The Whisperer
Disclaimer:"…"
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Chapter 31
The pressure was incredible. His mind focused on the opponent in front of him. Though he had learned to predict it many of his words still confused the young mercenary. All his training as a guerilla soldier, a hitokiri, and as a member of Mithril could not have prepared him for what he faced. He held his weapon firmly his aim undecided. Droplets of sweat formed on his face as he stared at his opponent. He felt the anxiety and pressure build up inside him. If he failed this mission it would be over for him. As he continued examining his opponent he found an opening. He made a quick attack leaving a mark in the chosen location. He looked back wondering if it was the right choice. His opponent just continued to stare back as if mocking him. Though the room was a cool temperature he loosened his collar to release some of the heat. He thought about the person who had trained him for this. It would not be good to fail that person. Plus others were counting on him as well. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes it still lay there unmoving waiting for him to make the next move. He found his arm trembling wanting to reach for his gun and instantly remove his opponent. Of course there may be a trap, and the conditions did not allow such an action. His hand returned to its former position. He wondered why this was so hard. Why it was necessary. He thought back to his teachings and the strict hard work of his teacher. Some lessons were literally beat into him. Once he calmed down he eyed his enemy again. He focused and remembered his lessons. He was able to put a few more marks on his enemy. He glanced at his watch. He had been in this mission for two hours eighteen minutes and thirty five seconds. From that point he had forty one minutes and twenty five seconds. He returned to his mission.
"Everyone's finished but him. You think he'll get it done." Kaname sat outside the classroom. They had been doing final exams all week. Now it was Wednesday. They all seemed to do exceptionally on their tests. Now they were down to the last test which had somehow unfortunately thanks to a disturbance from Sousuke become the last test instead of their first. For her class it was Classic Japanese. Most everyone had finished in the first two hours. They were released from the class when they finished but some supervisors were around the school to keep down any disturbances. Kaname had spent the extra time they had helping him learn the lessons.
"Sagara will be alright. We spent so much time preparing him. He'll have to get it right." Kyouko stood outside with her. She noticed how worried her best friend was over how her boyfriend had to take a test on his worst subject, and if he failed he had no chance of passing.
Suddenly the door handle turned and someone walked out. Their smiles faded when they saw it was just another student. "What?" When he received no response form them he walked away. Kaname peaked in and saw that Sousuke was now officially the last one taking the test. She sighed; he looked so worried staring down at his paper.
"I just hope he's not taking so long just to fail." She looked at Kyouko once the door closed.
"Don't worry I'm sure he'll pull through. I'll go get us something to eat. I know Sousuke will like a plain roll when he gets out." As Kyouko walked away she glanced once at Kaname's sitting form. Poor Kana-chan.
Minutes passed before Kyouko returned but they felt like hours to Kaname. Not because she was waiting her return but she really worried about Sousuke's ability to take this test. From the look of it he was not doing too well. She took small nibbles from her sandwich, and drank little sips from her soda.
"That jerk loves to worry me." Kaname rested her head against the wall.
"Yeah he's really good at it but maybe you're worrying for nothing. Sousuke can take care of himself." Kyouko had been trying to get Kaname's mind in other places.
"You haven't seen the things he does. He makes a promise then goes off and fulfills it right away. That idiot scared the shit out of me."
"That just means you really care."
"Maybe too much. That jerk doesn't take into consideration how I feel when he does this stuff." Kaname bit off a large chunk of her sandwich her attitude wouldn't let her stay down for too long.
"That's it Kaname." Kyouko knew getting her angry at Sousuke would be bad for him but it was better then her being in a down mood. To most of the people who knew Kaname that was very unlike her.
"It's not his fault though." Kaname placed her hands against the wall to help herself up. She took another bite of the sandwich meaning she was still in good condition.
"I shouldn't be moping here on the floor, or getting angry at him. I can worry but I shouldn't let it kill me. I should try to be a bit more optimistic about it. We helped him he should be able to do it." Kaname held the soda can up as if she had a sword.
"What's up with you?" Mizuki walked around the corner.
