Standard Disclaimer
Work has ramped up again with insane things. Changing approaches from two different areas that don't talk to one another and yell at me when I do what the other area says. My game group is no longer board games but video which annoys me...everything is still sick-covid crazy but people seem to stop caring...but we press on! It can get better if we try!
X-X
On Angels Wings
Chapter – 12
The calming sensation of synchronizing with the Dummy System wasn't as glorious as it used to be, but it wasn't unpleasant. Concentrating on the process, whatever it truly did Rei didn't fully know, it helped to act as if she was in her plug. Let her mind reach out and touch the other side of the system, a cacophony of muted voices all calling out to her, pleading for stimulus, and she provided. Ages ago she wished to be among those voices, dumb and simple. Now that her life had changed, she felt pity for those empty forms. She would ask Akagi what the Dummy System was, if she didn't expect it would cause more issues for her than not. Akagi, and the commanders, had proven they did not have her best interests at heart.
"Alright, that should be enough for your first set of tests today. Suit up and head over to the next room alright?" Akagi rudely broke into Rei's inner thoughts. Purging the plug of LCL, the woman had long since stopped caring about this process. But they both did so as Commander Ikari wished for it, and if they failed that man things would go in ways they feared. So the conspirators went through the motions to varying attention. Gathering up her papers for the tests, "So…how are things with your own personal little toy? I hear from Misato about Ikari-kun's, and Soryu just won't shut up about hers. But yours?"
Knowing that Akitsu was waiting for her up in the base proper, Rei had to fight to keep her face level. For some reason, Rei only wished for Shinji and Akitsu to share in her emotions. Only they cared about her when nobody else did. Now she had Shinji's Sekirei and the others at the Izumo Inn, but those two were special. "She is messy and indulges in video games to much when allowed," Rei confessed truthfully. Not clean in her own right, Rei at least put her garbage near the can…for Shinji to clean. Using the provided towel to clean off some of the LCL before putting her plugsuit on, "And she is no toy."
Not bothered by Rei's little rebuttal, Ritsuko hardly paid the comment any mind at all. Jotting down something, woman always was doing that, "She can't be winged right? Did you try? Or did Ikari-kun? He's here with you today instead of his own little harem of Sekirei. Did he wing you? Can you be winged?" Anything related to Sekirei got Ritsuko's attention sidetracked, let Rei gleam more important info than Ritsuko realized. Ritsuko didn't care about Rei or even the Sekirei themselves, just information about them. To what ends…Rei felt strange. What had that DNA sequencing really done to her?
"Her brand is always present…Ikari-kun c-could not wing her as she is. But that doesn't matter to us," Rei did not like talking about this. This was personal to her, finally something she wished to keep to herself for herself, but if she violated her orders punishment would be provided. Following Ritsuko into the small room that used to look like her old apartment, now full of gym equipment, Rei rubbed her arms as they broke out in gooseflesh. She hated this room.
Plopping down by the computer in the room, Ritsuko pushed her power over the girl and kept right on poking the bear. "So he has tried winging her. You? You two fuck? From what Misato says he's giving it to all those girls save the little one, thank the gods. What about that male one, how are things with that one? Start with the treadmill today," she ordered aid waited for her 'doll' to respond to the pull string.
"I…do not wing like the others do, but his kiss does make my wings and brand appear. But they fade, Akitsu says it is impermanent, lasting only an hour or so," Rei played the role of implanted spy. Part of the condition of her being allowed to live in the Izumo Inn was her reports on the others. All attempts at putting spy devices failed, so Sub-Commander Fuyutski offered this as trade. Gripping the treadmill handles, she started to jog as Ritsuko controlled the speed.
Question after question was asked, and she felt a growing unease with each answer. It was a betrayal of trust, something she never questioned herself before yet now disliked. Things that Shinji and she did in confidence and privacy now laid bare. How far they had gone physically, as well as Akitsu. What Katsuragi did and said in her drunken moments. The lives and powers of the various Sekirei about the complex. How everybody related, even the setup for who got to sleep in Shinji's room, down to Soryu's spying. Rei answered, but did not like it. And when she finished with the run, having a new top speed, she found the handle had been warped by her squeezing.
"Now to the weight station. You're cardiovascular is still growing at a rapid pace, lets see if the muscle mass is too. And no additional powers like those other girls, no elemental or mental improvements?" Ritsuko was a dutiful worker ant and finished her own reports. Cleaning off the sweat on the treadmill, if she didn't the place started to smell and Rei was not going to do it.
The first outright lie Rei said today was uttered with, "No, no additional powers have been found." It was a small act of revolt, but it felt good. This woman didn't need to know everything, and if Rei didn't show nobody save Akitsu and Shinji would know! She could still let out those energy blasts and her wings…not the same as the very few times she stole a kiss from Shinji. They weren't the cute type, they grew out of her back and legs…and themselves…and she did not want them coming out.
"I guess this will be the best we can get with the current saturation levels. Good to know, I'll increase…" Ritsuko then was lost in her own world. The physical tests continued of Rei's heightened physical conditions. Increased max weight lifted, stamina, and just generally better overall. Lower than Musubi, Rei did watch Shinji's primary lover closely, but far superior to the her of a year ago. Thankfully it ended with, "Alright, you're good to go. If you could though, try and have sex with Ikari-kun. See if that causes your wings to stay longer. He's had eyes on you for months, if what Misato said is true, and not like he's in a monogamous relationship. Curious to see if that improves your abilities as well. Oh and the simulated body test will be in a few days, so try before then."
Without a word, Rei saluted her superior officer and left feeling dirty. Using the hidden elevators to go from the secret labs to an unused hallway, and finally the showers she found her two favorite people waiting. They were playing one of Akitsu's new hobbies, a card game that came as a purchasing bonus to one of her games. "I wish to have a shower, I will make it brief," she informed the pair as they made to get up. Giving Akitsu the signal to keep Shinji's attention, it helped when they wanted to get past his defenses, she hoped they didn't ask if something was wrong.
"We are nearly done with our game. He has improved, unlike you, and has adapted new strategies. You could learn from him in that regard. Do you require assistance though?" Akitsu nodded once and went back to the game. When Shinji wasn't being accosted by his formal Sekirei, his two informal ones were stealing as much time as allowed. It wasn't much, between his Sekirei, Tsukiumi, and his pseudo-parents Shinji had very little open time. So today was a rarity and Rei and Akitsu had plans to maximize it. Part of that time they used though, was offered up to Akitsu's gaming, mostly video but recently card.
Brow furrowed as he observed the game state, and it was not in his favor, Shinji wobbled on his chair, "Just tired of you destroying me over and over, I read a little about this online. And…are you alright Ay-Rei-san? Something Akagi-san say or do bother you?" They just knew her to well, could tell at a glance if something was wrong with her. Rei knew most people considered her to be socially awkward, but these two saw through it.
"Game first, we'll deal with her after. You will treat us to food, we will hit the game store, and if allowed another place," Akitsu waved Rei past. Good girl, knew to keep him occupied so Rei could move. Somehow Shinji could just tell when either one of them was troubled. And it was great to have emotionally support, but when not ready to talk…it was hard. Push him off, and he left, afraid to push harder back.
It didn't take long, she wasn't one for fancy things like…soap. Rei just let the hot water clean off the sweat and residual LCL, and work on her troubled mind. She'd tell them what Akagi asked, and she'd be honest about what she said in response. And now she felt a little tinge of unease about the third stop on the list. Akitsu and Rei had actually been thinking…well it's been a long time since her old apartment and maybe they could try taking things a little further physically. Both Akitsu and Rei spoke of their appreciation for one another and growing affection for both one another and the lone male they shared.
When she went to put on her school uniform, Rei found Akitsu played a nasty little trick. Her uniform was gone, replaced with one of Soryu's outfits! It wasn't a complex shirt and pants combo, something Rei could actually put on, but it wasn't what she normally wore! Grumbling just a little, "She pushes her likes to hard." She'd have to get even, delete a save file or something, typical sibling style revenge. Finding the pair putting the cards away, Akitsu had an unexpectedly annoyed tick in the corner of her eye, "He defeated you. Good, your sense of superiority was growing too large." If Rei was the type to laugh at somebody she would have.
