Ga Rei Hime
Seventeen
Rena Sayers scowled, "And no one called me about this?"
"Sorry," Shizuru said sheepishly. "It was last minute." she explained.
"I suppose I can't blame you for running to Natsuki and Sara's rescue," Rena noted, WELL aware that Shizuru was panting for Natsuki.
Shizuru shifted uncomfortably.
Mai and Nao exchanged amused looks. "Have you run into that woman before?" Nao asked Rena curiously.
"Yes," Rena said briskly. "She's harmless. Lilith is a kind of succubus, who mirrors your sexual desires, pretty much."
"Huh. That's a thing," Mai mused.
"So, you said you had a lead on housing?" Shizuru changed the subject.
The team of Hunters were based out of one of the only hotels in Fuka. It was fairly bare bones, and wasn't very private. Worse, it was pretty much the 'no tell hotel' for the region, so hookers and cheating husbands were coming and going.
"Yeah, a friend of mine has an upper floor of her building to rent," Rena said. "There's three rooms, a kitchen/dining room but that's it," she cautioned.
"That's workable," Mai said.
"I don't really care," Nao admitted.
"Who's the friend?" Shizuru felt the need to ask.
"She's actually a friend of Natsuki... Midori Sugiura," Rena admitted.
Mai and Nao saw Shizuru's eyes light up at THAT news. "Doesn't Natsuki live there?" Nao murmured.
"Yup," Mai agreed. "Poor woman."
"We'll take it," Shizuru agreed.
"Good. I'll call her, we'll have you in there in a few days," Rena said.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"You're doing WHAT?" Natsuki yelped, her and Midori sitting at the woman's coffee table having a cup. .
Midori shrugged as she explained, "I haven't rented the upstairs suite this season, and I could use the money."
Natsuki felt a stab of guilt, as she hadn't been paying rent. Or at least not much... on the other hand she was just using a couch.
"And the Hunters aren't after you anymore, right?" Midori noted.
"Well, yes...," Natsuki admitted.
Midori leaned forward, "So, let me get this straight, Sara likes you, Rena Sayers is interested, AND this Shizuru woman?"
Natsuki just groaned.
"And you don't want to date anyone," Midori added, amused.
"I'm a UNDEAD," Natsuki made a face. "It's not like I can offer a future for anyone, I could just keel over at any time."
"Or go zombie and try to eat them," Midori joked.
"Don't joke. Please," Natsuki sighed.
"Well, look on the bright side," Midori offered cheerfully, "Rena and Sara could be moving in with us, too."
"That would be too much like some damn harem comedy," Natsuki winced.
Midori snickered softly.
"I'm SO glad you're enjoying all this," Natsuki added. She asked, "When are they moving in?"
"Should be the next day or so. They haven't got much stuff to move," Midori noted.
"Okay," Natsuki sighed. She got up, "I'm going to go check in with Chief Chandler, see if she needs anything."
"Say hi to Sara when you get there," Midori added teasingly.
Natsuki just scowled as she strode off.
Midori smirked as she finished her coffee. Maybe she could give Natsuki a few more nudges, if things turned out right... her friend needed a life other than monster hunting.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"You did WHAT. And without backup?" Elliot Chandler frowned at her guest, the two in her office at the police station.
Sara Gallagher squirmed under her boss' glare. "I was just investigating a possible witness, and I had Natsuki with me," she said.
"Seriously?" Elliot gave her a LOOK.
Sara visibly wilted.
Elliot sighed, "You've been in Fuka long enough to know the kind of weirdness that comes up. And as much as I like Natsuki, having her along doesn't guarantee your safety."
"Yes ma'am," Sara said quietly.
Elliot sighed again. "What did you think of this Lilith woman?" she followed up.
"I think she's at least a probable suspect," Sara said cautiously. "We can confirm she had been in contact with Smith, and has no alibi."
"We'd need a LOT more than that before pressing any charges," Elliot noted.
"Agreed," Sara nodded. "She DID confirm some times for Smith's movements, hopefully we can use that in figuring out what happened."
"Assuming we can trust her," Elliot pointed out.
"There's that," Sara conceded.
"Normally I'd assign you to desk duty for that stunt," Elliot said, "but honestly we don't have enough officers. But don't pull this sort of thing again."
Sara nodded, "Yes ma'am." With that, she left and headed back to her desk.
Elliot sat back with a sigh once Sara left. Mind you, she had been young and stupid once too, so she could understand it.
A rap on the door, and Nina Wong poked her head inside. "You wanted to see me, ma'am?" the black haired young woman asked.
"Come in," Elliot waved then said. "You're SUPPOSED to be assisting officer Gallagher. What happened?"
Nina winced, "She ditched me, ma'am. Sorry."
"You've got to get better at standing up for yourself," Elliot said kindly. She added, "Next time, stick with her."
"Yes ma'am," Nina sighed.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
"Well, well," Nao Yuuki purred, "I thought you were avoiding me."
Haruka Suzushiro stiffened, then the busty blonde turned to look at Nao.
They were at one of the two 'dive bars' in Fuka, more or less. It was dimly lit, the drinks were cheap, and it mostly served twenty-somethings either looking to get drunk or hook up. It was the sort of place you could check out the local talent and not get caught.
"Miss Yuuki," Haruka looked her over.
Nao was dressed in a skimpy tube top and a skirt so short it nearly qualified as a belt. She clearly noticed Haruka looking, as she smirked.
"Like what you see?" Nao teased.
"Honestly? Yes," Haruka admitted.
"Where's Miss Yukino?" Nao asked curiously.
"Back at the hotel," Haruka admitted willingly.
"So you two are looking to lure some sweet young thing to play with, again?" Nao asked, moving a little closer.
"And if we are," Haruka murmured as Nao ran a finger along her bare shoulder.
"I wouldn't say no to a round two," Nao admitted. "I will admit, you two actually managed to tire me right out."
Haruka KNEW this was a really, really bad idea. For multiple reasons. But...
Nao leaned forward to breath into her ear, "If you want, I'll call you 'Daddy' again."
Fuck. Haruka nodded, "Come on then."
"Yes, ma'am," Nao purred.
As they walked Haruka watched the sexy woman's hips sway, then noticed something. "Are you even wearing underwear?" she asked.
Nao just laughed softly.
To be continued...
