DISCLAIMER

The following is a fan-based

FICTION

Las Lindas and other products set in the same universe are all owned by Chalo/Chalosan and SoulKat.

Please support the official release.

Chapter 15: Unplanned Plans

Zip's help at work proved to be a godsend.

While I had been aware of her advanced skills when it comes to managing data-banks and dealing with difficult programming, she made all those boasts true by going out of her way in updating the system we were using so things could run smoother. The nanozell spirit also fixed a few 'glitches' she found on some old data which Shin was quick to explain was tied to when he first opened the shop. At the time, the blond just had no experience in handling that sort of system. He knew what it was and its functions, but lacked general experience when it came to handling it. Now things were different, luckily, and there was no genuine issue on the matter.

No, the real issue didn't exactly come from that novelty as work now felt easier with Zip being around. There wasn't meant to be any issue as I had seen nothing in my current state of life which would have suggested this possibility. The problem came in the form of a new situation born from an unexpected visit from... a curious visitor. Shin had just gone to the bathroom and was bound to come back in a matter of a few minutes as we were enjoying a brief break from working. We had already handled a few client visitings earlier that day, so the workday was proceeding well enough for us when that unexpected situation came up.

The doorbell rang softly as I turned my attention to the entrance and spotted the woman that came through. Long blond hair that flowed down to her lower back, and orange eyes that glowed with curiosity and wonder as the cat prime with pure white fur came through the entry point. She was wearing a green kimono with a red shirt underneath which was partially exposed. What really caught my attention was the fact she had what looked to be a katana strapped by her upper back. That wasn't truly an unusual sight... in districts near the combat arenas. And as far as I could remember on the spot, we were the furthest of those that existed in Prism.

"Hello, how may I help you?" I asked as soon as she walked up to the counter and stopped right in front of me.

"Is the owner around?" I perceived a slight accent. Japanese, similar to Hikari.

I nodded. "Shin is currently in the bathroom. Should be back soon."

A satisfied look flashed on her face as she decided to quietly wait. Now, normally I would try to make conversation but... I was of the impression that the woman didn't want any of that. Plus, I couldn't help but realize that this Cat Prime- she bore similarities with Hikari and had the same blond shade of hair as Shin. I think I was already told by both siblings that their mother was blonde and was a Cat Prime and... yeah, I could tell that it was her. Kate Aryoko, someone that hardly got off from her 'little heaven' back home in Japan. It was a surprise that was further reinforced by the time Shin came back and he looked caught off-guard by her presence.

"M-Mom?"

"Hello, Shin," The woman greeted him warmly and I kept silent as I stared at their exchange as it unfolded.

At this point Zip had gone through checking all shelves with the books around, confirming if everything was in the online list and... plopping on my lap as I calmly head patted her while we watched them chat with each other.

"I didn't expect your visit- I could have been a bit more prepared to-"

"What? Greet your mother?" She interrupted him mid-talk, flashing a teasing look while smiling playfully at him. "Shin, I may be quite taken by politeness, but I've already told you that I don't mind some familiarity with my own family many times now."

He sighed. "Sorry, it's just... things have been quite intense as of recently."

"I've heard that Naerie has taken you out for dates a lot more than usual," Kate agreed, nodding her head at that circumstance. "I guess she is trying to be a bit more direct due to your lack of initiative."

Shin looked uneasy at that last bit. I've heard that the Bear Prime had gotten a bit more bold as I had told her to be, and she had been capable of moderating the effort just about right to 'crack' on Shin but give him some breathing space too. And while I would sympathize with the blond's own plight to a degree, he was getting the fairest 'punishment' for being this inattentive of his own girlfriend like that in the last several weeks.

"I... I believe I have not introduced you to my colleagues. John, Zip, this is my mother, Kate."

I held back a snort at Shin's blunt effort to redirect the conversation, but Kate didn't. Yet, the woman didn't disrupt that attempt, knowing that it would haven't been polite to ignore that mere courtesy.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances. I hope my son has been treating you well."

"I would dare to say too well at times, Mrs. Aryoko," I replied mirthfully as I reached out for a hand shake. A hint of surprise flashed on Kate's face as she definitely didn't expect the gesture, but I decided to add a little more politeness to the scene. "Alas, it's a pleasure to meet you too."

A nod, she reached out and shook hands with me before we both pulled away.

"Hmm, I bet there are a few stories about my son that you would be willing to spare, John."

"M-Mom! That's not fair," Shin replied nervously, behaving a bit childishly in that regard. "By the way, you didn't even tell if you were just visiting. I could call Hikari and-"

"I will stay in the city for a full day. I will check on both of you around lunchtime," Kate interrupted quietly. "Alas, my visit also concerns another matter I suppose you can help me with. After all, soon there will be a small event for our family to attend."

The young man looked confused at this and I was genuinely clueless on what was going on. Small family event? Did that mean I was going to get another solo shift quite soon?

"...Dad's birthday?" Shin guessed, eyes widening. "I almost forgot that."

"Worry not, child of mine. Since your father has a tendency to keep quiet about these recurrences, it can easily go missing from one's mind," The Cat Prime warmly 'pardoned' her son. "Hence why I wish to buy him a 'lasting' gift through one of the books you are selling."

I raised an intrigued look at that. A book as a birthday gift?

"Which book are you looking for, mom?" Shin inquired and...

