Standard Disclaimer
Well Halloween has come and gone...and this year it was a rainy/snowy mess that saw me missing all the cool things I wanted to do. Sucked. Work is slowing down thankfully, but a new project is already hinted at and its a doozy of Micro Services...joy? Things are...getting a little better!
X-X
On Angels' Wings
Chapter – 4
Not really knowing how to use the camera in his hands to well, Touji did his best to honor Kensuke's wish. Filming the upcoming fleet, he didn't keep the finder on it for long, to interested in the Shinji/Musubi front with the undercurrent of Misato. Sorry Kensuke, but attractive women look better on camera than some old boats. Leaning back from the window, turning off the camera and setting it on the cabin floor, "So, why so many ships? Wouldn't one be enough?" Touji wondered aloud.
"Safety precaution, Suzuhara-kun. If an angel were to attack we'd need the fleet to defend it. Well, more to power Unit-02 as it defended itself. But let's hope we don't have to deal with that," Misato replied. Holding onto the strip of leather from the ceiling, she turned back to face the trio and tried not to laugh. Blinking her eyes rapidly at Shinji, pointing at the lad, a giggle did escape, "Shinji-kun did we forget something this morning? I know I haven't been paying much attention this morning, Miya was a bit insistent I get her a set of your vitamins. But why…?" She gestured to Musubi's rather odd attire.
Face fully flush, Shinji stammered a bit, starting and stopping a few times before just dropping his head. He didn't notice Touji pulling out the camera again and started recording. With the oblivious Musubi at his side, Shinji tugged on his collar, "Matsu-san said she'd help pick out a good outfit for the day. I thought it would be some of the new clothing we bought…not…t-this."
"It's so cute! I look like I go to the same school as Shinji-san!" Musubi was just her typical happy self. Clad in a school uniform one size too small for her, making ever feature pop out and the seams strained to contain her frame, a fetishized image to many, but Musubi was quite happy with the impact on the lad to her side. Holding his hand, "It would be fun to actually go there with you. Think I could once or twice?"
Tilting his head to the side, Touji put the camera back down, "Wait, you don't go to school? You're what, two years our senior right?" Something about this did seem just a little strange to the jock, but he put this up to Nerv secrets. Musubi appeared sixteen to eighteen, but with the baby face she had it was hard to tell for sure. Some of what Musubi said was just strange, but again he hardly knew the girl so it was just an odd personality quirk. Naïve for sure, oblivious to how her body impacted Shinji, and totally unmindful to others around her, Musubi was a strange girl. Made Shinji happy, so Touji was happy for both of them. "I mean, where did you two meet if not at school?" just how DID these two meet again? Did Shinji tell him and he forgot?
"I fell on Shinji-san! He caught me and I ran away from some people chasing me. They're actually nice people though, they just wanted me because I was un-winged at the time," Musubi said simply and weaved back and forth in her seat. Both Misato and Shinji's eyes widened and quickly went into containment mode. Misato started coughing loudly, getting Touji's attention, and when he turned back saw Shinji whispering to the girl. Man, this was outside of Touji's ability to grasp. "I mean, they didn't know I wasn't in a relationship and wanted to recruit me."
Unable to meet Touji's gaze, a tell Touji learned that Shinji wasn't being wholly truthful, "Twins were trying to get more girls to work handing out leaflets for a maid café. Musubi was hurrying away and fell on me. Then we just left them behind. Hikari and Hibiki-san can be awfully forceful when money is involved." More names, more corrections, and more distractions. The longer the flight went, the more inconstancies piled up. Just the why, Touji didn't get. Why was Musubi's past so much a guarded subject.
Last name, family, where she lived, and so many small questions Touji asked got cut off or sidetracked by Musubi's handlers. For the life of him, Touji's attempts to learn about the girl just was met with a wall of silence or stutters. If he cared more about such things it would bother him, but those questions were more leading questions to the ones that Touji really cared about. Feeling the helicopter start to descend towards the lead ship, "So how far you two go? If ya don't want to talk bout how you met, Shin-man you said you're dating…been a few weeks now…you two…" He winked a few times hoping Misato didn't hear…something's you had to ask outside of adult supervision.
"T-that isn't something you should ask. It-it is private," Shinji found his focus on the floor and the hand holding his. Patting the top of it, Musubi still wore her gloves but those fingers wiggled contently.
As privacy was not a thing Musubi believed much in, what little Shinji's answer tried to cover she added. "Dating? We're much more than that! He's my beloved Ashikabi-sama! I'd do anything and everything to make him happy! Uzume-san keeps giving me cute cloths like this that she say's will really…get his blood boiling. Does it? Is boiling blood a good thing?" Musubi turned to Shinji and nearly smacked him with her contained bust, the clothing strained from the twist and a button popped showing the lad a private view that left his eyes bugging open.
Opening his mouth to ask just what the hell an Ashikabi was and further details on 'anything', Touji was cut off by the pilot this time. "Alright, we're making our final approach so strap in, and hold onto something. And thank you kids for a very interesting flight, Katsuragi been fun as always," the man turned back to his duty. Touji had noticed from time to time Misato and the pilot chatted like old acquaintances. Not necessarily good friends, but friends to some degree, old co-workers that took different paths in life.
By the time the whirlybird was silent, Touji had noticed Shinji had actually sewed the button back on. Oh he looked just about ready to die, but he accomplished his task. Hard not to sew a button onto a shirt in the position that it needed without touching a certain body part, considering their size. With how little Musubi cared, meant she was alright with the lad accosting her! Go Shin-man, hit that double! Giving the pair a moment, Touji wasn't devoid of a sense of the romantic, he hopped off first and trained the camera on Misato's firm thigh sticking out from her sadly long skirt. That was until a gust of wind billowed and his 'Misato-san date hat' flew off his head.
Knowing Kensuke would cut him off from digital entertainment if he broke it, Touji carefully set the camera down before taking off. "Somebody stop that! My sister picked it out for me!" Touji screamed as he ran. People turned to his yell, but didn't do anything! Jerks, they just watched him run by. Couldn't they stop whatever dumb thing they were doing to help a man in trouble! Mari and her new friend picked this hat out for him, Touji really needed to talk more to the hottie that befriended his sister. "Hey you!" he yelled at the girl ahead…why a girl was on the ship he didn't care, "don't let it blow over the side!"
Stomping on the hat, not catching it, "Show some maturity and don't scream, idiot!" the girl's haughty tone grated on Touji's nerves instantly. Grinding the ball of her foot onto the hat, she trapped it down and didn't bother to bend over to get it. That same annoyed tone asked, "Please tell me you aren't the Third Child, are you?"
"Bitch get off my hat, you're going to ruin it!" Touji fell to his knees and tried to pull the hat free. Fucking cunt was putting her whole weight on his cherished present! Mari couldn't leave the hospital, hardly leave her room! So when she told him she picked this hat out from her trip to the gift shop, Touji put every effort to preserve the thing! Tugging, but not to hard, he tried to free it, but it would rip if he tried to hard…going to get this girl!
The clacking of heels on metal deck, and the odd squeak Musubi's shoes made, announced the others approach. "No, that would be Suzuhara Touji, friend of the Third Child. This is Shinji and…" Misato gasped as Touji flew backward hat in hand.
"Who the hell is that?" the red-head pointed at Musubi with a growing sense of disgust. Drawing back from the ill-dressed yet mentally stirring Musubi (hell Touji felt bad about his reaction to Musubi's sexy as hell outfit), "Don't you know any shame girl?"
Getting off the ground, dusting off the hat and glad it wasn't ripped anywhere, Touji put it back on and ground his teeth tightly. "How about you tell us who the hell you are, huh? You nearly ruin my sister's gift, start screaming at us, and now acting all haughty? Who the fuck are you?" Touji poked his finger harshly in the girl's direction.
