(Commentary: This fanfic is based off the events of a previous fanfic titled Helmet (Which was based off another fic of mine, named Hiatus), also written by me. The events of this story may not make sense if you hadn't read either fic, as they take place in the pretty far future. However, it really isn't NEEDED to read Helmet, you just may be slightly confused as to why certain things are happening. I'm just hoping to stop you before you're really confused. However, I digress. All three fics are loosely based off of Tenchi Universe/Tenchi TV. All Characters from Tenchi Muyo are property of Pioneer, AIC, etc. This is a work of fiction based off of the characters, but in no way do I claim to own any of them. If you have any comments to email, you can reach me at mihokiyo@galaxypolice.com. Thanks for reading. This fic takes place about 7 or 8 years after the end of Tenchi Universe.)
-- Chapter One: Every time I give a little bit...--
Mihoshi yawned. She twirled her pen in with her fingers out of boredom. It had been a few days since her and Kiyone's last big case. She looked down at the pile of police reports she had to turn in. Mihoshi whined, "Kiyone! This is so boring!"
"Oh be quiet." Kiyone piped in, "I have a pile to do too. This is what happens when you forget to turn in your paper work after every shift. I regret the moment I handed that responsibility over to you... these wouldn't have to be DONE if they were done the day we finished those cases." She sighed, "If you want, you can order some food, okay? It looks like we'll be here a while."
"Yay!" Mihoshi got up from her seat to go to the phone.
"Oh, and can you call Ken's sitter and have them bring him here? No use having her get paid when we can watch him." Kiyone took a pen and went back to work.
Mihoshi smiled, "Okay!" She rushed over to the telephone and picked it up, dialing out to order some food. She then redialed to relay the message for Kiyone.
"I can't believe we're three months behind." Kiyone stressed a little. Her left hand ran through her hair to emphasis her frustration.
"Oh, well, we always get them done so fast... I didn't think that they piled up so much." Mihoshi stuck her tongue out, taking a seat back at her own desk.
"Well thank you very much for the overtime." She commented lightly, "So... seen any good movies lately?" Kiyone spoke up, attempting to bring the conversation into motion.
"There was this one on TV the other night. I missed the beginning, but I think it had your favorite actor. You know, the guy with the dark hair." Mihoshi worked on a few of the reports, putting them in the 'done' bin.
"I think I know which movie you're talking about." Kiyone continued to work efficiently, "It had to do with a boathouse on an abandoned planet right?"
"I can't remember. I fell asleep."
"You would. It wasn't his best work anyway." She heard a knock at the office door, "Come in!" Kiyone yelled.
The door opened and a woman entered. A very young boy of about five years old ran over to Kiyone.
"Hey there kiddo." She smiled, "Thanks for bringing him by. We're going to be here for most of the night. I didn't want to keep you." Kiyone spoke to the woman.
"It's fine. He was a good boy today, like usual."
"Of course he was. Ken is always a good boy." Mihoshi smiled.
"I'd better get going. Goodbye." Ken's babysitter left the office.
Ken walked over to a small area where he had some toys set up, "How long are we gonna be, Mom?"
"Ah, maybe a few hours. We ordered some food."
"You're always workin'."
"This time you have to blame Aunt Mihoshi." She glared at her partner.
Ken giggled and went back to playing. A buzzing noise erupted from the desk communicator.
Kiyone pressed the button, "Detective Makibi here."
"Yes, just the woman I wanted to speak to. Is Detective Kuramitsu there as well?"
"Unfortunately, yes. We're on another late-nighter. What can we do for you, Chief?"
"I'll come down to your office. I've been contacted about you two and... well, I think I need to talk to you in person."
Kiyone blinked, "Alright, sir. We'll be down here."
The speaker beeped off. Mihoshi looked over at Kiyone, "I wonder what they need us for?"
"It sounded urgent. Contacted about us? Why does that make me nervous?" Kiyone frowned.
