I do not own Ore-Imo in any shape or fashion. I am a huge fan of the series and the themes involved. This is my first time writing for an audience so please leave productive comments and reviews after you're done reading.
Kyousuke
Spring air rushes to fill my lungs as I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. The wind softly disturbs my hair and blows the fragrance of the cherry trees planted near the sidewalk into me, flooding my heart with nostalgia. My final day…this is my last day of high-school. It's late-April and the sun shine is in vibrant contrast with the melancholy of the student body. Our class has already been dismissed for the graduation ceremony; our communal goodbyes still echo in my memory and populate the halls. This building houses so many memories, so many events and feelings. Like late this winter when Kohei began his panicked spree from classroom to classroom looking for Makabe as reports had spread that him and Sena were dating. When finally approached, by a glowering Kohei, Makabe gave his fearful confession that, although he is attracted to her, the abundant perverted fantasies she had regarding his rape at our hands were enough to shut anything further from growing. At least for the moment. Kohei seems to keep that sister complex strong with Sena, and her brother complex for him. I'm unsure of their exact feelings for each other however. Apparently everyone could see Kirino and I had something more than sibling affection, but those two no one else seems to see. They certainly have an attraction to each other, but I'm not sure if it's just abnormal sibling love or if they are like Kirino and me. I've seen them hold hands ever since that day we talked at their house, but I still have no idea what they talked about. It's a topic I'm not how to breach with him, so for now I just play the part of best friend instead.
Manami seems to have gotten over her feelings for me, at least for the most part; we chat normally at school and still hangout a bit on our off time. Her grandparents and brother, still oblivious to the situation, try to match us up. Manami's good humored about it and doesn't push the issue either. We usually walk home together as well, sometimes with Kirino if she can make it, she still has track and field, however we take care not to be affectionate or anything with Manami around. I do see fleeting moments of subdued sadness when she sees me and Kirino together. We do our best nevertheless to not throw our relationship in the faces of others. Especially into those that were hurt most when we got together. My sister and Ayase have gotten back into their routine; shopping, gossiping, modeling, and generally just being best friends again to my relief. It was a little touch and go at first. Ayase was awkward around us for the first few weeks until I made some excuse to let her kick me in the face again. I don't really remember what I did; her kick knocked the exact memory away. But after that it was back to business as usual, so good for us I guess. We let Ayase and Kanako on to the fact we had moved into an apartment together later in March. Of course once that fire was started there was no stopping it. Inappropriate questions came sharply at us from Kanako and Ayases' face nearly caught fire from the amount of heat it generated with her imagination. I wish I could say I did or said something to put them at ease, but instead I just stammered and stumbled like an idiot, choking on my own spit. Kirino saved the situation by being gently honest with them, explaining the severity of our relationship while not being explicit about it. The two accepted it easily enough, though Kanako and Ayase dragged her off for 'girl talk'. I have no idea about what transpired after that, but Kirino returned to the apartment later that night horribly fatigued, embarrassed, and ravenous for the night.
Our graduation ceremony starts soon enough though, so I ratchet back my dancing thoughts and memories and head toward the gymnasium for our ceremony. Students arrive and fill the seats in the attendant order we were briefed on by our teachers earlier. The gym being quickly renovated into an auditorium for the occasion seems to just stretch on and on as people slowly glide into their seats. After the opening ceremony and school song were performed our principal gives us a heartfelt speech, impassioned no doubt by his years of the position. He sees the same thing every year; I wonder how sad it is watching us all move on when he is stuck in the same strange cycle. After his discourse concludes, to a standing ovation no less, our student council president and valedictorian give their personal addresses as well. I, for my part, have no real idea who these people are and don't really care either. I end up tuning it out and simply look to the faces of the gathered students and wonder who in the next few years I would see again, if anyone. Of course there are my friends that have been with me through thick and thin, but there are also acquaintances that I made during my journey through school that I will look back on from time to time and wonder where they are now.
It's a very surreal feeling, knowing that this is the last time I'll be in this building, that the alarm I set this morning would be last of its' kind. It has its own bittersweet feeling all by itself. To be honest, my school life was never what it could have been. A lot of guys join clubs, take responsibilities, get girls (or men I guess), and generally live their lives to the fullest. I, in the meantime, decided that a normal lackluster life was the best one and thus didn't really do anything with my own school experience. Hell, if it wasn't for the fact that Kuroneko needed support finding friends in high school I never would have even joined the game club, thus missing out on several warm memories. My teenage life didn't really improve until the day I ran into Kirino that fated afternoon on our landing, knocking her game from her bag. It was then that everything changed for me. How my life went from dull to crazy. Looking back its' as if some god of luck and providence led me to leave my tea out that day. I can barely imagine what my life would be like had that incident never occurred. So maybe this school itself doesn't hold the bulk of my memories, but my years spent here allow me to recall the times I had finally evolving into the man that I've become.
We receive our diplomas in dark-grey hard shelled cases with our school seal, all official and ready for display. After the ceremony I find myself idly trudging through the halls carrying it with me, placing memories in their spots. I made arrangements tonight to meet up with all of my friends that graduated today; Manami, Kohei, and the game club president Gennosuke Miura, so until then I don't really have any plans. I gaze out the second floor window into the courtyard below, picturing the simpler days, when I see movement out by the front gate. I squint to make out the details of the distant object. I can make out a sky-blue blazer with a matching skirt, but the dead giveaway is the honey-brown hair glinting in the sunlight. Kirino. I smile to myself, happy that she came to see me; her graduation must have ended early. I bound down the steps two at a time, trying my best not to trip. I try, unsuccessfully, not to run but I get to the entrance to the school gate as quick as I can.
"Yo." I wave out to Kirino as I round the corner of our gate, seeing her hiding behind the stone wall. She flushes a bit as she sees me. She recovers with her usual grace and puts on a scowl, her eyes brilliant with energy.
"Huh?" She growls out characteristically. "How ungrateful can you get? My ceremony ended earlier this afternoon so I came to get you and the first thing you say to me is 'yo'?" Her tone is annoyed but her eyes shout playful. "I was going to surprise you. How did you know I was here?" She asks, her school bag dangling from her hands. In response I simply point to the second floor windows.
"I saw you laying your ambush." I grin at her happily. It's early afternoon now, most students are still in class, so the school grounds are mostly empty except for the graduating class members that still mill about the school. I look her up and down, noting her defiant posture.
