The Whisperer
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-Chapter 46-
The hum of the elevator rising accompanied them in their silence. Soon the dinging of the bell and then the swooshing of the door temporarily joined in. They ignored the small family they passed as they walked. Sousuke unconsciously kept loosening his collar. He had no idea why he kept doing it, but something was bothering him in the back of his mind. His instincts for some reason told him to stop her or run, whichever was safer and running seemed the safest until he saw her later. He still did not know why. After his fight with Eros, Mithril received a report saying that S.O.W. was destroyed. Some of the units that attacked disappeared but others came after them hoping they would have no resources after the fight. The Urzu team, as well as Sousuke took out those units easily. He had a brief conversation with his friends before they had to get ready to leave and the crew of the Tuatha de Danaan had to check it out. He left them to it and returned immediately with Kaname. He did store his AS in the abandoned factory in Sengawa having it in EIS. He placed it in the corner after setting it up that hopefully no one would find it. Now he and Chidori were returning to her apartment so she could clean up. He would head to his to do the same. But then why did he feel like something was wrong. Kaname finally turned trying to ignore it herself but lost that battle.
"What's bothering you Sousuke?"
"Nothing. I just have a feeling of foreboding. I do not understand why."
"Jeez you're worried. I said I forgave you what could you have possibly done while I was gone." As she said this they arrived at her door. She pulled out her key and put it in the door. Turning it they heard the click. Along with that something clicked in Sousuke's mind. 'Wraith!' her name quickly rushed to his mind bringing memories.
"Chidori wait!" He stuck his hand out to stop her but was too late. She was already inside her apartment. Beads of sweat formed on his face and ran down. He heard nothing while still standing outside. He felt the wait was unbearable. He guessed this was what they meant by silence before the storm.
"Hey Sousuke come on in, it's safe!" She called from the inside. He felt a sense of relief wash over him. That is until he stepped inside. Her table was still in splinters, her kitchen had a hole in it, her balcony door was broken which wasn't his fault (at least the first one wasn't, the other panels were his fault), and the grenade fragments were in the wall. He walked deeper in not being able to find Chidori.
"Chidori!" He called once with no reply.
"Chidori!" He called as he looked into her room.
"Chi-!" He was suddenly crushed by half the table. Then a barrage of slams passed through it into him actually breaking the table into more pieces. "Jerk what the hell did you do to my apartment?" She grabbed him and threw him across the room. He slammed into the other piece of the table his head going through it and getting stuck. "I was thinking about letting you off despite what happened but after this! I know it had to do with you. This was why you were scared outside wasn't it! Well good you were right to be!" As she said this she beat his head with the broken handle of her bat. He pulled his head from the table and stood slowly when it was finally over; glad he had survived her rage venting he turned to her.
"You know I was going to make you dinner Sousuke but look at my kitchen." Sousuke's sweat returned as he slowly turned to it. "Chidori I can explain…" As he said this she grabbed the back of his neck. "Explain it? Hold on you need a closer look first!" She threw him through hole that had actually been Wraith's fault. Landing in the kitchen he remembered the explosion he had accidentally added. "We can eat-"
"EAT THIS!" She kicked him up his body bending backwards as it hovered momentarily. Next a loud clang was heard as she slammed his face with a frying pan over to the fridge. After this she stuffed his head into it and began repeatedly slamming the door on his head.
"Chi-do-ri." He said through each hit. She pulled him out by his feet and pulled him over to the sink. She ran the water beating his head every time he tried to remove it. When it was high enough she held his head in it trying to drown him. "Baka! I go through all that. Part of it is your fault. You take your sweet ass time getting there, then almost kill me, put me in between your legs in an arm-slave where I get pummeled, and I can't even come home to a clean house. I would have understood the balcony door but no, you just had to make it worse!" Sousuke looked in shock as he was mercilessly dragged across the floor. He tried his best to get a word in but was barely able to get any out. He had no hope as she took him into the room. She placed his face next to a pile of glass. He recognized the photos from France. "Those were new frames and I liked those pictures. If they weren't okay I would kill you so be happy for that!" Her room was mostly undamaged except her door was gone. She tore off the remaining piece and hit him with it. "I need to replace this and a lot more because of you. Military obsessed otaku maniac!"