"Asuka Langley Soryu, the Second Child, Suzuhara-kun," Misato filled in the missing info. Asuka for her part, just puffed up her chest and held her head up high and chin out, as if she was posing for an Olympic statue. Then as fate would have it another gust of wind just had to spice up the meeting. Both Musubi and Asuka's lower cloth confines billowed upward, and Touji found both Shinji and he had different reactions. Shinji went to pull Musubi's skirt back down saying something about modesty, while Touji just got a full view of Asuka's choice in panty.
"Pigs! You have to pay for a view like that!" Asuka said hotly as she fixed her own clothing. What happened next would forever be burned into Touji's mind. Asuka smacked him, then Asuka smacked Shinji, then Asuka hit the deck hard. It wasn't that she fell, it was she was smacked down into the deck hard and rolled away from the quartet of visitors from Tokyo-3, clutching at her face, "What the fuck?! Who is that brute! Did you not hear who I am, bitch?"
Standing between Shinji and Asuka, Musubi dropped into a fighter's posture and Touji could hear the telltale sound of cloth tearing. Thumbing her nose, fists bouncing, "Nobody hits Shinji-san in my presence! I will protect him from all threats! Are you still a threat?" How quickly Musubi went from slightly ditzy to fully focused and dare Touji think scary was less than a second!
"Musubi-chan stand down, Soryu here isn't a threat, and just a bit embarrassed is all. How are you, not hurt are you?" Misato rushed to Asuka's side and helped the girl to sit. A small reddish stain marred the foreign girl's lips, blood. Pulling Asuka back up to standing, Misato turned to see Shinji and Musubi away talking hotly, Musubi pointing at the girl that had the gall to hit Shinji. Bowing lightly to both Touji and Asuka, "Musubi-chan is Shinji-kun's bodyguard, and she takes her job VERY seriously. Her outfit is a bit of a joke a friend of hers played on her. Musubi is…focused on her task to the detriment of other things."
Gingerly checking her chin, wiggling it with a grimace, Asuka nodded a little at that. "Would have been nice if you told me that before you got her, Misato. Girl hits like a truck. Guess I did overstep myself, only that pig looked at me, that one did try to cover things up. S-sorry," she didn't sound to sorry, more wanting to move past her shame.
"Yeah, Musubi-san would end you if you actually fought, you hit the ground like a bag of potatoes," Touji felt that was enough shame to heap on the girl. At first his pride needed its own piece of revenge, but seeing how easily Musubi put the girl in her place, that was enough. Getting wholloped upside the head is one thing, getting slammed to the ground is another.
Leading Musubi back to the group, Shinji had an odd emotion on his face, a mixture of firmness and another hinting at…attraction? Touji didn't know, Shinji only had a few facial tics and the one he saw now were mostly alien. "Musubi-chan, what do you say?" the reproachful father admonished his daughter.
"I'm sorry. I thought you were going to actually attack Shinji-san. But you're not from the island, so you're not a threat," Musubi bowed. But again Touji could see she was spying Shinji the whole time. When he nodded and patted her back, that insane smile was back and the bounce back in her step, and Touji saw the skirt was torn in several places…how strong was Musubi to rip that clothing with such a simple gesture.
Flinching her head to the side hear, sending her hair over her right shoulder, Asuka's pride was still flared up. That indignity still there at her defeat, "Whatever, Kaji-san said to take you to the galley to wait for him. If you two can keep from making a scene on the deck…or elsewhere on the ship I'll take you there." She waited exactly two seconds before walking off leaving the visitors the choice to follow or join them.
"That was…she's…are all you pilots strange?" Touji asked after retrieving the camera from Misato. Their hands touched briefly and Touji's heart leapt up in his chest. Women had such soft hands! This trip just got infinitely better! They kept a safe distance from their guide, they walked through the ship.
Holding the door open to the inner corridors to the ship, Misato gaze fell on Shinji and softened, "Not strange at all, Suzuhara-kun, they have strangeness thrust on them is all. And in the future Musubi, no attacking a Child unless Shinji-kun or I say it's alright?" Misato fell in step with the teenagers but stayed more behind Musubi now, waiting for the acceptance of orders.
Musubi did, but Touji somehow doubted she would remember such an order if Shinji was ever hit. Girl was, to every indication, fully in love with his buddy! Touji was going to pry and pry and pry more info out of Shinji when alone. His buddy was, if not already, going to be tapping that bodyguard of his! Finding the annoying girl sitting at a table, they joined and made small talk. More they talked among themselves and Asuka said a few rare cutting remarks and nearly threatening ones!
"Sorry for the wait, had to talk with the captains about getting the power cords working to code," a suave man said with a wink and a pleading gesture. Touji didn't have to ask who it was, as Asuka squealed out like a fanclub member 'Kaji'. Now this was a dangerous man, the type that he saw in all those stupid porn movies of the woman snatcher! Sitting down next to Asuka, Kaji blinked a few times at Musubi, "Wasn't expecting you to be the body guard, and you are the illustrious Third Child!"
Pointing at Musubi and then himself, Shinji was noticeably worried, "Um…hello. Y-you know about us? I thought are identities were secret." Both Misato and Asuka were not happy to see Kaji's focus, Touji did not like seeing Misato so focused on another man. A guy could hope right, but that sneer was one of experience.
"Of course I know about you. You're quite famous. Highest initial sync score, first mission scoring a kill. Your name is well known…your body guard not so much. But I hear you're living with Katsuragi. She still a demon in the sack?" Kaji winked again and smiled at Shinji hoping to get a small reaction.
As Misato's jaw dropped, Asuka's eyes grew in size, it was Musubi that spoke first and all hell broke out after. "Yeah she is! If she gets in bed before I do she snuggles real close to Shinji-sama! I want to hug him when I sleep like she does, but if she gets him first I can't pry him out!" Musubi's joy and small glimmer of remorse made it impossible to disbelieve. They were all sleeping in the same bedroom?! Shinji slept with both of them!? Touji just pointed and couldn't speak, Kaji's hand fell to his side, and pandemonium opened. In the end…Misato was dragging Musubi with her after Kaji to explain things, Touji followed.
X-X
Throwing her hands up in victory, Matsu fell onto her back brace and let out a shrill whoop of adulation. While she didn't do anything herself to garner the win, she was vested nonetheless as she was slowly starting to realize her mild fixation was slightly…well maybe more than slightly…now massive fixation on the young Ikari leading to something. Seeing Unit-02 leap out of the water and fall pathetically onto the deck of one of the remaining ships was the relaxing of her heart and mind. He was safe, humanity was safe, and no harm was done! Arms still extended behind her, Matsu got a good whiff of her underarms and blanched. Oh yeah…how long had it been since she left this room?
A light rap on the hidden door to her attic abode signaled the end of Matsu's adored private time. Not waiting for the acknowledgement, it opened flooding the room with horrid and evil light. "Matsu, I've your lunch. Are you dressed this time?" Miya asked. Effortlessly climbing up with one hand and with a weight around her neck, Miya let Kuu-chan down gently. Kicking the empty food containers, magazines, and…well Matsu wasn't a clean person…clearing a path for the barefoot child, Miya scoffed. Covering her nose with her kimono scarf, "Really, going to have to spend a whole day up here to clear out the smell. When this room was made for you, it wasn't so you could create new nauseating odors. And what is that?"
"That is footage from one of MBI's hidden space satellites. Turns out our newest residents little trip hit a snag. It was attacked by one of those angels, and two new players have entered Nerv's game," Matsu pulled up a few choice images. Overlaying the live feed of the ships, Matsu showed images of a girl identified as Soryu Asuka and a man Kaji Ryoji. With the angel attacking the resident hacker hadn't had time to search on them yet, something for later. Playing the footage of Shinji and Asuka's first meeting, she snickered, "Bet that had to hurt, right?"
