Kurumu sighed as she leaned against his shoulder, holding his left hand as she regarded her breakfast. It was a good thing that she was not hungry since she was terrible at eating with her left hand. Her body was melting. Getting to the dining hall had been exhausting.
Despite her protests, Tsukune had walked her home last night. She had allowed him to spend the night on the condition that they only slept. He was confused with her reluctance to do more, but her heart hurt from the laundry room debacle, and she could not bring herself to explain why.
He had kept his word until this morning. Showering with him had been a mistake. In her dreamy haze, she had taken his casual offer to scrub her down and it had not taken long for that to become much more. The only reason the lovemaking had stopped was due to her sudden inability to suppress her true form. She felt so weary that he had to help her dress.
Her lower back still ached, even with her tail out. She had picked clothing easy for him to manage, which resulted in her wearing loose white shorts and her green tank top with the center in the back. She could not recall if she opted out of panties or if he had deliberately decided to not put them on her.
She presently had her tail wrapped about her ankle so it would be out of the way. Her wings were tucked close and did draw some stares, but none of the staff felt like challenging her over rules. She had tried putting them away but they kept slipping back out.
"What's up?"
Her eyes lazily focused on Tobuyoku. Dressed in that royal blue apron like shirt that had no back, the girl dropped her breakfast tray next to Kurumu's. She had on those stupid tight black micro shorts.
"Hey."
Greetings were exchanged as the other three Tengu girls sat down about them. Hanetsume sat across from her in a pair of stonewashed jeans and denim shirt with the sleeves rolled back to her elbows. The girl promptly started on her breakfast.
"Is it difficult to get in your shorts?"
Tobuyoku smirked as she poked at her breakfast.
"My boyfriend thinks so."
Kurumu chuckled, nuzzling her cheek on the sleeve of his dress shirt. Dangai was seated across from Tsukune. That faded pink shirt was nearly white and the long sleeves had worn holes at the elbows. Kurumu imagined the girl was either in sweat pants or leggings, since that seemed to be what Dangai had available to wear on weekends. Her golden eyes met Kurumu's and she smiled.
"Ya look tired."
"I'm exhausted."
Tobuyoku chuckled, stowing away a mouthful of eggs.
"Clearly the two of you didn't make it to the church. Did Tsukune keep you up all night?"
Kurumu took in a breath and closed her eyes.
"Looks ill, if ya ask me. Cheeks all rosy like too much blood in her face."
Kurumu flinched as a cool hand pressed against her brow.
"She's burning out. Do you have some sort of heat fluctuation going on?"
"Maybe she gets sick like I hears humans do."
"Don't you girls get sick?"
"With what?"
Kurumu whimpered as his shrug forced her off her comfortable perch.
"I don't know. Bird flu?"
Hanetsume snorted as the other girls laughed.
"That isn't a thing, Mr. Aono. What has happened to your neck?"
Kurumu glanced around Tsukune. Honda was wearing a black, halter dress which flared out like a skirt about her hips. The concerned girl peered up at him, gingerly touching the white bandage about his throat. None of them could see how his black markings now stretched to his shoulder and across his chest. It was getting worse.
"He developed an irritation during the field trip when we visited the city. It hasn't gone away."
Hanetsume scowled.
"Humans and their filthy cities. Wouldn't surprise me if all ya got sick."
"Mights be serious if his vampire constitution can't kick it."
Tsukune chuckled.
"I'm not indestructible. Kurumu already insisted I have the hospital check it again."
"I agree with her. It might be best if she saw one too."
Kurumu smiled as she leaned back against his shoulder, pleased with Honda's concern.
"I'm fine."
Tobuyoku grabbed Kurumu's shoulder and shook her playfully.
"What's with the wings?"
"I don't know. I can't put them away."
"Be gentle with her, Suzume. Poor thing looks like she could collapse."
"Did something happen during your field trip?"
Kurumu smirked, abandoning her meal entirely to clasp her other hand on his.
"I've slept with him the past five nights."
Hanetsume arched her brow, shaking her head while Dangai regarded her thoughtfully. Tsukune sighed, setting his chopsticks down as Honda gasped.
"I think we're done with breakfast."
Tobuyoku clucked her tongue as she forced her arm around Kurumu's shoulder, tugging her off Tsukune. Kurumu sighed, allowing the girl to pull her in and hold her head against Tobuyoku's shoulder.
"It's not like you have a need to get to the church before us. Besides, she looks like she could rest a bit longer while we eat."
Dangai smiled, swallowing down a mouthful.
"Think it's sweet ya two are closer. Month ago could hardly tell ya was a couple."
"Give ya virgins more to caw bouts."
"Yer virgin too."
"Plans stay that ways."
Kurumu smiled as she relaxed against Tobuyoku. She sighed as the girl absently patted her head.
"How have you guys been?"
"It was a lazy week. Back to playing softball in gym. I think we have one more week before we switch to whatever is next."
"Did you guys do that thing with Honda's club?"
Dangai groaned, rolling her eyes.
"That was a disaster."
"I'll say. I thought Kiki was being silly but those boys are creepy. I don't know how Ms. Madosuki can be so comfortable around them."
"She is infatuated with Mr. Tawamuru."
"Ya should drop it. Yer brother won't be mad if ya do."
Kurumu smiled.
"What did you think of her brother?"
Dangai shrugged.
"He's nice, but didn't feel like he was interested in dating a friend of his sister."
"He's always been like that, Michiko. I'm sure Kiki could arrange a date for you two."
"I'm not going to set my brother up."
"Naw, pass. No reason to chase him."
"Not attracted to him."
Dangai nodded.
"My brother is handsome and intelligent."
"Yer brother looks like ya without the breasts. Not interested."
"He is slender, but his heart is good."
Tobuyoku chuckled.
"And to think a week ago she was worried about Michiko being a disappointment."
Honda sighed.
"He probably isn't interested."
"He's never had a girlfriend."
"I think he worries too much about Mother and doesn't want to date anyone."
Kurumu smiled with wandering thoughts. She thought there was something else going on.
"Uchiyama might introduce those friends of his to you."
Dangai frowned.
"Uchiyama? From class?"
"Didn't these two tell you that he's a Tengu?"
"Kiki doesn't gossip and I didn't see a point to tell them when he was leaving on your trip."
"That Noboru boy from class five he was talking about is smart. Twelfth in our grade."
"Is that a problem?"
Honda shrugged, glancing aside.
"It's intimidating. I didn't even make the top hundred."
