INTERLUDE 8
Author's Note:
Originally I was planning a totally different scheme for this chapter, but I thought it would be fun to have all the main female characters just chill and enjoy a little R n' R as humans.
And yes, girls talk about their guys ^_^
Arima Onsen, Kobe,
Solaris City, Solaris VII,
Freedom Theater, Lyran Alliance,
February 4, 3075
"Well, Kayoko, you sure know how to increase morale," Noloty muttered as she stepped into one of the hot springs in the famous Arima Onsen ryokan, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around her midsection. "The last few days I had been lied at, yelled at, shot at, stabbed in the back. I deserve this R n' R."
"People visit Solaris VII in order to R 'n R," Kayoko, wearing similar outfit, scoffed at her best friend.
"This is not my choice," Noloty gruffed. "There are better places I'd rather be."
"You've been too busy with the chores for the Ryuken-go, you miss the simple gifts of daily lives," Kiyomi chuckled a few steps behind the two. "Arima Onsen is a treasure of Kobe, conveniently located behind Mount Ishiyama. It attracts many Kuritan mechjocks who want tranquility with beautiful natural surroundings and yet easy access to the busy schedule of Class 6 Arena. This is one of Kuritan's oldest onsens in Solaris City. Many documents since the 28th century mention this onsen."
"I just don't see the appeal of Solaris games," Noloty crossed her arms on her chest.
"Be as it may, let's get in the water," Kayoko stripped naked and dipped into the pool. "The water is fantastic! Come on, girls! Let's go!"
Kiyomi wasted no time to toss her towel and joined Kayoko in the pool. Noloty hesitated to forgo the burden of the 2nd-in-command of Ryuken-go and set herself free in earthly leisure. A lot of stuffs still needed her attention. But a few hours of downtime wouldn't hurt. Besides, she had been too busy with work she hadn't had time for Kayoko. In the end she said what-the-hell and flung her towel onto the nearby lounge chair. She dipped her toes into the warm water before going waist deep. The water effervesced on her tired skin, creating a fresh sensation of a jacuzzi.
"Ohhh… I need this," Noloty sighed as she sat down on the ledge. Her body submerged, leaving only her head above the water. "Feels like being pampered by a dozen steamy towels."
"I've seen you stressed out with mundane problems, so I thought this will bring back smile to your face," Kayoko sat next to her. "I always take care of those dear to me, do I not?"
"Yes, yes, you always do," Noloty patted Kayoko's bare shoulder. "Thank you, Kayoko." She rested her head on the edge of the pool, just when Risa came in, supposedly to join them. But when she saw that the occupants were only ranking officers, she thought she was in the wrong pool, and started to go back to where she came from.
"Risa! Where are you going?" Kiyomi yelled from across the pool. "Come in! Join the fun!"
"Wait, am I supposed to be here?" Risa stammered. "I mean, you're… well, you know…"
"Where do you think you're supposed to be?" Kayoko enjoyed Risa's awkward reaction to the invitation.
"Friendship knows no ranks, Risa," Noloty smiled as she waved Risa to join in. "Come and enjoy the fellowship of friends and families. You're one of us. That's what matters."
"Uh, alright," Risa flashed a warm smile then dropped her towel, revealing a 1-piece fuscia swimsuit with frills along the edge.
"Oh, for God sake! Lose that shit!" Kayoko splashed some water at Risa. "You're not coming in here with that thing!"
"But… but… I'm not… I'm a civilian!" Risa became self-conscious. "I don't have the same physical coditions as you do!"
"Who cares?" Kiyomi snarled. "Look at me! I'm flat as a pancake compared to these two, but I still hang out with them. We don't judge people by the size of the boobs."
"Bitch!" Kayoko splashed Kiyomi's face, laughing in the process.
"I'm not comfortable…"
"Do as you wish, but the water is really nice," Noloty tried to encourage Risa. "You're missing a lot by wearing swimsuit. I promise, we won't look." She stifled a laughter when Kayoko crossed her fingers.
