Kurumu smiled as the pressure on her arm lessened. The young man pressed a wad of cotton against her inner arm with two fingers before wrapping her arm up with a layer of white gauze. Tearing the wrap off, he pinned it with a clasp. He tugged the cylinder off the tubing, dropping it into the small cart beside the tray. He reached up and unhooked the bags of medicine.
"Are we sure about this?"
Kurumu waved her hand dismissively at Satsuki whom lingered in the room next to Nerume. They had already been served breakfast in their rooms, since Kurumu was on a strict diet and the staff did not want to trouble Nerume by forcing her to go down to the first floor cafeteria. The moment Satsuki had joined them, Kurumu had pushed the nurse call to get the answers she wanted.
"You heard him. All they plan to do is watch us over the weekend. I'm not skipping out on your birthday because something might happen."
Nerume sighed.
"It's so dumb. I get that they have lives too, but what did they expect me to do all weekend?"
Like Kurumu, there was no plans to do anything special with Nerume. The kirin had a spinal scan on Monday morning and would resume her physical therapy, which was scheduled out for the next two weeks. The girl was not supposed to leave that entire time, but there seriously was nothing expected from her during the weekends which most the staff had off.
"We'll both have to come back Sunday night."
"I don't want to come back."
Unlike the two of them, Satsuki was dressed in black crew shirt and baggy, olive cargo pants. She had Nerume's CD player stuffed in one of her side pockets along with the two Hime CDs.
"You have to come back. Sounds like Kurumu just needs a quick check to confirm the surgery was good."
Kurumu grinned as the nurse wandered to the door with his cart of things. He absently opened the door, guiding his cart about the swing. Focused on his task, he pulled his burden out into the hall and walked away. Kurumu tried tugging the sleeve down to cover the wrap but quickly realized it was not meant to be long. She was short so it looked long. Nerume's sleeves almost reached her elbows.
"I hope that's all. I can't find Fusamina if I spend too much time in here."
Satsuki nodded, gesturing back at the hall.
"So how long is that charm of yours good for?"
Kurumu shrugged as she walked over to join them.
"He's not the only nurse on duty. We should head out quickly."
"They got mad at us last night when we went to the elevators."
Satsuki chuckled, shaking her head.
"If I had known you two were going to do something this stupid, I would have brought clothes."
Kurumu frowned.
"Could you have?"
"Well… yea. The faculty gave me both of your bags. I have your keys and cards."
Nerume steadily plodded her way to the open door. Being fresh from sleep, she was moving decently, though it was still slower than a lethargic walk. Touching Satsuki's shoulder, Kurumu prompted the girl to head out. Satsuki chuckled, shaking her head as she easily slipped out in the hall ahead of Nerume.
"Isn't that hard?"
"It's easier if I keep them closer together. I can almost balance on one."
"That little cheerleader was able to do that on Tomisaki. I'm sure you can do it."
"They need to make these things sturdier. I keep worrying that they will snap."
Kurumu smiled as they walked steadily down the hall. She realized they had not closed the door.
"You have my letter?"
Satsuki nodded, patting her left thigh pocket.
"Good. Figure they might throw that out if they saw what I wrote."
"I don't bother writing my parents. I figure Aunt Shizuka will pass along any important information."
"You should write your mother, Satsuki. I write to mine at least once a week."
Satsuki snorted.
"Mail only goes out once a week. Not much point doing writing more than that."
"If a lot happens over the weekend, I will write something Sunday night instead of Thursday."
"How often has that been the case? Once? Twice?"
Kurumu grinned as she watched Nerume's progress. Her feet brushed along the floor with every movement, sometimes looking firm. The girl spent most of her time looking at her feet.
"Can you put weight on your feet?"
"Hmm? Oh. I do if it looks right, but I shouldn't. They said I could hurt my legs by putting my weight on them wrong. I could break my leg and not notice because I can't feel them."
They arrived at the lobby. Kurumu was aware that there was a nurse station nearby that monitored the lobby with the security cameras. Satsuki strolled around them to reach the elevators first, pressing the call button. She turned about, thrusting her hands in her pockets as she leaned back against the wall between the metallic doors.
"So are we going to walk all the way to the dorms with you two dressed like that?"
Kurumu shrugged.
"I was thinking I would fly with Nerume, but I don't know if you can keep up with that."
"Can't carry us both?"
Kurumu chuckled.
"I'm a weak girl. These arms are puny."
"So come back and get me after dropping her off."
Kurumu sighed, hearing Tobuyoku scolding her in memories.
"I lack the stamina for that. I might be able to fly Nerume there without having to stop. No way I could fly back and then fly there again. That has to be over an hour of flying. The most I've managed without help is about a half hour."
"Excuse me, ladies, but where are you going?"
