A/N: This chapter will contain R-rated mature scenes. Those offended by such material or not wishing to read those kinds of scenes are asked to skip ahead to the next chapter.
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Kaname woke slowly, without the horrendous pulsing wail of her alarm.
It was Saturday. Not just any Saturday. The Saturday.
It wasn't a holiday. She hadn't written anything on the downstairs calendar that she and Sousuke shared. There was nothing special going on at school. As far as anyone else would be concerned, it was nothing more than a normal day.
She folded her plush robe over her pajamas. The warmth was wonderful and the materials had her shivering with tactile pleasure. Sousuke had seen her dress like this before, so it shouldn't raise an eyebrow. If it did Too bad!
Padding down the stairs eagerly, she caught the unmistakable odor of coffee. Not just coffee . Something smelled unbelievably good. That big idiot must have made her breakfast again. If he had, he was going to get a big kiss. Maybe even without the robe.
Kaname would keep the pajamas on, of course. She needed to retain some degree of decorum. Until tonight!
Her anticipation was the only thing stronger than her hunger. If she started to salivate when she entered the dining area, she wouldn't be certain what the cause was. Sousuke had better NOT do anything to mess this up! If he did, he wouldn't have to worry about his future any more.
Kaname smiled as she ran her hand along the polished mahogany banister. It had become an old friend, something she took note of consistently ever since she had moved in. Every morning for the past two months, she had looked at her reflection in its mirror-like surface; marveled at the exquisite carvings on the support poles; and slid her hand along it for its entire length.
Moving day. Now there was a memory.She had spent a number of weeks agonizing over her decision. There had been a number of good reasons why she preferred her old apartment, and why it might be best for her to stay there. But, the allure of Sousuke's building... not to mention the attraction of Sousuke himself... had finally won her over.
That big lunkhead had told her not to worry. He had arranged to have movers do all of the work for her. They did. Very professionally. Too professionally!
They had been more than movers. Many of the men had worked for a high-priced security firm. Each and every item of hers had been handled, examined, and tested where necessary. When she had walked into to check on their progress, she found a huge sweaty hirsute man waving a rod-like piece of equipment over one of her fancy bras. It's a rare day when a man like that is shocked by the words coming out of a girl's mouth.
At least they had gotten everything packed, loaded, and delivered in one piece.
When the men had been waiting in the lobby of her new building, that's when the fun really started. The foreman asked where they should carry her things. She led them to her chosen room. Kaname had not gone over her choice with Sousuke. She didn't pick the largest room, or the one with the most amenities. The one she selected was comfortable. It had a quaint charm. There was a beautiful view off of a spacious balcony. It was perfect.
Sousuke had vetoed the idea. "Too close to the fire escape. The primary armory is located one floor below. The building next door has a room on the same level."
Instead of arguing, Kaname went on to her next pick, a nice corner room with wonderful antique fixtures and a hand-painted mural. She could feel like royalty in such a room. That choice was vetoed as well. "The ventilation is bad. The building across the avenue has a low roof, ideal for listening posts, a microwave emitter array, or a sniper's blind. The tallest trees top out above balcony level."
Grumbling something fierce, she had moved onto her third choice. In some ways, it was the nicest of the lot. It was a series of rooms, actually. A nice living area led to a bedroom, a separate sitting area, and a convenient little kitchenette. Again, Sousuke had a litany of things to comment on.
"That's fine. If all of my choices are bad Sousuke, I'll just move in with you. I'll be safe that way. But a girl needs constancy. You'll have to sleep in the same room every night." The move she gave him with her hip had caused one workman to drop a lamp. Sousuke acquiesced. Finally, the movers had been able to finish their job.
Kaname clenched her teeth, just thinking about it all. That better be one heck of a breakfast!
She almost ran into the kitchen. Sousuke wasn't there. Passing through the swinging door into the dining area, she saw a single place setting on the table. Coffee. Juice. Rice. Eggs. Natto. Ham. Miso soup. And a note. Feeling a sense of dread, Kaname read the scribbled writing:
Kaname
Called into work. Emergency construction issue.
Miss you.
Back by lunch (hope).
Sousuke.
Great! Just great! Every time he wrote 'back by lunch,' he was back by dinner. Why today?
Sousuke's work-related responsibilities were growing daily, as the building repair work reached crucial stages regarding internal and external security systems. Kaname knew that he had to be at the Lab when his expertise was needed. It was why he was in Tokyo, after all. That latter fact was the only thing that prevented her from cursing the Cold Fusion Project loudly and frequently.
Today was the exception.
She had painstakingly planned everything out. The day before, she had told Sousuke that she had arranged a special morning, afternoon, and evening for the two of them. They would take a nice walk. They would spend some time at the shooting range. There was a military bookstore that Sousuke liked, and she wanted to see it. There was a lingerie shop she always wanted to visit, and she wanted to bring Sousuke in with her. She had picked out a nice restaurant for lunch, and had planned on making a very nice dinner for him.