"Uhm, well, okay," Risa smiled sheepishly. She stripped her swimsuit off, then quickly descended into the pool, hoping the water would blur the image of her naked body. And even then, she still covered her private parts with her hands. "Thank you for having me," she muttered. "It is, indeed, very rejuvenating. How did you get a reservation? I heard this place is backlogged several months."
"Somebody still holds the name Titania with high esteem," Scarlet barged into the room, wearing a white bathrobe that revealed the front part of her body down to her midriff.
"Sho-sa Scarlet! Good to see you walk and about!" Noloty chimed. "Come join us for a couple hours of fun!"
"Sho-sa?" Scarlet non-chalantly hurled her bathrobe at the nearest lounge chair, then descended into the pool. "Whatever happens to 'Friendship knows no ranks?'"
"Oh, uhm, that's just…" Noloty choked on her own words. "Well, what do we call you, then?"
"Any other place, any other time, I'm Sho-sa to you," Scarlet sat on the ledge next to Risa and started brushing her arms. "Here, I'm just Scarlet."
"Nah, she said that, but you don't wanna go there," Kiyomi quipped. "There's a stringent repercussion to those who dare to call her by her first name."
"Gotta separate my warriors from grunts," Scarlet replied with a sly smirk. "But you are my families and my trusted friends. You can call me Scarlet, whenever we are not in official military affair."
"What about Major Fernandes? Does he call you 'Sho-sa' too?" Kayoko joked.
"Whenever he knows I'm not in the mood for his 'shenanigans'."
"Oh ho ho ho! What shenanigans are we talking about?" Kayoko blurted, mischief bleeding from her eyes. "Are these shenanigans on need-to-know basis, or is it private affair behind closed door?"
"Kayoko! Are you out of your mind?" Noloty slapped Kayoko's arm.
"Well she willingly shares her private lives with us! That's what trusted friends do to each other!" Kayoko returned the slap, harder this time.
"Willingly? Had this ever happened before?"
"She shared some with me," Kiyomi chuckled. "And I with her."
"What? How don't I know about this?!" Noloty chirped with high pitch.
"Have you shared private things with friends? I'm your best friend, Noloty, yet you're living behind closed door," Kayoko rambled. "I have been banging on this cold, rough, tough door for years but you keep it really tight. All I have been seeing is a glimpse of inside the room through the keyhole."
"That's not true! What about the time when I found out that my father was betrayed by the Black Dragon Society? I poured my heart's content on you!"
"Yes, but that's the only time. You never share your love live with me."
"That's not the information I like to share…"
"That's the only information we'd like you to share with us!" Kayoko's eyes twinkled with lechery. "Your background, your track record, your head counts, those mean nothing to me. The only thing I care about is what makes you happy, and he certainly makes you happy. Really, really happy."
"Wait, Noloty has a boyfriend?" Risa chimed in.
"Oh yeah, big time," Kiyomi added. "Pun very intended."
Noloty felt her face burning. "Can we not talk about this? I'll share other private things…"
"Big? What do you mean by big?" Risa ignored Noloty's remark.
"He's a big man, with big personality. Built like a brick. Everything in him is two sizes bigger than typical DCMS males. And when I said everything…"
"Oh! Ow! Ouch!" Risa caught up pretty quickly. "Isn't it hurt? Does it not… you know, bruise your petal?"
"Oh God…" Noloty cover her face with her palms. "How could you possibly know about that?"
"Just because we didn't say anything doesn't mean we don't know what's going on, Noloty," Scarlet tuned in with a rare wicked smile on her face. "You expressed yourself pretty loudly when you're with him, so either you're a promiscuous hoe, or he has something that drives you absolutely nuts. We give you the benefit of the doubt."
