Standard Disclaimer

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and it was fine. Nice to see family and my mother's new dog. Work has gotten...awkward as we've a lot of things to update but performance testing says its bad...but people don't care so...whatever! And my game crew keeps passing on boardgame and only wants to play Switch. Lame

On Angel's Wings

Chapter – 5

Leaping to the side, deftly avoiding a broom handle, Musubi rolled along the ground and sprung to her feet. Never had she fought somebody so diverse and capable as Miya, it was exhilarating! To have an opponent that was so much more skilled than her, to teach her, to help her improve for protecting… Musubi seized up, that giant monster appeared in her mind again, then the broom smacked her right between the eyes. Failure, pain, and embarrassment. Thankfully Shinji was off at school and didn't see the blow, and did she hear a tear?

"Oh dear, if I didn't know you I would suspect you were doing this on purpose, Musubi," Miya put her palm to her cheek and swayed her head back and forth disproving. Gathering up the tattered remains of Musubi's top, destroyed by the downward swing of Miya's broom, she put the rags in Musubi's hands. A tinge of exacerbation, "Just imagine if Shinji-kun were here, you must maintain your modesty when out in the open. And that was a rather poor showing in the end. What is in your mind?" Spinning the broom back around, the eternal cleaner started cleaning the backyard sparring zone.

Rubbing her injury with her free hand, Musubi shuffled over to the wooden outdoor deck and sat. Putting the remains of her top down, enjoying the sun on her exposed skin, she wasn't in public she wasn't too worried about what Miya said…and part of her was enjoying having Shinji see that side of her. He got so…she didn't know but the feeling was intoxicating! "I started thinking about that monster again. It hasn't been that long, but I still hate how I felt," she confessed. Miya didn't judge or use words that Musubi didn't understand, Musubi trusted the woman.

That got Miya to stop her sanitation, and her head dipped and pressed against the broom. Nodding a little, "Yes, that is a fear that I share with you. Ones that young shouldn't be forced into such dangerous situations. Youths should be free to grow in peace and love, yet he is not. It isn't fair." Sweeping again, now making a small cloud of dirt, her fighting spirit grew higher than Musubi had felt…possible capable of fighting one of those monster herself! But as quick as it swelled it quelled, "Sorry, my mind was elsewhere. We will need to be there for him as best we can. And Matsu, Kuu, and you will need to be ready to aid as you can. If you lose and are removed…he will be very badly hurt."

"I'll never lose! I don't want to leave him or the others! This is my home now, he's my Ashikabi-sama and I'll never take another!" Musubi clenched her fist and had a feral grin. Something she could do, something she wanted to do, fight and protect her Ashikabi! In light of a fight she could not win, Musubi vowed to make herself stronger for a fight she could! Her soft and caring Shinji needed her to protect him! And the rewards for such willing service were great. Oh yeah! "Miya-san, Shinji-sama said he's going to take me on a date on Sunday. What will we do on a date? The movies Uzume showed me are different than what Misato-san said. Which should I follow?" Musubi suddenly felt flush and warm. Both ideas were very enjoyable.

A loud snap and the light dink of wood falling broke Musubi's staring at her hands and over to Miya. The broom in pieces, the woman stood pulsating and glaring at the window leading to Uzume's room. "That one is nearly as bad as the Bespeckled Pervert! Pushing and prodding in ways not necessary. What will happen will happen when it does…as for your date…just enjoy yourselves. Relax and have a fun time…do not feel forced…to do what Uzume-kun has showed you," Miya said through painfully clenched teeth. Gathering the fragments of her room in a pile with her foot, she shook her head slowly, deep in thought.

Survival instincts not her best trait, Musubi moved closer to the barely suppressed rage beast. Helping gather the larger bits of wood, "What about Uzume-san's movie is wrong? It looked fun and the people were happy? If Shinji-sama wants to do that type of thing…" Musubi would like to try it! A lot of it confused her, winging but not receiving wings…touching other things…brain fried each time she replayed it in her mind. Kuu-chan even fainted when watching it! What was so wrong with it?

"Not wrong, just Uzume-kun rushes to an end without thinking of the consequences. The pain your Ashikabi-sama would feel if you fail him would be multiplied a thousand fold if not more if you cross that bridge. Are you willing to risk that pain upon him?" Miya took the fragments from Musubi into her apron with the rest. Not cold, not angry, but very somber…something in how Miya spoke was not of just warning but of remembrance. Standing up, tall and proud, she smiled softly at Musubi, "But maybe it would be best for all if such a thing did happen. A moment of purity in an ocean of loneliness is… Excuse me I've supper to prepare."

Watching Miya leave to start supper before lunch, Musubi was confused but didn't follow, couldn't really. Matsu was waiting at the door the moment Miya went in. Matsu was always around, Musubi noticed. On the fridge of the room, at the end of the hall, and always listening to everything. But how good a fighter, that was yet to be known! So being the forward thinker she was, Musubi got an idea, "Hey! How about a good spar? We haven't had a chance yet. Sound like a good idea? That way we can learn how to better protect Shinji-sama!" They were battle sisters, they had to know the strengths and weaknesses of the other!

"About that…I'm not much of a fighter per-say. BUT if you want to see something I can do with a little bit of time. Give me about ten minutes and then I can show you. Sound good?" Matsu asked as she plopped down. Opening the laptop Musubi didn't even notice she had, the girl beset the keys with a whirling dervish of action. Typing quickly, fixing her glasses as needed, "So…your date with Shin-tan is coming up. You ready for it?"

Trying to watch the screen, Musubi was quickly hypnotized by scrolling text, various pictures, and flashing lights. It was so pretty to watch, what was happening she didn't have the foggiest, but she could appreciate it! "What are you doing? And what are you talking about? I thought I just went with Shinji-sama out and about the city. See some things, Miya-san said to have a good time. D-do you know otherwise? Nobody really wants to tell me anything. Misato side steps the question and Uzume had me watch some funny movies," Musubi's head wobbled as she saw what looked like a picture of the earth!

Fixing her glasses, they glinted as a slim smile crested Matsu's rosy cheeks, "Oh-no that isn't right at all, Musu-tan! Not right at all! You've heard him refer to you as his girlfriend…well guess you and I if he treats all his Sekirei equally. He does right?" Her typing slowed a little, but it still moved at speeds that most people would have trouble believing.

Thinking back to Kuu-chan, Musubi had to wonder. Kusano was so much younger, it was not the same as with her. Kuu couldn't fight hand to hand, but give her a plant or tree and Musubi found the girl a little challenging! And her teeth were super sharp! Whenever they were watching a movie, getting groceries, or even just talking and the girl wanted Shinji's attention and Musubi wouldn't let him…those teeth bit down hard! But Shinji cared for Kusano deeply, just as he did her…so yeah, she could see that. "I guess he does. When Kusano-chan joined us, he let her sleep with us, he cooks means for her like does me…yeah he treats us both equally. So I don't see him treating you differently," made sense, Shinji-sama was very caring.

"Excellent. I thought that from my spy…watching. But as you're the first, you have the right to open the way for the rest of us. If you want to that is, if not I could do it for you, Kuu-tan is a bit young for such. As a girlfriend you have certain duties you have to abide by. You know what those are right?" Matsu minimized a few of her screens and hunted through folder and folder. Each name stranger than the last. Some weren't even names, but numbers, wordless combination of letters, deeper and deeper until she found a few choice files. Opening one of them named 'Experiment-1', Matsu giggled just a little eerily, "This is what is expected of a girlfriend of your stature."

Confused at what she saw, Musubi hefted her chest up and mimicked the images action just sans a partner. "What is that? It looks like Shinji-sama's p-mph" Musubi quickly found Matsu's hand over her mouth. Not the first time she'd been silenced like that, once a week Shinji or Misato would do such. So she let her mouth be shut and she waited for Matsu to explain what social decorum she had violated.

"Talk to loud and Mi-tan will hear you! That happens and…" Matsu drew a hand over her face and tried to mimic Miya's demon stare to lesser results. Setting her computer down, Matsu wandered over to the cloths line that held a few extra tops for Musubi and grabbed one. Tossing the slightly damp article at the topless girl, "And that is what a girlfriend does to her boyfriend. It is the primary duty of a girlfriend actually. That…what you almost said…it's very sensitive to guys. It gets like that and he'll be in a lot of pain while it's hard! You can let time or Shin-tan deal with it himself…but it's dishonorable."

