(Beyond the Bounds Cello Cover - Zone of the Enders)
(Garan no Dou - Yuki Kajiura)
Even though his human ears weren't as good as his demon, Kurama heard when someone landed on his balcony. Glancing down at the golden blond head curled against his chest, his anger heightens at the cretin for daring to come near. Outwardly he pets her wild strands just as he uses his energy to stroke her own, calming her further into a deeper sleep. To ensure Mina wouldn't wake up, he gave her the Nemuru pollen he stored before sleep on his nightstand, letting her naturally breathe it in. Now able to easily remove himself from her grasp, he unwinds her arms from around himself and puts them together next to her cheek.
Barely containing his demon form, he walks from the bedroom silently, emerald irises filled with hatred turn toward the terrace on which his Ga Tojiru Hogosha had a hold of someone. It's namesake is simple, Guardian of Binding, but it's abilities were vast thanks to his youki and cross breeding. Treading without sound, he stands before the ensnared demon, yowling like a cat with it's tail caught. Without thought, he transforms, body morphing soundlessly and seamlessly into his former self. The creature quiets a moment, frothing at the mouth when it catches sight of him only centimeters away, hissing belligerently,
"Who the hell are you? Where's my little beauty?" Smirking maliciously, the silver haired fox rumbles,
"I'm afraid she's out of your reach, and safely in mine. As for who I am, well, I am known as the Yôko, Kurama. So tell me worm, who do you work for? Certainly not the king, nor the previous lords are so foolish as to attack me." The demon gapes stupidly, obviously having not been privy to the information. Huffing with a dark laugh, he mocks, "Ah, you must be expendable for them not to forewarn you of me." Before it can shriek in anger, a vine wraps around its mouth, allowing only a muffled noise to be heard. "Let us take this elsewhere, as I wouldn't want to wake my sleeping beauty." Its rage was palpable, and even though it was only a B class yokai, it understood his claim on her in demon terms. Although how this ingrate made it to lower B class is beyond even my vast intellect.
Encouraging the plant to grow, he grabs on and rides it up to the roof along with his bound prey. Stepping off onto the building's ledge, under the cover of the new moon and cloudy skies, he'll be able to interrogate the imbecile without interruption. Grinning with fangs, Kurama gazes evenly at the yokai as it continues to grapple against it's entrapment. "It's no use struggling, the only thing you can hope for now is a quick death, and that depends entirely on any relevant information you provide me." Allowing the vines to loosen enough for it to talk, it growls,
"I've got nothing to say to you, bastard!" A truly sinister smile consumes his face as he intones,
"For now, I suppose. However, if there is one thing you should know, it's that I do so enjoy the chase." Giving a silent command with his energy, the plant begins to secrete a neuroinflammatiory chemical that seeps into the demon's skin, making it cry out in panic.
"What are you doing to me?"
"Only what is required, of course. You made your choice, and now you'll revel in it." There wasn't much more he needed to do, simply wait for the effects to kick in, and unfortunately for them, he won't need to linger for long. Not limited to excruciating pain through his nociceptors, hallucinations from the deepest parts of the psyche, not to mention the slow drain on one's energy. Nothing like feeling your body slowly die to add to all the other ailments. It was truly one of his more heinous creations, the perfect interrogation tool if the ruthless vulpine didn't feel like bloodying his hands. Even more sinister was the fact he still could inflict pain from the outside, and even through the internal agony, the simpleton would still feel it.
Watching dispassionately as the creature begins to writhe in torment, its mind finally being assaulted by pain and fears trapped within. Binding it's mouth closed before it screams, he continues to wait with muscled arms crossed, biding his time until the thing was more amenable to his will. When it's nothing more than a sniveling, wretched mess with a mouth he asks again, "Answer my questions and I will kill you quickly, who do you work for?" Releasing the vines constricting its face, the enchanted fox allows it to choke out,
"A-Azura! Azura sent us!" It can't be… that's far too similar to… but I can't rule it out. Narrowing citrine irises at the weakened yokai, he growls lowly,
"What else can you tell me?" It keens in agony, twisting however it can as it squeals,
"Why… Why am I still alive? It should have activated by now…"
"Oh, you mean the poison? Simple, if it's remotely activated, all you need to do is disrupt the signal, something of which is done quite easily." Grinning darkly, Kurama adds maliciously, "Which means I have all night to get what I need out of you." Stepping forward, he advises, "There's no need to prolong your suffering. Tell me everything you know."
"I- I please… just kill me…"
"Soon, however, there's still something you're hiding from me."
"Ah… hah… even I don't know… what they have planned for you… but one thing is clear…" It grins at him as it admits, "You're still useful to it. It wants to know your strengths… and weaknesses, and doesn't care if you know they are looking." Hearing the ring of truth, and feeling that was all it really knew, the ancient ex-thief's cold luminous eyes narrow slightly as he rumbles,
"We shall see. It's time for you to go, however." Ordering the plants to constrict, he watches coldly as its body is crushed, the vines absorbing the demon's blood back into itself. Striding easily back to the ledge, the monster botanist steps lightly off the edge and lands quietly onto his balcony, the Ga Tojiru Hogosha following and returning back into it's planters. Treading silently back into his apartment, he finds himself unwilling to return to human form, and easily discerns the reason why. Opening the door to his bedroom, cold honey eyes warm as they catch sight of golden locks curling sweetly around the oblivious beauty's resting form. I want to feel her in this form as well. Silver tail swishing behind him, he moves soundlessly to the side of the bed, just watching her sleep for a moment.
