It was early morning at the Interspecies Cultural Exchange Headquarters in Tokyo, and Yuuto was talking with Agent Smith in her office. He and Vee were seated in front of her desk as the two humans discussed whether or not the slime girl could stay with him, though, the topic was a shorter affair than he had initially anticipated.
''Sure, Vee can stay with you, if that's what you two really want.'' Smith said in an upbeat tone as she smiled at the pair.
Yuuto just stared at her wide-eyed in surprise, while Vee cheered with joy as she wrapped her arms and tendrils around his left arm. ''Wait, seriously? No catch?'' Yuuto asked in disbelief, finding her answer too good to be true.
''I don't see a problem, just make sure she doesn't cause any trouble, and everything will be fine and dandy.'' The raven-haired agent replied before taking a sip of coffee and sighing in satisfaction. ''As far as I'm concerned, she's your problem, not mine.''
''Glad to see that you care so much…'' He retorted sarcastically, staring at her with furrowed brows. ''Anyway, there's something else I wanted to discuss with you.''
''It wouldn't have something to do with that weapon you're carrying, is it?'' Smith asked as she lowered her sunglasses to give him a questioning look, pointing towards the empty space next to him.
Yuuto looked to his right to see Black Lotus suspended next to him by a gooey orange tendril. He retrieved the katana from said tendril before patting Vee on the head. ''Thanks Vee.'' He continued to rub her head as the adorable slime girl looked up at him with joyous eyes. ''Yeah, I got it in the mail yesterday. It's from my father, and I thought it would be a waste not to make use of it.'' Yuuto answered his superior as he stood up and unsheathed the weapon, revealing its dazzling steel blade. Kuroko hadn't missed the fact that he said this with a sombre tone.
''Normally, I'm opposed to using lethal force when it's avoidable, but I'm aware of your background.'' She started, pushing her sunglasses back up, as she pulled out his file from one of her draws, and started to look it over. ''Fifth-dan in Kendo, along with your family's 'technique', I can trust that you could disarm or neutralize an opponent without causing serious injury. Though, I would prefer to see it in action before I can give you the all clear to use your sword on operations.''
''That's understandable.'' Yuuto nodded in agreement at her statement as he sheathed his katana and placed it on the side of his chair.
''Also, I'll need you to fill out this paperwork to get licenced to use it.'' She added as she pulled out a stack of papers that were stapled together, and tossed it in the blonde agent's general direction.
Yuuto caught it effortlessly and quickly looked it over with a vexing look on his face. ''Bureaucracy at its finest.'' He stated in an annoyed tone before rolling it up and placing it in his back pocket. ''Hopefully, it'll be worth the effort.''
''I'm sure it will, but before you go, there's one more thing I wanted to discuss with you.'' Smith said just as Yuuto and Vee were about to make their leave.
''Sure, what is it?''
''How would you feel about dating your squad mates?'' She asked as she propped her elbows on top of her desk, with her hand held together under her chin.
Yuuto went wide-eyed at his superior in shock at her question. ''This is a joke, right?'' He responded, hopeful that it was just Smith trying to tease him.
''I'm deadly serious.'' She replied as she lowered her sunglasses again. ''As you are very much aware, the government and the Interspecies Cultural Exchange have been pushing for amendments that would allow marriage between human and liminal couples, and the eventual abolition of what you affectionately refer to as the 'no touchy' rule. However, they both need sufficient evidence for these amendments to pass, and so far, we only have Darling-kun and his girls as a test case. What we need now is a second test case that will cover romance at the workplace, and I think your team would be the perfect choice.''
''Wait, hold on a god damn minute!'' He yelled in protest as his face went red. ''I've only known Blare and Kasumi for just over a week, and I've barely known Kes and Raia for a couple days at most! How do you expect me to marry one of them when I still barely know anything about them?! Don't I even have a say in the matter?!''
''What's the problem? It's obvious that all four of them are interested in you from what I've seen. Let's not forget that Zombina is practically throwing herself at you, despite you having turned her down already, and need a mention a certain reaper that you seem to have a history with?'' Kuroko replied in a teasing tone and a smirk on her face. ''You have to admit, you've become quite the lady killer. Honestly, I'm surprised that an angry mob of single men hasn't tried to burn you or Darling-kun at the stake yet.''