Gasping loudly, hand going to her chest, Miya approached the monitor growing a small scowl. Finger pointing at Musubi, "I knew I should have saw to her clothing before leaving! That is hardly acceptable for normal wear. Did you know she left the inn in that! My word…its lewd. And that young Soryu shouldn't attack others for things not their fault. It shows bad form." Handing the food over, Miya reviewed a few more screens compliments of the fleets' inner cameras. The talk about sleeping arrangements, the great hunt for Kaji and Misato explaining herself, and she quickly turned around once Shinji donned the female plug-suit, "Really must you have that footage?"
Yes, yes she must have that footage! It was going to be pivotal for some of her video editing projects! Replaying the scant few seconds of Shinji fully disrobed and quizzically stepping into a suit meant for a svelte girl, if she paused the feed at certain times she could clearly make out his…oh yeah Miya was there and watching. Shutting off the tasty footage, "Curry? You only make this when you think your little friend is coming over. And talking about lewd, you dropped your rules pretty quick for that Katsuragi…starting to thaw?" She needed the topic to change from her healthy and not perverse ideas about the younger male living at the inn…and the only human that she resonated with.
"The scum likely will be here for food today, it is his typical pattern. As for your comment…" Miya gently touched Matsu's shoulder. When the bespeckled girl reluctantly turned, the mask of terror was clearly shown. Leaning in close, "What are you inferring about me dropping my rules AND my association with Misato?" Matsu could clearly see Miya's hair vibrating out in agitation and fury. Yeah, stepped over her bounds on that one.
Thankfully Kusano came in with the save, left to her own devices in an attic full of things a kid her age shouldn't have, she HAD to go exploring. Finding Matsu's stack of tasteful and for research purposes only magazines, she pulled one out and brought it over to have it explained. Still not talking much, she did show her curiosity with her eyes and actions. Opening the magazine, only a little crusty, she pointed to a photo (which was being used in one of Matsu's projects), and waited for explanation.
Both 'adults' looked at the picture, a smaller man with something of a cannon and a reddish orange haired girl were shown mid-coitus. Miya went into defense mode and gathered up the book and Kusano in one fell swoop of her arms. Tossing the nasty thing away as if it were poisonous, "That is not for one your age, Matsu. Don't leave them around for Kuu-chan to find. And is your fixation growing to the point I might need worry about you acting on it? Speaking of the young Ikari, have you any more information?" She cradled Kusano protectively yet adorably at her side, Kuu-chan thankfully accepted this and quickly fell asleep.
Glad that the oni visage was gone, Matsu nodded quickly, always placate the boss! "No need to fear, just having fun is all. Watching those two is getting boring since they've made no progress anyway," she blatantly lied. Oh how Matsu had plans in plans to gauge her fixations tastes and likes, Musubi was going to be crucial to those plans. Picking at her food, always better than the instant food she subsided on when left alone, she pulled up some of her recent spying results. "Got a lot really. It's all over the place though. I found a little about Shin-tan, his parents, what Nerv is doing, and a little more about your Misa-tan," Matsu was not a wise girl. But something in how Miya reacted to these two new borders got her thinking…when was the last time the original Discipline Squad leader backed down?
"His parentage, what could you have learned that you already hadn't found?" Miya paced a little. It was to keep the youngest Sekirei among them asleep, Miya was averse to dragging the child into anything if possible it seemed. Kicking more of Matsu's mess about, making order out of the chaos she was sweeping with her feet.
Adjusting her glasses, Matsu felt that swell of pride in her work get stoked. Being a more show and not tell type of person, Matsu pulled up aged documents, blurry images, and other thought destroyed bits of evidence. "A lot of this was hard to come by and from sources hardly anybody would think of. But his mother, she has two living siblings. One in Australia and another in Europe somewhere, no children themselves leaving Shin-tan the lone heir of the Ikari name. Now his father…this is where things get interesting. Originally Minaka then Rokubungi Gendo after his parents separated…name familiar?" Matsu was stunned to learn that herself.
Laying Kusano on the cleaned daily bed, Miya hummed worriedly, "So they are related then? That is troublesome. Having both men associated to horrible pursuits. Have you tried contacting those relatives? And why do you have that look about you? Seriously such perversion lies behind those eyes, just what are you thinking?" Miya floated back over to Matsu's bay of computers screens with those blurry images, "Is that his mother?" Miya gestured to a hard to make out image of a woman with short brown hair.
Wondering if it was jealousy she was hearing in Miya's voice, Matsu had enough self-preservation instinct to not mention that. Unable to clear up the image any better to give to the young man as a gift, she bitterly nodded, "Yeah. Compliments of a hotel…where she stayed with one Hiroto Minaka. And from the date…it is conceivable that he could be Shin-tan's father. I only found one such event…records don't have stories sadly and I've plenty of equally blurry images of Gen-tan and her…with them being brothers…we may never know unless we ask them directly."
"Who cares," Miya said hotly and actually leaned over Matsu's keyboard and closed all of those images. A growing energy was radiating out of the owner of the Izumo House. "Either they had one moment or they didn't. It does not change the fact the poor woman is gone, and either man would be a horrible father. Look deeper into that. Now…when was the last time you bathed?" Miya blanched again as the smell overcame her.
Laughing unevenly, Matsu didn't have an actual answer for that. She'd been a bit lax on her hygiene as of late. "I'll take one later today, feeling the need myself," starting to sweat as Miya leaned closer, she panicked and looked for an escape. Finding one in the hidden cameras outside the Maison, "Oh look who is walking up the path! Shall we go greet them?" Seo and his two little lightning bugs were coming up the walk as Miya anticipated. Crawling out from under Miya, Matsu headed for the door, "I feel like some tea so I'll go with you. The little flower girl can sleep up here." Opening the escape hatch, Matsu fled to the kitchen and the waiting sun tea.
Grabbing a particular plastic blue cup, she said it was only because it was closest but knew better, and poured herself some drink. "What was that anger in her though, she's getting more attached than expected," Matsu muttered aloud. Thankfully the inn was empty of the other residents leaving Matsu free reign to stretch her legs. Seo knew of her, and her living there since he helped make the place, so she didn't have to hide from him. With that easing her mind, she replayed Miya's emotional take. Matsu had thought Miya would have liked to know about Shin-tan's potential inheritance, not angrily shouting it down.
"Again we thank you for tending to our useless master, Asama-san. Without our aid…" Hibiki stopped her apology upon seeing Matsu leaning against the counter, the ties of her cheongsam undone showing off a lot of leg.
Following behind the twin Sekirei holding ample food, Seo snorted at Matsu, "Girls you know I'm right here right? And what dragged you out of your hiding place cockroach?" Seo helped himself to a glass and poured himself some tea. Before he could take a sip however, Miya took it from him and handed him another glass.
"That is Misa-tan's cup, you can't use that one, Miya-tan won't allow her…adversary to be tainted by you," Matsu did notice Miya helped herself to the drink. Setting Shin-tan's cup down and fixing her dress, she didn't want to show him anything to give him any reason to think. She was unwinged and those twins hunted for such…being this man's Sekirei was not wanted…no…she wanted…Did she want that? Well she wasn't adverse to it, but he wasn't the type to hunt for more Sekirei! Musu-tan and Kuu-tan took it upon themselves to claim their Ashikabi. Could she do the same? She'd have to reveal herself first! That might be to hard for her…oh bother they were all looking at her now. "Uh…what?" she eloquently asked.
Plucking the empty glass from Matsu's hand, Miya put it along with the new empty plates and glasses from the others (just how long HAD she day dreamed?). "I guess I'll answer the question. We have thr…four new borders now. They're sharing a room at the moment, but I think it might be best if I separate them," she mused something privately. Pointing at Matsu before the girl could ask, "And it is NOT me going back on my word. Mis-Katsuragi-san has a point. The young Ikari has a great deal of stress and troubles, depriving him of love and joy is wrong. Still might be best to have him in a room of his own."