(Magia Acapella - Yuki Kajiura)
Pulling the covers back, he slips beneath them lithely, eyes trained on her face for any sign of coherence. Finding none, he lays on his side with an elbow propping his head up, silver ears perking at the small sounds her body makes. Clear lungs, strong heart beat, blood rushing through tender veins. Looking at her right now, vulnerable and weak against anything he could do… He runs fingers tipped in deadly claws along her soft cheek, tracing the shape of her face gently, he can easily imagine blood running down the path he made. Pulling his fingers away, the spirit kitsune considers his dark thoughts carefully as he pulls his fist back to his chest, forcing his claws to bite into his own skin.
The small amount of pain helps clear his mind, gazing down at the wound as it seals up within moments. Licking the blood from his claws, Kurama glances back up at Mina as she sighs gently, a flush high on her cheeks as she mumbles happily, "Shuichi-san… Mmm… That's… Bad for you, y'know…" Smirking, he huffs with humor before murmuring smoothly,
"Dreaming of me already, are you? Or rather my human facade. You so easily attach yourself to others." No… Once again reaching out to touch her skin, admittedly to reassure himself she was real, he recalls their first meeting and her chastisement of him when she saw through his offer for help. She is wise, when she wishes to be. No, this beautiful creature, she… Tenderly sliding the pads of his fingers along her jaw, stopping only when he reached her open lips. Despite the darkness within me, and not truly knowing me, she's trusting me with her life. The calculating fighter feels something stir and tingle in his chest, smirking with a huff of laughter as he realizes what it is. My human heart is reacting, drawing me back into that form. And here I thought I was losing touch with my ningen self.
Knowing he would relent and change back soon, he moves closer to her, tilting her head toward him as he whispers sinfully, "Before this part of me leaves, I must even our odds, despite you not remembering it." Taking in her breaths greedily, the rogue apparition murmurs against her lips, "Stealing from me, the Legendary Thief Yôko, Kurama would normally be punishable by death, for you however… I'll just take back some of what you've stolen." In this form the softness of the delectable siren's lips is amplified, causing the ache in his counterpart to grow. The subtle peach flavor of her lip gloss is much more pronounced now, the velvety texture allowing him to shift and taste more of her. The movement causes her hair to release a bit more of her exquisite scent, forcing a groan from his throat. To his shock, he feels familiar arms wrap around him and pull him against her, the kiss growing more fervent.
Parting softly from her pliant lips, he watches critically as her ocean blue irises appear from under marigold lashes, expression dreamy as she mumbles, "Who're you?" Grinning mischievously, he murmurs against her lips,
"Perhaps a phantom of your dream?" Brushing softly against silky petals, he traps her moan in his throat, prompting a trilling sound to vibrate from his chest. When he withdraws from her for a moment, she whispers sleepily,
"No, dream phantoms don't... have love in their hearts." His lemon gaze expands in awe, a smirk appearing on his face to hide it as Kurama responds quietly,
"Then, perhaps I already devoured some of yours." A warm smile appears on her visage as sunny lashes flutter close,
"If you need it... I have plenty to give. But love is unique… and yours feels like some'n else' I know…" Luminous demon eyes lid halfway, watching as Mina relaxes in his arms again, leaning forward he whispers darkly into her ear,
"If you allow a demon to take from you, it may not stop until you're empty." Marigolds bloom, locking with his tourmaline irises lovingly as she sighs,
"Then take every drop, Shuichi-san." The wickedness within wants to devour her, but it's tempered by his humanity as he enfolds her mouth, pulling deeply on tender lips while she keens. Silver tail flicking in excitement, he pulls playfully on her mouth, rumbling,
"You strain a man's will, Beautiful Child." Leaning back and away from temptation, he gently strokes her soul with his own, adding some charm as he murmurs, "Go back to sleep, it's nothing but a sweet dream now. Your Shuichi will be by your side when you wake." It's been a very long time since he used his charm on anyone, but from her drowsy conversation she wouldn't put up much resistance. Blond lashes beat faintly as she begins to succumb to lethargy, her lips move without breath, but the vigilant warrior can read her meaning all the same. I want to meet you. Smiling genuinely, he replies deeply,
"And you will, someday…" Her body fully relaxes, her arms loosen from around him and flop uselessly by her head. From the sound of her pulse, the little temptress has fallen almost immediately into a deep sleep again. Playing lightly with the golden strands that decorate his pillows, he considers this aspect of humanity. Demons don't kiss, not in the ningen's sense of it. It leaves one's soul open to manipulation. No, they bite, scratch, and claw to mark one another. Mar the others flesh to claim them like possessions. Kissing is something solely invented by humans. Pressing his forehead against hers, another gentle sign of human affection he now appreciates, he closes warming luminous eyes. You are not a possession, no, you are a powerful, beautiful creature with incredibly free will. Showing weakness before such a being is against my nature, and yet… for you, I just might. Allowing his demonic energy to fade, silver strands bleed to red, his larger yokai frame shrinks to a more compact size, emerald irises open to Mina's slumbering visage. Nuzzling his nose against hers softly, he murmurs,
"It would seem you've won every part of me, Mina. And with you I may find my destruction or salvation." Rolling onto his side, Kurama pulls Mina against him tightly, as though afraid she might disappear. His restless soul settles when she unconsciously wraps her arms around his middle, snuggling deeper into his chest and sighing happily. Lightly tangled locks fluff against his bed clothes as she mumbles,
"Shuichi-san…"
"Sleep well… Mina."
