Standard Disclaimer
Ugh…work just went stupid mean with some changes to my daily routine. I swear I can't have a plan as the moment I do something comes up to ruin it! But I finally got a little time to work on this. Pool is still good, my buddy is moving to Dallas…and I found a bag of rice in my apartment that I didn't eat…I don't know who did it.
X-X
No Alternative
Chapter – 11
Soothing warmth spread against Misato's chest and legs as she gently roused from sleep. Her futon felt a little odd, but her sleep addled mind hardly recognized it, just the heat against her. Letting her hands roam, she felt the source of it, a body. Now had she been fully mentally awake she'd remember she'd not slept in the bed of a man in years, and that she had broken up with Kaji years ago. Whelp, a sleeping mind was quite foolish. Letting her hand trail down under the boxers, she took grip and felt a little frisky. Odd, it felt different her primal mind recognized as she drew up and down in slow tugs. It grew hotter and harder in her hand, nibbling her prisoners ear, "morning."
"Akira-chan, you shouldn't do that in the morning, we'll be late…wake Karen-chan," Shinji muttered drowsily. A moment later his body rocked and wiggled his bum against the nadir of his sleeping partners legs, "Unless this is Karen and that case we'll wake Akira."
Now Misato was a grown woman, and when her man calls her another woman's name it means one thing, cheating. Snapping wide awake, her hand clenching down hard, "Kaji! Who the hell is Akira! Only one I know is…is…" She sat up looking down at the preserved cheater, and her mind locked up as she squeezed hard. Oh crap, this was Shinji's room, and she was…was…wow he was burning her hand!
"Kaji? What are you talking a-a-a- Misato-san?!" Shinji winced in pain at Misato's punishment. Both looked wide eyed at one another, then down at where Misato's hand was. Her change in angle caused his boxers to slide down revealing his morning condition, expertly teased by Misato, standing tall in proud for both to see encased by Misato's long fingers. Swallowing hard, "C-could you let go of that?"
Oh god this was NOT happening, Misato's mind locked up and refused to work. How did she end up like this again? Slowly, agonizingly so, she pulled her hand away from the silky texture of Shinji's little friend, not so little after all it seemed. Damn it had been a long time since she'd been with anybody, and that was more apparent when she felt him unintentionally groan in pleasure as she withdrew her hand. "S-sorry about that, Shin-chan. Didn't mean to, odd dream," she just hovered over him.
"That's…ok, Misato-san," Shinji said and they both knew it wasn't. One doesn't just play with something like that for no reason, or consequence. Shinji slowly, reached down and pulled her boxers and sleeping pants back up. There he lay under her, Misato had one hand on each side of his body, poised quite amorously over him, yet both just felt confused. "D-did you want me to go make some breakfast now?" Shinji's face was fully red. He squeezed out from under her, his nose accidentally grazed her left breast as he did, and out of the room he scampered.
Rubbing where he brushed, Misato took her turn to let out a hint of frustrated joy. "Now I remember why I'm here," Misato rolled her legs over Shinji's bed. It was one week since he had been freed from his entrapment, and she had a nasty dream. It popped into her mind as Pen-Pen waddled into the room. Shiki standing over Shinji's dead body, a perfect hole in the boy's chest, face impossible white as the blood pooled around him. Waking with a start, she had went to confirm Shinji was in his bed, and he was. So she watched him a little while, calming her heart, and she laid by him to watch him sleep…then she fell asleep. Few hours later…Misato looked at her hand, "I need to hit the singles market…I'm getting hard up."
Heading to her room, Misato gathered her clothing up for the day and stole into the bathroom avoiding talking to Shinji. He was busy cooking, ignoring her as well, she just went about her morning routine as if she hadn't heard his sleep talk. So Shinji and those girls had done some things, go figure, she knew it was inevitable. Laying in the bath, "I'm not jealous…I'm not…just lonely." She looked down at herself and that scar stared up at her mocking her. It made her ugly, made her unable to bear children, it was the symbol of her fight. Drying herself off and getting ready for the work day, "Now do I tease him about this or ignore it?" Oh she knew what Shinji would try to do.
"Oh come on, just think about, could be fun you know," Asuka's voice wafted through the door. Peeking through the crack in the door, Misato held her breath as the girl encroached on the seated boy. Practically on top of him, Asuka had one hand on his chair and one on the table as she leaned in close with her flimsy white top. Stealing a bit of his food, "Nothing has to come of it, I won't tell if you don't."
Not knowing where to keep his eyes, Asuka was all up in his business in Misato level teasing clothing, Shinji was given quite the feast for the eyes. "I d-don't know, I'll think about it?" Did not sound like much thought was wanted, those few words were torn out of his mouth with a pair of mental pliers.
"So what do we have for breakfast today," Misato thrust the door open and saved her boy. Whatever she was watching, Misato quickly threw it in the 'things I don't like bucket'. That bucket was getting close to overflowing lately. She didn't like her growing depression, Kaji's odd attitude, Magical Girls, and now Asuka's newfound thirst for encroaching on Misato's domain. Shinji and Shinji teasing were her lease owner rights in the apartment! When Asuka backed away from him, Misato winked at him, "And what do you two have planned for the day? No tests today."
Walking past Misato, Asuka actually smirked at her with a small nod. Taking Misato's hand in hers, Asuka made a small little hand jerk motion, "Nothing, saw a little something odd this morning." Asuka had seen that and thankfully Shinji hadn't noticed the shadow play. Making her way to the bathroom, it was standard order of females before male, "As for after school. I just asked Shinji here if he wanted to join me and a few friends in karaoke tonight."
"Y-yeah, she did. But I'm not too good at singing, and I have a study session. First since the accident last week," Shinji shrugged and examined his food. Asuka's personalized breakfast of pancakes dripping with syrup was already eaten with the remains left behind, and Misato's more traditional sat unattended across from Shinji's seat. Pointing his chopsticks at the plate, "I made you what I had. Didn't know if you'd like sweets first thing in the morning." Oh he knew her well, Misato didn't have much of a stomach for sweet foods, and loved old-style breakfast.
Sitting down across from him, the unease was fluid, it oozed all over everything. Silence was broken only by clacking of chopsticks on plate and chewing. It was agonizing, it was strange, it couldn't stay. "You do know, Shin-chan, if you ever want to get even with me for this morning, I do sleep with my door open a crack," she teased. When in doubt, tease, it just worked better that way. When he dropped his utensils and went fully wide eyed, they both broke into snickering then full bore laughter. Wiping a tear from her eye, "Seriously though, sorry about…that. I had a bad dream about you, and when I checked just…forgive me?"
"Nothing to forgive," Shinji finished eating and gathered his plates and Asuka's. Washing the plates, kicking Pen-Pen away from him, Shinji kept his back to the woman. He had no clue she was stalking closer to him. "It was an accident, and you only did what you did because you were worried. I've never had anybody care that mu…mu…Misato-san!" Shinji yelped as Misato hugged him from behind. Hands on his stomach thankfully.
He was safe, he was safe…he was…but for how long? Misato hugged him tighter and put her head atop his. "Keep being so soft-hearted and you're going to upset your girlfriends, Shinji-kun. I know I'm a special case," she wiggled him as she gave herself special benefits, "but if another girl did that to you, I doubt your Akira-chan or Karen-chan would be so forgiving. Girls are territorial." Well normal girls were, Misato never knew girls like Shinji's girlfriends. Kissing the top of his head, she left him flustered and stammering.
Heading to work early, she didn't want to make things more awkward between them. As she drove to work, she stopped at a light and saw a street merchant selling images of those Puella Magica girls. Grinding her teeth, Misato hated those aberrations! One of them took her boy, took HER Shinji, and abused him for over a week. He was recovering from it, thankfully he was resilient and was freed before anything to bad happened. But accidents happened more and more, group suicides, attacks, and Shinji was targeted multiple times! "And they even went and freed that freak," Misato still felt Shiki had something to do with Shinji's capture.
Finding the base particularly busy when she arrived, Misato nodded at the new security guards she had stationed. The Sailor Senshi, that thief, and that amazon had slipped in through cracks in Nerv's security net, and Misato was an avid seamstress in that regard. Nobody else was going to sneak in under her watch, and when they got the next Magic Girl, it was squeezing time. "I went soft on Shiki and look where it got us, invaded," she was not going to fail that way again. The bridge was abuzz with activity, Maya was talking with Makoto and the silver Knight Saber. Thankfully no Kaji was about to add to Misato's confusion.