"I can't believe this is happening," Noloty was in the brink of crying from shame. "I don't mean trouble. I'm sorry, but sometimes I just couldn't help it…"
"Hey, hey, no trouble at all!" Kayoko tried to give Noloty comfort, although her intention was not pure. "We all know you have a healthy, satisfactory sex live, and we're all happy for you. Still, sometimes I wish you could enlighten me what it's like to be a 'size queen', because I never have what you have."
"Neither do I," Kiyomi was quick to respond.
"Me neither," Risa chimed in. "I'm actually scared for you. I know anatomy, and I know, even though a girl's uterus can accommodate large girth, like a baby's head, it is not without great pain and discomfort."
Noloty realized there was no way around it. Might as well brave the storm. "Yes, Risa, it hurts. If he is not careful, it hurts. It stretches me past my limit, and it takes me a long time to adjust to that size. Thankfully, he is a gentle, caring man. He takes his time and never forces himself on me if I am not ready. And to be honest, that's more important to me than his size, knowing that he cares about me and is willing to make sure my need is satisfied. We had amazing time together, but it's more a merit of our hearts' connection rather than the size of our body parts. His size is just a pleasureable bonus."
"Aw…" Risa's eyes turned glassy. "That's beautiful, Noloty. I am happy for you."
"That's not so bad, is it?" Kayoko wrapped her arms around Noloty. "Now since we're on the subject, color us curious… how 'big' is he?"
Noloty pushed Kayoko as hard as she could. "Would you cut it out?! I love the man, regardless of his size! That's all there is to it!"
"At least give us closure, Noloty," Kiyomi added. "Give us a number."
"What? No!"
"We're gonna keep asking if you don't tell us," Scarlet unexpectedly said. "Just do it and be done with it."
Noloty shot a blank stare at Scarlet for a while, wondering why her boss was actually interested in her private life. "I don't know," she sighed. "I never take measurements. Yes, it was bigger than what I was used, and yes, it gives me unimaginable pleasure, but none of it matters if I don't have feelings for him. I don't make love to him because he gives me pleasure. I make love to him because I love him, and the feeling is mutual."
"When it comes to men and boys, I'm not as strict as you," Kayoko casually lit a cigarette. "I go with the cutest in the vicinity."
"Amazing you're not dead from yeast infection," Kiyomi snickered.
"Yeast infection is the least of your concern, if you keep up with that lifestyle," Risa mumbled audibly. "As your medical officer, I would recommend having your blood work every 3 months, just to make sure you do not contract anything from your dates."
"Just hook up with somebody with endless supplies of antibiotics," Kayoko winked at Risa. "And I don't give a damn if you think less of me, but I am in a place where I just want to have fun. Building serious relationship takes away the fun in relatioship. I don't want to invest that much yet. I just want to taste anything life's throwing at me, without emotional burden."
"So why is the last one different?" Noloty chimed. "What is it in him that makes you defy your own principles, risk your friendship with me, and put your career on the line?"
"I did not risk my friendship with you!" Kayoko raised her voice. She was not one to get upset often, but there were things she did not take lightly. "I came to you because of our friendship! I always know that no matter how stupidly I make my decisions, you will always be there with me."
"What are you talking about?" Kiyomi cocked her brows. "What is Kayoko trying to do?"
"I think Kayoko is ready to settle down," Noloty beamed.
"Yeah, well," Kayoko puffed. "I guess this one hits all the right buttons. He came from a long line of Solaris mechjocks. He knows nothing about fighting in a military organization. He has no real allegiance. The only thing he knows is to fight in the arena, and gets paid for it. But he's sincere, and honest, and willing to do what it takes to adjust his life to Kuritan military. All is to be with me."
"As far as I can remember, he introduced himself as one of the premiere mechjocks in Solaris circuits," Kiyomi blurted. "Which, as we both know, not entirely accurate."
"Yeah, well, what dude doesn't lie when he tries to get your attention?" Kayoko fumed.
"Mine didn't," Scarlet replied halfheartedly.