If Sousuke made it home in time for lunch, they could still do all of the things she had chosen. If he was much later than that, the whole day would be shot. If that happened, she would have to choose another night.
Damn that job of his! When she calmed down enough to eat, Kaname sat down at the table and ate the breakfast that Sousuke had prepared. Despite her mood, she had no choice but to smile. It was all very good. The cooking lessons she had given him had paid off.
Washing down the last of the ham with a sip of juice, she thought about Sousuke's security position. He was committed to say at the University for as long as he was needed. It would be months at the minimum, and that had her feeling somewhat relieved. If the scientific project continued to show success, he could be there for years in different capacities. That would be wonderful.
Pushing her eggs around her plate absentmindedly, she smiled, thinking about the week before. Sousuke had made a difficult decision, and went in to speak to Tessa and Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin. In no uncertain terms, he had said that he wanted to remain where Kaname was.
She had been so proud when she heard that. He had kissed her goodbye... driven off in a white van... and flown off to Da Danaan. After a series of deliberations, he returned home with good news. It may not have been all that she had hoped for, but she had made her own decisions after a lot of thought. She was willing to compromise.
Sousuke would be based in Tokyo, no matter what project or team he was assigned to. He would not be pulled away for routine missions. He would make himself available for crucial operations and emergency situations. He would remain part of the Mithril, even if his attachment to the Advanced Research Lab was no longer necessary and he went on to find civilian employment.
Mithril would help him find a job that gave him the necessary allowances. Furthermore, the mercenary group had already done him a large favor. One of the major reasons he had been assigned to duty at colleges was to allow him a chance to further his education.
They were looking out for one of their ownKaname had to admit that there were benefits to Sousuke's continued membership with that secret group. Those benefits did not extend to today, however.
When she had finished cleaning the table, Kaname went upstairs to use her favorite shower. She spent a long time there, enjoying the luxurious comforts. Her thoughts traveled back to the night before, when she had spent a pleasant evening with Kyouko, Ren, and Maya. She had met up with them on the Rikkyo campus after her last class was done, and they had then strolled together to a nice bistro.
There had been a lot of catching up to do. She had the biggest news of them all. Sousuke.
They were all surprised to hear that she had run across him again, and that he was well. Part of the excuse that had taken him away from Jindai had focused on health issues. She assured them all that he was fine, and shocked them further by telling them that they were dating. Her attitude towards Sousuke had been rather apparent after he had left, and the girls never though that she would speak to him again.
"How's Sousuke in bed?" Maya had asked with a chuckle at one point.
"She probably doesn't know," Kyouko had quipped. "Sousuke sleeps under the bed."
Everybody but Kaname had laughed. Each of the other girls were involved in intimate relationships, and that made Kaname feel somewhat jealous.
"He sleeps in a bed, now." She had said, feeling a need to stand up for Sousuke, even though Kyouko hadn't actually been bad-mouthing him. "But, we haven't slept together... yet"
Saying that last part had made her feel bad, almost as if she were a failure.
"You know, they do make manuals for that kind of thing." Ren had been trying to be helpful, not make a joke.
"That's true. But do you really want to hear him quoting things between every nibble or caress?" Maya had started laughing again, but Kyouko and Ren both realized how upset Kaname was. It was obviously a sore point with her.
After that, Kaname had decided that she had waited long enough. There was no reason for her to hold back, given the good news that Sousuke had reported. She had been more than ready physically, finding it harder and harder to not to pounce on Sousuke when he said certain things or touched her in certain spots.
Her fantasies just didn't cut it any more. But, she knew that Sousuke wouldn't make the first move.
That's why it was up to her.
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Kaname managed to lift her spirits. She would proceed with her plan, as if Sousuke was going to be home by lunch time.
Having done some cleaning, she turned her hand to decorating.
She had already done a great deal of work throughout the various parts of the building. To her eye, it looked like a home, not just some building that she lived in. Under a merciless barrage of hugs and kisses, Sousuke had admitted that her efforts made him very happy.
This morning, however, her work would be limited to one room. Her bedroom. She had a particular goal in mind, and wanted to get things just right. A few weeks earlier, she had commissioned a number of objects. They were needed today.
Holding a number of large parchment wrapped packages, Kaname felt somewhat silly. With all of her complaints about Sousuke's otaku nature and his military furnishings, she had decided to do something that might catch Sousuke's fancy. She hoped that Sousuke wouldn't consider her idea silly or tacky.
She thought back to the talk that the two of them had in the sitting area. Sousuke had talked about knights and other things. She had gone on to read both of Sousuke's essays, marveling at his skill as a writer. Sousuke had also gone on to tell her a number of heraldic tales, including some that originated with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
After doing some research into heraldry and coats of arms, she commissioned a number of hanging tapestries. They had arrived earlier in the week. She had also gone on a shopping expedition, picking up some attractive candles, a beautiful quilted bedcover with Medieval styling, and a number of fanciful paintings depicting courtly scenes.