"Chidori." He said hoarsely. Finally he received a hurricane force barrage of harisen smacks. "It's Kaname. Jeez we're at least alone now why the hell can't you learn!" A brief pause took place; her harisen disappearing to wherever she placed it.
"Ahh, I feel better. I really needed that" She took a deep breath and brushed off her clothes. Any evidence of what just happened non-existent on her features. She glared to the side at him. "That doesn't mean you're not going to fix this."
Sousuke face down raised one finger. "Yes ma'am."
Kaname locked the door as she exited. A bruised up Sousuke in front of her. She had cleaned up her pictures and room at least. She carried a suitcase full of clothes and her Bonta-kun Sousuke holding the other.
"I will have this taken care of as quickly as possible."
"Good. For now I can stay at a hotel. They have some clean cheap places near here."
She turned and walked. "I guess we'll be looking for a place for me to stay today. You set-up what you can to repair the damages you did to my apartment."
"Affirmative. Everything will be taken care of." He followed her silently to the elevator.
"First we need to drop some things off at your place."
"Roger." Sousuke began to follow her but ran into a suddenly halted Chidori.
"You look sad Sousuke." She looked at him softly.
"It's not a problem. You have no need to wor-." Before he finished his lips were covered by hers. He stood stiff as she pulled back. "Heh heh, looks like that worked. It's been awhile hasn't it?" Only his eyes moved to look at her.
"Yes it has. I did not expect that Kaname." She looked at him annoyed.
"So now it's Kaname. Jeez Sousuke, talk about teasing. I wonder what I need to do to make that permanent." She smirked when he blushed. "Come on we don't have all day." She took his hand and began pulling him along.
"But Kaname it is still early we do have-"
"You think I want to spend my first day back again working. I need to look for a place to stay, and then make sure you pick the right people to fix up my place."
"About that Kaname, I would like to clear the apartment first. And as for your predicament it is only fair if you stay at my apartment for the time being." In the elevator he received a smile. "Are you inviting me to stay at your place?"
"Affirmative. If the captain can stay there when she is visiting I do not see why you cannot. It is the least I can do to repay you for my actions." That got him a frown that did not go unnoticed. "I have not shared a bed with the captain. I believe that is a benefit only you have." Unbeknownst to her Sousuke Sagara was learning, a little bit at least.
"Hentai." Kaname said it with a smile and blush. He had his own tinted face. He found it strange but at least his words worked. "It was your idea to begin with. That would make you more responsible." Kaname was surprised. "You're blaming me?" He did not respond making her frustrated. "Well you took advantage of me after my hellish ordeal. I'm not responsible after that. That's like date rape." Kaname smiled when she received her desired reaction. "But Kaname…" He stopped when he received another kiss. "We're here." As she said it the elevator to the first floor opened. They headed out to go to his apartment. The walk across the street was familiar and comforting. The warm sun felt refreshing on her skin. She pulled across her bag insisting she could carry it without Sousuke's help. He followed her quietly making sure to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. "I want to go to sleep. But I know if I do I'll mess up my sleeping clock." Kaname mentioned as she yawned. Soon they were outside his apartment. He unlocked the door and let her in first.
"What no traps?" She asked as she tapped the floor with each step making sure nothing would happen.
"I had no time to set up a defense system before leaving. I was in a hurry." Kaname just walked in. She noticed the perfect condition of his apartment. "Why couldn't you mess up your place? You had to pick mine." She tugged her case across the floor towards his room.
"It was not my intention to destroy your apartment. I was attacked and used proper measures to incapacitate my enemy. However I failed to defeat them but successfully survived the battle with a stalemate." He made sure to leave out the accident in the kitchen. Sousuke not knowing what to do decided to head to his room and watch Kaname unpack. More to make sure she did not do anything she was not supposed to.
"Chidori you can use the three drawers over there to store your clothing for now. " He pointed towards the biggest dresser against the wall. Kaname eyed it suspiciously wondering what could be in the other drawers. She pulled open the ones he had indicated and began placing clothes inside. Sousuke left before she could finish. "Chidori I am going to clear your apartment."
