed a kneeling bow and pressed her forehead to the floor. "I should not have done that! Please forgive me!"

Asuka poked her head in the room to discover the source of the ruckus. Alex sat dumbfounded, her hand to her mouth while Misa continued to beg forgiveness.

A few minutes of awkward silence passed as the girls dressed in silence. Each turned her back to the other, though Misa glanced furtively over her shoulder before quickly returning her attention to her clothing. Alex, for her part, did not even want to consider the ramifications of what just happened. She finished dressing and met Asuka in the hall.

"Anything you want to talk about?"

Alex heaved a sigh and slumped against the wall.

"You know what happened in there?" Alex asked finally.

"I have an idea," Asuka replied. She sported a loving smile. "Not what you expected was it?"

"You could say that," Alex sighed. "I like Misa-san; she is my friend, but…"

Asuka let Alex's thought fade into silence before changing tack slightly.

"You should sit down with her and find out how she feels," Asuka suggested. "She obviously harbors some deep affection for you, and you ought not to isolate her."

Alex frowned slightly before conceding Asuka's point.

"What do I say to her?" she asked. "She kissed me like she loved me. How am I supposed to deal with that?"

Asuka gently squeezed Alex's shoulder.

"Start by telling her you don't despise her," Asuka suggested. "Misa-chan is in serious doubt right now and she needs to know that you still want her around."

"What if she tries to kiss me again?"

"I don't think she'll do anything to make you more uncomfortable," Asuka replied. "She is probably too scared to do anything but listen."

Alex cocked an eyebrow at Asuka.

"You sound like you've done this before," Alex said cautiously. "Like you've been here before."

Asuka's smile changed slightly. Her expression bore the hint of secrets long kept and knowledge hard won.

"Spoilers, sweetie. Spoilers."

Alex stared back in confusion. Asuka swiftly turned Alex to face the main room, patted her butt for luck and sent her in.

"Tell her everything will be okay," Asuka said firmly, yet kindly.

It was very apparent to Alex that Misa had spent the intervening time crying. Her eyes red and moist, her breath ragged and labored, Misa looked away in shame. Choking back her own tears and doubts, Alex sat next to her friend.

"I'm sorry," Alex began.

"No, I should be the one to apologize," Misa said through her tears. "I did something you did not want me to."

Alex glanced away before gathering her thoughts.

"How...do you feel…about me?" she asked slowly.

Misa turned to face Alex. "What do you mean?"

"Do you, y'no, love me - like that?"

Unable to answer, Misa cast her eyes to the floor.

"You should know," Alex continued, "I don't hate you if you do."

Misa bit her lip as she choked back a sob. Alex gathered Misa into her arms and gently rocked her back and forth. Misa broke down and sobbed unabashedly into Alex shoulder.

"You're my best mate, you know that, right?" Alex reassured Misa. "I am not quite sure where we go from here, but I want you with me."

Misa pulled free of Alex's embrace.

"And if I am in love with you?"

Alex sucked air past her teeth then smiled, "Then you're in love with me."

"But you are not in love with me, are you?" Misa asked cautiously.

"Didn't say that," Alex replied cryptically.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I never really gave it much thought," Alex responded. "When Dad died, I just shut down emotionally. Then Mom drags me half way around the world away from my old friends. I had no one here until you came along."

Misa considered Alex's words carefully.

"You're the first person here to treat me like a friend," Alex continued. "I'm only sorry it took the end of the world to find you."

"I won't kiss you again," Misa promised.

"Never say never," Alex kidded. "Remember, I still have to figure myself out."

Misa smiled and blushed.

"Okay, Mister Bond."

"Caught that one too?"

"Apparently I am one of the biggest otakus in Japan as well."

Alex chuckled.

"I don't want to get your hopes up about us," Alex said finally. "Will you be okay if I can't return your affections?"

Misa fell silent before answering.

"I don't want to think about the future," she said. "I don't even want to think past today."

Alex took Misa back into her arms.

"We'll let tomorrow sort itself out," she said comfortingly. "For today, we look out for each other, agreed?"

Misa nodded.

Hidden from view in the hall, Asuka watched the event play out and smiled.

'You did good, kid.'

A/N: couple of references in there, but I am not going to ruin the surprise.