"Rei-san, is that one of Asuka's…it looks very good on you. Akitsu-san, apologize to Asuka when you get back…she was yelling at Tsuki-chan about losing it," Shinji tried to hid his blush. Tricky lad did his best to hide any form of physical attraction, and all it did was make Rei more self-conscious of it. Shouldering the bag of card game and other things Akitsu always brought when going out, "So did you know what you two wanted for…I guess a very late lunch or early supper? I texted Miya-san that we'd be out so she won't worry."
Miya Asama was a woman that Rei would never cross. A few times the woman tried being kind to her, but years of training and conditioning from the Commander left Rei standoffish. Miya kept trying, not as much as with Shinji, but she was there nonetheless. Asks to wash her back, attempts learn dishes Rei preferred, and leading questions left Rei borderline in camp Asama. But the few times something did 'threaten' Shinji, Rei saw feats of speed and strength that left her afraid. Fear was not something that came naturally to Rei, but that woman was a force…and she lived with her. Did…could the commander force her to leave the Izumo Inn if she asked Miya for protection, if she asked Shinji?
Standing a little taller than both of her companions, Akitsu took Shinji's left as Rei took the right. He was the soft thing, the weak one, the one to protect in the case of a Phase-3 attack. Didn't hurt that they cared for him, it flustered him, and that made them want to do it more. "Meat, I want something with meat and a dessert tray. Rei was negligent in getting what I asked this week," Akitsu teased.
"That is because all you ask for are unhealthy options. With your slovenly tendencies, if you ate what you requested you would now be obese," Rei quipped back. They fell into their natural conversational ways. Small snide comments at the others small foibles. As they walked, Rei felt the need for contact…that dirty feeling hadn't left with the water, so she reached out. Taking Shinji's hand, she squeezed it a bit hard.
Yelping in pain, Shinji did squeeze back, "Do you want to talk about it now?" He hadn't forgotten, or maybe they talked about it while she showered, Rei didn't put it past Akitsu to plot something with him.
Shaking her head as they moved past more people, Rei maintained silence yet noticed her partner had stolen the other free Ashikabi hand. Was it just because he was an Ashikabi, or was it something innate to Shinji that made her comfortable around him. Did it matter? Once they were outside, making a good way towards a nice family restaurant that had a hamburger steak that Akitsu enjoyed, Rei reviewed the menu. "I apologize for my silence. You both are correct, I am troubled. But we get little of your time…I would not like it wasted on my…" Rei gasped a little when Shinji used his arm to hug her.
Sitting in the restaurant in a booth did not give the best angle or access, but he did what he could. It didn't last nearly long enough, but he did give her a nice squeeze. Coughing a little after he let go, "We…talked while you were taking your shower. Wanted to give you time to calm down. I k-know we don't get a lot of time…what with everything going on. But I…we want you to tell us what is bothering you. Today is about you." Shinji and Akitsu shared a look, Akitsu (at least to Rei) melted into that visual exchange. One or two solid rocks in a life of chaos did a lot.
"As I suspected," Rei felt a stinging in her eyes yet she felt happy, odd. They played their orders, getting a strange look from the man that took them. Guess seeing Akitsu in her outfit was a little unexpected. With the fights all over the city being shown all over the internet, maybe he was expecting an event. Once they had their drinks, "I wish to confess something to both of you. More you Shinji-kun…I feel I have betrayed you, and I fear my confession will cause my expulsion from the Izumo Inn akin to Uzume."
Flicking water at Rei's head, it froze into small ice shards thanks to her powers, Akitsu was just as deadpan as ever, they were twins in that regard. "You do not believe that will occur. Fear is making you act foolishly. You wish to mate with him, you wouldn't fear being evicted if still thought such," a couch from another table proof she was a bit to loud.
"You want to as well! Today's plan was to end in one of those motels that allow privacy, do not act as if we didn't work on this," Rei countered Akitsu's snipe. Turning to Shinji, finding him nearly red for some reason. Rei forgot that he was not the type to talk about such things in public, social norms were very odd. Drinking her tea, "As you are the closest male to both of us, and our feelings have grown. We thought today would be a good chance to go beyond the our previous stages of physical intimacy."
Stammering and unsure what to do or look at, Shinji just let Rei and Akitsu's comments sink in. "I…well…I like both of you as well. But…w-what about what you are worried about? We can talk about…t-that plan of yours later?" Shinji was finding the window very interesting to look at. Confirming he found them attractive and willing to proceed was good, he had done that right?
"I wish to confess that part of the conditions of my stay at the Izumo Inn is that I keep and provide information about you and the others at the location," Rei's head dipped down, her hands laced together and she waited.
After a period of silence, Shinji shifted in his seat, "Is…is that all? Misato-san has been doing that ever since I moved in. But why are you worried you'd be forced out? If you want to stay, Miya-san will protect you. She…she's said she's upset at Nerv for how they treat us…as long as you want to stay there, with us…" Shinji then found his had knocked against the window as Rei dove at him. Unsure how to react to the news that her fears, as Akitsu teased, were unfounded, she hugged the closest person next to her. It was not what she expected for the day, but good all the same. The food was good, but Rei didn't really taste it, the sense of getting clean had started. She was safe, protected, and maybe even loved.
X-X
Sitting in Misato's car as it sped off towards Nerv, Shinji watched the scenery pass by with little interest. So much was happening all around him, and he understood a very small portion of it. Listening to Tsukiumi and Asuka bicker as Misato's music dunned under them, Shinji was glad he was neglected right now. A few days after Rei and Akitsu's little mental assault, Ritsuko had some sort of simulated body test for all of them. Akagi tried to explain it, in the end all Shinji understood was it was some attempt to put fake bodies in the Entry Plug instead of them. He opted to let the adults worry about it, he'd do what they asked and hope it worked.
Shinji's mental plate was full of worries about this Third Phase nonsense. It was more intense with the fighting it seemed, not a thing he liked. And aside from the horror of losing all his loved ones in one frantic ball of chaos, was the confusion OF his love life! His relationship with Rei and Akitsu had always been a little strange, starting with his crush on the adorable albino and now learning she had FAR more affection for him than expected. The few times they hung out, the disastrous last meeting at her old apartment, and now her confession? He cared more for her, for them, now due to that courage. But how did he react to it? Didn't he have a girlfriend sitting next to him? Didn't he have his Sekirei back at the Izumo House? This was to much to take in, to much for a kid to have to deal with.
"You alright back there, Shinji-kun? Been quite all drive," Misato just had to draw attention to him. She had shifted the rearview mirror so that she could see him, and those chocolate orbs were full of concern. A seasoned driver in the school of half-attention, she bobbed and weaved through the street with little concern for her life or her passengers.
Suddenly the car was quiet save for the music, all eyes on him, so Shinji swallowed hard and was a comforted when Tsukiumi stealthily took his hand. Holding hands had become one of Shinji's favorite things, such a simple way to show support and care. Squeezing back, "Just wondering about today's tests. Artificial bodies? I don't get it, do we sync with them, or do we try to sync with the Eva through them?" He didn't want to concern Tsukiumi about the Rei-issue right now. He wasn't dense, knew she had some trust issues due to the nature of their bond not being Ashikabi/Sekirei like the others.
"Yeah, I have questions about that too. What ARE these bodies she made? That woman has been getting weird over the last few weeks. Always asking about what the water fountain can do OTHER than stare doe-eyed at Baka-Shinji when nobody else is paying attention. She didn't clone Sekirei did she?" Asuka chimed in, not wanting to be left out of the conversation. Sitting up next by Misato, the g-force not bothering her at all, Asuka had been pensive all day. She was even the one to recommend Tsukiumi be the Sekirei guard for the day, car could only accommodate so many after all.