"Oh Kiyone, you worry too much." Mihoshi continued with her work.
Kiyone stuck her tongue out at Mihoshi, then walked out from behind the desk to sit next to Ken, "Want anything to drink?"
"I'm fine, thanks."
"You sure?"
"Yah Mom, I'm fine. Go finish working. I wanna go home before it's too late."
"Alright. I'll try to hurry it up. If it gets too late I can take some of this home." She smiled and went back to her desk. This was her ideal life, though. Kiyone was very happy with how things had worked out for her. Ken was a blessing in disguise. She originally thought she had been cursed. She and Tenchi had used two forms of protection, but she still managed to become pregnant from that one weekend they had spent together. She thought about the prospect of giving up her son when he was first born. She was a career woman. She had no time for a family. It then dawned on her that perhaps she needed something to pace herself. Ken was that opportunity. From the day he was born she realized how very lucky she was. In all reality, she knew her life was complete the day he entered it.
Mihoshi glanced over at Kiyone, "Are you daydreaming? Get back to work!" She said in a very exaggerated and playful tone.
Kiyone threw a foam stress ball with the GP symbol on it at Mihoshi. Mihoshi blocked and went back to her paperwork with a light laugh. They were closer partners than before. It was a good change of pace from eight years ago when they were first stationed on Earth together.
The Chief entered the room with another man in tow. Obviously the other man was not a police officer, but was dressed in rather proper clothing for the Juraian royal guard. Mihoshi and Kiyone stood up as the Chief entered.
"At ease." He waved to the two officers, "This is Ajimu. He's with the Juraian Royal Guard. He was asked by Queen Aeka to approach the Galaxy Police for this mission. She specifically requested you two."
"Queen Aeka?" Kiyone spoke up, "Yes, well... we all have our pasts. What kind of mission did she contact you about?"
"Well," The Juraian guard started, "There was an exhibition on Planet Inderotia that was showcasing a very important Juraian artifact. It is said to hold mythological powers and grant people clarity. Although most feel it's not true, it's a very sought after item. People would visit the exhibition daily... twice, three times even, claiming to have visions. Whether or not the artifact actually holds these properties, it has now been the target of thieves and pirates alike ever since it left Jurai. It was kept a secret in the Juraian royal family for years, but recently was taken to that planet for the museum exhibition. It was a kind gesture on the Queen's behalf. It's truly a priceless treasure. Soon it will be coming home to us on Jurai."
"Okay. So what do we have to do with this?" Mihoshi asked.
"Yes, I was getting to that. Queen Aeka would like you two to accompany the artifact back to Jurai."
"I'm not picking up something. I know in cases like these the Juraian Royal Guard would travel with the artifact. Why involve the Galaxy Police? Pardon my ignorance on the matter. I can understand why *us*, but why was this brought to the Chief as a Galaxy Police issue?" Kiyone inquired.
"We'd recently added a few recruits to our ranks in the Royal Guard. The problem is... well, we've been hearing rumors of a few who had joined the guard to try to steal the item while it was being transported. We recruited so many recently, and to turn them away would cause suspicion. Queen Aeka felt the best way to approach the situation would be... well... for you two to go under cover as caretakers of the item. One of you will be a Priestess and the other their servant."
"I'll be the Priestess! Me! Me!" Mihoshi jumped up and down.
Kiyone twitched at Mihoshi's outburst. "Undercover, huh? I guess we are considered trusted friends of the family." Kiyone crossed her arms "Well, Chief? What do you think?"
"It's really up to you two. It would be a police matter if the item did get stolen. It is easily something you both can handle. Preventing a crime before it happens is always the best solution in a delicate situation such as this."
"Let's do it, Kiyone! It'll be fun!" Mihoshi smiled.
"That's because you've already called being the Priestess. I guess I can live with that." Kiyone looked up at Ajimu. "I guess it's settled. When do we leave?"
"As soon as possible." Smiled the man.