"Well, if that's the case then…" She dashes forward quickly and snatches at my blazer before I can react, ripping the middle button away. Dammit! My second button…eh, whatever. It's supposed to go to the girl I love anyway as it's the closest button to the heart. An old tradition, but still in style I guess. My blazer drapes open now that the joining button is missing and I just sigh a bit. But Kirino just slides in close to me, our faces just inches apart now as she wraps her hands around my necktie. "And I'll take your tie later. At home…you're mine" She sneers a little, predatory intentions flowing out of her in a dark aura. I've now become aware of the fact that people are passing behind us, whispering on who this attractive girl is with her face just inches from my own. Makes me a little nervous her being like this in public so I decide to change the topic of conversation.
"Since you'll be going here after break do you want a tour?" I ask backing up just a little. Kirino looks thoughtful for just a moment before nodding enthusiastically. I turn back to the school and feel Kirino link her arm in mine. She's been acting bolder ever since we told Ayase about us almost two months ago, as if nothing else matters. Nevertheless, I let her have it for the moment. My school days are done and not many people here know my sister so no one should be able to connect any weird dots about us being incestuous. So we glide on our happy little feelings back into the school, ignorant to some of the glances rebounding off of us.
For the most part if you've been in one school building you've been in them all, so there's not much to tour upon. But what the hell, it's a nice day out. We visit the library, our gym (which is in the process of being cleaned up), the track where she would be attending her preferred club, and end up at the first years classrooms. Most are still in the final periods of class however, so there is no actually showing her the inside. As we walk the halls I give her anecdotes and memories of my own boring experiences here. I don't expect it to be much of an example for her to live by, but it's really all I have to offer her as ways of advice about high-school. Sometime when I was unaware and before I knew it she released my arm and gently began holding my hand, interweaving our fingers. I'm so used to it by this point that it never really registers until I start hearing more whispers in the hall. I'm torn between the simple pleasures of holding my girls hand or letting go in order to cut off rumors, but in the end I am the senior party so it's up to me to be reasonable here.
"Hey, Kirino." I say as I pull her slightly closer into my whispering range. "Are you sure you want to hold hands here? I mean, rumors could get started you know." I watch Kirinos bright, blue, wonderful eyes as she contemplates what I just said. She frowns slightly but it quickly becomes an embarrassed yet coy smile.
"This is the last and only time we can walk the halls like this; as two actual high-school students. As…a real high-school couple. Can I have this? Just this one time?" Her puppy eyes make my resolve melt down like ice on a hot summer day. I simply slump a little in defeat but keep her hand in mine. I see out of the corner of my eyes Kirino do a small victory smile, those cute little fangs of hers showing. Rumors may come and go if the people find out that we are siblings that show open pubic affection, but we can deal with those when and if they arrive easily enough. Until then making this girl happy is my number one goal, so I ignore the warning bells of danger in the back of my head and have Kirino walk beside me, hand in hand. We continue our short tour until the final class of the day is excused. After the students crowd the halls we retreat to a small secluded area in the courtyard, sitting on a bench beneath the trees. She props her head against my shoulder as we still keep our hands together, watching the second and first years filter out of the main gate.
It occurs pretty late to me to run by the game club to say my goodbyes to my underclassmen. I stand up and gently pull Kirino to her feet.
"I have one last place to show you." I say through my dopey grin. I didn't know that I could be so happy just sharing a moment with this girl. Makes me feel like a simpleton.
"Okay, where to?" She asks curiously as she straightens her skirt and blazer. "I thought we covered everywhere?" I start walking ahead of her but hold out my hand behind me and flex my fingers, a silent urge to catch up. I hear her quick steps as she bounds after me and greedily takes my hand in hers again. I pull her up to me and we once again step forth into the school building, cozily side-by-side. I lead the way into the club room sections on the first floor and we stop slowly in front of the game club room. I've only been a member here since the beginning of the term and really only joined to help Kuroneko out. Yet these characters have become a part of me and what I've become. I gather my wits and open the door to the room.
"Hello everyone." I ring out with some cheer. Makabe and Sena are seated at the table with a PVC model figure of an anime girl and a coding book in front of them respectively. The twins, whose names escape me, sit across from them staring into some game reviewer's magazine. I see Mikagami at the table as well; he graduated earlier last week but still attends the club to be with his friends. Miura sits at his place near the head of the table, president and chief of the loony's here.
"Congratulations on graduating, you beast you!" Sena chuckles at me. What does she mean by that…ah, Kirino and I are still holding hands. I let go of her and drop my arm to my side like the hounds of hell were after it. Sena and Mikagami know about us, but the rest of the club doesn't. Wait a second…everyone here knows my sister is named Kirino, due to the time Sena and Mikagami were mistaken about my dating situation with Kuroneko, but none other than Sena and Mikagami have actually met her before. It's safest to introduce Kirino as my sister and spare her the rumors later on.
"Thanks Sena." I turn and close the door as Kirino and I step through and find a spot at the table to sit. "Let me introduce my-"
"Girlfriend right?" Miura says with his unusually deep and strong voice. "Mikagami told us on how you two were close, but I'm surprised to actually see two siblings dating." OH FOR THE LOVE OF FUCKING GOD! CAN WE NOT EVEN ATTEPMT TO KEEP IT A SECRET!?
"WHAT? G-gross! There's n-no way I would-" Kirino begins to blabber, her eyes large and panicked. She gives up and just glares at Mikagami. I decide to join in said stare of death as my words have failed me. I guess our panicked and angry expressions at said named auburn haired individual were apparent.
"No need to get defensive about it here my friends. All of us are weird to our own degree. I worry a little about you of course, as unusual doesn't really begin to describe your situation, but I think that in the end you're both old enough to make your own decisions." Miura says with solemnity.
"Thanks…Miura." I mumble out a little horrified. I wasn't that worried earlier about us getting caught at school, but now my underclassmen, who still attend this school, know the secret and have the ability to pass it along.
"You don't need to worry about the twins either." He speaks up again, motioning to said pair of portly young males. "They don't have much interest in things outside of gaming. And besides, who would believe them anyway?" He has a point. To be honest, I'm not even sure I've ever even heard either of them speak out loud before. And they always seem to be in perfect unison no matter what they are doing, weirdoes in the club indeed. Maybe Haruhi broke the universe this time…I've been watching too much anime. "Makabe, do you really care?" He asks the silent dark haired boy. Makabe is usually kind of innocent but under that shell, similar to Mr. 2D over there, hides a more perverted side. I hear he has an obsession with large breasts. He would have been perfect with Sena, whose bust I'm pretty sure borders into very generous, had Kohei not gotten to him first.