''Well, I for one am glad that isn't the case.'' Yuuto sighed in frustration as he tried to recompose himself. ''Still can't say that I'm happy about this being forced on to me.''
''Bishie-kun, I'm not asking you to marry one of them straight off the bat, not after what happened with Darling-kun. All I'm asking right now is for you to go on dates with your squad mates, maybe even the members of Squad Alpha if you'd be so inclined. Depending on how successful you are, this could be history in the making.''
Yuuto wasn't very happy with being force into his current situation, but Kuroko was right. The quicker they could prove that healthy relationships between humans and liminals were possible, the quicker they could abolish the stupid clause about humans and liminals not being able to harm or have sexual relations with one another.
''Fine, I'll do it, but I can't promise I'll marry any of them. Who I start a relationship with is my choice at the end of the day.'' He answered begrudgingly.
''That's all I ask.'' Kuroko replied with a sincere smile before pushing her sunglasses back up and drunk the remainder of her coffee. ''I believe that's everything I wanted to notify you of. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a top up on…'' She trailed off as she looked towards her personal coffee machine and she froze in horror at what she saw.
Yuuto looked in the same direction to find that Vee had a tendril in the jar and had absorbed all its contents, that being Ms Smith's precious coffee. ''Oh shit, this isn't good.'' He thought to himself as Vee, who was now a slightly darker shade of orange, removed her tendril from the jar and darted over to him.
''YUUTOYUUTOYUUTOYOUGOTTATRYTHISITSSOBITTERBUTTASTYANDNOWIMSOFULLOFENERGYICANTSTOPTALKINGORMOVINGANDITHINKIMGONNAGETDIZZYBUTIFEELSOAWESOMERIGHTNOWIDONTWANTITTOSTOP!'' The small slime girl exclaimed incoherently as she waved her arms and tendrils around frantically.
''Whoa, whoa, whoa. Take it easy, Vee.'' He said calmly as he placed his hands on her gooey shoulders to try and calm down the now hyperactive slime.
Vee then condensed herself into her blob form and started bouncing up and down energetically, so much so had she could look him in the eye at the peak of her assent. ''BUTLOOKIELOOKIELOOKIEICANBOUNCESOHIGHICOULDFLYICOULDDOTHISFORDAYSITSSOFUNYOUGOTTATRYTHIS!'' She continued without pause as it seemed that she would not tire any time soon.
''Great, I've got an orange caffeine-fuelled Flubber to deal with now…'' Yuuto complained to himself as he watched Vee bounce up and down in front of him.
''WHATSAFLUBBERWHATSAFLUBBERIWANNAMEETAFLUBBERISITAKINDOFSLIMETHEYSOUNDSOCOOLIWANNABEAFLUBBERTOO!''
*Sigh*''Note to self, keep caffeine away from Arachne and Slimes…''
He then looked back at Kuroko to see that she was now enshrouded by a dark aura, and he could feel the anger and frustration radiating from her.
''Kazama, that was my last jug of my personal stash. That was meant to last me the rest of the day…'' She said in a dark, threatening tone, as her sunglasses slid down to show her brown eyes, now full of killing intent.
Yuuto flinched and the sight, and suddenly scooped up Vee and Black Lotus under his arms as he started to make a hasty retreat. ''I got to get going now, got assignments to do, homestays to visit! I'll get you a top up on your stash while I'm out! Laters!'' He exclaimed panicky as he rushed to the door and swung it open.
''AAAAGGGGHHHHH!''
He opened the door to hear the screaming of Zombina, as she fell forward and face-planted the ground. She laid on the ground, motionless, as she let out a muffled groan.
''Zombina?! The hell are you doing here?!'' He exclaimed in surprise at the undead's ungraceful entrance.
The zombie stood up and quickly dusted herself off. ''Hey Beesh, hey Vee.'' She started with a massive grin, as if she didn't just face-plant the floor of Ms Smith's office. ''I was just curious about what your meeting was about, that's all.''
''ZEEZEEZEEYOUGOTTATRYTHISCOFFEEITSAMAZINGITMAKESYOUSOENERGETICANDLIVELYITCOULDSTARTUPYOURHEARTAGAINWOULDNTTHATBEAWESOME?!'' Vee said as she bobbed around in Yuuto's arm frantically.
