After about ten minutes of wandering the cave, the gang heard an explosion.
"What was that?" Ichigo and Usagi asked, looking back.
"Not good. Just keep moving." Ryou, Masaya, and Mamoru answered and then instructed, making the girls look ahead.
"Skya. Are you ok? What's wrong?" Everyone asked, concerned.
"I'm sorry. I'm ok—just a little tired." Skya apologized and then admitted.
"Hello! Is anyone here?! Boys! Skya! We know you're in here!" They heard a man yell.
"Shit! It's Cassius…" Masaya stated, watching behind them.
"Come out; come out wherever you are!" Cassius yelled with an evil laugh.
"Skya, I know you're tired, but we need you stay awake for a little bit. We all need to get out of here. Hold still… … Masaya, take her bag… … Ok, come here. I'll carry you; you just tell us where to go." Ryou calmly told Skya before telling Masaya, chucking Skya's bag at him; he then lifted Skya into his arms.
"Keep going straight until you get to a two-way split." Skya softly instructed.
"What the hell are you doing?! Get up!" They heard a different voice yell.
"Cassius, Sir, Deep Blue, Sir. Did it stop storming out? This is Moka." They vaguely heard Neji, indicating they were getting further away.
"No, it did not stop storming out; it's still raging on out there! Yes, we figured as much. What do you think you're doing falling asleep?! I don't give a crap if she falls asleep because she's not on a mission to find out if we have spies on our ship or not—which you were right about! However, that means you don't fall asleep on the job!" Deep Blue yelled, reprimanding Neji.
"Wait. Did those bitches leave without us?! Not that we were going to leave with them anyway but did they just up and leave?!" Moka screeched.
"No, they did not. We had to blow the entrance open. Neji, did it occur to you that you had a listener among you when you were telling this girl the plan? I don't know who, but we heard footsteps and heavy breathing after you two fell asleep!" Cassius yelled.
"Who's quiet enough to listen in on a conversation?" A new voice calmly asked.
"Good question, First Mate, Diamond. Who is quiet enough to listen in and not be caught?" Cassius asked, interested.
"Not the guys. Masaya is a clutz." "And with their tempers; Mamoru hits or kicks things, and Ryou barges right in." Two new voices spoke.
"Yes. First Mate Pie, and Kish. That is agreeable." Deep Blue spoke.
"Skya…" Moka mumbled.
"What was that young lady? Do speak up." Cassius insisted.
"Ichigo, like Ryou has a temper and will just burst in, and Usagi isn't very graceful or quiet. Skya may not be very graceful, but she is quiet—and she knows this cave like the back her hand." Moka spoke up.
"I like this one; she speaks when told. Ok men: fan out and start looking! We don't leave until we have those traitors and the girls. You two, with us." Deep Blue ordered.
"We're at the two-way split: which way?" Ryou asked, looking down at Skya.
"That way. Go straight until the second turn." Skya softly replied, pointing East.
Fifteen Minutes Later:
"It's a dead end! Are you sure we took the right way?" Masaya asked when they stopped at a wall.
"Yes, I'm sure. Please put me down." Skya replied and then asked Ryou.
After Ryou set her down, Skya stumbled to the far wall and felt around until she found some kind of lever; she pulled. Well—she tried to pull; she wasn't strong enough.
"Skya stop. Let one of us do that. Up or down?" Ryou insisted and then asked, looking at the lever.
"Down—as hard as you can. It has to break off—and come with us so they can't find it. And then when it opens, we only have a minute to get past because it will come crashing back down. That's what Daddy said anyway." Skya softly answered, shocking the guys.
"Yeah… That does sound like Akira. Girls, stand back; guys help me. It's going to take all of us to break this off. And someone make sure you have the lever." Ryou instructed.
Mamoru and Masaya didn't say anything; they just went over and got ready to help Ryou.
"Girls, make sure you get ready to run." Ryou told the girls.
"One."
"Two."
"Three."
Ryou, Mamoru, and Masaya counted down before using their combined weights to push the lever down, opening a corridor; the girls were on the other side before the lever broke off.