She had invested a lot of time and money on her whim, but she wanted to express her love for Sousuke in a way that words couldn't do. In return, she hoped that he would show his appreciation in a very intimate and physical way.
For a moment, Kaname chuckled, thinking dark thoughts. She wondered if she should have purchased a headsman's axe, to show him her displeasure in no uncertain terms, should he do something to let her down. No. That big military idiot might end up appreciating the weapon most of all! Big jerk!
Packages clasped to her breast, she smiled when she looked at a plaque hanging on her wall. It was beautifully engraved and mounted on an expensive hardwood base. Sousuke had given it to her one evening, in order to commemorate a special event. She had been overwhelmed by both his generosity and his sense of humor. She chuckled after reading the words:
In honor of Kaname Chidori
Steward of Defense
Sagara House
Tokyo, Japan
That man of hers had gotten it made to celebrate her final victory over the harem girls. They had been annoyingly persistent, even to the point of following Sousuke home, demanding entrance to the building.
Kaname had taken matters into her own hand. She had been ready to use tear gas or a number of concussion grenades. In the end, the high pressure fire hose kept coiled up in the lobby sufficed. Yes. She treasured that plaque for a number of reasons.
As for her bevy of unwanted suitors, they had made themselves scarce after word went around about the affair at the fountain. Kaname smiled, thinking back to that day.
When she finished unwrapping, she marveled at the wonderful workmanship of the tapestries she had ordered. The fabric was worked in the same manner that the actual period material would have been. The dye job was magnificent. She couldn't help but smile at the device she had settled on.
Wistfully, Kaname shook her head. The things she would do for love! She had spent a lot of time reading, and a fair amount of time on the internet, all of which had to be done in the library, to keep it secret from a certain soldier. She knew more about heraldic devices than she ever wanted to.
A heraldic picture is called an 'emblazon'. The heraldic palette consist of seven basic 'tinctures': white or silver, referred to as Argent... blue, referred to as Azure... red, referred to as Gules... yellow or gold, referred to as Or... purple, referred to as Purpure... black, referred to as Sable... and green, referred to as Vert. There were also rare colors, such as sky-blue, brown, cinder-grey, mulberry, pink, and dark blood-red.
A shield or flag usually consists of a 'field' or background, on which one or more distinct 'charges', or objects, are placed. The blazon of such a shield describes the field first, and then the charges.
The field could be one color, or multiple, divided in various manners. An 'ordinary' is a charge that consists of one or more strips of some tincture which cover large areas of the shield. Every side of an ordinary is either straight, or parallels a curved edge of the shield.
There were one-edged ordinaries; two-edged ones; and special sub-ordinaries. A pattern with one color bordering the shield and another forming the center was called a 'bordure'. 'Roundels' were small circular areas of color, with a yellow one called a bezant. She had selected a four-limbed charge, and that meant she had to consider the ways in which such forms can be depicted, known as 'postures'. She had considered 'rampant' or rearing... 'salient', or leaping... 'sejant erect', or sitting upright... and 'sejant affrontry', a sejant viewed from the front, so the belly of the creature is fully visible
She had settled on 'sejant erect affrontry', a posture where the charge is sitting upright with the forelegs upraised and spread wide. She chose a Vert field, because of Sousuke's uniform color. She chose a rim of Or roundels, as they reminded her of the base of a cartridge. The rim color was Sable, to remind them both of the dark days they had spent apart. She chose Gules for the charge, because of her love for Sousuke.
As for the precise shape of the charge, Kaname had the craftsman make a representation of an Arm Slave picture she had sent them. The final device was 'Vert, an Arm Slave sejant erect affrontry gules and on a bordure sable a semy of roundels Or.'
Quite a mouthful.
After a few minutes of trail and error, Kaname had the tapestries hung. Looking at the fruits of her efforts, she felt warm inside. It truly had been a labor of love. While she might not keep the items hanging in her room for too long, they would make a nice decoration in Sousuke's study some day.
"I hope this is a night to remember," she whispered, as she put away her tools and the wrappings from her purchases. She grimaced when she told herself she already had a knight to remember.
Now, it was up to Sousuke.
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Just as the last of the refuse slid down the garbage chute, Sousuke walked in.
Kaname had looked very guilty, causing Sousuke to ask if something was wrong. Her first reaction had been to tell him not to go into her bedroom for any reason. Luckily, she clamped her mouth shut in time. It would not be wise to raise his suspicions.
She had found herself crossing her fingers, praying that the big idiot wouldn't find any reason to examine the trash down in the basement. While most people couldn't make anything out of the random wrappers and sales slips, there was no telling what an overly observant Specialist might do!
As it turned out, Sousuke was not only finished early, but was also done for the day. Hearing that, Kaname literally dragged him out of the front door.
Everything was back on track.
