UDX Center, Akihabara, Tokyo; 11:37 p.m.
Wandering down a hallway, a short distance from the dining room, Okabe and Faris both meandered together to nowhere in particular, cooling off from the humidity of the ballroom-turned dance party. Reading signs mounted from the roof, directing occupants to stairwells and other rooms throughout the facility, Okabe then ran his free hand up into his hair, messing up the already-fading order brought forth by a comb hours before.
Drawing to a halt in the middle of the junction of two hallways, he peered towards the end of all four passages, and then settled onto Rumiho beside him, who was eying him with noted interest.
Mouth opening from her expression, her eyes wandered further upward along his face.
"Your hair is a little messy."
"I'm sure it is, forgive me."
Watching patiently as her arm rose, her fingers spread apart and pushed into his hair, lifting a thick tuft aloft and squeezing it between her knuckles.
"I like it... Looks more like you."
Slipping her fingers out, her hand settled onto his shoulder, and a breath daintily left her lungs as she looked aside. Distractedly joining her observance of the hallway they had just traveled through, however, nothing of notable interest was seen beyond. Scooping together words in the midst of the quiet moment that followed, Okabe's mouth opened, shut, and then opened again.
"It... Would seem we've neutralized the Organization's nefarious efforts this evening."
"You think so, nya?"
"I haven't seen eye or ear of any additional agents... I'm confident we're in the clear."
"That's good."
Turning back towards him, her vision rose up along his white tie, to the side of his face as he kept a vigilant watch towards the distant movement in the dining room.
"...Besides, even if we didn't get all of them, I'm not worried."
Nudging his chin with the length of her thumb, her other fingers curled in a brush against his neck, and his eyebrows rose, head bashfully turning towards her.
"No?"
Gently shaking her head, an omnipresent blush returned to her cheeks.
"Nope."
Feeling their held hands tighten, she leaned against him and rose upward, and the remaining words queued for speech floated away from Okabe's mind as she tucked up close.
"Not worried at all."
Realizing the intimate moment as her sparkling eyes fluttered closed, his eyelids slammed shut as her whisper echoed through the newfound silence in his head. Then, a new sensation emerged, of soft, wet lips pressing tenderly against his own, and a ripple of surprise swept through him, lifting his eyebrows higher as he took in the unseen experience.
Standing still for an unidentifiable duration of time, both teens listened to throbbing heartbeats echoing inside themselves, and somewhere nearby, the echoes of clapping applause seemed to be happening just for them.
Jumping into the unknown... For science. Of course.
A rush of cool air met their faces as their lips drifted apart, and eyes cautiously peeked open, discovering pleasantly surprised expressions on both of their faces as their eyes naturally met. Seconds later, their arms gently snaked around the other's waists, and Rumiho lowered her head onto his collar, a gentle murmur issuing from her throat.
"...You're always around to protect me, somehow. You're my knight in white... Okabe."
Heart racing from her tender words, and the whirlwind of a first kiss, he blinked several times. Getting his train of thought back in order, however, he rested his chin onto her pink hair with great care, keeping her safe in their embrace.
"I suppose I am... Rumiho."
UDX Center, Akihabara, Tokyo; 11:51 p.m.
Standing together by the ever-flowing curiosity of a chocolate fondue fountain, Okabe watched several others offer various fruits, cookies and other sweets to the waterfall of liquid chocolate, before retrieving and eating them with various exclamations, laughter, and smacking of lips and tongues.
A volcanic dessert deity... Covering sacrifices with molten chocolate lava. What a strange, delicious ritual.
Spearing a marshmallow with a skewer, he stuck it closer to the fiery, bubbling flow of caffeine and sugar, watching with morbid interest as the marshmallow was enveloped by the brown liquid.
Fascinating.
Looking aside as Faris shut her cell phone, she reached beneath his arms, slipping it into one of the pockets of his coat.
"Do we have confirmation of an exit strategy?"
"Uh huh. I'm thinking we should head out around twelve fifteen. I hope you won't mind spending some down time at my place..."
Eyes meeting, Okabe distractedly attempted to withdraw the marshmallow from its chocolatey doom as she smirked mischievously.
"...Unless you can't handle alone time with Miss NyanNyan."
Failing miserably at the dessert retrieval, he remained helplessly immobile as she nuzzled up against his shoulder, producing a devastating come-hither smile, complete with fluttering eyelids and a bat of her adorable cat paw against him.
Cannot resist... Defenses failing...
"I... Wouldn't mind at all."