Doing more damage to her position without knowing it, Tsukiumi drew her hand closer to her body and dragged Shinji along the way. Now effectively hugging him, "I doth not act as some waif of a child in haughty childlike acts of affection. A mirror be what you see, envious of those in open air as ye stare at the roguish one and imagine ye be us in replacement! Right Ikari-c-chan! Speak of our depth of love that not even the sun can penetrate it!" Wrapping her arms around him, her control of water kept her a refreshing cool in the stifling heat of the backseat.
"Yeah Shinji-kun, how deep are those depths?" Misato asked with her teasing grin and delight in her tone. Misato had walked in on a tender moment for the young couple, and now was doing recognizance. It had just been a bath, both were clothed, but a couple's bath tends to be less about cleaning than…well…it was special. Yet Misato walked in just as Tsukiumi was fumbling with her top.
His initial question lost as Asuka countered with 'I don't want to hear this' and Tsukiumi found her strength of position and the car fell into bickering. Good, Shinji went back to hiding in his mind. Memories of that night with Tsukiumi warred with telling her about what Rei and Akitsu were expecting. Tsukiumi was far more delicate than she let on, a fragile flower bud of ice crusted water, one Shinji wanted to protect and foster and let bloom into the glorious flora it was capable of being. But if she got worried, got suspicious, it would wither. Tsukiumi, all of them really, deserved to become a bouquet of loveliness.
"Alright! Stop both of you! Asuka, I was just teasing them is all. I saw them sharing a bath, clothed, and wanted to see if they'd break. Tsukiumi, I went to far with my teasing. But we're here now, so you two go cool your heads and get ready. Tsukiumi, I'll see you in the test room," Misato finally shouted as she turned the car off. The sudden lack of music and engine hum let her voice fill the car and shut out both arguing friends. Shinji saw it, or at least hoped he did, the friendship that grew between the firebrands. Both women claimed victory over the other as they got out of the car, and as Shinji went to follow after Asuka, Misato put a hand on his shoulder, "You two go on, need to ask Romeo one last private question. Go or I'll make it an order," she added when they both stalled a moment.
Shinji almost reached out for one of them to stay, something about that hand left Shinji nervous. Misato had been more absent lately, more pensive, and deep in thought. He did what he could to alleviate that tension she felt, cooking special food, cleaning Musubi and her room more often, and just trying to be there more…but his plate was so full! "No-nothing did happen Misato-san. Both of us are taking things slow. T-Tsuki-chan is…she has reasons and I won't push. She almost couldn't even ask to take that bath with us in swimsuits," Shinji wouldn't say more unless Misato demanded. Tsukiumi's past was tragic, nobody should be attacked in the way she was. Nothing happened, but nearly being molested left a scar he was trying to help heal.
"I know, you're to much a gentlemen to push. But if you had seen what she had planned…but that isn't what this is about," Misato winked but that act was a cover. Kneeling down before him, getting in close, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small device. When she pushed a button on the underside of it, the thing whirred softly. Putting her forehead to his, "Things are…getting strange here, Shinji-kun. I've learned things, things that are not safe for anybody. Nerv, MBI, and another group of people are planning against us. I trust you, I trust your Sekirei, and I trust Miya…everybody else is suspect. Everybody Shinji, do you know what that means?"
Planning against them? But what did that really mean? Not understanding, Shinji shook his head, "What about Asuka and Ayanami? Kaji-san or Seto-san? W-what do you mean." It scared him, Misato's intensity stole the closeness of the moment. She meant this, not a joke or a tease, Misato was dead serious.
Holding up the device a bit more, Misato's breathe was ripe with Yebisu, "Unknowns Shinji-kun. If Kaji is against us, he could get to Asuka, and getting to Asuka gets to…" Misato let Shinji mouth Tsukiumi's name and just nodded. Not finished with her conspiracy, "Ayanami has always been close to the commander, and he…don't trust him at all Shinji-kun. He's your father, but he…he isn't. Look, we'll talk more about this back at Izumo…just needed to tell you. I…I love you kid, need you to survive this. But…if I ever tell you or hint at anything about kissing Miya…that is a code. A secret phrase that what I'm saying is all a lie alright. Can…can you promise me you'll remember that?" She didn't let him go until he nodded. Putting the device back into her pocket, "Now get going…have fun kid, just not to much."
"O-h, ok," Shinji found it hard to talk, hard to even breathe. He didn't move until she gave his butt a light swat and he jumped and skittered off. What had Misato learned? She'd tell him, but that left him wondering. Was it…was it all fake? Rei and Tsukiumi's affection just a ploy, a lie to get him to act for MBI or Nerv in some way? NO, No he wouldn't believe that…even if somebody was asking those two to play at affection, he would trust them. Finding a note in the changing room, Shinji nearly fell over when it read that he was to go sans clothing! Well at least he was alone for this…he'd never be able to be nude in public. "I trust them…Misato-san doesn't know them as I do, why she doesn't trust…being cautious," yes he could accept that. But he'd be dubious of others, Misato wouldn't act as she did without reason.
Walking on the cold floor, it was damper than expected, Shinji followed the arrows Ritsuko provided. He thought he heard voices, but that had to be just his mind playing tricks. Each one of them would go one after another, provide some dignity. Shower after shower scrubbed and burned at his skin, not normal water after all. His skin itched and he saw something odd about the water as it ran off into the drains. A chemical bath or something, it was annoying if anything. Walking out after the third such cycle of nasty 'water' and steam drying, he hoped it was finally over and this test could start and end. Sooner he got back, sooner Miya and him could play a game of Go and pass out. Misato's talk would be another day. Life wasn't going to be as nice to him though.
"Well here I am, just as you want me. Buck naked and ran through the scrubbers three times!" Asuka was practically next to him! A thin wall divided where his passage way of showers lead and he suspected, based on the view head…Rei was to his right as Asuka his left! As he was understanding things, so was Asuka, "Wait, what the hell? What is going on here?"
As Shinji's hands instinctively went to cover his crotch, Ritsuko's voice chimed in from a badly wired speaker. It crackled and warbled, "The last room is expensive to run so all three of you will go through together. We'll turn the camera off for privacy, but be adults and make it quick alright?"
"C-can they go ahead of me please?" Shinji asked, not wanting any of this to happen. It would be rude right? To see either of them in the nude without their wants.
Peaking around into his little hallway though were twin sets of eyes, one with devilish intent and the other curiosity. "Get your butt out here, lets just get…lets just…whowh," Asuka's eyes went south of the border, "Is that where all your growth went?" Red face and wide eyed, she quickly pulled back as Ayanami continued to stare. It had an effect…being looked at got Shinji nervous, got HIS mind wondering what was around that wall…yeah…thermal expansion…THEN Rei yelped cutely and went back to her side.
Shamed faced and flush with humiliation, Shinji just took to walking swaying left and right with each step. He heard Asuka snicker as they walked, but he kept his head straight and made a point to not fall behind. Let them look, he'd…well he'd just accept what happened. They were attractive, no fault in the body acting, it was if the MIND did anything that mattered. Thankfully he didn't hear anything else until he got into his plug and sealed it. Well that was mortifying, at least they didn't record it right? He could trust that right? But as he settled in for the test, one of his screens popped up with Matsu's personal icon in the corner…she hacked in…and she showed him a clipped video of Asuka and Rei both looking. It was recorded…and Matsu was no doubt making a new scenario!
"Alright Children, and that includes you two, Misato and what is with that expression Tsukiumi! Be adults…we're going to get started. Just try to synchronize with the faux bodies as you would your Evangelions," Ritsuko was always so professional. How could she be against them, she was Misato's friend right? He'd trust Misato, be suspect at least of the cold woman that performed so many odd tests on him and his Sekirei. After a few minutes of testing, "So, how is it?"
Doing his best to sync with the unknown entity, Shinji found it strange. The eva, despite his fear of it, was always warm almost inviting, this was different. "It's strange. It feels close to the Eva, but colder…less human."
"What does that even mean, Idiot, its all the same," Asuka just had to counter. But before an argument could erupt, Rei let out a gut wrenching scream, and all hell broke loose! Alarms sounded, people started yelling out various things. But Shinji heard a few things clearly 'angel', 'lake', and 'Tsukiumi go!'. When the plug was expelled to the surface, Shinji's body rattled with the force of it, in the dark he had nothing else to think about. Then came a sense of weightlessness and lastly a splash and bobbing.