The door came crashing down before the guys could get under.
"What the hell?! I thought she said we had time!" Masaya yelled.
"Ahh! We hear you!" Cassius yelled.
"Ryou?" Skya softly asked.
"HURRY UP!" Ichigo yelled from the other side of the rock.
"This is heavy, you know?!" Usagi called.
When the dust cleared, the guys saw a small crawl space they could get under.
"You two go first." Ryou told Mamoru and Masaya with a smile.
Masaya went first and helped the girls with whatever they were doing.
Mamoru was next.
"We found you!" Cassius yelled, picking up the pace.
"Ryou, please!" Skya cried.
"We hear you!" Deep Blue yelled, just about to where Ryou was the only one left.
"Go! I'll be ok! Just keep the girls safe!" Ryou yelled back.
"Keep this down like this as long as you can." Mamoru sternly instructed Ichigo and Usagi.
After a few seconds, the wall came crashing down, and Ryou was heard making some kind of noise.
"RYOU!" Skya screamed, freaked out before she started crying.
"Skya, shhh. Don't let them hear you." Ryou calmly told Skya, kneeling next.
"B-b-b-b…" Skya tried speaking but couldn't find the right words.
"How?" Ichigo asked for Skya.
"We knew with how close they were getting that not all three of us would be able to get under that space to escape. There was only one way we were all going to be able to get under." Mamoru explained in a whisper as Ryou untied a thick rope from his ankles.
"It's something we've done a few times before—on the ship. Not something we liked to do; it was punishment. But in this case, it came in help." Masaya added in a whisper.
"What about that lever?" Usagi asked, looking at the guys.
"This?" Ryou asked, holding up the lever after removing the rope.
"So now what?" Masaya asked, looking around; there was barely any light.
"Skya, you need to calm down. I'm ok; I'm right here. I promise, I'm not going to leave you alone." Ryou whispered to Skya, pulling her into an embrace.
"Why didn't either of you say anything?" Usagi asked, looking at Mamoru and Masaya.
"We figured it was best if she screamed to create the illusion that they'd caught us. For them, not you three. If they thought we were getting away, they would've moved faster. This way, they kept at a moderate pace." Masaya explained.
"Shhh… Shut up." Ryou growled, hearing footsteps.
"What the hell?! Where are they?! I just heard them!" Deep Blue yelled, pissed off.
"One of Akira's tricks…" Cassius growled.
Cassius was tall with long, shaggy dark orange, almost brown hair, and cold brown eyes.
Deep Blue was taller by two or three inches with long, straight black hair and cold, ice-blue eyes.
"Where are they going?" Moka asked, confused.
"They wouldn't be going anywhere if either of you would've just stayed listened to your surroundings and awake…" Pie growled.
Pie was tall with short purple hair with a single side, ponytail, and cold purple eyes.
"That's enough. Even if they told them they were just going for a walk, they wouldn't have known. Clearly Akira didn't trust Moka." Cassius calmly stated, looking up, down, and around.
"My sweet, little Skya knows this cave like the back of her hand, doesn't she?" Cassius asked, looking at Moka after a few minutes.
"Yes—that's what she said anyway." Moka quickly answered.
"Cute and quick." Diamon spoke, watching Moka.
"Honestly, Diamon; I don't know what your fascination with blondes are. I suppose she's cute for being so plain; she's nowhere near as beautiful and perfect as my sweet, little Skya. Besides, she's Neji's wench; he can keep her. Sweet, little Skya may be perfect in looks, but she lacks intelligence. I have no doubt Akira told her the ins and outs of this cave, but for her to make it any further than this and then for her to try to get back to the front; she's never make it. She's most likely become hopelessly lost. That means, this has to be the area—or an area near here is where they are." Cassius stated, insulting Moka, looking at the ground.
"I am far more beautiful than that nothing…" Moka mumbled, looking down.
"What was that?" Cassius questioned, snapping his head up to look at Moka.
"No offense or anything, but I don't get your fascination with Skya; she's not anything accept Akira's daughter. She's not beautiful, let alone pretty. I am far more beautiful than she will ever hope to be. And she's still a virgin prude." Moka spoke her mind.