"Ikari? I knew it! That whole mess with the Sekirei at the arboretum! I saw a kid with a lunch that tasted just like this! Nice kid, saw him defend that little flower. He's staying here? Might have to come back and chat with the kid, he's a nice s-s-gotta go! Let's jet!" Seo quickly gathered his things and ran from the horror generating mask of Miya.
Standing at the entrance to the kitchen, having chased the trio out, "I do not think Trash would be a good influence on him. And if he came back I can only guess what he'd try with…" Miya shook her head and went back to the fridge. Taking out a large swath of food she set them out and stared at them.
Knowing the history between Seo and Miya, Matsu sagely let it go. Stir that hornets' nest and she'd get stung badly. "What is with all the food, planning a party again?" she poured another glass of tea just to spite her long term and ally.
"When those three get back they'll be hungry, and I hope to have a pleasant welcome for them. Not everyday one stares the abyss in the eye, and doing so deserves a fine reward. Now if you've nothing else you'd need of me, I would rather like to work…I find myself quite vexed," Miya's hands trembled a little as she reached for her cutlery. A rarity, Asama was always so calm and collected, but right now she was almost rattled!
Pounding the last of her tea, she put the cup back where it had been. Dirty and marked unknowingly by her lips, she hoped Miya missed the act. Heading back towards her room, "If you want to talk about things, I'll always be here for you. Been through too much to leave you to suffer this alone. But I have to ask, which one is it that…" Seeing the mask back, she fled and left Miya with her secrets. Miya would only talk when she wanted, and it was the extreme rarity that she ever did.
Wandering through the various rooms, careful not to touch things that people would notice moved, Matsu was reminded of other people. They had likes, dislikes, goods, and bad things about themselves. From time to time she had remind herself of REAL people and not just computer generated versions of them. Katsuragi had a bottle of whisky hidden in her room, Musubi had a small collection of random things she'd been given by her Ashikabi, Uzume had a new work-in-progress of a butler uniform fitting somebody in particulars size. Small things, personal things, hidden things.
Matsu knew of hidden things, she WAS a hidden thing. She…she didn't want to be hidden anymore. Hiding away from everybody and everyone, not included in the fun. Not even just the fun, but in living! A small bud of depression flared back to life. Driven into hiding thanks to the secrets of MBI, seeking aid from the one place that MBI wouldn't dare attack. But to what end? She was a non-entity, known to a handful and interacting with one! And now…now…she sat on Shinji's futon and basked in the smell. It frazzled her brain and left her wondering if it was time to let herself be known?
"I'd have to bathe regularly again if I did that…" she muttered and left back to her room and her footage. Not today…not yet…but maybe…and yeah today she'd take a bath! Smell was even getting to her now!
X-X
Not knowing what was going on really bothered Musubi. Knowing her Ashikabi was off fighting something and she was on the sideline made her confused and…a strange emotion she didn't quite understand. Listening to him talk to Misato about what he was seeing, hearing the other girl spout off silly things, Musubi's chest was tight and her fist tighter. At one point the funny man that asked about her sleeping arrangements flew away, that upset Misato which in turn upset Musubi. Cowards run from a fight and doubted their allies, that Kaji was now dubbed so.
"Sink the ships now!" Misato yelled over the ancient communication device. How this was fishing Musubi didn't know, they didn't have any bait or pole, but Misato insisted it was. Watching some strange screen, Musubi was not good with old tech, Misato followed a blinking light and eventually yelled, "Fire!"
Touji had the camera out and was filming the panic on the deck ever since Unit-02 emerged and started its leaping. Getting up to the window as twin plumbs of water erupted, "Whow, are-are they alright? That was huge!" All save Musubi had to grab onto something to steady themselves as the waves rocked the massive ships.
Either leaping or ejected out of the water, Unit-02 flew up into the air and landed unceremoniously on the deck of a ship several away from where it started. "Mission complete, powering down. We're both alright, Soryu-san is a little shaken," Shinji's voice was just the right level of strained for Musubi. Not to much, and on the cusp of relaxing. Times when she heard him sound like that, well a girl could get close to her Ashikabi and snuggling was warm and enjoyed when he was tired like that!
"I'm going to go see him. Is that alright?" Musubi was already heading to the door. It would only take a simple jump to get from ship to ship, no reason to be denied. That strange feeling, the alien emotion was ebbing way thankfully. She hated that feeling, that helpless and cold sensation that had erupted in her. Not being at her Ashikabi's side, knowing he was fighting without her, it was wrong! She was his protector, but from this she was helpless. Her fists useless which left her feeling the same, not something she felt before.
"Sorry, our inter-ship VTOL's are down from all the movement, you'll have to wait until we get to port," the old captain seemed to have aged much in the last ten minutes. When Misato first burst into the bridge to commandeer the operation with Musubi and Touji behind her, the man was a pillar of aged steel and strength. Now, with most of his fleet sunk, he was very frail but clung to his command tightly.
Reaching out to Suzuhara, Misato's head just bobbed to some inner thoughts. "Give me your phone, Suzuhara-kun. Betting Shinji-kun's is somewhere on deck here. Musubi give Shinji-kun mine when you see him. I'll get a quick debriefing from those two. Just don't do anything to overt alright?" Misato tossed Musubi her phone and the girl was off. Misato called out something, but the command was lost on Musubi's worries and the heavy metal walls robbing it of power.
Clutching Misato's phone delicately in one hand, she had broken many things before with excessive squeezing, Musubi was one with the wind. Down the stairs, across the deck, and with the ocean approaching, Musubi readied herself for a small jump. People gasped and were bowled over as she tore through the battleship, the deck dented by her heavy footfalls, but she pressed faster and harder. Her skirt tore from the effort, leaving tattered fabric behind. No matter, she wasn't exposed as long as she had her underwear, right?
"Miss! Miss stop! This is the end of the deck, the undertow will suck you down instan…" a worried sailor tried to warn the worried Sekirei to no avail. He got an eyeful when she leapt over him and her torn clothing did nothing to hide her undercarriage.
"I'm coming, Shinji-sama," Musubi muttered low as she flew from deck to deck. The velocity of her jump tore at the flimsy top that Uzume had provided for her. An apology would be necessary for the damage, but she just HAD to get to Shinji now. No waiting for port, casual jump, or talk over phone would due! A deep need was in her, nothing short of firsthand accounts would do here. Leaping more forward than upward, the winds cut at her face, and when she hit the deck her feet clipped the edge and she went spiraling along the deck. "Sorry!" she tried saying but was unsure if anybody heard her.
Rolling fast and hard, feeling more of those cloths ripping and tearing off of her, and she only stopped when she collided with a stack of heavy metal cases. A flight crew member rushed over to her, worry all over his face, "What in the blue hells was that, miss? Did you get to close to a plain taking off or something? All I saw was you just rolling and…and…" The man took is heavy sleeveless vest off and handed it to Musubi. Averting his eyes as Musubi put a little something on to cover the nearly tattered top, "Are you hurt? Should I get a nurse?"
The vest was a little itchy, but Musubi had been trained to appreciate assistance from others. Standing up, spotting Unit-02, she shook the man's hand, "No, I'm fine. Thank you for the clothing though. I have to go see Shinji-sama!" The man tried to reply, but his mouth just opened and closed wordlessly as Musubi broke his belief meter. Running at a much more reserved pace now, there were more people on this ship than the last, she strained her hearing for her beloved Ashikabi. Finding the odd plug open and jutting out of the behemoth's neck, Musubi trained her ears for any sound of those soft and docile tones she adored.
"Sit closer idiot, its cold in the wind and being wet," Asuka said with a sniffle. The command had come from the upturned hand of the beast, and Musubi spied just the slightest tuft of red hair. More reserved than she sounded back when they first met, Asuka continued with, "And next time I won't get scared like today. So savor the flavor Third, I'll show you who is best next time!"