_ ~Minako~ _
(Magia Piano slow cover - Yuki Kajiura)
(Passion/ Sanctuary Mree Cover - Utada Hikaru)
The first thing Minako felt was such wonderful warmth, she just wanted to curl up and go back to sleep. She felt so safe, snuggling against the center of the heat adding to her comfort. This is so nice… why doesn't Artemis feel this comfy all the time? That's when she remembers it's not her particular feline that she's cuddling with, and is instead a handsome, kind redhead whose very locks were tickling her cheeks and nose. Huffing out a breath to move the strands, she recalls the strange dream she'd just had, sending shivers down her spine at the memory of his lips. A silver haired fox man was kissing me while I slept. And it felt like Shuichi's love…
Covering her mouth in embarrassment, azure irises widen in surprise, she looks up into his still sleeping face, features soft and unlike his normal teasing countenance. He looks like an innocent child like this. Reaching out, she nearly touches his skin when her hand is captured, emerald gems slowly revealed to her as Shuichi whispers, "Taking advantage of me while I'm sleeping, are we?" Her cheeks explode with color as she stammers, "N-No! I was just- eh, checking to see if you were awake!" Gently squeezing her fingers, he lays them between the two as he teases,
"Oh? So you always test your friends' awareness this way?"
"No! I mean, well, uh, that's-" He chuckles lightly, assuring,
"I was only teasing you. How are you feeling?" Still pinked, the flustered senshi pouts,
"I'm alright, just a little tired still." It's then she feels her heart miss a beat, vision blurring at the edges, causing her to close her eyes tightly and press her hand to her chest. Ugh, this again. Even though I'm not sick anymore, I still get these sometimes. Golden lashes flick open, she's rather shocked by the look of worry across his features, quickly assuaging his anxiety, "Don't worry, this happens sometimes. I just need more rest." And a quick call to Ami-chan. The expression still remains on his face as the sweetheart murmurs,
"What happened? The heart usually doesn't do that on it's own, it's triggered by something." Yeah, the leftovers of a previously incurable disease. Sweat dropping lightly, she mutters,
"Uh, well… it's… um…" How do you tell someone something like this? 'Yeah, I'm not dying now, but just in case, we keep treating the symptoms as they pop up.' I don't want his pity… but he's asking sincerely.
"It's that upsetting, is it?" Her mouth pops open, heart sinking at the sorrowful look in his compassionate forest green irises,
"It's just... it's not as bad as you think-"
"Are you dying?" Although he kept his voice calm, Minako could feel the love in his heart tremble.
"Not anymore. It's a few leftover symptoms from when I did." Shuichi's mouth parts, and she could see his heart dropping as she quickly adds, "I'm better now! And one of my friends is a doctor, so she can help me. Don't look so upset! You'll get wrinkles early!" She squeaks in shock when she's tugged against his warm chest, curling around her as though to protect her from all the evils in the world.
"I'm not worried about my appearance so much as watching you struggle. You truly are a wonder, Mina-san." She hums lightly as she looks up curiously, as though asking what he meant. "My mother also went through such hardships, but thankfully she has recovered. You ladies have incredible strength to go through such pain" His mother? Just the mention of her has his love shining brilliantly, now alerting her to why his love seems to stand out among his dark soul. He cares deeply for his mother… It's… sublime… Unwrapping one arm to touch his face tenderly, she breathes,
"It's… It is difficult for us to suffer through it, but it's excruciating to watch for the people we love. You are the strong one Shuich-san. I bet through the whole thing, your mother was more worried about you than herself." She's awed when the gentle businessman presses his face to her hair, whispering,
"I believe you are right. Thank you for your wisdom. Though you've once again proven my point." Blinking lightly, the snuggly darling meets his gaze as she asks,
"Wait, I did?"
(Koibito ni wa Narenai Kedo - Sailor Mercury Single)
(Girls Instrumental Cover - Katriel Layton)
"It's not important. But I do need to get around for work, even if I would rather lounge in bed and chat with you." The Avatar of Love feels her face heat up from his words, and although innocent enough, could be misconstrued if he wasn't careful. He begins to unwrap himself from her, laughing lightly when she clings to his waist playfully.
"No~! Call in!" Shaking scarlet locks, he gently pulls her arms from around his waist as he rebukes,
"It's very tempting… but I'll have to pass this time, Mina-san. You are a terrible influence, you realize." She plops down under the covers lazily, her face peeking out to watch him chuckle cutely and turn away while she groans,
"But you're so comfy…" Snorting in humor, Shuichi opens the closet door while joking,
"Well, glad to be of service!" Popping up from the blanket cave, the drowsy athlete throws a pillow at the door as he closes it, muffling his laughter, she pooches her lips out while crying,
"Mou! You can be such a tease!" Flushing, she doesn't have to hear much to imagine him changing as he goads,
"Oh? So I'm not a jerk anymore?" Huffing while hugging a pillow to herself, the now perky blond closes an azure eye and retorts,
"You still are! But for now just calling you a tease will do!" Minako blinks when he opens the door, stepping out in a dark brown tailored suit and tie. He looks gorgeous in everything!
(Gentle Scene - Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon)
"I suppose that'll do for now." When he strides out of the bedroom, she hops out of bed with the comforter, dragging it with her as she plops belly down onto the couch. She props herself up on her elbows, swinging her exposed legs back and forth in the air as her temporary chef moves around the kitchenette. Keeping curious irises trained on him, she watches him go through his morning routine of tea, grabbing two cups again and sharing whatever he made with her. When he sees her position on the furniture, he sweat drops lightly before chiding,
"You can't drink anything like that." Sticking her tongue out playfully, the astral warrior corrects,
"I'm talented, so I can drink anything, anywhere!"
"I… highly doubt that Mina-san."
"What, have you ever drank anything in zero G? It's tricky, but doable!" A giant sweat drop appears on his head as he asks,
"Although I'm incredibly curious about the circumstances that lead to that, I also feel it's something I really don't want to know." Chittering mischievously, she responds,
"Probably not, but one of these days you'll probably hear about it anyway!" Smiling lightly, Shuichi shakes his scarlet locks and turns toward the kitchenette. Perking up, she unwraps herself from the blankets and leaves them on the couch, legs wobbly like she was walking a tightrope as she made her way toward him. Tripping on her own feet, she falls forward until strong arms catch her easily, the smell of herbs and wood, fresh cut grass, clean fabric and roses fills her senses as she's picked up lightly and righted onto her feet.