''Wait, you drank Smith's coffee?!'' Zombina exclaimed at the slime with dread in her voice.
''Okay! Less talking, more running!'' Yuuto yelled as he grabbed the zombie's arm, and dragged her out of the office with him, which caused Zombina to yelp in surprise.
''KAZAMAAAAAAA!''
That was the last thing the trio heard from Kuroko's office as they ran down the hallway for dear life, or un-life in Zombina's case.
''Hahahahaha! Damn Beesh, Kuroko's gonna kill you for this!'' Zombina said in between bouts of gut-wrenching laughter while she was still being dragged along by the human agent.
''Yeah, thus the whole 'running for my life' thing I'm doing right now!'' Yuuto replied, still in a panicked state.
''YUUTOYUUTOYUUTOWHATAREWEDOINGWHEREAREWEGOINGWILLTHEREBEMORECOFFEEIWANTMORECOFFEE!'' Vee said, still hyped up on caffeine.
''Vee, if there's one thing you have to remember above all else, is that you never get between Smith and her coffee, ever. Also, you're on a caffeine ban for the foreseeable future. Dealing with more than one caffeine addict is more than I can handle.'' Yuuto stated sternly towards the slime girl.
''So Beesh, where are we eloping to anyway?'' Zombina asked teasingly with her lips curling into her signature toothy grin.
''Huh?'' He responded with a quizzical look, before realizing he was still dragging Zombina by the hand.
The pair slowed to a halt as Yuuto let go of her hand, his face now bright red with embarrassment. Now free, Zombina took the chance to press her breasts against his back, in an attempt to tease her fellow squad captain further.
''Aww c'mon, Beesh. I was really enjoying that you know.'' She whispered sultrily into his ear.
Yuuto stepped away from her abruptly as the zombie started snickering to herself. ''Very funny Zee, but I've got enough stuff to deal with right now without your teasing to deal with.'' He replied in an annoyed tone.
''YUUTOYUUTOYUUTODOYOULIKEZEEILIKEZEEITHINKYOUTWOWOULD… uuuuuuuurrrrrrrrhhhhhh…'' Vee trailed off as she seemed to have lost the pep she was running on earlier.
''What's wrong, Vee?'' He asked worriedly, looking down on her slightly drooping form.
''Dizzy, tired, can't think straight. Can't hold myself together to well…'' She replied drearily in his arm as her eyes started spinning.
''Caffeine withdrawal will do that to you, Vee.'' Zombina butted in as she stepped in front of Yuuto and patted the slime on the head.
''Anyway, what's the plan for today? I take it we're doing visits together from what Smith said earlier.'' Yuuto said, wanting to get out of headquarters as soon as possible to avoid Smith's wrath until she calmed down.
''Yeah, that we are, Beesh.'' She replied as she checked through the files she had on her. ''First one is Sulphira and the Kaneko family to see how they've managed after the ordeal at the Metropolitan Bank, as well as sort out this whole business of her hair-brained scheme to join MON. After that, Smith wants us to check up on Loverboy and his harem to see if he hasn't died yet, and make sure that no one has gotten laid. And finally, we need to visit Yuuhi Hajime and her family to get her preservatives changed over at the hospital, as well as make sure she's adapting to un-life. Gotta keep a close eye on my little zombie buddy.'' Her lips curled into a sincere smile at the mentioning of Yuuhi.
''I take it you and Yuuhi are pretty close?'' He questioned upon seeing her smile.
''Of course! As far as I know, she's the only other zombie in the whole of Tokyo!'' The red-head exclaimed with a hint of joy.
''Aren't you forgetting about Raia? She's undead too you know.''
''Yeah, but she's walking and talking because of some ancient magic, not a bonified zombie virus like us true zombies. I'm jealous that she doesn't have to worry about getting an artificial heart to pump preservatives around her body to stay animated…'' The zombie explained with a pout on her face, complaining about how easy mummies have it when it comes to the undead. ''But enough about that, we should get started.''
''Sure thing, I just need to give Vee something to drink before we head out.'' Yuuto said as he looked down at the adorable sleeping slime held in his arm. ''Also, can we stop by somewhere on the way to the Kaneko residence? I want to get something for Vee.''
Zombina gave him a quizzical look. ''And what would that be?''