Kurumu glanced at the man whom had appeared from another hallway. He was dressed in a white shirt and white slacks. He had a silver pair of glasses over his eyes, likely under orders of the Headmaster. Unfortunately those orders meant nothing now that she was unrestrained.
"We're going down to the first floor to visit a friend."
The elevator announced its arrival, the doors slowly pulling apart.
"I'm going to have to ask you to return to your rooms."
This attitude had worked last night when they realized the elevator would not go up to the fifth floor and how much of a pain it would have been for Nerume to use the stairs. It would not work now. She pushed Nerume on the back of her shoulder to prompt the girl to move as Satsuki slipped inside the car.
"I'm going to have to ask you to return to your room."
The man smirked at her sass.
"Your pretty eyes won't fool me."
Kurumu held her arms out.
"How do you propose to stop me from leaving without touching me?"
Not feeling in the mood to demonstrate, Kurumu walked over to the elevator as Nerume finally shuffled into the car. The black haired man grabbed her by the forearm before she could escape.
"That's enough from you."
"Come with us."
His grip did not lessen but he gruffly stepped into the elevator. He scowled at Satsuki, slapping a hand for the first floor button.
"I'm going to report this."
"Yes, you should."
Satsuki gestured at him with amusement as they all moved to comfortable positions in the large elevator. The man's hand squeezed Kurumu's arm, only strengthening her hold on him.
"You charmed him?"
"I'm turning all of you in."
"Yes, because we're bad girls. You have to tell your supervisor about us."
Satsuki shook her head. The elevator descended steadily.
"I thought your charm was limited to eye contact."
"Kurumu said that she recently learned how to charm girls."
Satsuki frowned.
"Are you serious?"
"Yea. At first I thought it was because of my body responding to Tsukune, but I guess it doesn't matter."
"So… you can like control the minds of everyone with a glance?"
"I don't know. Maybe. I'd rather focus on getting out of the hospital."
"You aren't going anywhere."
"Yes. Your supervisor will be mad at us."
"You bet he will be."
"Does he realize he's charmed?"
The man snorted, gesturing to his shades.
"These protect me from this girl's gaze."
"He's an idiot. He forgot that he can't touch me and I've convinced him that he can."
He frowned.
"I'm touching you right now, stupid girl. And I'm turning you in."
"Touch you? I thought it was sight based."
Kurumu shrugged.
"Touch. Sight. I think I charmed Sabaku once by sound."
Satsuki bit her lip nervously, backing away a step. Nerume giggled.
"Kind of cool, right?"
"Kind of scary. You complained all the time about accidentally controlling boys. What's going to happen now if you removed your sight restriction? Will you accidentally charm your friends?"
Nerume frowned.
"What would she make us do? Be nicer to each other?"
Satsuki laughed nervously as the elevator came to a stop. The doors slowly opened.
"She might. Kurumu is an idiot."
Kurumu touched the man's hand as she peered up at him.
"You forgot something upstairs. We can wait for you here."
The man scowled, letting go of her arm. He moved over to the buttons, pushing his floor and gesturing for them to exit.
"Don't you go anywhere. I'm going to be right back down."
Kurumu backed out of the elevator. The first floor elevator lobby was not much different than other floors due to this being at the end of the public section of the building. Through the double doors was the main entrance with pathways to the cafeteria and gift shop. Why did hospitals have gift shops? Such a weird thing.
The man grumbled as it took almost half a minute for Satsuki and Nerume to exit the elevator. The doors closed and she favored them with a smile. Moving to the double doors, she held it open so Nerume could pass through without trouble.
"This seems ridiculously easy."
"The hospital is understaffed even when it isn't the weekend. We could have left last night if we really had wanted to."
Satsuki sighed, shaking her head as they made their way towards the main lobby.
"I love you, Nerume, but I'm going to carry you if you can't move faster."
"I'm trying my best."
There was nobody at the reception desk presently for some reason. Kurumu glanced about the open lobby, catching sight of Rubi. The witch was turning to regard them, following the gaze of a familiar woman standing beside her. Rubi was still dressed in the same clothes from yesterday while this other woman had on a black dress with long sleeves and a puritan collar. Her cuffs flared out with white lace at the wrists. More lace was stitched along the hem of her dress that fell to her ankles. Glossy black high heeled boots vanished beneath the heavy fabric.
"Ms. Kurono!"
Yukari's mother. Kurumu's hand drifted to her breast as she realized that was why this woman was familiar. The fine black hair that curled slightly at the shoulders and the smooth, familiar face. The woman smiled as Rubi gestured for them to come over.
"What's that witch girl doing here?"
Kurumu grinned, aware that Satsuki had met Rubi last Saturday. Kurumu abandoned her course for the outside door, tapping Nerume's shoulder before heading over to the pair of witches. She moved around the rows of chairs for people waiting, though all were vacant.
