Kurumu stuffed a morsel of seasoned omelet into her mouth, savoring the flavor. It was amazing how Yukari could make such a simple meal so superior to what Kurumu could get anywhere else. Despite watching Yukari prepare breakfast, Kurumu doubted her ability to replicate these results.
"Yukari. When you grow up, you are not allowed to cook for my husband."
Yukari huffed, kneeling by the table next to Rubi. The witch was dressed in the school blouse with the red bow perfectly fixed at the center of her collar. Her school jacket was slung over the back of the pink couch and her schoolbag rested against her right thigh.
"I have no intentions of serving you after high school."
"Your husband will be super spoiled."
"Hear that, Moka. You should cherish me."
The silver haired Moka smirked, sitting on the side of her right thigh with her back to the couch across the table from Kurumu. Her school jacket was open and the top buttons of her blouse were left undone, exposing the black collar. The hem of her pleated skirt rested against the top of her left knee.
"Why should I cherish my competition?"
Yukari blushed while Rubi frowned. The older witch, whom sat on Yukari's left around the corner of the low table on Kurumu's right, was wearing a long sleeved, white blouse which had a frilly collar. A black pair of sailor pants hugged tightly to her curves.
"You see her as competition?"
"My body and soul belong only to my Moka."
Moka calmly took down another mouthful, regarding the witches with amused crimson eyes.
"Whomever wins my hand will have dominion over all of my possessions. Including my blood claims."
Kurumu laughed nervously when Moka glanced at her. Like the others, Kurumu was dressed for school but her jacket was folded and placed over her schoolbag which rested on the floor to her left. She also had foregone the red bow, never in the mood for fussing with the knot.
"Well my life was pledged to Kokoa's service. She won't loan me out for your future husband's whims."
Kokoa snorted, sitting across the table from the witches. She was wearing the sleeveless sweater vest and the red bow. She finished her omelet, setting her emptied plate upon the table.
"It might be a fitting punishment for a maid whom tries to evade her chores every opportunity she gets."
"I am not going to turn away an offer from Yukari to make breakfast."
Moka chuckled, pointing at the untouched plate on her right.
"You need to eat that."
Mizore regarded the omelet and sausages without any interest. Her thin white blouse betrayed the outline of her black sports bra. The snow girl returned her attention to her notebook, writing a story which would not be constrained by Ginei's insistence upon her to conform to societal wants.
"I'm fine."
"That diet of yours isn't healthy."
"I'm not hungry."
"But your baby might be. Now eat up."
"It's not like I poisoned it."
Mizore sighed heavily, setting aside the notebook and mechanical pencil.
"Will eating make everyone happy?"
Kurumu giggled as Mizore picked up her plate and chopsticks.
"Yes. You'll enjoy it."
"Assuming I can hold it down."
Kurumu perked up as Mizore cut up the omelet with her chopsticks.
"Oh? Morning sickness?"
"Isn't it too early for that?"
Yukari nodded at Moka's query.
"It is. Morning sickness is usually a late first trimester thing."
"It might work differently for my kind. I was carried only eighteen weeks. The average is twenty four."
Mizore tapped the chopsticks on her plate to draw attention. She smiled slightly.
"Sorry. It was a joke. I'm fine."
"You shouldn't joke around about this. It's not funny."
"She meant no harm."
With a stern expression, Moka shook her head at Kurumu.
"This is too serious. We all know that she will collapse soon."
"I'm eating so you can drop it. Okay?"
Most of them finished their meals in the following silence.
"What is morning sickness?"
Kurumu laughed at Rubi's innocence.
"Do you really know nothing about pregnancy?"
"Be nice, Yukari. I don't know much about morning sickness either. The harpies told me it's like nausea caused by the baby pushing on your stomach."
"Why are you talking to harpies about babies?"
Kurumu frowned at Moka.
"Because they are obsessed with being pregnant. Those girls were hoping that Ichida had knocked up Ontoriki. I wasn't talking about Mizore at all."
"First off, Kurumu. You are a moron. Morning sickness isn't about a baby pushing on an organ. It's a side effect of elevated hormones."
"How does that work?"
"That doesn't matter. What matters is if you are correct about that shorter pregnancy term."
"Did I not tell you about the shorter term?"
"I would remember it if you had. If the normal pregnancy term for a succubus baby has a reliable ratio of point six in comparison to the pregnancy term of a human baby, then morning sickness might happen as early as six weeks. But Shirayuki can't be more than four weeks right now."
"I don't have morning sickness. I actually can't even tell that I'm pregnant."
"You need to tell us if anything is wrong."
"The servant needs to do the dishes."
Kurumu droned out an affirmative as she started piling up the plates and cups.
"Remember to roll back your sleeves."
"Sheesh, Moka. You're like trying to mother everyone now."
"No I'm not!"
Kurumu sounded a note of dismissive disbelief as she got to her feet with the dishes in her arms. She sauntered over to the sink which held the skillets used for preparing the meal. She placed the stack in the sink, turning on the faucet and rolling back her sleeves.
"What plans do you guys have after school today?"
"I'd like to be there when Rubi gives Aono blood. Could you watch over Mizore today?"
Kurumu shrugged as she grabbed a sponge and started scrubbing a plate free of debris.
"I could. I don't have any club meetings scheduled."
"I can't believe you joined a boring club like choir."
"It's not boring, Milady. The choir competes against other school choirs. It is a more serious club than gymnastics and every other silly club that I've met up with this week."
"You should have joined track."
"They would not take me."
"Yea, yea. With choir being on Tuesdays, I guess you can't go to that silly greetings club next week."
"I may as well keep that promise. The choir won't be having serious practices until next term."
Finished with another plate, Kurumu opened up the dishwasher and pulled out the rack. After arranging three plates in the rack, she turned her attention back to the sink.
"Hey, Moka. Did Ginei ever decide on an article for you?"
"He's letting me cover the student council election."
Kurumu frowned, glancing over her shoulder. Moka was pushing the table towards the bed and the two witches were up on their feet. Kokoa was still on the floor, reading from a volume of Bleach while Mizore slowly polished off the remaining morsels on her plate.
"I thought Ginei was going to do that when he lost."
"I have no idea what Ginei plans to do."
"Other than give Ms. Hajihachi grief. He should have let Ms. Sangi do the skiing club pictures."
Hajihachi had given the wrestling club article to Tora, electing to do an article for her friends' skiing club instead. Nerume was going to help Tora with the wrestling club article today. Tsukune had completed his article about their adventure in Yukimura earlier this week. And Yukari had finished her article about the new staff members last night.
"When does Ginei want to release the next paper?"