"If it's anything like the daily discord you live in now, I can't even begin to fathom what sort of trouble you found in space." Giggling, Minako tilts her head back to look into inquisitive verdant irises,
"Oh, you know, the typical space pirates that want ultimate power, or some ancient, three headed demonic space dragon that decided to nest nearby our sovereign state. The usual." Feeling his chest shake with laughter made her heart soar, the deep thrumming sound stirring her soul. Sunflower lashes flutter closed in peace as he mutters cheekily,
"Only you would consider space variety pirates and a demon dragon to be casual fare." Humming, she assures,
"There are way wilder things that have happened, but it's probably not appropriate for new-ish friends." That incredibly sexy, mysterious smile appears on his lips again as the sly hottie retorts,
"You needn't fear, I'm no prude. I won't judge you for your past actions." Blinking at him innocently, she wonders,
"Really? Even if I had to raid a Jovian brothel run by snake-women and chase down a blob-like alien that looked like Jappa the Huut completely naked?" He was absolutely quiet for a moment, and for a few terrifying seconds, she thought that maybe she'd actually offended him. Then he pushed the nervous starlet away slightly, turning to the side, enveloping her ears in that delightfully spine tingling hearty laugh of his. She could almost swear she saw a few tears at the corners of his eyes.
"Ah, hah, how in the world did you end up naked?" Shrugging nonchalantly, she beams before regaling,
"Well, like I said it was a brothel and- hey! Don't give me that look! It's not what you think! I thought you weren't judging!" Giving her an incredibly vulpine grin, Shuichi pulls a chair up for her to sit in again as he moves to dig in the drawer with his cute apron, teasing,
"Oh yes, I believe you."
"Ugh, look, just because I'm the Guardian of Love doesn't mean I live a completely debauched life." At least, not anymore! "I had a legit reason okay!" Raising a scarlet brow at her, she pouts back before continuing, "Well, the brothel girls saw me in my senshi form, and well, I guess they really liked the way I looked. So, I'm also assuming they didn't know who I was, and tried to strip me right in the middle of the establishment and everything, other patrons watching and all!"
"Tried, it sounds like they succeeded." Groaning, Minako closes her eyes in embarrassment, shaking both fists in front of her chest while hissing,
"There were too many! I'm not the type of person to kill crazy people just because they're getting handsy!" Pressing his lips together as though holding in laughter, he murmurs,
"I have the feeling there's more." Pausing in her tizzy and beating doe-eyes at her enraptured host swiftly, she glances away bashfully while mumbling,
"Uh, well, this part's a little…"
"I'm waiting."
"Well, I guess they had sensitive noses too, because they were squealing something about smelling my, uh… 'arousal' and worked even harder to get me naked." He chokes on a breath before laughing harder, wheezing,
"You… The Sailor Venus. Fearsome warrior and protector of Earth, was accosted by brothel girls because they wanted a taste of you!" Body bursting with color, the heated celestial grouses,
"Quiet you! You wouldn't understand, it's something I kind of can't help in that form!" Interest piqued, he muses with a playful grin,
"Oh?" Becoming shy, she looks up at him through her bangs with her head bowed,
"You really wanna know?"
"Well, now I'm incredibly curious."
"In my senshi form, as corny as it sounds, the power of love coursing through my body really turns me on. So I'm stuck, the entire time I'm transformed, horny as a dog. It sucks even more when I'm injured, I can't even finish myself off!" Shuichi looks like he's struggling to breathe, leaning against the counter and barking with laughter. Sighing dramatically, Minako huffs,
"I'm glad my problems amuse you."
"You certainly have interesting ones."
"Shuichi-san, you have no idea…"
"I get the sense that I will soon, Mina-san." Watching as he takes ingredients out of the cupboards and fridge, she fidgets on her chair at the island, willfulness pushing her to fiddle with the buttons on her borrowed pajama shirt. "It's alright, you don't have to feel so helpless you know." Perking up at his voice and blinking at him in astonishment, his gentle smile becomes all the more heart warming as he finishes, "You can mix the eggs up if you want to help." She brightens immediately, popping up and down in her chair as she cheers,
"Ooh! Yeah, I got it! We're having them scrambled then?"
"Yes, I thought you might like them that way, if your destruction of the omurice was anything to go by." Puffing her cheeks out, the swift eater grumbles,
"Hey! I remember somebody threatening to take my food away!" The cheeky heartthrob huffs gingerly as he sets a mixing bowl, utensils, and ingredients in front of her while he quips,
"And I recall telling you I wasn't actually going to take it away."
"I know that now, but you should see us girls when Chibiusa-chan around if you want life-threatening food drama!" Leafy green irises glance at her as he tilts his head curiously,
"Really now?" Grinning, she begins mixing the seasoning and eggs together as she guffaws,
"Chibiusa-chan can be pretty bratty, especially when it comes to getting attention, so usually her method of attack involves stealing Usagi-chan's food. Then the two start fighting, and we've been kicked out of a few places because of them!"
"Really? Against a child?"
"Yup, I mean really though, Usagi-chan is still a kid herself. Even if she did grow up physically, she'd eternally stay a child. It's what makes her so fun to hang out with!" Shuichi chuckled lightly, having added rice to the cooker and was working on the fish and soup.
(Nostalgic Soshite Romantic - Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon)
(Hikarisasu Niwa, Illusion - Revolutionary Girl Utena)
"I see. She does sound rather interesting, especially considering you find her entertaining." Smiling brilliantly, the giddy performer chirps,
"Crazy, huh? Honestly, with them it feels more like found family than just friends." She can hear the adoration in his voice as he reveals,
"Hmm, I understand the sentiment. Some of my friends I feel that way with as well." A bit surprised, though with his gentle yet impish nature she shouldn't be, wonders,
"Wow, really? That's so cool! I'm glad you found people like that!" Tone filled with awe and a bit of , but… why? He murmurs tenderly,
"Yes, and from what I hear, it's a rare thing to have."