"You're fretting over nothing, Kiki. You barely missed it."
Honda smiled meekly.
"Congratulations, Mr. Aono. I didn't get a chance to tell you about making the top hundred."
Tsukune chuckled.
"I don't feel that accomplished. I barely squeaked in."
Tobuyoku patted her chest, shaking her head.
"I barely squeaked in. You beat me by a couple points."
Tsukune smirked.
"I got lucky with lab partners. Besides, I heard that Ms. Dangai scored higher than me."
Hanetsume snorted.
"Chick book smarts. Still dumb from feathering."
"Feathering?"
Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head against Tobuyoku.
"Well if Uchiyama is in your class, maybe you and Honda could try meeting those friends of his. I could introduce you to Ichida if you want."
Though she doubted Ichida would be interested. The boy paid no attention to her so it was hard to imagine he would find either of these girls more attractive.
"I'll talk with him tomorrow. She mights have cold feet but I be fine with it."
"Smarts wasted on ya when all ya do is blab about boys all the time."
"Ease off, Hatoko. I swear you won't be happy until we string some guy up and burn him in a fire."
"Why woulds that make me happy?"
Tobuyoku picked at her meal as she squeezed Kurumu with her other arm.
"Do you have any suggestions of a new home for our little bird? Kiki needs a more active club. We can't have her hanging out in the bleachers watching us practice all the time."
Kurumu wondered what sort of club would strike Honda's interest.
"Goto's in your class, right? There's the fashion club."
"I don't know her that well."
"So you could make a new friend."
Honda sighed.
"But I'm not that interested in fashion."
Kurumu was amused by that remark, considered how odd the girl dressed at times.
"Why not join our club?"
All eyes turned on Tsukune as he grinned.
"Kurumu managed to talk Shirayuki into joining our club yesterday along with Genzouyaki."
"I don't know if I should."
"You seemed to get along with Morioka and you've been around Moka and Tora several times."
Honda brought a fist up to her lips as she tapped her food with her chopsticks.
"If you want me to join, I will."
Hanetsume huffed, stuffing down the last of her breakfast. Dangai was about finished as well. The other two were picking at their meals without much interest.
"Thinks ya ask fer trouble doing that. Club plumb full of girls afters that boy."
"He's my boyfriend."
"Then why he be asking fer another girl?"
Tobuyoku sighed, letting Kurumu go to finally attend to her meal.
"Kiki needs a better club."
"She can stays where she is."
"She's one of two girls in that club. Sheesh, Hatoko. Thought you would be on board with her getting out of a club full of guys."
Finished with her meal, Hanetsume sipped on her vegetable juice can.
"Thought her fashion club suggestion was a good idea. That Goto sounds like she knows what she wants and isn't stupid headed about boys."
Dangai chuckled, shaking her head.
"Ya rustled up fer nothing. Went from being stay put to go here. Ya don't know what ya wants to say."
"Thinks Kurono is bad influence. Makes yall think it fine to be sexing. Should be focused on studies."
Honda huffed.
"Says the dumbest one at the table."
"Fuck ya, preening peacock. Don't see me be wagging my tailfeathers at other girls' boyfriends."
Tobuyoku sighed again after swallowing down a mouthful.
"Just stop. Nobody is asking you to sex anyone, Hatoko. Kiki joining their club has nothing to do with getting a boyfriend. If anything, she's less likely to get one."
Hanetsume shrugged as Dangai took a pull from her kiwi juice.
"If I recall correctly, Ms. Honda was interested in becoming a web designer. Maybe getting familiar with our newspaper software would be useful for her."
"That does sound good."
"Why don't ya join some computer club?"
Honda grimaced as she picked at her food with disinterest.
"The only one I know of is ran by a bunch of boys. I think Mr. Aono's suggestion is the best suited for what I plan to do in life without the hassle of unwanted attention."
Rolling her eyes, Hanetsume gestured at Kurumu's breakfast.
"Are ya eating?"
Kurumu smiled, shaking her head. She absently grabbed her yuzu juice.
"Ms. Hanetsume. If you don't mind me asking, what sort of job are you wanting to do?"
The girl glanced at him for a moment. Looking away, she shrugged.
"Don't really know, but it don't involve popping out kiddos."
There was a short pause as the girls continued their meals. Finished with most of hers, Tobuyoku set her chopsticks down and patted Kurumu's shoulder.
"I saw Ms. Genzouyaki trying to make friends with Ms. Shirayuki. She was up out of her seat every day between classes, so it was hard not to notice."
Kurumu smiled.
"I heard she switched seats with Ushio."
"Mr. Burumoto offered it because it would put him by the door and Mr. Tamaishi."
"Did he try talking with Shirayuki?"
Tobuyoku paused as she pushed aside her tray and grabbed her drink.
"I think he did the first couple days. Ms. Shirayuki is not a sociable person."
"Yet ya tried talking with her."
Tobuyoku shrugged.
"Not really. I talked with Ms. Genzouyaki and occasionally we got Ms. Shirayuki to contribute."
"Thank you for helping Nerume."
"I had a feeling you put her up to it. She's a sweet girl. I'm tempted to ask Mr. Hedoyami to switch seats with me."
Hanetsume snorted as Dangai pushed her emptied tray aside.
"Please do. Hate having that fat fuck behinds me."
"I bet he declines, not wishing to lose his lovely view."
"Bah. More likely he not wants being front row. Nothing worth seeing outsides."
Tobuyoku smirked, getting up with a stretch.
"Well I'm finished. You ready to go Kiki?"
Hanetsume and Dangai both got up, confirming the tall girl was wearing black sweats. Tsukune got up, offering his hand for her. Not interested in finishing her meal, Kurumu took his assistance and stood up against him, letting go so she could give him a hug while nuzzling her face against his sleeve.
"It might be best if you walk with me, Mr. Aono."
Kurumu drew back to regard Honda. That halter dress of hers hung well past her knees and she was wearing platform shoes that made her as tall as Tsukune. The girl's golden eyes glanced away.
"Being that close might make Ms. Akashiya uncomfortable."
Kurumu smiled, withdrawing her hands. She had been considerate to keep her distance from Tsukune while in Moka's presence. It had not been that hard, considering both of them had been busy writing articles and Moka had cut out early.
"Moka knows we're intimate now."
Despite being told days ago, Tsukune still flinched. Honda looked uncomfortable.
"That would not change her feelings. Allow me to accompany him, Ms. Kurono."