There was a knock at the office door, "Delivery!" called behind it.
Mihoshi ran over to the door, "I've got it!". She paid the man and brought in the food.
"Dinner! Alright!" Ken ran over to flank Mihoshi's side.
"Err... right. We may have to make a quick stop. My son..." Kiyone glanced at Ken, "We'll meet up with you in the office in about a half hour. I have to make arrangements for a place for my son to stay while we're on the mission."
"That's fine. We'll meet you back up there in thirty minutes, then." The guard nodded and went to exit the office, the chief following behind.
Kiyone went over to pick up her food and said, "Ken, do you know what's going on?"
"It sounded important. You going somewhere?" Ken munched on a sandwich.
"Yes. That's exactly it. Mihoshi and I are doing a favor for an old friend. I'm going to have to find a place for you to stay the next few days."
"..." Ken glared at Kiyone. "... okay, I guess."
"You can't get moody on me, you're five! You'll be fine. It'll be like a small vacation away from me and Mihoshi."
"You work so much it ALREADY feels like a vacation." he snapped.
"Quiet, you." Kiyone took a deep breath and calmed down, "... you know I hate leaving you alone. You understand how this job is. Sometimes you can come along... but yes, sometimes you can't. This time is one of those cases. Do you have any preference of who you want to stay with or do I get to pick a name at random?"
"Mmn..." He looked a little guilty, then said, "Washuu!"
Kiyone half-smiled, "... why Washuu?" She thought to herself 'Not that I don't worry about you being in her hands or anything... no wait, I do.'
"She's always so nice! It's fun there! She has lots of toys." Ken named off the reasons.
"He does have some good points, Kiyone. Do we really have many other options?" Asked Mihoshi, diving into her own food.
"Not really. Let me call her up quickly and see if she's busy." Kiyone walked over and ruffled Ken's hair, then went over to the desk and brought up a communicator window. She pushed a few buttons and then Washuu's face appeared onscreen.
"Aaaaaaaaaah, Kiyone! What do I owe the pleasure? Usually it's me calling you." Washuu adjusted her glasses.
"Hello Professor Washuu." Kiyone took a deep breath, "I know this is short notice, but... we're being pulled for an under cover mission. We're also unfortunately leaving very soon. Is there any way you can take care of Ken for the next few days? We can drop him off on the way to the first check in point."
"I'm the greatest scientist in the entire universe and you contact me for babysitting!?" Washuu raised an eyebrow at the screen.
Kiyone sighed, "Yes, that's exactly what I'm doing."
"Great! You know, I always love it when Ken visits." Washuu smiled.
"Don't scare me like that. We'll be by in an hour or two, depending on how fast we get out of here. Thanks again."
"You owe me." Washuu grinned.
"I know I do." Kiyone turned off the communicator. "I can't believe I'm letting you stay with Washuu. Don't let her do any experiments on you, got it?"
"Yes Mom." Ken continued to eat.
Kiyone sat down and put the paperwork away, then got her meal and ate quickly.
Mihoshi finished her food first, getting a few items together in a small bag. She glanced at back over at Kiyone, "Should I pack your things with mine?"
"Sure, go ahead. I don't pack much anyway. We just need the standard guns and anything extra you want to bring." She noted, finishing off her food. Kiyone stood back up and walked over to Ken, "Are you sure you're okay with this?"
"Do I really have a choice?" He asked.
"Not really, I just want to know how you feel."
"Well... uh..." Ken looked down nervously.
"Ken, what is it?" She asked in a soft, gentle tone.
"... I'll miss you. Please don't take long."
Kiyone kneeled down next to Ken and pulled him into a hug. "I'll miss you too. I miss you ever moment we're apart. I'll take this picture with me, okay?" She reached over to her desk and slid out a picture of her and Ken together. "It'll remind me to hurry home as fast as possible." He smiled and hugged her back.
"I love you Mom."