"Tomorrow." She added. Sousuke raised an eyebrow curiously though she was not there to see it.
"I said I want to rest today but I don't want to stay here. I've had enough captivity for now. Today let's go out. Tomorrow we'll clear my apartment. I want to make sure you don't destroy or remove anything I want. After that we can call Kyouko and the others and maybe go to the beach."
"Speaking of which. Miss Tokiwa knew of your absence and is probably worried. We should inform her of your safety. I have not spoken to her about in about two to three days. She should be worried considering the loss of contact with me as well." He bent forward with a loud slap of the harisen. "Baka! How could you do that to Kyouko?"
"I apologize I did not mean to forget. I did not expect my departure. If you wish I will call her now."
"No! I'll do it." Kaname pulled out her cell-phone which she had retrieved from her apartment. Her friends must have all been worried because she had a number of missed calls. She suspected her house phone had a large number of missed calls and messages as well. At least they were assorted friends and not just Kyoko. "Sousuke I'm going to be awhile. I'll make a snack for us, while I'm talking. You go take a shower."
Sousuke examined himself in the mirror. Except for what he had left he was still wearing his equipment for the mission. He still had bloodstains and dirt all over him. He had not cleaned himself off in all this time. He grabbed a towel and headed for the restroom.
Kaname could hear the water running. She pulled out items for sandwiches. Her phone was low on battery so she would only have time for one call before she had to put it to charge. She could use Sousuke's phone from there.
"Hello." Kyouko answered not sounding like she had known.
"Hey Ky. It's-"
"Kana-chan! Is that you?" Kaname pulled the phone away from her ear. She could still easily hear Kyouko as she shouted her joys.
"Yeah it's me. How are you?" Kaname said thoughtfully as she began cutting up tomatoes.
"Me? How are you Kana? How'd you get back, what happened?" Kyouko began shooting off questions.
"Calm down. In short I was captured and sergeant…" Kaname thought about her words and decided to withdraw her insult. "Sousuke saved me." Kyouko continued to ask questions and Kaname answered them. She eventually lost power and ended up talking to all her friends at once on Sousuke's house phone.
"Can we come check you?" Shiori asked.
"Umm…" Kaname looked around. The bathroom water was off meaning Sousuke was done. She would have to shower soon. She didn't want to invite her friends to Sousuke's apartment, but she didn't want to blow them off. "Not right now. I actually plan on seeing you guys tomorrow. Today I'm going to relax. I'm… going out… with Sousuke in a-"
"KYAAA!" Kaname once again pulled her ear away from the loud shrieks.
"You two are going out now?" Mizuki asked in a sly tone. "Are you at his place?"
Kaname blushed, and did not answer. "I knew it they're having a little fun before they go out!" Kaname looked angrily at the device. "We're not doing anything! If we were you think I would be on the phone. If you must know my apartment is trashed because of him and the military misfit decided I would be safer here, while he gets it fixed!" She received a round of oohs from her friends.
"Listen I have to go take a bath I'll see you tomorrow."
"Oh now she's using his shower. Are you two showering together?"
Kaname hung up on that question. Not that she couldn't answer she just did not want this to go any further. When she turned Sousuke had a plain roll in his hand.
"Why are you eating that? I made you a sandwich."
"You looked malnourished. I suspected you had not eaten well in captivity so I assumed you were going to consume the other one as well. Have I assumed wrong." He took another bite of his roll. Kaname wondered how he even had one.
"Well the other sandwich is yours. Just because I was captured… again, doesn't mean I can start eating recklessly and get fat."
"But Chi…Kaname the sandwich you made is made mostly of healthy food. It has assorted meats, cheese, and vegetables, as well as fruit."
"Fruit?" with a meat and cheese sandwich is he crazy? Wait dumb question…'
"Affirmative. A tomato is often confused as a vegetable. It is however a fruit. It is not sugary or sweet like most fruits but it does have seeds easily visible within it signifying that is in fact a fruit."