Keying in the opening sequence of his plug, it depressurized and the top fell off, and thankfully the LCL seeped out. It was dark outside, he could see a few lights in the distance, but the sound was off. "Everybody alright? Asuka, Rei-san? Are you both alright?" he called but stayed below the lip of the plug.
"I'm good, Wondergirl you alright?" Asuka just had to respond first, everything was a contest for sure.
A weaker voice followed, "My arm is numb, but I am otherwise fine. We should head to shore for collection." A splash followed, Rei never did wait to act, she said what she meant to do and then did it.
"You would be here, go get your little boyfriend, unlike him I can swim…just make sure you get to shore eventually," Asuka tried to be quiet but she just couldn't do anything of the sort. Girl had one speed and it was max. Another splash and swimming was heard, Asuka was chasing after Rei, a challenge against the possibly injured Rei, Shinji wasn't surprised.
Continuing to lay down, he waited as he heard the churning of the water, and a few moments later a vision quite similar to Venus' Descent just with a heavy maid garb appeared. Gripping the lip of his plug, "Doth anything ail you? Our lessons in taming the waves has halted, but your burden I will carry to shore if desired," Tsukiumi bashfully looked inward.
Laying on his back, Tsukiumi atop him, Shinji found his tongue heavy and thick. She wouldn't betray him, neither would Asuka…Misato didn't know them as much as Shinji did. "I…I could stay here and wait for a plugsuit or something…I wouldn't want to…" he tried to cover himself as best he could. Didn't matter what he wanted, Tsukiumi grabbed his hand and tugged him to her and out of the plug. The water coiled around her legs and kept her above the otherwise still waters. She had issues with such matters before, he didn't want to push if she wasn't wanting, but here he was…nude and in her arms.
"This be naught but my love in my arms, nothing of shame here, nothing to fear either," she drew him close and they shared a tender moment under the moonlight while in the lake. Catcalls from Asuka broke them apart and they joined the other nude pilots on the shore of the lake. They sat there, mostly listening to Asuka and Tsukiumi bicker and chat for two hours until a VTOL landed to get them. It had been ever so awkward to be sitting by three gorgeous women, two of which he had powerful affection for and the third a friendship. Yeah, he swallowed that shame…and it got worse when Musubi dove off the VTOL to get him and rush him home. Guess Matsu helped Ritsuko destroy some computer virus and that got Miya and Musubi nervous so…and of course she poked and cooed at him as they did.
Musubi slept in his room that night…after a period of well…fear made everybody anxious in various ways.
X-X
What he was doing was stupid, very stupid, but Touji wasn't known for doing the smartest of things. He thought with his heart more than his head…and well his crotch too but hey he was a teenager in the prime of his life! So knowing that the smoking hot chick that lived with him missed hanging out with his best buddy, well he wanted to do something about that. Did Uzume love Shinji? No, she loved Mari. Which mean in the end he didn't have a chance anyway, so Touji wanted to help out. Not like he was losing anything, he never had a chance anyway. But Uzume was a fun chick, Touji wanted her happy, so he was going to try his stupid little gambit. Maybe he could leverage this into getting Shinji to try and get Nerv to help with Mari's hospitalization.
"I'm taking off," Touji called out to the silent house. Both his father and grandfather were sleeping, night shift was a bitch. Since Touji kept to his room and kitchen, most of the house was clean. But since his guardians were there, Uzume was off doing Sekirei things. But he knew she checked in on Mari before heading home for the day, and with the shift starting in about two hours he knew his timeline! Pulling his phone out as he hit the street, "Alright, lets get this shit going!" He had laid the groundwork a little while ago with Uzume's cloths request, so just needed Shinji to follow up! Sending the text asking again, only this time to bring it to the hospital.
Walking towards the depressing building in which his sister had laid for months now, Touji felt that growing sense of worry. What if Shinji was busy, the clothing gone, asked 'why the hospital', and a lot of other things picked his master plan apart. It didn't take long until Shinji responded to the text, Touji winced. "He would ask that, kid isn't stupid, and those girls are possessive as all hell!" Touji whined as he read the reply.
'I can if you need. But would it be alright if I bring somebody with me? They get worried with all the fights lately. And why the hospital,' Shinji's message read.
Thinking of several ideas on why hospital, Touji saw through each one quickly and tried thinking harder. 'Figured you could check in on Mari while giving them to me. She's said you not visited since the…incident,' Touji felt nasty jabbing at Shinji like that. Since Kensuke left to his grandmother's, Shinji had filled up most of Touji's male bonding time. Sure he had track, but those were teammates, Shinji was a buddy. A different thing! Continuing his walk, if nothing else he'd see his sister and maybe get Uzume to go out to supper after. Hey, even if she loved his sister, Uzume was hot and fun to talk to! Even gave Touji some ideas on how to talk to Hikari!
Shinji's text said he'd make it, great! Touji just hoped now that forcing them to meet would get some catharsis from the two, get them both to see Mari again! He noticed the other people walking gave him a wide berth, guess he was walking a bit to tall and silly, scaring people and the few girls that noticed him. Meh, he didn't care today. And people thought he was an idiot! He got Shinji to bring a bag of girls' clothing to a hospital to meet with the girl that got away! "But what if they get into a fight? What if they both refuse to see Mari-chan after! No…that Ashikabi stuff…" Touji knew Uzume was never leaving Mari.
"Hello, Suzuhara Touji and guest to see Suzuhara Mari, Shinji isn't here yet though, that ok?" Touji asked as he approached the secretary. Hospital was fairly quiet this time of day, and he knew most of the people on staff. Today was a middle aged man, couldn't remember his name but knew he was a good dude.
Looking up from his Sudoku puzzle, the very slightly balding man actually smiled. Nodding a little, "Afternoon Suzuhara, yeah that is fine. No Aida-kun? Been awhile since all three of you visited." Leaning back against the thinly carpeted chair, it creaked and strained with age, the man put his pencil down.
"Ken moved to his grandmother's place. His dad didn't like him in the city with all those attacks," Touji felt that sting. Kensuke kept texting, emailing, and the occasional call, but it wasn't the same. At least he was safe with that Sekirei of his, but Kensuke was going to have to apologize in earnest someday. Signing in for Shinji and himself, he pushed the pad back, "How things for you?" He wished he remembered something about this man other than the fact he worked here.
Doing his job and writing up the details in the computer for the visit, "Makes sense. We had that phantom alarm the other day. Things are getting strange here. If I found an opening in another hospital I'd leave myself. I'll wave Ikari-kun in once he gets here." With a flinch of the head and a sad smile, the man gave Touji the go ahead to enter. The man knew why Touji was here, felt bad for it.
"Thanks, good luck yourself," Touji said lamely as he left the check-in station. Nobody visited the hospital with good intentions, well rarely he corrected when he watched a couple walking out with a baby. Rounding the corner to head towards Mari's room, Touji stopped and his body locked up. Uzume was talking to some old dude? He never saw Uzume look so angry, and the man so smug and in control. Ducking back around the wall, he pulled his phone out. "Who the hell is that? This some porn plot or something?" using the camera he watched them talk and took a few pictures.
Uzume was poking the old man in the chest while positively enraged. The man pulled out his own phone and showed the Sekirei something and she instantly backed down defeated. If only the phone could capture sound he'd know what they were fighting over! Just who was that guy though, somebody from MBI or something? Maybe there was a change in the Ashikabi thing, maybe MBI was trying to take Uzume away from Mari! No, they couldn't do that! Mari loved Uzume, and Uzume the inverse. Felt odd knowing his sister had a girlfriend, but it was better than a boyfriend! After spying on them for a few minutes, the old man continued to cause Uzume to scowl and frown until he turned and left.
Pulling the phone back in, Touji reviewed the few photos he took, guy looked an old college professor. Not the type of guy that would threaten or provoke girls. It also got some very tasty images of Uzume in her 'suit'. It was one of his dad's, he hardly wore anything other than work jumpers so he didn't notice, and she just stressed those hemlines! Maybe getting her stuff from Shinji wasn't such a good thing after all. Giving Uzume a few minutes with Mari, Touji felt a third wheel with them sometimes, he just wondered what he saw.