"Not really. You and I became friends over our parallel fates at the hands of Akagi here." Makabe says making a thumbing gesture at the girl. I remember being the victim in a rape scene with 'meat toy' written on my back...Jesus. "So I think I can overlook this. As long as it makes you both happy, I think everyone in this club has your backs." He thumps his chest lightly with a small reassuring smile. It is with that I slyly reach under the table and continue to hold Kirinos' hand. I don't think anyone else here would care that much to see it, but best not to make it even more apparent. The awkward moment passes quickly though. "But yeah, congratulations on graduating Kyousuke." He says with a smile. "What are you going to do now? College? Work?" He gently lifts his figure from the table in front of him, leans back in his chair, and reaches up to the shelves above his head to place his anime figure back down.
"I just recently took the entrance exam for Chiba University here nearby. I easily managed to pass and get into classes there but will be unable to actually attend until next semester when I manage to get the money for tuition saved up. I've registered for Business Law and Management undergraduate program. With my foot in the door at Eternal Blue it just kind of makes logical sense to not waste the opportunity. Plus, to be honest, the only thing I really get passionate about is…Kirino." I say nervously at the end, not sure how the room would take it. "And this way I get to be part of both of her worlds." With that I feel a gentle squeeze from her hand beneath the table and see her little secret smile ply from her lips at me. It melts my heart and I get embarrassed of the expression I must have on my face.
"Sounds pretty well thought out." Miura says rubbing his chin in thought. "Maybe one day I can rely on you as public relations for one of my games, or an investor, or if anything a fan?"
"Sure, if I can help I would be glad to." I offer out.
"Then it's a promise!" The man nearly leaps out of his seat to shake my hand. Caught up in the moment of his enthusiasm I leap up myself and take his hand in my free one. The motion of me leaping up, however, pulls Kirino up with me and leaves the fact that Kirino and I have been holding hands the entire time. I stand there for a moment clasping both my presidents' hand and intimately holding my sisters. An awkward silence ensues.
"You two…" Sena says exasperated. "Do you have to be touching at all times?" I simply sigh, collect myself, and sit back down with a headache beginning to blossom.
Discussion at the game club flowed naturally after that small embarrassment. Kirino has a certain grace that when she tries can really put others at ease. It's really only a select few that she shows her rough attitude to. But it becomes evening faster than I imagined so we decide to finish up. Soon after leaving the game club, and thanking everyone for their heartfelt well wishes for me and Kirino, we made our way back to our apartment to get ready for the get together with our friends. We are meeting at a Karaoke bar just off the train station here in Chiba City. It may be a stereotype that we Japanese love Karaoke, but dammit some stereotypes are true.
Kirino has all but moved into my apartment now, our father giving her his permission to get out of the house for the most part. But I have noticed his side long glances at us, nothing major of course. Just small looks like he's prodding the edges of a puzzle, which isn't surprising considering he's a policeman after all. My sister and I had our 'cold war' for so long that I'm sure that having us get along to the point of living together must be slightly daunting, even to the old man. Besides, I'm not one-hundred percent sure it's because he thinks we are doing anything suspicious, or that he may just be a little resentful of no longer being needed by his two children. But I'm beginning to get that hair rising chill whenever I see it. After all, in this case no attention is the best attention. Outwardly though he treats us no differently, except the fact he calls me 'son', 'boy', and even by my name more than he ever used to. It seems that I managed to worm into his good graces thanks to taking care of Kirino and growing up in his eyes.
My paranoid brain still refuses to relinquish my home address to them. Something just always pulls me back from giving them that last piece of the puzzle. Things like that could always lead to them walking in on us, someone gathering evidence of the affair, or even just being unable to retreat somewhere isolated if we needed it. The situation from earlier regarding my apartment has reversed with Kirino just leaving a token showing of clothes and items at home and pretty much having all of her things at our place. Our place, huh? I've been thinking it as my place for so long that saying 'our place' sounds weird to me, but I like it. One deleterious aspect lately however is our mother, or rather the knowledge she knows about Kirino and I and most likely can guess how far the relationship has developed. She still pretends our relationship doesn't exist and she's never said anything to dad about it, or at least it seems so. If he knew I think I'd be killed. But when we go to the house on the weekends to have family dinner I see her glancing at us, her gaze inquisitive and sad at the same time. I'm sorry for the thought but I don't care that much anymore, or rather I care for my relationship with Kirino more. I love my mother very much, and I would sacrifice almost anything for her. Almost anything. Never Kirino. I've never really ever wanted anything for myself before her, now it is my life's focus. I'm hers and she's mine; I still fondly remember being referred to as her property. It's the best feeling in this world to love and the feeling be returned at the same intensity.
Once we get home to the apartment Kirino makes good on her threat to steal my tie, but I make her work for it. I turn, dodge, and dance just out her reach until I'm done getting my kicks in. But eventually I finally relent and let her put her hands on it. Or rather I didn't have a choice as an annoyed and frustrated Kirino spear tackled me to the bed in our room. Now she pants out heavy breaths as she straddles me, our momentum carrying us down, her hand has a solid grip on the tie that still hugs around my neck. She's gorgeous, the most beautiful scene I could lay my eyes on; her face slightly flushed from her chasing me around the apartment, a small sheen of sweat across the nape of her neck. Her eyes dance over my face, the flush deepens as she softly grinds her hips down into me, that wistful expression returns as she bites her lip. Her most frequent signal, and my favorite. I feel my expression soften as I reach up and pull her face down to me, kissing her softly. I can feel her hair tickle my face as her tongue lightly slips through my lips. I buck my hips and roll over on top of her; I decide it's my right to take her tie too. Her sailor uniform is quickly slipped off into a pile on the floor and my own thrown into the corner. Afterward I lay on my back sweating and breathing hard, my brain returning to default operations. Kirinos' supple skin radiates warmth as she buries her face into my chest, wrapping her limbs around my side. We lay like that for a time, her slow and steady breathing hypnotizing me as I play with her hair, the scent of our passion still in the air. Before too long I realize how late it's gotten. I gently shake Kirino, who had fallen asleep. We still have an event to go to tonight.
We take our time getting dressed into appropriate attire. Even though it is a Thursday night we have no school on the account of graduation; me from high-school and Kirino from middle-school. It's becoming balmy outside in the warm spring air so I throw on a thin hooded zip-up shirt with black stripes running down the shoulders with a white undershirt and my usual pair of dark jeans. Kirino goes with a long sleeve pink shirt that opens in the front with a row of buttons, the middle one holding it closed, with a white tank-top underneath. I watch from across the living room as she adjusts her ruffled black skirt and pulls up black thigh-high socks to match. Afterwards she runs into the bedroom and as she comes back out I hear a familiar jingle. I look down at the noise and see a familiar anklet bouncing up and down as she steps into the living area again. The light from the overhead lamp manages to rebound the shine from the charms in a distracting way. I feel like a dog, 'Oh, shiny!' But I'm really happy to see her wearing it; it was the first gift I bought her as an actual couple. Seeing it initiates a flush of memories from that day. We exit the apartment after making sure all the lights and appliances are turned off, lock the door behind us, and link arms on the way to the rendezvous.