"He-hey, now. Everyone has their type. I agree that Moka is far sexier than Skya, but that's me. Cassius just isn't into blondes. Nobody is right or wrong here. If Skya is who Cassius wants; Skya is who he'll eventually have." Neji spoke up, protecting Moka while at the same time catering to Cassius's ego.
"Oh, no… Girl's don't look." The guys whispered, pulling the girls to them; they had nowhere to go. If they moved, they risked Cassius, Deep Blue, and the others knowing where they were.
"Yes, Skya is a virgin. If it hadn't been for her damn father and his first bastard child, she wouldn't be. I had her once; I had her in my grasp. Maybe I should've started with her pussy, but no… I had to start with her ass. I'm not saying she didn't have a good ass; no, it was great. But I want that pussy; I want to tear her virginity to shreds! And believe me, I will. And next time I see those traitors, I'll kill them myself. They will be tortured slowly and painfully before dying a slow and painful death. And I don't care; those girls will watch. And Ryou… He will watch as I take Skya. He thinks he can have what's mine. I knew from day one he liked her—and now he has her in his grasps. She's mine!" Cassius snapped, pulling out his gun.
BANG!
BANG!
"Why did you kill them, Sir? The girl, I get. But why him? Wasn't he the one who tipped you off about Ryou, Masaya, and Mamoru?" Kish asked, looking at Cassius.
Kish was the shortest of the group—currently—with short forest green hair with slightly longer hair tied up in front and amber eyes.
"Yes, he was the one who tipped us off. Granted, I knew Ryou would try to escape again—the other two I really thought were reformed. While he may have been the one to tip us off, he became lazy. He met that good-for-nothing, lazy slut and became lazy himself. So therefore, they needed to be gotten rid of. It's one thing to start a relationship—or to be a slut—but to be lazy is an entirely different situation. Now, come on; I know where they're going." Cassius explained, putting his gun away.
"Where are they going?" Deep Blue asked, looked at his co-captain.
"To the only place they could possibly go—the only place Akira didn't think I knew about. The only place he took either of those sluts to. The Underground Love Ship or whatever he calls it." Cassius answered.
"How do we get there? Do we get there before them?" Diamond asked, watching his captain.
"There are a few ways to get there; our runaways and those girls did what they could to try to cover their trials. But they didn't do a very good job." Cassius answered, kneeling next to several footprints standing in one spot.
After feeling around for a minute or two, Cassius found a chain and pulled, opening an underground hatch.
"Very clever. Come on, Men! Down the hole now! This place is about to collapse!" Cassius yelled, jumping down the hole, followed by Deep Blue, Diamond, Pie, Kish, and a few others.
The last one down closed the hatch, and that's when things started falling and caving in.
"This way. Hurry!" Skya ordered when a new opening allowed them to finally move.
"Any longer, and we would've been crushed." Mamoru noted, watching as the spot they were previously was now nothing but stone.
"Are there any more surprises like that?" Masaya, Ichigo, and Usagi asked, looking at Skya, who was holding a flashlight—and pulling out two more.
"Not for a while." Skya softly answered, looking at a piece of paper.
"What is that?" Usagi asked, looking at Skya.
"A map. Daddy made it for Mama, and she gave it to me. Daddy use to bring me here and make me remember the way to get to here. He let me study a map and then he took it away until I knew where to go. But because I wasn't allowed to go into this part until I needed to even get here, he made me a map of where to go." Skya answered.
"I didn't think you knew how to read; Ichigo and I don't know how to read." Usagi spoke and then stated, trying not to embarrass or offend Skya.
"I don't know how to read books or letters—and I don't understand numbers, but Daddy taught me how to read maps—that he recreated so that I'd understand them." Skya answered, not looking up.
"We're not going to that underground place, are we?" Masaya asked, looking at Skya.