"Nya? That's good. I figured... But I wanted to ask."
Following her hand as it hovered down and slipped around his wrist, she lifted the chocolate coated marshmallow up to her lips, taking a bite out of it, and licking her lips, watching his expressions change with great amusement.
Good lord. I have no idea what I'm in for if she's behaving like this. Such rampant displays of romantic seduction... Can I handle this mayhem? I feel strange... Drawn to her allure with only feeble resistance... What is wrong with my motor functions? She's pirated control of my arm, and I can't even regain contact. Add to that, something else is operating autonomously... What in the nine hells... These pants are horrendously tight.
Watching her consume the entire marshmallow, among the laughter and comments from others regarding his apparent stupor, she then gathered his free hand, leading him to the adjacent table full of dippable snacks and cookies.
"Take your pick Kyouma. I promise I'll let you eat the next one... That marshmallow looked too good to let you have it though."
"Is that so?"
"It is. Was very tasty... Kinda like that kiss earlier."
Feeling her lean against him, he stood firm.
"Yeah."
Looking over his shoulder, she peacefully blinked, nuzzling against the folds of his white sleeve.
"Okabe."
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
"For the kiss?"
"That, and for coming along with me tonight... You've really made this whole evening special."
Eyes closing, he beamed with pride.
"Of course. I've been indebted to you for many reasons... I couldn't bear to disappoint you with all you've done for me."
Her arms tightened around him.
"You don't owe me anything, silly... I just wanted you to be my valentine, and you sure delivered... Handsome goofball. I've never had this much fun on any other valentines day."
Drinking in her mirth and honesty, he sighed.
"Considering I've never been anyone's valentine, ever... These past few hours have been quite an enjoyable experience."
"Nnnyeah?"
"Frankly I'm surprised my bumbling antics didn't bring forth any form of disaster. Even the organization's thugs were brought to a concise defeat."
"Oh Meowster... Your antics were part of why I enjoyed it. Not even a dress suit stops you from being the goofball that I love."
Blinking from the sensitive word that somehow escaped her mouth, she then buried her face into his sleeve.
"I-I mean..."
"I know what you mean, Rumiho."
Exhaling a sigh into his arm, she then slumped against him.
"Sorry."
"Don't be."
I'd rather hear honesty from the heart, over anything else.
Watching her peek up to him again, the corner of his mouth curled into a warm smile.
...Especially when it answers a pertinent question.
Tuesday, February 15th, 2011; Akihabara, Tokyo; 00:23 a.m.
"Its me... Yes, we've departed checkpoint V unscathed. En route to final destination... No, not that one. Metaphors aside, the results of our data mining will be sent for de-encryption post-haste."
Peeking at Rumiho as they walked together, wandering away from the entrance of the Crossfield UDX Center, he then peered ahead, eyes following the gentle curve of the elevated walkway they were upon.
"Ready the computation center for thorough analyzation. Stage three of the mission begins immediately. El, Psy, Congroo."
Stowing his phone into the pocket of his white pants, he grunted confidently, cooling off from the heat of the convention center and watching puffs of breath rise from their mouths.
"You live close, if I recall correctly."
"I do, nya. Just down the way."
Watching his head rise along a distinctly tall condominium high rise ahead, she then drew closer to him, tucking her arm within his suit coat.
"Excellent. We're in no position to be exposed long-term to this polar frigidity. The less time spent outside, vulnerable to Organization counter-attacks, the better."
Peeking down as she nuzzled against him, slowing their footfall, he realized she was still simply in a dress, with obviously exposed shoulders.
"Faris... Do you require thermal shielding?"
"Nya? I didn't bring a coat, if that's what you mean."
Eyes meeting, seeing her cheeks red and rosy from the cold air, a lengthy breath of steam drew from his nose.
I'm still hotter than all of the hells... Shedding a layer may help regulate core temperatures.
Drawing to a halt, he swiftly shrugged off his white suit coat.
...And adding a layer will boost yours.
"Here."
Draping the coat over her shoulders, her mouth drew open with pleasant surprise, and she slipped her arms into the sleeves, peeking up at him fondly.
"Well aren't you a gentleman... Kyouma."
"It happens. Although through selective circumstances."
Drawing the coat together with the top button, she looped her arm through his, and they began into motion again, approaching a set of stairs ahead.
Pre-warmed and everything... We may only be a few minutes from the lobby, but this... Is purr-fect.