"You done seeing Mari-chan already?" Shinji asked, knocking Touji from his daze. Time had a nasty habit of slipping away when not paying attention. Holding a bag in each hand, Shinji strained under the bulk of cloth he had. "I brought her sewing materials as well, figured she'd want them," he hefted on bag so full it was nearly bursting. When had Shinji got the muscle mass to hold such things so easily.
Leaning in close to Touji was a woman that Touji had never seen up close and he nearly lost it, "Curious and curiouser. Not what I was expecting, but you're not that bad. But the why and the how of this meeting will color my opinion of you." The woman was of such overt beauty that it spilled out of that purple dress! Touji didn't know where to look, it was all so good! Woman was a model, an actress, or…a Sekirei…Shinji had ANOTHER Sekirei? This wasn't fair! And she was going to be PISSED once she learned what Touji set up.
Rubbing the back of his head, Touji suddenly wanted to stall long enough for Uzume to leave! "N-not yet, Shin-man. I got distracted. A-and hello ma'am, Suzuhara T-Touji, pleasure to me-meet you," he just didn't do well with insanely beautiful women. Long purple hair, a bust that didn't quit, legs supple and…looked like she could kick through a steel wall. Oh yeah, Sekirei were pretty darn strong. Clearing his throat a little, "What brings you here, miss?"
When the woman just looked about and ignored his question, Shinji have an uneasy laugh. "This is Kazehana-san. She's with me. And with all the…events in town, I'm not really allowed out without somebody. Tsukiumi and Musubi are having a spar right now so…" Shinji let his bags hit the ground and Kazehana added two more. Tilting his head a little, a queer expression that was unreadable befell him, "What is wrong, to many bags to carry back? We could bring them to your place after we meet with Mari-chan."
"Maybe, but first…is something changing with Sekirei and their Ashikabi or something? Like are they taking Sekirei away from people they think aren't worthy or something. I just saw…some old dude meeting with Uzu…" Touji seized up as he spilled the beans. Both Shinji and Kazehana's eyes widened and the woman pushed Shinji behind her. Shaking his hands quickly, "No trap! No trap! S-she is here yes. I…I wanted you guys to talk! Mari wants to see both of you, Uzume-san talks about you guys and that house…wanted to help. But the old dude…" Touji went into disaster recovery mode, and pulled his phone out.
Taking the phone from Touji, a fair bit brutally, Kazehana stood firmly between the two and gave Touji a glimpse of the skin of her back, that dress had those lovely cut out diamonds! "Matsu, yeah as I thought, hack this open please," she talked to the air and Shinji started to blush and stammer, guess he knew what was going on. Flipping through Touji's pictures, oops many of those were not really safe for work, she actually tittered and laughed a little, "You're a pervert, unlike my Darling here. But this man doesn't work for MBI this is…Shin-chan you recognize him?"
Catching the phone as she tossed it, Shinji examined the picture closely. Zooming in and checking a few others, Shinji nodded, "This is Sub-Commander Fuyutski? Why is he talking to Uzume-san? Misato-san said Nerv and MBI are at odds. Is he…no you said Mari-chan is her Ashikabi. What is going on here?" Handing the phone back to Touji, he at least offered an apologetic grimace. Touji had made it known to his buddies he had a few 'tasty' pictures on his phone. Well Touji would take what sympathy he could.
"Something is going on here, and I'm starting to think I can see it. Send a few of those to Shin-chan, we'll have Misa-chan confirm this. As for you though, tricky man leading my Ashikabi into a potential fight," Kazehana closed in on Touji and yet she didn't sound dangerous. As Touji backed against the wall, this woman so close he could smell the rose scented body wash she used…he was nearly head level with her chest and…and…she ruffled his hair, "Don't do it again or I'll have to actually punish you."
Babbling like an idiot, never had he been so close to lust personified as now and he nearly messed his pants. "S-sorry! But I had to try something. I don't understand all this shit, but I know she misses you guys, so I had to do something!" Touji defended his plan. Sadly Kazehana took a step away and took that intoxicating smell and vision away, and she draped herself around Shinji to twist the blade. She was off limits, she was with Shinji, and boy did Shinji look ready to vibrate through the floor.
"Touji who are you talking to so loud that I could hear…what are you doing here!?" Uzume just had to join now! Finding her old teasing buddy and living mannequin for her male outfits, Uzume dropped into a fighting stance the moment she saw Kazehana. Grabbing Touji's wrist, she yanked it hard and flung him behind her. Whimpering, "You winged her too? One of the original Security Division…this isn't fair! And is that my…you have my clothing and sewing gear? What is going on here?"
Touji was shocked when Shinji quickly got between the two beings that could easily tear him asunder. When did Shinji get such bravery? Wherever he did, Touji was impressed, terrified but impressed. Holding his hand up, Shinji called out, "Stop, Uzume-san please. Touji asked me to bring it. I-I suspected something a little, bet Kazehana did too, she insisted she come with me. I just wanted to insure you're happy…we haven't talked since you ran away. And now you're talking with Sub-Commander Fuyutski? What is going on?"
"She's being blackmailed. By who I didn't know until now, but he's holding her love for her Ashikabi against her, am I right?" Kazehana said more to herself but did kick a bag of Uzume's clothing at her.
Catching the bag that hit with such force she spun around, Uzume hugged the bag tightly. Nodding once, "Of course! I wouldn't have done what I have if I had a choice! I liked the Izumo Inn, liked living and teasing you. But he said if I didn't do what he said, he'd get Mari-chan removed from the hospital. And his name isn't Fuyutski its Higa Izumi!" Clutching her bag tightly, she back up closer to Touji and got him back up.
Taking Kazehana's hand, Shinji gave it tug, "Don't run. We-we'll leave, you stay. And that man is lying to you Uzume-san. He works for Nerv, I've seen him with my father. I'll…I'll talk to Misato-san about this whole mess…so…Touji could you act as a go-between for us?" Shinji pushed the clothing bags closer to the two, but kept a Kazehana approved distance away. He listened to his Sekirei, kid was brave but not insane. Before Shinji could say anything else, Kazehana scooped him up bridal style and rushed off. Guess Shinji was going to have to abide by the vixen's wants for now.
"So uh…s-sorry about that. I just wanted to help," Touji lamely said as he watched Uzume gather the bags that were left behind. She didn't look at him, didn't say anything, she just slowly gathered her stuff. One bag she pitched over her shoulder at him and it socked him right in the stomach. He nearly fell over again, but kept up, and set the bag down. Worried she'd run away from him now, alone again when not with Mari, "S-say something. Look, I apologize alright! I did something stupid, stuck my nose in where it wasn't wanted…but I had to try. At-at least you got your stuff back! Don't have to wear my dad's shit!"
When Uzume turned, teary eyed, she dove at him and wrapped her arms around his waist and cried. Gods she was strong, nearly crushing his guts so hard he couldn't breathe. "I missed them so much…miss them. But…but…maybe…maybe…thank you," she just rubbed her face into his stomach. A few moments later an orderly asked them to gather their stuff and stop making a scene. Touji had no idea what he did, but Uzume was happy he guessed, and that would make Mari happy. So…win? He did wonder as they left, and stopped at a fast food joint for food, was what the hell he actually just started.
X-X
Stretching her arms, arm-barring herself as best she could, Musubi was bouncing on the balls of her feet in anticipation. As each day went bye, the time before their first 'official' fight of this Third Phase was coming. Small fights always erupted throughout the city, a weakened opponent was an easy opponent, but this was going to be the real deal! They had to get one of those token things or all this joy could be lost! Never, Musubi would never lose her Ashikabi. But she was starting to think…maybe constant battle-lust was a bad thing. These spars were fun, training was fun, but threats of losing her family was not.