"This is Kurono Kurumu, a friend of your daughter. I'm afraid I can't tell you whom these other two are, but they might be her friends too."
Yukari's mother looked young. It was hard to explain and yet it made sense. Yukari was only eleven so it was quite possible her mother was not even thirty. The woman nodded with a polite smile.
"Sendou Fujiko. My daughter has spoken of you."
Rubi bit her lip, toying with the tail of hair tied up by her ribbon near her left ear.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Sendou. I know I'm only an acquaintance."
Kurumu smiled as Nerume halted her noisome march next to her. Satsuki drifted over to Nerume's other side, scratching the back of her head.
"I'm Unari Satsuki, from Yukari's class. This is Genzouyaki Nerume, my friend from Kaigan of the Semboku district of the Akita prefecture."
The woman glanced over Nerume, stepping closer to brush her fingers about the kirin's ebony tresses about her right ear.
"You poor thing. It must be serious if you are still in crutches days later."
Nerume giggled, closing her eyes as the woman fawned over her.
"Everybody fusses too much about this. I'll be fine."
Kurumu smiled, gesturing to Rubi.
"I don't know if you've ever met Rubi, Nerume."
"We haven't."
Mrs. Sendou drew back, clasping her hands at her waist.
"It sounds like you girls had a rough time."
Kurumu shrugged, regarding Nerume.
"I think I got off pretty easy by comparison."
Rubi glanced over her shoulder before gesturing at her.
"What is with your attire? Are you down here for a walk?"
Nerume giggled and Satsuki smirked. The nekomusume gestured at the exterior door.
"We are escaping."
Mrs. Sendou frowned, though there was amusement in her brown eyes.
"You girls should focus on getting better."
"Well… it's kind of my birthday and we had made plans before all this happened."
Nerume sighed.
"We should have invited Ms. Sendou."
"Yea. I was thinking I would ask her even if Satsuki refused."
"You were plotting to get the girl drunk."
"No. Well… I knew she would be interested in trying it out. You know how she is."
Mrs. Sendou clucked her tongue, wagging a finger at Kurumu.
"Such inappropriate behavior. I can see why she enjoyed your company."
Kurumu smiled softly.
"I'm sorry. I keep thinking if I had gone home with Yukari, none of this would have happened."
Mrs. Sendou sighed, reaching over to place a hand on her shoulder.
"Some things are difficult to predict. You can't wish for a better past."
"Yea, Kurumu. She was with Akashiya and Aono."
"And you were told to have less contact with Tsukune. It's not your fault."
Mrs. Sendou drew back, gesturing at her attire.
"And we need to do something about this. You will draw too much attention this way."
Satsuki chuckled.
"She's a succubus, Mrs. Sendou. She's meant to draw attention."
"So I have been told."
The woman took in a deep breath touching her chest. Closing her eyes, she reached out and touched Kurumu's bosom. Immediately Kurumu could feel the difference. Instead of coarse fabric, the material upon her torso was thin and light. The floral pattern was replaced by a simple lavender dress that hung from her shoulder with wide straps. The garment cinched about her waist with a built in sash of similar color. The bottom billowed out in a pleated skirt that almost touched her knees.
"That should do for now."
The witch smiled, turning to Nerume.
"As for you, I think you will need something that accommodates your condition."
"Can you make these ugly things black?"
Kurumu chuckled as Mrs. Sendou smiled. Once again she closed her eyes and did the motions. Upon touching Nerume, the girl's ragged gown was replaced with a pair of coveralls and a lime green crew tee. As requested, the crutches were now a solid black.
"Any tools in your spells that will help this girl move faster? It's a long walk back to the dorms."
The woman laughed, shaking her head.
"Short of giving you a ride, I don't."
"This is cool. I should get an outfit like this."
"You look childish."
"Kurumu should get a dress. She doesn't have any."
Satsuki snorted.
"I don't have any."
"I didn't bring any. I do have some."
Satsuki sighed at Nerume's declaration, glancing over her shoulder at the main doors.
"Should we be going? That guy might come back soon and I doubt these illusions will deter him."
"We should have some time. So where is Moka?"
"She's still sleeping at Ms. Nekonome's place. She's too difficult to wake."
"I'm serious, Kurumu. We should go."
Mrs. Sendou smiled softly.
"May I suggest accompanying us? My daughter told us about you moving into a nearby suite. It was our last conversation before… this."
"Can we all fit in your car?"
Mrs. Sendou grinned.
"Who said we had a car?"
Satsuki thrust her hands back in her pockets as she glanced about.
"So… what are we waiting for?"
"My husband. He is fetching our daughter as we speak."
Kurumu's heart twisted, fearing this.
"Taking her back to her suite."
Mrs. Sendou smiled softly.
"We have to stop there and pack her things. We will be spending the night since we were unable to schedule a same day departure with Mr. Nurari."