Tobuyoku placed her hands on Kurumu's shoulders.
"I'll take care of her, Mr. Aono."
He paused as Hanetsume and Dangai took off for the nearest door.
"Is something wrong, Mr. Aono?"
Shaking his head, he managed a smile at Honda.
"Well… I haven't talked directly to her about it. She's known something was different all week. I tried dismissing her behavior since we were in separate rooms and it was raining all the time."
"That must have been miserable for you both. I understand vampires hate the rain."
Tsukune chuckled.
"I think everybody hates the rain when it happens all the time."
Tobuyoku smirked.
"I do not miss the rainy season. Hands down, best feature of Yokai so far."
"Are yalls coming are what?"
Tsukune grinned, taking off for the door with Honda in tow. Dangai was holding the door with her mouthy companion outside. She gestured again, prompting Kurumu to walk alongside Tobuyoku.
"I should say something today."
"You need not fret, Mr. Aono."
He chuckled as they reached the door, allowing Dangai to head out and catch up with Hanetsume.
"No, I should. It might help her feel better if I confirmed it."
He paused to hold the door for them and Kurumu smiled. She said nothing as she slipped out into the warmth of the morning while holding Tobuyoku's hand.
"I worry that would only harm her, but I understand your reasons."
"I would feel wrong with saying nothing."
Tobuyoku chuckled as Tsukune and Honda passed by with their slightly longer strides.
"I hope you aren't doing this for your sake."
"Well… saying nothing would be easy. I often feel there is difference between the easy thing to do and the right thing to do."
They were walking towards the back of the dining hall before angling off for a small trail. This narrow path would take them directly to the church. Hanetsume had already reached the start of the trail and had let her wings out to fill up that gaping hole in the back of her denim shirt. Dangai was doing the same, trotting to catch up.
"So… your trip was only three nights long but you've spent the past five."
Kurumu smirked.
"He insisted last night."
"I didn't feel right letting you walk home by yourself."
"Oh please. We both know I've done that many times."
"I trust you are being a proper gentlemen with Ms. Kurono."
He chuckled.
"I tried but she's worn me down. Now it's hard to look at her without thinking about… things."
Honda touched her cheek, glancing aside.
"She is a sexual creature. Her and the little witch girl speak of things I would hesitate to bring up."
Kurumu pouted.
"I feel men lust after me all the time. It's hard not to think about sex."
"I understand that. I just find it difficult to openly express such things."
"Most people do, Ms. Honda. Guys might joke to each other about stuff, but they can't sit down and seriously talk about it because then everyone gets uncomfortable."
Honda gestured for him to keep in step with her as she eased her wings out the back of her halter dress. With this trail being narrow, it would be difficult to walk alongside each other even without their wings. With Tobuyoku letting hers out, it forced them to follow several steps behind.
"Hey. Let them get ahead."
Kurumu frowned at Tobuyoku.
"And stretch your wings out."
"I don't know if I can fly today."
"You'll be fine. I want to talk with you."
Kurumu nodded, allowing her chiropteran wings to stretch out. It was fairly easy to let Tsukune get some distance on her, considering him and Honda were taller. He did look back once, but she waved him onwards. Within a couple minutes, the two were barely in sight.
Kurumu took in a deep breath, feeling surrounded by warmth and the scent of nature. This was much better than the noisy city, which may have been why Kana had been so fixated on taking them to parks. Those places had felt more agreeable.
"So… uh… when did the two of you start having sex?"
"His birthday."
Tobuyoku bit her lower lip.
"I thought so. Did it… hurt?"
"You won't prefer it over feathering."
Tobuyoku laughed, bowing her head.
"I guessed that would be the case."
"What's wrong?"
"Well… you guys have known each other for only a couple months. Shuiro has put up with me refusing him for so long."
Kurumu smiled.
"I don't know if you should feel obligated to. I'd hate to think Tsukune only had sex with me out of pity."
"Yea. But I do love him."
Kurumu sighed, stepping in close enough for her wing to brush against Tobuyoku's feathers.
"If you do, I think top would be the easiest for your first time."
"Really?"
"Yea. You have more control over how it happens."
"I don't know if I would be comfortable doing that."
"Then don't. I think what made things best for us is that I was pushing, but ultimately let him do things his way. I think the reverse would be true. He's been pushing you, so it will only be good for you if you're the one that decides how it happens."
Tobuyoku smiled, grabbing her and pulling her closer. The girl took in a deep breath as they continued down the trail with short steps.
"I'll try."
Kurumu let her tail uncoil from her leg to circle about Tobuyoku's waist. She gave it more length so she could get it all the way around the girl before draping the spade over the tail between them like a sash.
"What are you doing?"
"My tail feels swollen. Does it look off to you?"
Tobuyoku chuckled, as they slowed to a stop.
"I can't tell. It's kind of hard to walk like this."
Kurumu nodded, glancing into the girl's golden eyes. All these girls had the same iris, but she knew it was not the only eye color a Tengu could have. She had pretty lips. Those golden eyes softened and they stopped. Kurumu wet her lips, thinking about how this girl would have sex with her boyfriend. The girl turned slowly in her tail loop to face her, shoulders relaxing as her hands drifted to her black shorts.
"You two are falling too far behind!"
Kurumu shook her head, letting her tail withdraw from the girl to return to its original coil about her leg. The inside of her tail was throbbing with the beat of her heart.
Tobuyoku glanced aside, shuffling forward.
"That was weird."
Kurumu hugged herself as she tagged along, studying her companion.
"Sorry. I'm feeling off today."
Tobuyoku chuckled with a blush.
"Maybe it's contagious."
"What makes you say that?"
"Just odd thoughts. We should keep walking."
Kurumu nodded as they continued down the trail. Was it possible she had shared thoughts of sex with Tobuyoku? That should not be possible. Her charm was limited to boys and even then it was difficult to get them to do things they opposed.
"Maybe I'm in heat."
Tobuyoku laughed at the accidental claim.
"Don't you mean you have a fever?"
Kurumu felt flush from her error.
"I mean that my body wants to make a baby."
"If that's true, you might want to avoid having sex with your boyfriend."
Kurumu shook her head.
"No, I've had sex with Tsukune and now I'm in heat because of it."
"I guess that makes sense. I mean… if you liked it, your body would respond favorably to him."
Kurumu sighed. This was so hard to admit in her fevered state.
"I require another woman to have my child."
"What?"