"…" Kaname stared at him annoyed. Sousuke took another bit of his roll, worried to what she would do next. Her expression worried him. Suddenly she was smiling and hugging him. "I missed you."
Sousuke forcibly swallowed his bite. "I…missed you too." Kaname stepped back. "Well you probably have eaten worse than me. You go eat I'll take a shower."
"Roger." He nodded then headed towards the kitchen. Kaname headed towards the room. A short while later Kaname was out and refreshed. Of course now Sousuke had to wait while she brushed her hair and made herself presentable. He watched the news as he waited, a fresh bump on his head from an accident of when she finished in the shower.
"I'm ready." She finally appeared before him. She wore a jacket over a T-shirt, a pair of short pants, and her socks and sneakers. Sousuke turned off the TV and stood up.
"Where do you wish to go?" He grabbed his keys and supplies he was allowed to carry.
"I don't know. Let's walk around for a bit and see what we can find." He nodded then they headed out the door.
They walked around for a bit until they spotted an advertisement for a racing kart place. Catching the train they went to the desired location.
"Okay you ready Sousuke?" She asked parked next to him. "Roger." He rubbed his head having been hit by Kaname for examining one of the vehicles for any traps. The track would be short one kart for now. "Hey let's race." He revved her vehicles engine. "But that is not safe. Many accidents have occurred during street races."
"It's not a street race Sousuke. We're racing on this secure track. If you win I won't hit you for a week." She said it but knew she could not keep the deal. Of course she had no intention of losing. "Affirmative. And if I fail?"
She looked up thinking. "Let's see." She tapped her chin. "You have to… "She pondered but could not think if something she wanted from him at the moment or something she knew he could accomplish. Avoiding any mishaps was impossible. "I'll think of something. For now we'll just call it a 'Kaname gets whatever she wants form Sousuke' card."
"But it is not a card."
"We're calling it one Sousuke. It's a figure of speech."
"No it's not."
Kaname glared at him whipping out the harisen. Sousuke leaned away in his seat.
"Ready, set…" She leaned forward preparing to accelerate. Sousuke sat back calmly.
"Go!" They raced for 2 laps before coming to the last. Seeing as she was losing Kaname became a little more forceful. Bumping Sousuke he was about to crash into a wall. Moments before a loud explosion rang out and debris scattered. Kaname stopped stiff in her seat. She stared forward, slowing pulling her head in like a turtle. She knew what was about to happen. Sousuke ended up in a car chase for a few blocks until escaped and returned for Kaname. She was hiding and pulled him into cover. She let his punishment slide, grabbing his collar and running away before anything happened. Somehow Wakana was nearby and that meant they had to go.
"You know they have bumpers for a reason Sousuke." She complained as they walked down the sidewalk. "As I said before racing is dangerous. I merely did what was necessary to avoid crashing. "He said in his defense. "But blowing up the wall then getting into a car chase. Isn't that a little much?"
"Negative. The alternative could have been much worse I could have-"Kaname tuned it out as he explained about car explosions and people flying through the air.
"You know I won. If you hadn't gone and blown up the wall I would have come in first."
"That is not necessarily true. I could have succeeded you before the race ended. I believe it is called a comeback." Kaname poked his arm. "But you didn't you blew up a wall. Since I passed the finish line first I won."
"But you did not pass the finish line."
"Yes I did!"
"Incorrect. You were hidden inside bushes which you pulled me into so we could later make an escape."
"So how do you know I didn't already pass the finish line?"
"Your vehicle was still in the middle of the track."
Kaname embarrassedly laughed and pulled him along with extra force. This lasted for about five minutes until she finally relaxed her walk.
"So what next?" She asked looking around for anything.
"I believe there are batting cages not far from here. Would you like to attempt those?"
Kaname looked surprised. "You really thought of something?"
"Affirmative. I am an acquaintance of the owner. You should be able to try as much as you wish."
"You're trying to right?"
"Affirmative. Though I now realize my mistake."
"Mistake?"
"Your swing will become greater, therefore increasing your ability to inflict damage upon me."