"So that's it? Is she being expelled?"
Mrs. Sendou regarded Satsuki.
"I don't believe so. We are aware that some members of the staff have implied that our daughter ended the lives of some of her antagonists while in this hospital. As far as Tamanori is concerned, that reflects poorly on the hospital and they would be fools to admit their negligence."
"Tamanori?"
"My husband. The Headmaster and the hospital have agreed to say nothing about this incident."
Satsuki snorted.
"Provided you leave."
Mrs. Sendou shook her head.
"No. I think Tamanori proved his point well when the accusation was leveled against our daughter. We are here to remove her from the school because it is no longer the safe place my father taught for and which I graduated from. Ever since that attempt on the Headmaster's life, this place has become worse to the point that Father retired in disgust."
Kurumu frowned as that messed with the timeline in her head. The attempt on his life was over a decade ago, which meant this woman would have graduated maybe a year or two before that incident. She supposed that was possible.
"What year did you graduate from Yokai?"
"Ninety two. Why?"
"Oh. I thought you were younger than thirty."
Mrs. Sendou laughed, touching the slight swell of her bosom.
"I am. I graduated before I turned sixteen."
Kurumu smiled. She knew her mother graduated the same year she was born, so this young mother had never crossed paths with hers. She sighed.
"I wish you would let her stay."
Mrs. Sendou smiled softly.
"I can't convince him of that. Not after what they did to my baby. If she can't be safe in the shadow of the daughter of Mrs. Shuzen… what is wrong with this school? I can't pretend that my husband or I have any love for Fairy Tale, but this is unacceptable."
Kurumu nodded, unable to think of anything contrary to say.
"When are you leaving?"
"We have arranged a departure with Mr. Nurari at eight in the morning tomorrow."
Satsuki sighed.
"Well that's crummy news to hear on my birthday. Can she come to my party?"
Mrs. Sendou shrugged.
"I don't know if that will be good for you. From what we hear, she's barely responsive."
Satsuki glanced up, nodding as her eyes wavered.
"Okay. But we're spending the night. Probably in three nineteen, since stairs are very hard on Nerume."
Satsuki started to cry as she struggled through her words.
"If you could. Let us know. Before you go. I want to be there."
Mrs. Sendou smiled.
"I'm sorry. I can tell this is difficult for you."
"Satsuki was almost her friend."
Satsuki regarded Kurumu with pained eyes.
"She never liked me anyways. Her damn allergies."
Mrs. Sendou had a light of recognition in her eyes as she touched her chest.
"The cat girl. She did speak of you."
"Probably complaints."
"Yes. Complaints."
They all laughed which helped alleviate the heavy atmosphere that had settled over them. Kurumu noted the pained look in Rubi's eyes. She turned aside and that weight upon her heart returned with ferocity. A middle aged man with sandy blond hair, glasses and a moustache walked towards them while holding a girl garbed in a hospital gown in his arms. He had an angry air about him as the brunette accompanying him made her way to the receptionist desk.
"This is Sendou Tamanori, my husband."
Mr. Sendou clutched his daughter closer to his shoulder as he regarded them with ire.
"What are you doing now?"
"These girls are friends of Yukari."
"I have no interest in meeting the vampires responsible for this."
Mrs. Sendou managed a smile.
"This is Kurono Kurumu, the girl that moved next to her and switched homerooms to be with her. And this young one is the nekomusume she was often upset about."
The man's brown eyes softened. Though he relaxed his hold, Yukari clung tightly about his neck.
"My apologies. I am distressed over the lack of proper care bestowed upon my daughter. I suppose I should expect no less from a hospital that wants to boast how poor their security is that an eleven year old patient can wander into other rooms and murder their other patients."
Rubi placed a hand on Kurumu's shoulder.
"Mr. Sendou. I owe a great debt to Yukari. If it is possible, I would like to accompany you."
The man frowned inquisitively at his wife.
"This young woman survived that spectacle on the famous witch's hill. She's Toujou's daughter."
Mr. Sendou sighed, shaking his head.
"I will leave that decision to you. Right now, I want to be out of this place immediately."
"As do we all."
Mrs. Sendou gestured at them while regarding her husband.
"These girls would like a ride to the dorms. This one in particular."
Nerume frowned, lowering her head.
"Don't single me out."
Mr. Sendou studied them with mild interest.
"An illusion of yours. Are these girls patients?"
Kurumu smiled at him, offering a shrug.
"Is that a problem?"
"No. I can't fathom why anyone would want to stay in here."
Kurumu stepped in closer, touching Yukari's side. Yukari's face was better than her last memory. Her cheeks were whole and her nose was back to normal.
"How is she?"
"Heavily sedated. All this nonsense about her being unresponsive. Of course she's unresponsive. You pump this much drugs in a human and they would die from heart failure."
Kurumu frowned.
"Was that intentional?"