Putting the new top on, it was heavy with the post wash water, Musubi felt it tingle against her flesh. Her odd actions made part of her a little more sensitive than normal, a peculiar sensation indeed. But knowing that whenever Shinji's thingy got hard she was leaving him in pain, dishonoring her partner…she needed more info! "B-but it happens every morning, am I supposed to deal with it every morning too? H-how do I deal with it…isn't it wrong to do things like that with Misato-san in the room?" she flinched towards the monitor still showing Matsu's visual aid.

That glint came back to those round glasses as Matsu fixed them, "Well not every time, but on dates it's your goal! One to make it happen and then to tend to it! Come on, I'll tell you more about it after I show you my fighting style. Good?" Sealing her computer she gestured towards the back gate of the Izumo House.

"Thank goodness! If I was causing him pain every morning I'd never live down the shame! Now where are we going…and how hard is it to deal with?" Musubi wasn't used to wanting information and not knowing where to go. If she didn't know something she'd either ask Misato/Shinji if she deemed it important enough, or just let it go if not. Following closely, Musubi let the worries of the fight at sea ebb away. Deal with the things she can, support for the things she couldn't, and hope to know which was which. After a good few minutes of walking, sadly Matsu wasn't to quick, they found themselves in the remains of a demolished building. Mostly flattened out with a little rubble, but a wide and expansive bit of space. Confused why they left the sparring yard for this place, "What makes this place so different?"

Taking Musubi by the shoulders, Matsu moved the clueless girl to a spot in the center of the area. "This is the lowest setting I can set it to. Try not to get hit though alright? I'd hate to tell Shin-tan that you weren't fast enough…now excuse me…" Matsu then rushed off to a corner with a little surviving building with a ledge overhead.

Watching Matsu pull out her computer again, Musubi was about to ask what the deal was when a blinding light rained down from the heavens at her. Deftly leaping backwards, she watched the beam cut through the earth and burrow into it! It was like those blasts those monsters used! The one that nearly killed Shinji-sama! Lazer…laser…lay sir? Whatever, they were dangerous! Thankfully it was stationary, "Wow, you can fire one of those things? What else can yooouooooo" The beam wasn't stationary!

Now she realized why they were here in this dilapidated space! As the beam followed it destroyed everything it went across! Dirt, rock, metal, everything was cut by the coin sized beam! The backyard would not have survived and maybe even hurt the house! Running all over, jumping up parts of destroyed building and leaping across the yard she made the dash towards Matsu just barely keeping a faster pace than the beam. If it was going to hit her, Musubi would at least take her opponent out with her! Her fighting spirit was triggered and nothing short of a tie was allowed!

"STOP! STOP! STOP! I surrender!" Matsu cried and pressed herself against the wall as she shut off the beam. Unfortunately thanks to Musubi's speed, she collided and pressed the hacker against the wall and conked heads. After Musubi pushed away, Matsu slid down the wall and rubbed the goose egg sprouting from her head, "You do NOT go easy do you. I wasn't even trying too hard to hit you and you…glad we're already a team. Do not want to know how hard it would be to deal with you…no tech to exploit."

Hardly even feeling the collision, Musubi was already surveying the damage to the construction lot. Massive, the crisscross was causing the underground structure to start to buckle and crack, dangerous to stay. As such, Musubi did what she felt best, "We better leave before this collapses." Scooping up Matsu who yelped just the right side of cute, Musubi leapt away just in time as the ground gave away after her jump. Still riding the combat high, "So what were you going to tell me about dating and Shinji-sama's thingy."

"Land…land first and then I tell!" Matsu was not liking the extreme elevation and the sudden motions, "I'm out of practice with this much motion!" Musubi did thankfully land atop a nearby apartment, one just so accidentally lived in by one Ayanami Rei, and set the dizzy girl down. Once her head stopped spinning around, "Little warning next time alright? Not really used to that much motion after a so long…now about what I said…"

Musubi's eyes went wide and her mouth slowly opened in stunned surprise as Matsu spoke. What a girlfriend was supposed to do on a date, how to act, what to do…it was a very detailed and thorough explanation. Once the tale was told, Matsu left the stunned girl sitting on the edge for a while. Only her phone chiming Shinji was getting out of school soon got her to move…time to go see Shinji!

X-X

Furiously looking over various costs to travel, Kensuke was growing nervous. Class was going on, and Musubi and Matsu were destroying some property, but he wasn't worried about Second Impact right now. No, he had to find a way to foot the bill to get Kuno and himself to his grandmother's place in Hokkaido as quickly as possible. The longer he spent with his Sekirei the more he knew he couldn't live without her, love was on his mind. So looking over his meager savings, checking sites that he could sell unneeded possessions on, and comparing it to travel expenses he was leery. If he sold his camera he'd just have enough.

'Dude are you paying attention? We've a group project, you want to partner up with Shin-man? Maybe we can do the work at his place!' Touji's instant message blocked Kensuke's screen.

No he wasn't paying attention at all, but hey a man in love had to be given a few breaks. Tearing himself away from the train guides, he saw the teacher going over some insipid project. Researching something that happened before Second Impact that has changed since. Wouldn't that be 'most things'? From everything his dad and grandparents said the world was mostly different since that event. But until he escaped Kensuke had to play along, 'Sure, sounds like a good plan. You can spy on that Uzume girl.'

"I will not!" Touji yelled out to the amusement of the mostly dazed classroom. Teacher sent the jock outside to hold buckets for the remainder of the day, only fifteen minutes. Kids didn't care, it was always fun to watch somebody else punished. As long as it wasn't you.

Back to his own devices, Kensuke made the decision. If he could find a good buyer for his camera he had an escape route! Pack up, get on the buss, and just leave with Kuno and start up elsewhere. It would stink to lose Touji and Shinji as immediate friends, but one had to make sacrifices. But, if he could sell enough pictures before then…he didn't want to lose that camera! Time was of the essence though, he was seeing more and more Ashikabi and much fewer wingless Sekirei…something was bound to happen soon.

Kuno and he avoided fighting three times since Touji and Shinji's little ocean trip! One was just them hiding without being seen, another was Kuno putting the Sekirei to sleep, and the last was the last straw. A Sekirei with a massive hammer got the jump on them, nearly beat Kuno and it took Kensuke all but dragging her away from the fight and hiding in a dumpster to get away. Kuno was just not a fighter. If this was a video game he'd drop her right in the support role, great support…but support will always lose to offense.

"Stand, bow. Cleaning duty today is Ikari, Masaki, and Ichiro, dismissed," the class rep performed her duty expertly. Moment the order was given, the class bowed and descended into chaos. Kensuke snapped a few pictures of Soryu and her click (which included the class rep) gathered and left as a flock. Normal girls were scary and strange, pack animals that picked and destroyed males on a whim. Kensuke no longer cared much about them, he had somebody already.

Gathering his things, he saw Shinji slowly getting started with the cleaning, hard to do with people still sitting, "Hey man, you alright? You look a bit off?" Kensuke prided himself on his human watching skill, gave himself an eighty-five percent accuracy on judging intent.

"Oh…Yeah guess I am. I promised to take Musubi-chan out on a date Sunday and…it's coming up. Don't know what really to do," Shinji rubbed the back of his head. Small fidgeting and clenching and unclenching his hand, kid was overthinking again. Kensuke liked Shinji, but wondered if he'd live to old age due to blood pressure alone…then he thought about the nature of Shinji's job and felt bad about his little joke. Moving some of the desks to the side of the room, "What are you up to? We haven't hung out in a while, things with your…Kuno-san still good?" How he said it, Kensuke had to suspect Shinji knew the truth, especially with Musubi and that Kusano being odd…Shinji was an Ashikabi too, had to be!

Getting in closer, seeing a few students notice and snicker, Kensuke let the idiots think what they would. Softly so just Shinji could hear, "We had to avoid a few attacks, how about you?" When Shinji didn't immediately react in shock, Kensuke had his answer.

"So you are too, thought so. Musubi has only had to chase off one this week. Saw you on your computer a lot today. Something happening?" Shinji grabbed the cloth and bucket to do the dusting. People were finally starting to leave the room, most of them were gone save for the workers and a few stragglers. Everybody loved doing cleaning with Shinji, kid was an expert at it and did it so quickly one hardly had to do anything if they didn't mind pushing the work to Shinji. Nobody minded, and Shinji didn't mind being used. More guilt for those that knew him.