I've actually never been to a karaoke bar before. I have nothing against the places, I just never had occasion to go to one. I was never exactly popular enough to be invited, nor am I into singing and performing. But this is once in a lifetime event, so what the hell. Kirino also invited Ayase and Kanako as they graduated middle school in the same class as Kirino. With my friends in attendance as well it should be a fun evening. I check my watch as we begin to near our objective; 8:47. Still early enough to get a good booth, though we should have one reserved. The place is open twenty-four seven, as most are, for the midnight oil burning college students in the area. We enter and proceed to the front desk, a young man in his early twenties waiting behind the counter.
"Evening." I smile out. "We're meeting our friends." I give the man Kohei's description as he was the one designated to get the room.
"Ah. Yes, your friends are in room eight at the end of the hall. The largest room." He gives us our passes and tickets for refreshments.
"Thanks." I take them and hand them to Kirino who deposits them in her purse for safekeeping. I take her hand back in mine and we step it out down the long plush carpeted hallway. The halls lights were dimmed to not affect the eyes of those leaving the rooms they were assigned to, lest stepping from a partially dark room into a bright hallway blind you. I pull her in just little closer and press my lips to hers gently before we enter. I don't plan on kissing her in front of everyone assembled, even if they know about and support us. I just don't find it in good taste is all. Holding hands and hugging is one thing, but actually watching us get intimate may be a bit 'squick' inducing for some. I knock before entering to give them a heads-up and swing the door open dragging Kirino in with me.
There are three deep blue couches pressed against the far side of the rectangular room to the right with the far end reserved for a television and the sound system. Turned sideways between the couches is a small table to hold refreshments, which is already piled high with assorted bottles and snacks. Before I can take a quick inventory of the room I'm approached by Kohei, who's decked out in a dark maroon button up shirt and a pair of black slacks.
"Finally you two get here! Did you get side-tracked getting out here?" He grins out with a happy tone in his voice. He quickly takes my free hand in his own and pumps it up and down. "Congratulations Mr. Kousaka on a high-school education."
"Yeah, you too Mr. Akagi." We grin at each other in silent understanding. Neither of us had a crazy high-school experience, but we did manage to still find ourselves and what drives us to keep going. We eventually relinquish each other's hands and make our way to open seats. Kirino and I find seats on the couch on the right wall, the only other occupant being Kohei as he plops back down. Across from us on the opposite couch sits Ayase, Kanako, and Manami. Manami wears a purple cardigan button up sweater with a pink undershirt and brown capris pants, a look that suits her. Especially considering the fact she seems to be growing her hair out as it's now down to shoulder length. Ayase's in a pale pink tank-top with a long ruffled white skirt, her hair in a ponytail to keep the heat off of her neck. On the other side of the model sits Kanako, she's wearing a cute outfit comprised out a white t-shirt with seemingly random English words decorating it in fluorescent colors and a pair of brown shorts, her hair in its usual twin tails. At the end of the room to our right on the far couch sits Miura, my game club president back from his final meeting, and Mikagami, invited as although he's not form our set of schools he is still a dear friend.
Although Miura is mostly a stranger to everyone gathered here he seems to get along quite well with everyone. His thick glasses still obscure the details of his eyes slightly, but he's dressed appropriately in a blue t-shirt with white sleeves and a pair of jeans. He actually looks normal for the moment, his usual 'Otaku' flamboyancy muted for the moment. Mikagami has his usual gentle amused smile plastered on as Miura chats about something with him. No one is up singing yet and everyone seems to get along just fine. I guess everyone was waiting for us to arrive.
"Congratulations you two." I say to the middle school graduates. "I look forward to you taking over my old school." I lean back into the couch and I feel Kirino covertly attempt to take my hand. I let the girl as this small display off affection shouldn't surprise or upset anyone here.
"Thanks Kyousuke, 'grats on you too. Going to university?" Kanako asks kicking her feet up on the table.
"Next semester at Chiba University, under the Business undergraduate program." I reach out with my free hand and grab a canned tea from table, noting the amount of junk food littered around. How late did we arrive compared to the others?
"That suits you Kyo." Manami chips in; no sign of any sadness seeing Kirino hold my hand. I know I don't want to rub my love for my sister in anyone's face, but I do need to slowly get people used to seeing us act like a couple; holding hands and other lovey-dovey acts so that no one gets surprised by it. Hand holding and walking arm-in-arm is probably one of the best ways to approach it for the moment.
"It'll be nice working with you Kyousuke. If you need any kind of advice about the operation please don't hesitate to call me." Mikagami offers as he leans forward, also grabbing refreshment. Everyone else goes round the table, offering congratulations on their small accomplishment of going forward with their compulsory education.
"What do you plan to do Manami, Kohei?" I ask my two friends, whose perspective careers have yet to be decided.
"I thought I would take over my families' confectioneries store for the foreseeable future. I can also go to university in my free time and get maybe a teaching degree." Really? She always did remind me of an elementary school teacher. "I think that even though my grades were average I can always get a tutor during university as well, if you and Kirino are willing, maybe you can help with teaching me." She looks a little bashful when asking, most likely realizing that asking that could be taken in other ways.
"I have no problem if Kyousuke helps you study, so long as you remember your promise to us." Kirino answers without malice. I'm very thankful these two managed to be at least amiable acquaintances instead of bitter enemies that brawl in a park over me while shouting cruel taunts and truths at each other...that was oddly specific. Manami just nods with a joyful smile in response. I don't think Manami would try to interfere in our relationship, especially being such a big help in us remaining together, but I let Kirino have her little paranoia. After all, I still haven't given our parents our apartments address.
"As for me, I'm not really sure about my interests at the moment." Kohei says somberly, eyes closed in thought. "I've thought about business myself, but I lack the drive and numbers game skills. But I guess if I had to pick something, maybe civil law. Trying to make the people around me happier and safer." Kohei, though immature at times, can be very intelligent when he puts his mind to it. He always had a way to get into my head and see what I really felt about certain situations. So maybe a civil law maker would suit him just fine. Of course assuming he put his mind to it and can buckle down long enough. Kohei stirs after a moment and reaches behind him into the couch cushion. After a moment he produces the microphone to the karaoke box. He gets off the couch and steps in front of Kanako, kneels down like a knight errant about to receive a title, and offers up the microphone like a sword in both palms.