And just as Musubi imagined, Shinji's tired and reserved voice wafted over the salt rich air, "Never saw one with a mouth before myself. So you're right to have been startled. And it is cold, want me to try and find you a coat or something?" When Musubi climbed up and into that massive hand, she saw how reluctant Shinji was to sit shoulder to shoulder with the girl…Musubi wanted to do that! Gasping as Musubi rolled into the upturned palm, "Musubi-chan, h-how did you get over here from the lead ship?"
"I jumped over, I had to see you I was…I-I don't know…I felt strange while you were fighting without me," Musubi answered truthfully. Righting herself after she tumbled across the palm towards the two, Musubi saddled up right along Shinji's left flank as Asuka took the right. Seeing him, hearing him…that invisible hand clutching her heart relaxed fully and she too felt tired now. Snuggling up close, leaning heavily on him, "You are warm."
Instantly his hand went around her and drew her in, much to Asuka's dismay as he took his body heat with him. Rubbing his LCL laden hair against hers, "Sorry for scaring you. But we were by the Eva when the attack happened and…" Shinji just shrugged.
"What the hell? She jumped over? That is impossible! And what are you wearing? It's just scraps of cloth and…what is going on here?" Asuka cried out indignantly. Her pride momentarily forgotten due to the cold, she leaned in and pressed Shinji against Musubi tighter as she captured what fleeting warmth she could. Taking one of Musubi's free hands, Asuka tugged on the heavy glove, "A bodyguard that can leap from ship to ship, dresses like a stripper, and you just go along with it? Pervert."
Shinji's body tensed up as he slowly looked from Musubi to the strange body pressed against him, and then back to Musubi. Musubi just wiggled a little and cutely sneezed as the LCL tickled her nose, "I'm a Sekirei, and Shinji-sama is my Ashikabi! And my friend Uzume gave me these clothing to get his blood boiling. You never explained what that meant when I asked last time. Does it?" Leaning forward, right in Asuka's face, Musubi didn't feel the fighting spirit she felt before from the girl.
"I…I guess you'd find out eventually. Misato-san said she told Ayanami-san as well. Musubi-chan isn't lying, she isn't fully human. Faster, stronger, Kuu-chan can control plants, and others have control over the elements…I'd not have believed it had the twins that attacked Musubi threw lighting! It's…yeah…" Shinji tried to convey some sort of believability.
The phone that fell down once Musubi found her target started ringing, Asuka scooped it up in awe. "This is…you Japanese have such advanced phones…is that a video!" Asuka hit the receive button and the image of Misato popped into life. Nearly dropping the phone thanks to the stun, "It's holographic? When did you…why do you…shouldn't you have shared that with Nerv-Germany?"
"Thank the gods, I was worried Musubi dragged Shinji-kun off for some post battle nookie or something. Everything alright over…Musubi what happened to your clothing again?" Misato closed her eyes and rubbed the bridge of her nose.
Nookie? What was that, a dessert like a cookie or something? Musubi didn't know, but she heard the term enough in regard to Shinji! A shared dessert or something, they rarely had sweets! "We should! Does it taste good? Does THAT get your blood boiling? And they got torn when I jumped over," Musubi really wanted to know what these terms meant! Everybody kept asking, so they should likely being doing it right? People only focused on important things!
Shinji and Misato just stared at one another as the words washed over them, "Shinji, if you haven't already, tell Asuka about Musubi and the whole Sekirei thing. I'll see you when we reach dock. And Musubi…boiling blood means wanting some lovin' and judging by the…Shinji-kun you're in a female plugsuit? Nevermind, tell me later." And just as quickly as Misato appeared she vanished.
"You're not lying? This isn't some stupid prank you pull on foreigners is it?" Asuka handed the phone back to Shinji. Looking about for some way to prove it, "Pick this dork up if you're so strong."
That was something she liked doing so, Musubi quickly stood and took Shinji with her. Cradling him effortlessly, "This is easy, and I enjoy doing it! Oh and…do you want some…loving?" She blushed a little, was loving kissing? That was amazing in how nice it felt! Doing a small forward flip followed by a backward one as well all while holding Shinji securely against her, the sensation was new and exciting. Sitting back down, now putting Shinji on her left side, she'd share her heat with the girl instead.
"Y-yeah, it's a little shocking isn't it? But if you want to know more about it…" Shinji launched into the tale as best he could. Not the best story teller, he gleamed over a few sensitive subjects such as winging and bathing together. As his story ended though, with a few additions from Musubi that got Asuka to shuffle away from them, the ship was docked. Yawning again, "And that is how things have been. Misato can confirm anything you're doubting."
Sliding off the hand, Asuka paced a little, "A lot to take it, a lot. But this doesn't change much. I'll still be the best pilot! And you, Musubi, wear some stronger clothing. And you Ikari…the fact you haven't done anything with this-this thing…you aren't a pervert. Well maybe a little…" With one last look at Musubi, a small frown marred her fine features, she left down the attached escalator.
Following behind the girl after giving her a small head start, Shinji drew Musubi in close and kissed her cheek softly. "T-thank you for coming to see me. Being left alone with Soryu-san that whole time would have been a nightmare. And just…just good to see you after a mission," he gave her hand a squeeze and started for the dock.
"Always! I'll always be here for you," Musubi felt that tingle again. It wasn't the same as being winged, but it was still a rush. What people kept hinting at, was there something greater than this? Speeding up, putting herself ahead of her Ashikabi, Musubi would be the guardian whenever she could! Watching Asuka get into a waiting car, she spotted Shinji's friend pointing at them and smiling as he recorded, "Look your friend is alright!"
Gasping out and laughing, "Dude man you have tits! And…and…" Touji fiddled with the camera as he tried to get a good video of Musubi until Misato pushed it down.
"Suzuhara-kun, mind taking a ride back with Ritsuko and Soryu? We've a few things to do before we go home, and would rather not have a few stops," Misato asked. Adding more emotional blackmail, she tickled under his chin and left the poor teen a kerfuffled mess. Opening the door to her car, "You two ready to go…Shin-chan your taste in clothing mean I have to worry about you stealing Musubi's stuff?"
"Misato-san!" Shinji whined as he opened the back door for Musubi and got into the front. Kid was careful to avoid any teasing situations. Musubi didn't mind, she was just content to be with her two favorite humans. Strapping in, "S-so what will happen with Soryu-san?"
Letting Misato and Shinji talk about Nerv things, Musubi just listened to it and tuned most of it out. This Nerv stuff was a bit confusing to Musubi, so was just glad the combat was over. Hopefully their wouldn't be any more fights against those giants, she didn't want that feeling anymore. Getting out of the car once it parked, Misato started drifting from Nerv stuff to more teasing Shinji by the end of it. The lovely smell of foods wafted out of the open door as they entered.
"Oh, you're earlier than expected. I have a little left to cook for you. H-how was your trip?" Miya asked as she greeted her returning residents. Musubi saw the older women spare a moment of looking at one another, at Shinji, and back at one another. Gesturing to the kitchen, "You can sit and wait if you'd like for the meal to be finished."
Grabbing hold of Musubi's shoulder, Misato pushed Shinji deeper into the house, "Shin-chan, take a quick bath. No Musubi no back-washing, and let me talk to Miya about what happened today. Alright?" Misato winked at the lad as she forced her will on the others.
Torn, Musubi really wanted to stay with Shinji, but with no order from Shinji to stay with him, she relented. Finding the table full, Uzume gasped at the state of the costume, and Kagari had a strange pensive look about him, she joined them. Just as Miya set down a cup of tea, Shinji's scream filled the house and panic ensued.
"Shinji-sama, what is wrong!" Musubi called as she dove across the table spilling various drinks all over. Rolling back to a running position she heard the others behind her, but she KNEW she should have stayed with him! Sliding the door open, Musubi's eyes went wide and that tingle was back…she so rarely saw Shinji in the buff, but who was the girl…she was being winged? "A new Sekirei? Who are you?"