"Difficult to say if it is malicious or incompetence. We will be taking her to a private physician."
"We should get going. I'll start the spell."
Mrs. Sendou nodded, patting Rubi's shoulder as she started towards the door. Her motion spurned everyone to follow, though Nerume struggled a moment to get righted. Kurumu lagged behind, waving Satsuki to keep up with the others. The father paused halfway to the door, regarding them.
"You should carry that girl. There's no shame in requiring help."
Kurumu smiled, offering a hand to Nerume. The girl sighed.
"Okay."
Kurumu sighed as Kamitsuku took another picture of her sitting on the stool beside the table. She shook her head, looking at the cards in her hands. They were playing some card game that involved avoiding all the hearts and shooting the moon. She did not fully understand it beyond not wanting to get cards which added to her points. If someone broke a hundred, the game ended.
Tsubuyama Kosuru was her opponent on her left. The spiky, amber haired girl pensively studied her cards. The cheerleader wore a pink and grey striped tank top and white, cotton shorts. Her black sports bra peeked out over the loose garment.
Fujihara Asami was this tiny, tortoiseshell girl about Mizore's height. Her left eye was a reddish pink while her other was a frosted blue. Her hair hung down further than the watermelon green crop top that was painted upon her torso. The snarky girl in rich blue denim shorts had not hesitated cracking a joke about her melons. She played recklessly and had failed to shoot the moon twice now, with nearly fifty points to show for it. She liked taking cards.
Gizamimi Mao was the last girl at this table which was pushed up against the couch, cutting the available spaces down to four. The quiet girl had smooth, silky hair which was long enough to cover her eyes and ears but not reach her shoulders. Her black hair was darker than the faded black of her long sleeved shirt and leggings. She was the same height as Tsubuyama which made her about the same as Sakamori, wherever that girl had wandered off to.
It had been a busy morning. The Sendous had dropped off Nerume and Satsuki before flying her over to the suites. It was difficult to explain what the transportation had been. The best description Kurumu could offer was that Mrs. Sendou had steered a cloud. It was an enclosed space and they had remained standing the entire journey.
Having forgotten to retrieve her schoolbag, she had used Yukari's device to enter her room. Kurumu could tell the mother was wavering on the decision to remove Yukari, but Mr. Sendou was dead set on doing things the way they had discussed prior to arrival. He was packing things away in a bag that had to be enchanted. There was no way he had fit all of Yukari's cookware in that single bag.
After showering and changing into her yellow tube top and her modified denim shorts, Kurumu had checked on them one final time to see how Yukari was doing. The girl was quietly lying in the bed with her mother, not saying anything. She clung to her pillow like her life depended on it. Her eyes would not move or focus.
Letting her wings and tail out, Kurumu had flown over to the dorms and waited patiently for a girl to let her in the lobby. It was still before eleven and Nerume needed help getting dressed. Apparently the two had spent the prior time showering, since it had been too difficult for Satsuki to remain dry and help. They had gotten Nerume into some panties and loose shorts, so that it would not be a hassle for her to use the restroom later on in the day. The pink Hello Kitty tee went well with the gray shorts.
"One of you has to have the two of clubs. Let's start."
Kurumu shook her head, throwing out the card in question. Tsubuyama frowned at her as her remark had been directed at the other two. The cheerleader sighed, throwing out the king of clubs. Gizamimi followed with the seven while Fujihara tossed out the five.
Winning the round, Tsubuyama coughed up the three of clubs. Gizamimi followed that with the six while Fujihara played the nine. Realizing she would win the round regardless, Kurumu played the ace. Feeling she could, she started the next round with the ace of diamonds. Tsubuyama played the king and Gizamimi dropped the jack. Fujihara played out the three.
"Could you stop trying to shoot the moon?"
"I have to succeed at least once this round."
"You don't have the cards for it. Just stop."
Kurumu chuckled, playing out her two of diamonds. Tsubuyama responded with the queen while Gizamimi dropped the five and Fujihara followed with the six. Tsubuyama played out the two of spades. Gizamimi followed with the four and Fujihara played the ace. Supposing she cared little about Fujihara's silliness, Kurumu gave her the queen. Tsubuyama sighed, shaking her head.
"I'm telling you now, you aren't getting my hearts."
"We'll see about that."
Kurumu was sitting on the ace of hearts. She could win any hand lead with the hearts. Fujihara led of diamond run with the ten, which happened to be the largest diamond. It did not break the heart suit. She followed it with the queen of clubs, which finally resulted in Gizamimi giving up the eight of hearts. She then led the jack of spades, which got her the ten, nine and five of spades. She followed with the eight of spades, which got the three of hearts from Tsubuyama.
"I got one."
"You won't get the others, dork."
It really depended on if the girl had the depth to keep running the cards. She played the king of spades next and Kurumu had no spades. Feeling a little sorry for Fujihara, Kurumu coughed up the ace of hearts.