"Princess, will you delight us with your voice this evening." How smooth. In response to that question that mischievous grin of hers materializes; a little fang visible at the side of her mouth.
"Anything for my fans." And takes the microphone.
Kanako finishes up her third song in a row, a small sheen beginning to develop on her forehead. As the music fades into the background Kanakos' voice reaches a crescendo and holds the note, a delicate soprano; the highest of the female vocal range. I'm very impressed by her talent; she must have really been practicing since that day she performed as Meruru last winter. She's done several more shows since then but I've not had the opportunity to attend them. The music stops and Kanako ends her vocal harmonization, her final round for the moment down.
"Great job Kanako. I'm utterly moved." Kirino says letting go of my hand long enough to jump up and hug her friend. "Soooo cuuute." She mews out slightly, rubbing her face against the dyed-red heads cheeks. Kanako takes it in stride by now no doubt used to Kirino's unabashed response to all things 'moe'. Most songs wouldn't be so effective on my little sisters psyche but of course Kanako had picked the opening to Meruru season three to sing as her last song. Seasons one and two were her first songs respectively. With her uncanny resemblance to the main character it would or course lead to Kirinos' lavish behavior. Now that I think about it I think that only Ayase, Mikigami, and I know that Kirino is an 'Otaku'. A way less scandalous secret than us being a couple, but far be it from me to blab secrets about others. As I don't see my sister relinquishing the girl anytime soon I decide to intervene by breaking her hold and leading her back down next to me on the couch.
"Now that the ice is broken I have gift to the group." Kohei announces standing up. He reaches to his side of the couch and brings out his backpack. We all watch, our curiosity peaking, as he unzips and removes something from his pack. In his hand a large ceramic bottle with a label I can't quite make out. "My old man gave this to me as a graduation present. I'd like to share it with everyone." He clears a spot on the table and sets it down. He then quickly moves on back to his bag and produces several small plastic cups.
"What is-" I cut off my own sentence as I recognize the label finally. Rice wine, otherwise known as Sake.
"It's not a lot, not enough for us to get stupid over anyways. More like a celebration drink. No one who doesn't want to has to drink and there is no pressure." He says lightly, looking at each of us. "I know the girls are much too young to drink this but if they want to at least we can be here to look after them."
"I'm fine without it." Mikagami says, holding up a hand in refrainment. "I'd rather not, but thank you for the offer." Kohei looks around for either 'yay or nay' from the rest of us. Ayase raises her hand in refrainment as well, but looks a little torn. Everyone else seems up for it, even Manami to my surprise. "Alright then everyone, be careful how much you actually drink. I don't want anyone getting hurt tonight. Our designated sober look-out is Mikagami. Miki, please make sure none of us get stupid…or at least too stupid."
"Of course." Mikagami looks to me for a moment. "Just leave it me." He says lightly thumping his chest. With that we each took a small portion in our cups.
"Everyone. Before we drink I have some words." I'm not a very smooth talker, but I've put more and more confidence in my brains ability to overcome my natural awkwardness. I used to think of it as a scumbag. Could never give me words when I needed, actions when pressed, or even seemed to do the opposite of what intended half the time. I now realize that my unusual thought patterns, such as talking to myself and narrating my life, are really what got me and Kirino together in the first place. It's when I stop thinking and act on instinct and desperation that plans seem to come together. I look at everyone here. It isn't everyone responsible for the good times in my life, but it is the majority. "I wanted to say thank you. Except that's not enough. You've given me something precious that I wanted everyone here know that they had more than a small part in. You all gave me hope." I stand to address the room, still lightly holding Kirinos hand. "You all are the best things that could happen to us and have always been there when needed. You are there to help when my life was normal." Manami. "When I needed a friend to listen to me." Kohei. "When I needed personal reflection on my 'deviant ways'" Ayase. "When I needed my spirits lifted." Kanako. "When I needed someone to back me up in a desperate situation." Miura "When I needed a link to a world I had no feet in." Mikagami. "And although last it's certainly not the least; when I was lonely and needed love." I turn to look at Kirino when I say that.
Her face turns scarlet, her eyes turned up toward me with disbelief I could say something like this.
"When I fought with myself about my feelings I was a shell, something not quite myself. It was through the efforts of our friends I not only admitted how I felt but we found each other. I wanted say not only thank you for helping me and Kirino but also for making me better as a person. You were and still are each there for me when I need it, and I promise you all to my last day that I will return the favor whenever you need it." I look over everyone's head, seeing their looks of embarrassment and small measure of pride. "With that I'd like a toast to hope in the celebration. Hope that in our ties to each other we can beat whatever comes our way, that as long as we call each other 'friend' we are in fact each other strength." I raise my cup and the others stand and follow suit.
"To hope." They echo out, of cups lightly touching. I rocket back my small portion of the stiff drink but hold in my mouth for a second to at least taste it. At first it had a sweet taste. Not terribly so but noticeable, I feel a slight burn in the back of my throat and swallow before I can control my reflex. If it burned a little then it felt like fire now. I softly bite my tongue however, determined not to cough and hack my throat apart trying to soften the burn. I AM MAN, MAN DOES NOT FEEL PAIN. I let that small thought help and the pain fades quickly. I hear Manami cough slightly and I feel Kirino's grasp on my hand tighten around mine bearing with the burn. Jesus, people do that over and over? I then feel a warm sensation spread throughout my body as the alcohol splashes down into my stomach. It's not like an anime or manga in the way that one drink and your suddenly and immediately drunk, but I can feel something beginning to start up. It takes time for it to work into your system, so I should take it easy.
"Wow. Stronger stuff than I thought it would be." Kohei grumbles out. "Alright then, back to the party!" That was all the excuse needed to get back to having fun, my brief emotional moment passing quickly. Kirino seizes the microphone and grabs Ayase by the hand, attempting a duet I suppose. I lay back into the couch, sipping at my drink. I watch the two models flip through the song choices not quite sure of what they want to perform. I feel pressure to the side of me as the couch is depressed by weight; I glance to my right and see Kanako leaning forward watching them as well. Good timing, the liquor helps loosen the lips a bit.
"Hey Kanako, I've been meaning to ask you something." I say looking directly at her to avoid being distracted.
"Oh?" She answers guilefully, for once her smirk nowhere to be seen.
"With me out of high-school I really need to start saving money for university. Managing Kirino makes enough for me to easily pay for my apartment and utilities, but I can't really set aside enough to pay for Chiba University." I take another sip, a slight delight in the burning now. "If you're still interested, and I have already spoken to Kirino about it, I would like to be your manager. Permanently this time." I watch as my statement worms its way into the idols head. After a few seconds her mischievous grin returns.