"Yea. Yukari and Nerume both have said my fever might be due to my body responding to him. Tora said I should check in at the hospital but I thought I could wait to speak with Ms. Sasayaki tomorrow."
Tobuyoku chuckled, patting Kurumu's head.
"Well… Kiki did say stopping by the hospital wouldn't be bad. It's no big deal."
"I put my tail in a girl and fill her with stuff my body makes from his… stuff."
"What are you rambling about?"
"For a moment there I might have put those weird thoughts in your head."
Tobuyoku frowned.
"You mean like your charm? Doesn't that only work on guys?"
"I don't know. Maybe this is an exception. Making babies is pretty important to most races."
"So if I look in your eyes right now, you're going to charm me?"
Tobuyoku stepped in front of her, forcing them to stop as she placed a hand on Kurumu's shoulder.
"Wait!"
Grabbing Kurumu's chin, she forced their eyes to meet, but Kurumu deftly glanced away.
"You'll have to keep eye contact to be sure."
"I don't want to."
"I think you're being silly."
"It was only a moment. I was thinking about you having sex and for a second there I thought of it being with me. It was a random thought."
Tobuyoku pursed her lips.
"I guess that would explain my impulsive want to take off my shorts."
"It was a random thought. I'm sorry. I know a Tengu can't carry a child. You lay eggs."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Kurumu looked up at Tobuyoku apologetically.
"Putting a baby in you. It might kill you. I was told Undines could carry a succubus child without any harm. I don't know if other species can."
Tobuyoku's eyes lit up.
"That does sound serious. But it's not like you're desperate right now."
Kurumu winced at the thought.
"What if I get worse?"
"We will be stopping at the hospital after our flight lessons. Hopefully that science teacher… what's her name again?"
"Ms. Sasayaki."
"Yea, her. Hopefully she is there and she can fix you up."
"But what if she's not there?"
Tobuyoku tapped her nose.
"I think you have enough wits about you to stop this impulse."
Kurumu grimaced.
"I don't think you understand how quick this could be. It would only take like a minute or two."
Tobuyoku frowned, glancing aside. Shrugging she resumed her walk down the trail.
"I'll have Kiki watch over you. She doesn't care much for the flying."
Kurumu sighed, moving to keep up with the girl.
"Do you think I'll be fine with Moka and Tora?"
"You have a good heart. I doubt you would want to do anything to hurt either of them."
Kurumu knew this was true, but not reassuring. To her knowledge, only an Undine was safe, but she had already toyed with the idea of other races based on potential immunity.
"I'm scared."
Tobuyoku chuckled.
"Don't be like that. We are going to keep Tora busy with her lesson, so there's no point worrying over her. I want to get that girl back up in the air, even if it means another game of Catch."
Kurumu noted that they were nearing the end of the trail as she could see the church through the foliage. The others were all likely at the foot of the steps, waiting for the service to conclude.
"I'm more worried about Moka."
"Why?"
Because she can drink my blood and become immune. Kurumu shuddered at the thought.
"It's nothing."
The bells sounded out.
"That's our cue to hurry up. Come on, Kurumu."
Scared by this new sensation, Kurumu forced herself to quicken her step.
Kurumu whimpered as she pressed up tightly against Tora. The sphinx had a strong hold about her torso to keep her from squirming out and touching Moka again. She lifted her head, pressing her lips to the side of Tora's neck, causing the girl to sigh.
"How much longer do we have to wait?"
Kurumu was dressed in only a hospital gown while seated on this examination bed next to Tora. Her tail was wrapped about Tora's waist below the hem of her golden halter top. Her capris khakis were torn up below the knees due to some rough landings.
The clock beside the door declared it was eight before noon. This was not how they had planned their day. After talking for a few minutes at the church, they had decided to fly a couple hours, have lunch and then come to the hospital.
They had luckily managed a good hour of flying before Kurumu succumbed to being in Moka's presence. It was too much. She knew Moka had not recovered from the field trip kissing. The vampire longed for her and she was in bad shape. Their only saving grace was Moka seemed immune to her gaze.
"Let me go, Tora. Let me go."
Tora would not meet her gaze, well aware this immunity did not extend to her. Last time she had made the mistake, Kurumu had started kissing her and the others had to pull them apart. It's not that she had wanted to do anything to Tora. Tora had to be subdued so she could have Moka.
It had not helped matters with Tsukune enjoying every second of this outburst. He loved the idea of her being with another woman. Honda had kept hold of him to prevent him from joining in due to Kurumu's lack of control over her charm.
Tora sighed again as Kurumu squeezed the girl's left breast.
"Please stop, Kurumu."
"I'm sorry, Tora. You were flying so well today."
Tora huffed, shaking her head.
"Sit still and stop squirming."
They had been waiting for over forty minutes. The staff were more than willing to defer the matter to Ms. Sasayaki, aware of her work with Kurumu. They had given Tobuyoku the address for Ms. Sasayaki and the girl had ran off with Hanetsume to fetch the doctor.
She understood Tsukune was somewhere on the floor since Moka had left the room once to visit him. He was with the other two girls getting his neck looked at. This being the first time Moka had seen his body since Thursday had resulted in the vampire coming back in tears. The fright in her eyes had caused Kurumu to feel more desperate. She had pleaded for Moka to take responsibility and carry on his bloodline. If these other girls would leave her alone with Moka, she was certain she would have convinced the distraught vampire to be reasonable.
"He'll be okay, Kurumu."
Moka would not look at her while saying that. Kurumu knew that was not the opinion of the other Moka and Dangai made it sound like the nurses were clueless what his issue was. They were taking samples to see if it could be treated like blood poisoning, which some monsters were susceptible to. Kurumu was frightened at the prospect that there was nothing they could do for him.
The vampire was seated in a blue cushioned chair which was bulky and rectangular. Her hands were folded in her lap with the hem of her lavender dress hanging slightly over her knees. White sandals graced her feet and her crimson purse with the black handles rested in the seat next to her hip. The sleeves of the dress were ruffled and loose, falling about halfway down her arms. It was a pretty dress. Kurumu wished she owned a dress.
Tears started rolling down her cheeks as Kurumu felt this overwhelming despair grip her heart. There was nothing she could do. Tsukune was dying. This boy she loved and had made love with was going to cease being a part of her life. If she lost this, she would have nothing. It would have been better if they had never met.
Tora sighed, holding her tighter.
"Ms. Sasayaki should be here soon. Stop fussing."
"I just want to be happy."