"Wednesday morning. It's a light exam day for the third years. We will be having a sleepover in Ms. Hajihachi's room on Sunday night to finish up our articles."
"Speaking of Sunday night, I confirmed that you could come with me to our fencing club party."
Kurumu laughed at Kokoa's interjection. She placed the second skillet into the dishwasher.
"Are you still plotting to take Hikari's blood during that?"
"Of course. Coach rented the conference room of the hotel from six to nine. That gives us plenty of time to see the new Harry Potter movie."
Kurumu beckoned to Mizore. The snow girl gathered her feet beneath her, drifting over with her empty plate. Kurumu nodded, taking the plate and chopsticks.
"When do you plan to go see it? I could join you if it's after our flying session."
"No flying session this week. Ms. Ishikure invited us yesterday to a short roleplay session. I decided that would be more enjoyable for myself and Yukari than standing in a field watching you fly around."
Kurumu pouted, cleaning off Mizore's plate.
"But Yukari can fly."
"I can but I'd rather be with Moka. Ms. Ishikure has a short adventure planned with our party meeting the other girls' party. She wants to start the session right after breakfast on Sunday."
Kurumu turned off the water, putting the plate into the dishwasher rack. She placed the chopsticks in the same bin as the others. She opened up the compartment below the sink, fetching the dishwasher soap.
"I guess that's fine but won't Moka miss church."
"It's not like I went last week. Church was Hatsue's thing."
"When our session wraps up, we were planning to head to Mononoke and catch that movie."
Squirting a dollop into the chamber, Kurumu closed the dishwasher up and spun the dials to start it up. She returned the bottle of dishwasher soap to its spot.
"I guess I can let Suzume know about our change in plans when I have lunch with her today."
"No need. I'll inform Dangai and Honda about it in class today."
Kurumu smiled thinly at Moka's use of the surnames of their friends. She thought about this weekend and how busy it would be. She absently rolled her sleeves back down.
"Only two more weeks of school."
"Thank goodness. I'm needing a break."
Kurumu chuckled at Rubi's comment, strolling over to her things. She bent over, picking up her jacket and schoolbag.
"What time did you get home last night?"
"After nine. Hopefully all these extra hours make up for the week I took off."
Yukari snorted, shaking her head as Kurumu slipped on her jacket.
"That's not how salary works, Rubi. You get paid the same regardless of how many hours you work."
"But I thought that my paycheck would be less if I didn't make up that time."
Kurumu lifted the strap of her schoolbag over her head, letting it rest upon her shoulder. She tugged the flap of her jacket to hide the bag against her left hip.
"When is your next payday?"
Rubi managed a smile.
"Today. I was hoping to go to Mononoke to purchase some materials for my outfits but I understand that giving blood to Mr. Aono is more important."
"Are our teams playing another home game this weekend?"
Kurumu laughed at Kokoa's random question. She had returned home fairly late last night since she had watched the basketball game. Both of their teams won.
"They'll be playing Joukuu High in Nagano tomorrow."
Kokoa stuffed the manga volume into her schoolbag. The vampire got up on her feet, hoisting her bag up onto her shoulder.
"Won't they miss the student council election?"
"No. Their bus doesn't leave until ten and the voting starts at nine."
"We should get going."
Yukari started towards the door under Moka's prompting. Kurumu gripped the strap of her schoolbag as she shuffled over to Kokoa's side.
"I'm surprised that your fencing club still hasn't picked your next captain."
"We always planned to do that at the party."
Kurumu nodded, watching Yukari and Rubi slip into their shoes.
"Do you think Tora would join our roleplay session?"
Yukari frowned, easing the door out. The sound of someone knocking on a door carried over to them.
"Why would she?"
"I know you're in there, Keito. I confirmed with the admissions office that you had a change of address."
Kurumu smirked at Tashikana's voice.
"It is the start of a new session. I'm sure that we could work in a new character."
"Could I be part of that?"
Yukari snickered as she wandered outside ahead of Rubi.
"Do you have any clue what roleplay is outside of a sexual activity?"
"Sexual activity?"
Kurumu chuckled, allowing Kokoa to put on her shoes before stepping into her own loafers. The banging on the next door continued.
"Don't fret over it, Rubi. I'm sure you could do a fine job at roleplay."
"What kind of character would even suit her?"
"I could be a magician just like you are. Maybe your rival."
Yukari snorted as Kurumu followed Kokoa outside.
"Rival? Maybe in your own head."
"I bet if she had big boobs she'd be more attractive than your wizard."
Yukari bristled at Kokoa's amusement.
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"She could be a loner with no friends. Resorting to summoning demons to keep her company."
Kurumu giggled at Mizore's suggestion.
"Okay now that is just sad."
"Though easily relatable. All she had was a fake mother plotting to take over her body."
"If you're all going to make fun of me, then I'll just spend my free time sewing instead."
"Good morning, ladies. Would any of you care to assist me?"
As Moka locked the door, attention shifted to the young man standing before the door to suite 414. The Voice of Yokai, Tashikana Ichigo, was sporting a black dress shirt and khaki pants. His wavy, lilac locks were groomed short in the sides and the back with more length in the bangs.
"That depends on what you are asking for."
"Who the hell are you?"
Kurumu laughed at Kokoa's crude inquiry.
"That's Tashikana Ichigo, the Voice of Yokai."
"The guy that knocked up Lady Hineri?"
Tashikana chuckled at her response. He touched his breast, bowing his head slightly.
"Unofficially. I understand that Keito is keeping that fact a secret from most of our classmates."
Kurumu sauntered over to the young man which prompted the other girls to reluctantly follow.
"How have you been this past week?"
"Terrible. My club is falling apart and the love of my life won't open the door."
"Assuming you are even in the right place."
"No need to be coy, Ms. Kurono. Even if I had not sweet talked Mrs. Hagimoto into surrendering my beloved's new residence, Ms. Shuzen's reaction to my name is proof that Keito is here."
Kurumu hardly considered that a confirmation of anything.
"She could still be sleeping."
"She would have to be dead to not hear the ruckus I've been causing."
"It's not like we heard you from our room and we're next door."
"Perhaps I need to be louder. I could fetch my boom box and hold it over my head, letting it blare out a popular love song."
"Are you trying to get her to open the door or not?"
Moka laughed pleasantly at Kurumu's remark, gesturing at him.
"Any particular reason why you are not dressed for school."
"I took the day off. I must have this matter resolved before the two of us take our final exams."
"And you would be wasting your time. Unless you want to break down her door, she won't see you."
"You sound quite certain, Ms. Akashiya. Have you spoken with her?"
"She's a jorougumo, Mr. Tashikana. They have a nasty reputation of devouring their mates. If she hasn't had breakfast, she's probably frightened at the idea of opening the door."