"I always said I'd reserve a spot for my first fan." She extends her hand and I take it. A business deal that I'm not sure is the most wise of moves, but working with this girl has always been fun, and with each other's help we could take this town…maybe.
"We can work out the details later. When we're both fully sober." I take another sip and lean back to watch as Kanako rushes up to join the duo, forming the official tripod.
The sake is refilled over and over as time drags on. We make silly toasts to Kanako's singing voice, to Mikagami's side company, and to whatever else strikes our fancy. Ayase begins to take small sips and is soon laughing and having fun with the rest of us. Mikagami keeps us in line to the best of his abilities, quite successfully too. He makes sure we drink more than just the alcohol and when we insist refills our small cups. Ayase eventually takes the microphone from her friend and decides to deck out a song herself, no doubt the booze giving her some courage. Its thirty-seconds into her singing that I realize that this beautiful girl, who has stood by sister through thick and thin, who could do almost no wrong, couldn't carry a tune with a bucket. Flat with occasional cracking of her voice the dear takes her stab at the song, making us all cringe at some parts. Whether she had a lower alcohol tolerance than the rest of us or she was just that into it she just kept belting out that tune slowly finishing it up. She was all over the place with it but we all cheered and clapped anyways proud that our little princes could embarrass herself like that. The alcohol is getting to our heads I think as everyone seems much looser than usual, much more amiable. Miura is talking not just to Mikagami anymore but is striking up a conversation with Manami. I have no idea what they could have in common, but it's good he can branch out a bit. Kohei grabs the microphone from Ayase as she comes off the little stage area and gets up himself. Ayase flutters down, somewhat gracefully, her legs slightly unsteady whether from performance anxiety or her drink.
She plops back down on her couch in between Manami and Kanako and takes another small sip of the sake in her cup already. At this rate I think we're all going to get drunk out here. But as Kohei said; him and I can be responsible and look after all the girls here and we also have Mikagami to watch over us to make sure we all make it out of here and to a safe place for the night. If nothing else most of us can crash at our apartment. It may be small but it's safe and everyone here trusts me. Ayase and Mikagami begin to have a conversation of over the arms of their respective couches, gesturing gently at me from time to time. I don't like that. Kohei then starts his turn, a slow western power ballad that threatens to have us loose our composure and laugh. The song itself is not funny, but his image singing a western song with his terrible ability to actually pronounce English is. He's even doing air guitar…Jesus.
English used to be one of my worst subjects but with copious amounts of studying with Mikagami's tutor now I just have thick accent. Kohei's butchering the song, but whatever. We're just having fun for a change, letting off some steam. I feel Kirino press just bit closer into me, her hand in mine squeezes. I turn to look over at her. Her face slightly flushed from drinking, her shirt since unbuttoned and removed in the heat of the room exposing her tank-top. She has a grin and looks to be enjoying herself which I'm glad for. She looks over at me a gets her secret smile before flushing and looking away quickly, her 'tsun' qualities coming to the fore. She's still uncomfortable I guess showing too much 'dere' in front of people. I check my watch to gauge how long we've been here; 11:23. It's getting late. Kohei eventually ends his song to much acclaim; a great show indeed even if he didn't really know what he was singing. Kohei gently lays the microphone back down on top of the karaoke machine and plops into his seat on the couch. No one picks the microphone up again, instead preferring to rest for the moment.
"Hey Ayase, Kanako, it's getting late, shouldn't you be getting home?" I ask the two girls.
"I told my parents I would be staying at Kanako's sisters for the night, I should be fine." Ayase replies shifting her gaze to Kanako.
"I told my sister not to wait up for us." Kanako says as she takes another sip of sake. Double dealing the details huh? It's fine; I still have my head about me for the most part and can see through that part at least.
"Well, push comes to shove you all can stay at my apartment for the night. It's not big but everyone who can't make it home can sleep over. I have plenty of spare blankets for the winter, so it's no trouble." I say looking to each of the assembled friends.
"Yeah, I remember when it got really cold late February. We needed almost all-" Kirino cuts herself off before she gives too many details about us. I pretty sure no one wants to hear about our sleeping habits. A small awkward silence settles in, the distant music of another room can be heard.
"I have a suggestion." Mikagami says rising his hand in attention, finally breaking the silence. "Let's take a break from singing and play a game."
"Like what?" I ask as I sip on my share of the sake. I've never imbibed alcohol before. Never had the drive, still don't really. But the situation is an once-in-a-lifetime so why not? I can tell I'm reaching the point where my judgment is being impaired as I really, really want to kiss Kirino…her flushed face and soft lips…gah! But I know it would be a mistake to do that with witnesses even if they know our situation.
"Kings Game!" Mikagami answers with gusto. Of course he would. But it actually sounds like fun. I've never actually played the game but I think everyone knows how to play.
"Sounds fun." I say after I knock the last one back. Kohei rummages through his backpack and bring out a sheaf of notebook paper. Folding and tearing the paper we quickly get the amount of strips we need and number each tip. We then color in the end of one strip to signify the ill-reputed king. Manami and I move the table out of the way down the room to make sure it doesn't get in the way. Standing up makes it apparent how much I've had to drink as the room sways slightly. But I'm fine otherwise so moving a table is easy enough. Manami sways a little more though and I remember that female alcohol tolerance is usually much less than a males. We make it back to the couch as Mikagami prepares for us all to draw our 'straws'. To kill any unfairness we all draw at once with Mikagami taking the final one, the numbered and color sides pointed downward to avoid cheating. I lean back into the couch and eye my paper. '3'. Okay then. Who's the king? I glance right and left and see Mikagami's smile become a smirk as he glances at me.
"I'm the king." He says gently. "I want…number '5' to see sit in number '3''s lap." I have a hunch who number '5' is. Kirino looks around a little non-pulsed.
"Now…don't move. Or touch anywhere weird, okay?" She says as she stands; her paper strip with '5' clearly stamped on it. She comes over cautiously and looks down at my lap in thought for just a moment. She then brusquely drops down sideways into my lap and wraps her arm around my neck as if I was about to stand and carry her. She looks a bit annoyed at this latest development, but she's trying to suppress a smile too. Ah this girl…so cute. Especially because I can make out her little fangs...I think the drink may be affecting my thinking. I hear and see giggling and smug faces enjoying themselves and the spectacle we've become. My brain is sober enough to realize that I am firmly in Mikagami's scheming hands. He's the only sober party here and can easily manipulate the hand to always be the king and make us all dance to his little plans. Whatever, he's not really dark or dirty, just playful a bit it seems. After a few seconds I pop Kirino off for the next round. This time I get '2'. Let me guess, this time the king is-
"Me again." Mikagami says with a smug look in his eyes. God-dammit. Well time to dance for the puppet master.