"Kana-chan's figuring out creative ways to keep herself from worrying too much." Kyouko answered for her.
"He's still in there isn't he?" Mizuki did not personally have the class at this time but she could easily guess who was still taking the test.
"Yeah. I'm just hoping he passes even if he has to sit in there for days." Kaname lowered her arm and drank from her soda can as well as take another bite of her food.
"Too bad he only has about half an hour left. Well anyway have you guys seen Tsubaki?"
"No but I'm sure he's off hiding somewhere." Kyouko giggled at Kaname's remark. Mizuki had often become a point of teasing just like Kaname but for different reasons.
"Whatever. I'm going to look for him some more if you see him."
"We'll tell you. See you Mizuki." Kyouko said the final message as Mizuki walked away. "Geez she has got to be the worst friend." Kaname finished off her sandwich.
"Come on Kana-chan you know what she's been through. She lost to you in basketball, and before you told me about that thing with Sousuke pretending to be Shirai back then."
"Okay okay. But I've been through worse and I don't do that stuff."
"Hey guys." Maya and Ryo approached from different points.
"How you doing why are you hanging around here?" Maya asked as she walked up. Ryo looked at the sign before figuring it out.
"Sousuke."
"Yep. No matter how much he studied he still has trouble with this subject. You know he actually told me he hates this subject. Of course I heard from Kurz he hated most forms of history." Kaname took another drink of her soda after speaking.
"Really he spews out so much information sometimes. Isn't some of it history?" Maya scratched her head thinking of the paradox of the idea.
"Actually he says things about terrorist and stuff. He never goes into detail about actual historical events. He's otaku remember." Kyouko imitated a gun with her hand and fired.
"Yeah remember when you guys told us how Sousuke thought a bunch of fireworks were bombs. That story was hilarious he went ballistic." Ryo reminded them.
"Well you won't have to wait much longer he has only seventeen minutes left." Maya checked her watch again. "Sixteen."
Suddenly the door opened. Again they were displeased when they saw someone other then Sousuke. "Mr. Fujisaki why are you leaving Sousuke in their by himself? Aren't you worried about him cheating?" Ryo questioned.
"That's if the paper is readable. I actually had to give the boy a towel to keep himself dry. I'm going to get something to eat. No one goes in." Just to make sure he locked the door with his key. He nodded before walking off.
"Damn he really locked it." Maya checked the door.
"Wow from the sound of it Sousuke-kun is doing horrible." Kyouko looked at Kaname.
Kaname crushed the can in her hand spraying the remaining liquid on herself and her friends.
"Whoa. Hey Kaname calm down." Maya gave her a hard look. She backed off when Kaname glared at her. "I am calm. At least for now." Kaname reached into her shirt and pulled out a small key.
"No way." Ryo stared at the small object.
"One of the benefits I get for helping this school. A master key." Kaname placed the key in the knob and turned it. She smirked when she found she was successful. She opened the door slightly. Sousuke did indeed have a towel with him.
"Pssst-psst- hey Sousuke." Kaname waved when he looked at her.
"Chidori what are you doing?"
"Just checking up on you. How are you doing?" The other girls' heads soon followed making a small totem at the door.
"Not well. I do not have much time and still have questions to answer. You are currently disrupting my mission please I must continue." He returned to working on his paper.
"Jeez sorry for interrupting you then sir." She pulled the door back hard. She heard shrieks then realized what she had done. When she weakened her pull her three friends toppled to the floor.
"Owwwwwch." Maya moaned on the floor.
"That really hurt." Ryo rubbed her own neck,
"Kana-chan I know you're angry but you should be more careful." Kyouko rubbed her own neck as well as she stood up.
"Well you guys shouldn't have been there." She looked over her friends. "Sorry."
Before anyone else could say anything they heard the footsteps of the teacher approaching.
"Just lock it fast. And next time you hit mister mercenary hit him for us as well." Ryo spat out. Kaname quickly locked the door and replaced the key in her shirt just as the teacher turned the corner. He noticed the girls huddled directly around the door.