"Don't give her the game."
Kurumu shrugged. Fujihara was so far behind, it hardly mattered. Tsubuyama threw off the four of clubs while Gizamimi gave up the seven of hearts. Fujihara led with the six of spades. Kurumu tossed out her ten of hearts. Tsubuyama sighed, tossing out her eight of clubs while Gizamimi gave up the six of hearts. Fujihara led with the jack of hearts.
"You dummy. I have the king and queen. I guess I get the rest of the hearts."
Sure enough, Tsubuyama took the last seven hearts while Fujihara whined about taking nineteen points. Shaking her head, Tsubuyama shuffled the deck.
As discussed, they had planned to arrive at the dining hall at noon to meet up with Tsubuyama, stopping by Sakamori's room to remind the shojo about their outing. It was a good thing they had, as the silly girl in apartment 301 had still been sleeping. They ended up a half hour late but at least all the other girls had been gathered in one place when they had finally arrived.
That lunch had been such a needed change of atmosphere. They could laugh and talk about things like normal. It was good to not be reminded about the difficulty of their situation and it seemed like all the girls were carefully steering around the subject. They talked about school and club and how Dakiashi really should not skip out on practice with their first games coming up next week.
Naturally there had been others that had stuck around upon hearing that Kurumu could make an appearance. Kana had lingered to reassure Kurumu that she was fine and that nothing had happened to her. She left shortly after that with plans to meet up with her junior high friends in Mononoke.
Honda and Dangai had both been there, apologizing that the track girls had afternoon practice and had cut out shortly after noon to not be late. It also happened to be the reason why Hiyoshi Itsuko had not joined them on their little adventure, but planned to meet up with them when they took the party to their dorm room after dinner.
Honda had been the only one insisting to be reassured about the fate of Tsukune. She was very worried about Kurumu and didn't want to see such a bad thing happen to her happiness. It was good that Dangai had been there to keep Honda from getting too emotional.
When Kurumu asked about Ginei, she found out that he was working closely with the PSC and had actually lunched with Tora and them. He had suspended their club meetings after the incident and Honda had no idea when they would resume. Those two had left before the track girls, having some PSC meeting to attend. Satsuki had forgotten to mention it, but assured them that she had been excused with it being her birthday.
Kamitsuku had been hanging around, having agreed to take pictures for Satsuki yesterday. He had asked Tora about Satsuki's birthday plans and somehow ended up involved. He was thankful that he had not ended up the only boy in this outing.
This double suite, 603, which they currently were in belonged to Asobitani Irouji and Zaisan Tomi. Both boys were seniors on the baseball team and came from the same Tsunan community half these girls were from. Asobitani was deliberately skipping practice under the ruse of stomach sickness with Zaisan explaining his absence to the coach.
As far as suites went, this was similar to 319. The bathroom was a little bigger, which apparently was the case for all double suites this side of the adjacent single suite. The guys said they did not bother ever using the stove. They were fine getting by on the snacks and drinks that they stored in the fridge.
The couch faced an entertainment system with a TV hooked up to a gaming system. Dakiashi was currently playing a fighting game while sitting in Asobitani's lap. Hidarimeki was her opponent. Despite the couch, the three were sitting in front of it on the floor. Nerume was alone on the couch, regarding the TV with mild interest.
To conserve some space, the boys had bunked their beds with Asobitani boasting about himself being the one on top. The girls had teased him about that being the only thing he was on top of, much to Dakiashi's embarrassment. Apparently this relationship was almost a year old but none of the girls had known about it until today. It had come as a surprise even to Hidarimeki.
Hidarimeki Tsuri was sporting a checkered, unbuttoned blouse that was tied off at her bared midriff. She wore a navy sports bra beneath and a pair of faded denim jeans that had frayed holes near her knees. A black cap was drawn over her whitish curls.
Dakiashi Tabi was a rough girl with marmalade, scruffy locks and silver eyes. She was as tall as the other girls, which was not saying much. She wore a blue tee with the white outline of a heart that had a gray shadow. She had a loose pair of sweat pants that Asobitani occasionally let his hands drift into. She did not mind the subtle touching, speaking up when it was too much.
Asobitani was sporting a black pair of knit shorts and a white jersey with black sleeves. He had thick, beige hair which was trimmed short on the sides. He was in the computer program and was from class one with Mr. Hirata as his homeroom teacher. Kurumu had borrowed some paper to take some general notes, but she was not seriously trying to do any interviews. She had stuck with simple, generic facts for the ball players present in the room.
She was barely paying attention this round. She had picked up one heart this round and Fujihara had ended up with the queen of spades again which was half the points. Gizamimi had forced a couple rounds of hearts with low cards that ended up giving Fujihara eight of the hearts. The other five points were split between her and Gizamimi with Tsubuyama squeaking through without taking a point.