"Ah, Captain Katsuragi," Makoto waved her over to the group. With Yamazaki working the afternoon shift, Misato tried to keep those two apart during scheduling, Silver was glued to the man. When he attempted to stand, a metal encased hand casually fell on his shoulder and kept him seated, a power play was oncoming. Pointing at the updating radar, "We've finished the updates to the scanners, S-Silver here helped us get them more in line with their tech. We'll have much better time pinpointing not only the angels but magical signatures as well. Amazing really, her input truly was a real boon."
Brushing past the two, Maya rolled her eyes exasperatedly at Misato and whispered, "That woman has been all over him today. He doesn't notice or act on it, but I think we're going to have a problem." Handing Misato the latest sync reports done the day before, Maya saluted, "As you ordered," she said aloud, "Looks like his time away hasn't impacted his score at all." Maya knew who Misato would have favored on that list, didn't take long for people to notice how Shinji and Misato took to one another.
"Thank you Ibuki-kun, that will be all," Misato winked at the girl and let her escape. Giving the report a cursory glance, she did see an odd spike in Shinji's readings, something had changed but she couldn't make heads or tails of it. Making a triangle with Makoto and Silver, "Thanks again for helping us update this. With your fine tooth scanning and our power and grid we'll have the whole city mapped and monitored." Let those freaks try and hide now, she'd find them all and keep her family safe.
Moving away from Makoto, her finger stayed on his shoulder as long as possible, "It was a team effort, I cannot take all the glory. Your system truly is well suited to our scan. I was a little amazed to see it, I didn't know how similar to ours it was. You just went wide where we went specific in our designs. Not surprising with what you're tasked to fight. Don't envy those poor kids." Something in that mechanized voice came off as accusing, almost angry. Well it wasn't like Misato WANTED to use children as pilots they just didn't have a choice!
"Well that was something to see, does Yamazaki know you're flirting with that woman?" Misato asked as she leaned against the terminal. Didn't take a genius to see via body language alone that Silver had a thing for the geeky man, and Misato liked to consider herself a savant at judging people. The hand touches, the shows of dominance, how Silver was always hovering about him when given the chance…just who was that woman? Tilting her head, grinning insipidly at the man she had written off, "My dear Hyuga-kun is blossoming into something of a lady killer."
Where before he'd have melted into a gibbering pile of emotional mush the new Makoto looked panicked. His fingers hit far too many keys to be useful or even a word, "Katsuragi-san it's not like that! At least I don't think it is. I hope it's not! Linn gets very defensive about that, we had a fight the other day. She said I'm leading Silver on! ME leading a girl on?! On top of that my ex from college has showed back up! I don't know what to do! Linna is draining me dry, and then…" he shook his head and just reclined in his chair to gaze up at the ceiling, "Sorry, not your fault."
"Wow, you do have a bit of a conundrum there. I'll leave you too it," Misato just blinked at the outburst. Who would have guessed the man that had appeared an over attentive dog would have become so sought after? "Then again, I'd not have thought Shinji-kun the type to have two girlfriends and be the only guy in an all-girl study group. Bet at least one of them…" she checked her watch. Meeting with the commanders to go over the intrusion and Shinji's recovery. One of those girls from that study group, Misato would put money on at least one of them liking him. She liked them, knew all their histories thanks to Section-2. Good girls, normal girls…
The commander's office was as massive and off putting as it always was. The two men were on the opposite side of that cavernous office, sharing their secrets with one another. Oh ho, what was this? Ritsuko was there too, just on Misato's side of that obsidian monstrosity of a desk. Compensating for something Gendo? What with the huge office, and oversized desk, it did have the stench of trying to 'impress' the idea of size and masculinity. Funny, Shinji didn't have any of his father's foibles, guess what she got a handful of this morning didn't exist in his father.
"Ah, Katsuragi-kun, you're on time, excellent," Kozo had that slick and practiced smile. Oh it looked genuine and caring, but anybody that sent children to fight without hesitation might not be fully trusted. With a sweeping hand gesture to Ritsuko, "Akagi-kun here was just going over her findings about the escaped Shiki. A lot of good data was gathered, things we might have to start utilizing soon. The JSDF is insisting they assist us in defending the complex in lieu of last week's break-in."
Hiding behind those stupid gloves, damn Misato hated those tacky things, Gendo sat gruffly. "They want to get their claws into the base, get us in their debt and make themselves important again. Using Akagi's findings they think they can make weapons capable to taking out the magical threat. For now I am allowing the devices be created and allow a token force on base. We cannot have another breech of the base like we did. You will assist this new force once it is known," he ordered simply. Man never minced words did he, no pillow talk there Misato bet.
"Yes, Misato, what I learned from Shiki might actually help you get that closure you want. That and those updates to the scanners we've gotten. Thinking we might just offer those technological marvels Hyuga as a sacrifice. They'd quickly take him in exchange," Ritsuko actually smiled. Woman was doing that a lot lately, ever since the Shiki incident. "Oh, mind if I go to your place after I finish here. Want to do another small physical on Ik-the Third Child, make sure he's mending," nobody mentioned Shinji by name in front of Gendo.
Nobody but Misato that was, "Yeah Shinji's got a study session after school, then he should be home. Just don't expect a…warm welcome." Misato gathered her orders, informed the commanders of the status of things and went about her work day. No Kaji about, no men at all that she considered interesting…damn, another frustrating day. Still…that memory of the morning stuck with her, that was troubling all in of itself for more than one reason.
X-X
There was just some feeling of both intimidation and awe when Minako was at Ami's place. The mixture of wealth subtly spread around them and the air of beauty was amazing. Books on subjects that made her head hurt alongside art that was beautiful and soothing, quite the contrast. So when they had their little study sessions at Ami's, Minako would either benefit the most or just get lost and overwhelmed if distracted. Today was sadly the later as Minako just couldn't focus on the work. Math was stupid anyway, she didn't need that!
Thankfully they were mostly done for the day, Shinji and Makoto were in the spacious metal gleamed kitchen making supper for them. Once they ate, they'd sadly make good on her plan to help potentially learn more about their enemy by following Shinji home. Boy just seemed to be a focal point for some of the new enemies, so trailing him made sense. "So you think they're cooking in there or playing around? Mako-chan does have a thing for him," Minako asked softly to the others.
"I'm surprised you noticed that today, you've been staring at your phone all night. We're not boring you are we Mina-chan?" Rei just had that confrontational tone. Seated next to Usagi, their leader needed somebody to needle her when her attention drifted, Rei was still flipping through her classical Japanese book.
Turning off the classical music she played to facilitate learning, Ami shifted it to more traditional teenage music. Ami knew the group, once study was over it was time to unwind. "Would it be bad of her to be doing that with him? Is not wrong or anything, and he is our friend, so what is the harm?" Ami had a peculiar edge as she asked. Stealing a peak at Minako's book, Ami swiped it and looked aghast at the empty primer, "Minako! What were you doing all night!?"
"Sorry! Sorry," Minako reached over to steal back her book but gave up quickly. She pulled her phone out as it vibrated, it finally came! An email from her latest potential boyfriend, a senior on the lacrosse team, had finally arrived. Looking at the mail line, it was from Akito, flashing the screen to the others, "I asked Tenkawa Akito out on a date and I've been waiting for his reply. He finally did! Hopefully this will be the start of my true great romance. And you're right Ami-chan, nothing is wrong with it. If she loves or likes Shinji-kun, I say she go for it. If you ever get over your fear of boys I say you do the same." But Ami did seem to have a soft spot for Shinji too…not hard to see why they were quite similar.
Stuffing her face with rice crackers, Usagi sprayed the table with crumbs, "What does it say? Mamo-chan and I could go on a double date with you! And I'm so happy for Mako-chan, she's getting along great with Shinji. Glad you brought him in, he's…I don't know made the rest of you happier, me to I guess. He's funny, nice, cooks well, and helps explain some of the complex stuff that Ami-chan can't." Usagi's gift for reading people's inner nature just shined through, and her smile was infectious. They all just beamed back at the future leader of earth.
"I don't know what it says, Usagi-chan, he just sent it. Give me a minute and then we can make our plans," Minako chastised. Usagi was the put the cart before the horse type. A double date at the start wasn't what Minako wanted. She wanted a whirlwind romance of great passion and excitement! Opening the email she read it…and her heart dropped. "He turned me down…he has somebody else he likes!" Minako felt cold bitterness well up in her.
Usagi quickly crawled over and gave her friend a soft hug, "That stinks, Mina-chan. But…don't give up home?" The others nodded yet they had those accusing eyes on them, judging her. What idol or great beauty was she that couldn't get a single boy to even consider her? And in the other room Makoto was playing around with the lone male in the group! Makoto was showing her up, was moving ahead of her and Minako was beside herself.