It hurt so much. The pressure in her back and tail was tearing her up inside to a state of nausea. She had already thrown up her breakfast shortly after arriving, which had prompted the staff to have her change into the gown. Not long after changing, the spade end of her tail had started dripping reddish fluids.
"I'm so sorry. I've ruined everything."
"What are you whining about now?"
"You were flying so well. I ruined it."
Tora sighed.
"Yes. My torn up pants are such a testament to my flying prowess."
Tobuyoku had encouraged Tora to land several times. It was not the easiest thing to pick up and Tora had to be rescued several times when failing to get her feet properly directed. Now and then, Tora would land roughly on all fours, letting her arms and legs revert to lion form to absorb the impact. The sphinx would tuck her wings in and run with the momentum till she had it under control.
The Tengu girls were mixed on opinions if that was acceptable. Tobuyoku felt it was appropriate and suggested wearing shorts or a skirt on future outings. The country girls both felt Tora should keep building her wing strength and figure out how to land bipedal, since that was easier than learning to take off anyways. Tobuyoku had thrown out the possibility that Tora might need running starts to fly. She had tested Tora in a small sprint across the field insisting Tora run on all fours. Despite her embarrassment, Tora effortlessly beat the track girl.
"You can fly. Your wing strength is enough to keep you in the air now."
Tora snorted.
"I don't know why Ms. Tobuyoku finds flying enjoyable. The whole time I had to keep focused on my weight and judge my speed and the distance to the ground. It's nerve wracking."
Kurumu sniffled as she rubbed her eyes against Tora's sleeve.
"At least you weren't screaming this time."
"I've come to accept those girls don't plan to intentionally hurt me."
"Maybe you will be able to take off next week."
Tora sighed.
"I doubt that. I'll probably be lucky if I'm strong enough for that by the end of term."
"Maybe Ms. Tobuyoku is correct about you needing a running start."
"I don't enjoy the idea of running across a field like an animal."
"Will you wear a skirt next time?"
"I own some shorts. No point flashing my panties."
Moka smiled apologetically.
"You did look more at ease this time. I wish I could fly."
"I wish it was more intuitive like riding a bicycle."
Kurumu lowered her hand to caress Tora's thigh.
"Gliding is intuitive. You picked it up fast."
"I suppose that might be true. I see you managed to take off fine even in this state."
Kurumu had flown a little but her vision and stomach had protested. She might have been up in the air ten to twelve minutes at best, though that was longer than Honda. Grounded, she had hung around Moka while chatting with Tsukune and Honda. Conscious of her descent into this needy state, she had tried to hang on the shy Honda to keep her hands and tail busy. It had worked until Moka's envy of Honda became too much to bear.
"I want Moka to hold me."
"Don't start that again."
"Moka loves me."
"Kurumu, please don't. Mother would not approve what is on your mind."
"But it's on your mind too. I know you want me."
Moka turned away to regard the door.
"You're not yourself, Kurumu. Your mind is messed up."
Kurumu's breath caught in her throat as her eyes wet with fresh tears.
"But we have to. If Tsukune dies, this is all we have. Please."
"Tsukune will be fine."
"You could drink my blood all you want. You're the only one that can do this for me. For Tsukune. Please, Moka. I can't ask anyone else."
They had stopped halfway on the trip here, mostly due to Kurumu charming Dangai to land which forced everyone else to deal with her. Trying to keep things under control, Moka took her other half's advice to drink Kurumu's blood to hopefully calm her. It had weakened Kurumu considerably but had not reduced her need. With her tail immune to the paralysis of being bitten, Kurumu had instinctively moved her tail up into Moka's dress and clumsily tried to do something. Of course it failed as it would be like trying to remove someone's underwear with an elbow.
"You sound like Ms. Kagome."
Despite being exhausted from so many random bouts of tears and being drained of her blood, Kurumu found the strength to bawl. This was awful. She was such a horrible person. If Tsukune lived, she should let him be with Moka because she was a better girl. If she could trade her life for his, she would. If being dead would make everyone happy, she would die now.
"Stop, Kurumu. You're making no sense. Nobody hates you."
"I love you, Kurumu. But you need help. Ms. Sasayaki should be here soon."
Kurumu forced a swallow in her coughing sobs. She caught her breath.
"It will never be different for me."
"You're not thinking clearly, Kurumu. You've been feverish for days and this is your first time experiencing this impulse. Focus on breathing."
She already felt light headed. Breathing more would only make it worse.
"I will always need another woman, Tora. Why does it have to be someone else? Why can't it be someone we both love and loves us?"
"Tsukune will be fine. This is something you can discuss when you're older."
Kurumu felt calm for a moment, though her heart was fluttering like it wanted to escape her chest.
"I'm scared."
Moka wrung her hands, her eyes in anguish.
"I understand you need a wet mother but a vampire can't demean herself in such a manner. I do love you both but I can't. I don't know what Mother would do to me if I did this."
"But your mother doesn't love you."
A tear rolled down Moka's cheek.
"Don't say that."
"I want you, Moka. If you had been the one he picked, would you have wanted me?"
Moka bit her lower lip, glancing away.
"Marriage is a sacred union between two people witnessed by God."
"With all due respect, Moka, you grew up with two mothers. I understand for the past six years you have been reared in a church only aware of your present mother, but the other you has always known vampires are not bound by religious values."
Moka paused as another tear crept down her face.
"She doesn't want to."
Kurumu knew this was no surprise. The other Moka hated her. She was only a nuisance to be put up with whom caused her to experience unwanted emotions by provoking Moka one way or another.
"I ruined everything. I knew you would hate me if I pushed too far with Tsukune. I just knew it."
She started bawling again, feeling lost and unable to control anything. She was going to lose Tsukune and Moka. Would everyone else leave her too? If Yukari heard about the things she had said today, she doubted the witch would be so forgiving. She had broken up Nerume and Satsuki with Mizore. She supposed she could go with Nerume if she was no longer welcome.
She wanted everyone to be happy. Why did it have to end up like this?
There was a knock on the door and a couple seconds later it was opened. Ms. Sasayaki stepped through in a hospital lab coat thrown over a white blouse and black capris. Hanetsume slipped in behind her while the science teacher glanced them over. She managed a smile.
"I hear Ms. Kurono has had quite the day."
"She been weird for most morn. Thought she be her normal clingy, stupid self but then she got pervy old man like and we had to stop."
Ms. Sasayaki walked across the room to pat Kurumu's head. She peered into Kurumu's eyes.