"Yup! Oh, are you not having natto?" The attentive smooth talker smirks at her while replying,
"If you didn't like mushrooms, I figured you didn't like natto either."
"Aww, you're so sweet! You can have natto though if you want!" Minako's confused when she sees him place a colander full of leafy greens in the sink and wash them.
"That's alright, there are many other things I can have. I keep many vegetables on hand, some of them I've canned myself, so we can play around with the menu a bit. That's the most interesting thing about cooking, adding different ingredients makes the dishes entirely different."
"You make it sound so fun! I just hate the dirty dishes part at the end…" he pulls a bottle of oil from near the fridge and places it on the counter near her, taking the beaten eggs from her.
"Thank you for the help. I do agree, dirty dishes are the worst part of cooking. Here," he apparently grabbed something else while by the fridge. "Could you divide this into these dishes?" It was a glass jar with what looked like vegetables inside some liquid.
"Wow, do you make everything yourself?" Shrugging as Shuichi goes back to the stove, he responds,
"If I can. Not only is it cheaper that way, it's also healthier as well."
"And good for the earth! But do you buy the vegetables?"
"No, my mother has a garden and gives me the excess. She usually gives me too much, so instead of letting it go to waste, I can what I don't immediately use." Swinging her legs back and forth under the chair, the Embodiment of Love smiles gently before sighing,
"That's so great that your mom helps you out." Turning from their breakfast over the heat, he looks incredibly perturbed as he asks,
"Your's doesn't?" Sweat dropping lightly, she laughs nervously,
"Oh, well, I guess they do." Now his beautiful ivy irises are brimming with concern as he gapes,
"You guess? What does that mean?" She spoons out some of the tsukemono, but stops when she feels his heavy stare on her head. Blinking, she's startled by the concern carved into the caring sometimes gentleman's visage, inciting her heart to ache from the earnestness found within him. He's so sweet… yet so infuriating! I've never met such an amazing, mischievous guy like him… There's a ring in her soul, one she's uncertain of its meaning, but makes her feel so light. Cheeks pinking at the slow, but strangely wonderful twist in Minako's heart, prompting her to touch her chest dreamily. At his raised brow, she snaps out of her dreamy thoughts to blurt,
"Uh… Well~ you see…" Ugh, and why does he always ask really hard questions! "My dad helps me out sometimes, but my mom whines about everything!" Doing her best high pitched witch voice, she cries, "Minako, you should study more! Minako, you can't hang out with your friends! Minako, you should buy me this purse, I raised you! Minako, do this, Minako do that, blah-blah-blah. Ugh, she always tells me what to do!" He chuckles lightly, interpreting,
"She only says those things to help you, although it would seem she doesn't quite understand your personality."
"Exactly! She really doesn't know me all that well, her own daughter! And I've tried to do things with her, but she's so annoying! She doesn't listen to me when I try to talk to her." Shuichi looks sympathetic as he advises,
"Unfortunately, some people just aren't capable of having an open mind. Although you can be quite difficult, you realize." Puffing a cheek out, the miffed idol retorts,
"Hey! I'm not that bad!" Grinning at her in return, he explains,
"Not in that sense. However you are incredibly wilful, and many adults expect those younger than them to listen to everything they say without question."
"Pfft! If I did that, my Princess would have died long ago." Watching him turn off the stove, she hadn't even realized the crazily perfect handyman was done cooking until he moved, she was so worked up. He strides to her inquisitively after he grabs two glasses from the cupboard,
"Really?"
"Totally, Queen Serenity wanted to take months of research to react to a threat. I couldn't stand by and watch as something like that grew until it was unmanageable. Yeah, sometimes you need procedures for these things, but bureaucracy takes too much time! Especially when something as precious as her is involved!" He places some tamagoyaki on her plate as well as some fish, granting,
"True enough. So I guess you aren't one for authority then?"
"Yeah, no, that's a definite big no. The police are dumb. The citizens pay good money to keep them employed and they don't do anything! I know they don't, I've worked with them!" Sitting down in the chair across from her at the table, he chortles lightly,
"I see. I thought that might be the case."
"I'm really that obvious, huh?" Taking a bite of the breakfast he prepared, Shuichi swallows and nods, closing his eyes to recite,
"Quite. You were more than willing to destroy business property, threatening your delivery friends, not to mention kidnapping, although non-threatening in nature, is still another law broken. That's in only the four days I've known you." Minako chokes on a bite of rolled egg, swallowing thickly as she cries,
"Mou! I thought we weren't going to talk about that!" Laughing lightly, Shuichi adds,
"I'm only teasing. Truth be told, I myself am not much for authority either."
"Eh? Really! But you're in the computer industry aren't you? That means a lot of rules and regulations right?" After eating another bite, he agrees,
"Yes there are, some of those aspects are tedious, but learning new things is something I rather enjoy." Giggling warmly, she remarks,
"That sounds like my friend Rei-chan. When we were still in school, she actually had the gall to say she came to our study sessions because she didn't have anything else to do! She was studying with us for the sake of studying!" She can feel her whole body flush when he shows her that breath-stopping smile again. It was just so soft, so sweet, but most of all, it's the gentle passion she feels shining from within him that makes her realize what the sense of rightness in her soul was earlier. I… I'm in love with him…
"Ah, a fellow enthusiast then. You've mentioned Ami-san, Tsukino-san, and now Rei-san. You are quite close to them then, I take it?" Heat still prevalent in her ears, the suddenly aware guardian stutters quietly,
"Y-yeah, we are. They are precious to me, along with my other girls." When the gorgeous soul smiles at her again, his gently affectionate expression twists her heart again, her stomach fluttering with her new knowledge.