Yuuto, Zombina, and Vee were on their way to the Kaneko residence after their quick detour to the shopping mall, with Zombina at the wheel. Vee was sat in the back, swaying from side to side joyfully, now wearing a newly bought dark blue raincoat and a pair of dark blue rain boots.
''How do you like your new raincoat, Vee?'' Yuuto asked the adorable slime with a smile on his face.
''I love it! Thank you Yuuto!'' The slime girl replied excitedly, her joy being infectious at this point.
''Yeah, it looks great on you.'' Zombina said with a massive grin as she glanced at her through the rear-view mirror. ''But Beesh, I gotta ask.''
''What is it?'' He asked, giving the zombie a quizzical look.
''Don't you think she looks lewder now?''
''…Are we really having this conversation right now? You know she can't wear normal clothes.'' Yuuto replied furrowing his eyebrows at her.
''I know, but it looks like she's flashing herself off. See for yourself.'' Zombina explained while giggling to herself.
Yuuto looked back at Vee, now realising that she had her raincoat wide open. It did look like she was showing off her assets in an inappropriate manner. ''Okay, I see your point, but that wasn't the intent of getting her the raincoat.'' He explained as he reached a hand towards the slime and patted her head. ''I wanted to make sure she had something to protect her from when it rains, speaking of which, I need to get you your own umbrella at some point, right Vee?''
The slime just giggled at the affection she was receiving as she nuzzled her head against the palm of his hand.
''Destination on the left.'' The voice of the satnav spoke as Zombina pulled the SUV to the side of the road in front of the Kaneko residence.
''Looks like we're here. Time to get our work pants on.'' Zombina said while turning off the car engine.
''Right, C'mon Vee, let's go.'' Yuuto said as he got out the car.
'Okay!' The slime girl replied excitedly, doing the same.
The trio departed from the SUV to make their way to the small suburban home that was the Kaneko residence. As they reached the front door, Zombina rang the doorbell, and waited for someone to answer. After a moment, the front door opened to reveal a woman in her early thirties, with wavy, shoulder length hair and dark brown eyes. She was wearing a white knitted blouse, blue denim jeans, and a pink frilly apron on top.
''Hello?'' The woman asked, before her face lit up in realisation. ''Ms Zombina, Mr Kazama, it's good to see you again.'' She said with smile of joy.
''Hey Mrs Kaneko, are you doing well?'' Zombina replied with a massive grin.
''Oh, yes, thank you.'' Mrs Kaneko answered before bowing to them. ''I know I've already said it before, but I can't thank you and your team enough for saving us from those criminals back then.''
''It's no problem, Mrs Kaneko. Just doing our jobs.'' Yuuto replied while rubbing the back of his head, embarrassed by the praise he and Zombina were receiving.
''Please, come in. Make yourselves at home.'' Mrs Kaneko added as she stepped to the side to allow the trio entrance to her home.
''Pardon the intrusion.'' Yuuto and Zombina said aloud as they entered the house and took off their shoes.
''Pardon the intrusion.'' Vee repeated, taking off her own rain boots.
As they entered, Yui came running around the corner to see who had come to visit. She was wearing a blue Sailor Moon t-shirt and white shorts. When she saw and recognised both Yuuto and Zombina, her eyes lit up with both excitement and joy.
''Big Sis! Big Brother!'' The little girl called out to them while running towards the zombie.
''Hey Kiddo!'' Zombina exclaimed with a massive grin before kneeling down and wrapping her arms around the small brunette as Yui practically jumped into her embrace. ''Long time no see!''
''Yeah, way too long!'' Yui replied with a pout on her face. ''What took you so long?'' She continued looking wide-eyed at the red-head.
''Yui, I'm sure that Ms Zombina and Mr Kazama have been very busy with work.'' Her mother answered, somewhat annoyed by her daughter's rudeness.
''It's alright.'' Yuuto interjected. ''Though work has been pretty hectic, if I have to be honest.'' He added, thinking back on how chaotic work had become since Blare and his other squad mates joined up with MON.
''Well, make things at work less hectic next time!'' Yui answered with a cheeky grin on her face, now free from Zombina's embrace. It didn't take the young girl long to notice the orange slime girl standing next to Yuuto. ''Whoa! Big Brother, who's that?!'' She asked excitedly, staring at Vee with curious intent while also pointing at her.