Fujihara sighed as Tsubuyama shuffled the deck for the next round.
"I wasn't even trying to shoot it that time and I still got over twenty points."
"Do you want to call it quits? I think Mao has the least points."
"May as well go a couple more rounds. I might not break this next hand."
Kurumu chuckled, aware that the girl had over ninety points. She smiled at Kamitsuku whom was staring at the TV. His camera hung on a black strap against his yellow shirt with the black outline of a face. His baggy cargo shorts stretched almost to his knees.
"Where's the birthday girl?"
"I think she's in the bathroom with Ms. Sakamori."
"Don't you have something better to do?"
He shrugged, glancing at the bathroom.
"I told her I would take pictures of her party so I didn't plan to do anything else."
"This must be really boring for you."
He grinned, patting the camera.
"I can't say what it was I expected, but hanging out in a guy's room for hours was not how I pictured a girl's birthday party."
Tsubuyama wagged her hand dismissively.
"We won't be doing anything special till after dinner."
"Are we doing anything special? I got the impression that nothing was planned."
Tsubuyama smirked at Fujihara.
"Tsuri and Itsuko have something worked up but the afternoon was whatever we felt like. I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't want to drag that poor girl around town."
Nerume sat up, peering over the couch.
"I wouldn't mind."
Satsuki came out of the bathroom, shaking her head. The shojo stumbled out next to her, her strawberry curls slick and dripping. Her bright red tee was darkened from moisture as she clung to Satsuki for support. Satsuki reluctantly guided the unsteady girl over to the table.
"Can someone watch this girl? She was passed out on the floor in a puddle of vomit."
Hinoko rested her head on Satsuki's shoulder, her body heaving with exaggerated breaths. Her gray, pleated skirt was also stained from this mishap.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Unari. I should have waited. I'm sorry."
"What is she moaning about?"
Satsuki shrugged, draping an arm over the girl's shoulder.
"I don't know. I think her stomach needs time to settle from a meal before pumping it full of alcohol."
Hinoko groaned, her eyes closed as she shuddered in Satsuki's grasp.
"I could take her outside. Fresh air might help clear her head."
Satsuki looked up at Kamitsuku whom was already moving to assist. She smiled in gratitude as he grabbed Hinoko by the upper arm and tugged her to him.
"Are you sure?"
Kamitsuku grimaced as the shojo leaned against him, wrapping her arms about his torso.
"Definitely. She reeks and everyone will thank me."
Kurumu caught a whiff as he guided the stumbling girl by. She covered her nose from the acrid smell, nodding her thanks as he made his way to the far corner of the apartment. He didn't bother stopping for shoes, tugging open the door and leading the clingy girl outside.
Kurumu had picked up on the fact that all seven of the senior baseball players lived in the nearby suites. Oshaberi Yuuboku was also from Tsunan and lived with Borohata Kenage from Tokamachi in suite 601. Borohata had a younger brother Gimpei, whom was a second year on the team.
Two more of their seniors were from Tokamachi and lived upstairs in 604. Zokubu Hitoshi also had a younger brother, Shujin, another second year on the team. The other senior was Kitamori Airashi, the young man that Chisa was dating. Nerume looked forward to meeting him.
Zaisan and Zokubu were both in class twelve with Mr. Mitani as their homeroom teacher while Oshaberi shared homeroom with Asobitani. She had not thought to pick up much else, figuring she would ask these boys her quick questions when they came back from their practice.
"Do any of you girls have boyfriends?"
Fujihara huffed at Satsuki's inquiry, regarding her cards.
"It's a limited selection from our Junior High. Are they any neko boys from your place, Ms. Unari?"
Satsuki placed her hand on Kurumu's shoulder as she sighed.
"None my age. They weren't that many nekomusume families."
Tsubuyama shrugged.
"Aserutani doesn't have many nekomusume families either."
Kurumu smiled, aware this was the name of the community in Tsunan.
"Do any of the other districts have nekomusume families?"
"Not much reason to. I hear it's easier to stick with human society if you marry into it. Teach your kids early to suppress their forms and they blend in without anyone ever knowing."
Gizamimi tossed out the two of clubs to start what might be the final round. Tsubuyama took the first hand with the ace and led the three of spades which Kurumu took with the jack. Kurumu threw out the four of spades, which Gizamimi sighed and took with the queen of spades.
"That's half the points. Good sign it won't be the last round."
"You have ninety four points. It's way too early for hope."
Fujihara stuck her tongue out at Tsubuyama.
"Anyways, there's two other boys from our community here. One's a second year and the other a first year. There's Fukusei Hyou whom is in band. I guess technically he's available, though I'd rather be with a girl than listen to him ramble on about anime."
Satsuki chuckled, shaking her head.