"I see, I'm looking forward to meeting them." I can't love him… Even while her soul felt like it was torn asunder, she beamed at his genuine interest, one that usually spelled trouble from such a dark soul, but with him… He's not simply evil, he's had to taint his soul to keep himself alive. Wanting to share at least a part of her life with him that wasn't public, she recounts,
"Well, there's also Mako-chan who loves cooking, any excuse she can get and she'll bake for us. Oh! And she loves plants too! Her apartment is full of them!" He looked surprised for a moment, before settling on fondness for her enthusiasm while she continues passionately, "Then there's Haruka-san, she's a race car driver and flies a helicopter to boot, then Michiru-san is a professional violinist and she's the one who helped me get into the idol business, Setsuna-san is an incredibly adept researcher who also has a fondness for children and works in a kindergarten, and Hotaru-chan is Chibiusa-chan's best friend who may or may not actually go on a killing spree if anyone hurt her. Ah, and poor Mamoru-san who lives next door, he's the most normal among us and just has to deal with all of us being so flashy." Shuichi's exquisite laughter graces Minako's ears again, melting her heart further as he catches his breath.
"Now I am incredibly curious about them. And here I thought you would be the most exuberant of the group."
"Nope, we're all pretty crazy, and actually, that's how we all came to be friends! We never really fit in with most people, so we were considered outcasts." He blinks in surprise before inquiring,
"Even you?" Bemused, and drinking some of the matcha, she answers,
"Yup, even me. Although it wasn't as outward as some of the others, I still had problems. Like you just pointed out, I don't do well with authority, so any figures of that sort always had disputes with me." Nodding, the endlessly curious mind eats some of the fish before questioning,
"You said you worked with the police, when was that?"
"Oh, I was 13 at the time." He pauses with shock before wondering,
"You were only 13? I didn't think the law would allow that." Grinning slyly, the impish hero amends,
"Maybe for normal 13 year olds, but not Sailor V!" The astonishment on his face was infused with something she hadn't expected, admiration, adding to the butterflies in her tummy.
"Ah, that explains it." When they finish eating, he puts the dishes in the sink, but before he does them, she cuts in, "Hey, leave them and I'll do them in a bit. It'll give me something non-dangerous to do while I'm stuck here right?" Scarlet lashes flutter as he recalls,
"I thought you didn't like doing the dishes?"
"I don't, but I'm really not doing much right now anyway, so it'll give me something to do!" And~ it'll get me brownie points! And there it is, that absolutely dazzling smile of his. He's gotta stop that or I'm going to have a heart attack!
"Thank you. You will be alright on your own, Mina-san? Should I call someone over for you?" Aww, he's so freaking sweet! Now I wonder how I couldn't fall for him! Outwardly answers warmly,
"I'm calling my friend here in a bit, if you're fine with a stranger coming over?"
"Your health is more important than my privacy, Mina-san. Go ahead." Minako smiles eagerly and chirps,
"Kay! Have a good day!"
"I will. Message me if you have any problems. My number is on the notepad next to the bed." Blinking, she leans around the bar and hangs over slightly, as though somehow able to see through the wall to catch sight of it. Shrugging and deciding she'd investigate later, she replies,
"I will! Sayonara, Shuichi-san!" He waves lightly back at her before he walks out the door, locking it behind himself. Sighing heavily, she stands and huddles back under the covers on the couch warily, flicking her only loose wrist in the air, making the pocket dimension activate. Sorting quickly with her mind, the senshi-on-a-mission finds the communication watch and with slight hesitation, flips it open and calls Ami. It surprisingly didn't take long for her to answer, glasses adorning her heart shaped face appeared in the watch front.
(Girls in Love Won't Stop! - Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon S Ongaku Shuu)
(Silver Millennium theme - Takanori Arisawa)
"Mina-chan, what's wrong? Is there some sort of-"
"Whoa! Slow down Ami-chan! I just… Could you come to me? I can give you the address-"
"No need, I've traced your location already." Sweat dropping heavily, Mina slumps slightly as she croaks,
"Wow, you work fast!" And before she can say anymore, she senses her comrade teleporting into the living room. Standing in a dark blue pencil skirt, white blouse, light blue ribbon around her collar, and topped off with a lab coat was Ami-chan, deep blue hair still trimmed short but looking as pretty as ever. Her expression was serious as she walked over to Minako bundled on the couch. The water warrior came prepared, apparently, as she pulls the stethoscope from her neck and asks
"You've been feeling bad lately?" Sighing, as she knew Ami-chan's good doctor bad doctor routine by heart now, and knowing she was in for the scolding of her life.
"Uh, I lost a lot of blood a few days ago, so I think it might have set something off balance." Wincing in advanced, she still jumped slightly when her friend scolds,
"Mina! I can't believe this! You're already in a precarious state! It's only been a year since you've recovered! You should be more careful!" Ugh, I always feel like she's my mom when she's like this. Pouting at the fierce Mercurian, the blanketed patient groans,
"It's not like I'm trying to die here! I just haven't-" Stopping herself before she blurted anything out, she slumps down for a moment before remembering Shuichi's advice. 'They wouldn't want to see you in pain, would they?' Humming, she continues, "I haven't been sleeping well, Ami-chan. I have constant nightmares, rehashed memories given new, terrifying forms." The furrow between Ami's brows smooth out, pure concern prevalent across her features as she inquires,
(Sad Memories - Sailor Moon)
"Why didn't you say anything? We could have-"
"You guys are all living your best right now. I…" Lapis gems meet night sky blue sadly, smiling with melancholy, "How could I take away any of your peace? Intrude on your happiness?" The water senshi gains a somber look, her hands clenching before her chest as she chides,
"You could never make us miserable with your problems! Mina-chan… you are our family! I may scold you for being derelict in studies, or a terrible patient… but I want you to succeed! I want you to be healthy! If you need someone to talk to, my ears are always open! And if not me, surely the other girls would have no problem helping you!" Minako could feel tears at the corners of her eyes, her heart throbbing painfully all the while her smile grew bright. You guys are the best friends a girl could have. Rubbing the liquid away, she giggles softly,
"Oh Ami-chan! I'm sorry for not sharing this… I just-" Sighing, Ami-chan pads forward and puts a hand to Love's shoulder.