"I love you too, Ken. Be sure to be a good boy for Washuu, okay?"
Mihoshi walked over and hugged them both, "I LOVE YOU BOTH! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
"Ack! Mihoshi!"
Ken whined about being suffocated. Mihoshi laughed lightheartedly and let go of the two. She finished packing the single small bag and finished the final touches before trip.
Kiyone, too, completed some final tasks and got Ken packed up before leaving Headquarters for the start of their journey.
* * *
- Rendezvous at Planet Inderotia. -
Mihoshi, Kiyone, and the Juraian soldier had a smooth flight to Jurai. Ajimu made sure both girls were dressed appropriately for the trip, transferring their packed items to a less conspicuous bag than something that says "Galaxy Police" across it.
Kiyone straightened her outfit. Servants of the Priestesses aren't dressed as elegantly as the priestess. Her outfit was a mixture of whites, greys and dark blues. Her long hair was pulled back into a pony tail and tied neatly. The outfit almost seemed masculine, dark slacks, a tunic of white and blue accompanied by a slim belt.
Mihoshi was dressed very differently. Her outfit was elegant and proper. Quite the opposite of her partners'. The complicated design of a traditional Juraian outfit accompanied with the colors of light blue, pink, and golds. Mihoshi wore it very well, doing a small spin in front of a mirror.
"It looks good on you." Kiyone complimented.
"You look great too, Kiyone!" Mihoshi giggled lightly. "Do we get to keep these when we're done?"
Kiyone smiled a little lopsidedly, "Only if they let us."
The Juraian fellow let out a *ahem* noise. The two officers turned to look over at the man. "Are you two ready? We'll have to put on a lovely show for the soldiers in less than three hours. You have been briefed on your stories, it's just a matter of looking good for the crew."
"I don't think that will be a problem, sir." Kiyone smiled and did a half hearted salute. "We will do our best."
The Juraian man smiled back, "I know you will. I trust Queen Aeka's judgment."
"It'll be a piece of cake." Mihoshi smirked confidently. "Isn't that right, Kiyone?"
"Eh... right, Mihoshi." Kiyone smiled nervously. She looked back at Ajimu. "It should be no problem, sir. I just hope it isn't too much of a burden to have us aboard. These undercover missions are always a touchy subject."
"I'm not worried." Ajimu laughed, "I'm just hoping you won't get bored. The Queen may be taking this precaution, but in all seriousness - it wasn't really necessary."
Kiyone nodded to the man, "Don't worry. We can usually entertain ourselves pretty well."
* * *
"Kiyoneeeeeeeee I'm so bored!" whined Mihoshi.
Seven hours later in Mihoshi and Kiyone's quarters. The artifact was now in their possession and they were heading back to Jurai. Kiyone laid out on the small couch while Mihoshi whined from her throne like place.
Kiyone sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Mihoshi! I was trying to rest! Those royal soldiers have been badgering us all day about seeing the artifact. It was nice to have a bit of quiet time." She yawned lightly, "I haven't slept in what feels like days. Aren't you tired yet!?"
"Actually, now that mention it." Mihoshi touched her chin in thought, "Nope, not at all! I slept on the way to pick up the artifact, remember? I'm really hungry now though."
"... I'm pretty hungry, too." Kiyone glanced back over at her partner. "Well, I'm the 'priestesses servant'... I suppose I can find the kitchen and get us something to eat and bring it back while you stay here and keep watch of the item. That is our mission."
"Yes sir!" Mihoshi joked, sticking her tongue out at Kiyone.
Kiyone waved a hand and stumbled out of the room. She straightened her outfit carefully and took in a deep breath, 'Kitchen... right. Can't be that hard to find.' Kiyone thought to herself. She went down the hall and around corner, looking inconspicuously for any sort of clue.
'Ah, there.' She thought to herself, noticing a clearly labeled door. She knocked lightly, "Anyone here? Excuse me..." she opened it. "... Oh. No one home. I suppose I get to fend for myself."