"So you've told me. I hear you're charming girls today."
"I considered blindfolding her but worried she might adapt to that."
Ms. Sasayaki regarded Tora.
"What makes you say that?"
"Well… she learned about how to enter her mind during a state of distress. If she's broken down her barrier from charming only guys with her gaze, I'm worried that blindfolding her might encourage her to learn how to influence us through other means."
"An interesting theory. Could you shut the door, Ms. Hanetsume?"
The Tengu girl closed the door, leaning back against it.
"Not really my theory. Ms. Sendou brought it up a couple weeks ago, implying Kurumu might be telepathic."
"That was Ginei that concluded that. Yukari conceded that was agreeable."
Kurumu favored Hanetsume with a faint smile.
"Where's Tobuyoku?"
"She be with the others in Tsukune's room. They have him all hooked up to fancy med stuff."
"Is he okay?"
"Let's worry about you first."
Ms. Sasayaki pulled a chrome cylinder out of her lab pocket that had a black, triangular head. She grabbed Kurumu by the chin and firmly tilted her head up while holding the device between them. A small light flickered in her eye, forcing her to look aside.
"Your pupils are dilated and I can feel your fever. You told Ms. Tobuyoku that you were in heat."
Kurumu let go of Tora but left her tail wrapped about the sphinx. She crossed her arms about her chest.
"Why would you think you are in heat?"
"Cause I had sex with Tsukune."
The teacher sighed, placing the device back in her pocket.
"That's what I understood. I don't approve of this situation, but we may as well make the most of it."
"Huh?"
"We shall use this opportunity to learn more about your species. I hope you don't mind that I have been documenting most of our interactions. There is so little information available about your kind that is scientifically accurate."
"I don't care."
"Excellent. Now let's relieve your stress."
Kurumu frowned as the woman walked off to the counter that flanked the door. She opened up the lower cabinet and pulled out a small red bucket, setting it on the counter. From the upper cabinets, the woman retrieved a pair of gloves and a test tube with a plastic, twist on seal.
"What are we doing?"
"Ms. Tobuyoku mentioned that your tail was bothering you. I am merely confirming my suspicions on how your reproductive system works."
Kurumu withdrew her tail, drawing it around in front of her to hold protectively to her chest. Reddish fluids dribbled out the razor thin creases that divided the spade into four petals. She was scared to relax the muscle holding it shut out of fear she would make a huge mess.
"What about Tsukune?"
"And I said we would worry about that later."
Ms. Sasayaki snapped on her gloves and turned about. She hooked a nearby stool with her foot to pull it away from the wall. Sitting down on it, she scooted over on the rollers till she was close.
"Please tell me you can help him."
Ms. Sasayaki sighed, cocking her head.
"It's not something I can promise. I know this may sound horrible, but less than half of this staff actually went to medical school. Most monsters that do, simply go to work for the humans."
Tora huffed.
"That sounds highly irresponsible."
"Most monsters don't get sick and many simply need a safe place to rest while their body heals. Coach Kotsubo for instance. We did nothing for him other than keep him hydrated and watch over him. He was fully healed up by Thursday and released the next day."
Kurumu grimaced, clutching her tail tightly.
"Surprised that guy will still be teaching."
"He put in his resignation."
There was a brief silence. The woman gestured for Kurumu to hand over her tail.
"But how? What about his gym class?"
"After his incident last year, we had his assistant, Mr. Hirata, take a schedule that would allow him to fill Coach Kotsubo's shoes if something else happened."
Kurumu held her tail tightly.
"You fired him."
"I believe his continued employment was under discussion, but he resigned before that decision could be made."
"So he's gone? Just like that?"
"I believe he is still in town to watch his team play their games this weekend. Probably give them a little pep talk before heading his way out. Considering your field trip has kept Mr. Nurari unavailable for days, I find it unlikely he had the time to make arrangements to leave today or tomorrow."
Kurumu had forgotten all about the soccer team having home games. She had no idea what time they were or how well the team was doing.
Her thoughts quickly drifted to Mizore. The girl had shown no indication of knowing about Kotsubo's decision. Worrying thoughts of how the news would harm the girl brought fresh tears to her eyes.
"Now, I believe we should empty your tail."
Hanetsume snorted.
"You mean to yank her tail?"
Ms. Sasayaki smiled, holding the test tube in one hand and the bucket between her knees.
"That is the idea. I will take a sample of this and hopefully she will be in an agreeable mood for internal scans to see how active her inner organ is and if there are any other changes within her body."
"Should we be leaving the room?"
Ms. Sasayaki took a breath, glancing about the group.
"I can't say how Ms. Kurono will behave in a one on one environment. Normally I would have an assistant, but this is the weekend and we tend to be understaffed these days."
Tora regarded Kurumu's tail.
"I would prefer leaving the room."
"Could you hold Ms. Kurono?"
"Why?"
"Because I think she doesn't want me touching her tail."
Kurumu scooted back on the bed.
"Is Tsukune going to be okay?"
Moka got up and placed a hand on Ms. Sasayaki's shoulder.
"She's worried that Tsukune will die."
The teacher shrugged.
"I haven't seen his diagnosis. I only know he came in on Friday for a neck cramp."
"Dear Lord, is that what your uneducated staff reported it as?"
"I wouldn't say Doctor Yutaka Yuji is uneducated. More like we are out of practice. All our schooling is over the human anatomy, which is why a lot of educated monsters in the medical field find little reason to work in a monster hospital."
"Pardon me, Ms. Sasayaki, but I don't see how his injury translated to a neck cramp."
"How did he get the injury?"
Kurumu and Tora both glanced at Hanetsume lingering at the door. The girl frowned.
"What?"
Kurumu lowered her head.
"Moka gave him some of her blood."
"The first time this happened, Moka's mother was brought in by the Headmaster to alleviate his condition. Would that be possible?"
Ms. Sasayaki chuckled.
"Do you realize how important Ms. Akashiya's mother is? I was shocked that the Headmaster called her in for that matter."
Tora placed a hand on Kurumu's shoulder.
"Could you tell him about the situation? He might be able to help Tsukune."
"Is that boy's neck rash really that bad?"
Moka sighed.
"While you were out looking for Ms. Sasayaki, the doctor seeing Tsukune was considering the possibility of blood poisoning."
Ms. Sasayaki smiled.
"But that isn't the case. It's blood rejection."
"No. Rebellion."
"Rebellion?"
"Blood has a will of its own. It's fighting for control over Tsukune."