Because Sousuke had been gone for a better part of the morning, Kaname told him that they could save their walk in the park for another day. It made sense to visit the bookshop first... walk over to a nearby café afterwards... and then take a train over to the shooting range.
The bookshop had looked deceptively small from the outside. Kaname was relieved. While she wanted to spend a day doing the things that Sousuke liked, she dreaded the though of spending any lengthy time waiting as Sousuke peered through endless stacks and shelves of books.
Walking into the front door, she was flabbergasted. Not only did the store stretch two units to the rear, but every available bit of space was crammed with books. It had to be a fire code violation! If that wasn't bad enough, Sousuke informed her that there was a loft and a small basement. Trying to be a good trooper, she smiled and told Sousuke to take his time.
He correctly read her eyes and told her 'thank you,' and then promised her that he wouldn't be more than an hour. Kaname had twitched repeatedly. An hour!
Like a bee visiting successive flowers, a cheerful Sousuke went from one section to the other.
After skimming over a rack of New Arrivals, he moved on to the General section. From there, he moved from Ancient Warfare to the Medieval section, and then on to a loft filled with books on Japanese Military History. Next, he spent a fair amount of time browsing through the titles in the Renaissance area, followed by some browsing amongst the Horse & Musket shelves. Seeing that Kaname was growing glassy-eyed, he asked her if she was ready for lunch after he had skimmed over the books on the Napoleonic Wars and other Nineteenth Century topics.
"No, Sousuke. I'm alright. You spent a lot of time with me in the clothing stores last weekend. This is your special time. Tonight will be mine." She had been yawning when she spoke. She almost bit her tongue when her jaws snapped shut. She had said too much.
"Kaname?" Sousuke had picked up on her last statement.
"Finish looking at whatever you like, Sousuke. After that, I'll treat you to a nice lunch. You bought last time." She counted her blessings when the strong lure of the books reeled Sousuke back in.
Kaname followed after her boyfriend as he went from books on the Colonial period to publications dealing with revolutions and civil wars from around the globe. She started to drag again when he walked through aisles dedicated to the First and Second World Wars. After visiting the Ladies' Room, she found a chair to sit in while he pondered possible purchases on the Korean War, Vietnam War, Falklands War, and other 20th Century conflicts.
Before making his way to the cashier, Sousuke brought the books over to show Kaname.
One was "The Confident Hope of a Miracle: the Real History of the Spanish Armada" by Neil Hanson. He excitedly told her that it was a breathtaking overview of one of the most fascinating campaigns in European history, beginning with the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, the event that precipitated the launching of the Armada.
"Marvelous," Kaname said. It wasn't something that she would put on her reading list, but Sousuke had a huge smile on his face.
She was just as enthusiastic when he showed her "The Crimean War: a Reappraisal" by Philip Warner. Naturally, she hadn't known that the book discussed lessons learned by the British army, in addition to the military actions made necessary by the difficult conditions encountered during the campaign. Sousuke was only slightly disappointed that she had never heard anything about the Charge of the Light Brigade and other famous disasters.
The last book had Kaname sitting upright in her seat, banging her crown on the fire extinguisher hanging over her head. It was "The Triumphant Kinght, the High Middle Ages 1314-1485: Story of the Knight in the 14th and 15th centuries" by Stephen Turnbull.
The Triumphant Knight! Was that bit of coincidence a favorable portent?
"Kaname, what's wrong?" Sousuke had asked, concerned. She told him that she had developed a sharp pain in her leg. That had Sousuke insisting that they take a cab home immediately, but Kaname managed to fend him off.
His bag in one hand and Kaname's arm around his other arm, Sosuke walked with her to the café after he had paid for his purchase. Asking him to order for them both, Kaname was happy just to lean against him, drinking in the smell of his cologne. She wanted to see how well he knew her tastes. He was spot on. For himself he chose Grilled Chicken on Teppan-Yaki Mashed Potatoes with Honey Oyster Sauce. For her he selected a Grilled Swordfish Sandwich on Sesame Bun with Sesame Chili Mayonnaise.
That had her chuckling, realizing that some cultures considered oysters to be an aphrodisiac. She just shook her head when Sousuke asked her why she sounded so amused. Kaname had to avoid his inquiry one more time when he picked out their deserts. Vanilla Ice Cream with Passion Sauce and Sesame Sticks for him and Passion-tini Mousse with Raspberries and Cilantro Jelly for her.
Passion sauce?Was Fate in her corner, or busy laughing at her?
Lunch went very nicely. She spent some time telling him all of Kyouko's, Ren's, and Maya's news, plus whatever details they mentioned about other people they both knew. The most surprising news was that Shinji and Mizuki had been going together for years, and had recently run off together to elope.
Kaname threw a raspberry at Sousuke when he made it a point to reminisce about his kiss with Mizuki. She managed to salvage some of her dignity afterwards by saying it was really no big deal. She told him that she would have been more concerned had he kissed Shinji instead.