"No. I'm not allowed to go there. Under no circumstances am I allowed there. Mama and Daddy both said they'd rather me in some seedy bar than that place—and neither of them want me in a seedy bar. I was very little—before Mama died, but Daddy took me to the underground place once because he didn't have a choice; it wasn't ok, but he was there so he knew I'd be safe. I don't remember much other than it smelt bad—and that Dad put something over my ears so I couldn't hear nothing." Skya softly replied.
"No offense, but how do we know if Cassius and Deep Blue don't know about this place we're going?" Masaya asked, looking at Skya as she slowly stood up.
"Because this was the only entrance to Mama and Daddy's secret place. It was Mama's first—and then she took him. I've been there once—before Daddy did what he did to make it safe. It has one entrance and one exit—and you can't exit through the entrance or enter through the exit. Mama also used to say it was a magical place that only good people could get into. That way." Skya answered, pointing her flashlight in one direction.
"The magic forest?" Ichigo and Usagi asked with interest.
"Hmm?" Skya asked, confused.
"We kind of heard something you and your dad were talking about one day." Ichigo started but was interrupted.
"Yeah. About the magic forest with the deep pond." Usagi happily announced, interrupting Ichigo.
"Usagi…" Ichigo growled.
"What? Oops. Sorry; I didn't mean to interrupt you." Usagi apologized, backing away.
"We should probably get moving." Skya softly interjected, looking up.
It sounded like it was raining harder. And then—water started dripping in.
"Why are we getting dripped on? Is it really raining that hard outside?" Mamoru asked, looking up.
"We're closer to the top. The begging of cave until a little ways back is level. Then it starts going down the further back you go. This way it starts closer to the outside, but as we go in the direction to Mama's secret place, it'll go back down—and then up again until it levels out. That's what Daddy said." Skya answered.
"Let's just get a move on. No matter how safe it is in here, we can't stay in the cave forever." Ryou instructed and then stated.
"Agreed." Everyone agreed.
"Oh. And we're going East; the underground place is West—and only goes West from here." Skya added as they started walking.
"Oh, here." Mamoru handed Skya back her backpack.
"Thank you." Skya softly thanked, taking her bag from him.
"What do these mean?" Usagi asked, looking at the map as she and Ichigo walked next to Skya with the guys behind them.
"They all say, "SAFE" in big, bold letters—and underlined. It must be important." Ichigo stated.
None of the girls knew how to read books or anything like that, but they did know some words.
"It's a long tunnel; these are safe places to rest, eat, or sleep. Daddy and Mama said with sleep breaks, it's a day and a half walk. If you don't sleep and take no breaks, it's twelve hours." Skya answered.
"Let's get a move on it, then." Mamoru spoke up.
An Hour & A Half Later:
"We're at our first safe spot." Skya softly spoke, looking up.
"Where?" Ichigo and Usagi asked, looking around.
"Up there." Skya replied, pointing up to a spot that looked like another cave.
"More climbing? Can't we just stay down here?" Usagi complained.
"Not unless you want to get wet. We've been traveling and water's been dripping. It's got to go somewhere and down seems the way to go. While it won't flood, you'll still get wet." Skya spoke, watching as water slowly trickled down.
"Won't we get wet up in there?" Usagi asked, looking up.
"No. We went far enough down that the only water that reaches here is the water that leaks down." Skya answered, rubbing her eyes.
"Ok. Just looking at them, I can tell the girls are too tired to even be trying to climb—even if it's only a little climb. Mamoru, you're the tallest out of all of us… Do you mind if Masaya or I go up first and then you lift the girls up to us?" Ryou noted before asking.
"That's fine by me." Mamoru replied.
"Who gets sent up first?" Masaya asked, looking at Ryou.
"It doesn't matter." Ryou replied, not caring so long as everyone got up there, climbing up.
"Skya goes up first. That way she can figure out set up. After Skya, Usagi goes; I'll go last." Ichigo answered Masaya.
"Well, ok then. I like a woman who knows how to take charge." Masaya replied, flashing a smile toward Ichigo, making her blush, causing Usagi and Skya to giggle a little.
"Hush up." Ichigo warned the girls, still blushing.
"Hold on. Can your bag be tossed?" Masaya asked, looking at Skya.
"Ryou already has her bag." Mamoru calmly stated.