Kuno would fall instantly to Musubi if Kensuke had any real ability to judge character. Girl was energetic and could barely hide her strength. "Not much, planning a little trip with Kuno-chan is all. As for a date, dude you're over thinking it. She'll enjoy anything! As long as it's with you, she'll be happy. Just…have fun. I gotta go grab Touji, maybe we can plan an outing Saturday or something," with a wave Kensuke rushed out. He almost asked Shinji about something private…did Shinji and Musubi have sex yet? It happened so fast, lasted nearly a whole two minutes the first time…Kensuke was too ashamed of his believed failure at sex to ask. Oh they got better, but that first pairing was a moment of shame for him.

"I swear one day I'm going to belt that old fossil with the bucket if he asked me to hold them again!" Touji was waiting outside the door. Rotating his shoulder, he graciously took his bag from Kensuke and slapped his buddy on the back. Puffing his chest out as they passed some girls, "You just HAD to bring up Uzume-san as you did. I swear she spends more time with Mari-chan than I do at times. Girl has a body that goes on for days, pretty hair…you listening to me?" Touji waved his hand before Kensuke's face.

Suspicion and worry grew with each puzzle piece that fell into place. Uzume was a Sekirei, most of the inhabitants of Shinji's dwelling had to be! Kensuke suspected it was only Shinji and Misato that were human based on his observations. Meaning…Mari was an Ashikabi? "I'm listening, but I'm thinking of having a small photo selling session. I want to take Kuno-chan on a trip, need some cash. But been meaning to ask, you ever consider getting Mari-chan into some MBI or Nerv program?" Kensuke headed towards his typical selling location, if Touji followed or not was on him.

"Ah yeah that girl of yours. You have to stop hiding her from us, or you afraid Imma steal her from you?" Touji followed, he typically did. Even though Kensuke knew he was the support to Touji's offense, the jock would protect Kensuke when picture selling occurred. Last time Kensuke didn't have a bodyguard an older kid stole all the earnings and gave Kensuke a fat lip. Plopping on the ground as Kensuke set up, "And no, I haven't thought about that. Don't they have waiting lists or something?"

Opening up the folders, most of them containing images of the new foreigner, Kensuke shrugged. "Not worried, just she goes to an all-girl school and shy. Not going to put her out to appease you, you saw the pictures of us. And maybe you should ask Shinji about getting her a transfer. If he puts a good word in…" Kensuke wanted as few variables as possible. If Mari was on a Nerv base with this Uzume, one last person to worry about attacking before they could escape.

Flinching his head towards some approaching customers, Touji's head bobbed. Slowly, always slowly when talking about Mari so he wouldn't slur his words, "That might be a good idea. That hospital is so…I don't know, but I don't like it. Hell if she gets into a Nerv place we can force Shin-man to visit her. You should hear how she talks about him, genuine fan of his. Really ticks Uzume-san off. Then again seeing her upset is still real pretty." Touji had a crush on Uzume, Kensuke could tell by the number of times he brought her up.

"Step right on up and get yourself some high quality images of the hottest and most sought after girls in school, my friend," Kensuke turned on the charm, not that it was necessary, for his customer. They would buy with or without his salesman voice, but he liked to practice it anyway…helped when he had to lie to his friends. Hated it, but you have to protect what you own! For the thirty minutes they sat behind the school, they had six customers, two actually being girls. A rarity but not impossible as Kensuke had a few requested guys on file. Five wanted pictures of Asuka and the last wanted the basketball captain.

Laying on his back as Kensuke packed up, Touji groaned, "Asuka, Asuka, Asuka…you'd think they'd never seen a foreign girl before. I get it, she's hot, but she's got a stick up her vag or something. Acts all high and mighty, but she dropped like a lump once Shinji's girl countered her. Still…if she stops the 'my shit don't stink' act, I think I'd dig her too." Rolling over and doing a small pushup to get back to his feet, he back exploded with cracks and pops.

Yeah Asuka was attractive, but Kensuke preferred Kuno. Not the best sales session, it was better than nothing. Spotting another person heading there way, he almost pulled his product back out until he noticed that hang-dog expression, "Shin-man, what brings you down here?" If Shinji needed pictures of girls, it would color Kensuke confused. He lived with babes! Musubi was a looker…what would Shinji need? Not a trap was it? Where was Musubi?

"I-oh, you guys are down here? I was just looking for a place to call Musubi-san is all. Would have thought you'd both be gone," Shinji quickly stuffed his phone back into his pocket. So candid about his actions, afraid he'd bother or worry somebody. Kensuke could relate, the more you bothered, more you stood out, the sooner people noticed. Last thing you wanted was somebody to notice your girl and make a play right in front of you. "Heading out?" he already shifted to walk with them, phone call put on hold.

Before either boy could answer what they were up to, the shame of hiding their business from Shinji on their faces, they were saved by a horde of running students. "Yeah we're leaving…where are all you going?" Touji saved the moment by passing the yen down to the next strange event. Grabbing a kid from their grade, one that was a buyer so he'd not start anything, "What is the big deal?"

"Soryu is off to talk to Ayanami! I have to see how that goes…those two are like…the cutest girls in our class! And with how they act!" the pudgy but happy kid just smiled and slipped free and continued with the flow.

Hiking his thumb at the flow of pubescence, "Want to follow along, see the event of the week?" Touji was grinning. If they went or not, it was evident Touji was going, so Kensuke just shrugged and let Touji act the plow to get them through to the railing overlooking the cataclysmic event! Red on Blue, passive on aggressive, emotionless verses over-emotional! Kensuke hated how he pulled his camera out and started filming.

To say the event was anti-climactic would have been an understatement. There was audible disappointment in the air amongst all those watching. But in retrospect, Kensuke wondered what they were all expecting? A fight, a friendship, a huge television style lesbian wrestling match? No, their teenage lust was not sated with the event. Asuka extended her friendship, couldn't make out what Ayanami said…and Asuka just left…that was it. Boring.

"I'm going to go see what Soryu and her troupe are up to after that, see if I can learn anything. I can see Shin-man ready to rush off to his side-chick so…talk to ya later?" Touji had some pep in his step as he rushed after the bulk of the departing students. A few hung about talking, most left either with Asuka or on their own. Shinji was already taking the stairs down to the quad Ayanami remained sitting…Kensuke followed.

Camera left on, forgotten actually, Kensuke was a little out of breath catching up to the pilots. "Are you alright, Ayanami-san? Soryu-san can be a bit…abrasive at times," Shinji should be a diplomat Kensuke reasoned. He was a natural at disarming volatile situations, dealing with people softly and gently, not rousing any nasty emotions. Keeping his distance from her, "She didn't bother you did she?"

"She did not, and I am fine. Her comments were both of her own wants and clarification on the Sekirei business. Aida-kun, your face is red, do you require medical assistance?" Rei had a book on Go strategies in her hands which she folded and slid into her satchel.

Waving his hands down, calling for quieter voices, "Kensuke does know of Sekirei, and Ashikabi like I am," well there answered that mystery for sure, "but we still have to keep it secret. You sure you're alright Ayanami-san? After our run-in at the grocery store you've been…" Shinji shrugged unsure how to end that statement. He looked at Kensuke and quickly averted his eyes, he hadn't mentioned any encounter with the enigmatic Ayanami Rei.

"Y-yeah I am, are you Ayanami-san? My Sekirei is named Kuno," it felt odd to claim her as property, he didn't consider her that…but how else did he refer to her?

Not even bothering to acknowledge Kensuke, Ayanami was focused on Shinji…Kensuke wasn't stunned. Rubbing her hands against her pleated skirt, Kensuke doubted Shinji noticed, "I have been spending time with my…roommate. She is feeling better now and I would like to have you meet with her soon."

"I-uh…I'll let you two talk," Kensuke gave a wave and winked at Shinji when he tried to counter. Nice guy, didn't want to give the impression he was putting him off which Kensuke didn't think anyway. No, Kensuke saw that subtle hand gesture and suspected he knew what it was, tentative affection, nervousness, maybe timidity. From a girl that showed no interest in any guy that gave her a note or confessed to her…meant she was seeing Shinji in a different light. Not Kensuke's issue!