"Mine didn't either," Noloty added.
"Neither did mine," Kiyomi followed suit, grinning.
"Alright, alright, but he redeemed himself by coming out clean. He told me he was down on his luck, and was out of the competition. And he only did it because he wanted to be with me. No other ulterior motives behind his lies. I can sense his gravity, and I know I can trust him. And it pays off… big time!" Kayoko took a deep breath while smiling blissfully. "He's a great lover! He's gentle, passionate, knows his way around a woman's body, and can last a long time. He's the best I've ever had!"
"Hopefully this doesn't include oversized body part," Risa murmured. "I hate to make stereotype that large girth correlates to great sex."
"It has nothing to do with pleasure, although if you must know, he's just the right size," Kayoko looked at the ceiling dreamily. "He has good skill that blew my mind. He takes his time and pays attention to my need. He makes sure I am completely satisfied before he even thinks of his own. Size doesn't matter," she shot a teasing glare at Noloty, "it's how you use it that counts."
Noloty responded by sticking her tongue out at Kayoko.
"I'm at what you were," Kiyomi stated while brushing her hair. "Although not as stiff. I'm having fun, but when Mr. Right comes along, I'm going for it."
"Last time we're at the Thor's Shieldhall, I left you with a dude," Kayoko cringed. "He tried to discredit my guy in front of me! Whatever happened to that guy?"
"Why don't I know about this?" Noloty chimed in. "What happened at Thor's Shieldhall?"
"First of all, my guy was trying to save Kayoko from the weasel that ended up becoming her guy," Kiyomi flashed a dirty look at Kayoko. "Second of all, he's not my guy. We went out a few times, watched a few matches, slept with each other a few nights, but there was not enough interest to establish a relationship."
"*cough* Booty call *cough*" Kayoko snickered.
"Go ahead, laugh it up, but in the end I know what's best for my future," Kiyomi replied halfheartedly. "He's a good guy. Down to earth. Treats me like a lady. But he's a prize fighter, a gladiator that fights for the sake of money and fame. It's what he is, and I can't change that. The same thing with me. I am a Kuritan warrior. I dedicate my life for the glory of the Draconis Combine. I can't change overnight and live the life of a gladiator. You see, the gap between us is just too wide, and no matter how much we want to build a bridge, it won't work."
"I always assume Solaris mechjocks are egotistical jerks," Noloty perked up her head. "Guys with inflated egos whose allegiance is only to fame and money, and the desire to advance nothing but his own career."
"Prejudice will take you nowhere, Noloty," Kiyomi shot a mischievous look at Noloty. "Henry is a Solaris mechjock, but he's not like what you describe. He's one charming guy. He knew I was into armored vehicles more than battlemechs, so he took me to watch some tank battles. The games were good, but not too entertaining, mostly because I have been in some real tank actions, and he is more into mechs. But they were good for all intents and purposes. But, you know, none of us was ready to leave our lives and start a new one. I'm glad I get to know him, and if we meet again someday, maybe we are ready to have a relationship."
"And is the bedroom game good?" Kayoko snickered. "Satisfactory, at least?"
"Is everything about sex to you?" Kiyomi shot a dirty look at Kayoko.
"Come on, Noloty shared hers, I shared mine, now it's your turn."
"It's great. Not the best, but certainly among the top. We both brought something to the table to make it interesting. Each of us is willing to learn what the other likes, and makes sure he or she gets it. I think it is more important than girth," she winked at Noloty, "or skill," she pursed her lips at Kayoko.
"I'm sorry it didn't work out," Risa chimed in. "He seems like a good guy."
"Everybody's rated among the top when compared to Vash," Kayoko remarked jovially.
"Seconded," Kiyomi smiled sourly. "Although Risa here might disagree."
Risa's face turned completely beet red. "I uh… I don't know what to say. We had our uh… moment, and it was good while it lasted…"
"Wait a minute…" Noloty perked her head. "You're not with him anymore?"