"Number '6' hugs number '2'." Kirino pops back up after huffing a bit, to the laughs and cheers of the group.
"I'm pretty sure this is rigged." Kirino huffs out, obviously flustered as she turns into me. She quickly throws her arms around my head, pulling me in to her chest. "Don't-don't move." She's so cute when flustered, makes me just want to eat her up.
Her bust isn't large in any since of the word, but nor is it modest in the least. A great happy medium; enough to fit in your hand and still have some mesh through your fingers…what was with that thought? But right now it may as well be 'marshmallow hell'. Feels like…82cm…that would be 32 inches…maybe a 'C' cup? What kind of drunken savant am I? I can feel my face heat up as she pulls me in tighter. She almost doesn't seem to want to let go as she just keeps squeezing. It's not until Mikagami recollects her straw she lets go of my head, though my peace of mind is shattered by my little sisters' cleavage. We get ready for a re-draw, but I know what's coming next. I don't even bother fighting it; as much as it makes me panic being manipulated into being openly affectionate with Kirino I'm also happy. Doing these things with our drunken friends only cheering us on confirms that they really are behind us. Plus, I actually enjoyed both activities very much and Kirino being drunk allows her to do them without any pretenses she would have had she been fully sober. So whatever, let's just roll with-it. No doubt Mikagami is steering this paddle boat.
"I'm the king this time!" It's Kohei. Mikagami has a slight confused look in one eye. He must have messed up his little sleight of hand trick this time. He's not a natural schemer so at least one of these was bound to fail. Kohei looks thoughtful for a moment. He gazes out at us all before looking purposefully down at my strip, which in my inebriation I can't even try to hide. "I order number '1' to kiss number '2'" I look down at my strip. '2'. To the right of me I see Kirino with a listless expression. "Remember, the kings' order is absolute."
"Kirino, you really don't have to-" I start to calmly retort, but Kirino just turns to face me. She's had just little more drink than me, I guess trying to keep up. Her face is a tad bit flushed, her eyes bright, and her lips slightly parted with thought. She's really going to kiss me in front of everyone here? I mean, all the little games were building to this, so maybe no one would really mind. Fine, I've wanted to kiss her all night anyway.
"Kyousuke…" Kirino murmurs coming closer. "I-"
"If you insist." I hear a voice coming from the side. What? I turn to face it, my small hypnosis broken by the odd voice. Mikagami is approaching me. I see, in his hand, a paper slip. The number '1' plainly stamped at the top….what? He stops in front of me and I'm a little confused. "The kings' order is absolute." He says cheerfully. No way.
"Hey now..." I say more than a little confused.
"Call me Kouki." He says as he wraps his hands around my waist. Wait…the hell…I open my mouth to exclaim my dissent when his mouth covers mine. Oh god. My mouth was open and everything. Oh man…I don't like this. I hear gasps spring from the mouths of my so called 'friends'. After a few moments he releases me from his demonically strong grasp, a line of drool connecting us for just a moment. My mind is blank and in denial until I hear a camera shutter snap. I whip my head toward the noise and see Kohei with his phone out capturing the moment forever.
"What the hell man!" I yell out, embarrassed and full of rage. If he could photo it he could have helped me dammit! Wait…he did this on purpose! I'll kill him!
"Sorry man, Sena would never forgive me if I didn't take advantage of this and capture the moment for her." He fiddles with his phone a moment. "Aaaaand…sent." Oh my god. Fuck my life. I see Mikagami pass back around the group and plop back down in his seat looking none the worse for wear. If anything he looks a mite bit entertained.
"Thank you Kyousuke. That was my first kiss with a guy." He says primly. I can't help but collapse to my knees, any energy I had thinking I was about to kiss Kirino suddenly drained by this fiend in fashionable spring garb.
"My innocence…" Is all I can moan out as manly tears well up. I can hear the free laughter from above and around me playing off of the sudden surprise. I have to admit, it was funny. Uncharacteristic for the man, but I guess I underestimated what he's capable of. Plus the atmosphere of unlimbered inhibitions can lead even to the one sober party letting down his hair.
"It's okay Kyousuke." I hear Manami say from across the room, her voice shaking with stifled laughter. I look up through my shaggy hair and can just make out Ayase's blushing face with Kanako propped up next to her, her brain overloaded with the 'Ho-Yay' given off from my and Mikagamis' face wrestling "Another rival makes the game interesting." I glance over to get Kirino's reaction to this little game. I expected anger at me being kissed by someone else in front of her, but instead she's the same as everyone else; her sides' spasm with barely controlled laughter, her hand covering her mouth, but she looks over at me and loses it and just begins to shake harder. I just sulk, the dupe for a few moments. After a minute a shadow casts over me and I look up into the face of a tickled Kirino, recovered from her snickering fit.
"It's okay Kyousuke." She says down to me. She offers her hand to help me back to my feet; I take it, glad for the help. "After all, Aniki belongs to me." There's no signal or warning before her arms come up around my back as she presses into me, her lips already parting. She kisses me not only in full sight of everyone but with passion; a mountain breaking, earth-shattering kind with more than enough to get the point across. I feel her hand reach around the back of my head and take a hold of my hair to pull my face harder against hers. I respond of course, I've drank enough to be compliant to her and the touch of her lips on mine creates a fire in my head that drowns out coherent thought. Mikagamis' kiss left me feeling awkward, and not in a good way. Kirino's lips set me on fire, made me voracious and light headed. I guess I'm not gay at least, and I think Mikagami was just messing with me as he has a wife in 2D land. I have the presence of mind to not go wild, though I do reflexively wrap my arms around her, pressing her lower back into me. A mix of her strawberry perfumed hair and the sweet scent of her sweat coalesce and shoot tingles up my spine, but I pull back after a few moments, finally separating us. Nonetheless I do feel as if I was re-marked by her. I am property after all, I guess I need to re-branded every once in a while. As my mind begins to clear I realize the significance of what just happened. Everyone just saw that. As proof they are all just staring now, some with mouths slightly open.
"Wow." Is all Miura can manage out. "That was…uh…something else." I turn my gaze to the others; Kirino turns as well, her brain finally realizing what just happened. I scan their face's hoping that I don't see repulsion at the fact they just witnessed a part of our more explicit relationship that common sensed people may find disturbing. The room is still for moment, no one sure how to act. The last time we kissed in front of someone we know was Kuroneko and Saori the night in December we actually confessed our feelings to each other. It's been a long time since then.