"You didn't hear about that?" Sousuke went on to ask with a perplexed face. It took three more raspberries before he admitted he was only joking.
Kaname almost slid out of her chair when Sousuke asked if she had been planning on getting him sticky all along. He had not been making a suggestive statement. She tried to get herself under control. This wasn't like her. The night obviously meant even more than she had been willing to admit to herself. That by itself spoke volumes.
Each and every innocent slip or coincidental happenstance was tugging on the strings of her libido. She didn't know if she could make it home and wait until the evening, or whether she should take him to a hypnotist and then drag him to a Love Hotel.
Kaname was terribly distracted. Consequently, Sousuke was a little disappointed at her performance in the shooting range. That didn't matter as much to her as it usually would have, as she was much more concerned about her performance that night.
Eschewing the flashiness or bragging of the other talented patrons, Sousuke wowed the crowd with his Beretta model 87 target pistol and Mark XIX .50AE Desert Eagle Pistol with 10-inch barrel and scope. Kaname wasn't expecting him to do the same for her that night. The topic had come up between them in the past. He had never been with a woman before.
She had blushed rather furiously at one point, when Sousuke asked if she wanted him to give her the gun. Get a grip, Kaname. Geez!
Her attention had wandered repeatedly after that, and she even ended up clipping a target in the lane to her left. Sousuke halted the shooting, clearly wondering if something was troubling her. Kaname hated to lie to him, but she was not about to tell him what she was thinking.
Her state of mind being what it was, she decided to save the lingerie shop for another day. Besides, it would be more fun when Sousuke had a notch on his pistol, so to speak. When they finally made it home after visiting the market, she sent him to get a shower, saying it was because he lost the battle of the desserts. She would sneak in and use the shower herself, while dinner was cooking.
Humming happily to herself, Kaname went about preparing the evening meal. For nostalgia's sake, she chose to make okonomiyaki and unagi. Her choice of the latter had nothing to do with its reputed effect on stamina. After those items were finished, she cooked Scallops in Yuzu and Honeyed Chicken Breasts with ginger. For a wild moment, she wondered if she should bring the jar of honey upstairs with her later.
No. She had never been into that type of thing. At least not yet…
From that point on, all the moments seemed to blur together. Dinner. Some time spent watching a movie together in the TV room. Drinks on the balcony. The later it got, the more excited Kaname became. Things were a blur to her, until she and Sousuke found themselves sitting outside.
Before she knew it, the time had arrived.
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Kaname stood up.
It was getting late. Before long, Sousuke would be heading back to one of his rooms to get some sleep. She swallowed hard, finding that she had to clear her throat before she could speak. What had happened to all that bravado?
"Heading off to bed, Kaname?" Sousuke asked, politely rising to see her off to her room.
"Y-Yes..." Kaname closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then clenched her fists. She could do this. She would do this! "Sousuke..."
"Hmmm?" Sousuke was puzzled by the range of emotions playing across Kaname's face, as well at the change in her posture.
"Would you walk me all of the way back to my room, please? There's something special I would like to show you." That much came out easy enough.
The true test would come when she walked into her suite of rooms.
"Certainly. What is it?" Sousuke wondered why Kaname sounded breathless. Was she ill? He would run out to a late night pharmacy if she needed him to.
"It's a surprise." That was an understatement. "I hope you like it. I've been working on it for a long time." That statement was safely ambiguous. While that might delay Sousuke's anxiety, it certainly had no effect on her own. Her heart was racing.
"I see. Well then, let's go. I'm interested in seeing what you have to show me." Sousuke held out his hand. Kaname took it, and then led him off of the balcony and back inside.
'I'm interested in seeing what you have to show me.' She prayed that he would be. Something he said in the past resurfaced as well. 'Yes, Kaname,' followed by 'Yes.' It seemed as if were ages ago, when he had said he wanted to see more of her and spend more time with her.
The night was finally here. The crucial moment was swift approaching.
Kaname had tried to think how she would broach the subject to Sousuke. All of her carefully laid plans and well chosen words evaporated. She would just have to say whatever came to her mind. When she finally unlocked her door and turned on her lights, she was almost blurted things out then and there. She fought to maintain control. She was Kaname Chidori, one time Class Representative and Student Council Vice President, not some silly little twit.
"I… I… I have some cocktails in the refrigerator, Sousuke. Could you get one out for me while I get things ready? Please, get one for yourself as well. What I have to show you may take a while." She gave him a quick kiss, and then went into her bedroom, closing the door behind her before turning the lights on.
Taking a pack of matches out of her dresser drawer, she lit the candles she had bought. There were quite a few, and soon they cast a dancing and flickering honey-colored light on the walls and bed. Going into another drawer, she took out a number of sticks of Shoyeido incense, made from sandalwood, jin-koh, patchouli, star anise, ginger lily, frankincense, cinnamon, and safflower. She set them burning as well. Soon, the soothing aroma began wafting around the room on delicate wafting curls of smoke.