"Something happen?"
"No sir!" They all shot out a bit too loudly and quickly for their liking. Mr. Fujisaki eyed them a moment before checking the door knob. When he made sure it was locked he unlocked it himself and entered.
"Phew that was close." Maya said as she breathed.
"Yeah but Kana-chan pulled the key out and put back incredibly fast. And where she put it." The three girls around Kaname shared smiles.
"You think Sousuke has ever tried to get that key."
"Probably bound her to get it. Then interrogated and tortured her if you know what I mean." The girls began snickering.
The thoughts bothered Kaname as she slowly spun around before catching herself.
"Okay too much. You guys are having too much fun. Let's just forget where the key is or that it exists at all got it."
The girls stared blankly for a moment.
"Definitely." Ryo said.
"He's gotten the key and put it in the keyhole." Maya had a sinister look on her face.
Kaname blushed a deep red. Kyouko took a picture.
"Okay guys that's a bit too far. You should go before something happens."
The girls said their goodbyes as they walked away down the hall and around the corner.
"Oh my god, the things I have to put up with." Kaname rested against the wall. Kaname turned her head to look at Kyouko. She stood there smiling camera in hand. Kaname gave her a dark glare. "And you did nothing to help."
"That would be no fun."
They turned as the door opened again. Kaname smiled when the desired figure stepped out. "Mission complete."
"So you think you did good?" Kaname walked over to examine him.
"I said mission complete not accomplished. It could turn anywhere from here." His face looked haggard, and tired. He looked like he hadn't slept in awhile. Kaname pulled out a handkerchief and began wiping his face. Kyouko walked up and held out the plain rolls and a soda.
"These are for you."
Sousuke nodded before taking the food and drink. They all began walking down the hall Sousuke taking huge bites and large drinks as they went.
"So how do you think you did?" Kaname watched him as they began walking down the stairs. His expression lightened a bit.
"I believe I did well and will not have any problems passing." He grinned slightly.
He heard a joyous squeal as Kaname leapt onto him. He caught her in his arms but she had picked a bad place. Clicks and flashes went off as Sousuke fell backwards Kaname in his arms. Since they were already mostly down the stairs they did not hit anymore steps but collided with the wall. They plummeted to the floor in sitting position Sousuke still holding Kaname in his arms for her safety.
"Chidori are you all right?"
"I'm sorry. I just got a bit too excited."
"It's not a problem. I am in fact in a better mood now as well." They stared for a moment before moving closer. They stopped when they remembered who was with them. They looked up to find Kyouko walking towards them a small slideshow video was now on her camera but she took a few more pictures as she approached.
"Have a nice trip?"
"You think?" Kaname glared.
"Well you two look to be alright." Kyouko took a picture of Kaname's expression. Before Kaname could say anything more Sousuke lifted her up with him.
"I think we should go."
"Okay." Kaname did not protest as they headed towards the exit of the school. Students would be coming out soon and they did not want to catch the crowd.
"So since final exams are officially over and now we have two more days of school before summer what do you guys want to do." Kaname asked as they walked down the sidewalk.
"Let's go to the arcade. Maybe they'll let us back in." Kyouko said.
"What ever we do it must be done before the weekend. I have business to take care of then." Sousuke said. He had only a few more days and the second school was over he had to take care of something pass or fail.
"Why you aren't going to spend the summer with us?" Kaname looked up at him.
"I do not know. Perhaps I will not be there the first day; maybe I will miss the entire vacation."
"Why is Sagara-kun so busy?" Kyouko asked.
"I don't know he's so secretive." Kaname glared at Sousuke but he just kept looking forward.
"I am allowed to keep certain information secret." Sousuke looked at her now.
She made an angry pout then pinched his arm. She was unsatisfied when he didn't react.
"I have an idea. We go to the arcade. They have a new gun games. Gun types, racers a bunch of new ones. Aside from the ones that had to be replaced because of Sousuke.
If you can play a whole gun game without even touching your real gun you can keep all the secrets you want. If you can't you have to tell me one secret and I'll decide what it has to be."