Rushing in behind Musubi, rolling into a position between the two groups, Miya had her broom in hand. "You would take your bath now, wouldn't you? And what did you do now Matsu?" Miya held her hands out keeping both groups apart. Had Miya been weaker, Musubi would have been at Shinji's side, as it was however she was blocked.
"I…I didn't know…walked in…she was under the water until she ran out of breath…she uh…she…" Shinji took the courageous way out and fainted due to heat and over stimulation. Thankfully Miya covered him up before the others arrived to check, and gave him to Musubi to cloth and put to bed. The tingle was nearly overwhelming at that point.
X-X
Water was all around him, swirling at his ankles as he ran through it. Maybe he was in Nerv, or was it the school? Shinji didn't know, but wherever he was it had a massive leak to say the least. Sloshing through the crystal clear waters, he tried not to fall over, "Musubi-chan? Misato-san? Hello? Anybody here!" His cupped mouth enhanced his call, but to no avail. Nothing responded with words.
A spear of water lanced over his head causing him to flinch into the wall and its mini waterfall. Several more blasts rocketed out at him, each barely dodged, and the last sent him ass over teakettle and he rolled to the ground, the water covering his legs. "Hey! I don't mean you any harm! C-can't we talk?" he pleaded with his unknown assailant. Where was Musubi when this type of thing happened? Knowing his limits, Shinji knew that Sekirei were superior to humans in these types of fights. What could he do to a person that could lift a car, throw lightning, or control plant life? Nothing, not even the strongest human could hold a candle to a Sekirei, so no real 'failing' on his part.
"I'll shall kill thee before I dean you have your way with me!" a rich voice called out, near Shakespearian in tone and language. Splashes could be heard all around him, movement at a horrible speed! A wall of water went from floor to ceiling formed down the corridor…was it Nerv? No! It was the hallway of the 'Over the Rainbow'! Not that it mattered, but Shinji was proud he remembered now! The why he was back on that ship though…something to ponder as he ran!
Now up to his knees, the water really slowed Shinji's attempts at egress. Stomping as he fled, "Who are you? What are you talking about?" He didn't understand! Have his way with? That sounded like a Misato tease or something Uzume would say about Musubi and him! It meant…s…sex right? Idea was slowly gaining traction in the teenagers mind, no thanks to Musubi's cuddly nature and moments of downright innocent seduction! Finding the woman in question head, "Musubi-chan! There you are…w-why are you in-in-in a bathing suit?"
Musubi 'spoke' but no sounds left her lips, she just opened and closed her mouth with her blissful smile. Clad in a very fetching white with blue stripes one-piece, Musubi just pointed at the approaching wall of water with a hint of curiosity. Then she became water herself and drenched Shinji as if she had been a Musubi shaped water balloon. "Oh right, Nerv's new product!" Shinji pounded his fist to his palm, how could he forget the Musubi balloons!
"Prepare thyself for thy end, beast! I shall end thee before I allow myself to be besmirched by the likes of you! I need no Ashikabi!" a woman challenged and leapt out of a side door cutting off Shinji's escape. At first Shinji was positive it was Soryu! Foreign looking, long hair, achingly beautiful in a classical way. But when he skidded down trying to avoid the forming water lance he saw blonde hair and a rather attractive white and black dress, high brown boots, and did he see thigh high stalkings? Dressing for success or for attraction!
Covering his face as the water bolt flew his way and the wall came crashing in over him, Shinji stat up bolt right! Nearly toppling somebody over, they pulled back just in time, their figure was a black shape in a near pitch black room. "A-a dream? Was it all a dream?" he patted around him and was glad the bedding was dry. Back in his shared room, Misato's clock being the only light in the shuddered room, "How did I get here? I don't…" He fought the memory, no it didn't happen, couldn't have happened!
"S-so you're awake huh? Morning! Let me-let me get the light," a little nervous new voice answered him. Then after a few moments of shuffling, the blinding light flipped on, and Shinji saw the woman he tried to picture as just an image from a fever dream. Just a smidge shorter than Musubi, with long orange/red hair, glasses, cute as a button in a dorky way, and fidgeting with her dress that Shinji always associated to the waitress outfits at Chinese restaurants. Getting back to Shinji's side, she knelt at his side, "So this is awkward, but hello! I'm Matsu, I'm your new Sekirei, and my hobbies are technology, research, and s-stories…among other things."
'Among other things' left Shinji suddenly very self-aware. This Matsu looked right at his crotch as she said it…what might those 'other things' entail? Shaking such waking thoughts away. "M-Matsu-san? Why were you hiding in the bath? And d-did I really wing you?" Shinji tried not to stare, but it was hard. Must Sekirei all be so attractive? A teenager only had so much resolve! Feeling a small weight on his side, Shinji suddenly freaked that it was Musubi and another fight would start! Pulling off the blanket, "Oh, Kuu-chan, she snuck in again?"
Inching closer to Shinji, Matsu nodded. "Yeah Kuu-tan did, right after Misa-tan and Musu-tan left. They thought it best if we talked in private," Matsu adjusted her glasses in a telling manner. Gently taking Shinji's wrist, she kept her fingers so she could feel his pulse. Leaning over a little, the window her dress offered gave Shinji a view if he wanted. Blushing just a tad, "As for last night…I panicked. I wasn't expecting anybody to come in. I've reasons for hiding, and when you came in, I just ducked under the water."
"That sounds like…something I'd do," Shinji confessed and was glad to see the timid look change to shared mirth on Matsu's face. She did have a few traces of some foreign blood, really made her features pop! Was she…was she closer? "S-so what do you do? Kuu-chan has her plants, Musubi her strength…" he asked while trying to ignore her looming over him.
Feeling those slim fingers slip around him again, Shinji's mental fog unveiled. Last night had been stupid and he couldn't believe it, even though he could see it perfectly now! Walking into the bath to take a quick refresher…and alleviate some tension that Musubi had caused. After cleaning, about to get into the bath, he saw a floating body and acted on instinct. Rushing over to the…oh yeah he saw Matsu in the nude…woman, he flipped her over and pulled her out of the water. Glad Nerv taught him some first-aid after the Fifth Angel, he was about to start CPR when those eyes opened…Matsu wrapped her hands around his head and…that was when it went dark.
"You can't ask a Sekirei about their powers! That is such an abuse of power! My-my…my Ashikabi-sama is so bold! Next you'll ask where my crest is…force me to strip for you…have your way with me!" Matsu panted. Eyes glazed over, her head bobbed a little as her mind calculated various things, and ended with a nod. Reaching up to grab the strands keeping her dress in place, "But if that is your wish…I have no option but to comply!"
Hands acting before his mind could cope with what she said, he grabbed Matsu's wrists. But in doing so he was now a few inches away from her face as her hands were behind her head. "Not what I meant!" Shinji yelped, "I didn't know it was a private matter to ask! You don't have to…when or if you want to tell me you can." Those eyes were so pretty, same color as her hair, and they were becoming half laden, just as Musubi did when they…
"OUCH! You little runt! Get off me!" Matsu yelped and quickly pulled away. Kusano's teeth deep into her heel. Waggling and rolling about trying to knock the girl off of her, Matsu pitched Shinji away and into the tangle of other futons. Once she pried herself free of the girl, holding Kusano off the ground with her hands under the girl's armpits, "No fair Kuu-tan! I let you sleep by him when you weren't supposed to and this is how you repay me? Traitor!" Setting the girl down, who quickly grabbed the potted plant she liked to hold and sat next to Shinji, Matsu rubbed at the bite. Rolling her eyes, "And just teasing, Shin-tan. You'd need to know my powers as to best…use…me. I'm the Sekirei of Perceptiveness! I can analyze electronics on a telepathic level, hack any computer, and genius!" She was not humble about it, at the moment.
Putting a protective arm around Kusano, something about the younger girl just made Shinji want to protect her…like a little sister. "Telepathic level?" Shinji thought of his phone and the school laptop he had…he did a few things on that. He was human, a teenager no less, and if she could… Shinji swallowed hard as Matsu seemed to be telepathic for humans as well judging by the Cheshire grin she had.