Standing in the pleasant, conditioned warmth of an elevator car, Okabe watched the glow of a small light rise along the numbers of the building's floors. Beside him, Faris remained against his shoulder, studying the passive expression on his face. Suspended between them, their hands remained curled together, fingers interlocked between each other.
After midnight, almost home with Okabe by my side... He'd better spend the night. He's not escaping that easily after such an amazing night. Especially after getting that kiss!
Eying the profile of his lips, she tingled with desire.
Oh, he'll want to stay. I'll make sure of it. I don't know where else he would be at this hour anyway... Besides his apartment.
Picturing his cramped, chaotic domain, lacking in chairs and a bed, a breath drifted from her nose.
You keep calling my condo a palace of opulence, Kyouma, but a royal palace isn't quite complete without a prince... And these past few hours have shown you're more than capable of being princely, you handsome goof.
Heart stirring, she brushed her chin across the sleeve of his shoulder, watching as his face turned her way in response.
Mmmmeow. Come closer, you. Let me into that big heart of yours... And be my prince.
Eyes meeting in a fleeting connection, sweet smiles graced both of their faces in the darkness.
Prince Okabe... My knight in white.
February 15th, 2011; Akiha Residence, Akihabara, Tokyo; 00:57 a.m.
Low notes of relaxing music wandered from several speakers in the spacious living room of the penthouse condominium, filling the warm, dimly lit room with a sense of calm and comfort. On the large sectional couch in the middle, both Rumiho and Okabe sat together in a cuddling embrace, reclining into the squishy depths of the cushions and keeping their hands held as they silently gazed at each other. Having previously changed into a T-shirt and pajama shorts, and Okabe having taken off his shoes and tie, both teens buzzed with admiration, hearts beating in tandem somewhere among the music, and minds lost in the depths of wandering thought.
Whatever happens here... I have little control over. This is the domain of the beckoning cat... The opulent abode of Akiha Rumiho.
His mouth curled into a hint of a grin.
Somehow I feel quite content, being in her realm... And she is content with my presence as well. No, not content, quite pleased, actually. Watching me so happily and patiently like she did a few hours ago. She's got me where she wants me, and clearly she knows it.
Eyes lowering from the soft rosy skin of her cheeks, down to her neck, and then briefly, bashfully wandering along the figure hinted beneath the colorful T-shirt she was wearing, his vision swiftly rose upwards again.
With that being said... Dressing like she has, and revealing the length of her pink-colored mane... I do believe she's comfortable with me seeing her like this. Her true self. Not the Maid Queen, but the fair, lovely...
"Faris... Rumiho."
"Nnnnyeah?"
"I've... Never seen your hair like this before."
Tilting her head upright, her free hand rose, and her index finger curled into her lengthy locks, twisting around and becoming entwined for a moment.
"I know you haven't... Do you like it?"
At first nodding, his mouth opened seconds later.
"Yes. I do."
Smiling with a hint of a blush, her vision sank lower to their held hands, and then a brave question resurfaced in her mind.
"Kyouma. Okabe, I mean."
"Yes?"
Gathering further courage, a sigh left her chest, and her eyes rose, meeting his.
"Do you like me?"
Throat locking from her simple question, he blinked, mind scrambling and heart echoing in his chest as she squeezed his hand tighter.
Do I like you? Such a simple query and yet, so remarkably important... We are good friends, and whether you are aware of it or not, we've been through a series of calamitous scenarios together... The events of which have shown me unexpected bravery and strength, especially persevering without your beloved father. You've revealed personality traits I did not expect from the flighty cafe maid you portray yourself as, showing that there's always more than meets the eye among our fellow humans.
Chest tingling from an emerging acceptance of feelings for her, a hint of a smile began to lift his features.
Aside from that... You are admittedly easy on the eyes, Rumiho. And this valentine's date we've experienced was much more fun than I initially expected... You know what, miss Akiha, I believe I have an answer for you.
"Yes... I do like you."
Sitting upright, her mouth opened, staring at him with a mixture of disbelief and pleasant surprise.
"You mean that?"
"I mean it... I think I can safely say so, given our recent experiences."
"Ohh Kyouma!"
Gathering her legs onto the couch, she swiftly shuffled over and knelt over him. Perching her rear onto his lap and surrounding his neck with her arms, Okabe suddenly found himself face to face with Rumiho, his peripheral vision seemingly obscured by the spread of her pink hair over her shoulders.
"I really like you. More than you probably know."
"Honestly I have a fair idea, but..."