Ms. Sasayaki paused, regarding the vampire.
"Would calling your mother help?"
"Maybe. If she's willing. Blood is vital to a vampire. She won't want to give up more for my mistakes."
Ms. Sasayaki sighed, nodding.
"I will let the Headmaster know. That's all I can promise."
"I'm so sorry about this. It didn't seem like I had any other options at the time."
"Yalls be talking hush hush and it bothers me. Ya gonna yank her tail or whats?"
Kurumu huffed out a laugh, shaking her head. She turned pleading eyes up at Ms. Sasayaki.
"Do we really have to do this?"
"I honestly can't say. A man's body would recycle his reproductive fluids. Most women eject theirs. You're an unknown. I can't tell you if this will go away on its own or if you have to get rid of it. My professional opinion is that you have to get rid of it. And with that thought, may as well do so as a donation to the study of your kind."
"Should I hold her too?"
Ms. Sasayaki smiled, gesturing with a gloved hand at Kurumu's other side.
"I must say I do appreciate the help, girls. I took some samples from Ms. Kurono in a lab room once after having her swallow down an aphrodisiac. I suspected at the time she charmed Ms. Sendou and her aura was highly inviting for me to make things more personal than a simple sample collection."
Kurumu blushed, recalling being poked in sensitive places.
"That wasn't my fault."
"I didn't say it was. You're highly potent when you desire to be."
That was a disturbing and scary thought. What if Tsukune's behavior this past week had all been due to her wanting him? Long ago, Yukari had suggested it was possible that she was influencing him simply by being near him. She had dismissed it because he resisted her thoroughly for weeks, but maybe that was because her own fear had restrained her. As her comfort level at the idea of having sex with him elevated, she might have unintentionally pushed him to her.
Kurumu sniffled as strong hands clamped down on her shoulders and elbows. She let go of her tail, which Ms. Sasayaki gingerly took in her gloved hands. Scooting up close, the woman pulled her spade over to the bucket cinched between her thighs. The teacher pulled the tube out of the bucket and spun off the plastic end.
"You will have to open this for me."
Kurumu shivered as she complied. A gush of reddish fluids splattered into the bucket.
"Oh dear. Did any of this get on you girls?"
It looked like it had only splattered a bit on Ms. Sasayaki's lab coat. Clucking her tongue, the woman brought the tube up to the end of the stigma, which was dripping the reddish fluids.
"Does it feel better?"
"No."
"Hmm. This might be a byproduct of holding it in too long. I'm going to try something and hopefully you don't find this arousing."
Kurumu gasped as Ms. Sasayaki let go of her spade to bring those gloved fingers to rub against her stigma. She whimpered, trying to yank her tail away and squealing when those fingers clamped down like a vice on her sensitive stigma.
"Hold still. I wouldn't want to damage this."
Kurumu could not manage words as she whimpered and mewled under the woman's fingers. The feeling was intense. This was why she avoided playing with the silly thing. It was not pleasurable. She wanted to escape. The only decent thing about this happening was Moka's desire.
"Sounds like it hurts."
"It might. I assume this little thing prefers moist environments."
That comment got ever girl intrigued. It was unusual to feel something from Hanetsume. While other girls had this sweet, sugary tenderness, hers was more of a sour roughness.
It happened suddenly. She felt muscles in her tail pulse that she was dimly aware of. The first gout was pinkish and immediately filled the tube. The teacher pulled it aside, holding her stigma and aiming it for the bucket as more spurts followed. It was so weird looking. She did feel better but it was not anything like an orgasm. It was more like the relief she felt from emptying her bladder. That was saddening.
Hanetsume had wandered over and glanced over Ms. Sasayaki's shoulder into the bucket as the woman let go of Kurumu's stigma to screw the top back on the tube.
"Damn that be lots of strawberry milk."
Tora laughed, letting go of Kurumu's elbow to touch her chest.
"That was… educational. I feel dirty over this."
"Did it feel good?"
Kurumu pouted at Moka.
"No. It felt weird."
"I've always wondered if cows like being milked."
Kurumu whimpered, favoring the girl a distressed look.
"It wasn't enjoyable at all."
Ms. Sasayaki smiled apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Kurono. I don't know if there is a trick to making that more pleasurable but making you aroused was not my intention."
The woman grabbed the bucket and stood up from the stool. Walking around Hanetsume, she headed for the door.
"I'm going to take this to the lab for analysis and dispose of the rest of this. I will be back in a couple minutes, so don't run off anywhere."
The woman tucked the bucket in the crook of her arm so that she could open the door. She slipped out into the hall, closing the door behind her.
Kurumu took a deep breath. She did feel so much better than she had at the start of the day. Feeling slightly dizzy, she leaned against Tora as she closed up her spade end. She shuddered at her stigma being touched by her own insides.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm exhausted."
"Never seen a girl do that before. Weird shit."
"Well, Ms. Hanetsume. Kurumu is an unusual girl."
"Ya tells me. She squirts too."
Kurumu sighed as Tora frowned.
"Squirts? What do you mean by that?"
"Something came up in our study group. Chick here squirts, whatever that means."
Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head. This should not be surprising coming from a girl that had no idea what a condom was.
"If you two are that curious about it, just ask Yukari. She can explain it better than I can."
Hanetsume snorted.
"Weird to hear a kid can talk sex better than ya."
"I don't care. I just want to get my tests done and somebody owes me a lunch for this."
Hanetsume smirked.
"I think that be on the lady that did the milking."
Kurumu doubted that would happen.
Kurumu pushed her key into her lock, turning the deadbolt. She pushed open the door and stepped in her small foyer, turning sideways to regard the two that had accompanied her home. Moka leaned in to set two plastic bags down on Kurumu's floor.
"Are you sure the two of you don't want to come in? I could make tea."
Tora smiled, shaking her head.
"It's late and Moka won't last much longer."
"I'm not that bad."
"It's after eight and you yawned the whole way here."
Kurumu chuckled, pawing at the handles of the plastic bag that hung from her forearm.
"Yea. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good night, Kurumu."
Kurumu nodded as she closed the door, drawing back the deadbolt. She sighed, leaning her head against the door. It had been a long, emotional day. Taking a deep breath, Kurumu bent down to slip out of her shoes and grab up the other two bags of kitchen goods she had purchased.
Her fever had broken within a half hour of her embarrassing exam room experience. The internal scans confirmed her little organ was bustling with activity to make more 'strawberry milk'. This resulted in uncomfortable discussions of how much sex she had been having in order for Ms. Sasayaki to estimate how much longer she would have to endure her body being like this.