Vee walked up to the human girl with a smile on her face. She stopped just in front of Yui and extended a gelatinous hand towards her. ''Hi, I'm Vee. It's nice to meet you.'' The slime girl said in a chipper tone similar to Tio.
''Hey Vee, I'm Yui!'' The young brunette replied as wrapped the slime girl in a hug. ''Wow! Hey Mom, Vee is so cool and squishy!'' She exclaimed in amazement as Vee gently wrapped her arms and tendrils around the young human with a massive smile on her face.
''Not even a minute, and they're already best buds!'' Zombina said with a massive grin.
''Agent Kazama?'' Yui's mother asked to get the attention of the blonde agent. ''May I ask what the purpose of today's visit is?''
''Of course. We wanted to check how everyone was coping after the incident at the bank a while back. Also, we want to talk to Sulphira about the IAP application she sent us recently.''
''Ah, I see. Well, Sulphira is in the back garden, she's sun-bathing right now. You're more than welcome to go see her, though, she hasn't been herself since the incident at the bank.'' The tone of Mrs Kaneko's voice went gloomy at the mention of her homestay's current state of mind.
''Yeah, Sulphy's been really depressed since the bank robbery. I miss the old Sulphy…'' Yui added in a similarly gloomy tone, while Vee comforted the little girl.
Yuuto put on a brave smile as he knelt down in front of Yui and Vee. ''Well, let's see if I can cheer Sulphy up. I bet she'll be back to normal before you know it.'' He replied to the little girl before patting her on the head for reassurance. He then turned his attention to the slime girl Yui was clinging to. ''Vee, do you mind playing with Yui while we're here? I bet she's know a load of games that you'd like to play.''
''Okay.'' Vee replied in a chipper tone as she unravelled her tendrils from around Yui.
''Really?! Thank you, Vee!'' Yui exclaimed as she squeezed the slime girl again, before letting go of her and taking Vee's hand into her own. ''C'mon, I'll show you all my Sailor moon dolls!'' She continued as she led Vee to her room.
''Play nice, you two.'' Her mother relied as she waved them off with a smile.
''Hey Mrs Kaneko. While I got you here, I've got some paperwork for us to go through while Kazama has a talk with Sulphira.'' Zombina said as she produced a file of papers.
''Of course. Please, take a seat in the living room with me.'' Mrs Kaneko replied as she gestured the zombie to follow.
''Will do.'' Zombina replied before turning her attention to Yuuto. ''Beesh, I'm counting on you to help out Sulphira.''She told him with a wink and a thumps-up.
''Sure thing, Zee.'' He replied with a thumps-up of his own, before making his way to the back garden where Sulphira was currently.
He made his way through the kitchen to the glass sliding door, and opened it so he could go outside into the garden. The garden was made up of a large wooden deck that took up a quarter of the garden area, where there was a small table with several chairs and a parasol. The rest of the garden was a large grassy area with several flowering plants set alongside the fence at either side and at the back, with a set of swings placed half way down. The sky way clear blue as the sun shone down on the garden, and Yuuto found Sulphira sat at the edge of the wooden deck, with her wings spread out to catch the sun's rays, and her tail laid lazily to her side. The young dragonewt was wearing a plain white tank top and a pair of blue denim shorts. She was sat in silence, unaware of the blonde agent's presence, until Yuuto pulled the sliding door shut. Sulphira folded her wings back and turned her head in surprise with a gloomy expression on her face to see who it was, then realising that it was the MON agent responsible for saving her, before her lips curled into a small smile.
''Agent Kazama…'' The onyx-scaled girl said with a blush forming on her cheeks as her mood was slightly brightened by his appearance.
''It's been a while, Sulphy.'' Yuuto replied with a massive grin and a wave, teasing the girl using her cute nickname.
Sulphira pouted at the mentioning of her nickname given to her by Yui. ''I told you not to call me that, Kazama.'' She responded with a huff.
''Sorry, couldn't help myself.'' Yuuto said as he rubbed the back of his head, before making his way to the dragonewt girl, and taking a seat next to her. ''So, how are you doing? I know you've been through a lot recently.'' He added with a hint of concern.