"What am I doing wrong? Why can't I get any of the guys I'm interested in to even acknowledge me?" Minako asked the troupe. They just sat, lumps of unhelpful sods…well only Usagi had a boyfriend and that was garnered from extra plainer existence sharing! Usagi got all the breaks in this reincarnation thing. Then it hit her, she had a boy right here to ask! Calling out to the kitchen, "Hey you two, not fooling around in there are you? I have a question for you Shin-chan!" Oh she loved saying that as it got a rise out of Makoto, and did she just see Ami flinch?
Coming into the living room, caring a large tray of food, Shinji was obviously confused and a little stunned at the casual intimacy. "We were just having fun with the recipe today, I think you'll love it Usagi-san," he helped Makoto hand out plates. They all saw how bashful Makoto was, and how she 'accidentally' covered Shinji's hands with hers when passing plates to him, poor girl had it bad! The dishes were Usagi's favorites, but they did look a little different, a late birthday supper for the lunar princess. Sitting down after everybody was tended to, sandwiched between Ami and Makoto, "What did you need to ask me Minako-san?"
"You don't have to be so polite to us, Shin-chan! You're part of the group so start acting like it," oddly enough Minako meant it. He was always so polite and nice, that bored Minako! Boys should be flamboyant and dashing, oh she liked the bad boys and Shinji was not that. Oh she liked him as a friend, but he just didn't strike her as boyfriend material…to calm and withdrawn. Shooing Ami away from him, she'd tease a little, try to get Makoto to stop being bashful herself, glomping onto Shinji's arm, "I asked Tenkawa-san out and he turned me down…what do boys look for in girls? If I were to ask you out, what would you say to that?"
The room chilled, two pairs of accusing and angry eyes fell on her, but Minako knew they'd forgive her. She was just playing! But Shinji locked up for a few moments then turned to her with a clear face. It was tranquil and actually thoughtful. "Well if I didn't know you, I'd think you'd be teasing or playing with me. Girls like you five just don't…settle for plain guys. Or I might think you wanted to get the popularity boost for dating a pilot, if I didn't know you personally," he quickly amended lest he offend. The girls all saw Shinji was always fast to correct himself if he preserved what he said as offensive.
"So now that you DO know me…what am I doing wrong?" Minako was actually amazed. Shinji wasn't the string bean she thought he was, he was trim and firm and that was unexpected, and insightful! Oh and up close his face was actually very cute and his eyes…was she…was she getting attracted? Shaking off that, she was just emotional right now, "And did you just backhandedly call us pretty? What about us is above 'plain guys' such as yourself?" Minako heard Makoto mumble something about Shinji not being plain.
Tossing a balled up piece of paper at Minako's head, Rei was leaning over the table with a baleful aura. "Stop hanging onto him like that! It's impolite to impose like you're doing!" she shrieked. Oh-ho was this another girl that was starting to fall for the timid male in their midst? Guess it was only Usagi and her that wanted the bigger and manlier type…maybe Ami didn't really care either being so engrossed in her studies.
"That is fine, Rei-san," Shinji held a hand up, but did free himself from Minako's hold. Joining the others in eating, Usagi was mixing her attention between food and Minako's display. Eating a few bites himself, Shinji did finally address the question, "I think it might be an issue of coming on too strong to fast. Maybe get to know them first before asking them out. Just 'asking' out of the blue…I'd wonder if it wasn't just a whim for you and you weren't serious. A guy that wants to date somebody he doesn't know likely isn't getting into things with an emotional relationship and something more…basic?"
He had a point didn't he, Minako accepted. The conversation shifted away, Ami was quick to bring up an upcoming free concert leaving Minako to think. They ate and chatted, but Minako was just poking around the plate. Some of the other boys in high school she asked out had acted just like Shinji said. One even turned her down but offered to be a 'sex friend'. Just leaping into a relationship with a hot guy did seem superficial didn't it? Was that how she came off, as only caring about looks? What did she know about Akito other than he had a great bum and was on a sports team? Nothing really.
"Well, I hate to break up the evening, but it's getting late and mother will be getting home soon," Ami said regretfully. As Minako thought, they others had actually had some dessert and Usagi and Rei were arguing about something. It was time to casually accompany Shinji to see if he drew out any of the enemies. Rei and her apartment was the same way as Shinji's, so it would work as a great cover.
Standing up fast, his bag already packed, Shinji was a bit frantic, "Oh yeah, your mom. I uh…tell her hi for me Ami-san." At the mention of Kurumi Shinji would just go rail stiff and nervous…that got a good laugh out of the group. It was just the differences between boys and girls, Minako guessed. All of them had gynecologists and had been seen by female doctors…Shinji apparently had been seen by Kurumi and made him all timid, it was cute! "As always it was a pleasure studying with all of you. If you need some reminders Usagi-chan, feel free to ask me if Ami-san is too busy," even Shinji was subject to Usagi's encroaching personality.
Gathering there bags, Rei and Minako joined him at the door. It was Rei that actually started, "Mind if we walk with you to the crossroads? With all the oddities going on, going in a group would be best." Playing with her hair, brushing it off her face to the side, she fluttered her eyes at him attacking the poor male on all his weak points.
"Sure I don't mind," Shinji would never deny them something he could…overly accommodating. Opening the door for the two, he waved at the three still getting ready, "See you at school tomorrow."
Loving to watching him squirm, and to add more fire to Makoto's need to act, Minako wrapped her arm around Shinji's. "You're far too nice sometimes Shinji-kun, what would your girlfriend think?" she poked at his cheek. Oh she didn't know what to think of Akira and Karen, they were unknowns and she hated unknowns. Both girls were on that level of attractiveness that left Minato worried, and they were super amorous when with Shinji so it wasn't fake. But she wanted to help Makoto so…she'd do what she could.
"Akira-chan would say that if I left somebody to defend themselves I wasn't doing her training justice. Though she would be upset with how you're hanging on to me…she gets jealous and wouldn't realize you're just teasing," Shinji gave Minako an odd glare. It wasn't angry more a reproachful father, but something in that look caused Minako's heart to flutter. Flanked by both Sailor Senshi, Shinji kept a casual distance and he listened to them talk about the troubles of girls. Odd, he didn't act like the other boys and get freaked out by their girl-talk, guess living with two non-family members helped with that.
As they neared the crossroads where they'd all separate, Minako was ashamed of herself. Using this guy, a friend, as bait for some monster was disrespectful! If they told him…they'd have to admit to being magical girls and while he was a friend that was not an option. But he was attacked before, the only man to be attacked, and he was kidnapped by a youma or something…their had to be something about him. They came to a stop…time to go, "Well, thank you Shinji-kun and Rei-chan…I'm a little sad the walk is over. Was nice talking with a guy that actually…speaks to me." Did she just say that?
"GET DOWN!" Shinji screamed out and dove at Minako. Not the resounding sound of friendship or comradery the woman was expecting. Wrapping his arms around Minako, Shinji lifted her as he drew her out of the strike zone of a massive red rock arm. Rolling to the ground, Minako falling badly on his waist she knocked the wind out of him. Wheezing out, "G-get out of here…run!"
Her head swimming from the motion and sudden ground spin, Minako saw Rei leaning against a streetlight, anxiety leaking out of her. A massive beast of a man, easily eight fight tall, with two eye stalks, a rock-man crushed the ground where Minako had stood. They had been attacked and she missed it by being distracted by boys and friendship! "Rei! Run! Get out of here now!" Minako ordered! They couldn't transform with Shinji around, and they didn't know where the others were as the plan was for them to leave when they got to the crossroads!
With speed far exceeding their expectations, the red beast's bolder sized hand grabbed Rei and hoisted her painfully into the air. Laughing with a high pitched shriek far contrasting to its size, "I didn't believe her when she told me, but she's right! Partnering with Lilith-sama will help us get what we want after all! And you…know we're coming for the red-head and the blond! The ex-kings mistress and her friends lead us to needing to need help…but Lilith-sama and our queen will rule this world!" And just like that it grabbed Minako off the ground. "Kek-kek-kek! Just you watch boy, as all your bitches become ours!" he cackled and squeezed hard.
"Let go of us you freak!" Minako ordered but could hardly move! She couldn't get her transformation pen while being held like this, and its grip was like being wrapped in concrete! If only she could change she'd easily destroy this minion! If they did get captured, they'd have to act fast to get free before something bad happened. Seeing Shinji still standing there, a defiant air about him that looked off…he wasn't the type to fight like this so why was he…why… "Shinji-kun! Run go get help!" If he left hey could try and transform without being seen!