Kurumu had confessed to having sex the past couple nights. Under the presumption that her body took about a week to process things, Kurumu was on strict order to not be alone with any of her friends. She had also been discouraged from having any more sex unless she wanted to go through this more.
Kurumu sighed as she flipped on the switch to light up the room. She walked around the half wall and by the stove to the empty counter and set her bags down. She took out the kettle first, opening one of the three overhead cabinets. She could only reach the lower shelf, which she had already placed her skillets and saucepans.
Scooting over to the last cabinet above the dishwasher, she fetched out her small cup set. Each one had a slightly different design that reminded her of how all of Yukari's bento boxes were different. She placed the cups one at a time next to the matching plates and bowls.
While she had forgotten to bring the list, she felt like she had picked up most of the items she needed. Closing up the cabinets, she pulled open the only drawer which was below the counter next to the stove. It only had the soup spoons that had come with the bowls. Opening another bag, she pulled out the cooking measure set and regarded the drawer.
It did not look deep enough. She knew the narrow drawers that flanked the sink were deeper, but they were best suited for rags and sponges as Yukari was doing. Taking apart the measure set, Kurumu set the largest one she felt would fit in the drawer and tried closing it. Having confirmed what could go in the drawer, she opened the overhead cabinet and set the larger measures next to the kettle.
She pulled a large utensil set from the same bag and started removing all the black ties that held the items together. This had been the most expensive item she had bought today, ringing up at three thousand five hundred yen. It came with a cheese grater, potato peeler and a can opener. There were three spatulas, a couple slotted spoons, a couple not slotted, tongs, pancake turners and a whisk. She sighed, realizing this square grater would not fit in the drawer. She opened the cabinet again, wondering if it made sense to put it with the kettle. Shrugging, she did so as it would be weird to open the cabinet over the sink for only this item. She was leaving that empty for future purchases.
Finishing this task which left a mess of black clips and ties, Kurumu pushed this aside and pulled the last items out of that bag. She had picked up four individual flatware sets which had chopsticks, a fork and a spoon wrapped in a floral patterned napkin. She had picked up four different napkin colors, though the utensils all looked the same. She placed each set next to each other on one side of the drawer.
Closing the drawer, Kurumu pulled a baby blue wastebasket out of the last bag which also had a box of small trash liners. Thinking to make use of these shopping bags, she used one as a liner and tossed all the mess on the counter into the basket. With the counter cleared off of all but the other bags and the box, Kurumu opened up the cabinet beneath the sink and stowed everything away.
She sighed, turning about and regarding her room. Her suite was still barren, but at least her kitchen had a respectable amount of stuff. She had held off from buying the knife set with the cutting board despite how essential it was for cooking. She had the funds but that would have been dropped her to less than a thousand yen. She was not about to ask her mother for more money.
She absently touched her breast as her heart twisted in grief. She had blown most of her money and she still could not do something as simple as make breakfast. She needed a mixing bowl for pancakes or French toast. She could not cut any vegetables which threw out omelets. Maybe she should have bought the knife set after all. But the thought of being broke for six weeks was intimidating.
Kurumu steadied her breathing, pushing off the counter and heading for her closet. There was nothing she could do. She should sleep. The sooner she got to morning, the sooner she would get through this week. Then things could go back to normal.
In her closet, Kurumu glanced at her futon but decided to undress first. Letting her tail slip back in caused her white shorts to sag dangerously. She wiggled out of them as she tugged her tank top over her head, tossing both garments in her hamper. She regarded her wardrobe and felt the same twinge of sadness that had been gnawing at her.
She owned nothing. She had nothing. No pajamas. No dresses. No fancy clothes. No sexy lingerie. Even if she begged her mother to send all her belongings to Yokai, that would not change. What did she really have? Some stuffed animals and a bed. More clothes, but not much different than the tank tops and shorts she had brought. She had no electronics. No music. No books.
For all the crap her mother had, she was aware most of it was not bought. Her mother had not bought those sleazy movies. Those were gifts from some weird guy her mother had regularly been with. The dresses and lingerie. Gifts with no resell value. They were broke all the time. For how much crap she criticized her mother for, the woman would only do enough to get them by. Because nobody could truly enjoy sex without love. There was not enough money in the world to make it right.
Kurumu sniffled as she grabbed up the blue corduroy tank top, pulling it on. She should not write her mother tonight. She felt so bad. She had behaved so poorly today. She just wanted to forget today ever happened. They could blame chemical imbalances, but Kurumu remembered it so clearly it hurt. She had hurt Moka so much today. Why had she said such horrible things?
Tsukune would be fine. She knew it. Ms. Sasayaki would bring his condition to the attention of the Headmaster and something would be done. Tsukune was special to him. He would not allow Tsukune to die when he was the key to Moka's rosary.
She stepped up on the low shelf so she could grab her futon. Pulling it down, she waddled around the door and out into the room. She chucked the futon into the open space, backtracking to fetch her pillow and sheet. Leaving the closet and shutting the door, she knelt down and crawled over to the futon to smooth it out and fix the sheet and pillow. The bedding reeked of their recent lovemaking, which only made her more depressed.
Satisfied, she got up with a deep breath and headed back to her foyer to flip off the lights. She turned about, letting her eyes adjust to the darkness. She breathed in deep, closing her eyes.
She opened her eyes, regarding the wall that divided her apartment from Yukari's. She wondered what the witch had been doing all day. It was not even nine so she doubted the girl would be asleep. Maybe she could go over and talk some before turning in for the night.
The thought of sleeping with Yukari made her stomach twist. Was she lonely or was this another chemical imbalance? Would she really do such a thing to Yukari? She's only a little girl. Why did she have to have thoughts like this? She hated this. It made her nauseous.
Kurumu staggered across the room, feeling for the knob of the bathroom. She tugged the door open, the interior much too dark for her at the moment. She should brush her teeth. Her stuff was sitting somewhere on this wall sink. She fumbled around finding her tube of paste.
She retched. Some splattered on the floor. She had eaten light during dinner, so there should not be that much. Still these spasms tore up her midsection and she collapsed to her knees. She threw up again, hot fluids staining her thighs and knees. Chunks of noodles stuck to her skin.
She was all alone and it felt like nobody cared. This was for the best. She regarded the shower in which they had made love in this morning, slumping to the floor. How quickly happiness fades.