"Maybe you do. You always seem to know things when people think you don't."
Chuckling lightly, he politely exhaled.
"I could say the same about you, Maid Queen."
Tilting her head slightly, their eyes exchanged volumes of data silently, and her eyelids fluttered as her nose drew nearer to his.
"Okabe... Can I say something?"
"Fire away."
"I want you... To be my prince."
Eyebrows rising, he eyed her with continued interest.
Prince? Perhaps her domain does have a structuring of royalty within. Then again...
"...I thought I was already your knight."
"You are. But you should be both of them. For me."
Hearts pounded mercilessly inside their chests.
"Be your prince... And knight?"
Touching her nose against his, breaths issued back and forth between their faces.
"Yes."
"You mean, like, dating?"
A sweet little smile spread across her lips from his bashful question.
"That's exactly what I mean, silly."
Closing the distance, her bosom settled against him as her lips pressed softly against his, and their eyelids drooped shut as they settled into the mysterious realm of a long, tender kiss. Lifting his hand upwards behind her back, unseen, he brushed his fingers in among her long hair, capturing a group of it in his palm as he tucked his hand gently against the back of her neck.
Listening to the resulting murmur of a moan issuing from her throat, their lips then parted, but she remained close.
"I could do that."
"Nyeah?"
"Yeah."
"I hope I get to be your princess then."
"Of course."
Whatever you wish, Rumiho. If you want me to be your prince... It would only be logical. Reasonable... And probably enjoyable.
Pushing back together into another wetter kiss, a happy sigh left her nose as she tucked her fingers up into his messy hair.
Ohhh Okabe, you master of mayhem... Handsome goofball... Mad Scientist... Whatever you are... Thank you.
Akiha Residence, Akihabara, Tokyo; 01:31 a.m.
Laying comfortably beneath the sheets of the enormous bed in Rumiho's bedroom, Okabe stared at the dark ceiling in a drowsy state of contemplation. Listening to the peaceful draw and release of breath from the young woman snuggled up against his side, his mind sifted through a variety of imagery and emotions from the previous hours.
Right. This is certainly a development... Spending a night away from the lab... Enveloped in the comforts of a cat's den.
Head tilting aside, her velvet locks brushed against his chin, and the gentle beat of her heart seemed to resonate through her arms, echoing among his own.
Here I am. With Faris by my side... Both literally, and metaphorically. A whirlwind adventure on the day of Saint Valentine, and a charming experience of romancing that I certainly wasn't expecting from the beginning... And yet, who was it that hinted to other wayward couples that we were possibly together?
Buzzing with overwhelming warmth inside and out, he inhaled a great breath, doing his best to not disturb her with movement.
Something inside me approved saying so. Clearly the same something that so readily enjoyed being kissed as well. Attraction? Desire? Both, perhaps. Its difficult to resist the allure of a lady when her express intent is to keep your attention to her, which she has no trouble in doing. Even now, in simple bed clothing... Good heavens. Why deny it? She's lovely and she knows it. Especially with the legendary length of her mane she's so casually revealed to me, and her short, shapely figure...
Burning up in a blush of perversion, he turned his head away.
Faris... You've wiped out my shell of resistance entirely. But its quite alright. I have no need to keep you at a distance any longer. Not with what we've both experienced in this past year... Double oh seven.
Picturing distant memories of the young woman staring at her cell phone, seconds away from unknowingly changing the world around them, Okabe's eyes drifted shut.
Both of your D-mails... Bringing your father back, and letting him go again... I can't begin to imagine the heaviness in your heart when you had to choose between the life of your friend, and the life of your own father. You decided on Mayuri's life, and endured the same sacrificial loss again... And for that, I can never truly repay you. You may say that I owe you nothing, but with all of the harrowing nightmares I endured with the phone-wave... Granting my friends their ultimate wishes, only to be forced to take them back... I don't know how else to reconcile things.
Peeking open to the dark bedroom again, he lay still as Rumiho readjusted her body, her slender arm drawing slightly tighter around his waist.
Dear Rumiho... It wasn't until I shouldered some of your personal tragedy, for Mayuri's sake, that I began to truly value who you are. Please forgive my shortsightedness beforehand... For lack of a better way of saying so, I guess I didn't truly know who you were back then. I hadn't realized the depth of your persona, and the stalwart positivity you maintain. For a time, you were just a friend of a friend, but now...
Head rolling back over on the pillow, he gazed at the great expanse of hair surrounding her gentle features.
You might be one of the most amazing people in my life.