"Sorry about that, Kazehana needed me to unlock somebody's phone. Easy as always, but she's taking her date very seriously, such the dainty flower," Matsu put her headset down as she returned to the warring duo. Sitting on deck of the veranda, Matsu crossed her legs as she opened a bottle of ramune. Gesturing to her left, Shinji's latest Sekirei stood clad in his wrappings, "Homura-kun is going to be the judge of today's little spar. I hid something in Shin-tans old bedroom. First to find it and bring it back wins. Prize is…you get to give the other an order. Nothing to bad, but…you could steal some time."
Order Tsukiumi to do something? Ooh! Could she ask to take Tsukiumi's turn as Shinji's defender or maybe even…her date night? "What did you hide!?" Musubi was excited about this little race! Shinji was nervous whenever they spared, worried she'd get hurt. She never wanted her beloved Ashikabi sad, so Musubi only went all out against Miya, she couldn't touch landlady, or against the random fights in the city. So a chance to run and jump and play at full force was great!
Looking away disdainfully, Tsukiumi scoffed, "Could the judge be judged rather than the concubine? Finding tales of ribuldry of one's master and lover doth annoy more than entice!" Stomping her foot, Tsukiumi towered over the creepily smiling Matsu. Summoning up her water spouts, the woman was not showing her appreciation of what both Musubi and she found. All of the Sekirei were on the lookout for random 'experiments' that Matsu occasionally left about. Tsukiumi had found one labeled 'Fire AND Ice' and forced Musubi to watch it. It was…well…Tsukiumi asked if she thought Asuka and Rei would do such with Master.
"Hey Tsuki, I need you for a second before you go off and play!" Asuka yelled from deeper inside the dwelling. Both Matsu and Musubi turned to the haughty woman with different expressions, Matsu was teasing while Musubi was happy! She hoped the two would get closer, and over the weeks it seemed to be happening!
Flinching her thumb towards princess, Matsu tittered, "Go see what she wants, or you won't be able to focus. I won't have you claiming you lost because you couldn't concentrate. And it gives Homura a chance to get into position." Waving off the two Sekirei, the master of ceremonies took a deep drink of her sugary beverage. Once they were alone, Matsu waved Musubi in closer, "Musubi-tan have you been studying like I instructed?"
At the hinting of her studies under Matsu, Musubi nearly leapt in sudden excitement. The girlfriend training! "I…I tried…but Shinji-sama…he doesn't…" Musubi played with the hem of her training Gi. Matsu kept giving her various videos and books about things to try doing with Shinji while alone, but lately it wasn't just a man and a woman but two women and one man. Things on those study aids looked so fun, but Shinji kept saying it 'would demean her' and he didn't want to do that. But she wanted to try! But who was she to tell her Ashikabi to do something he didn't want?
"He wants to do that, he's just being modest. When he was last up in my loft…" Matsu pointed at herself and used her biceps to squeeze her chest together. Just like in the last few videos! Nodding as Musubi started to lean in blushing, "Shin-tan is shy and a gentleman. He doesn't want you to do something he thinks you'd regret. If you want it though, keep pushing. A girlfriend has to take initiative from time to time to spice things up! Don't and you might find the walking water bottle steals your…our…place." The ferocity Matsu had at the end of her little statement was very prominent.
Suddenly very warm, the idea of Master's t-thingy between her…the image popped into Musubi's head and didn't leave. She did want to try some of those odd things Matsu kept telling her she was supposed to do. Every time Shinji and she did do something along those lines, well Musubi was overwhelmed by the sense of love and the sensations she was given. If it wasn't for this Sekirei Plan she could devote more time to her family, not be worried something would steal it from her. For the first time in her life, Musubi was starting to disagree with something the Professor told her. The Plan was not for her betterment!
"Mine apologies for the delay in your defeat, mine Master had need of a multi-faceted tool and not a blunt hammer. Shall we start your loss? And yon peeper be ready to destroy all faux images of MY Ashikabi and MY Husband together!" Tsukiumi returned to the veranda. Oddly enough she had a few more ribbons in her hair, it was styled in a different way. What had Asuka actually needed?
Opening up her laptop, Musubi fixed her glasses, "Alright, you two on your marks…get ready…oh and if you're both not back in one hour I get to order both of you…GO!"
Musubi tore off running and jumping over the protective wall as Tsukiumi stalled to demand Matsu explain herself. Great, a head start! Maybe she would…that video of the other pilots and Shinji got Musubi thinking! They were both wives, all of them were Shinji's wives! Wife was somebody that loved their significant other! Who said you had to only have one! Matsu showed so many men and women that loved one another! Running along the sidewalk, people taking pictures, Musubi let her mind wander to oddities she found her mind thinking of more often. A life without constant training and fighting, a life with fighting AND family. Protecting Shinji from threats, but not being held to the whims of the Professor…it was scary but she liked the idea of it!
With a small trail of papers and garbage in her wake as she rain, Musubi did her best to remember where that old apartment used to be. It had been so long, and they only rarely went back to it once Shinji got his own room. But the memories were sweet, so it didn't take long for the scenery to start to look familiar. Slowing to a stop once she saw the building, Musubi put her hand to her chest and took a deep breath. "My old home…I lived with Misato-chan and Shinji-sama there," such a swelling of nostalgia was almost overwhelming. She loved Misato and Shinji so much, and all the new Sekirei and pilots and…all those at Izumo!
"There you are girl!" a voice yelled from high up and behind. As Musubi turned to the challenge, a woman in a black outfit and long flowing grey hair tired up in a ponytail leapt down to the ground from five stories up. Leaving a small crater in the ground from her landing, the woman held a nodachi in her hand. Not drawing it yet, but holding it at the ready, the woman smiled, "So you're still up and moving about. You, who holds Yumi within her, tell me your name."
Did she continue towards the goal or stop and respond to the woman that she had lost to in the past? Well it was rude to run, so Musubi turned to the woman and bowed politely as Shinji trained. "Hello, I'm Musubi! And who are you? If you don't mind though, I was sort of in the middle of a sparring race!" Despite her want to leave, even seeing the new woman standing so openly, Musubi slowly got into a defensive posture. This woman touched her crest in the past, soundly beat her and SHOULD have taken her away from Shinji. But Musubi was not afraid of a challenge, and she was far stronger than she was on the bridge.
"Ah, brave, I wouldn't have it any other way. You may call me Karasuba if you like leader of the Third Discipline Squad. Is your Ashikabi nearby, or may we have our own challenge? I'm interested in what lives inside you…my old rival," Karasuba drew her blade and dropped the sheath. One foot deliberately put before the other, a trained swordswoman stance, she still had a casual tone and gentle expression.
Glad she had her better gloves on, they could deflect metal, Musubi nodded to herself. This was a fight, one she could go all out on as the fighting spirit she felt was very impressive. "What do you mean old rival? We only had the one fight," she asked as she pounced. A good defense was a better offense. With Shinji not nearby, with no strange mission of protecting somebody, she could go all out! Two rapid jabs and a low foot sweep forced Karasuba to leap back.
Spinning around quickly, a large burst of wind left Karasuba's blade horizontally causing Musubi to duck under it. Musubi felt the cloth on her back tear and the wind on her bare back. What worried Musubi more was she heard people call out in shock and a few in pain. Civilians were hurt? They all ran away screaming and calling for help. Reaffirming her grip and stance, Karasuba let out one low chuckle, "Such useless things these humans be. Even our Ashikabi have only limited uses. Only victory over Yume means much. And nice dodge Mu-chan, not many can even see my slice let alone avoid it."
"You shouldn't hurt people! They are just watching, and I don't know who this Yume is!" Musubi was mollified of Karasuba's action. People were…strange and confusing…but Musubi liked them! They didn't deserve to be hurt doing this stupid fighting. It served no purpose to Musubi, didn't understand why they were even fighting! But she wasn't dumb enough to not dedicate herself to the task full hearted! If she lost this time, there might not be a miracle again to keep her with Shinji! Sensing a vertical swing coming, Musubi clamped her hands together and caught the blade.