Sousuke placed his chin in his hand as he thought about the agreement.
"What do I get if I accomplish this mission?"
"You get to grope Kana-chan."
"Kyouko! Ignore her if you win I'll make you a big dinner."
"Negative I can already gain such things from you. I wish for something else. Perhaps…"
"Hold on! What do you mean you can already get that? I'm just some tool is that it. Something for you to use as you need. Well let's see you get fed now."
"I have a large quantity of MREs. It's not a problem."
"Wow Kana Sousuke doesn't seem very appreciative."
"Negative there is nothing to appreciate from Kaname."
Kaname stopped following them. She stared at him her mouth hung open.
"Jerk! I really am just being used by you aren't I?" Her knuckles turned white as she squeezed her hands as tight as possible.
"Kana-chan I should go. Call me if anything happens. Sousuke stop being so cruel." She really wanted to stay to see how things went but she could not make things better and knew they should take care of it. Sousuke's actions surprised her though. When she was out of sight he turned to Kaname.
"Well?" She stared hard into his eyes. His onyx gray eyes held a lot of guilt in them.
"Forgive me. I did not mean to hurt your feelings. I should not have used such an underhanded technique."
"Under-handed? Were you joking or something? You really are a jerk! That is low."
Kaname threw bag at him. Sousuke fell back as it hit him right in the face. He said nothing as he lifted himself off the ground carrying her bag.
"Tokiwa is gone. Do you still wish to go to the arcade?"
Kaname rubbed away the tears that had begun to form in her eyes.
"Not with you. Hmmpfh!"
"Understandable. I will still accompany you home."
"Whatever!" Kaname grabbed her bag as she walked by him. Sousuke waited until she was five feet away before following her. They hadn't walked like this in awhile. He had messed up badly. He had to keep pace with Kaname seeing as she was walking faster than usual.
He stared at the floor mostly following her feet. She did not glance back once as they walked. He continued walking not really paying attention to anything. He stopped when he ran into something. He looked up to find Kaname's hand held out keeping him from going anywhere.
"We're here."
"Here?" Sousuke looked to his side. The sign in the window said Arcade.
"But."
"Come one Baka. My bet is still up. If you win I won't make you pay."
"Understood." He owed her at least that much.
They entered the arcade. The building had been increased in size and there were indeed more games.
"Let's race first. From what I've heard you like to crash a lot."
"In Canicatti we were being shot at. I did not crash. In Hong Kong it saved Mao's, mine, and a taxi driver's life. With you an arastol attacked the vehicle."
Kaname cringed hearing about that. She would prefer never to have to remember about any of that ever again.
"Here let's play this game." Kaname led him over to a collection of driving seats. The game was called Burnout 3. They selected the course, and their vehicles. There were two other people also prepared to race.
"Kaname it is not safe to use a simulator without proper equipment. Most of them have systems that imitate the actual affect."
"It's a game Sousuke not a simulator. Just get ready. Remember in this game you race to win as well as knock out your opponents."
"Understood."
The race started off fast in a high traffic street. By the end of it there was a large pile up in the middle of the course. The victor was Kaname. Sousuke came in second. Their opponents left 2 minutes into the race.
"Yes I won."
She looked over at Sousuke. He had his arms crossed as he inspected the damage.
"While the ability to destroy others is affective. None of the walls could be broken through and the opponents' cars came back after destruction limiting the effectiveness of my plan."
"Sousuke you caused a humongous pile up in the middle of the city."
"Yes I destroyed many of the vehicles but some disappeared letting you get through."
"You killed the other guys in the beginning of the race."
"You said we were allowed to destroy each other."
"You only killed me twice."
"Yes and though I did not ever crash I lost."
"Well you spent a lot of time making sure you caused big crashes. You really are addicted to destruction."
Sousuke turned to her. "I have no addictions Kaname I just selected the best possible course of action to disable my opponents."
Kaname giggled as she jumped out of the seat. "Let's play some fighting games. They have Dead or Alive 4 and don't say anything about the name."