Crawling closer and closer, Kuu-chan's plant started to grow in response, Matsu's ample chest swayed with each hand fall. Softly and fully intentionally she was goading, "Your search history is safe with me, glad you like glasses so much. And I'll have to get you a new picture for your phones background…can't have me absent Ashi-kabi-sama." Now the plant was trying to push Matsu back, but as Shinji leaned in…closer…closer…
"Ah, you are up. Breakfast is ready. Oh, Matsu-kun, you were supposed to bring Shinji-kun to the table the moment he awoke. And we spoke of this Kuu-chan, no plant control in the house," Miya stood at the open door. Hand to her cheek, Miya waited for Shinji's Sekirei to separate from him. Extending her elbow to the lad, she gave the other females a wild eye to keep them in place. Once she had the lad where she wanted, "And how did you sleep? You missed supper last night, no good for a man your age. You'll need to eat extra this morning to make up."
Trying not to fall into the growing sense of affection for the caretaker of the residence, Shinji failed as she sat him at the table. Taking in a deep breath, no good having Misato or Musubi seeing him all emotional at something so simple as an escort to the table. "S-sorry for sleeping late. Didn't worry you did I?" Shinji saw the others already mid eating. Musubi's plate was extra-large as standard while Uzume was poking at hers. Stepping out of his comfort zone, these ladies seemed perfect for drawing him out of it, "Something wrong Uzume-san?"
Pointing her chopsticks at him, Uzume took a drink of her orange juice and winked, "Two fold! You ruined one of my costumes, I hold you responsible for her actions, and two…you are now my rival! You'll have to work off your debt to me, be my mannequin." The air was light and jovial, as if he hadn't just fought to the death the day before, maybe that was why they were all hovering around him a bit closer.
"I thought I was your rival! Did you want to spare to prove it? We could either fight each other or see who can last the longest against Miya-san!" Musubi added while taking a break from her mound of food. No comment about Shinji being responsible for the school uniforms destruction, nope…the word rival got Musubi's attention. Scooting her chair closer to Shinji's, Musubi took no care of his sitting up straighter.
Shinji giggled as Miya swatted Musubi's hand away from his plate of food. Now able to eat without Musubi literally being in the way, "What did you mean by rival, Uzume-san? And…do you know a Mari Suzuhara? Her brother is a friend of mine, said his sister made a friend named Uzume." Sampling the food, it was delicious and that was when he noticed it was some of his favorites! Miya made this specially for him, again his eyes started to itch just a little. This was…he couldn't remember a time somebody did something so simple yet so kind for him.
"Yes I do! She's my Ashikabi! Love that girl, and she has something of a hero worship of you! Not going to lose to you, Shin-chan! Going to entertain her with cuter costumes! Going to drag you to show her the real you! The gullible and perverted Third Child! Well maybe not perverted…" Uzume's gaze went over Shinji's shoulder and quickly went back to eating.
Miya, whose voice wafted from behind Shinji, "Now no talk about such things today. Today is a day of rest and recovery. If you do wish to spar, Musubi, maybe you might try Matsu. Today I want to see to a few cleanings of the house. I think I might need to set up one of the spare rooms. Oh dear, you've dribbled." Miya dabbed a bit of juice off Shinji's cheek with a smile and went back to tending the others.
"Ah, so you are up, good," Misato joined the others with a head of wet hair. Fixing her jacket and grabbing a waiting thermos of coffee, "Ritsuko is going to head over later today, maybe tonight, for a quick physical. So if you've any date plans, be back before supper. I have to head in, Asuka is already demanding changes and a new place to stay." Waving her hand, she blew a kiss at the room and without waiting for a response was out the door.
The whole room was stunned to silence for a few moments, whirlwind Misato had left its damage. Finishing he food, Musubi sprang to her feet and clenched Shinji's hands, "We should go on a date! Everybody talks about us doing it, and we really haven't! I don't know what we do on a date…but Uzume-san said you'd take me when you did. But take me where?" Musubi's head tilted to the side.
Hearing a snap, Shinji turned to see Miya glaring at Uzume and the pair quickly departed the room, Miya chasing after the fleeing Uzume. Just let that go, and just let Musubi's gullible comment go away too. But she had a point, "If you'd like to go out…I'd-I'd love to take you out! A walk, a restaurant, maybe a movie, or something else? J-just give me a day or so to think about what to do?" Musubi deserved better than a quick walk to the shop for groceries, he wanted to make it special…dare he think romantic for the girl?
"Any breakfast left?" Matsu chimed in as she sat down at the table. Helping herself to a plate of food, Kusano took up a chair as well. Three Sekirei bound to one man, each having their own type of feelings for him, he having his own feelings for them. Matsu was new, so he was leery and worried of upsetting her. Pointing at his plate, "If you're not eating that, feed me?" Matsu opened her mouth and said 'aah'.
Well that got Musubi and Kuu-chan to both want to eat from his plate as well…so he did. Not really that hungry, he had a ball feeding them, even if Musubi just had to make it unintentionally sensual! And that got Shinji thinking…maybe if they did have a date…would…would they…?
X-X
"Alright we're finished here for the day. I've got some new medication for you to get you prepped for the DNA sequencing. Commander thinks this is for the best," Ritsuko nodded at the figures on her screen. Setting a few bottles of pills and a jar of unknown liquid next to it, she gave the young woman a moment of privacy to put her clothing back on.
Dressing with her casual disinterest, Rei raised an eyebrow at Ritsuko's last comment. Leaving her bow to be tied later, it hung limply around her neck, Rei picked up the pill jar. "What is the purpose of this procedure?" Rei didn't question the need for it, no not that, but she did have a wonder about just what it would do to her. Tinkering with DNA was not a simple matter one did for fun, and this was never discussed with her before during her infrequent meals with the commander.
Already typing into some new program, Ritsuko didn't bother stopping or looking at the girl, to lost in her work. Sounding just the type of bored that borders on angry, "We've spoken about those Sekirei to you before, remember?" When Rei made a small acknowledgment, Ritsuko turned her monitor to show its contents to the subject. It showed a picture of Rei and a few details she could understand. Pointing at figures that Rei didn't grasp, "Your DNA is close to theirs, nearly identical save for a few chromosomes that are inactive. I'm going to turn them on. It should give you access to powers like they have."
"Am I not good enough to pilot as I am now? I was ordered to avoid MBI and this Sekirei plan. Now I am to be turned into one?" Rei felt a chill go through her. Was she not good enough, was she to be replaced? Part of her wished for oblivion, to be gone forever and not suffer this thing known as existence anymore. But she had purpose in Eva, in protecting Ikari-kun, and now her new boarder. Putting the pills into her school satchel, she paused and remember, "I am out of pain-killers, can I get more?"
Actually pausing her work for a moment, Ritsuko turned to the teenager with skepticism, "You went through that whole bottle already? Last time I asked you said you weren't using them anymore. Now you nee...fuck it. You want to be a pill popper, who am I to stop you. Just don't let it get in the way of your piloting." Pulling out a small prescription pad, she wrote down one and handed it to the girl, "Get as many as you need or want. As for your interacting with those Sekirei, that order still stands. We don't know them enough to be trusted. If you see any...send them to Ikari-kun. Turns out last week he got himself a third one. What is a forth?"
"Ikari-kun has a third?" Rei asked as she slid the note into her wallet. But it seemed the good doctor was done humoring her and was back to work. Not the first time the doctor just upped and stopped interacting with Rei, so she didn't take offense. Leaving Nerv, the guards and technicians ignored her or made snide comments as she walked by, nothing new. Comments about her physical appearance, her relation to the commander, and how she was 'a dead fish' were all old hat by now. Only Ikari-kun ever tried to talk TO her and not AT her, strange that. Oddly, since that new body guard came, he'd not tried as hard...Rei initially enjoyed the return to emptiness. Now however...she missed it.