Let's just say Zip was close to giggles as she realized which book it was. She went out to instantly get it, the young man beside me holding a playful frown while his mother looked absolutely amused. The Nanozell Spirit came back shortly after, carrying the thin book with a very peculiar title.

How to keep it in your pants and be a good and loving husband.

I heard from both siblings that their father was known to be a manchild and womanizer, I just didn't expect their mother to mind it a bit and be quite petty in that regard. Not malicious, just 'petty' in a fun way. I wasn't sure what was the story behind that kind of deal, but I could say that Kate Aryoko was willing to tease her husband about that and make fun of him about it. Once the payment went through, the woman left after a cordial 'see you later' aimed at his son and the blond sighed.

"Dad deserved that, I guess."

"Well, at least she didn't go for 'crueler' titles, Shin," Zip pointed out. "There are about three or four more books that are worse than that."

The young man nodded in acceptance and soon work resumed as usual. Once the work shift ended, I was on my way back home when I got a call from Hope.

Guess who is going to help around with a last-minute shopping trip?

"So, any particular reason for the unplanned shopping trip?" I asked as I looked at Hope while the girl hummed beside me.

She frowned. "What? Can't I just have some fun from time to time?"

"That's not what I asked," I flatly shot back and the Gazelle Prime huffed.

"Well, I was just thinking of getting something less kinky and more fitting for when I'm going around for some business trips," She remarked truthfully. "That, and I wanted to check out your Nanozell Spirit."

Speaking of which, Zip was happy with her current location as Hope held her tight and close to her chest.

"So, how's your boss?"

"Nice," The spirit replied warmly. "He doesn't ask me to do too much and he gives nice rewards when I'm doing great."

"Rewards?" Hope inquired with a faux suspicious tone. "Tell me more, little cute thing."

"Hmm, he gives me head pats and hugs. Sometimes he even scratches under my chin, and it feels so good."

"Hmm, John. Could it be you are depraved to the point of going for-" The young woman paused for a fake gasp. "Hand-holding and cuddles?"

I frowned hard at that. "If you want I can just forbid you from getting any cuddles."

"That's not what I was meaning and you know that well enough, buster!" She exclaimed half-angrily. "A girl needs as much tough love as much as she needs to get in cuddly embraces."

"Well, you were making it appear like a kink. Does that mean you felt aroused by cuddling?"

"N-No. That's a dumb correlation," The Gazelle Prime rebuffed. "John, you can try better but- you suck at comebacks."

"Says the one that could lose cuddle privileges," I smiled back, getting an hurt look from Hope. "I said 'could'. And you're stepping on that minefield on getting this into cuddling."

"...You're a jerk. Teasing a pure maiden like me."

"Pure maiden? Where?"

She playfully tugged at my arm as we both shared a chuckle, the Nanozell Spirit merely smiling at the happy scene. Yet, she wasn't without questions of her own.

"Hope, can I ask you an important question?" Zip hummed quietly, getting a curious look from Hope.

"Sure, sweetie."

"Why is your Nanozell Spirit dormant?"

I glanced to the side at that, trying to get Hope's full reaction to this since she never told me about it. I knew that the gem she had around her neck was a Nanozell Gem, but she never went out of her way to provide me any detail beyond it being 'dormant'.

"Hmm, that's a big question, Zippy. Little guy is just not ready to be in the public."

That was an odd response, but I saw no reason to press her about it. Hope noticed my silence, and decided to focus on that.

"Not interested?"

"I know how you can be on some topic. Plus, it sounds like your spirit has a few reasons to not be around other people, and I see no purpose in putting the guy through any problematic situation."

"Heh, I guess that's one way to put it," The girl admitted. "Although, I think it would be good if he were to speak with you. Mostly on the basis that you are good at getting cozy with people."

"Says the legally-recognized therapist," I pointed out, getting a sigh out of her.

"It's not even about being legit. The spirit just had a big trauma. He will recover in due time but the process is proceeding at a sluggish pace."

I nodded at that, and things seemed to get calm enough as we went through some clothes shops. Standard ones, no skimpy lingerie to keep track of as Hope asked for advice on a few outfits she had in mind to get in her wardrobe. I nodded to a few, pointed out some changes in some and rarely said that one or two didn't match with her style. About an hour after we started, we were walking out of the mall, each of us holding a few bags. Zippy held one herself as she floated between us.

Things were nice and well, and then Hope held a document for me to check. I was surprised by the gesture, even more when she kept quiet while I went to read it, smiling as she gauged my reaction.

"So?"

"...Are you asking me out?" I asked instantly, getting a huff out of Hope.

"I just wanted to test out this restaurant. You may take it as a date- but then you would have to bear in mind that I'm the one paying for both of us," She rebuked jovially, booping my nose. "It's a friendly hangout since the owner knows me and has been trying to ask me out."

I raised a concerned look. "Was he-"

"She is insistent, but will not try anything funny if you keep around."

Slowly nodding at this, I looked back at the reservation. "Tomorrow night?"

"Find yourself some fancy clothes, and we will steal it. Got it?"

"Loud and Clear, Hoppers."

A snort and she was off once I had all her bags stored by her vespa. I looked at her leave and then glanced at Zippy for assistance. The spirit, perhaps perceiving my unease, decided to hold onto me while we walked back home. Head resting on my left shoulder and both arms and legs wrapped around my waist.

I just could tell that tomorrow night was going to get spicier than we both were prepared for...

AN

Uh-Oh, trouble in sight! Hope has a bit of an aggressive admirer. Nothing unusual but... she is working on it.