Gone was the timid looking boy that had fidget when Minako ran a finger down his arm or cooked with Makoto. Shinji got up and that warmth he had about him simply vanished. "No! You're not going to threaten my friends! You'll NEVER touch Akira-chan or Karen-chan! Akira could easily kick your ass…and so can I!" Shinji ran at the beast and slammed his shoulder into the beasts stomach, it didn't move.
"Shinji run!" Rei cried out as the monster kicked hard and sent him flying bruised and bleeding along the ground. He got back up, frantically looked about, and found a discarded piece of pipe. No, he wasn't…please no…he did.
Picking up the pipe, Shinji spat out a wad of blood and actually smiled, "Was that the best you could do? Asuka hits me harder than that!" Shinji ran at the beast, using the pole like a javelin or spear, this time he angle the hit at the creatures neck, the beast must have thought Shinji to weak to hurt it, as it just stood there and let it strike…and when he did, Shinji pierced the rock skin just enough to cause it to drop its captives.
Falling to the ground, Minako was already reaching for her wand when a bolt of lightning and Usagi's tiara collided with the monster obliterating it. Took them long enough! Getting up she ran over to the kneeling Shinji, he was bleeding, he was hurt! And despite it all he didn't run away, didn't leave them to face that beast alone… "Are you alright?" Minako's heart was pounding in her chest…pounding so hard!
One eye shut and bruised, Shinji waved off Minako's concern, turning to the three sailor Senshi before him, Shinji put his head down on the ground in penitence. "I…want to thank you…you helped free me from my kidnappers. I can never repay you for it…but ask me for anything and I'll do it. I owe you, Witchblade, and Jeanne so much…thank you," he grimaced out in pain.
As Makoto and Ami rushed to Shinji's side, helping him off the ground, Minako was stunned. No, this wasn't what she wanted to see…he was…they were…Getting up she hobbled over to Rei and helped the shrine maiden up. "We got confirmation…they're tailing him," she didn't like that. But it gave them a reason to stick closer to him, to get closer to Shinji…and that night as Minako bathed away the dirt and grime she found herself fantasizing…it wasn't the tall and burly guys she oft did when she rode the silk road…it was that timid boy with a core of steel.
X-X
Walking out of the arcade, Shinji had to admit hanging out with the guys was a wonderful change of pace. It was straight forward and simple, no double meanings or hidden agendas to consider. Nope, Touji was clear with his wants and just outright said them, while Kensuke's intends and wants were never unexpected. After yesterday's study session, Shinji was saddened momentarily to learn Akira and Karen had to work. Misato demanded Manager give Shinji another week off following his release so he didn't have to subject himself to back-end pinches and other server humiliation…but he couldn't spend time with them. Touji alleviated that sadness with a bout of male bonding.
They played a quick game of basketball once school just got out, Shinji shocked Touji and himself by actually winning that game. It was a testament of his growing physical abilities thanks to his tour as a magical girl. Touji, who usually wanted to play a few games, lost the drive after his defeat so they hastened to the air conditioned holy ground that was the local arcade. Here it was Kensuke's time to shine and boy did he. But quickly pockets full of tokens thinned from heavy to empty and it was again time to leave. Crass jokes, immature humor, and just stupid fun was the word of the day and it did Shinji's heart light. They left the elephant in the room out the door, neither commented on where Shinji had been during his absence.
"Man, with all the time you spend with girls, bet you love this don't you Shin-man?" Touji slapped Shinji on the back. It was harder than needed, layover from the defeat on the hallowed asphalt, but in good spirits. Leading the way, walking backward, the troupe headed to a nearby burger place that happened to be Touji's favorite. Hands laced behind his neck, he leaned into them and laughed, "But then again I'd love to switch places with you for a day. Got any hints on how to score chicks?"
First off don't call them chicks as you walk by them, Shinji tried to mentally beam into Touji's head. They had just past two girls from a private school judging by the uniform and they hurried off after hearing Touji's declaration. Oddly, those two girls looked familiar. More the girl with the massive pink twin-tails reminded Shinji of the Puella Magica girls…but best not to think about that now. His bruise was almost gone thanks to his alternate forms quick healing properties. But to answer Touji, "Aino-san asked the inverse question yesterday. So I'll tell you the same thing I told her, try to get to know them first before just launching into things."
"You gave dating advice to Aino Minako…the winner of last year's search for a new idol?" Kensuke balked and had to fix his glasses. Guess that did have a small hint of a tall tale to it, Shinji didn't come off as a master of the act of dating. Just shaking his head and laughing, Kensuke entered the sweltering and nearly empty fast food den. The stench of oils and grease was all encompassing, the heat the next thing, place never kept the environment to enjoyable. The sooner the diners left the better. Getting in line behind some older boys, "So where was heaven yesterday, and did the devil do that to you? She's been strange lately."
When he thought about the injuries he got the day before was when Shinji felt them. So thanking Kensuke with a baleful glare at the back of his head, Shinji denounced the importance. "Misato-san opened the door to the apartment when I was leaving to take the trash out, so no," Pen-Pen helped with that lie. It worked on Misato, and Asuka had avoided him since breakfast yesterday. Something was odd with Asuka, but Shinji didn't know how to take it. Teasing, just like she did on the boat when they met, trying to insure he was faithful…but at times Asuka's flirting was going to far for his comfort zone. Grabbing a bottle of green tea from a fridge, "And the session was at Mizuno-san's."
"And make it without onions please," Touji finished his order before stepping down the line, "And man what a waste. I mean of all those she's the second from the bottom. Girl is just far to smart and to plain when compared to those others. But she seems nice I guess." Touji waited as Kensuke ordered a meal and Shinji got his tea, "Not hungry?"
Dismissing the question with his hand, Shinji shrugged his shoulders, "I have to head home after this. I missed a house call from Akagi-san yesterday so she's coming over tonight so I'll have to cook." He wasn't looking forward to that, she asked for a lot of odd tests and memories of Shiki's tests was far too fresh in his memory. Being Shiki felt far to comfortable now, as if the longer he stayed in that form the more accustomed he was with the insanity of it. Pen-Pen wanted him to go out hunting tonight too, great. "So what have you guys been up to lately? I've been busy with…well you know," his girlfriends, his study group, Nerv, kidnapping…take your pick guys he'd find a way to side step any questions.
"Well I've been asked again for pictures of your study buddies, your girlfriends, and your co-workers…all of them. But more importantly," Kensuke spied the restaurant cautiously before sitting in a booth in the corner. Once he was sure he was safe he leaned in as Touji unwrapped his burger, "Remember how I told you I met them online?" Shinji nodded to Kensuke's allusion to the Knights Sabers, "Well they want to meet sometime next week to talk to me. You good to go with me?"
Shoving Kensuke's shoulder, Touji couldn't help but talk with his mouth full of unhealthy deliciousness, "You still going on about that? Somebody is jerking your chain! It's a lie, has to be! You take Shin-man with you to some back alley all that will happen is you'll be alone…or worse. What if these monsters think you're a girl or something, they never saw you…could be a trap."
Shinji's body went a bit cold, Touji did have a crazy insight on that didn't he? What if this was just a big trick? "I'm good whenever you need, I'll give you my work schedule so you can set something up," Shinji drank his bland tea. Monsters, he hated those damned things! They threatened his friends! Those rock monsters weren't looking for anybody in particular anymore, just female bodies. And they wanted Akira and Karen, he told them about the attack of course in a call last night. They had claimed they'd contact their friend Saki who was the queen mentioned, oh and be careful. If they were hurt…Shinji felt a surge of magical power in him and had to suppress it.
"Oh, I didn't show you guys this did I?" Kensuke suddenly got that shine in his eye. It popped up from time to time whenever Kensuke found something he wanted to show, a child trying to impress his parent or peers. Pulling his phone out, his chicken sandwich lodged in his mouth, he pulled up a picture and set the phone down, "Nd uh fnd-dish yeshterduh," his food filled mouth didn't add to clarity.
Touji snatched up the phone quickly and let out a loud whoop, "Oh man, I've never seen a good picture of Witchblade before! She's got tits that go on for days! And that outfit! Only Shiki wears less…man. What you think Shin-man?" Pointing the phone at Shinji, it was of Witchblade's little tour of a high school.
"I don't know really, she looks dangerous," Shinji bashfully admitted. Rei, he hadn't had a chance to thank her either for her saving him. Nerv work and his personal calendar and stolen so much of his time, and he wanted to give that girl more than just a pittance of his time. Taking the phone, he lost himself in that fierce beauty as his buddies finished their food. He at least had the chance to say his thanks to the three Senshi the other day, but that wasn't enough. Shiki was going to help them and give them a lot of crystals to make up for that. He had nearly gave up in that cell and turned back to normal, Misato…she'd hate him wouldn't she? That woman's loathing of Shiki was so powerful Shinji could taste it.