"Poor Kyousuke. So popular." Kanako says blushing a bit from just watching me get face glomped twice. And with that the silence is broken.
"Awwwe. So cute together." Mikagami exclaims from his seated position. Ayase has a shallow blush, her eyes enormous in shock. Manami as well. Hell, with her longer hair they could be sisters with their mirrored expressions.
"Been holding that back a bit haven't you?" I hear Kohei murmur out. He's trying to shake off the shock of watching siblings kiss with longing. Maybe he and Sena haven't taken any real steps like us yet.
"I've never seen a kiss like that in real life." Ayase can breathe apparently. Manami just nods her head up and down, mutely agreeing. And that was it. No one had a mean thing to say. I quickly spin and pull Kirino down, plopping us both down side by side on the couch, attempting to recover from the scene. It embarrassing despite what everyone said. Not…three hours ago I promised myself that wouldn't do that in here and not only did I, but I did it with relish. My lips are a little numb, a combination of booze and Kirino's attention. She tasted like the sake.
"I guessing that was the first time you've really done that in front of an audience huh?" Manami asks, her voice finally clear.
"Huh?" My minds in a fog. "Oh, yeah. I really try hard not to do these things in front of others. Not only because our relationship is secret from the outside world and considered taboo in society, but I also really don't want to offend anyone." I look to Kirino, her expression a mix of indignant and mortified. I'm guessing the entire gravity of what she did is just now hitting her. Better late than never.
"Just so you know…this isn't something we do all the time. I just, when I saw Mikagami do that…" Kirino starts to explain, flustered from our kiss.
"Kouki." Mikagami pipes up from his position. "Please call me by my first name."
"Then…when Kouki kissed Kyousuke it was funny, b-but he's mine and I don't like people playing with my toys without permission." At that I just put my face in my hand. Everyone else seems to follow suit as well. My girlfriend is a weird drunk.
"Well, I'm not sure if it's because we are all used to this routine of thinking, the fact that you two look so different, or what it is exactly but it's actually difficult to think of you as siblings sometimes." Manami continues. "I mean…although we know you're related, but watching you two together it's easy to forget that. Plus, no need to hold back how you feel on our account. It's just us after all, as long as it's consensual from you both it is none of our concern really. I would just say to keep your surroundings in mind, but with us all here aware of your situation I don't think any of us particularly mind." Maybe she has a point. Open affection between us, as long as it's not any no-holds-barred lusty throw down, should be fine. Using what courage I have, combined with Manami's words, I reach over and take Kirino's hand in mine. Before it was more subdued and Kirino kept her distance a bit. This time I pull her close in and set our hands together in her lap. She looks a bit taken back by my move, but her features soften at my touch and she rests her weary head down on my shoulder. It's nice to be able to consciously do this in with our friends around. I get approving glances from the others with no heavy atmosphere in the room.
It's then that it truly hits me. Our friends actually accept and support us. I mean, they were there for us when called upon in at the end of February when we confronted Ayase, but now sitting here after we kissed, while holding hands and being openly affectionate truly reinforces that our friends have changed as much as we have. I can only imagine a world where we lost everything to this secret. My friends, my reputation, even the way I view my own life. If we weren't as open with each other would we have even stayed together passed graduation? Would the confidence we have in each other have radiated to the others and had them change their minds about us? I have a feeling that if it wasn't for certain actions or even a single event that took place our bond wouldn't now be as strong as it is.
I believe this all stretches back to that first night in November that I got a glimpse of whatever Kirino had been writing that stormy night. If it wasn't for that then we wouldn't have had that awkward evening together that forced us to acknowledge certain feelings, she would never have climbed into my bed feeling safer there. I wouldn't have admitted to myself I was in love with her as she snuggled next to me. I wouldn't have been so conflicted about my feelings and desires for her that it forced Manami to admit her guilt about separating us. I wouldn't have spent more time with her outside of the things she forced me to do. Her own feelings wouldn't have weighed on Kirino as much. She would have never confessed her love about me out loud because of that, and I would never have overheard it. We wouldn't have had our first kiss that night in the park, that perfect, wonderful kiss. We would never have admitted our hunger for each other, nor would Kirino have forgiven Manami so easily. Hell, if it wasn't for admitting I was hers fully and pulling that favor she owed me out of my ass she would have fought with the poor girl, probably with fists. We would never have been forced to leave the house and be together; never would have been forced to seek the assistance of our friends and thus trust them utterly. We would have kept it a shameful secret until we realized we were better off as siblings. We never would have felt the skin of each other bodies, never been as one person. We never would have gotten here, right now. My life would have been empty. Whatever god of luck and providence has been looking out for me I owe them everything. What my life would have been like without that small push is beyond my current thinking capabilities. I don't know if Kirino and I would have even ever admitted that we felt anything.
I look over to my pride and joy, the one thing that makes my life worth living. I love everything about her. Her coarse disposition that hides a soft tender side. Her outlandish hobby which led to us understanding each other and reconciling our past. I even love her modeling career. That alone has led to not only us being able to support ourselves at an early age, but has led to more friends that can help share our burden as well as warm memories of revealing outfits…good one brain. Her honey-brown hair, which is dyed from her original chestnut, is now a part of her identity and is natural on her. Those bright, cerulean eyes that obviously point to some source of Caucasian ancestry in our blood as they're not contacts. Her petit body is still evolving into being an adult. I know it sounds bad, but I enjoy touching her body though it's still developing. It's as if I get to watch her grow, I get to have memories of us together from now until later when we're old and wrinkled. I'm in no way a 'loli-con' or pedophile, as it's not that I like Kirino because she's young and petite, but rather I like her body because I love her and who she is. So whatever, I have everything I need right now. I have the love of my life, my friends who love us, and a reason to strive to be better than I am now.
AN: Once again, a more light and fluffy chapter. Most of the friends together celebrating their accomplishments make a good scene really. I still have several more chapters left to do. Don't worry about when the story ends as I have a definite ending planned, not a small left open one either. So thanks again for reading my story and please review every chance you get.
On a side note I wrote a darker story recently after stumbling upon some dark Ore-Imo doujin for motivation for this lighter story. The story was dark and the ending left me more than a little uncomfortable. So I wrote a one-shot chapter to make myself feel a little better. It's pretty dark, has mature content, and has nothing to do with 'Dancing Thoughts'. However, if people are interested in reading it I'll be more than happy to publish it. PM me if you want to, if not I'll probably never put it up so let me know.