Sulphira looked away from him and hung her head in shame. ''Not good, if I have to be honest. What happened at the Bank has had me questioning a lot about myself. My confidence, my pride, hell, even the reason why I'm taking part in the exchange program at all. I'm a member of the proud dragonewt race, and I couldn't even put a stop to a bunch of petty thugs. I have no right to call myself a true dragonewt…'' Tears were welling up in her eyes as she berated herself, feeling that she had let herself, and her people down, until she felt a hand rest on her shoulder, giving her a comforting squeeze. She looked up to see Yuuto looking straight at her with a concerned look on his face.
''Sulphira, you have nothing to be ashamed of. I don't blame you for getting scare and feeling helpless in a situation like that. Hell, even I'd get scared if someone was pointing a gun to my head. Honestly, I think you're being too hard on yourself, considering the circumstances, and you have every right to call yourself a proud member of the dragonewt race.'' A sincere smile formed on his lips as he reassured her, keeping his hand on the dragonewt's shoulder.
''Kazama…''
Tears were now trailing down her cheeks as a floodgate of emotions finally overflowed. She lunged towards the human and wrapped her arms tight around his chest and pressed her forehead against the crook of his neck, as she started to sob uncontrollably into his shoulder.
''Hey, it's okay. Let it all out'' Yuuto said as he wrapped his arms around her and placed a hand on the back of her head, as he started to stroke her hair in an attempt to comfort her.
The pair stayed like that for a while as Sulphira continued to cry her eyes out as if a damn had burst open. She had very little confidence in herself since the incident, and she wondered whether she truly could ever get over it. But here, holding her in their arms, was someone willing to overlook her flaws, and tell her that everything was going to be alright. No one, apart from her own parents and her host family, has ever gone this far out their way to comfort and reassure her when she was in doubt of herself. Eventually though, her tears ran dry, and she lifted her head to look Yuuto in the eye with a sad smile on her face.
''I'm sorry. It's just that I've been keeping my insecurities to myself, and I…'' She was cut off as the human pressed a finger to her lips.
''There's no need to apologies. I get that you're not feeling very confident in yourself right now, but we can get past this.'' Yuuto said as he removed his finger from her lips with a sincere smile.
''Yeah, and that's why…''
''...why you want to join MON?'' He interrupted the young dragonewt once again.
Sulphira's eyes widened in surprise. ''How did you know?''
Yuuto's face took on a more serious look. ''I read the IAP application form you emailed to the ICEP. I admire that you want to better yourself, but I think joining MON is too dangerous for you.''
''But I can't just sit here and do nothing when people need help!'' She protested, feeling like she was being treated like a child.
Yuuto got up and stood in front of the dragonewt. ''I get that, but from what I've seen, you have no record of any combat training. Do you really think the higher-ups would hire an untrained civilian onto a special-ops team?''
Sulphira averted her gaze from his for a moment, before shaking her head in reply.
Yuuto sighed to himself before he continued. ''Listen, I know that you want to help people, but there's more than just fighting the bad guys.'' He said as he crouched down until he was at eye level with her. ''We can get you an IAP if that's what you really want, but I have a much safer idea than MON that you could do, that is, if you're interested.'' He added as a smile crept onto his face again.
The dragonewt looked Yuuto in the eye once more, her green eyes now full of hope. ''Of course, I'm interested.''
''Okay. How would you like to work for the exchange program?''
''The exchange program?'' She questioned with a look of confusion.
''Here's what I'm thinking. We've got enough special ops agents to deal with the current rate of liminal criminal activity, but what the ICEP needs is more people to help with building up relations between humans and liminals. There are a fair number of liminal exchange students right now that are finding it hard to cope with the new environment they find themselves in, and with your experience as an exchange student yourself, I think you would be a great help with helping other liminals adapt to human society. I've had a word with your coordinator, Ms Smith, and she says that it would be a great idea. What do you think?''
Sulphira sat in silence for a moment as she pondered over the proposal Yuuto had offered her. It was a far cry from what she initially intended, but he had a point. She would still be helping other liminals and help build up relations at the same time, all without putting herself in danger. Finally coming to a decision, she gave the agent her answer.
''Alright, I'll do it.'' She replied with a smile.