Kiyone went straight to the refrigeration unit, pulling out several articles of food onto the smooth metal counter. She turned on the burner and pulled down a few utensils to cook with. Kiyone idly puts on a stew mixture of the foods she chose. She set the stew on a low boil as she leaned against the counter, closing her eyes tiredly.
The door to the kitchen opened and closed a few times. Kiyone dozed restfully as the meal cooked. A gentle hand touched her shoulder. "... miss?" spoke a soft male voice.
Kiyone stirred at the touch. She pushed the hand away without thought, "...Mihoshi, I'm trying to..." she murmured. Her eyes opened tiredly, mid-sentance to notice the young man in front of her.
"Oh! I'm so sorry, sir! I thought you were someone else."
"It's okay. Your meal looks done." He gestured to the stew.
"You're right, it does. I must have dozed off longer than I thought. Thank you for waking me... Mister..."
"Ryuzo." He paused, "Do you need help taking this back to your quarters?" The youthful voice implied more. His age was rather easy to determine, putting him in his early twenties. He wore a dark colored casual outfit that contrasted his light skin and long jet black hair. His crystal eyes examined Kiyone thoughtfully, and a smile appeared on his lips as he pointed back to the pot.
Kiyone smiled weakly, 'Oh no. This kid is going to get the wrong idea.' She shook her head awake, "I can take it back myself. Thank you for the offer, Mister Ryuzo." She turned back to the meal, putting together two bowls of stew for her and her partner. She added a piece of bread on each plate and poured drinks for them both.
"It looks good." Ryuzo commented. "You still have some stew left, may I have the rest?"
"Oh, please help yourself. I'm not much of a cook, but I get by." Kiyone commented, placing the meals on a large tray and balancing them out.
Ryuzo looked over Kiyone, "You know, that looks rather heavy. If you wait a moment, I really should help you with that."
Kiyone thought to herself, '... he could be one of them. I have to be on alert at all times.' She looked the young man over, "No, I'm fine, really. I can handle this."
"Well, it'd be ungentlemanly for me not to help you with your food items. It's my duty and all." Ryuzo urged. He placed his bowl at the edge of the tray, picking it up.
Kiyone sighed to herself. "I'm fine, really. However, if you insist I suppose you can help me carry them back to the room."
"Oh, so kind of you." He remarked.
"You're the one who took it from me! I really don't need your help."
"How rude. Are you always this nice to people you meet?"
"Sometimes I'm nicer."
"I see. So where are your quarters?" He held
onto the tray confidently.
Kiyone shook her head, "Down the hall." She walked alongside him. "You sure are persistent."
"It's it my nature." He smiled back, a little full of himself. "Shouldn't you and the Priestess be sleeping right now?"
"...yes. She wasn't sleeping well and was very hungry. I, being her servant," Kiyone inwardly groaned at that, "came to the kitchen to fix her meal."
Ryuzo nodded, "Ah. Did you want to know why I was awake?"
"... it's not necessary. I'm sure you have your own responsibilities." Kiyone started to walk faster.
Ryuzo kept up with the pace, "Well... uh... tonight was my watch for your room. I saw you leave and followed."
"Great, my own personal stalker."
"I'm not a stalker! I'm on watch! It's my duty." He seemed annoyed. "I would never do such a thing."
"Sure you wouldn't." Kiyone teased, now seeing the once cool soldier not so composed.
"Women." He commented.
"Hmm? What about us?" She approached the door, "More trouble then we're worth. I'll tell you that." She straightened up and opened the door, "Oh, Miss Mihoshi, this fine Juraian guard accompanied me back with our meals. Wasn't that kind of him?"
Ryuzo looked rather annoyed at Kiyone's sarcastic cheeriness. He turned to look at Mihoshi and smiled, "My pleasure to make your stay aboard this vessel as smooth as possible."
Kiyone made a face and rolled her eyes, out of the soldiers view.