"An excellent point. I should bring her dinner."
"Go to school, Mr. Tashikana. Or at least go home."
"I can't do that, Ms. Akashiya. I've put off this confrontation far too long as is."
"I thought you just found out about her move."
Tashikana clucked his tongue at Kurumu's wry grin.
"Quiet. But I do have a request for you, Ms. Kurono."
"I've already joined the choir."
He paused and grinned broadly.
"I wasn't thinking about that, but you would make a fine successor."
"Don't you have other club members?"
"No. What I have is three girls from Nugishio whom spend more time with their friends in other clubs. Himeko only joined my club to be with a guy whom graduated last year. I had to beg her to stay and thanked her profusely for convincing her sister and cousin to join so that we could keep official status."
"And here I thought it was your magnetic personality brought the ladies in."
"Getting a club member and a date are drastically different."
"Is your club going to shut down?"
Tashikana sighed at Kokoa's inquiry.
"Possibly. I can't imagine Himeko taking over a club she was never interested in. My cousin wants to join next year but there might not be enough members if those three decide to defect to other clubs."
"Your cousin?"
"Yotaku Miko. I've mentioned her before. Visiting her family is how I met Keito."
Kurumu smiled, vaguely recalling something like that.
"Maybe those three could stick around and help her."
"And leave poor Miko to run the club by herself? That would be horrible."
"Doesn't she have junior high friends?"
"I honestly don't know if she does. Even so, they would need a reliable senior acting as club president."
"You are talking to the wrong girl if you want one of those."
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Yukari.
"I can be reliable."
"I think you should be appealing to the girls already in your club."
"I would if I ever saw them, Ms. Akashiya."
"That's your problem. We should head to school."
"Hold up, Ms. Kurono. There is something else I wanted to discuss."
Kurumu paused which caused both Yukari and Moka to favor her annoyed looks.
"Make it quick."
"Do you have any plans for tonight?"
"What are you asking for?"
"I need you to bring Keito's sister to me after lunch today. Around two should be fine."
"Why?"
"I think she's the key to getting Keito out of her room."
"I need to go to Mizore's drama club meeting at four thirty."
"This shouldn't take that long. I'm in suite 715."
"Fine. But I wouldn't get your hopes up. I doubt that Kumiko will agree to meet up with you."
"Tell her that I'll give up on her sister if this doesn't work."
Kurumu chuckled, retreating further away. The other girls took that as permission to start walking away.
"Are you sure you want me to tell her that?"
"Of course. Luck is on my side."
Kurumu smirked, turning on her heel to trot after her friends. She wondered if that confidence of his was due to him being a luck spirit. She hoped he was right.
"Mizore turns sixteen next Wednesday."
Kumiko glanced at Kurumu with displeasure. She shook her head slightly as they took a right at the point where all the trails split off to the different suites.
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"She's our classmate. We should do something for her."
"No. She's in class three and we are in class two."
"She's my friend."
"Then it's your problem. Not mine."
"I thought we should do something special for Mizore. But all she wanted was to spend it with Umizake. Not saying that's a bad thing but I have no control over that. We have no idea how long it will take for him to handle his family affairs."
"It doesn't take that long to arrange a funeral, Ms. Kurono."
"So I've been told. But his mother was not in good shape."
"If Ms. Shirayuki wants to set herself up for disappointment that is her decision. It's not something you should worry yourself over."
"But Mizore deserves better. It's her birthday."
"And I don't care."
Kurumu grimaced at the stiff rebuttal.
"You're as bad as Moka and Yukari. I suggested having some sort of party over the weekend and they shot the idea down. Claimed it was more important to study for exams."
"And I would agree. Her birthday is close enough to winter break. She should celebrate it with family."
"Ms. Nekonome is getting married that weekend! She can't do both."
"I wasn't aware that Ms. Shirayuki planned to attend that."
Kurumu sighed, frustrated with the consistent dismissal of Mizore's birthday.
"She doesn't know if she can. Her father was trying to arrange something with her uncles over winter break, but we haven't heard any news about that. If she doesn't have a letter from her family today, I'm thinking that she should just spend winter break with Kokoa and me."
"How utterly fascinating."
"Moka and Yukari are going straight to China after the wedding. We have to do something for Mizore while we are all here."
"Then why not do something Wednesday night?"
"Because Mizore and Nerume both have club on Wednesday. There's no time to go to Mononoke."
"You are overthinking this. Just have a simple party for her at home."
Kurumu sighed again as they entered the clearing. Tashikana's suite would be the lower corner unit of the same building the former astronomy club president resided in. Tashikana lived with Iwayuru, the other senior in the broadcasting club, though that big guy was most likely attending his classes.
"You wouldn't be like this if we were talking about your sister's birthday."
"My sister's birthday is on the fourth of March, Ms. Kurono. We have put off her last two birthdays to celebrate it over spring break."
Kurumu pouted, thoroughly defeated. She gestured to the far suite building on their left as they drifted off the beaten path which ended at the glass doors of the commissary.
"You're not being sympathetic to my concerns."
"Because I'm not here to be your therapist. I only came because there is a chance that this nuisance will honor that promise you and Ms. Sendou claim he made about giving up on my sister. A small investment of my time for a potentially large benefit."
"He's not that bad."
"He broke her heart!"
Kumiko's lower lip trembled as she turned her angry gaze back to their destination.
"He broke up with her and immediately started dating another woman."
"That's not what I've been told."
"It's true. He dumped her because she wouldn't give up her virginity."
"Kunahiyo told me that the two were broken up before she asked Tashikana out."
"Of course she would tell you that. You shouldn't believe everything you're told."
Kurumu supposed that was true as they came to a stop at the door to suite 715. It was possible that Kunahiyo and Tashikana had lied. It was also possible that Kumiko had no idea what the situation was and was making things up to fuel her dislike of a guy that had hurt her sister's feelings.
"You should give Tashikana a chance."
"Giving that flirt a chance is what got my sister knocked up."
Kurumu smirked, stepping closer to knock on the door.
"Well I doubt he would do the same to you."
Kumiko scowled as Kurumu rapped the back of her hand against the door. It only took a few seconds for the deadbolt to be drawn back. Holding the knob as he eased the door open, Tashikana stepped out with a wide grin and gestured inside.
"Afternoon, Ms. Kurono. I see you brought Ms. Hineri. Very good. Come inside."
Kumiko huffed, slipping between them into the small entryway.
"I'm only here to give you a scolding. You better make good on this promise to leave my sister alone."
"That promise hinges on your cooperation with my final scheme to win your sister over."