The sun was started to get to that annoying angle in the sky that blinded everybody with its magnificence just prior to starting to actually set. Four maybe five o'clock, she had time to get the medication, some food, and be back before her roommate did anything destructive again. Girl ate a lot, was still recovering from some fight, so Rei...against her normal inclination was trying to help. Something about Akitsu was familiar to Rei so she didn't turn her over to Nerv.
Going into the one grocery store she knew, typically her needs were delivered to her by orders from the Commander, she wandered the aisles with a basket in hand. It had been Ikari-kun that mentioned this place to her in one of his rambling attempts at kinship. He had been right, the prices were good, selection limited but enough, and was hardly busy. And on the plus side it had a pharmacy, which she went to first. The old man examined the prescription closely, shrugged and started making it.
"Ayanami-san, is it...it is you. H-hello, I've never actually seen you here before. H-how are you?" that shy voice, soft and nearly feminine asked from down a row. Basket hanging on his elbow, loaded with various goods, Shinji had a nervous expression, fear mixed with a little hope. Approaching but keeping a safe distance, "Medicine? A-are you sick?"
Shaking her head, she walked away from the possible eavesdropping the alchemist might have heard. "It is not for me. A...acquaintance is staying at my apartment and injured. Getting some painkillers," Rei suddenly felt confused. What did she say to him...would he just walk off and leave her alone again? Talking with Akitsu had been a strange thing, the girl had lost in some fights and the man that used her abandoned her in the alley by Rei's apartment. Akitsu was so devastated at the time, it made Rei think of what would happen if SHE were abandoned by the Commander.
"Painkillers, injured?! Should they be at a hospital or something? And...no offense...your apartment is a little dirty. Not a good place for somebody on the mend. I...I could help you clean it up of you think it best," Shinji followed Rei down random aisles. Surrounded by feminine products, his face went red, and he panicked a little, "W-why are we in this aisle?" It was comical to see him so worried about simple things.
Grabbing a few things for Akitsu, girl needed them, Rei shrugged, "They are products she needs. Now, I do not eat meat and she does, tell me what are good options." She didn't want him to leave, wanted to talk a little more. Strange, before the Fifth angel she never would have considered this, but now… "Where is your bodyguard?"
Glad to be free of all the bothersome products, Shinji's color returned to normal and he quickly lead Rei to simpler products. Pointing at a few pre-prepared chicken and beef options, "You might stick with things pre-cooked. Cooking meat can be hard if you're not used to it. These just need a microwave or an oven to re-heat them. And Musubi-chan is sparring with Miya-san back at the boarding house. I snuck off without letting her know. Bad of me I know, but I don't want to her miss out on her practicing. She enjoys it a lot. And I'm trying to think of a good d-date to take her on. D-do you have any ideas?"
Dates? Rei knew of them, knew of there purpose, but never cared about it. Significant others were a thing she was told to avoid, it got in the way of Nerv business. "I do not," why did that bother her. Picking up one beef and one chicken option, she put them into her basket. Noticing again how full Shinji's was. Whatever he was shopping for must be quite the feast, pointing at the overflowing basket, "What is that for?" She wanted to change the topic away from her ineptitude.
"Oh...this is for...a welcoming party for a new guest at the Izumo House. Making Matsu's favorite. I'd invite you over, but if you've something hurt waiting for you...I could bring some left overs to you and...who was your friend?" Shinji rolled back and forth on his feet suddenly very anxious.
Ah, this Matsu must be the 'third' that Ritsuko referred to. "Is this Matsu another Sekirei under your thrall?" This Sekirei business was becoming annoying, it cut into Nerv's power and authority, was a problem to the Commander, and it was making Ikari-kun less focused on piloting.
Waving his arms and putting his finger to his lips, Shinji spied for anybody that might have heard. "Have to keep that a secret, Ayanami-san. MBI said I'd get in trouble if I let others know. Nerv gets a little pass for things, but I don't want to see how much leniency they'll give," he warned. Walking the store now with little need, Shinji shuffled his feet a little, "And they're not under my thrall. That makes me sound evil. It's more...I don't know. But y-yes, Matsu-san is one of them. Is-is your f-friend?"
That was the second time Ikari-kun mentioned Akitsu and friendship, Rei shook her head. "I do not know, she is not like how yours are," Rei didn't know enough. Akitsu had no Ashikabi, but could do all those tricks with ice and cold. Maybe it would be best to let Ikari-kun meet with her, see if that helped anything. Nodding to her logic, "If you would like to meet her, you may. It might answer more of your questions than asking me. When she is well, I will invite you over."
"Ayanami Rei, your prescription is ready for pick-up," the stores PA system ended the conversation. With a quick head nod, Rei just left Shinji alone, social graces were not her strong suit. After she got Akitsu's medication, Rei was not surprised, but a little confused, to see Shinji had left. Well she offered the meeting once Akitsu was up for it, maybe that would help the strange woman out. Paying for her things, and grabbing a pair of earplugs at the register as they were on special sale and Akitsu mention the loud sound kept her from sleeping.
By the time she had reached her home, the odd feeling from talking with Shinji was fading, and the sun was a flaming wheel against the horizon making the land a red hued painting. Entering her shared domicile, Rei was perplexed...garbage was in bags, sounds of Akitsu muttering heard, and when Rei rounded the corner she saw the girl on her hands and knees with a cloth in hand scrubbing at the floor. What she also saw was Akitsu forgot her panties again and Rei got a full look for an unfurnished basement. "You forgot your underwear again. I have food and medication for you. What are you doing?" cleaning the floor with water was nearly impossible.
"I am earning my place with my body. You do not have me fight, so I have to make myself useful or you'll dispose me," Akitsu sounded just as emotional as Rei herself. Not looking up from her task, actually putting more effort into it, she didn't stop until Rei actually put a hand on the girl's shoulder. Kneeling, she took the bag and looked into it, "For me? I would not eat meat if it offends you."
Sitting on her bed, pulling out her school work, "Not bothered, it'll help you recover. Once you are good, I have invited Ikari-kun to meet with you. He is an Ashikabi with several Sekirei, might know what can help you." Opening her book she found her light source blocked by Akitsu standing over her. Looking up, "Is something wrong?"
"No, just how you speak his name...are you sure you are not a Sekirei?" Akitsu asked and sat next to Rei. Girl didn't know about personal space, and Rei didn't care enough to push her off. A kinship, shared souls, same need for being used...whatever it was, Rei actually was growing fond of this woman.
Closing the book as quickly as she opened it, Akitsu wanted to spend 'time' together. With no television, video games, or music...they would play chess or checkers using paper pieces. "I am sure. Would you like to eat now or we could continue our game," such a bothersome girl to live with, but Rei brought it upon herself. And somehow Akitsu's presence somehow interfered with the monitoring equipment in the apartment. The commander never mentioned anything, Akagi would know if she checked anything, yet...they didn't and she lied about Akitsu. Well, in for the penny in for the pound.
"Both, we eat as we play. I will prepare the food as you reset the board?" Akitsu was already taking the bag to the stove.
Maybe Rei'd spend a little money and get an actual set of pieces, or a Go board...it might make things easier, and that wouldn't be a bad thing. It wasn't prohibited, things to ask Ikari-kun about when he visited.
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Notes
Starting to make a few more changes to the standard Sekirei story line and removing some people and replacing them with things like the Rei/Akitsu shared apartment. Where is the fun if I keep things totally inline with either canons! Have the fun is making new/unique situations. Hope you enjoyed this oddity and I'll try to keep my schedule a bit better. Life has just been very busy lately. Next up is Thanksgiving and its always been tough for my family, lots of bad things happen with the whole eating Turkey Day
Later
Mercaba
Edit...i fogot to replace my * with the actual letters...I write at work at times when its slow and email it to myself. They have scanners on the emails so...I edit what I send back to myself...sorry bout that.