"I understand, you didn't want to be a burden on us. But keeping this from us will only make us worry for you more. We love you too much to lose you Mina-chan." Nodding lightly, she grins before confirming,
"Hai! I won't keep anything from you guys anymore!" Taking her stethoscope pieces and inserting them into her ears, the young doctor answers,
"Good, and let's keep it that way." Blowing warm air on the head of the instrument, she moves the metal gently across Minako's chest, stopping for a few moments at a time before finding another place to listen. After what seemed like a small eternity to the impatient media darling, the guardian of wisdom removes the pieces from her ears and records something in her notebook. "Well, it certainly is arrhythmia with cardiac syncope, and while normally it isn't a problem in most people, it was one of your symptoms before. Thankfully I've studied up on it since then, and we caught it early this time, so all you need to do is take this medicine I'm about to prescribe, along with an iron supplement, and you should be battle ready in a few weeks."
"What! Weeks! Ami-chan, I can't-"
"Oh, but you will, Mina-chan! Doctors orders!" Writing something on another piece of paper, Dr. No-fun continues, "And speaking of secrets, whose apartment is this? Because yours was never this clean."
(Love's Miracle - Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon)
"Hey! I take offense to that! And how do you know I haven't changed my ways!" Giggling sweetly, Ami-chan points out,
"Because I had to scold you about telling us anything and taking care of yourself, so no life changing epiphanies have occurred to you. So that only leaves either you're staying with an idol friend of yours, and considering there's no memorabilia or posters up anywhere, so by process of elimination…" Studious sapphire irises lid suspiciously as they glance down into Mina's. "You're staying with a man. And next to Mamoru-san's apartment, no less." Leaning away from the accusing stare, the Goddess of Love giggles guiltily before chiming,
"I was gonna say something eventually! It just took me a little bit, you know! I've only known the guy for four whole days!" A scandalized look crosses the pure warrior's face as she flushes deeply,
"M-M-Mina~! You can't just stay in a strange man's apartment~! That's just asking for trouble!"
"Oh, don't be such an old noodle, Ami-chan! He's not a bad person at all! In fact, he's the one who told me to talk to all of you about my nightmares!" A look of shock flashes across a nymph like visage before Ami asks,
"Really? Wow, he's smart too!" Pouting hugely at the now far too interested brain of the senshi, Minako grumbles,
"He is. Way too smart. With a smart mouth to boot!" Snickering spritely with her eyes closed, the water wielder teases,
"Oh? It sounds like he's a match for you then!" The athletic performer pauses, honey bangs hiding her expression as she looks away for a moment, humming quietly,
"I suppose so." Minako can feel a heavy gaze on her face before she hears Ami-chan moving around, and before she can consider anything further, she feels her free arm plucked up into small, smooth hands. Blinking, the sunny noble turns toward her blue counterpart as a cuff is placed on her upper arm. The stethoscope is placed on the inside of her elbow as the medical student keeps track of her pulse. After inflating the band and recording the numbers, Ami-chan deflates the cuff and takes it off.
"So what you're saying is you stay here for something other than this guy?"
"Uh, my apartment kind of got blown up."
"Wh-What~! Minako!"
"What?" Gobstopped by the ridiculousness in the statement she supposes, the Mercurian chokes,
"You could have stayed with Mako-chan! I'm sure she wouldn't mind!"
(Sadness Dic BGM- Bob Summers)
"Well, yeah… but…" Mina's cheeks pink while she confesses, "I- Ugh, okay, so maybe I do like the guy! But really I…" Looking away in melancholy, Mina sighs, "I want to protect him, he's so kind and gentle, teasing and mischievous, he's perfect in every way, you'd think he'd have no problems. But his energy is strange, incredibly dark, and yet his love is so sweet and strong! The kind we're supposed to protect. But there are monsters after him, Ami-chan. I don't know why they want him, but I'm going to find out. That's why I was hurt; I was trying to find answers." A dark night sky studies Minako's expression for a moment before breaking out into an indulgent smile.
"You really are alike, you know. You and Usagi-chan. Bravely diving head first into things, even if you know barely anything of the person you're protecting." Ears darkening, the protective fighter puffs up her face as she rebukes,
"All of us do that, even you Miss Brainiac!" Smiling lightly, Ami-chan titters while admitting,
"While that's true, you and Usagi do so with such enthusiasm. That tenacity would be enviable were it for anything else." Sighing while tilting her head, the bed headed blond pouts,
"Hey, I'll have you know my tenacity is one of my strongest points!" Chuckling amiably, the doctor in training agrees easily,
"Yes, it really is. Well, for now you're stable, so I'll write down instructions on what you should take, and when."
"Oh! Could you write me a hospital release too! My studio will fire me if I don't have it! Pretty please, Ami-chan!" Sighing, the Mercurian adjusts her glasses before conceding,
"Oh fine. Give me a bit for that, it'll take a little longer to write that up accurately, considering we'll need to fake those documents…" Winking airily, Minako wags a finger at Ami-chan while she goads,
"You make it sound so scandalous. We can't help it if the forces of evil tend to put us out of commission sometimes!"