"Yes ma'am."
Sousuke selected Ryu Hayabusa while Kaname switched between Kasumi, Hitomi, and Ayame. Kaname used the first match to teach Sousuke how to play. That was her undoing. After his failure in the first match she never beat him again.
"That is so unfair!"
"No it's not. Actually I cannot see why he does not use his blade to quickly dispose of his opponent."
"You kept on countering. Even in the middle of the combo."
"It was simple. The characters attacks in this game are predictable making it easy to know when to perform such a technique. It is not my fault you could not see that."
Kaname pinched his arm, harder than she did earlier. "Kaname that hurt. I do not believe I did anything to deserve that this time."
"Be quiet Sousuke. Let's go try our little wager now. Remember if you run out of ammo shoot of the screen. The laser gun is not a real weapon. It uses a concentrated high frequency light but it's focused and weak it couldn't hurt a fly. Just aim off the screen and fire to reload." Kaname handed him the gun. "Watch the demo there is no danger."
Sousuke watched the 2 minute training video before playing. Kaname stood back as he began. Though she knew it would be bad she was hoping he would shoot the screen with his gun. Sousuke was able to get through the first level all right. He had almost grabbed his gun a few times. He started getting really far not dieing once. Kaname got bored and played with him in the beginning of level three. This worked until they reached level ten.
"Player 2 has died." The machine stated Kaname's end.
"Chidori!" They were in a level with a large amount of enemies. Sousuke did not reach for his gun. Instead he pulled a grenade and threw it towards the screen. The grenade pieced the screen and fell into the machine though the game continued.
"Sousuke you didn't."
"Kaname the game said you had died so I only did what I thought was logical."
"I was next to you the whole time now maybe we should run."
"Why?"
"Take cover!" She screamed.
Kaname grabbed his wrist and the bags and pulled him towards the door. They barely escaped the arcade when the grenade blew up. They fell to the floor as the glass blew out of the windows. When they stood in she looked out to see people alive but scared from the explosion. It looked like everyone was okay. They heard the sound of sirens approaching.
"Come on Sousuke!"
"Roger." They didn't hesitate as they sprinted down the street.
They bent forward breathing deeply as they stood outside her apartment. They ran all the way back taking every shortcut they knew.
"You crazy jerk. You lose the bet."
"But I did not touch my gun."
"No you did worse you blew up the machine, and arcade."
"I already explained my reasons."
"Monday and Tuesday were quiet but you made up for it in one day."
Sousuke did not answer her. He turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" She stood up her breathing steadied.
"I should go back to my apartment. I should not be allowed to be here after what I did. I will see you tomorrow."
He started to walk away. "Banzaii!" He dropped his bag and instantly grabbed her legs as she leapt onto his back. She grabbed his shoulders to hoist herself up as he held her.
"Kaname."
"If you want to make it up to me stay. You slept at your apartment Sunday. Monday, and last night. You look like you didn't sleep well."
"A single apartment with 4 other people in it. Leonard has a hostile attitude towards me, and Kurz and Melissa take turns drinking and then end up fighting around the apartment. Usually Mao will end up victor. Kicking his ass as she says."
Kaname pulled herself forward a bit.
"Well it's not fair. Them, even Tessa gets to sleep in the same apartment as you but I can't. You don't like me anymore."
"Negative I like you very much Kaname. I uh…" Sousuke still had problems saying those words. He said them in romantic times but he could not easily say them at random.
"Well."
"Perhaps I will stay."
"Good I'll cook us a big dinner to celebrate the end of the exams. Now carry me inside."
"Roger." Sousuke started back towards her apartment. Kaname rested her head on his back as he carried her.
"I really am sorry for what I said earlier." Sousuke carefully maneuvered as they entered the apartment.
"I know Sousuke. I know." She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and lightly squeezed. Sousuke turned and locked the door. He dropped the bags on the floor as he continued deeper into the apartment. He walked over to the couch and slowly let her down. She landed on the couch with a soft thump. When Sousuke turned to face her she had a look on longing.