The most important items were in the end table near her bed. She double-checked, to make certain they were there. They were. Her hands trembling ever so slightly, Kaname turned down both sides of the bed. "OK girl," she said to herself as she walked back to her door, turning the room lights out. Opening the door, she saw Sousuke pacing about nervously. Did he have any suspicion what might be going on? "Sousuke. You can come in now. Bring the drinks."
She watched Sousuke as he walked towards her. Time seemed to slow. She wanted to hear him say 'yes.' She needed to hear him say 'yes'. That big idiot better say 'yes'!
"Kaname?" Sousuke carefully stepped into the room, noting the unusual lighting. His eyes went wide as he looked about the room, too many things vying for his attention for him to be able to take them all in at once. His mouth opened slightly as he focused on the tapestries. "You must have had those made." There were no original coats of arms depicting the ARX-10.
"Affirmative," Kaname said in a low voice, stepping closer to Sousuke. "I hope you like them." She took the drinks from him and placed them on coasters near her bed.
"Yes. They are rather remarkable. Vert, an Arm Slave sejant erect affrontry gules and on a bordure sable a semy of roundels Or."
Sousuke's grasp of proper nomenclature impressed Kaname. She went on to explain her color choices. "I do love you, Sousuke. Do you know that?" She stood in front of him, backed up against him, and pulled his arms around her. "Very much."
"Kaname..." Sousuke suddenly felt anxious and numb at the same time. In that room, in those surroundings, Kaname's words had the sound of his heart pounding in his ears. His breath sounded inpossibly loud as well. Why was he feeling this way? How did he feel about Kaname? Could he put it into words?
She was waiting for some response from him, wasn't she?
Kaname waited, wanting ever so much to hear Sousuke echo her words. That alone would make all of her efforts worthwhile.
"Kaname, I..." Sousuke took a moment to collect himself. "I am still not certain what love is." He felt Kaname tremble just a little, spurring him to continue. "But I will say this. The way things have been with you in this house... I would never want you to leave me... ever." He didn't know if that would be enough for her.
It was.
"Sousuke." Kaname turned slowly. There were tears in her eyes. "Thank you. I would never want to leave." She pushed herself up against him and coaxed him into a long slow kiss.
After he stared into Kaname's eyes for a while, marveling that he could have this effect on anyone, Sousuke slowly looked around the room again. "You went to a lot of work, Kaname." It was a statement, but it was also a question.
"Yes. There was something I wanted very much. And, there was someone special I wanted it with. It hardly seemed like much effort, taking all of that into consideration." She smiled, seeing that Sousuke still hadn't tumbled to her ultimate intentions. Big naïve idiot! "You were the one who told me about knights, Sousuke. You also said that you sometimes felt like a knight. I asked you how you might act if you had a lady." She stepped back away from him.
"I remember, Kaname. But..." Sousuke's eyes went to the bed. He noticed that both sides were neatly arranged. There were pairs of slippers on either side of the bed. One pair was the size and style that he usually wore.
"I like romantic and courtly love, Sousuke. I'm very happy with the improvements that you have make in those areas. But I would like more than that. Do you remember why I was initially unhappy with the relationship between a knight and his chosen love?" Kaname's throat was tightening up. She was so close. Just a few more words.
"I don't..." Sousuke looked like he was trying to remember something. "Uhhh..." His eyes went wide.
Kaname saw the look on Sousuke's face. He obviously remembered. There was no look of lust or eagerness on his face, but he also didn't look frightened or disinterested. The moment had unfolded enough for her. She felt some urge pushing her to just come out with it. "Sousuke... I would like you to spend the night with me."
There. She had done it!Now, she just had to wait. Please, Sousuke...
"Kaname, I..." Sousuke swallowed hard. He looked at Kaname, almost as if seeing her for the first time. "You want me to..."
"I would like you to share my bed tonight, Sousuke." She looked at him, her heart in her throat. She would give anything if he didn't leave through that door until morning. Even if they only cuddled tonight, it would be a big step forward. "In any way you choose. In every way you want."
"But... I..." Sousuke looked at war with himself. He didn't look away from Kaname. His eyes were glued to her face. "I'm not..."
"I know, Sousuke." Kaname walked over and stood in front of him. "It doesn't matter. I don't mind if you haven't had any experience in these things. Only one thing matters." She paused, watching his eyes. "I want to share my body with you. I would like you to feel the same way about me. If you don't, that's OK. If I have to wait, I will."
Sousuke's hands twitched. His mind raced. Memories of things he had seen soldiers do to women from the opposing camps crept into his mind, as did the things he had read about the Comfort Women. Conflicting with those memories were the feelings he had for Kaname in the past, and the stronger feelings he felt for her now.
"I may not be good enough for you, Kaname." Sousuke hung his head a moment before continuing. "I'm…."