Getting home he found food waiting for him, Kuno practicing her singing, and a sense of 'coming home.' Kensuke would let Shinji have his…whatever was happening. He had Kuno and she was more than enough for him. He listened to her practice for a while, they broke for supper, after he did his homework they watched a movie she picked and well…lovers thought only of one another.

X-X

Walking down the hallways in the deeper bowels of Nerv, Kozo felt pretty darn good for a man of his age. "Are you sure about this? I mean they have been loyal up until this point," he asked knowing it was a foregone conclusion. Any control that could be invoked was going to be, Gendo knew no other way. Not surprising, the man wasn't the brightest nor was he the most inventive. Gendo got his position due to connections, ruthlessness, and conniving ways. A devious opponent if you took him lightly, Kozo knew him.

"Have all of them dealt with. If any one of them goes to SEELE we are finished," Gendo said with cold detachment. Other people thought the man was without emotion, a cold hearted killer. Not true, the man was a coward but a great actor. Closed off after the love of his life vanished and he found a way to get her back. A man terrified of his own son…maybe his son...Kozo didn't know for sure. Hiroto and Gendo both flanked Yui as best they could. Getting to the operating room, he tugged on his collar and showed the real man, "Hate operations. You ready for the UN council meeting."

Handing over the case containing Adam, Kozo shrugged a little, "Not like I have a choice, or much really to say to the council. Update about the angel that attacked the fleet and whatever new insanity Minaka-kun has. They give you any indication on how long you will be out of the equation?" Peeking in the window to the operation studio, Kozo felt bad for those eager surgeons. They sided with the devil and they were going to get the horns.

"Don't give that bastard any leeway if possible. That stupid Sekirei plan of his is causing issues with the scenario. Reports from Katsuragi-kun are stating…never mind. As for recovery, I'll be back as soon as I know its taken hold. I've a backup group of surgeons if needed," Gendo opened the case and looked at the chrysalis. Something so small was the key to so many things. If it wasn't for his own love for Yui, his belief in her plan, he'd have killed the thing himself, Kozo told himself.

If things started to go south, Kozo had a few contingency plans to deal with possible failure, but until then the old man was going to show the younger generation not to underestimate him. Shuddering as his vision couldn't fully comprehend Adam, "Hate looking at that thing, its unnatural. And I'll keep your brother in check. Give him too much slack and we'll be working for him." Sibling rivalry on a stage that held the planet in between, dangerous.

"Mankind wasn't meant to grasp the true nature of the angels, Yui told me that," Gendo sighed heavily. Opening the door to the operating room, he patted Kozo's shoulder and put back on the mask of control and bravery, no good showing the people he just damned he was human.

Still needing Gendo to do his duty, Kozo wished the man luck and walked back to the elevator. Using his phone he sent a single message to their most trusted squad, 'Mission is a go.' There was no acknowledgement, never was. But they knew what the mission was, removing possible information leaks. Gendo's little bout of body modification was against SEELE's wants, they found out and things would get nasty fast. Elevator ride was quick and went right to Gendo's office and the emitter that MBI installed for these little meetings.

"So what is the madness he's facing today," Kozo smiled as he picked up the latest reports from Katsuragi sitting on Gendo's desk. Man pretended not to care about Shinji, but he read the reports as soon as they came, and Kozo read them after. Allowing himself a small break, he followed the life of either Gendo or Hiroto's child…who cares it was Yui's child, Shinji looked more like her anyway. Snickering at the report, "So he has three Sekirei now? A date Sunday? Good luck kiddo, drink plenty of energy drinks." Shame they couldn't get anybody into that Izumo House to install cameras, but each attempt failed for technical issues.

After a nice little break, the telecommuting device started beeping indicating an incoming call. Taking his feet off the desk, have to look presentable, Kozo fixed his hair and smoothed his uniform. Lights dimmed, the images of the council projected into a seemingly perfect rendition of the full council around a table…headed by Kehl that bastard. "Hello gentlemen, as you know Commander Ikari is busy with emergency repairs and I will be answering for Nerv today," Kozo announced as the council was stunned to see him.

"No issue. Today is a standard meeting, Germany has no representation today at all," the Brazilian council woman said. Woman was attractive in her red suit and slicked back black hair, then again Kozo had a small fancy in his youth for women from that part of the world, before Yui.

As the rabble talked over one another, small welcoming platitudes, they all silenced when Kehl, acting as UN security council head, "Let's get started. Fuyutski how about you start us off. Was anything learned from the fleet battle?"

As expected, Kehl flexed his authority over this council as he did in SEELE meetings, Kozo wasn't bothered. Kehl thought everybody was beneath him, that nobody could challenge him. Won't he be shocked when things diverged from the scenario. With his practiced lecture tone perfected during his tenure as a professor, "Of course, sadly the German fleet didn't have very sophisticated…" he went into full detail of the event. All points had been planted by Kaji just in case, no room for speculation.

Nobody on the council cared, as long as Nerv kept the world safe and didn't cause incidents they didn't question anything. After Kozo's speech it was the standard waste of time. The UK had issues with religious protestors, the US was worried about recession, Mexico had an abundance of produce, nothing that stuck out. Then it was Hiroto's turn, as expected he had that manic grin on his face.

"I am about to start the second phase of the great Sekirei plan, I trust none of you have any objections?" Hiroto's shoulders shook as he kept back laughter. Just like Gendo, just far more expressive. Switch roles and Nerv would never have progressed with its hidden goals at all.

Knowing he had to keep a leash on the man, Kozo spoke up, "Minaka-kun, what exactly is 'the second phase'? You know you have to clear these things with the council before you start any more madness." Sweating a little, he saw council members glare at him. How many were in Hiroto's pocket, man had money to spare. Questioning the man that gave you the latest/greatest tech, it made you a few enemies.

"Tokyo-3 will be closed off! Ashikabi and their Sekirei cannot leave, the last ten percent of unwinged Sekirei will need to be winged and each Ashikabi will need to defeat at least one…" Hiroto was manic with his declaration but was quickly shouted down by Kehl, Kozo, and a few other members of the council.

It was thankfully Kehl that spoke over everybody loud enough to get heard. Rapping his knuckle against the desk, "Silence!" he got it, "Denied Minaka-kun. You cannot seal off Tokyo, and as you said some of Nerv are this…Ashikabi thing. We cannot allow you to infringe on Nerv operations." Leave it to Kehl to get even those that Hiroto bought to fall in line.

"But they have to! It's my plan, my grand design! You gave me permission to invoke my plan in exchange for…" Minaka again tried to force his will on the council.

Standing up, Kozo felt this was perfect, "Sorry Minaka-kun, but are you saying your little game is more important than saving humanity from the Angel threat? We have to be able to meet the angel threat wherever and whenever it occurs. Restricting access to the city will prevent repairs and personnel that is mandatory for our continued survival." Oh Kozo saw the rage in that man's face, Hiroto was being denied his control, his precious plan was being modified and altered against his will.

"Agreed. If you persist in this madness, we'll have to put sanctions on MBI. We have given you plenty of leeway with this Sekirei business in the past. But we cannot allow you to put humanity at risk for it," the Chinese delegate was reluctant, China was the hub of MBI's second headquarters.

Kozo could almost see the anger fleeing Hiroto like a miasma, "Fine! The city will remain open…cowards can flee if they want…but those that stay will still have to…damn it!" Slamming his fists down Minaka's image vanished leaving the rest to stare awkwardly at one another for a few moments. Those that sided with Minaka in the past were very nervous, but they all agreed in the end…MBI couldn't interfere with Nerv operations.

Once the projector went dark, Kozo relaxed all his tensed muscles, he hated those meetings. It went perfectly though, Minaka lost some of his dragons which would make him more volatile. Gendo had lost some power to MBI, the whole Sekirei Plan business cut into their dominion of the city, not it was Hiroto's turn. Both Gendo and Hiroto were starting to become suspicious of the other, making them sloppy, just how Kozo wanted!

Leaving the office, Kozo texted for his driver to be ready for him in twenty minutes. Giving the command bridge a quick show of attention, Katsuragi was handling things perfectly as always. They were a good crew. Smart, talented, and fully in the belief they were doing their best to save the world…blind little lambs. Excusing himself for lunch, Kozo was not disappointed when his car was waiting as he ordered. Instead of taking him to his standard restaurant he asked for a side trip to one of his little side projects.