Kumiko huffed again, slipping out of her shoes before moving further inside.
"We shall see."
Kurumu smiled at the senior, offering a nod before entering. She stepped out of her shoes as he closed the door behind her. She absently touched the half wall dividing the stove from the entryway as she glanced over the surroundings.
There was only one bed in this room, pushed up in the far corner of the room along this exterior wall. It was a simple, unpainted wooden frame, lacking both the head and foot board. Dark blue sheets were drawn over the mattress with two black pillows up against the wall.
He had a black couch which faced a television which rested upon a black wooden frame. A DVD player and stacks of movies were placed on one side of the television. A gaming station and controllers rested on the other. Kumiko lingered beside the back of the couch, regarding their host with disdain.
"Please have a seat. I'll make you some tea."
Tashikana stepped around the half wall to the stove which already had a kettle placed on a burner. He turned one of the stove dials on before moving aside to open the overhead cabinets. He fetched some glasses, placing them on the counter. He had a microwave and a toaster left out.
"I'd rather remain standing."
Tashikana chuckled, drifting back to the stove.
"I have some matters to discuss with Ms. Kurono before we get to that. Please sit down."
As Kumiko acquiesced to the request, Kurumu drifted over to the couch, absently taking in the rest of the room features. The DJ system she had seen at two parties which belonged to Tashikana was pushed up in the other corner. Dozens of CDs were stacked up on the floor by the speakers and a boom box. It was the largest selection of music Kurumu had seen in one person's possession.
The only other furniture in the room was a writing desk with a stool tucked beneath it. The desk was small enough to fit between the doors to the bathroom and the middle closet. Satisfied with her survey, Kurumu sat down on the other end of the couch. These black cushions were stiff.
"What do you intend to do with my sister?"
"Marriage comes to mind."
"I'm being serious."
"As am I. I have every intention of spending the rest of my life with Keito."
Kumiko blushed, shaking her head.
"You're talking nonsense."
"I want a family with her."
"You're only saying that because it would look bad if you abandoned her after what you did."
He sighed, turning about to lean back against the counter.
"To whom? It's not public knowledge and I'm certain that Keito would prefer it to remain that way."
"Exactly. If she wanted a family with you, she wouldn't be hiding this."
"Your sister is embarrassed. Neither of us expected this result."
"You've ruined her life. She can't go home or to college now."
"I want to help."
"Why can't you understand that no means no?"
"Because words don't mean anything. If I decided to fill your cups from the faucet and told you it was tea, would it actually be tea?"
"That is not the same thing."
"But it is. People lie about their feelings all of the time."
"And you can't decide that her feelings are in your favor out of convenience. If she says no, it means no. It's not your place to reinterpret her words."
"Then your sister is doomed to a miserable life."
"That's her choice! Stop acting like you know what is best for her!"
There was a tense moment which lasted several seconds. The whistling sound of the kettle forced the young man to tend to it.
"Shall we discuss Ms. Kurono's future with my club?"
Kurumu laughed nervously as Tashikana poured out the tea into the white porcelain glasses.
"I believe we already discussed this."
"Not at length. I want you to become the next president of the broadcasting club."
"Um… I told you that I was in the choir."
Tashikana chuckled, setting the kettle back on the stove and turning off the burner. He grabbed the glasses and strolled over to them.
"I'm not asking for you to become the next Voice of Yokai. You can leave that role to my cousin."
Kurumu frowned, taking the cup of tea which Tashikana offered her. Kumiko scowled at his grin, taking the other.
"Will that be okay?"
"I can't see why not. I assumed the role as a first year."
Kurumu nodded, absently taking a sip. It had a fresh, mint aroma.
"I don't know. Can't you ask one of the other girls in your club?"
"None of those girls are going to take over this club. You'll be lucky if they don't put in their withdrawal requests the moment I graduate."
Kurumu smirked as he placed his hands on the back of the couch.
"If they do, there won't be enough members to remain a club."
"Very true. It would be sad for you to let your mother's club fall apart while you were here."
That smug look he favored her was so familiar to the one Ginei always had. She took another sip.
"You're an ass placing that guilt on me. You do know that my mother died this year."
"Please, Ms. Kurono. If a popular girl like you takes over the club, I'm sure that those three won't quit. You might even be able to recruit a bunch of new first years."
The sincerity in his eyes tugged on her heart. She quaffed down a whole swallow of tea, feeling the hot liquid course down her throat and warm her stomach.
"I'll consider it."
"I'll need an answer soon. The club application which must be given to the new student council has to show whom will be taking over the club."
"Ugh. Fine. You can use my name but don't expect me to actually be your club president."
"It's not that difficult to be a club president, Ms. Kurono. And if you can't keep the club together, you wouldn't have to do this for more than four months."
"I'm not taking over your club in January. In name only."
"Understood. You have my gratitude."
"You are such a pushover."
Kurumu pouted at Kumiko as Tashikana chuckled. He held his hand out to the sister.
"Did you enjoy the tea?"
Kumiko scowled, handing him the cup.
"It was tolerable unlike the company. Are we going to discuss this thing you want my cooperation with?"
"All in good time. I still have one more thing to ask of Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu sighed as Tashikana stalked off with the cup.
"What more do you need from me?"
"I was asked by Mr. Utsutei to act as the host of the election tomorrow. Since you agreed to take over my club, I was hoping that you would want to help me with that."
"And now I'm thinking that I should change my mind."
Tashikana chuckled, rinsing out the cup in the sink.
"Even if you do, I'd still like you to help me."
"What are you wanting me to do?"
"Nothing special. Just get up there and share some banter with me. It'll be fun."
"Can't you ask somebody else?"
After turning off the water, Tashikana smiled apologetically as he wandered back to them.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Kurono. It honestly did not cross my mind until today that I should have a second. And since I've been busy all day, I haven't had an opportunity to ask anyone else."
"I'm not prepared to do anything like a speech."
"I'm not asking for a speech. Just some ad lib. You'd be a terrible choice of a successor if you can't handle yourself in front of a crowd."
"I thought that your cousin was going to be your successor."
"You can do this, Ms. Kurono. I wouldn't ask you if I thought you couldn't."
Kurumu sighed, glancing at the contents of her cup. She swallowed down the rest.
"Fine. But you will owe me something for this."
He chuckled, taking the empty cup from her.
"Noted. We can discuss what favor you require after the election."
"How about leaving my sister alone?"
Tashikana smirked at Kumiko, holding the cup against his chest.
"I suppose we should discuss what to do about your sister."
"It's about time. What's your scheme which requires my cooperation?"
"If there is one thing I can count on, it's Keito's love for you. If you were in trouble, she would come after you. You are the perfect bait."