Once again leading the trio, Touji headed outside into the shopping arcade, "I don't know about you, but I could stand a little danger if I got to be with her. I mean could you imagine seeing that woman up close? Unlike you Shinji, we don't have girlfriends or know the pleasures of the promised land. Just touching that…Ken what's up?" Touji poked at Kensuke's shoulder.
"S-sh-she's here! Witchblade!" Kensuke gasped out and swiped his phone back from Shinji. Poor pilot had been lost in his worries and longings hadn't noticed the massive form of the woman standing outside the burger joint sniffing the air. Pulling up the phone application's camera, "I have to get a picture! You think she's here to fight more magical girls?"
When he saw her, when Shinji saw Rei his breath fled him on mass, was she going to fight something? He'd instantly go to her to help if needed, she was his friend, a close friend that he had so few of. But when their eyes locked, well Shinji was in for a shock.
"There you are, I was looking for you," Witchblade said with joy. Leaping from one side of the arcade to in between all three boys, she scooped him up in her arms. Nestling him right where Touji would have pleaded to be, "I will be taking him for now, we have much to talk about." And before any argument or denial could be uttered she leapt to a roof and was off running.
Watching the unabashed jealousy on Touji's face and wonder on Kensuke's vanish as the wind of high speed whipped past his fact, Shinji felt Rei's fierce strength again. "Is something wrong? You came and grabbed me so fast…should I change?" he rubbed his ring ready to invoke his transformation. Rei didn't do anything without purpose, she was all purpose…and to run…wait where they on his apartment roof? She brought him home? "W-Witchblade, what is wrong?" it felt odd calling her by that handle, but safer.
"I couldn't wait any longer to talk to you. And it is easier for me to think in this form," Rei set Shinji down. But once his feet were on the roof, she pulled him against her, and thanks to her larger height meant he was given a very comfortable cushion. "Nothing is wrong, other than with me…and my feelings. And what I need help with your other form is ill equipped to tend to," oh gods she was blushing Shinji noticed.
Ok, what was with his change in life in presenting him with perfect breasts? Shinji was slowly becoming quite the connoisseur of mammary glands, not that he was complaining of course. Shaking his head free of the heavy and firm confines to look up and see that rosy hue on her cheeks, Shinji felt her arms and hands at his back trapping him. "W-what do you mean? I know we haven't had a lot of time lately, none since you saved me. But I wanted to give you more than just a few passing minutes," when had his personal calendar gotten so full that he couldn't spend time with his first crush?
Being more the actions speak louder than words type, Rei bent at the knee and just laid one on Shinji. Her clumsy and uncoordinated tongue plowed into Shinji's mouth like an out of control bulldozer and flopped around fishlike. Yup, Rei heard or read about this and just made her best interpretation. To stunned, and well quite falling into a dreamlike fugue Shinji lost himself in the embrace. Rei had been that mysterious beauty when he first came to town, he piloted to spare her harm, and his secret heart had a few fantasies of a pairing with her, that dimmed over time, not despite his attempts to befriend her. Once Akira offered him his new blessing, Shinji put his old dream in a box on a mental shelf…yet Rei found it and tore it open. Yup, just like Rei, no nonsense and just do.
Finding the bulb on Rei's tongue, an odd hard nub, Shinji flicked it with his tongue and entered a world of pain. His mind made a mental correlation, flicking and licking that nub on Rei's tongue got the same reaction as Akira and Karen's bud and a head crushed by powerful thighs. Rei's whole body drew in on itself as a spasm rocked her, sadly Shinji was in the way of that. Moaning, not in joy but pay, into her mouth she realized what she did and dropped him. Now daintily on his bum, "Rei-san…what was?"
"Overcome, that is very sensitive…almost as sensitive as my clitoris," Rei really needed to learn tact. Kneeling down, hands back on Shinji's shoulders, she had the look Akira had when Shinji knew it was going to be a long night. Oh shit was Rei getting…getting horny?! "In this form I feel things more vibrantly, more clearly…" she drew in closer again, "I know that I love you. For the first time I am sure. Normally my mind is fuzzy, hard to think, but now…my dreams all make sense now…I wish to become one with you. And judging from your erection, it is the same for you."
Did his heart literally just explode in his chest? Did he die in that restaurant and this just a dream or the afterlife? Rei wouldn't normally act like this, say these things! Cupping her cheek, Shinji felt it alive and warm…real…this was real. "R-Rei-san you know I'm with Akira-chan and Karen-chan…and I won't lie and say I don't care for you too. I've always had…" she dove atop him and pressed him to the roof. Ok, Rei was done talking right now it seemed, and he said the wrong thing. He couldn't push her off…so he just did what he did to douse Karen's needs and suckled on that nub on her tongue until Rei's body went full tense and she collapsed atop him in a pile of mush.
"That is…was…so much more intense than when I do such to myself," Rei cooed as she just lie atop him. Sliding off him, a wad of jelly rolling off a ball to Shinji's side, her arm possessively over his chest. "But it is wrong to take and not give correct? You gave me the gift…reward I hoped for…and I know of your partnering with those others. That doesn't mean we cannot also be together. What is the difference? You were with two before, now three, I have no qualms with this," she sounded drunk with contentment and joy.
Ok, an affectionate Rei was a force of nature, and Shinji had absolutely no idea what to do or say! She was ok with things, well that's all fine for Rei but Akira was a junkyard dog when it came to what she thought was hers! "We'll have to talk about this…I don't know if Akira-chan will agree with you Rei," Shinji wasn't even sure she heard him. Rei just continued to nuzzle against him, beyond content…yet Shinji saw an odd shimmer, a ripple go over Rei's body, the color pulsated and changed for a second.
"I feel…not enough…more…take MORE…strange…Shinji…pet…" Rei looked at Shinji and had two colors of pupils. One was the standard Witchblade, the other was…was the same as Lilith's? No that couldn't be. Rei got up and took a step away from Shinji…then towards. Grabbing her head, "I…must go for now…will tell Honjoji about the change….not yet! MORE…." And Rei ran off and leapt off the roof, leaving Shinji in the lurch but at least happy he hadn't transgressed further than a rather deep kiss.
On unsteady feet, and more than just a little confused by Rei's confession, assault, and strange departure, Shinji wandered to his apartment. Oh he'd have to find out if touching that nub in Rei's mouth had aftereffects as his slacks were still tight and his mind awash with strange wants…he never got that way!? Well while WITH Akira and Karen he felt that way, not before. "I'm home, anybody here?" Shinji called out. If Asuka tried those pranks right now, Shinji would give her a fright as he played a long just enough to scare her off.
"Oh, I'm here Shiki," a voice called from deeper in the apartment, and it was a voice Shinji knew.
Slowly, oh so slowly Shinji crept into the living room and found Ritsuko sitting on the couch with a clipboard on her lap and a smile a mile wide on her face. Shinji had to have misheard her again, just a trick on his overstressed ears. "Oh…hello Ritsuko-san," Shinji shook off his mistake, just a mistake, "you're here for that test right? Want some food before?"
"Oh Shinji, did you think I wouldn't notice? You're blood test gave you away," Ritsuko was off the couch and sauntering towards him. Her hips moved like a pendulum and drew Shinji's eyes to them, she had to be doing it on purpose. Leaning forward, letting Shinji see she was in her wetsuit again, "You are Shiki…and you're going to help me. Unless you want me to tell Misato just who her most hated enemy is…" she let her hands slither around Shinji's neck, "And you don't want that do you?"
Pale and numb, Shinji just shook his head…she found out! Pen-Pen watched from the kitchen as Ritsuko had Shinji transform, and then the tests started. Shinji was at Ritsuko's beck and call until they could do something to Ritsuko's memory…Pen-Pen could do that right? Shinji prayed the stupid bird could prove of some worth. Summoning energy, his spear, demonstrating her stronger body, Shiki did all manners of physical tests until they heard the door opening and Shinji reverted to his normal body.
Misato was home, they had been doing odd tests for two solid hours and Ritsuko still had that damned insane smile! They ordered supper, and true to form, Ritsuko kept the secret. But she put a mark in Shinji's small but existent anger notebook. Yes, he'd have to free himself from the yolk of that woman.