Kaname pinched his arm. Sousuke wince then rubbed where she had pinched him. "Kaname that-"
"I don't need practice beating you. You do enough things to keep me in shape for that. Or have you forgotten earlier today." Sousuke swallowed remembering his beating thins morning. He was fortunate he was used to such treatment. A lesser man would have perished. As he said the batting cages were not far. Kaname decided to go first. Sousuke watched as she sent each one flying. His turn was similar. She was thankful that that activity was not disastrous.
For the rest of the day they did various activities. An arcade they went to did not blow up this time. Forced by Kaname they played basketball with some children. Kaname's team lost slightly despite her competitive nature. They told the children it was a tie only for her to argue with him about it when they left. The day rolled on. They went to a museum, as well the movies. When the sun was finally almost gone they sat by a river, and watched the sky slowly turn from a yellow-orange into a dark blue where the sun could not reach. Kaname sat near the bottom with her feet in the river. Sousuke sat farther up looking around. He had his top shirt unbuttoned to cool himself down. He looked regretfully at the city. There were still marks of the battle that took place here long ago. He was lucky to be able to come back so easily but his life had become even more complicated since then. He looked down at Kaname still sorrowed. This one day would be probably all he had. Maybe only two or three days if he was lucky. Not because of his condition but he had not forgotten that. Because it would all have to end soon. He could not let Schneider go around freely and wait to stop him. He would probably be moving soon. If he did not stop him it would become a repeat of that day in Tokyo. Except this time the world may be involved. He was angry at himself sitting selfishly here instead of getting straight to work. It was a healing phase but he knew he could go fight right now.
He sighed lying on his back. He listened to the sound of an airplane as it flew by overhead. Suddenly his view was blocked by a pair of large brown eyes.
"What are you thinking about?" Kaname was crouched above him. He lied there not answering her question. He continued to look up eyes-half lidded staring at nothing.
"Hello? Is anyone in there?" She poked his head but received no response. She poked his shoulder and nudged him slightly. She tried to get a reaction for five minutes before giving up. She leaned forward staring at him angrily. Her face was but two-inches away as she glared. He didn't respond in fear either.
Her expression softened staring at him so close. His eyes though half-closed were full of worry.
"Sousuke…" She received no response. She tried again receiving the same results. She wondered what to do. She wanted to know if something was wrong but did not want to disturb him if it was something serious. She wished his eyes were closed. She would think he was napping then would have probably joined him. She flinched when something softly touched her cheek. She noticed Sousuke's eyes were more aware than they were moments ago.
"Kaname. Is something wrong?" He went to get up but was stopped by her weight on his shoulders. "Yes. Something is wrong with you." She looked down at him sternly. Once again she received no response. "Tell me what's wrong." She loosened the weight and moved closer so that they were but a few inches away. Sousuke could see the force in her eyes but did not react. "I'm sorry."
Kaname was surprised. She did not expect such a response. She held him down when he tried to get up again. He looked at her surprised. "What are you doing?"
He felt a tightness in his chest when he saw her expression. She looked troubled. He could see a type of sorrow in her eyes. It felt as if she was looking through him seeing all the negative thoughts, and emotions in him.
"You know it's hard to have fun when you're always worrying. Can you at least pretend nothing is bothering you while you're here?"
He opened his mouth to say something but could not figure out what. She still sat above him staring.
"I'm sorry I will try to put my worries aside for now."
"Will you tell me about it?"
"That is not necessary."
"I figured." Kaname sighed and maneuvered next to him. He was finally able to sit up. He looked over at his girlfriend as she made herself comfortable in the grass. He didn't realize he was staring at her examining her from her flowing blue hair down to her bare feet. He looked away when he caught her looking at him.
"See something you like?"
"Ne-"He stopped himself. He knew little about women. But he received many so-called pointers form his comrades. Never say anything bad. If he told her no it would most-likely offend her. IF he said yes she may call him a hentai and attack him. He remembered this situation from an earlier time. He would choose the latter of his choices.
"A-affirmative." He closed his eyes bracing himself. He was surprised when a pair of arms wrapped around him.