"You mean like if I was kidnapped or something? It won't work. She won't believe anything you say."
"Are you saying that she wouldn't come to the rescue of her precious sister?"
Kumiko scowled, getting up from the couch and wagging a finger at him.
"That's not the issue! Do you really expect me to play along with a fake kidnapping? My sister would be furious with me."
"No need to fret over that. It will be a real kidnapping."
"I'm not listening to this."
Kumiko stalked off but Tashikana grabbed her by the arm before she could get far.
"You have to stay. The drug I put in your tea takes time to work. I can't have you passing out on a trail, completely defenseless."
Kurumu's eyes widened. She tried getting up from the couch but fell to her knees almost instantly.
"What have you done?"
"A little concoction I acquired from Mr. Odayakana. It will put you both out for hours."
"Let go of me!"
"You know it's true. I wouldn't be able to hold you still if you were at full strength."
Kumiko slumped against him, growling.
"My sister will kill you for this!"
"A risk I'm willing to take. After I leave Ms. Kurono with her friends, you and I will be going to the old temple the PSC was using as their base of operations. When Ms. Kurono wakes, she'll pass the message of your whereabouts to your sister. I have faith that Keito will come after you."
Kurumu crawled around the couch, feeling her limbs grow heavier by the second.
"Wait. Tashikana. Try something else."
"Don't worry, Ms. Kurono. The wheels of fate are already in motion. Tell Keito that if she doesn't come, then I'll make her sister into a woman too."
Knowing that was an empty threat, Kurumu slipped into oblivion.
Kurumu gasped, sitting upright. Her mind reeled with nightmarish thoughts. She brought her hands into view, confirming that they were not soaked in her mother's blood. She shivered, closing her eyes and fists, pushing away the memory Yoshii had given her. She hated that joy and thrill. It was not her.
"You're finally awake."
Kurumu glanced at Yukari whom was sitting on Moka's bed. Kurumu realized that she was on the couch. She had no idea how she got here.
"What time is it?"
"After five. Since you were unconscious, Moka went with Shirayuki to her drama club meeting."
Kurumu grimaced as a pain shot through her head, causing her eye to ache. She gingerly touched her temple as she swung her left leg over the side of the couch.
"What happened?"
"According to Mr. Tashikana, you collapsed in his room. He carried you here."
Kurumu brought her foot over, pressing both against the floor. Acknowledging that she still had her socks on and was dressed, she thought back upon the day. She had left her jacket and schoolbag here before taking Kumiko over to Tashikana's place. She dimly recalled the conversation.
"He drugged us."
"I suspected as much. His claim that Ms. Hineri would help him with her sister felt off. It was obvious that your condition was not an accident when my healing spell did nothing to wake you."
"Did you tell Lady Hineri about it?"
"What could we even tell her? I stopped by his place to confront him but nobody was home. I went to our club meeting to see if Ginei knew anything but he hasn't spoken to Mr. Tashikana in weeks. Other than him drugging you, we had nothing useful to tell Lady Hineri."
Kurumu nodded which caused the pain in her head to increase. She grimaced.
"Tashikana thinks if he kidnaps Kumiko that Lady Hineri will come to her rescue."
"That is a convoluted way to get the attention of a girl he impregnated."
Kurumu placed a hand on the couch, slowly pushing herself up on her feet.
"We need to tell Lady Hineri about this."
"Why?"
"Because he wants me to tell her where he took her sister."
"What happens if nobody comes?"
"That's not important."
"You'll have to say something if you want Lady Hineri to believe you."
"He said that he would make Kumiko into a woman."
"If he didn't rape you, he's not going to rape her."
"How do you know that?"
"Because you didn't smell like sex and your pussy wasn't leaking any fluids."
Kurumu blushed, shuffling to the end of the couch.
"That wasn't what I was asking!"
"It's an empty threat, Kurumu."
Kurumu whimpered at the pain in her head as she sauntered towards the door.
"So what if it is? And you shouldn't be looking at my pussy when I'm unconscious."
Yukari sighed heavily as Kurumu stooped over to fetch her shoes.
"Fine. If you're that determined to play along with that idiot's game, I'll walk with you over to Lady Hineri's door. But don't expect me to help you lie your way through this."
Kurumu winced at the stabbing inside her head. It hurt her ears. With her shoes on, she gestured to the back of the couch as Yukari approached.
"I'll need my keys."
"What for?"
"Because we're going to the meeting place with or without Lady Hineri."
"You get mixed up in the dumbest things."
Kurumu could not deny that as Yukari wandered over to her schoolbag. The witch knelt down, rifling through the contents. She pulled out the lavender purse, holding it up.
"Do you want your purse or just the keys?"
"I suppose I can take the whole purse."
Yukari nodded, hopping back up on her feet. The witch returned to Kurumu, handing over the purse.
"You do have the ability to charm your way out of stupid situations like this."
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Yukari before turning her back on the girl. She unlocked the door, pushing it open and stepping outside. The first stars were already peeking through the darkening sky. The twilight air was crisp and chill.
While Yukari put on her shoes, Kurumu opened up her purse to fetch her keys. She smiled softly at the dolphin keychain which had the logo of the Niigata Marinepia. Holding the keys to her breast, she waited for Yukari to exit the suite.
"We can swing by the school if Lady Hineri decides against seeing this through."
Yukari nodded as Kurumu closed the door. She pushed the key into the lock, turning the deadbolt. After removing the key from the lock, she dumped her keys into her purse, zipping it up. She slipped her arm through the strap, letting her purse hang off her shoulder.
"Thanks for agreeing to come with me."
"I'm just here for a laugh."
Kurumu frowned as they wandered over to the door of the adjacent apartment.
"This isn't funny."
"I bet your explanation will be."
Kurumu pouted, hesitant to knock on the door. She did have to come up with some convincing story to get Lady Hineri out of her suite. While the truth seemed the best option, her exchange with Yukari had her wondering if that would fail to create a sense of urgency.
If she wanted urgency, she would have to show it herself. She pounded on the door with enthusiasm.
"Lady Hineri! You have to come quick! Your sister is in danger!"
Yukari snorted a laugh, prompting Kurumu to whirl about and wag a finger at her. Yukari hid her smirk behind her tiny hand, glancing away. Turning back to the door, Kurumu hammered it with renewed vigor.
"Please! You need to help! Some thugs snatched her up while we were walking home and took her to the old temple!"
"Conveniently leaving you behind."
Kurumu hoped Lady Hineri had not heard that. She resumed her furious knocking, letting her breathing become ragged.
"They're going to rape her if we don't do something soon! You have to hurry!"
"Hundred yen says she doesn't open the door."