"You know we haven't even kissed since that night. Are you afraid of something?"
Sousuke crouched beside her. Her gaze followed him as he lowered himself their eyes never separating. "Negative I am not afraid of anything like that. We have been very busy as of late and I have not been able to spend much time with you. I apologize if you feel neglected."
"No don't worry. Just stay here tonight. And…" Kaname reached behind his head and slowly pulled him towards her. Sousuke caught on and drifted the rest of the way by himself. The kiss was soft at first but then turned hungry, and passionate. It was true he had not so much as even held her hand for more then 10 seconds in the past few days. It did not take long as he darted his tongue into her mouth a small wrestling match between the two beginning. After 20 seconds the ferocity died down each gasping for air as their mouths released each other. He rested his head against hers. Their eyes locked. He kissed her softly again. Savoring the feel without the lust from moments ago. His other hand ran through her hair once before he brought it back to support himself. She smiled as she slid her hand up his arm until she reached his face to caress his cheek. He turned his head so that his lips were in contact with her palm.
He pulled back and stood up. He held out his hand to help her up as well.
"Should we make dinner? You said you wanted to celebrate passing the final exams."
Sousuke said as he pulled her up.
"Sure but are you sure I can trust you to cook right."
"Negative but I will try."
"Okay but first I have a present for you. Come to my room."
"Kaname?" His voice was weary.
"Just come on." She waved him over as she walked in.
Sousuke walked towards the room. When he opened the door he was met with something soft, and yellow. He examined the plush object in her hand.
"Well what do you think? I customized it myself." Kaname held up a bonta-kun doll but it had the alterations of angry eyebrows and an X shaped scar along with a shotgun.
"I bought the gun at a store but I promise the rest was me." She pushed the doll towards him.
"But Kaname I do not need something like this it proves no purpose."
Kaname pouted. "So you don't like it. Sorry I didn't mean to pick something you didn't want. I know boys don't like dolls and all but…" She squeezed the doll close and looked down. She had worked really hard to get the doll done correctly.
Sousuke was in quite a quandary. He would gladly accept the doll but he had already hurt her feelings. He had seen personally that if he tried to accept it she would accuse him of doing it just to make her happy. Which he did not understand why that was so bad. Of course his dolphin served no purpose. He doubted she expected him to carry it around. It was a kind gesture to have done that. He did not understand why she would be so upset since this was her idea but he never felt good when missions failed. He remembered a bandage on her finger form the other day she would not tell him about. He figured now she must have pricked herself.
Sousuke walked over to her. He wrapped one arm around her waist and used the other to pat the back of her head. After ten seconds he pulled back and took the doll from her. She watched him as he examined it.
"Thank you very much. I do not receive many gifts. I doubt anyone else will have such a unique, uh… Bonta-kun doll. Do you expect me to carry this around?" He looked at her with an expression of confusion, worry, and absolute clueless-ness. She thought it was funny because it was sincere. He really had no idea what to do with a doll.
"Of course not silly. I expect you to hug it then put it somewhere safe where you can see it at least once everyday."
"Hug Kaname…"
"Yes."
"I do not think I should have to do that. Also currently this will not survive in my apartment."
"Then he can keep my Bonta-kun company."
"Not a problem." Sousuke walked over and placed the doll down next to hers. He looked over it. His expression made it obvious how strange he thought it was.
"Come on let's go make dinner Sousuke."
"Yes ma'am."
Kaname held his hand as they walked to the kitchen. "You know since the dolls there you're going to have to come by at least once a day."
"…"
"I'm sure it will be more. For today you're staying all night though. I need some company too."
"Uh…"
Kaname released Sousuke and walked over to the fridge when they reached the kitchen.
"Anything you want in particular."
"Negative as long as it is something you make I'm sure it will be excellent. It really does not matter but lately my meals to not seem acceptable."
"What have you eaten?" Kaname asked her head still poking around her fridge and into cabinets.
"Tessa made her special spaghetti. I ended up with crab and rice all over me when Mao found out about Kurz making dinner with her crab. Hot dogs were eaten another day."