"Oh. Well, never mind then." Masaya spoke, looking away, slightly embarrassed.
"Ready?" Mamoru asked, watching Skya.
"Yeah." Skya softly replied.
One by one, everyone made it up to the little cave.
"This is kind of small." Masaya stated, looking at a small area.
"This is where the lantern or a candle goes. The sleeping areas are up there." Skya pointed to three cubby-looking areas.
"No climbing needed. Thank God…" Usagi sighed.
"But there's only three spots it looks like." Ichigo stated, looking around.
"Yes, but they're big enough for two people. Daddy and Mama, Keiichiro and his girlfriend, and me. Daddy said he made them all the same size." Skya softly replied with a yawn, walking to the cubby meant for her parents.
"Does it matter where we sleep?" Mamoru asked, watching Skya make it into a spot.
"No. You may sleep wherever." Skya answered, climbing back out.
"Is something wrong?" Ichigo asked, concerned.
"No. I just forgot to give everyone a sleeping bag, blanket, and pillows. And close the door." Skya answered, shutting them in for the night before pulling out several sleeping bags, blankets, and God only knows how many pillows.
"Skya, do you care if Mamoru and I sleep in one of the cubbies together?" Usagi asked, hoping not to offend her.
"No, I don't mind. But I want that cubby." Skya replied, pointing to the cubby that was meant to be her parents.
"Of course. Does it matter which one we take?" Usagi asked, holding a light pink sleeping bag, comforter, and two pillows.
"No. It's between you, Ichigo, and the guys." Skya softly answered.
"Night. Love you." Usagi told Skya, hugging her.
"Love you too. Night" Skya replied, hugging Usagi in return.
"Ichigo, would you like to share a cubby tonight?" 'Please say yes; I don't want to sleep next to Ryou.' Masaya asked and then thought to himself.
"You can if you want; I don't mind." Skya told Ichigo, seeing a look on her face.
"You're sure?" Ichigo asked, shocked.
"I'm sure." Skya replied.
"Ok. Night, love you." Ichigo sighed and then told Skya, hugging her.
"Night. Love you too." Skya replied, half asleep.
"Night everyone." Masaya told everyone, climbing into a cubby after Ichigo.
"Night." Mamoru replied.
"Night." Skya and Ryou replied.
"What are these?" Usagi asked, noticing a string handing down from the top.
"Privacy. They pull down like a curtain on a window." Skya answered.
"Cool." Usagi mused before pulling the privacy curtain down.
Masaya pulled the one in his and Ichigo's cubby down.
"Well, goodnight." Ryou told Skya, looking to find a spot to lay.
"Ryou, would you spend the night with me?" Skya softly asked with a light blush.
"Are you sure?" Ryou asked, watching the girl in front of him fiddle with her fingers.
"Yes, I'm sure. Please?" Skya responded before asking.
"Sure. You go get in, and I'll hand you everything." Ryou replied with a gentle smile.
Skya did as she was told and got ready.
With Mamoru & Usagi:
"So—you want to sleep with me, huh?" Mamoru asked, teasing Usagi once they got the sleeping bags set up.
"Yes, but not sex. I've never slept in the same bed as a guy before." Usagi honestly answered.
"That's fine. I mean; we don't even know each other." Mamoru replied with a smile.
"So—we should sleep with our heads away from the outside, right?" Usagi nervously asked, looking from Mamoru to the pillows.
"That would be the smart thing to do. We wouldn't want the pillows—or even us to fall out." Mamoru stated, watching Usagi.
Usagi didn't reply; she just set the pillows up and got laid down.
"Is something wrong? You seem upset or distant." Mamoru noted once they got situated.
"Yeah, I'm ok. But I don't know about Skya; I don't think she wanted anyone to know she was anally raped like she was. And then Moka being killed like that. I know she was a bitch and all—but I'm not so sure she deserved that." Usagi told Mamoru, concerned.