"No," Risa shook her head sheepishly. "We gave it a try, but it was just didn't work out. We had different interests. Different…" she averted her eyes to hide the dark cloud, "… priorities."
"Wow, all these times with all the noise at night, who would've thought it would end up this way?" Kayoko mused.
"Trust me, it is for Risa's best interest," Noloty had a strong feeling that Vash's and Joy's romp was the culprit behind the fallout. "She deserves better future the Ryuken-go has to offer."
"Am I missing something?" Kayoko cringed. "Do you know something I don't?"
"Other than Vash's old hooking-up habit? No."
"Hmm…" Kayoko tried to connect the pieces together, but it was obvious she was largely clueless. "That's true. He slept with everybody in the team at one point… except Noloty." She flashed an uncouth smile at her best friend. "Or has it changed?"
"No. It has not changed, and it will never do," Noloty sternly replied.
"How about you, Scarlet?" Kiyomi glanced at the red-haired woman, who had been mostly observing the conversation in silence. "Did you sleep with Vash?"
"I'm not getting into this conversation," Scarlet replied coldly.
"He did show the audacity to defy you from time to time," Kayoko added. "Does it stem from the fact that he thinks he is your equal, because he slept with you one time?"
"Vash thinks he deserves my position because of what he is, not what he did," Scarlet calmly responded. "A narcissist. A man that regards himself higher than what he actually worths. And for a good reason. He is one hell of a soldier. I earned my position, and I am willing to defend it with everything I have."
"So… no cavorting with Vash?" Kayoko grinned silly.
"That is none of your business, Kayoko," Scarlet huffed.
"Just answer the question, dammit!" Kiyomi lost patience. "Did you or did you not sleep with Vash?"
"I am not falling into this travesty," Scarlet muttered halfheartedly. "Draw your own conclusion. I am not answering your question."
"Party pooper," Kayoko puffed dejectedly. She turned to Risa, hoping to have more fun with the chief medic. "So Risa, since you hung out with Vash the longest, what do you think about him? Where does he rank in your kaleidoscope of lovers?"
"Ooh, I don't know…" Risa covered her face. "I'm not as experienced as you guys. I only have 1 sweetheart during school years. We were just scared, confused kids thrown into Word of Blake jihad. We didn't know what to do, and hooking up felt like the right thing to do at the time. So I don't really have comparison."
"Explains all the hearty laughing and giggling and screaming when you're with Vash," Kiyomi surmised.
"I'm not comfortable sharing what we did in bed," Risa giggled sheepishly. "But if you must know, he's alright. When we first hung out together, I was nervous about his attitude. I had seen him in the line of duty and he was violent. I was scared he might hurt me. But I was pleasantly surprised. He was gentle and patient. He treated me well and showed me things I never thought I could feel before."
"He never did that to me," Kiyomi groused.
"Same here," Kayoko cocked her brows. "Maybe he actually did like Risa."
"I'm really flattered," Risa's eyes widened. "He did offer me to change, if I wanted to take our relationship to a higher level. I didn't give him an answer right away. But then, I found out that…" she threw her gaze again, "… it was not what he really wanted. I thought about it days and nights, and I realized that it was not what I really wanted either. So we went separate ways. I will miss him and his swagger and his kinks, but I am sure it is better this way."
"I'm glad you came to this decision on your own," Noloty said. "And I'm sure there is somebody out there that is a better fit for you." She traded winks with Kayoko. "Someone who treats you with respect and affection."
"Sometimes we look too far too hard, but the one we yearn is actually much closer than we think," Kayoko added.
"Aw, thank you guys, you are good friends," Risa smiled. "As much as I enjoy a man's company, I think I'm going to focus on my career and responsibility as a Ryuken-go field surgeon. I may never get a chance to be a doctor like I always dreamt of, but being a field surgeon is a fitting replacement. I get to help wounded soldiers and mechwarriors during combat. Help them through the pain and heal faster."