Kaname placed her finger on his lips. "If you aren't good enough for me, Sousuke, who is? And if what I want doesn't matter..." She took her finger away. "I think I now some of the things you are worried about, soldier. They don't worry me. And, I'm a better judge of character than you."
"Kaname, I..."
Kaname spoke louder and more forceful. "I want only one answer from you. After that, you can do as you choose." She gave Sousuke a confident look, completely in control of her own feelings. "Do you want to be here tonight with me?"
"But if you were to become…."
"Pregnant? I've taken care of that for tonight. We can discuss long range strategies another day, if there's a need. You still haven't answered the question." She was beginning to feel a bit angry. She didn't want any negative emotions to intrude upon the moment."
"Yes." Sousuke's word had as big of an effect on himself as it did on Kaname.
"S-Soususke..." Suddenly, Kaname felt a bit timid again. It was as if she couldn't believe what she had heard, and was worried that he would retract his answer at any moment.
"I said 'yes,' Kaname." Sousuke looked as if a tremendous weight had been taken off of his shoulders. "I find myself wanting to... uhhh..." He was still not comfortable or knowledgeable enough to put his feelings into words. "I am not certain how to proceed." he looked at the bed, and then back to Kaname again.
Kaname felt as if the entire room had disappeared, leaving only her and Sousuke floating in a void. Sousuke had said 'yes.' When she had control of her tongue again, she smiled. There was definitely something she wanted to do. More precisely, there was something she wanted Sousuke to do. It would be fun to see just how he responded.
And, it would help him buy into the whole idea of intimacy.
"You can start by undressing me, Sousuke." Kaname licked her lips slowly, deciding to vamp things up. "And I don't mean with your eyes."
"Uhhh...undress you..." Sousuke looked a bit wild in the eyes, as if that might be the most intimidating challenge he would face that night.
"Yes. You can start anywhere you like. When you're done, it will be my turn to help you off with your clothes." Kaname walked over and took a drink of her cocktail. Making a slow turn, she held her arms out away from her body. She was wearing a button-down blouse. Sousuke had his work cut out for him.
Sousuke made a valiant effort to steel his nerves. He wanted to say that a Specialist shouldn't have trouble with any of this. The problem was he was not a Specialist in this type of matter.
As with any foray into the unknown, he should advance as boldly as prudence allows. The building tension inside him was not truly fear. He realized that this was something he wanted to do.
Whatever happened tonight, it had to be good for Kaname.
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Kaname woke slowly, on her own this time.
She wriggled a little, finding the most comfortable way to rest on the overstuffed mattress. Sousuke still slept peacefully, his one hand gently cupped around her breast.
She liked that.
He had awakened with a start a number of times, after hearing sharp abrupt noises outside. She woke with him, but was able to sooth him back to sleep with her voice or touch.
Kaname had wondered if he was a light sleeper, knowing what she did of his history. She sighed. She needed to patient in that regard.It was time to content herself with little victories.
Sousuke had been so eager at one point... so determined to do things right for her... that there was no way that things could have gone as far as she had hoped for. Regardless, she smiled, remembering how the rough tough SRT soldier had struggled to undress her. He had gotten through the buttons on her blouse without too much trouble, but the look on his face had been wonderfully nervous, and there had been a slight tremor in his hand.
Giving him a fond smile, she told him that he didn't have to fold the shirt neatly when he finally slid it off of her.
Her skirt had been much simpler for him mechanically, but his reaction was even more pronounced. As the skirt slid down her legs to the floor, his eyes followed it. He was obviously looking at her legs. When his eyes lifted some, he closed them a moment before setting his jaw. Her own heart pounding, she had told him that he could save her panties for last.
The deer-in-the-headlights look on his face had been priceless.
Kaname pushed lightly against Sousuke. Closing her eyes again, she grinned, thinking about how a man who could strip a gun and reassemble it in the dark hanging from his feet... and set-up sophisticated security and defense systems with near supernatural ease... had so much difficulty with her bra. The lace obviously had him fascinated, as did the feel of its contour. He had he gently explored its every point before approaching it in a systematic fashion.
"It's not booby-trapped, Sousuke" she had reassured him.
It turned out to be a great challenge for him. He had not been expecting a gender-sensitive fastener, a closure that women can use and some men can't. She could have sped things along by simply reaching behind her back with one hand... smiling knowingly... and flipping it open in a millisecond without having to look. But, it was all important training for him.
Sousuke hadn't known whether to look relieved, or to become even more anxious, when Kaname eventually stood naked before him. She gently kissed him and thanked him for his efforts. It had been her turn then, and she made it a point to satisfy each of her senses as best she could. She rubbed her hands gently over him before she helped him off with his clothes, quietly remarking how handsome she found him... how firm he felt... and how strong he was.
She had wanted him to feel good about himself. He needed to be as confident as possible.