Entering an old grocery store, but he had it cleaned by some of his own pawns. "I see you have kept it clean, good. I have it from the Professor that the second phase is going to be starting soon. You'll find me an Ashikabi with one or two Sekirei for me to defeat," Kozo addressed one of his thralls. This particular Ashikabi had a little bit of a gambling problem, needed money, Kozo bailed him out under the yolk of servitude.

"S-sure thing Higa-sama," the man sheepishly responded. The man had a Sekirei named Ikki who appeared to just hate Kozo, not that he cared. Get an Ashikabi by the balls and the dolls followed along.

Seeing more of his blackmailed Ashikabi and Sekirei showing up for the weekly orders, Kozo felt that swell of power. This is how it was to truly stage a little uprising against Gendo and Hiroto, not the little play acting Akagi was doing. Hell if it wasn't for Kozo covering for her the stupid bottle blond would have been found out! But he had a plan for her, just needed more to hold over her. First word of advice he'd give the daughter of the late Naoko was, never use your real name. Here, Kozo went by Izumi Higa. The real Higa was gone, Section 2'd for trying to extort pressure on Gendo for chemicals needed for Ayanami. Big mistake for the late Higa, a great place for Kozo to get started.

After his pawns were sent out, Kozo saw to his own Sekirei. All lovely in their own right, all loyal to the end, and a lovely vision to behold. Cupping Toyotama's chin, "Are things going well? Find me anymore wingless birds?" Oh this one loved to please, made it a point to have at least two new Sekirei for him.

"Shitodo and Oriha for you, Ashikabi-sama," Toyotama held a bit of pride in that. Who actually got the Sekirei for him, Kozo didn't know, but Toyotama made it seem as if it was all her. Kozo took no time in winging his new sleeping Sekirei. Awake or asleep it didn't matter, and sadly he got no real gratification out of kissing…he wasn't a young man anymore. They were just tools for him.

Stepping out of the backroom, clad in her linen and wrappings was one of Kozo's prized pawns, "Couldn't you at least let them be awake when you wing them? Give them a choice in this?" Uzume was her typical upset self.

Cleaning his lips, they were chapped and dry, Kozo waved off his tools. "Ah, and here I thought you'd miss the meeting. How are things progressing on the Izumo front?" Kozo like hearing Uzume's updates. Katsuragi's reports were one thing, but the woman gleamed over Shinji's progressing in life. Kozo wanted to know that, wanted the boy happy and was glad the boy was young enough to enjoy his tools as more than just pawns. But he had need of strong fighters, and if push came to shove he'd have to exert a little pressure. Shinji's Sekirei were powerful, maybe more so than all of his!

"I don't know exactly what Matsu is capable of, but she seems to be close friend to Miya. I think she was part of the first Discipline Squad, dangerous. On the other front…I had Musubi watch Springtime Cherry Blossoms as lead up to her date," Uzume's mask kept much of the emotions masked, but Kozo could read better than most. Girl was torn, happy to tease and taunt friends, but hated betraying them even this little bit. Tough, get caught and you get squeezed. It was just the world, big eat small.

Not knowing the movie, it had been ages since Kozo watched anything, but by the name he could suspect what it was. Breathing in deep the dusty and stale air of the empty store, its wide and expansive floor lead from soaped over windows to empty meat case. He tapped his foot on the lime green tiles, "Good. Keep them thinking you're their friend. But if the time comes…either they'll work for me or you'll take them out in their sleep. Understood? Wouldn't want your cute little Mari being forced out of the hospital." A fake, he wasn't a monster, but a lie could be just as good as the truth if not tested.

"I'll keep tabs on them. Shinji-kun is having dreams though, over heard him talking this morning to Miya…like Kusano he might be being drawn to another Sekirei," Uzume kept her distance, always ready for an attack. Kozo had his Sekirei on standby, but he knew it wasn't needed. Uzume was too afraid of the consequences of disobedience. When a sack slide from her back to front, she patted it, "Anything else? I have things to do."

Waving off the girl, she might need to be quelled, "Say hello to the young Suzuhara." To standoffish, and getting to close to Ikari-kun. She might break, unwilling to continue to betray her friendship with the young Ikari. A valuable trait in a friend, not so much in a pawn. But for now he'd keep using Uzume. But the bigger worry now was this Izumo house matron. She was getting close to Shinji, and from what he heard of her…that was a dangerous woman to have allied against him. His rumbling stomach got him back on task, "Let's get something to eat. Time goes on and I hunger." A dangerous scenario he was playing, he was sure he was going it better than Ritsuko, but he had confidence. Don't underestimate your elders.

X-X

Feeling the growing frustration, Asuka tried her best to not let it get into her voice, "Are we about done yet? Shouldn't you have gotten all of this from Nerv-Germany?" She had hoped her Saturday wouldn't be spent at Nerv, she spent to much time here since she was still living on base! But no, Frau Akagi was running test after test that she done innumerous times back home! How many physicals did a place need, how much info about her BMI and blood pressure was enough? And Akagi was a cold person, the few times Asuka tried starting some banter was meet with obvious faux attention.

"That is the last one them actually. What we got from Germany was out of date, not complete for what we needed here. The test plugs are one thing, the actual Eva's you must realize are different. I'm going to recommend you put on a few pounds. You are close to be in the red," Ritsuko check a few boxes. Woman had to get off on checking boxes. Cold shrew of a woman, how she had been friends with Kaji was a mystery to Asuka. Tossing the young woman a towel, Ritsuko actually appeared to warm up a little now that the task was done, "Anything else?"

Oh, was it time to actually talk now that the poking and prodding was finished, Asuka was about to bow and say a snide comment but held back. Pissing off one of the people that could help get her out of the barracks was a terrible idea. Dabbing some of the sweat off her face, shower was needed, "Few things actually. What can you tell me about that Musubi?" Taking a seat, she'd do her own poking until the fake blond kicked her out. This Sekirei business was a mystery, nobody at school knew about it! How was that possible?

If she was bothered by Asuka's continued presence, Ritsuko didn't show it. Moving from the test equipment over to her computer, she just started entering it all. Rotating her shoulders to knock the heavy coat off, "Ah yeah, Misato said you got a cheek-full on that boat. Lucky she didn't take your head off. That girl can easy huck a car, her strength when her little Ashikabi is in danger is unknown, but a mama bear is a fearful thing. But do you want to know about her specifically or her kind?" Now the woman sounded actually excited, guess Asuka hit her interest.

"She showed me a little of her strength yeah, it's inhuman. How can we risk the Third Child around something like that? Are we safe with her just hanging around him?" Asuka wasn't stupid. She had seen Musubi's power, some of it, and felt it. Rubbing her cheek at the phantom touch, Asuka wasn't dumb enough to acknowledge power when presented it. These Sekirei were dangerous, but why were they around? Peeking at Akagi's screen and puzzled when she saw the First Child and not her file, "Seems like something Nerv wouldn't allow."

Typing away, nodding to some internal thought, Ritsuko stopped and turned, "MBI is the only reason this Sekirei business is happening. I'm sure you saw how our fair city benefits from all of their tech. Due to that boon, they get a little leeway to do what they want. They don't have total control, at least that is what Fuyutski told me about some meeting yesterday, but enough. And Ikari-kun accidentally got involved. It cuts down on Section-2 guards we need on him, girl can catch bullets and is loyal until death. So we let it go, when it ends it ends…don't even know HOW it will end. But it's fascinating to learn about them." Ritsuko actually winked at Asuka when she finished her little story.

Tokyo-3 did appear to be a tech wonderland compared to her old home, MBI gadgets everywhere to the point of being neigh overwhelming. Asuka's new phone made her old one seem an ancient brick! "So all that stupid stuff he was saying about controlling plants and electricity is true too? How can anything do that?" Asuka's college knowledge was at war with what she was hearing. Reality said one thing, what she was hearing was in stark contrast to that! Was this just some odd joke they were playing, a stupid elaborate joke?