''Great!'' Yuuto replied ecstatically, happy with her answer. ''Now, all we need to do is sort out a job application, get you an interview, and with a bit of luck, you should get the job.'' With that, he stood up straight, and offered a hand to the onyx-scaled dragonewt. ''Let's head back inside and get it all sorted, shall we?''
''Let's.''
That was all Sulphira said before taking his hand. As Yuuto helped her up, she was reminded of the time that he saved her from the Yakuza ringleader, reminded of how calm and courageous he had been in that situation, and of how caring he was for her, despite the danger they were in. Sulphira had never been in love before, but if there was one man she could develop feelings for, it would be him. With that, the pair made their way back inside, her future all the brighter.
After about an hour, all the paperwork had been sorted, and the concerns of both Sulphira and Mrs Kaneko had been alleviated. With everything in check, the human, zombie, and slime trio made ready for their departure.
''Thank you very much for all your help today.'' Mrs Kaneko said as she bowed to the group. ''I hope to see you all soon.''
''Happy to help, Mrs K! It was nice seeing you all again!'' Zombina replied in her usually boisterous tone and with her signature grin.
''Bye Vee! Come play again anytime!'' Yui exclaimed with a massive smile while waving her hand frantically.
''Bye bye!'' The slime girl replied, mimicking Yui's movements.
''Yeah, see you again soon.'' Yuuto added as he put his shoes back on.
''Oh, Kazama. One more thing before you go.'' Sulphira said as she made her way to him.
''Sure, what is it?''
As she reached him, Sulphira wrapped her arms around his chest and pulled him into a hug. ''Thanks again for everything. You've been a real lifesaver.''
''No problem, Sulphira.'' He replied with a blush as he stroked her hair for a moment, before breaking off the hug and followed Zombina and Vee out the front door. ''Take care of yourself.'' He added with a wave of his hand.
''See you soon, Kazama.'' She responded with a smile and a blush on her cheeks, waving back at him.
As the front door closed, Yuuto caught up with Zombina and Vee as they made their way back to the SUV,
''Damn Beesh, you really are a miracle worker, aren't ya?'' Zombina asked with a sincere smile.
''Well, I try. Just glad that I was able to help her.'' Yuuto replied with a smile of his own. ''Anyway, it's Kimihito's place next, right?''
''Yep! Possibly some free grub too knowing Loverboy!'' The zombie added as she rubbed her stomach in anticipation.
''…I should've known you'd want free food. You're getting as bad as Smith in that regard.'' He sighed as he hung his head in defeat.
''I get to meet Suu too, won't I?'' Vee asked with her feeler shaped like a question mark.
''Sure. Will be the first time I've seen slimes interact with each other. Should be fun to watch.'' Yuuto replied as the trio entered the SUV. ''Anyway, how was your time with Yui today?'' He asked as he buckled up his seatbelt.
''It was super fun, plus I learned a lot of cool stuff.'' Vee answered excitedly.
''Oh, like what?''
The slime girl started to do one of the poses the Sailor Scouts from Sailor Moon did. ''By the light of the moon, I will punish you!'' She exclaimed with a cute wink.
''You know, she's gonna do that all the time now, right?'' Zombina said teasingly as she started up the car.
''Please don't encourage her…'' Yuuto pleaded, for the sake of his own sanity, followed by the zombie laughing her ass off.
''You know it's cute. Anyway, ready for the next job?''
''As ready as I'll ever be, concerning that madhouse.'' Yuuto replied with a hint of dread in his voice.
''Madhouse!'' Vee shouted excitedly, waving her tendrils joyously.
With that, the SUV pulled onto the road, and started to make its way to the now infamous Kurusu residence.
A/N: Well, that took longer than expected. Writer's block can be such a pain to deal with, even if you have a general idea of how you want the story to go. This is just the first half of the visits Yuuto and Zombina are doing, so that will be finished off in the next chapter. Also wanted to try my hand at how slimes would react to an excess amount of caffiene, plus with Orange Slimes not being official, I thought I'd have some fun in giving them the ability to condense themselves to the point that they become rubbery and bouncy, so that'll be fun to take advantage of in future chapter. Can't you tell I loved Flubber from when I was a kid? Anyway, thank you to everyone that has followed and favourited this story, as well as all the review and suggestions everyone has made. Getting really close to 9000 views (don't worry, I won't make a Over 9000 joke). As always, thank you for reading.