"For the sake of your sister, you must come with me!"
She was actually starting to feel light headed. She ceased her pounding to rest her head upon the door, taking a moment to catch her breath. She worried that Yukari might be right.
The sound of the deadbolt turning warned Kurumu to step back. The door swung in with a bored Keito standing in the gap. The dark haired girl had on a gray sweatshirt which was stretched over her engorged belly and a pair of black sweatpants. She cocked her head with an annoyed look in her auburn eyes.
"Did Ichigo put you up to this?"
Kurumu fought the urge to smile, shaking her head.
"Of course not."
"You just happen to know where my sister is being held."
"I used my charm to escape."
"And walked by the school which is much closer to the temple. A school which must have dozens of people capable of helping you save my sister."
Kurumu licked her lips, still shaking her head.
"It's dark out. I don't know the time."
"And it takes less time to confirm that someone was on campus than running all the way here. I'd like to think that you aren't that stupid to default to enlisting the aid of her pregnant sister over your own friends if my sister is genuinely in danger."
Kurumu cried in frustration.
"But I am that stupid! Please come with me!"
"Where is Ms. Akashiya?"
Kurumu wrung her hands, knowing the truth would sound bad.
"I don't know."
"I doubt that."
"But Moka doesn't want to get involved in anything right now. She's trying to keep a low profile."
"I'm not trying to broadcast my condition to the public either. And the fact that Ms. Sendou looks about one sentence away from losing her composure, I suggest dropping the charade."
Kurumu whirled on Yukari. The grinning witch instantly held her hands up defensively.
"I'm trying my best here."
"Your best to sabotage me. And you owe me a hundred yen."
"So back to my original question. Did Ichigo put you up to this or is this your own scheme?"
Kurumu sighed, turning an apologetic smile upon Lady Hineri.
"Tashikana wants to talk to you. He kidnapped your sister and asked me to deliver the message."
"My sister would never go along with this nonsense."
"We didn't have much choice. He drugged us both. I woke up just a few minutes ago."
Lady Hineri stared at Kurumu for a long moment, making Kurumu slightly uncomfortable.
"It's the truth. He said if you didn't come, he'd make Kumiko into a woman."
Lady Hineri sighed, relaxing her shoulders.
"I suppose I have no choice."
"You could call his bluff."
Lady Hineri chuckled, scooting her feet into a pair of loafers.
"I could never explain that to my sister."
"But you know that he won't actually do it."
"That isn't the problem, Ms. Sendou. Fate is in his favor. I don't want to leave my sister's safety in the hands of such a fickle thing."
"What does fate have to do with anything?"
Lady Hineri grabbed up a set of keys off the half wall and eased out of her apartment. She locked up the door before turning to regard them with a thin smile.
"Wouldn't it be a cruel twist of fate if my sister fell in love with him?"
"That doesn't seem likely."
"Maybe not but I don't want to leave this up to fate. I hope you two don't mind accompanying me. I'd rather not advertise my condition so something that makes me invisible would be appreciated."
"We could fly."
Kurumu frowned at Yukari's suggestion.
"Can't we just use your stones that make people invisible?"
"I'd rather get this over with quickly. We can get to the temple in minutes if we fly."
Yukari paused, gesturing at the darkening sky.
"And with it being night, we don't need to worry too much about being seen."
"I guess I don't mind flying with Lady Hineri."
"If you don't object to me tying myself to you with webbing, I shall allow it."
"I'm not going to drop you."
"Not saying that you would on purpose. Accidents happen. I do have a baby to protect."
Kurumu managed a laugh, feeling guilty about immediately thinking that was an accusation of malicious intentions. She quickly started unbuttoning her blouse, baring her black, strapless bra.
"It's been over a month since we last spoke with you. How have you been?"
Lady Hineri chuckled as Kurumu tugged her blouse free of the hem of her skirt.
"Bored. All of my time is spent studying and listening to music. I've never felt so isolated in my life."
Kurumu grinned, slipping her arms out of the sleeves along with her purse. She folded up the blouse with her purse, presenting them to Lady Hineri.
"Have Ms. Sendou hold that. I'll need my hands for my thread and keys."
Kurumu smiled, turning to offer the items to Yukari. The witch promptly took both.
"What kind of music do you listen to?"
Lady Hineri pulled a wad of white goo out of her mouth, stretching it out to arms' length.
"Normal stuff. Amuro, Hamasaki, Aikawa."
Kurumu giggled at the garbled syllables, lifting her arms up when the jorougumo approached her. Lady Hineri wrapped the sticky cord around Kurumu's waist twice before she cut off the thread and wrapped the end about her own wrist.
"You have the same taste in music as your sister."
Lady Hineri smirked, clenching her fist. She gave the cord a slight tug, causing Kurumu to gasp slightly from the sudden tightness.
"I think you have that backwards."
Kurumu managed a smile, easing her black wings out. She fished her arms beneath Lady Hineri's, holding the older girl firmly against her.
"I suppose so. Are you ready, Yukari?"
"I'm waiting on you."
Kurumu smirked at the witch. Yukari had summoned a set of black feathered wings which were fueled by her innate spiritual energy. As they tapped her inner reserves, the witch could only maintain the spell for twenty minutes. Knowing this would take less than half of that, Kurumu flexed her wings.
"Keep low and to the trees."
Kurumu shot up into the sky with a strong push of her wings. She pumped them hard to quickly get over the treetops, angling her body to level out.
"What do you plan to do with Tashikana when we get there?"
"That depends on how he has treated Kumiko."
Kurumu could already see the school in the distance, considering it was much taller than the trees. She banked to the right, wanting to keep the building on their left.
"Are you not going to vote in the student council election?"
Lady Hineri laughed in her face.
"How is that even relevant?"
"I'm just curious."
Lady Hineri smiled warmly with amusement in her eyes.
"Members of the PSC and former student council are not allowed to vote."
"What?"
"It's in the student council bylaws. The candidates also don't get to vote."
Kurumu frowned, spying the building which the student council used for their weekend meetings. Knowing she was far enough east, she veered left to speed towards the elective buildings.
"Well that sucks. Tora never said anything about not being able to vote."
"The second years should know this though they may not have thought to mention it."
"If you could vote, which candidate would you pick?"
"Sawayaka."
Kurumu grinned as they swept by the greenhouse. They reached the shop building in seconds.
"No consideration for Morioka?"
"I doubt any girl will vote for a guy whom keeps joking about changing the dress code."
They shot by the art building with the archery range coming up next on the left. None of the athletic fields were in use today.
"Hey. You're spending winter break here, right?"
"I can't go home in my condition."
"Your sister said something about you not being able to go to college."