"Skya may not seem or look it, but I'm sure she's stronger than we think. Even if she's not; she has to amazing friends who look out for her just as she looks out for you and Ichigo. Also, she has Ryou now; I'm sure he'll take care of her. I know that he greatly respected Akira and has promised to keep Skya safe, but he truly loves her. One way or another, he'll keep her safe and protected." Mamoru replied, tucking some hair behind Usagi's ear.
"I know… But still…" Usagi mumbled, looking into Mamoru's blue eyes.
"I know. Don't torture yourself with the "why." I know I haven't known her—none of you girls long, I can tell she's the type to not want to worry her friends anymore than they already do. And—most rape victims don't want to come forth. Most rape victims also tend to blame themselves; she probably didn't want to get you involved in any of that. Just knowing Skya now; I can tell she's a selfless person." Mamoru sincerely told Usagi.
"Yes, she is." Usagi agreed with a smile.
"Now, I don't know about you, but I like to sleep shirtless." Mamoru stated, removing his shirt, making Usagi blush.
"We usually sleep in pajamas provided to us from the girl's home." Usagi replied, looking at her hands.
"After our make-out session earlier, now you're shy?" Mamoru asked, watching and teasing Usagi.
"Shut up… I've just never seen a man without a shirt before." Usagi muttered, watching Mamoru.
"Well, I'm happy to be your first." Mamoru told Usagi with a smile.
"I'm happy you're my first as well—and hopefully only." Usagi replied.
"As long as you'll have me." Mamoru stated.
"I'll have you so long as you'll have me." Usagi mimicked Mamoru.
"Come here." Mamoru ordered, pulling Usagi to him so he could passionately kiss her; she responded by wrapping her arms around his neck and licking his lips.
"Hmm. Not so shy after all." Mamoru smiled to tease her again.
"Shut up and just kiss me." Usagi mumbled, pulling Mamoru back into their kiss.
With Masaya & Ichigo:
"Not so keen on sleeping with Ryou?" Ichigo asked, teasing Masaya a little.
"Can't you word it differently?" Masaya asked, making a face.
"Fine. Not so keen on sleeping next to Ryou?" Ichigo asked, smiling.
"Not, really; no. What about you? You didn't want to sleep with Skya tonight, did you?" Masaya answered and then asked, watching Ichigo.
"I would've been ok sleeping with either you or either Skya or Usagi." Ichigo stated with a smile, causing Masaya to just stare at her in utter shock.
Ichigo just burst out laughing.
"You know—one of these days, I want to see that. I want to you snuggle up to and kiss a girl." Masaya challenged.
"Oh, really now? Maybe one of these days, I'll just have to show you—assuming you can keep up with me. And are still around." Ichigo stated, taking Masaya up on his challenge.
"Oh, you're not getting rid of me that easily. You and your girls are stuck with me and the guys." Masaya insisted with a kind smile.
"You're not like other guys I've met. You're cocky—but at the same time, not." Ichigo informed.
"Is that a good thing, or no?" Masaya asked, watching Ichigo.
"It's a very good thing. If you were like all those other guys, I know for a fact we wouldn't be right here like this right now." Ichigo answered with a smile.
"I'm glad for this. I'm so happy I met you." Masaya sincerely told Ichigo.
"I'm happy to have met you as well. However, you're extremely lucky your buddies and my girls like each other as well. I'm not leaving Skya or Usagi for anything—or anyone." Ichigo firmly informed Masaya.
"Yes, I am lucky—as are Ryou and Mamoru. But moving on. How are you doing?" Masaya stated and then seriously asked.
"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked, slightly confused.
"About Moka and learning that Cassius raped Skya." Masaya explained.
"Oh—that. Umm… I don't want to say I don't care about what happened to Moka, but she had what was coming to her—even if it was to nice and easy. She got off easy in my opinion. So, no; I don't think she deserved that death. Maybe I'd be more sad if she weren't such a bitch—and we were actually friends. And as for Skya—I kind of figured something like that happened to her. We were ten or eleven, and she was kidnapped for about three days. When her dad brought her back, she was different—and couldn't sit for a few days. I never confronted or asked her about it because I didn't want to push her away. I figured, once she was ready, she'd tell Usagi and me. I sure as shit don't think she wanted us to find out this way." Ichigo sincerely answered, looking at Masaya.