"Yes, it does happen. Although, you could have used the healing chamber for this, if it weren't out of commission because of someone..." Puffing a cheek out childishly, she grouses,
"Look, I said I was sorry already! It's not like I try to break everything!" Covering her mouth while she laughs, her sailor sister assures,
"I'm only teasing! Only you would be capable of breaking out of the healing chamber before it's finished when you psychically heard Usagi-chan crying!" All she knew was she heard her princess crying, and although it was over the trauma from the Sailor Stars incident she found out later, what mattered at the time was getting to her precious person. So she willed herself to move.
"I-I thought it was serious! And it's not that hard to get out of!" With a somberness expected of one being told of their impending death, Ami-chan iterates,
"Mina-chan, it disables your neurological functions completely. Medically speaking, you shouldn't have been unable to wake up on your own!"
"Eh, whatever it does, it doesn't stop me!"
"Yes, we found out the hard way when you busted out of it. Thankfully it was mostly finished with the process, so the minor cuts healed on their own without scars." Shrugging lightly, the willful soldier assures,
"Well, even if it left scars I would just look cooler!"
"Oh, Mina-chan… What are we going to do with you?" Chittering giddily, Minako retorts,
"Never be bored! Thanks for everything, Ami-chan! I can really count on you when I'm in a bind!" The gentle smile on Ami-chan's face was so warm, it felt like rays of sunshine after a good rain.
"No problem, Mina-chan. And please, do remember that we will always be here for you whenever you need us, even if it's just to chat for a little bit." Grinning mischievously, the perky prankster jokes,
"Be careful what you wish for, Ami-chan! I might just take you up on that offer!" Minako's ecstatic to see a sweat drop grace calm and beautiful Ami's temple as the she hesitates,
"Oh, you know what I mean! Don't be unreasonable please!"
"I got it! I'm only teasing you!"
"Behave yourself, oh, and here, give this to your new friend. And do not read it! It's for his eyes only!" In spite of the minor pang of jealousy, the blanket bundle sniggers while gasping,
"What! A love letter already? But you've not even met him yet!"
"W-w-w-what~! No! That's not it at all!" A rash dots the prudish senshi's nose, sapphire irises impossibly wide as she squeaks, "I'm your doctor! And as the one housing my patient, I have some instructions for him! Don't be ridiculous, Minako!" Laughing outrightly at her smart friend frantically fanning herself, Minako snorts,
"Alright, don't get your panties in a bunch. I'm messing with you Ami-chan!" A frown turns the corners of the Mercurian's mouth as she chides,
"Mina-chan! You're terrible!"
"Ah, but you wouldn't have me any other way, Ami-chami*!"
"Don't call me that! Oh, you! I don't even know what to say to you sometimes!"
"Just knowing you love me is all I need!" Giggling lightly, Ami-chan scolds,
"You better! Now I gotta get going, I've got an exam in an hour to prepare for!" Grimacing, the study truant waves listlessly at the thought of homework,
"Good luck, Ami-chan!" Shaking her head at the contorted expression on her friends face, the harried doctor titters,
"I may need some on this one! Farewell Mina-chan! And don't do anything rash!" Grinning cheekily, the couch potato teases,
"Don't worry, I will!" Just as her form is fading, the studious tech wizard gapes and squeaks,
"Mina-chan!" And poof! There she goes! Minako laughs spritely, huddling the comforter tighter around herself as she sinks into it deeper, snuggling down into its warmth. And it still smells like him! She feels her heart warm at the thought of him being right about her friends. I'm so stubborn sometimes! I don't mean to be, but I can't help it! Standing and heading toward the kitchenette, she grudgingly washes the dishes, ensuring there isn't any remaining crud on any of the spaces or gaps in the utensils. He keeps everything so clean in here, he'll probably rewash half of this stuff if I didn't get everything out.
Blinking in drowsiness, love's guardian dries her hands and heads back to the bedroom. Closing the door behind herself, she falls noisily onto the mattress, cuddling happily into the pillows as sleep slowly seeps into her.
Author Notes
と
Tojiro 綴じる - Binding
ほごしゃ
Hogosha 保護者 - Guardian; protector; patron; parent . = Ga tojiru hogosha が綴じる保護者 - Binding Guardian (Might be wrong, I don't speak Japanese myself so if it is, let me know!)
Honestly, the first thing I based the plant on is Pete Piranha from Mario XD But then I found this beauty, Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Plants-and-Fungi/Sundews, A sundew have little tentacles protruding from their leaves, and some species are vine like.
*Chami - Tea house. Mina is teasing Ami about their study times, especially when Ami was really cracking down on them in the side story. Ami brought instant tea and sandwiches so Mako didn't have an excuse to take her time to make anything. That's also one of the reasons Ami likes sandwiches so much, she can eat them while studying. And instant green tea? It's got decent amounts of caffeine in it to help keep you awake to study ∗˚(* ˃̤൬˂̤ *)˚∗
Tamagoyaki - literally "grilled egg" is a type of Japanese omelette, which is made by rolling together several layers of fried egg. These are often prepared in a rectangular omelette pan called a makiyakinabe or tamagoyakiki. wiki/Tamagoyaki
Tsukemono - literally "pickled things" are Japanese preserved vegetables (usually pickled in salt, brine,[1] or a bed of rice bran).[2] They are served with rice as an okazu (side dish), with drinks as an otsumami (snack), as an accompaniment to or garnish for meals, and as a course in the kaiseki portion of a Japanese tea ceremony. wiki/Tsukemono
Space Pirates is definitely a reference to Metroid, Demonic Space Dragon is a reference to Desghidorah, aaaaaaand Jappa the Huut is Star Wars. I really can't help myself with references, and honestly, the source materials do it too, so it fits!
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