When they were both completely nude, she had turned him around and pushed him gently towards the bed. Their initial moments together had been a time of reassurance and commitment. Kaname gave Sousuke an idea of some of the things that she wanted him to do, and asked him to say whatever was on his mind. If there was something that he was afraid to do, he was to tell her. If there was something he wanted to do, he was to let her know. If there was something he liked, he was to clue her in, at that instant or later.
Pushing against Sousuke a little more firmly, Kaname wondered if she had thrown too many things at him at one time. She was not all that experienced herself, and had been in a rush to pass along certain things that she had read or had been told by her more worldly friends. It was as if she had been worried that she might forget everything she that she had been intent on his hearing.
As she had expected, he was very tentative. She had tried to reassure him that there were no places he couldn't touch. It was more than that. She wanted him to do more than just touch. She wanted to be nuzzled. She wanted to be rubbed and caressed. She wanted to be gently nibbled. She wanted to be fondled, stroked, and fully explored.
Sousuke had gradually grown more confident when she responded to his actions. He had been somewhat shocked at first when she introduced him to French kissing; but, he had obviously found something that he found pleasurable. She had watched his face intently as she ran her hands over him. His emotions never stayed the same form more than a minute or two at a time. This was so new to him, and he didn't know what to make of it all.
But, he didn't hold back, and he didn't withdraw.
Some of her reactions obviously excited him, in more ways than one. He soon learned which areas of her body were her most reliable erogenous zones. She hadn't wanted him to limit himself exclusively to those parts of her, but had been in no hurry to have to have him stop his discoveries.
Kaname began pushing back rhythmically against Sousuke, increasing the pressure in very small increments. Moving instinctually, she thought again about earlier events. She had been disappointed with the final outcome, even though the things that the two of them had shared would be the subject of her daydreams for the next few days. She made it a point not to sulk, or say anything that might hurt Sousuke's feelings or cause him to feel self conscious.
She had reassured him that he was far from being a failure.
It was not a one shot deal, she had told him. At least, it had better not be. They would sleep together tonight, and would have whatever time they needed to work towards each others wants and desires in the days and nights to come.
Sousuke stirred some, but didn't say a word. He didn't relinquish his gentle custody of he breast, but did slowly begin pushing back against her, pressed against her in spoon fashion. Kaname wasn't certain when he had actually come awake again, but the gentle caress of his hands eventually told her that he was responding purposefully.
There would be no need for words now. This was all about their natural instincts and the lessons they had learned so far.
When he began fondling her in a firm and circular motion, she pressed back firmly against him. She rocked back and forth with his movements, bighting her lip when he began teasing her nipples. Like some great sleek cat, she arched her back when he ran his hand down along her side and abdomen, to begin stroking her thigh.
She took his hand then, and moved it somewhat higher up, keeping her hand on his as she showed him the spot she wanted him to put his effort towards. She began the motion for him, and then let him take things from there.
Her subsequent moans and quick little gasps had Sousuke trembling with eagerness. Filled with passion, Kaname turned to face him, and began running her hands over his body. Their mouths locked together at times, and she had moments where she forgot everything except for the touch of the moment.
When her hand moved quickly over him and found irrefutable proof that he was ready, she pulled away and reached over to her bedside nightstand. This time they would have success. She just knew it! She quickly grabbed a condom and opened the package. Just as she was about to turn her attention back to Sousuke, she was startled by the sound of a beeper.
What?
NO-O-O-O-O-O...
That couldn't be Souske's beeper. Not now!
"Sousuke... no... can't it wait?" Kaname's voice was charged with emotion. Everything had been going so wonderfully. It couldn't end now.
"Negative." Sousuke got up quickly. "I am sorry, Kaname. That beeper is slaved to the communications console downstairs. The automated system dials the number, and no one outside of Mithril has direct access to that number."
"But... couldn't we..." Kaname felt so frustrated. Didn't she mean enough to that moron for him to put her needs first?
"I cannot. It will be an emergency. I must respond promptly." Sousuke began getting dressed as quickly as he could. He stopped. His shirt half on, he walked over to kiss Kaname, who barely responded. "I am disappointed too, Kaname." He looked sadly at her for a moment after that, obviously picking up on her emotions.
This wasn't pleasant for him either. He wasn't certain why, but her sudden coolness towards him had him feeling hurt. But, there was no time to worry about that. In all likelihood, he would be in the air within the hour.
There was no telling what had happened or where he would be headed.
"Sousuke..." Kaname got up and wrapped a decorative blanket around herself. "Sousuke, I'm sorry." She wrapped her arms around him for a moment, then let him go. "I love you. And I have to be strong, too."
"Thank you. We will have another time, Kaname." Sousuke ran off into the next room, having no need to turn the lights on.
"I hope so, Sousuke. I hope so." Kaname's disappointment slowly gave way to fear and uncertainty.
These were the types of situations that she dreaded. It was Sousuke's job to go into harm's way.
It was her job to wait.