Mihoshi giggled at both of them, "My, you two are amusing. What did you make for us, Kiyone?"
Kiyone winced. 'Great, now he knows my name.' "Miss Mihoshi... I made us stew. There wasn't much available." She nudged Ryuzo, in what looked like more of a punch. She pointed over to the table to imply he should place the tray down.
Ryuzo glared back at Kiyone, then turned and smiled to Mihoshi, "Yes, your servant was kind enough to allow me to have some as well. Do you mind if I eat here with you both?"
"Oh please stay! I always like to have visitors. It's not often we get visitors, right Kiyone?" Mihoshi smiled, taking her bowl and drink.
Ryuzo bowed politely, "It's an honor to be here." He took a seat in the chair across from Mihoshi.
Kiyone seemed annoyed, but shrugged and grabbed her bowl and cup, taking her seat beside Ryuzo. She took in a deep breath and ate her meal in silence. Kiyone closed her eyes in thought, 'This shouldn't bother me at all. He's just a kid. It was my fault for going out to the kitchen at this late hour. It's just his duty. He's just being polite.'
"This is really good!" Mihoshi wolfed down her meal, "You're such a great cook, Kiyone."
"Yes, this is very good. You didn't have much to work with. I'm impressed."
"It's... my duty to serve the Priestess. I don't have to impress anyone."
"It was a compliment. Can you at least take a compliment?" Ryuzo asked.
"I don't need your compliments." Kiyone snapped back.
"... Kiyone, are you okay?" Mihoshi asked, "You seem a little upset."
Kiyone shook her head, "... I'm fine. I'm sorry, Ryuzo, sir. I apologize for my behavior. I haven't slept in nearly 30 hours. I... suppose that's no excuse for my rudeness." She turned to look at Ryuzo who was smiling at her once again. She turned away from his gaze nervously. "Perhaps it's time for both the me and the Priestess to turn in for the night."
"... have you taken anything for it? Your insomnia, I mean." Ryuzo inquired, "I have a trick that works every time."
"I'm not an insomniac. I've just got a few things on my mind..."
"Of course." Ryuzo commented, "You're on a very important journey back to Jurai. It's good to return home, isn't it?"
Kiyone paused, almost forgetting her mission, "Jurai isn't..." She looked back at Mihoshi in a plea for help, "... yes. I've been away so long, I've almost forgotten how beautiful it is."
Mihoshi faked a yawn and stretched her arms, "Oh, look at the time! I should go lay down. Kiyone, you should take whatever this man gives you. You really look exhausted!" She giggled and nudged Kiyone in the back. Mihoshi headed over to the bedchamber, closing the curtains and leaving Kiyone and Ryuzo alone.
"Miho-- Miss! Wait...!" Kiyone cursed her luck once again, looking back at Ryuzo who was patiently cleaning up the table. "Oh. Please, you don't have to do that."
"I imposed on you both tonight. Please let me clean up."
"You're very polite." She observed as the youth clear off the table and set the items next to the door.
Ryuzo turned back around to face Kiyone. "I was rated most polite in my class." He grinned. "I call it charm."
"Does modesty run in your blood too?"
He winced, "I'm just trying to be friendly."
"You don't need to prove yourself to me. This is a short journey back to the planet. My duties lie with the Priestess." She assured herself, but spoke to him in a calm voice.
"I understand." He held his hands up, "You don't need to explain it to me. You win."
Kiyone looked at him sternly, "Good. Now we have an understanding." She glanced back over to her makeshift bed. "Speaking of duties, you should really get back to your post."
"My post is here." He commented, "And I haven't done what the Priestess asked of me yet. Really, I insist."
"There's no use talking you out of it, right? So what's this remedy?" She stood and walked over to stand a few feet from Ryuzo, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
"Well, first off, do you sleep in those clothes?" He gestured. "It's probably not very comfortable."
Kiyone sighed, "No. I don't."