"Well, then, somebody has to wait a little longer for 'love'," Kayoko stifled her snickers.
"You're walking in the proper path," Scarlet chimed in. "You may consider yourself a non-combatant, but you are a member of the Ryuken-go. As a Ryuken-go, your responsibility is to the Draconis Combine. Everything else is dispensable."
"Is that what you think of Major Fernandes?" Kiyomi flashed a dubious look at Scarlet. "Dispensable?"
"Wait! Wait! Let me ask this question!" Noloty suddenly shot up. "What happens if Draconis Combine declares war with Federated Suns? What if the Ryuken-go has to battle the 1st Federated Suns Armored Cavalry? Wouldn't your judgment be clouded by your feelings toward him?"
"I have made myself clear to him that I am a servant of Hohiro Kurita, and my weapons are the extension of the fighting arms of the Draconis Combine," Scarlet replied tersely. "I know he shares the same sentiment. He is a proud member of the AFFS. Our relationship should not – and would not – hinder our responsibility to our states."
"Do you realize you will have to kill each other if Kurita and Davion go to war?" Noloty cringed.
"How do you even make love to him knowing that one day you will have to have his head?" Kayoko added. "Or he yours?"
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that," Scarlet huffed.
"Why do you even date him? He's not even in the same military as you are!" Kiyomi scowled.
"You hooked up with a Solaris mechjocks and you dare to judge me?" Scarlet snarled.
"At least my guy won't make attempt at my head!"
"We confessed our love for each other, but we always know that our duties will trump our feelings. He has his quirks. Ever a sly fox and a mischievous imp, he has strong sense of justice. He looks up to me and protective of me at the same time. The FedSuns tasks him with various Black-Ops, but he always gives me a heads up, so I don't inadvertently lead the Ryuken-go into his operations." Scarlet took a deep breath. "Politically, Davions and Kuritans are staunch allies, but behind the curtain they are still pretty much enemies. I'm a straight shooter. I do what Kuritans ask me to do. He's a ghost. Many of his operations are not recorded in FedSuns logbooks. He can alter the parameters of his missions, as long as the objectives are met. And I know he does that, many times, to keep me away from FedSuns secret agendas."
"I'm not sure we're supposed to hear this," Noloty said carefully.
"I'm sharing this as your friend, so you will never question my judgment in combat," Scarlet streaked her auburn locks in between her fingers. "But this conversation never leaves this place. He trusts me with this information, and I expect the same from you."
"You can count on us," Noloty affirmed. "You are our leader. We trust you with our lives."
"True. We can keep a secret," Kayoko added. "Though this information begs a question: How is he in bed? Is he a good lover?"
"You need to turn attention to more pressing matters," Scarlet muttered annoyedly.
"But you listened to Noloty's love story, you listened to my love story, you listened to Kiyomi's love story, you listened to Risa's love story. Why can't we learn about your love story? I want to know how ranking officers do it."
"The mechanics are the same. It's your perception that makes them unique. Be content witih what you have and stop comparing your excapades with others'."
"I think Kayoko is trying to know if you're happy with your relationship, even though you and your partner are on the opposite side of the battlefield," Noloty said. "Is it just physical or something deeper than that?"
"I was actually asking about the sex, but thank you for putting words in my mouth," Kayoko grumbled.
"Need-to-know basis only," Scarlet dodged Kayoko's lewd inquiry. "Now, can we drop this talk about love lives and just enjoy the water? We only have 1 hour left."
"Then what are we going to talk about?" Kayoko lamented. "We're not going to just sit here in silence, are we?"
"How about accomplishments?" Kiyomi suggested. "What's your most memorable achievements in your career? Battles, saving lives, anything."
"I'll start," Scarlet quickly replied with a big grin in her face. "Let me tell you the time when I killed 100 battlemechs…"