"I see. You know you should have told me if you weren't eating well."
"As I said it did not matter."
"Well it matters to me now what do you want to eat?" Kaname gave gave up looking and decided to open everything for him to look through. Sousuke walked around examining everything.
"Hmm…Spanish food seems acceptable. Rice, black beans, perhaps some chicken, tomatoes, anything else you would like."
"Really?"
"Yes. I once had a meal made by Cuban man who was the chef in our unit. We were on a mission in the Cuba to examine a facility that may have been used as a nuclear weapons facility. He was able to make the meal with a single pot, and a fire. The chicken was cooked separately. This was years ago of course."
"So then you sure that's what you want?"
"Affirmative."
"Can I trust you to make the rice?" Kaname held out the rice bowl and cooker.
"Affirmative." Sousuke took the pot and cooker and went to locate the rice.
"I'll do the other stuff I'll ask you if I need help."
"Yes ma'am."
They each went about their tasks. Kaname spoke with him about music as they worked. They eventually hit other topics. She found Sousuke despite his nature to be able to talk about quite a few things. He still lacked in depth knowledge on things such as artists, music types, and anything that seemed like something a regular teenager did. She enjoyed what they could speak about. He enjoyed being able to talk to her. It also showed him how much he knew but it was not his job to fit in anymore so it wasn't really a major concern.
"Let's go look for music after school tomorrow. We can spend a couple of hours listening to music and find which kinds you like."
"Roger."
Kaname just finished putting the beans to make. The chicken was defrosting she heated it slightly to speed the process a bit. Sousuke had successfully put the rice to make though how it came out would have to be determined later. The tomatoes were already in a bowl and already had a dressing on them. The cucumbers were cut and soaking. All that was left was the rice, and beans to cook, and the chicken pieces to defrost.
Kaname jumped onto a counter and sat on it. She stretched her arms, and legs.
"Geez I'm glad the tests are finally over. Now we have no interruptions for the next few days, and then we get summer vacation."
"Yes but I have something to do before I rest. Of course this event may lead to other events and I may not be able to stay for the summer."
"That's right you said you had something to do. What is it?"
"You do not need to know." Sousuke did not say it coldly but his monotone made it seem worse then neutral.
"Yes I do. You need to good reason to leave me that is…" Kaname arched her back the stretched it making her breast stick up and stretch against her blouse. "… if you really want to leave."
Sousuke swallowed. "Negative I do not wish to leave but it is unavoidable."
Kaname went back to sitting up and crossed her arms removing Sousuke's momentary peep. "Well then give me a good reason."
She wanted to smile when Sousuke frowned at her moving but had to hold her resolve up front.
"I need to save someone. Though I do not know exactly how I will be able to. Worse case scenario which seems very likely is I die trying to complete this mission."
Kaname flinched. She did not like to hear of him dieing, even if only a possibility. She jumped off the marched up to him. She stared him straight in his face.
"You'll come back."
"I don't know."
"You promised you would." Her stare hardened. Yes, she wanted to make sure he did not think she had forgotten his promise. Sousuke just stared back his emotionless face unchanging.
"Then yes I will comeback. I actually plan to but things may happen that may make it a problem, or possibly put you in danger if I do."
"Well if you do you'll protect me."
"Yes but…" Sousuke ran his hand through his hair as he looked away. "… I have failed before."
"No you haven't." Kaname poked his chest.
"But-You have been captured multiple times and…"
"I'm here aren't I. That means you haven't failed."
"Kind words Kaname but you know they are not completely true."
Kaname bit her lip but her expression remained unchanged. She was not going to accept being told she was wrong when she knew she was right.
She pulled out her harisen and patted his head with it.
"They are completely true. Maybe in another reference to your ability they would be wrong but with what I said they're absolutely right."
Sousuke watched her paper fan cautiously. He still believed they were just pretty words but were they really worth getting hit over. He decided not.
"You are right I will consider you're words."
Kaname hit him over the head. Sousuke rose back up. She had the harisen pointed at him still.
"But…why did you attack me?"