"See that plant? Kusano made it grow that large in under ten seconds. I'm trying to learn how they can do what they do…they're not human. Can't apply human logic to them, don't try. But as long as you don't kiss one, assuming you have the genetic markers of an Ashikabi, you don't have to worry. Anyway, according to Minaka-san only about ten percent are 'unwinged'," Ritsuko jerked a little as a knock on the door startled the two. Checking her watch, Ritsuko hissed through her teeth, "And here she is right on the second…you'll excuse me but I've something to do."

Getting up, rubbing her arms, Asuka felt a little cold, "Sure. Oh could you tell me is Misato working today? I want to get my own place outside of the base. If you're to busy for it, she should be able to." Getting up, the towel tossed to a cloth bin full of them, Asuka jerked back from the door as it swung up and nearly hit her. The First? Why was the First here!? 'Only if ordered to' what kind of answer was that to an offer of friendship? Girl was strange.

Shaking her head, Ritsuko was gathering various fluids and needles, "No, she has today off. But you can go to that Izumo House she's staying at and talk to her there if you don't want to call. I'll let you know that if you want her to work, in person works best." Scribbling down some directions on a piece of paper, Ritsuko handed it over. "Ayanami, you could have waited at the elevator, I'd not have been long," Akagi addressed the uniform clad First Child.

"It was prudent to learn you were here first. You have not had a perfect attendance as of late," Rei didn't mince words or hold her tongue. Eying Asuka for a moment, no hint of emotion in those dull red orbs. No love, life, joy, or sadness…Asuka didn't care for them. Eyes of somebody that either had a screw loose or thought they were better than everybody.

Waving the paper, Asuka quickly left the room, "Thank you Akagi-san. I'll keep you posted." It was a tactical retreat, not running away from the odd situation. Ayanami and Akagi were meeting? For what reason? They didn't have tests scheduled for a few days, Asuka needed a special set of tests…so why was Ayanami here and why did Ritsuko have so many…not her reason to care. Asuka just headed to the locker room and got in a quick shower.

It was creepy, the showers, Asuka didn't care for it. To many other people moving about, the Japanese had NO sense of privacy! On her way out, wrapped only in a towel she heard that geek that followed Misato around like a lost puppy! Misato said Makoto…Mokoto…whatever…the geek was an Ashikabi too! Maybe only nerds could be, fitting. Some geek gets shafted by an attractive girl, so he makes a race of super attractive strong slaves or something! After drying her hair as best she could with the thin and itchy towel, "Now lets see where…shit"

The note, her directions to Misato's place was all in kanji! She couldn't read that chicken scratch, but she wasn't going admit that to the snob, not going to call Misato for directions…idea! Pulling out that phone that still gave Asuka the odd sense of looking into the future, she texted the only substandard male number she had on her phone, 'Hey, Shinji, what are you doing, I need a favor.' She'd get him to tell her!

It didn't take long for those bouncing three dots to indicate the dutiful little boy was responding. Bet he got a thrill from getting a text from an attractive girl. A normal girl. 'I'm just getting some groceries in the Shopping Arcade. What did you need?' kid even texted boringly. No emoji, no short hand, just straight and to the point boring words. Fitting.

Knowing where that was, fifteen minutes away, Asuka's grinned widened! Perfect, she'd just have the boy escort her! 'Stay there by the fountain, I need to meet with Misato and nobody here knows your address. I shouldn't be long.' He'd wait, what else did he have to do anyway! He could have a play-date with that girl while he waited. Making her grand exit, she bowled through the locker room and did pause to apologize to Ibuki for knocking her over, but Asuka had a goal! She did wonder as she walked though, did that boring boy and that Sekirei of his get up to anything? He looked to timid to actually know what to do with a woman, but didn't Akagi say he had to at least kissed her once? Snorting, "Bet she kissed him! He's so withdrawn. Pilots should be bombastic and big, we're the chosen ones!"

It took about twenty minutes to get to her destination, she got distracted by playing on her phone. It was distracting, but she was learning the new tech wonderfully. "Now where are they?" she asked aloud when she didn't see that mousy brown mop of hair. Did he leave? Pulling out her phone, guess it was time to check the little 'friend tracker' the thing had. Working the app, she found Shinji's face on a map along with her own face in tiny circles, not far from one another. "An alley? That big better not be…" did he drag that girl to an alley to have his way with her?

"He better not be, better check," Asuka didn't want to admit she was actually interested! Now she was a teenager, she saw an adult film…goaded into it by some of her classmates in University…she wasn't a pervert! But she kept herself moving, avoiding any gazes from the teenage presence in the shopping district, didn't want to give them the false impression of having a chance with her! She was above them, she was better, she…didn't want anybody getting close. Making her way down the alley, holding her breath and expecting to see the little piggy getting his rocks off, she wasn't ready for what she saw.

Back against the brick wall, hand out stretched and shaking, one Shinji Ikari was drenched to the bone with water. "M-Miss I don't know what you're talking about. I-I have no intention of v-violating you! I'd never w-wing a Sekirei against her will! If Musubi-chan were here…Kusano-chan…Matsu-chan…they acted first! If we can just talk abou…." He dove to the left and smashed into a small garbage can. Papers and muck covered him and he found himself at Asuka's feet. Seeing her, he swallowed hard and yelled, "Get out of here! It isn't safe!"

"You cannot fib to me! I have seen you in my dreams, I can feel you calling to me, but I will not submit to an Ashikabi!" the blond woman in questionable attire yelled. Putting her fingers to her palm, she drew it away forming a blade of water from thin air, "Mizu no Tsurugi!" Diving at Shinji, the woman's arm was drawn taught and ready to strike with that impossible water blade, had she not taken a trash can to the head, covering her with filth just like Shinji was.

While she didn't get between the two, Asuka did not owe her companion that, she did at least offer some distraction as an aid. Looking for another thing to throw, not finding anything, Asuka dropped into a fighting stance. Ready to bolt, she wasn't going to die fighting some water witch, "What is going on here? Why are you attacking him, he didn't try to put the moves on you did he?" And did that blond say dream?

"Coward, you bring in another to fight in thy stead? Fights ought be one-on-one only! And an outsider at that, she not be an Ashikabi. And now I smell horrible! Next we meet, my unworthy Ashikabi, I shall end thee!" the woman leapt from wall to wall up and out of the alley tailing garbage as she went.

Falling onto his back, Shinji splattered a little grimy water on Asuka's shoe and let out a massive breath. Just lying there, "Thanks for that. I don't know why that woman hates me so much, but…" Shinji forced himself up and started cleaning the junk off of himself.

What she had seen rattled her, but Asuka masked it as best she could. The physical act of escaping the blond did was impossible, the water manipulation doubly so! Kicking her foot to get the brackish fluid off, "Did she say dream? Where is that bodyguard of yours to fight that woman off?" Asuka considered helping Shinji clean himself, but the smell along kept her at distance, he wasn't hurt so he could tend to himself.

"Y-yeah, dream. I've been having dreams of her as well. I had them with Kuu-chan before we ran into one another. I-I think some Sekirei call out to potential Ashikabi…but she doesn't want to be winged. I won't force the issue…but it feels…odd. Like a part of me is missing now that she's left. Sorry, not your problem. You need to see Misato-san? As for Musubi-chan…I…I left her behind. I wanted to check for date places. I want to take her out tomorrow…but never been on a date so no idea what to do," Shinji just dripped and batted off what he could.

Keeping a few feet away from him, and upwind as to not smell him, "Yeah I need to see Misato. I want off base, she is the one to work through. And you're right that Sekirei stuff is NOT my issue." But that look she saw on his face, the pained longing was evident…something was true about his words. Never had Asuka dreamed about anybody real, not even Kaji, so she didn't share the sensation. Letting Shinji guide them, "And you've a date with that girl? Musubi. I would have thought you'd have gone on a lot of them. Guys are pigs when given…" Wait, he said three names when talking to that blond…that attractive and elegant woman…Asuka came to a stop.

"D-do you really think I'm a pig? I…I've never had a girlfriend before…so this is all new to me. And Musubi-chan is so…so open I'm afraid of overstepping myself. You saw how she acted back after the last angel," Shinji left wet footprints as they walked. People gave them a wide berth, the human condition. Nobody tried to help him, nobody did anything but take a few snickering pictures and laugh as they walked. Yet he didn't try to fight it, didn't get angry at being the joke of others.