Trying to force her swing through the hands, Karasuba was visually straining to push or pull it free. "Impressive! You are a higher number, not used to such strength! Proof that Yumi is inside of you! I beat you enough, she'll come out again to save you! Then I can finally end our rivalry! So come on Mu-chan, continue to impress me!" Kicking out at Musubi's stomach, it got caught in Musubi's garment and tore most of it free as she escaped.
Before the leg could get to far away from her, Musubi lunged and grabbed it. Spinning around quickly, taking Karasuba off the ground, she made herself a human top. Spotting an alley during her dizzying spin, she let loose and let Karasuba fly! "Yumi…I…" Musubi's mind rebelled at the memory fighting to enter her mind. She wasn't ready for it, wasn't ready at all. The heavy dung of flesh crumpling metal snapped the encroaching memory back into the shadows.
"So this is where you are, and why are you topless again…Karasuba is here?!" Homura was startled out of his comment once he saw the woman clearing the alley. Twin balls of fire formed in his hand, making a triangle out of the three, more humans started to watch while sirens started to be heard.
Standing tall and letting her blade point to the ground, Karasuba shrugged. "Guess that is all for today. Our fight is between just the two of us, I'll draw Yumi out of you next time. So you cannot lose to anybody else other than me, Mu-chan. This stupid Plan will end with you verses me," she actually held her hand out towards Musubi.
A strange sensation inside her compelled Musubi to act, and she took Karasuba's hand and shook it. "I don't fully understand what is going on. But yeah, I'll fight you again!" The hand not shaking Karasuba's was used to protect her modesty while she watched the strange woman walk over to reclaim her sheath and leap away. Feeling Homura drape some of his cloth over her shoulders, Musubi used it to make a little top for herself. "What brought you here, Homura-san?" Musubi didn't know what to make of Shinji's male Sekirei. Did Shinji and Homura do the same things that Shinji and she did?
"Was getting impatient waiting for you. Tsukiumi got here and left already. Turns out the item hidden was some of Shinji-kun's boxers. Not going to ask why, Matsu is a perv. Now lets get back and get you some actual cloths on," Homura took off running.
Following close, Musubi was confused and upset. She lost the race, had a good fight, but what was this comment about Yumi. Memories were fuddled and part of her was nervous about that, did she want to know? Inside her she felt a warmness grow, it felt lovely and comforting…but right now she wasn't ready for it. Homura didn't rush off to fast, keeping nearby just in case something else beset the absent minded Musubi.
When they got back to the Izumo House, Musubi saw Tsukiumi chasing after Matsu and flinging torrents of water at the woman. "Ye were to remove such horrid visions not exacerbate them! I doth not ask to be added to the mix! Nor did I want to see myself with the concubine! I shall wash you clean of your perversions!" Tsukiumi trilled as she chased after the master of ceremonies.
"Guess you didn't really lose anything to her. That woman is such a pill, glad that Shinji-kun isn't bound to her as he is us," Homura huffed. Taking off his masking garments, the man tossed Musubi his jacket and left her alone outside.
She had lost, yet she didn't feel bad about it. One defeat wasn't the end, not when it was like this. She could get better, try again, and fear losing nothing! If she had lost to Karasuba, she'd never see Shinji again, never see any of these people again! Heading to her room, getting a change of clothing and petting Pen-Pen a little. She settled down into the room, it still did smell of Shinji even if Misato's bottles masked a lot of it. Doubt, she was doubting the Professor more and more. Did they need this Plan? Couldn't they just live in happiness together? What was even the purpose of this plan in the end?
X-X
Leaving the hospital, Shinji didn't know how to feel. Should he be happy that Uzume was alright, confused at her relation to Fuyutski, or what? He just let Kazehana lead him through the throngs of people and back into the late afternoon sun. Squeezing her hand, "T-thanks for...being here. I don't...I don't know what is going on. But you seem to, should we go back or should we...I don't know."
"Lets get us some supper, Shin-chan, just you and me. Unless you're not comfortable going out with little old me," Kazehana teased with just the right amount of lingering worry. How this woman thought she was 'to old' for Shinji, it was mind boggling. "As for Uzume, we'll find out what that man is doing, and then we act. I saw her leaving the Inn and followed her once or twice. She loves that girl in there, her Ashikabi, we all love our Ashikabis'," she tickled Shinji's hand, "So she was doing what she did to keep that girl safe."
Uzume had been forced to attack Kensuke, forced to do a lot of bad things to the point she ran away. Shinji felt even worse, "I didn't know. I didn't help her, she must resent us, right? All that time, she was being forced by somebody at Nerv to do bad things, and we just kept working for them. Misato-san says Nerv and MBI is up to bad things...and we still keep doing what they say." But what else could he do? The Angels needed to be stopped, MBI had some power over the Sekirei, so if they rebelled wouldn't that cause a bigger problem? What could he do.
Getting to a crossroad, Kazehana stopped and put both her hands on Shinji's shoulders. Bending at the knees to look him straight in the eye, "Was that a no for supper with me? If we head back we can make it for Miya's supper, or we can have a lovely evening just the two of us." That minx of a face was well versed at masking emotions and hiding her true feelings.
"I'd love to have supper with you! We...we haven't had much time just the two of us. Things have been so hectic and all," Shinji blushed at the closeness of the woman. Guy had to be serious with himself from time to time, and Shinji had spent time thinking about his life. He loved all his Sekirei, and was powerfully attracted to all of them. But each was different. Musubi was cute, Matsu was exotic, Tsukiumi was luxurious, Homura was confusing, but Kazehana was pure blown raw erotic. Her clothing, the way she carried herself, her mannerisms they all just colored Shinji's mind red. He felt...well he felt he was doing her wrong with such raw thoughts.
And like that, the underlining stress lines around her eyes vanished. Scooping up the lad, Kazehana leapt into the air, wind billowing around her. Floating on currents of air, propelling herself off buildings towards her preset destination, she tittered. Voice rich with excitement, "I was so hoping to hear that, Shin-chan. We do need to spend far more time, let the flowers of our love blossom fully. So let us get the nastiness out of the way, so when we retire...we have nothing but good memories." She held him so effortlessly, so casually, Shinji was reminded that Sekirei were leagues ahead of humans in their abilities.
Unlike Musubi's leaps into the air, Shinji didn't fear Kazehana's landing being a painful one. "Talking...you want to tell me something?" Shinji asked as he saw people down below filming them. What they made of the 'flying woman' he was sure he'd read on the net tomorrow. Like Homura, Shinji knew fairly little about Kazehana's past, about the below the surface stuff. Both of his latest Sekirei were very open in public but closed off in private. They had secrets, put up walls, and only recently had they started hinting at wanting to come clean. Good, Shinji wanted to know all about them, to know their truth meant they trusted him as he trusted them. Kazehana could drop him if she wanted, he trusted her not to.
"I owe you that much my darling little Ashikabi-chan. I know about your history, Miya stole Misa-chan's profile on you, Matsu hacked more info, and I read it all. Nobody suspects the lazy drunk," Kazehana stopped pushing herself up and started her decent. They landed in an alley behind a fancy restaurant. Dusting papers and garbage off her self, they collected a little as they flew, she set Shinji down with a sampling of his rear "You do have quite the muscular butt, do you know that?" yeah Misato level teasing still in place.
Shivering just a little at that touch, it was expert level subtle, "I haven't really thought about it. I don't...exercise much. Nerv stuff and well..." Shinji paused as he spilled a few beans. Yeah...making love did burn a lot of calories, was a lot of effort. Enjoyable effort was still effort, and he didn't eat much. Guess that would firm him up a little. Hearing her giggle, he joined her and they both left the alley towards the entrance. Shinji had seen the place before, it just screamed expensive. Stammering just a little, "Can we afford this place? I mean I have some money, but...I'd hate to..."
"You haven't actually checked your bank account have you. Matsu has a little surprise for you next time you do. We'll be fine," Kazehana casually walked up to the host standing outside behind a large wooden pulpit. Shaking her head, making her hair fall perfectly into place, a very gravure idol move. "I'd like a table for two please, someplace nice and secluded please," she winked at the suit clad man.