"It's alright baka. I asked didn't I?" Sousuke said nothing as she went silent for a moment. "Jeez I really have changed haven't I? I never thought I would be here like this. The thing is if I had another boyfriend I wouldn't hit them or act the way I do. This is really strange."
"Affirmative."
She laughed and bent forward on him forcing him to lean a bit as well.
"You're the strange one." She pressed her head against his back squeezing him lightly.
He looked down almost smiling. He was a bit relieved. He reached up and grasped one of her hands holding him.
"Kaname…"
"Hmm…" She sounded resting on his back. Sousuke actually had no intention of her hearing him. He meant it as a silent acknowledgement.
"Thank you."
"It's not a problem." She squeezed his hand again. They sat for a few moments longer before he stood up. "Let's go home." He held his hand out to help her up. After getting up she grabbed her socks and shoes and put them on. They walked to his apartment in silence just enjoying each other's company.
"So what do you want to eat? Don't say curry rice again." She asked as she walked into his kitchen. Sousuke walked around examining everything to make sure everything was okay. "How about shabu-shabu then?"
"Sure!" He was glad she didn't say it was too expensive again. While it was not a favorite of his it was good.
"Umm, Sousuke you don't have the ingredients. We'll have to buy them. What do you want it made with?"
"What can we have?"
"Well since your paying umm… normally it's thinly sliced beef but you can have pork, chicken, lobster, duck, or crab. Oh and tender ribeye steak, or top sirloin but that's less tender. Or if you're willing to pay more we can have Kobe beef. It has an enhanced flavor and texture." She turned to find him standing in the kitchen doorway.
"You have a very extensive knowledge of food. I will need to think about this."
"Of course. One of my favorite things is cooking. That's why you get to eat so well."
Sousuke walked over to his fridge. It was almost empty.
"We will need a list of supplies to purchase. Also I will need to withdraw some money. I have used up all my on hand funds with how much I have been traveling lately."
"Fine, I'd pay but I need the money. All this getting kidnapped has been keeping me from getting work. Speaking of which I need to check my mail."
"Roger. Would you like to retrieve your mail immediately?"
"No thanks. We can do it when we clean up my place tomorrow. Let's worry about dinner." Kaname yawned. "I'm going to flat out die the second I lie down. You go out and buy the ingredients, I'm going to shower."
"Roger." Sousuke waited as she wrote up a list of ingredients. The longer he stood the more of a bad feeling he got. He could see Kaname smiling as she wrote. Finally she handed him the list.
"Here." She said with a smile. Sousuke took it and stared at the paper. He read it and most of it seemed normal. Ingredients for the shabu-shabu as well as basic essentials for other times. His face turned red near the bottom.
"Ka-Kaname these are…"
"Yep and I need you to get those. Don't mess up. The brands are on there as well."
"But…"
"Bye, come back soon." She said as she disappeared around the corner. Sousuke stared at the paper a foreboding shadow behind him.
"Ta-tampons." He turned red as he read more. "This is going to be a difficult mission."
He sighed as he headed out the door.
When he returned, his apartment was quiet. He walked in noting the TV was on.
"Kaname." He called as he searched the apartment. He could not find her. The shower was warm which meant she was successful in taking a shower. He finally made it to his room. He was not surprised when he saw her asleep on the bed. She was wearing her pajamas. He spotted a foreign fabric on his dresser. He noticed it was a gown and dropped it quickly. He wondered why a night gown was on the dresser. Did she decide what to wear?
He noticed her shiver. He could feel the apartment was a little cold. He walked over and placed the cover over her. He lingered there a moment staring at her sleeping face. She looked peaceful as she slept. Her bodies controlled movement with her breathing. He stared at her lips as he hovered above her. His face tinted as thoughts passed through his head. He lowered himself kissing her forehead lightly. He stared at her a little longer before rising and exiting the room.
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Shabu-shabu: or syabu-syabu is a Japanese variant of hot pot. The dish is related to sukiyaki in style, where both uses thinly sliced meat and vegetables, and usually served with dipping sauces. However, it is starkly different in taste; shabu-shabu is more savory and less sweet than sukiyaki. It is considered a winter dish but is eaten year-round.