That…that angered Asuka! Kid didn't do anything wrong, didn't ask for that bitch to attack him, and yet he was being mocked for it! Hell even she wasn't really helping him, just using him. "I'll text you a few ideas, guess you are to boring to have good date ideas. You better thank me when they work," she was a little wrong about him, maybe. When they got to the Izumo House, Musubi was on his side in moments, then some little kid was there as well! Asuka let them fawn over him, she had Misato to talk to…and wasn't in the mood to see the emotional outpouring. Let him deal with it all, and when that elaborating clothed woman, Miya, took him to the bath to clean…Asuka did not feel jealous at the caring nature the woman had…almost motherly.

X-X

Putting his finished homework aside, Shinji closed his eyes and took a deep breath and tried to steady himself. It didn't work, he was far too nervous to relax now. As he neared the end of his work, the reminder that he had his date today ratcheted up the nerves. Why couldn't he be calm and cool like the people on the movies or TV? Those people on the shows could effortlessly talk to girls, be suave and debonair and make the girls swoon. He wasn't any of those things. He was a skinny and dorky kid who got…he didn't know. Not lucky, nobody could look at his life and say he was lucky. Far too many bad things happened for that. Fortunate?

"Blessed," Shinji settled on as he put his books and papers in his satchel. Yes, blessed did about sum it up. Musubi, Kusano, Matsu, Misato, Miya, and even Uzume were blessings in an otherwise fairly dim life. Oh there were other good things, Touji and Kensuke were there, Rei, a swirl of others, but the negatives were equally terrifying as the positives did their best to counter. But then again, even the good had negative elements to them…nothing was every wholly good. Friends could lie, often did. The Sekirei might lose a fight and be gone forever, he could die in battle…

Slapping his cheeks, knocking the fear and underlying depression, Shinji headed to his shared room and put his things in one corner, his corner. Misato took the majority of the room with her things, Musubi the rest, and Shinji shared a very little space with both. It was a very tight fit, why they typically only used the room for sleep, and otherwise used the common rooms. It was odd having a room with things in it, to have a room 'lived in'. Up until now, his rooms were always plain, empty, and devoid of anything 'permanent' and he really never kept anything.

"Shin-tan!" Matsu latched onto his back, arms draped over his shoulders and latched together, pressing against his back in her thin dress. She giggled as Shinji went ridged, and thankfully didn't stay against him. When he turned to face her, she had a finger extended that poked his cheek and she winked. "S-so, you ready for the b-big day?" Matsu had a very coquettish look about her. That was something Shinji found extra adorable about the girl, she had few moods that Shinji could identify. First was the focused worker, the one he hardly saw. Second the flirty and jokey type, the one that had secret objectives that Shinji hardly understood, and last was…not skittish but shy. For a genius and tech wiz to be shy around him, well that was neigh on impossible.

Blushing still, that dress did not hid much of Matsu's beauty, Shinji averted his eyes as best as he could. Matsu always had a way to staying in view, even if only a little, "I don't know. I've a few ideas…but nothing seems…worthy? D-do you want…if I'm taking Musubi-chan…" Shinji didn't know if this was what Matsu was expecting as well. They were both his Sekirei, he took Kusano with him on trips to the store, so was Matsu wanting some private time?

With the offer given, it was Matsu's turn to turn red, glasses fogging over. Stammering more than normal when Shinji did something she didn't expect, "I-uh-well…I don't go out much. B-bu-but if you WANTED…we could watch a movie or something in my loft. But you've got to deal with Musubi-tan first! And know that I helped train her!" Back was the energy that the girl had, whatever skid Shinji's offer to her made she righted herself.

"I'd like that," Shinji found himself truly believing that. Leaving that small room, Pen-Pen's fridge populated by the sleeping bird, he softly shut the door. Misato was off at work, and Musubi was off hunting the blond and was to meet him at the fountain in under an hour. His nerves were so fragile right now, he was tempted to call off the whole deal. But looking at Matsu, seeing the smile on her face and knowing Musubi shared Matsu's feelings (but to what degree only they knew), he steeled as best he could. Timidly taking Matsu's hand, she froze up a little, "I'd…I'd like to get to know you better. It's been an odd since we've meet and…I'd like to get to know you better."

Slapping Shinji's back hard, laughing uncontrollably, Matsu's mind snapped just a little, "Oh you're so bold Shin-tan! Saying things like that with such a cu-straight face! S-so which of the German's ideas are you planning…or are you going with your friends?" After nearly bowling Shinji over with her exuberance, she followed closely behind. Finding the kitchen populated by not one but two other women, "Oh…you. Going to make a scene Uzu-tan?" Matsu was awfully protective of Shinji around Uzume, or likely any other winged Sekirei.

"Of course I am! It's my dear Shin-chan's first big date. Have to take pictures and get him all dolled up for Musubi. Then again it is just a wrapper that, if I know you, she'll be taking off in…" Uzume held up a fancy blue silk shirt with black tie, but the heavy metal gong of ladle against sink stopped her. All eyes went to Miya's back, standing over by the morning dishes. Quickly pushing the offering into Shinji's hands, "Just put that on and enjoy yourself. And you better not spy on them!"

Rushing past Shinji, going palm to palm with Uzume, Matsu pressed her forehead hard against the enemy! "What did this mouth just say? You of all people telling me that I'm the dirty one! What would Miya-tan think if I showed her some of the new patterns you've downloaded?" Matsu countered. The girls hands danced about, each trying to twist and turn the others into a painful hold.

About to say something, to interject and stop the brewing hostilities, Shinji didn't have the chance to. Miya stepped in and showed just how skilled and fast she was. In a moment she was away from the sink and hand a hand on each shoulder pushing both apart. "That is enough from both of you. Look, you're making him nervous! Today is a day for connection, for learning, and not something to be nervous of! And what you each do," Miya eyed both girls, "in the privacy of your rooms is for you alone! Now each of you, say your peace and leave us." Flicking each girl in the forehead, they doubled over rubbing the wounds.

"S-orry, Sorry Miya-san, I went to far," Uzume had both hands to her forehead and back peddled to the door towards her room. One hand to the doorframe the other her forehead, Uzume had one eye opened yet still smiled, "Give it to her good, Shin-chan, make it really special for her…and if it gets dirty just have it cleaned before…AH!" Uzume ran off from Miya who stomped down with her Oni-mask like glare chasing the girl out.

Fixing her glasses before taking her phone out, Matsu shared a small giggle with Shinji. "I'll text you what I think the better options you have are. And I'll be thinking of a mo-movie for us to watch if you still want to. Oh…maybe we should have a movie night in the common sometime to, give Miya-tan something to look forward to. Experiment one is progressing well," Matsu winked at Miya before fleeing less she get the same treatment.

"I think those two are just as nervous as I am," Shinji waved at the empty spaces Matsu and Uzume were standing in. Why were they so fixated on this, what did they have to gain for being so supportive of Musubi and his first date. He wondered if Kuu-chan would have added anything to the madness had Ritsuko not requested the girl come in for a small physical. But now alone with Miya, Uzume's present on his arm, Shinji felt shame, it wasn't hard to see Miya had some of the physical aspects of life, even Shinji noticed this. But as time moved on, as he interacted with the woman… "Are you…upset with me Miya-san?" He didn't want that, nearly as much as he feared upsetting Misato!

Fluttering over to him, Miya enfolded the boy in the arms of her Kimono and hugged him gently. Soft seemed to be the best word to describe Miya, at least to Shinji. Drawing him just a little closer, Shinji actually getting a sense of her, "Never. You are a dear, and I am proud of you. So much has been thrust upon you, all of you Children. What happens, if it happens, is a beautiful thing. Do not think it a dirty thing. Now, you go and have fun, and know that no matter what Musubi-chan will love it" Bending down at the knee, Miya actually rubbed her nose against Shinji's with a small secret smile between them.

"Oooh look what I see," Uzume and Matsu called out from the hall, and like that the moment was over. Miya tore off after the teasing duo, the sounds Shinji heard was proof that she got Matsu first and then Uzume. The warm fuzzies that Miya imparted stayed for a good while. Going into the bathroom, he quickly changed into the gift and did his best with the tie and felt he did well enough. This was a good place, it was…it was worth fighting for wasn't it? Leaving the Izumo House, Shinji got in sight of the fountain when he got Matsu's text.