Lady Hineri sighed as they reached the trail which was marked with torii. Kurumu angled towards the temple which was further up this hill. They passed by another torii, rapidly nearing their destination.
"It's hopeless. At first I thought I could do it, but Ms. Yaisoku is right. I can't go to college in this state. Most of our kind end up bedridden the last month or two of our pregnancy."
Kurumu frowned, finally seeing the clearing at the top of this hill. The path continued over a small bridge which spanned a small koi pond. The path ended at the white steps of a porch which wrapped around the old temple. The white temple walls were framed with decorative wood which was painted red. Pillars stood at the perimeter of the porch, supporting the edge of the roof which swept up in a steep curve and was layered in black tiles.
Needing to reduce her speed, Kurumu angled her wings and sailed about the clearing. She watched Yukari swoop down and dispel her wings, causing her to fall the last meter to land upon her feet. The witch hopped with the momentum twice, turning on her heel to observe them.
"Won't your mother wonder why you skipped out on college?"
Lady Hineri groaned as they turned about and approached the witch.
"Probably. But I can't face her now."
Thinking they were low enough, Kurumu swept up her wings which prompted them to drop. Lady Hineri made a slight cry from the sudden plummet. Kurumu snickered when the girl wrapped her legs about her thighs, throwing her own weight forward so that her feet would hit the ground. It was a hard shock to her knees, but she managed to land flat footed without falling on top of her startled passenger.
"My, my, Lady Hineri. How bold of you."
Lady Hineri blushed with her face close to Kurumu's. She eased one leg off Kurumu's thigh to touch upon the ground before doing the same with the other.
"Shut up."
Kurumu grinned as the jorougumo untangled her web. Yukari strolled over to join them, holding out Kurumu's things.
"You can't avoid your mother forever. You got pregnant after Coach Yaisoku and she's not expecting her baby until like May."
"I'm well aware that my girl won't be born until July. Ms. Yaisoku has offered to take me in for the year. I can watch over her baby until my own is born. I will take the college exam the following year."
Kurumu finally took the blouse from Yukari, pulling her wings inside her back. She slipped her arms into the sleeves, quickly buttoning up her blouse after recovering her purse.
"Go home with your sister. Your mother will understand."
Lady Hineri took in a deep breath, pulling the sweatshirt down to cover the part of her belly which had been momentarily exposed.
"Maybe afterwards. Summer break. I don't want to be pregnant around my mother."
"She's your mother. She's not going to hate you for this. Why wait when she could help?"
"Because she'll worry!"
Lady Hineri clenched her fists, turning her head aside.
"Isn't that normal?"
"She can't walk, Ms. Kurono."
The fierceness of her tone caused Kurumu to back off a step.
"When she had Kumiko-"
Lady Hineri let the sentence trail off but Kurumu understood. Kumiko had been very defensive when Madosuki had mentioned the condition of Hineri's mother. She had forgotten all about that.
"She'll worry. I can't be there. Not like this."
"Lady Hineri. It did not cross my mind that your mother would be troubled because of what happened to her. And I'm much smarter than Kurumu."
"Oh shut up."
"Kumiko plans to stay here over the break. It's not like I will be alone."
"Well I hope that everything works out for you."
"Yes. And now to deal with the troublesome father to this child."
Lady Hineri patted her belly to accentuate her point.
"We'll follow your lead."
Lady Hineri walked along the path of polished stones which preceded the white steps. In seconds, they were up on the porch, crossing the short distance to the main door. Kurumu tensed up in anticipation when Lady Hineri drew the door aside.
"I told you that she would come."
Seated at the head of a low table in the center of the room was Tashikana. Roughly a dozen red candles had been lit and set about the table, creating a charming atmosphere. On his left around the corner of the table was Kumiko whom was grimacing at their arrival. Across the table from Kumiko was a familiar lady with her auburn tresses pulled back in a ponytail. The tennis coach was sporting a pink sweatshirt and gray sweatpants which did not diminish the obviousness of her pregnancy.
"This answers what your plan was if I did not show up."
Tashikana chuckled, scooting to his right and gesturing to the spot between him and Kumiko.
"I would have had a candlelit dinner with two lovely ladies and left your sister in Ms. Yaisoku's care. Now come. Have a seat with me. You are the guest of honor."
"Should I start serving?"
Iwayuru stood behind Kumiko, still dressed in his school jacket. The large man hovered over a stainless steel cart which had four lids covering different compartments. His dark locks hung over his eyes, styled in a simple bowl cut.
"What is that?"
Tashikana grinned as Kurumu approached the other end of the table.
"That is dinner, compliments of the Raw Deal. Ms. Yaisoku was kind enough to help me make the arrangements to get a portable unit delivered here for tonight."
"Which must be returned tonight or you are paying for another day's rental."
Lady Hineri slowly made her way around the table.
"Why are you helping him?"
"Because I wasn't told the full details of his scheme."
"I doubted that you would play along if I mentioned kidnapping her little sister."
Lady Hineri sighed, easing down into a seated position next to him.
"How long have you been planning this?"
"I had the kidnapping part planned days ago. But with this being the last week before our exams, I had to wait for today to carry it out. It was the only day reserved entirely to review."
Kurumu realized that Yukari was still over by the door. She gestured for the witch to come over but Yukari shook her head.
"The dinner part was inspired by Ms. Akashiya's comment this morning. I immediately ran to Mononoke to recruit Ms. Yaisoku's assistance. And as fate would have it, she was not having tennis practice today."
"I had half a mind to take Kumiko and your dinner home with me."
"But the plan was already in motion. I trusted that you would not leave me here to explain things to my beloved when she came to her sister's rescue."
Lady Hineri snorted, leaning back on her palms.
"I never thought she was in danger, despite Ms. Kurono's amateur performance."
Kurumu pouted, kneeling down on the same side of the table as Kumiko.
"Well I didn't think you'd open the door if I told you from the start that this was Tashikana's plan."
"He's just lucky that Kumiko insisted on us staying."
Lady Hineri turned an intrigued look upon her sister.
"Oh did you now?"
"Hey now! I've only been awake a few minutes. You were here much longer than that."
"It would have been troublesome to carry you around in your unconscious state."
"You just wanted to eat dinner."
"This coming from a girl that said the meal would make the kidnapping worth it."
Kumiko blushed at the teacher's remark.
"Are we going to eat or keep talking about this idiot's dumb luck?"
Tashikana chuckled, gesturing to his roommate. Iwayuru nodded, pushing the cart to the corner of the table. He pulled the lid off one of the compartments, releasing the aroma of meat. He leaned down, grabbing a plate off the lower platform which also had a basket filled with utensils.
"I think this critter was skinned this morning."