X-X
Checking his watch, Makoto let out a little hum of relief. It was almost time to go, for him at least, and he had a nice date ahead of him. Working the mid-shift was always odd. He went into work too late to do anything in the morning, and usually got off work too late to hang out with friends after work. Linna however had a great idea for a game of tennis and a late supper for them. Would be nice to show her how to play, she was country girl through and through. Where he had played in school, Linna's school couldn't afford it and she always wanted to try. Yup, despite the oddities in his life, Linna was the best part of it.
"Will you wipe that insipid grin off your face, or do I have to hit you?" Shigeru had only been working for three hours. One could always see the jealousy in the faces of those that had to keep working when you got to leave. All the damage from getting the Eva's set up without power (which never got used) was finally fixed so they were just going off SOP. Meant a long boring night of watching screens and reviewing reports. Tossing an empty soda can at Makoto, "So what are you doing tonight, saw that duffle bag by your locker. Going to go out in a hail of debauchery?"
Scoffing, Makoto just shook his head. While Linna and his sex life was quite active and oh so enjoyable, it was never 'dirty'. "Going to go play tennis at one of those rec-centers that stayed open. Going to teach her how to play a little singles," it just rolled off the tongue. It amazed him how improved his life became with a solid relationship. He was more focused on task, in better shape (from the exercise in and out of bed), and just happier. That was until the jealousy started to work in. A girl jealous of his interactions with other women?! Silver first sent Linna a little off, but then Sylia came back into his life.
"Just need to finish putting these new sync scores in for Captain Katsuragi and I'm off to work up a little sweat," Makoto couldn't resist a little double-entendre. Setting about his actual work, Shigeru just fake gagged and worked his own business, Makoto sat there reading the children's names. Something was odd about those kids, more so than initially thought. "Hey, got a moment?" he knew Shigeru did so continued after the long haired man turned, "you notice anything strange around here lately? I mean aside from us fighting giant monsters and the hint we'll be helping the JSDF fight those magical girls?"
That look of annoyance that was on the man's face drained slowly as a creepy weedy agreement replaced it. "Actually yeah. I saw Kaji-san talking in a hallway yesterday, but when I got to him…nobody was there. That guy just gets odder and odder. The few times I talk to him, all he does is ask if I've seen anybody with a scar, or questions about the Captain," Shigeru was pensive, tapped his foot unevenly to a beat only he heard. They both looked to where Misato SHOULD have been, but the woman had walked off to places unknown. Likely to go bother Ritsuko who had the night shift.
"Captain has been looking better since Shiki's been let go," Makoto enjoyed that. A happy Misato was a person you didn't fear would shove you off a gantry if you upset her. What was going on between his old crush and that young boy he didn't venture a guess. But you don't threaten to kill people for somebody you don't have a passing fancy for. Thinking of where the woman likely was, "Akagi's been odd lately too. Ever since she went for that home-check yesterday she's been nothing but smiles."
Shuddering, Shigeru smoothed his hair and nodded uneasily. Softly, conspiratorially, "I think she's cracked. This whole magic thing finally caused that tightly wound spring to snap. Maybe that or she's got some reason to ship the Second child off back to Germany. Has she…Soryu…hit on you?" A paleness came over Shigeru, it welled up upon mention of the strange German girl, a guilt laden with shame.
"Yeah she did…I think. Never can tell with that girl. Europeans are different," Makoto had been disgusted with the girl. Walking about the base with her stomach showing and a skirt that was almost a belt should not be allowed. "All the pilots are acting odd, but with the Third it's expected. You don't just get captured for a week and bounce back," Makoto just watched Shigeru. Did Shigeru get a thrill from a fourteen year old teasing him?
Asuka WAS attractive, for a kid, but Makoto didn't go for the new laws. Nope, eighteen was bare minimum for him, but maybe Shigeru was a little to hit by that. "I think the only guy she DOESN'T play with is Kaji. Odd she seemed so fixated on him when he first got here," Makoto hoped Shigeru didn't make a dumb mistake. Teases weren't worth it, Misato was a tease…so was that Soryu.
Rolling back to his computer, the color returning to him, Shigeru's head bobbed quick and mechanical. "You can say that. Kids these days are freaky. But with how she does on the Third, we can hope he puts it to her so she leaves the rest of us alone. Kids shouldn't be playing with adults! It's just…wrong," he almost yelled. Ok, guess Shigeru was more disgusted then aroused by the young girl's actions, thank the gods.
"At least it seems the Ayanami issue is still on the low end. Don't want to look that…thing in the eye again," Makoto had just finished Rei's report. That cold expressionless face didn't mask the memory of what was beneath it. Makoto had faced Lilith directly and his will was pulled from his mind and shoved right in his dick. He couldn't control himself, that things beauty, its force of will, and power just overrode his wishes. Finish up the reports, "Well I'm out of here. Don't work to hard…and don't let the Second Child make a pass at you."
Flipping Makoto the finger, Shigeru didn't bother talking and just worked. Making idle banter and pleasantries as he left for the day, Makoto wondered if there was something true about the myth of 'once you start dating'. As he got his bag and changed into his casual cloths, he noticed no less than three of the female tech's waved and smiled at him, averting their eyes when they would cross. Did they see the changes in him that Linna helped bring out, or were they just there to remind him that temptation would always exist.
"Don't think about it. Linna is wrong, Silver isn't on the make for me. Hell we don't even know for sure if it's a girl in that suit," Makoto lied to himself. It was easy to do, without a face he could just assume the svelte body shape of Silver's Hardsuit was all for show. The touches, the casual flirting, and the neigh never ending hinting that he'd be welcome to join the Knights Sabers if he grew tired of Nerv…well Makoto just thought of Linna and those faded. "Sylia though…where did she even come from?" Makoto's ex was a harder issue to downplay.
Taking the train to the gym, he let his mind flood with those memories of college and his first 'serious' girlfriend. Woman was a pure genius of the Akagi variety. A mind so sharp and above his, Makoto chose to accept her as superior rather than break up in a bout of male blinded stupidity. Didn't hurt the woman was a billionaire and he was a wage slave till he got his current position. It had started off as a college partnership for an advanced engineering course. She did the theory crafting and he did the actual mechanical, they worked great together and he had the gall to ask her out for drinks. Two weeks later she coaxed him to move into her 'apartment' which was more a mansion. He saw all sides of her then, the normal mask of simple joy that she wore to the unassuming, and the rage and hatred that seethed behind that tranquil facade when her heckles were raised.
Waving at Linna who was leaning against a light post by the entrance, "She said she hated Nerv and left…yet she's back and doesn't mind my job now," he muttered. It didn't make sense, but he was happy with Linna now, why did Sylia have to try rocking the boat now? Pushing thoughts of Sylia's silver hair and chiseled beauty away, Makoto basked in Linna's country splendor. "Didn't wait to long did I? Reports took a little longer to finish," he had wanted to leave work early but had been denied.
"Not at all, took me awhile to pick a racket that fit me. Didn't know they'd have so many," Linna giggled and hid her mouth behind her fist. It was a coy move, one that both knew Makoto found adorable. Oh she was playing up all his likes more lately, ever since Sylia showed up. Woman were territorial, just like men were, and Linna wasn't going to take the invasion laying down. Unless…well the old jokes in school out country girls would ride a man into the sunset did have some merit to it. Locking arms with him, "Shall we go then? I have some calories to work off before supper."
As they neared the door, a rich voice would have fit a museum more than a gymnasium called out, "Oh if it isn't Yamazaki and Mako-chan!" Standing inside the entrance lobby was Sylia and some shorter girl with close cropped blond hair. The two's attitudes were easy to gauge and they were polar opposites, Sylia was all smiles and the girl had the pronounced scowl of a child forced to go outside and play when they just wanted to stay inside.
"Sylia why are you here, and Nene you too? What is this about?" Linna thrust her arms down and her bag slammed into Makoto's side. Great, this was a power play that Makoto hadn't expected. How Linna and Sylia met each other, he never asked. It wasn't his place to ask, if Linna wanted to tell him it would happen. They had some sort of club they engaged in, Linna said it was a girls club, so he never asked to go with her. "You said you had meeting about your boutique today! And Nene weren't you going to be playing with that boy of yours?" Linna shoved off Makoto and stomped towards the two girls.
Stomping over to Linna, Nene's was explosively expressive, "I am not playing with Aida! He's just a hacking partner! And I'm here because she dragged ME! Ouch Sylia that hurt!" Nene turned on Sylia and rubbed her behind, Sylia just smiled and waved at Makoto.
Yup, women were scary, Makoto realize and just slowly encroached on the pair. It was easy to see two new rackets in both girl's hands. Sylia played with him in college a few times, a damned fierce player that would go for the throat. "Did you two want to play with us then? I was going to show Linna how to play with a little singles match. But a doubles would help her learn faster I bet," it was a peace offering. Not like he had a choice, Sylia was stubborn and would have followed regardless. "So where did you meet Sylia…um…" he didn't know the younger girls family name and didn't want to offend.