It was in her typical fashion of half info and half innuendo, she only teased him like that by proxy never as open as she was with Miya. Gave him ideas, more solidified his own plans. He wasn't brave enough for the grander things, at least not now…not the first date. Sitting at the fountain, the time fifteen minutes past the planned meeting time, Shinji saw Musubi rushing towards him.

"Sorry I'm late! I tried to find that woman, but only found other Sekirei. Had a good fight with one of them," Musubi waved widely at Shinji. She was exposed (must it be every fight?), but Shinji had planned for it. He had brought a spare top for her, he always had a spare for her now, and shielded her from prying eyes as she put it on. Grabbing his shirt by the arm, she rubbed it between her fingers, "Ooh it's so slick! So what are we going to do first?" Latching onto his hand, holding it with her gloved one, "Your hand is warm."

Oh hers was positively aflame and Shinji felt his heart nearly burst, squeezing tightly, "So is yours. And if you'd like, how about we get some food first? You must have worked up a hunger hunting for…" Tsukiumi his soul told him. He wasn't sure how he knew, the woman never told him her name, but in his heart of hearts he knew that was her name.

Nodding, clasping her other hand over his, Musubi was absolutely doting this fine afternoon! Shinji found his feelings growing impossibly more for her at that moment. That loud and joyous voice echoed her face, "Sure! I could eat a horse if they had one! I'll get that girl next time. Let's go have fun!" Tugging on Shinji, not even knowing where they were going, she led the boy into the busy Sunday masses of humanity.

Time moved on, the gears that were Shinji's nerves loosened and started to spin easily and in tune with Musubi's heart. The late lunch was a beef bowl for each of them, junk food but Musubi got so little of that she had an extra-large without batting an eye and finished Shinji's when he found his stomach bottomed out. Musubi could talk and talk and talk and Shinji was more than content to listen, he could listen to any of his…friends…for hours and not be bored. It was so strange, timidly…he let Musubi enter his heart fully and totally that day. The fear of abandonment, those old memories of standing alone at a train station not knowing what was going on, where mother was, or why his father left him, that sensation started to fade.

"How about a nice walk in the park, Musubi-chan? There is a nice walking trail that goes to a lake and there are musicians and performers on Sunday," Shinji asked timidly. Watching her eat with gusto, talk about the odd little fight she had with the staff wielder, he was proud, yes proud sounded best, of her! This was one of Asuka's ideas, she said it was 'bland and easy' enough for Shinji to do, he hadn't known about it and was shocked Asuka did! Then again, she was the social Child where Shinji was the boring and Rei the strange. Touji and Kensuke's ideas were more like Shinji's had been, safe and unsure. A movie, the arcade, aquarium, and other things they saw on television or in manga.

Content to do nothing but walk hand in hand with Shinji, Musubi just shrugged, "Whatever you want to do. Today has been great already! But when do we go to the hotel? I've been worried about my training in the last part of the date. I've been having to much fun to notice if you're in pain yet." Letting Shinji steer for a little bit, moving from the busy sidewalks and shopping venues to a more green and fragrant park, Musubi never let go of his hand.

Now it wasn't unusual for Musubi to say something that confused Shinji or Misato, it happened a few times a day. Whatever learning she received before being winged by Shinji had the girl daft to many of life's simple things. Was it fighting? Yes, Musubi knew it and could teach. No, well...best not to take what she said to heart as it was often misleading. Situation was getting worse and not better since moving into the Izumo House, Shinji wondered who was misleading the woman. So her little comment only caused Shinji a moment of pause before the necessary, "Hotel, what hotel? And what do you mean pain? Why would I be?"

"W-what?" Musubi came to a full stop, and being the physical powerhouse she was caused Shinji's forward momentum to continue so he crashed into her. Head nestled between her ample offerings, Musubi quickly wrapped him in a fierce embrace. Nearly with tears in her eyes, "I was told that if a man is attracted to his girlfriend, his thingy gets big. When it gets big it hurts when on dates, and a girlfriend has the duty to tend to it! Are you...are you not attracted to me today? You have been in the past."

Two things happened in rapid succession. First Shinji's mind went into terrified zones of teenage confusion. Yes, Musubi got his blood up all the time, she was tailor made to do it! Yes, he spent a few evenings in the bathroom flushing down his confusion. Yes, he wanted to make love to this woman. All those concepts made his brain go into a whirlwind of confusion and lock up. Second, the warm embrace, being so close to those thinly covered assets that Musubi so often showed him...got his blood up. "I-uh-well...you do...but it doesn't hurt...well...not really..." oh boy did it hurt but not physically.

The clouds parted in the emotional waters of Musubi's face and the sun shined down...exacerbating the situation. "She said you'd be shy about it! So that is why you didn't say anything, tricky Shinji-sama doesn't want the date to end early either! But she didn't say we couldn't just cut out the part where you gather your courage to...pounce me," Musubi lifted Shinji off the ground effortlessly. Looking about the vicinity, they had a crowd of gauges and snickering people taking pictures of 'the amorous couple' in the quad. Nodding to herself, Musubi tore off running carrying Shinji bridal style.

"W-w-where are we g-g-going?" Shinji stammered due to the bouncing. Not the first run she ever took him on, it was the bumpiest. Added to his plight was a motion and rubbing against as they ran. Recognizing the scenery as she slowed, "Why are we here?"

Leaping up to the fifth floor of the exposed walkway, Musubi confidently set Shinji down. Gesturing to the door to their old apartment, "Well, I don't know where a hotel is, but if all we need is privacy we can go back here right?" The door opened easily enough, the nob crushed in Musubi's hand...ok...when she was emotional her strength was multiplied! Pounding her fist onto her upturned palm, "I almost forgot!" Lifting Shinji back up, she carried him over the threshold, "I'm supposed to carry you to the bed right?"

Who was telling her all these things! Why was she doing this...well that was obvious. "Y-you don't have to carry me, if you don't want to," Shinji couldn't lie to himself about this. Musubi had been open and earnest about her feelings for him since day one. It was him that was dragging his feet with worry and fear. She carried him to the their old bedroom, thankfully the apartment wasn't repopulated and came with furniture.

Sitting on the bed next to Shinji, Musubi was equally embarrassed but she was quick to remove both their clothing. A whirling dervish of hands, excitement, and skilled hands! "Its...its bigger than normal...is that normal?" Musubi pointed at Shinji's appreciation of her glorious form.

"I...don't know," Shinji's brain wasn't working. All he knew was he Musubi was beautiful beyond words. The curves, the hair, the smell, how her legs splayed just a little to show him a trimmed set of hair that matched his own. Leaning in, arms going around her waist, she didn't resist, he pulled her against him. Kissing her softly, "Musubi-chan...do you want to d-do this...truly?" He cheated a little by kissing the side of her lips, unable to resist this siren at his side.

Now a new look fell over Musubi, one Shinji had never seen before, eyes half laden lips just a little parted, it was what he felt he must look like. Wanting, both of them felt this moment...how quickly a day changed. But also was a meekness that Musubi never had before, a timidness that she never had when clothed, "Ashikabi-sama..."

After a few more precious moments of gently kissing and touching. Each letting their hands dance clumsily over one another, Shinji's phone burst into life. "Ashikabi, Sekirei the time has come for Phase Two to start! Now that Ninety percent of the Sekirei have been winged, it is time to move on! All remaining Sekirei must be winged and all Ashikabi must acquire one victory over another or you'll be eliminated from the Plan! If you choose to flee the city, you will be deemed a quitter and may be subject to recall! Now go out and capture!" the professor burst into 3d life from Shinji's phone.

Both Shinji and Musubi looked at the phone, at each other, and quickly fled back to the Izumo House. What was this recall business, what was this necessary fight shit?! Shinji found his libido doused by his fear of losing his new family. Even Musubi lost the wanting gaze she had, replaced with dedication and determination to win a fight for her Ashikabi...their would be another time for them. Shinji didn't fear it now, it was as Miya said. Beautiful and he knew he loved Musubi and all his Sekirei now. They would fight for him, he would fight for them...and hopefully this whole nightmare would end with them still happily together.

X-X

Notes

I wanted to move the relationship further but not THAT last step yet. Still feels a bit early even if this is chapter 5, but the bridge has been breached. Moving all stories and side stories about, save for one but I feel this chapter had enough so adding another side plot wasn't necessary. Hope you enjoyed, and hope the rest of your year is well! Thanks for reading…

Later

Mercaba