Shinji could clearly see the man was not prepared for weapons of that firepower. Those eyes, that hair, her crafted lines were all mind obliterating tools. Babbling a little, he gazed over at all the people Kazehana had just cut off having come up to the pulpit from the wrong side. "I-uh-ma'am, we do have a wait...but...if you want private…," the man looked at Shinji and he lost a little of that luster but not much. Betting it was 'a single mother' and not a 'couple', he snapped his finger and pointed at Kazehana. "We do keep tables open for special cases, so if you'd follow me please?" grabbing two menus he opened the door.
Linking arms with Shinji as best she could, "We are ever so glad you could accommodate us. Shin-chan was worried, such a worrier he is. But today about tending to that." Swaying as she walked, casually brushing up against Shinji as she did, woman got the whole restaurants attention. A celebrity just showed up, and everybody took notice.
Not wanting to ruin the illusion, Shinji followed and just basked in the sensation. The other eaters weren't looking at him, he was an accessory, he just marveled at how Kazehana light up the room with her energy. Normally she was an eight on the attention scale, right now she was beaming out a perfect ten. Taking her seat, pulled out for her by the host, she curtsied before sitting and taking her menu. "T-thank you," Shinji stammered as he sat himself, host didn't even look at him when handing over the menu.
"Now, that was fun. People are so easy to fluster, so quick to create whole romance stories in their mind. I can only imagine what that little man is thinking. But today is for us, my beloved Ashikabi. Now, let us eat drink and make merry, for tomorrow we will need to act," Kazehana soured just a little. Opening her menu, laying it flat on the table, she went over it and explained it to Shinji as best she could. The first of many free drinks were provided, a wine for Kazehana and a coke as an afterthought for Shinji. "Before we play, what might you want to know?" Kazehana handed the menus back to the server after orders were placed.
Suddenly broken from the relaxed atmosphere of the evening, just hanging out, Shinji found himself plunging the depths of his wondering. Well, since he had spent a nice night with Matsu, she helped him with his studies, she popped into his head. "You...you talk about Matsu-san and Miya-san a little differently than the others at home. W-why?" Shinji hoped he didn't push to hard. Asking about somebodies past was walking into a mind field of possible previous traumas.
Taking a long sip of her wine, Kazehana nodded as she set her nearly finished glass down. "Now that is the heart of the everything actually. You get an A for making this easy. Miya, Matsu, and I were actually part of the First Discipline Division. We did what Minaka wanted, kept his plans, did his bidding. All three of us did bad things at his bequest. I...I thought I loved him. Wanted him to love me, so I did many things that I feel bad about. Why...why I drink and act as I do now. Life is fragile...precious...and my life now is to atone for what I did. And in the end...he never loved me, loved somebody else, and I know now that it wasn't love I had for him. I love you, and it is grander than what I felt for him." Another glass was already on the table as she finished her statement.
"That is...a lot to take in. I keep hearing about those squads. We fought against the Third when we got Kensuke out of town. And...I can't say anything about following orders. I...I came here to please my father. Piloted at the start for him. If he had asked me to do something...bad..." Shinji fidgeted a little. If his father had asked him to do something when Shinji first came to Tokyo-3, he might have. Now he had better people, now he had a true family. Taking Kazehana's hand, "I don't judge you...you don't judge me right?"
Shivering just a little, her smile went straight to her eyes, one of which had a single half tear, "Such a manly thing to say. A true man accepts his faults, and those of others...and forgives. Honey, I love you, with all my heart." Switching her fingers to his wrist, feeling the pulse sky rocket, "Oh-ho...something get your attention? Shall we head to a love hotel after we're done here? I have such things I want you to teach me."
"The fuck? You're not his mother, but...that is wrong! New laws be damned!" the server just had to show up then. Hands laden with plates of food, the woman was appalled. Being a professional she put the plates down on the table, but just shook her head in disgust.
Standing up, the establishment all taking notice, Kazehana had a lovely red hue of alcohol buzz going. "What? I am not allowed to love somebody and want to experience it? I have suffered much, he has done so as well. So who are YOU to tell us we can't just fuck on this table right now!" Hand going to the table, grabbing her wine, she pounded it down and dropped the glass to the ground where it shattered all over. Towering over the server, wind starting to grow, "So what if I'm a few years older than him, it isn't that big a difference, he's just a little small. So apologize to us, do so NOW and maybe I won't have an accident!"
"Kaza-chan, maybe you should relax a little. It isn't a big deal, lets just eat and get out of here," Shinji tried calming the woman down. No go, Kazehana didn't even seem to hear him, not good! His other Sekirei would instantly respond to his request, a bit to quickly for his teenage mind to not think red with, but Kazehana...he didn't have enough badges to fully control her.
Bowing lightly, the server must have noticed she was a mouse before a cat, "I'm sorry. I didn't know. But please keep yourself restrained while you dine." Sincere or not, the woman continued to bow until Kazehana sat aback down. Kneeling down and gathering the larger shards of broken glass, "I'll have another drink brought to you." Running off, the restaurant now talking behind hands and watching them even more intently, the atmosphere shifted.
"The nerve of that woman, trying to say we are anything other than a marvelous couple. And once we fuel our engines..." Kazehana gave Shinji a glance that struck right to his core. Woman was evil, she knew her powers and she used them. "What...something on my face? Woman has to use her skills to get her Ashikabi's attention. After you said you were ok with me, I've stepped up my game. You should see Matsu's experiment of us...I cannot wait to try it."
Well if things didn't happen to calm him down, Shinji was worried he'd make a mess in his pants. Mama bear Kazehana was double dipping on some of Shinji's touch points. Wasn't afraid to show her affection, no nonsense, and that expression was down right lewd! But not tasteless, it was artful! "S-so you know that I find you...s-sexy...not upset are you?" Shinji never had this type of talk with his other Sekirei, Kazehana was more mature in most ways.
Waiting for the woman to come back with her drink, she was needling the poor woman now, "I know you do, and I find that adorable about you. Think I dress way for those others? No my dear lovely, I dress like this to get the Ikari engine roaring. Now, lets finish here and take it for a test ride!" Oh how that server scowled, but didn't say anything, stayed silent now.
They ate and drank, they talked of their pasts, present, and hopes for the future. And as they paid the bill, Shinji was more than a little ready to go to that hotel...if she was actually wanting to. It wasn't just a physical thing, yes he found her overwhelmingly attractive, but the inner core was a rose. It was beautiful, but it was barbed, had issues, but if handled with care and respect...worth the risk.
"So, are you going to r-rock my world as you did Matsu-chan? She left her computer unlocked...saw the video of you two...I'm intimidated. I AM an untouched flower you see," Kazehana was a comfortable drunk. Not to drunk that she wasn't unable to make good choices, just relaxed and content.
With people watching him, Shinji found he didn't give a rats ass about their opinion. Pulling her down to his level, he kissed her openly before them...and he felt the winds surround them. Ok...she was powerful to say the least! Standing before his oft frequented hotel, the one he now knew Matsu had hacked the hidden cameras in and saved the footage...well...they put on a show. It was a little awkward at the start, Kazehana was a little taller than him...but once they got on the bed and opted to forego the more complex stuff Shinji was learning with Musubi...well...they both found they were very-very compatible with one another. But they both agreed during one of their rests, reverse cowboy was best, it got maximum penetration, Shinji learned that Kazehana's considerable bust was very sensitive on the underside, and she was able to set her pace. It was agonizing...two slow pumps, a swivel around the pelvis, and repeat for twenty minutes...they both were so ready to pop by the end.
When they got back to the Izumo House, Miya chased Kazehana off with a spoon, and Shinji found Musubi in his room confused. To tired to talk about it now, Shinji just checked his phone, saw the message from Touji finally came, and hugged Musubi and they went to sleep. Tomorrow they'd have a bit talk, all of them, and maybe it was time the changed the Plan to being what THEY wanted and stopped playing by the rules of people who didn't care about them.
X-X
Notes
Trying to get the side arcs cleared up and moving, making the end picture start to solidify. Story is fun to write, but with so many characters, I have to really pick and choose who gets screen time. Hope you enjoyed it all, and continue to read this odd little punchy limey story
Later
Mercaba