"Oh. At least Ryou will treat her right." Masaya stated, not knowing how to correctly respond.
"He'd better. Or he'll have Usagi and me to deal with." Ichigo quickly responded, causing Masaya to chuckle a little.
"Ryou is a very serious person, but he does love her more than anyone will ever know. Mamoru, him, and I would talk in private whenever we could; he idolized Akira—everyone knew that. But when it was just him—and we'd catch him talking to himself—or in his sleep… The way he talked about Skya. Granted, he never spoke her name; we just knew he was talking about Akira's daughter. That girl—he'll do anything to protect and keep her safe." Masaya sincerely explained, causing Ichigo to smile.
"Thanks for that. That helps ease my mind a little. Skya needs him—more than she'll probably ever say. But anyway: we should probably get to sleep. Do you sleep with clothes on, or no?" Ichigo thanked Masaya before asking him.
"It depends on the night. The hotter the night, the less clothes I wear. The cooler the night, the more clothes I wear. Depending on who I'm sleeping with—what they're comfortable with; I'll wear whatever. You?" Masaya answered and then asked.
"It doesn't matter to me. As long as you have some kind bottoms on, sleep however you're comfy. Me? I usually sleep in a night shirt and my underwear." Ichigo answered; Masaya stared in shock.
"Well, ok then." Masaya replied, getting ready.
"Oh, but before we go to sleep…" Ichigo spoke, opening the curtain, and stepped out.
"Where you going?" Masaya asked but received no answer.
Ichigo & Usagi:
"Yo, Usagi; open up!" Ichigo called, hitting the blinds.
"Ichigo? Is everything ok?" Skya softly asked, peaking out of her cubby, Ryou at the ready.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just need to talk to Usagi about something real quick." Ichigo replied with a wicked smile, causing Skya to blush a little.
"Are you going to do that thing?" Skya asked, noticing the smile and a confused Masaya.
Ichigo just smiled, causing Skya to go back in with Ryou.
"What is it?" Usagi asked, peaking out.
"Come here." Ichigo instructed, calling Usagi down.
"What is it?" Usagi asked again.
"I never mentioned your name, but I told Masaya I've kissed a girl before." Ichigo whispered to Usagi.
"Oh? Yeah, I told Mamoru the same thing—without giving names. Why?" Usagi replied before asking.
"Do you want to show them what we can do?" Ichigo asked, looking at Usagi, noticing Mamoru while Usagi noticed Masaya.
"Yeah; sure why not?" Usagi replied with a smile.
"Girl's, are you rea—?" Masaya and Mamoru started to ask but quickly shut up when Ichigo and Usagi grabbed each other and started making out.
After a minute or two, they pulled apart and smiled.
"I suppose that's enough for the night before we drive the boys crazy." Ichigo told Usagi, taking a few deep breaths.
"Agreed." Usagi replied with a smile before they headed back to their cubbies with Masaya and Mamoru.
The curtains were immediately dropped after that.
With Ryou & Skya:
"Do you want this open or closed?" Ryou asked, looking at the drawstring while Skya got everything set up.
"Closed, please. Can we sleep with our heads away from the opening?" Skya softly replied and then asked.
"That's just fine. Are you ok?" Ryou replied and then asked, concerned, watching Skya fiddle around.
"Yes, I'm ok… It's just—I've never slept in the same bed as a guy before. Not by choice—or anything like that." Skya softly, honestly answered.
"Are you sure this is ok?" Ryou asked, looking at a nervous Skya.
"Yes, I'm sure; I trust you." Skya quickly answered, causing Ryou to smile softly at her.
Not knowing what to say, they sat in awkward silence for a few minutes:
Skya didn't know what to say, period.
Ryou didn't know how to bring up what needed to be brought up without upsetting her.
He was going to say something when they heard Ichigo calling Usagi.
Skya decided to slowly peak her head out while Ryou got ready just in case.
"Ichigo? Is everything ok?" Skya softly asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just need to talk to Usagi about something real quick." Ichigo replied with a wicked smile, causing Skya to blush a little.