Ryuzo smiled, "Well then, I'll go put together my home remedy and when I get back here you need to be ready for bed. It's very powerful."
"Are you sure it's safe?" She looked him over, "Perhaps you should just not come back. The Priestess won't have to know. I really can get to sleep on my own..."
"Kiyone, I'm a soldier in the Juraian Royal Guard. I mean you absolutely no harm. I'd like to be as helpful as possible."
Kiyone looked annoyed, "Please don't you ever speak a persons name so formally when you barely know them!" She glared, "If I do as you say, will you leave me alone?"
"..." He looked stunned, "... I'm sorry, Miss. That was rude of me. I'll leave you alone afterwards. I never meant any disrespect." He inwardly cursed at himself. His enthusiastic blue eyes looked away from the older womans gaze.
Kiyone couldn't help but feel somewhat guilty for snapping at the young man, "Okay. Come back here in five minutes. I'll be ready then."
Ryuzo walked over to the door, picking up the tray with the empty bowls on it and exited quietly.
Kiyone waited until he left, then rushed over to the bedchamber. "Mihoshi! Are you still awake?!"
"What is it, Kiyone? Oh, he left?" She looked around, "What happened to his remedy?"
"He's off making it. I need you to make sure he leaves after he administers this thing. I'm not sure if I trust him. Me being 'put to sleep' by a home remedy sounds suspicious."
"You know, Kiyone. I've always been a pretty good judge of people. I think he's harmless."
"You WOULD." She looked annoyed, "Please, Mihoshi. Focus on the mission. People trying to steal the artifact, remember? Juraian soldiers in particular."
"I know!" She patted Kiyone on the shoulder, "Have a little faith. I have it locked up in this room. Just get some rest. I'll take a peek out of I hear anything funny. I'll make sure that you and me are the only people left before I go to bed."
"That's all I wanted. Thank you." Kiyone left Mihoshi's bedchamber and quickly undressed.
She slipped into some casual night clothes. She pulled her hair out of the complicated braid and let it flow down her shoulders. Her thick black hair seemed wavy from being constrained under the ties for such a long time. She looked over to the door of their quarters as a light rapping came from behind it. Kiyone hesitantly opened the door to see Ryuzo there. She moved back, opening the door further for him to come in once again.
Ryuzo stepped inside, holding a small cup in his left hand. He turned to watch Kiyone close the door. He gulped, observing the fit woman in an outfit more suited to her figure. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "Ah uh..." He blushed. "Here it is."
Kiyone frowned, "What is it now?" She headed over to sit beside her bedding, somewhat self conscious. "You told me to get ready for bed."
"Well uh... I mean... well, you look great!" He coughed, "That other outfit... made you look very different."
"You're making me nervous. Just give me the remedy." She held out her hand.
Ryuzo rushed over to sit next to Kiyone, handing her the warm cup of liquid.
She held the cup under her nose, taking a light sniff before downing the liquid. "Mn, not bad."
"Turn around." He suggested.
Kiyone side glanced at Ryuzo. Her eyes locked in his gaze for a very long moment. Her face flushed with warmth, her body ached faintly with vulnerability. She broke the gaze, turning around as he told her. "You're not going to do anything funny, are you?"
"The thought never crossed my mind." He gently touched Kiyone's shoulders. Ryuzo reached over with his right hand to faintly move down along behind her left ear, gathering her hair in his hand and moved it forward and over her right shoulder.
Kiyone shivered under his touch. His hand pressed firmly into her neck, searching for tension. She closed her eyes, whispering, "...ow.."
"Ow? Am I pressing too hard?" He moved his hands down to her shoulders, leaning close to speak quietly into her ear. "I can ease up."
"... no, it was a good ow." She turned to to look at him again. 'Oooh, this isn't right. I shouldn't let anyone get this close.' Kiyone thought to herself.