"Uh…Romanova," the woman rubbed the back of her head uncomfortable with the whole situation. Likely dragged in with Sylia on some debt or something, Makoto wagered.
Hoping to diffuse the negative energy, Makoto was hoping for a nice workout and date with Linna was not wanting a fight. "So you're a high school student?" the moment the word left his mouth Makoto wished he could take it back. The girl went from just annoyed to openly angry and bore her teeth at him.
"I work for the JSDF I'll have you know! I graduated college early and if it wasn't for Priss having a concert I'd not be here. So you can count your blessing OLD MAN. I swear I work for nothing but women whose biological clocks are ticking so hard they want to shove your baby in the gears to shut them…shut…s-sorry?" Nene hit the age button and it went off. Both Linna and Sylia just pounced on the girl and tackled the young foreign girl to the ground.
But something the girl said was strange, Priss? Hadn't he met a Priss at a bar last week? Yeah, it was a dive bar he liked to go to because it played live music, Linna had to work so he just went for a few drinks. "You don't mine Asagiri Priss do you? Lead vocalist in a band that plays clubs?" he asked the pile of women. Linna was holding Nene's hands down as Sylia sat on the girl's stomach, a bunch of people were gawking at them.
"You know Priss?" Linna asked, just glancing up at him and away from the young girl she pinned down. An uneasiness worked into her, a warble that threatened to grow into a tremor, "You didn't meet her last week did you?"
Uneasy with the looks of the other attendants, they were making quite a stir, Makoto tugged on his collar. "Yeah, if she was playing at the 'Hole in the Wall' last week. The guitarists amp was broken, I helped them fixed it. They bought me a drink for the work and we talked after the show. Why?" he asked purely innocently. How did these girls know each other? A billionaire underwear shop owner, a country girl Nerv agent, a young computer programmer, and a grunge band singer didn't just run into each other at the local shopping marking looking for tomatoes.
"You're the guy she was talking about!?" Sylia called out and rolled off Nene and was right up in Makoto's face. Linna quickly joined her, and he was soon telling the whole story…it was a boring story really! All he did was talk to them after fixing an amp, bought a CD of the bands, and chatted with them about his job! Yet they made him tell all the details. Then they hit the courts. He had expected it to be Linna and him against Sylia and Nene, but nope it was Nene and him and both of his opponents target him with their frustration and their overpowered serves. Seriously what did he do?
X-X
Shinji had been bored before, he had also been very bored before, but he had never been mind bogglingly bored until today. Sitting in a classroom half full of students a few years older than him, he listened to girls and the occasional boy reading poetry. It was not his want for a Saturday afternoon, but he was willing to make sacrifices for his girlfriends. Karen wanted to go to this, Akira had to work, so here he sat with a pencil in hand to jab his leg to wake himself up. Some of the poems were actually quite good, but most were just angst riddled tripe from people that could fix their problems but wallowed in them instead.
"It's about time for me to read mine," Karen whispered to Shinji with a hint of nervousness. Karen did nervous well, her shyness was accentuated into the a ball of pure 'I need protection' that trigged both Shinji and Akira's mental drives. Wiggling in her seat, her hair swaying from the agitation, Karen just squeezed her skirt and wrinkled her paper. She relaxed when Shinji took her hand, "Sorry, just a bit…I've never been very good."
Not many people in the poetry club were good, Akira had told Shinji as a warning over the phone the night before. They hadn't had a chance for a date since their reunion, conflicting schedules, but this was at least something. Reassuringly stroking her hand, Shinji noticed one of the four boys out of the twenty students in the room frowned at him. "You'll do fine, poetry is all in the mind," Shinji just didn't have a mind for it. Akira, he knew, had even less mind for the stuff. Kissing her cheek, "You'll do fine, Karen-chan."
Blushing softly, gods she was innocent, Karen nodded with a smile. Relaxing, and leaning against her current support beam, she waited her turn. It didn't take long as the heavy set girl reading about how she was truly a beautiful person on the inside and her body confined her finished. "Wish me luck," she asked as she exchanged places. The heavy girl scowled at the far more physically attractive and in shape Karen as they passed, just another poem to write about.
Now he knew he wasn't the sophisticated type, art and the like didn't strike him on a deep spiritual level. His love for classical music was about as far as it went, but he could appreciate things. And when Karen started to go into her poem, Shinji did feel something in him shift. A block of ice inside his heart splintered, cracked and was moved. Karen was a poet, and her recital was about Akira and him. Her feelings for them, her fears about life, knowing they'd help her overcome it all, all in the guise of flowery words, alliteration, and spoken in iambic pentameter. The class was mesmerized by it, and Shinji noticed that guy that gave him the stink eye got up abruptly and left. Sorry guy, Karen was taken.
It wasn't all good, their relationship, Shinji knew. No relationship would ever be 'all' good, he wasn't stupid. It was a balancing act, it was hard, it was work to make a relationship worth it and work. Akira was super stubborn at times, and when defensive she was more on the use of physical to get her way. Karen was a master of passive aggression to guilt her victim and she just couldn't make a decision to save her life at times. But Shinji was no perfect rose either, and while his self-esteem would occasionally pop up and say 'they only want you because your convenient', times like this shattered those doubts.
Bowing her head, Karen finished her poem with a beaming smile right at Shinji. Standing up, Shinji didn't care about the others thoughts on the matter, and started clapping. The rules of the event were not to make a show after a poem was read, fuck that. Shinji loved the poem, loved Karen, and he wanted the girl to be damn proud of what she did. "That was beautiful," he said and soon the rest of the room was up with him. Karen was mollified at being the center of such praise and just locked up, drawing her arms to her chest and blinking rapidly.
Whelp that was the sign it was time to go, Shinji sprung to the rescue and the two quickly left the room. "S-sorry about that, I just wasn't expecting everybody to be so…it was the first time I've ever read a poem at our meetings," Karen finally said once they had cleared the school. Her pulse was so strong and vibrant it could be felt through her palm that was slick with moisture.
"You should do more, if you want. It was really good. Actually you should read it for Akira-chan when she gets off work," Shinji reaffirmed his grip on her. It had been written about both of them, and Shinji thought it a crime if Akira didn't hear it. Stopping at a grocery store they bought some ingredients for supper and headed back to Karen's apartment. Both Shinji and Akira agreed that for the time being Karen would have an escort. The news that those rock bastards were targeting the pair left Shinji feeling something he'd rarely felt. Bloodlust, Shinji wanted to end those bastards that dared threaten not only his girlfriends but all women with slavery.
Pen-Pen was off trying to find a way into their domain. Killing them got crystals, Pen-Pen wanted those things, so the bird agreed to Shinji's request for a change. Once they found a way in, Shinji was going to ask Rei and maybe Maron to go on the hunt to end one of the cities problems. But asking Rei might make things difficult. She had outright said she loved him, got off on a kiss, made him super eager that night, and then that odd coloration…she couldn't be Lilith though. Rei would never be so evil.
"Did you want to cook now or did you want to do something…else?" Karen asked as she put the food in the fridge. Hard to cook when all the ingredients were put away, Karen did know subtle better than Akira.
Since she had already put most away, Shinji did the same. Glad to see his system of organization their shelves was still half working, both girls were messy, he followed her to the living room. "What do you have in mind Karen-chan?" oh he could tell by that look on her face. But this was strange, they never made love without all three being together. Was it wrong to do so? Damn this whole relationship was confusing the poor boy. He couldn't cheat on Akira with Karen, right? Hard to cheat when you're all together, but damn he felt perplexed.
Leading Shinji to the living room, Karen sat down on the couch and patted the cushion next to her. Yup, their little condition was making its rounds. A week was the current limit of their resilience, and it had been just over that since he was freed. Two days since Ritsuko scared the hell out of Shinji and let him know she was holding Misato over his head. But he swore to keep that out the door today, Karen and later Akira deserved his attention. Taking her hands again as she looked pensive and unsure, "Just say what you want Karen-chan. Akira and I keep telling you we want you to trust us, we trust you."
But you don't trust them, you haven't told them the truth about yourself and Shiki. You haven't told them about Rei's request, or how Ami and Makoto have been getting closer. You're betraying them…
Shinji squinted that damned annoying voice of conscious again, it always tried to ruin a good evening. In time he'd tell them everything, but not when they were all worried. No word came from Saki about things, their friend who married the king of the underground. Maybe something happened, maybe she was dead or captured…maybe a lot of things.