"You're lying."
"…" he blinked. He tricked lie detectors, interrogators, any enemy he ever face but she with a single glance and a few words knew he was lieing. It was preposterous. He feared if she really did become an interrogator.
"Well."
"You are right. I believe your words are only partially true. They are true that I brought you back, and you are unharmed physically. But I'm sure you have some psychological damage. Also in my prospective I did fail to keep you safe under my guard."
"Fine." Kaname jumped when Sousuke pinched her.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"You hit me for being incorrect sometimes. I felt it was fair since you just struck me for no reason."
"You're not allowed to hurt me I'm a girl."
"On battlefields…"
"I don't want to hear Sousuke." She closed her eyes crossed her arms and turned away to make sure he completely understood that she did not want to listen to another war fact.
She was surprised when arms wrapped around her.
"I'm sorry I hurt you. Are you feeling better now?"
"Depends, are you being sarcastic?" She leaned into him.
"Yes. I truly do not regret it."
"Jerk!" She said as she hit him playfully. "You like being MR. Romeo or something you're getting very romantic lately."
"No I am not. You merely see it that way because you are easy to please."
"Hey!" Kaname struggled to break free but could not.
"Let me go."
"Negative it is safer to keep you close."
"Is that so." Kaname pressed against him and wiggled her waist a bit.
Sousuke loosened his grip on her but did not let her go. He made sure to keep her slightly distanced.
"Did you like that?" She said as she tried to press against him again. Sousuke's cheeks turned red. "Uh."
Before she could say anything else the oven beeper went off. Sousuke released her. Kaname went about take the beans off the heat and preparing the chicken.
"Go set the table Sousuke."
"Yes ma'am." He collected the proper items then stepped into the small space that had the table for dining.
Dinner was similar to when they cooked with miscellaneous conversation. When they finished they both cleaned everything. Sousuke ended up with a wet shirt. Kaname as well. She did not miss a chance to use her new found weapon against Sousuke. Once again he was realizing the drawbacks of being more aware of Kaname, especially her body.
After dinner they watched a movie mixing action and romance. Kaname ended up resting her head on his lap while stretched across the sofa. Sousuke pet her as though she were a cat as they watched the movie.
When the movie finished Kaname was the first to shower. Sousuke watched the news while she didn't. When she finished he took his own changing into a pair of clothes he had left here before which she had washed. He was wondering he should leave a selection of clothing.
When he walked into the room Kaname was playing with the two bonta-kun. He noticed she wore one of his shirts. It was closed but did nothing to hide her legs. He wondered why she was not wearing her usual pajamas. When Kaname turned she noticed the look on his face.
"They were dirty and I haven't washed them. You don't mind that I'm borrowing one of yours do you."
"It's not a problem."
"Good." Kaname smiled then turned back to the dolls. Sousuke was unable to help himself glanced at her legs once more.
"We should rest. We still have school tomorrow."
Kaname said nothing as she put the dolls down.
Sousuke sat on the edge of the bed watching her. He could feel a difference. As if her mood suddenly changed.
"Sousuke."
"Yes Kaname."
Kaname picked up his doll and hugged it tight while lowering her head into it.
"Umm… last time when we slept together. We did things. Did you enjoy them.?"
Sousuke took a moment to figure out what she was saying.
"Yes. Why?"
"Well umm…I was wondering if you- wanted to try again. just a little more though. Not too much."
Sousuke looked towards the floor. "I'm not sure Kaname. It is your choice. I would not mind but I do not wish to do anything you would regret."
Suddenly he heard footsteps then he noticed Kaname's feet as she walked up to him.
When he looked up at her she slowly pushed him onto the bed.
"Kaname." It came out as a gasp.
"Shh…"
Kaname walked over and dimmed the lights.
Kaname gave him a reassuring kiss. Sousuke looked into her eyes making sure she knew what she was doing. She nodded before kissing him passionately. They both mentally prepared themselves.
--
No they do not engage in full-fledged intercourse. This chapter was another middle story chapter. Next chapter should actually put the story a little further.