Lady Hineri's eyes glazed over as he heaped a hunk of bleeding meat onto the plate. She cupped her cheek with a slight trickle of drool.
"That smells positively divine."
Iwayuru set the plate down on the table in front of Lady Hineri. As the big brute fetched another plate, Tashikana gestured across the table.
"Have a seat, Ms. Sendou. I'm sure there is enough dinner for all of us."
"No thanks. Last I checked, there was nothing on the menu that I could stomach."
"I also have a tender stomach, Ms. Sendou. We have chicken salad and venison wraps."
Lady Hineri snickered, holding the haunch of dripping carcass in her hands.
"Didn't you get sick the last time you had their venison wraps?"
Tashikana grinned as Iwayuru presented a plate stacked with a bleeding chunk of meat to Kumiko.
"Guilty as charged."
"If we're done here, then I'll swing by the school. Hopefully my Moka is still in the auditorium watching Shirayuki's drama club practice."
"You could stay for dinner."
"Don't you have to make that brat's dinner?"
Kurumu laughed at Yukari's quick retort.
"Yea. But I wouldn't mind having something to eat. I recall the venison wraps being good."
"They were bleeding like everything else. I'll see you later."
Kurumu frowned as Yukari retreated onto the porch.
"Will you be fine-"
Before Kurumu could finish her question, the witch summoned a pair of wings and took off. She sighed, shaking her head. She was mildly worried about Yukari being by herself, but it was Yukari. That girl was more dangerous than the average student.
The clatter of the cart moving brought her attention back to the table. Iwayuru had moved the cart to the other corner and was bent over, fetching a plate. Coach Yaisoku eyed the cart with longing as the large senior dropped a slab of carrion onto the plate with a sickening thud.
"Are you enjoying the meal?"
Lady Hineri made a slight sound, chewing on a wad of flesh with an inhuman mouth. It was unsettling to see the sisters use their true forms to devour their food but that probably was more convenient than trying to tackle this meal with human teeth. It took a moment for Lady Hineri to swallow down her mouthful. She held the meat aside, wiping her bloodied chin with the back of her hand.
"Better than the stuff Kumiko brings me."
Kumiko made a sound of protest. She held her meat aside, chewing furiously. She swallowed audibly, gasping for air.
"I can only get you stuff from the dining hall. They cook everything way more than it needs to be."
"That doesn't look cooked at all."
Tashikana chuckled at Kurumu's remark as Iwayuru handed him a plate with two venison wraps.
"If my beloved agrees to cease her seclusion, I'll take her out to dinner regularly."
"You don't have the money."
"I'll get a job."
"Even if you could afford it, I can't be walking around the school grounds with a pregnant belly. I'm the leader of the PSC."
"Former leader."
Lady Hineri regarded his grin with a flat look.
"Any member of the PSC would bring shame upon the school to be seen like this. It's a poor example for the other students."
"How do you intend to take your exams?"
"I was hoping that I could take them over winter break."
Coach Yaisoku nodded, holding her bloody meat close to her face as Iwayuru rolled the cart slowly to the back corner of the table near Kurumu.
"I still need to confirm with the Headmaster if that will be okay."
"Isn't it a little late to confirm that? Her tests are on Monday."
"They would be framed as make up exams, Ms. Kurono."
"I will lose my place in the rankings, but I still will be eligible for the Happily Ever After program. As long as I graduate in the ninety percentile, I can apply for college tuition assistance whenever I decide to."
Iwayuru held up two fingers and Kurumu smiled with a nod. The big guy grabbed another wrap with a pair of tongs, dropping it onto a plate. Setting the tongs aside, he shuffled over to present the plate to Kurumu. She graciously accepted it.
"These ladies have told me about your plans. I'm sorry that this pregnancy will set you back a year."
Lady Hineri wagged her bleeding dinner at him.
"You need to stop. I appreciate the meal but I don't want you ending up on the menu."
"I understand your concerns, but that won't happen. Allow me to stay by your side."
"Don't you have college plans?"
Tashikana chuckled at Lady Hineri's inquiry.
"I'm in the business program. I don't need college to get a job."
"Well you won't find a job with Fairy Tale in Mononoke."
"I don't need that Fairy Tale job right away. Any job will do for now. I have my citizenship. I can work among the humans when you go to college. I can support you and watch over our baby."
Lady Hineri sighed, electing to take a bite of her meal instead of answering. In this break of conversation, Kurumu decided to finally start on her own meal. Iwayuru had taken a seat across the table from her, already working on his plate of what looked like chicken salad. Bloodied feathers were mixed in with the lettuce and white chunks of meat.
"Let me make your life easier."
"I'll never make it through college living with you."
"We can do it. Have faith."
"I have faith that you'll knock me up consistently. I'll be too pregnant to get anything done."
"I wouldn't do that."
"Bullshit. I'll have you know that Ms. Kunahiyo came to me after you dumped her. In tears, I should add. She told me all about how much sex the two of you had."
"That's different."
"And she never got pregnant. I have sex one time and look at me now."
"We used protection most of the time, Keito."
"And you want me to rely on that protection working?"
"I can't help that. If fate wants us to have a child, than we will have another child. Nothing could please me more than to have more beautiful daughters with you."
"But what about my plans?! The future that I want!"
"Marry me."
Lady Hineri whimpered, wagging the dripping carcass at him.
"Stop. I don't want my life diminished to the role of popping out babies for you."
"This baby is proof that we are meant to be together."
"If that was true, nobody would get divorced."
Tashikana smiled softly at her agitation.
"If abstinence is the only path to being in your future, than I will walk it."
"Why should I trust that?"
"At least open the door for me when I come visit you."
"Unless you're bringing me raw food, don't bother."
"I'll be sure to give you something raw."
The smirk on his face made Kurumu snicker. She shook her head in disbelief as Lady Hineri blushed.
"Why would you joke about that now?"
"It's not like I can make you more pregnant."
"Not in front of my sister."
"I would never have sex with you in front of your sister."
"You know what I meant!"
Kumiko snorted, nearly finished with her meal. Coach Yaisoku got up on her feet, carrying her plate over to the cart to help herself to seconds.
"Keito. I want you and this child in my life. We can do this like a normal couple or I can stalk you for the rest of your life. And you should know by now that luck is on my side."
Lady Hineri scowled, taking another bite. She took her time to chew that bleeding morsel.
"Fine. We can be a couple for now. You'll probably cause me more trouble if I don't say yes."
"Excellent. Shall we have a kiss to seal the deal?"
Lady Hineri huffed at his grin, stuffing her mouth. This time she didn't bother to finish chewing before offering her response.
"Don't push your luck."