"Ok…but promise you won't laugh or think badly about me for this," Karen was almost so red she was purple. With a sigh she just shuddered a full body convulse and nodded her head. "I'll start by saying…that I l-love both Karen and you very much. Its different how I feel…but its…I can't describe it. And when we make love its amazing…but at times…I want…well…for you to be more…more…" she just went silent.
It was hard to get Karen to be open, Shinji knew that so he was trying to be patient with her broken statement. Plus it always felt good to hear those three little words. 'I love you'. He bet his mother said that to him, but since then only these two women said it to him. Did his heart good, made him want to be better, and made him willing to take on the mantle of Shiki to insure nothing bad happened to them. "Go on Karen-chan, just say it. I love you to, so I wont judge you or anything," Shinji gently pushed her chin up so she'd look at him. Yes it was selfish of him, to have feelings for others, but his were still pure. That had to count for something didn't it?
Frantically she just blurted out her wish, "I want you to be more dominant! I want you to…tell me what to do. I'm not…good at making choices for myself and at times I don't WANT to. I think Akira-chan is this way too but she'd never admit it, her pride. But from time to time…could you just order me, maybe her, to do things when we're i-intimate?" Oh gods she was trembling, shame flushed through her, eyes watering in self-disgust.
"You want me to…order you around when we…I mean I've never thought of it," Shinji was taken aback. Kensuke had shown Touji and him a video from his ample collection on one of their odd male bonding days. Did all boys watch porn together? Shinji thought it odd, didn't want to know his buddies tastes in sexual exploits, but Kensuke had them watch stuff from time to time. "I mean…I could try if you want, but I don't know how good I'll be at that," Shinji had his own issues with orders. Why Akira was such a good match for Karen and him, she took control.
At his meek offering of acceptance, Karen's whole being radiated joy, "Really you will?! Alright then…lets start now! If I leave it to you, we'll never get started. You're just like Akira-chan, Shin-chan, you'll agree to something and hope I forget." Grabbing Shinji's hand she lead him to the bedroom and sat on the futon with an expectant look.
"What now? But are you even w-wanting to…" Shinji just stopped his ramble short. She'd not ask to try this if she wasn't wanting to, idiot. In Karen's room, Shinji had hardly been in this part of the apartment and it just screamed Karen. Full of cute dolls and flowers in the window, smelled of perfume and softer things. Sitting on the futon, he saw that expectation and excitement on Karen's face, "A-alright…t-take off your cloths." This was going to be hard wasn't it, such a simple thing was hard to ask. Hell he'd made love to her on six separate occasions now!
That smile never left her, but the bashfulness and hesitation came back in. Maybe she wasn't as ready for this as she thought, but she did what was ordered. Taking her top off first and then her skirt, she stopped when Shinji held his hand up. "I-is this good enough?" Karen rubbed her left bicep with her right hand. Clad in her yellow stripped bra and panty set and long white leggings, she was just a bastion of uncertainty. Standing before him, "W-what now?"
Swallowing hard, Shinji realized she would do anything he asked of her, anything at all. Karen was putting herself at his command. Swallowing hard, "Get on your knees and look away." Shinji could get to like this, if he didn't go overboard. If she didn't have to look at him she might relax more. Once she did as he asked, he just sat there looking at her pert and neigh perfect peach of a bum. Gods she was already glistening with dew! Crawling over to her, Shinji felt her jerk as his hands grabbed the sides of her panties and drew them down. Yup they clung to her flower as her excitement started to trickle out. "I want you to…tell me what I'm doing," Shinji ordered as he dove in.
"Y-you're…l-licking me," Karen yelped cutely. Shinji had become quite skilled at the art of orally pleasing. Pulling the petals further apart, a long finger darting into the pot, he enthusiastically beset the girl.
Pulling his face way from her comforting heat, his face already quite damp, "No, be more precise, w-where am I licking you?" Karen was always so closed in and worried, maybe this was a way she was trying to better herself? Shinji would honor that, but damn he was not good at this whole order thing! What if he said something she didn't want, something that made him look like a pervert to her? Best stick to simple things, "Is that alright?"
As Shinji went back to task, more whimpers and moans leaving the blonde's lips, "M-my pussy…you're licking my pussy." The girl that never swore or said anything 'dirty' finally broke down and said it, it came out like a child's first swear word. Uneasy and uncertain, but full of conviction and was that joy?
"That's exactly what it is," Shinji was growing a bit more assured of this. Karen was practically dripping at this point, she wasn't being forced into this, she wanted to continue. Well…he was about to burst out of his pants so… "Now I want you to…undo my zipper," yup just as hard to ask, but he'd do his best for them. If Akira wanted this too, as Karen hinted, he'd have to get better. Pulling away from her, Shinji sat down with his legs in a half circle.
Like a lioness, Karen crawled around and some of that timidity was gone, replaced with raw hunger. "How should I unzip it?" she asked as she neared his crotch with his face. Sniffing like an animal, she tittered as she got into the mood. At least she was starting to really get into this little play.
How should she do it? Wasn't there only one…no wait she was asking if she should use her mouth? While he was never shy about going between their legs for a little tongue action Shinji never had them reciprocate. He didn't feel demeaned by doing it, but felt the inverse was! He pissed from that thing! It was dirty! It was…a good test of how far Karen wanted to take this. "Well since you're so close already why don't you just…use your mouth," Shinji gasped as she dove in. Switch flipped, Karen was in full on kink mode.
It took her a few tries to bit down on the tab of his slacks, her frustration growing with each failure, but she finally got it. Pulling her head back rather than tilt down the zipper, it free the poor captive. Tittering after her success, "This is…better than I thought it would be, Shin-chan. Remember that Akira-chan would love this too, just be firm with her." Once the zipper was down, Shinji's little friend sprang out full of vitality and pulsing with need. "W-what now?" she eyed him with that crazed desire again.
"Damn this is hard for me…" he muttered as he felt her own wants. Girl wanted to be depraved, to let go of the worries and concerns of daily life and just let somebody else do the thinking for her if only for a little while. It was an escape for her, an escape from the world where every choice had consequences, each act repercussions to dwell on. When she gave control over to Shinji, Karen was acting the co-pilot in her life and letting all her wildish kinks and desires be met while still maintaining her ability to say 'I only did it because I was ordered'. Licking his lips, he felt his member twitch as Karen breathed on it, "Repay my earlier acts." He couldn't say it, not yet anyway, but it was enough.
Karen didn't waste anytime, she went straight to task. Damn, Akira hinted she wanted to repay Shinji for his skills at flower watering, but her Karen got it first. It was…different than sex he found but damned if it wasn't a close second in enjoyment. Karen, didn't show any hesitation after she started, not very skilled at it herself, the occasional brush of teeth hurt like a bitch, she barely got more than an inch. But fuck it they were teenagers, they were new at this, and they had a lot of time to get better if they wanted.
After a few minutes of the agonizing mix of pleasure and pain, Shinji swallowed hard, "That's enough, Karen-chan…I want you to turn around and…sit down on me," Shinji could have sworn she looked sad to stop her present task. Did she…LIKE doing that? Well he liked it when he did it to them, so maybe there was something about just pleasuring your partner…making it all about them that stoked both of them Karen, Shinji admitted personally, was a lot like him. Maybe sometimes they could reverse this little situation.
"I love you," Karen cooed as she stretched to accommodate his order, "Akira-chan and you are so good to me." She settled down with Shinji firmly inside her, and gasped as he gently took her smaller bust into his hands. It was an odd position but they slowly got going, and boy did Karen finally let out the mother of all climaxes. They continued with a few other orders, mostly things they had done in the past, and when Akira came home to no supper and a mewling and panting Karen…well she wanted her share.
After they were all spent on the act, Shinji shambled to the kitchen to cook food. When he brought his lovelies their and his meal, he found them hovering over a letter. Saki had finally got somebody to delivered it to them. The king was captured, Saki was in hiding as a revolution was going on, and Lilith was aiding the rebels and their queen in taking over the underground. All urges to go back at it were lost, they just sat and watched a movie until Shinji had to go home. Pen-Pen better have that location soon, as Shinji wouldn't stand for that sadness to last. It was time to go on the attack.
X-X
Notes
Trying to get some of the side stories moving, and keep the main plot going on. Going to again start shifting away from the Akira/Shinji/Karen bit but I hadn't had a bit of lime-scented goodness in awhile and nothing else is set up yet. Hope you enjoyed, hope to add more comedy and action to this soon, and maybe a bit more Sailor Senshi joy to the mix.
Later
Mercaba