"Are you going to do that thing?" Skya asked, noticing the smile and a confused Masaya.
"What was that all about? What thing?" Ryou asked when Skya came back in, blushing.
"Ichigo and Usagi—sometimes they kiss each other—a lot. It started as a joke because the older boys in the boys home next door would tease them and call them dykes and other names. So—they just started not giving a damn, as they put it, and started kissing and touching each other. When the older boys asked me, Ichigo punched them. She and Usagi always told me to take my time." Skya answered, still ready in the face.
"Hmm. I'm guessing you never kissed either of them?" Ryou asked, noticing how shy she is—and how red she got.
"MmmMmm. They asked me what I wanted—and I told them I didn't know. I just wanted to be with you." Skya softly answered, slowly admitting to Ryou. However, he already knew that; she told him earlier.
Ryou knew she tended to repeat herself; it got worse when she got embarrassed, upset, or tired. Right now, she was a combination of all three.
"I don't know you relationship with that Moka girl up until a few hours ago, but I understand you tried being friends with her. So, I'm sorry about your loss." Ryou told Skya, getting her attention.
"Somewhere—deep down, I think I knew she didn't like me. Not many people like me—outside of my family. Everybody thinks I'm a liar—and that because of who my parents were, I'd be just as bad. The only two are Ichigo and Usagi. Daddy always told me that his crew was his family—so they were my family too. I met a lot of the crew; they were all nice. And you—you were always one of the nicest. But—with Moka… I don't know why, but she was being nice to me after a few years. But it was all a lie. I should've listened to Ichigo and Usagi. I'm so stup—" Skya admitted; she continued to go on and on until Ryou covered her mouth with his hand.
"Don't. Don't you dare finish that word. You're not stupid. A little naïve maybe, but not stupid. Stuff happens. You can't change the pass. Skya, you are a very kind person who deserves nothing but happiness and kindness in return. Do you understand me?" Ryou stopped Skya before sternly explaining to and asking her.
"Yes." Skya softly replied when he removed his hand.
"Good…" Ryou sighed.
"What about your friend? I'm sorry about Mr. Neji." Skya softly apologized.
"Don't be. He was nothing but a traitor, working with Cassius and Deep Blue; he got what he deserved. And we weren't friends; I never trusted him. But even so; he made it seem like he wanted to escape just as bad. Now…" Ryou replied before starting to try to figure out how to talk to her.
"A few years ago. I don't remember if I was ten or eleven…" Skya started, knowing what he wanted to talk about.
"You had just turned eleven a few weeks prior. Your dad mentioned something; he was pissed off—and rightfully so. You were his world. I tried so hard to not show how I felt because you are his daughter; I was just a crew member. But when he told me, Keiichiro, and a few others about what had happened, I couldn't contain how angry I got. That's when I found out that your dad and Keiichiro knew how I felt about you already. Honestly, because I respected them and you so much, I was going to stay away—among other reasons. But they both told me to tell you—to let you know. Let it be up to you. But you know me; you're six years younger than me. I thought you'd rather be with someone your own age. I guess your dad knew something I didn't know. And I swear to him and to you, I will keep protect and keep you safe. I swear on his grave… Well, theoretically speaking." Ryou told Skya: serious before becoming sincere as he did something he normally never did and told her his feelings.
He was rambling on, looking into Skya's eyes; Ryou didn't notice her crawling to him until he felt her hands on his shoulders.
"Ryou…" Skya breathlessly breathed, looking into his eyes.
"I want to kiss you." Ryou told Skya, slowly placing his hands on her waist.
"Please." Skya pleaded, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
Five Minutes Later:
Ryou and Skya made out until Skya fell asleep—clinging to him. Or so he thought.
"Is this ok?" Skya mumbled, leaning against Ryou's bare shoulder. He had removed his shirt just before laying her down and getting comfy himself.
"This is fine. Go to sleep; we have a long day ahead of when we wake up." Ryou replied, pulling her close to him.
Skya didn't reply; she simply smiled before falling asleep against Ryou...