Ryuzo gently massaged her neck and shoulders, looking at her as she turned to look him over once again. He whispered, "... Relaxed yet?"
"Oh... very. This stuff is really good. I'll come after you later if it does anything weird to me." She threatened, though the tone in her voice was warm and gentle.
"I told you," Ryuzo murmured nervously, "It's safe." He ran a thumb down Kiyone's spine, resting his right hand in the small of her back. He looked back into her deep blue eyes. Ryuzo whispered, "What is it?" attempting to keep his cool.
"I didn't say anything." Kiyone stammered. 'Why am I nervous? How did he get so close, all of the sudden!? I'm not scared, I'm not even sure what's going on here...' She pondered to herself.
Ryuzo touched her cheek with his left hand. His head swam in the moment, 'Her skin is so soft... I'm so close. This is my chance!' He tilted his head, moving forward a little awkwardly. His thin lips pressed into Kiyone's with a gentle push. His heart jumped as she returned the kiss to him, if only for a moment.
The alarm sounded off inside Kiyone's head. She was kissed before her delayed senses could react. She turned toward him, placing a hand against his shoulder. Kiyone then pulled back with a jerk, pushing him away forcefully, "...what? ...stop!" Her voice sounded nervous, and vaguely frightened.
"...but ...but I thought..." He blushed, moving toward her again to gain his balance.
Kiyone raised her hand and slapped him across his cheek. "... get out!" She grabbed him by the arm, "I don't know what kind of game your playing, but you are no longer welcome here." She stood uneasily, pulling Ryuzo off the ground with her.
Ryuzo, humiliated, was easily dragged off the ground. He stumbled forward away from her grip to face her. He bowed, "I'm so sorry... I'm sorry... you're just so beauti--"
"I don't care! Get out! Now!" She turned him around and pushed him to the door forcefully. She growled, "You're not welcome!"
Ryuzo stumbled forward to the door. He took the handle nervously, looking back to the angry Kiyone. Her cheeks were red from embarrassment. He whispered, "...I uh... would suggest laying down as soon as possible."
"Of course you would! Out!" Kiyone fumed. She waited until he exited the room. She locked the door behind him, stumbling back over to her bedding on the floor.
Kiyone curled up under the covers, covering her eyes with her hand. 'What just happened?'
Mihoshi rushed over to Kiyone's side, "What's wrong? Are you okay?" Mihoshi pushed Kiyone's hair back. "Your flushed."
"I-I'm fine, Mihoshi." Kiyone attempted to reassure her partner, "Please don't worry."
Mihoshi frowned, "What'd he do? Did he hurt you?"
"No! I'm just embarrassed and tired." She looked up into her partners worried eyes, "Everything's fine, he didn't do anything wrong. I was just sick of his conversation."
"You really need to get some rest of you're yelling at the top of your lungs for someone to 'get out' when all you're sick of is their conversation." Mihoshi commented. She leaned down and hugged her partner. "It's not healthy for you to run yourself out like this. Is it because of Ken? Because he's not here?"
Kiyone sighed, exasperated, "Now you're over analyzing."
"You -haven't- slept," Mihoshi counted one finger, "You barely ate from the first meal we had earlier today," She counted a second finger, "You've called Washuu twice already to see if he's okay," The third finger was counted, "And now you're yelling at people who want to help you." She held four fingers in front of her partners face. "If it's not one thing, it's another!"
"Mihoshi! Really..." Kiyone sighed. "I'm tired enough already."
Mihoshi sniffled, "I'm worried about you, Kiyone! Come lay down in the big bed. It's big enough for us both."
"I'm already laying down here." Kiyone commented.
Mihoshi helped Kiyone up after some fussing.
Kiyone settled in the larger bed, curling up on her side tiredly.
Mihoshi laid down beside Kiyone. She stretched her arms up and yawned, looking down to view her partner dozing off to sleep. Mihoshi smiled, placing an arm around Kiyone in a gentle hug before falling asleep herself.