"I'm not looking to get hooked up."
Fujihara took the next hand with her ace of diamonds. She opened with a five of diamonds that Tsubuyama threw off her ace of spaces on while Gizamimi took with her ten.
"The first year is his cousin and he's just as bad. I heard he joined the manga club that you guys did an article for. His name is Nukugata Okiniiri from class one. Were you involved in that article?"
Kurumu shook her head as she realized she probably should not have thrown out her king of hearts on that jack of diamonds. Gizamimi took two hearts.
"Okay, Mao. Just because you took the queen, doesn't mean you should try for it."
Gizamimi shrugged without comment, leading the next hand with the queen of diamonds.
Kurumu and Tsubuyama had no diamonds. Kurumu held on to her jack of hearts, giving up the four since it would not take anything. Tsubuyama gave up the two, which meant Gizamimi now had four of the hearts. She started the next with the six of diamonds.
"Okay, we have to give up low cards, Kurumu."
Fujihara smirked and tossed out the queen of hearts.
"You jerk."
Fujihara stuck out her tongue as Kurumu tossed off her seven of clubs and Tsubuyama parted with her three of clubs. Gizamimi opened the next with the three of diamonds and Fujihara followed that with the nine of hearts.
"Stop giving her hearts."
Fujihara giggled, shaking her head.
"I have nothing else."
"Then stop giving her your high hearts."
Kurumu sighed, not sure if she could take anything at this point. Her highest card was the jack of hearts and she imagined Gizamimi was sitting on the ace. She tossed out her eight of spades while Tsubuyama parted with another low club. Gizamimi dropped the king of spades with a slight smile.
"You little shit."
Gizamimi shrugged as Fujihara gave up the eight of hearts. Kurumu sighed, tossing out the nine of spades and Tsubuyama gave up the seven. Gizamimi followed with the king of clubs which caused Tsubuyama to sigh.
"If you had held your queen, she wouldn't have won."
"If I had held my queen, I would have taken the lead and busted a hundred anyways."
Kurumu and Tsubuyama had clubs but there was no point playing a high club since the king was the biggest at the moment. Gizamimi led with the ace of hearts which forced Kurumu to give up her jack and then Gizamimi finished with leading the ten of hearts, taking the last heart from Fujihara.
Tsubuyama sighed, placing her hands behind her head.
"You guys can play old maid or something. I'm done."
"Rescue me, Kozi. At least take my place."
Tsubuyama giggled, getting up from her stool. Everyone got up from the stools, stretching as attention shifted to the couple in front of the couch. Dakiashi held the controller limply as she rested her head back on his shoulder, eyes closed as she made soft sounds as they kissed.
"I'm surprised he isn't embarrassed."
"I think it's cute."
Kurumu wandered over to tousle Nerume's locks, whom regarded the couple with a sigh. Hidarimeki handed her controller off to Tsubuyama. The softball girl hopped on the couch next to Nerume, touching Nerume's shoulder while gripping the back of the couch with her other hand.
"Hey, Unari. You should petition for the suites. I know I mentioned this as something for you guys to do next year, but she really needs a bathtub now."
Nerume chuckled.
"I don't smell that bad."
"That's not what she meant. I did think about it, but… well…"
Hidarimeki frowned at Satsuki.
"What's wrong?"
Satsuki shrugged.
"It's like accepting it. I want her to get better."
Hidarimeki chuckled, letting go of Nerume to kneel up on the cushions with both hands on the back of the couch.
"She's not going to get better struggling with doors and showers. And helping her isn't going to prevent her from healing."
"The hospital has this cycle they want me to use. I push it with my hands and it moves my legs like I'm running. It's supposed to keep up my leg strength."
"That's cool. But seriously. Just do it. You guys have a hell of a lot better reason than we did and we got what we wanted. What do you have to lose?"
Kurumu smiled softly at the thought of these two moving closer. She doubted they would live on an upper floor, which meant they would probably end up in one of the double suites next to Mizore.
"Would you do it, Satsuki? I mean… if you don't want to, I could live with her."
Nerume bit her lower lip, looking at Satsuki.
"No. You were put in a single for a reason. I have to do it."
Kurumu smirked, having forgotten about the pretense of her being a danger to other girls. She was about to comment on the lack of enthusiasm when the door was thrown open with a hearty cheer from the raucous boys that entered. They were all dressed in white pants and green jerseys with the school name printed down the center.
"All right, boys. A hundred yen for five minutes in the closet with the girl of your choice. That's my flat price for the flat girls and it goes up fifty for each cup size over."
"Fuck you, Tomi."
The short speaker snickered, tossing his hat over the half wall to land on the counter next to the sink. His glossy black hair was short and he had a cowlick. His topaz eyes glittered with mischief.
"I'll give you a discount on Tsuri."
"Discount? You'd have to pay me."
Hidarimeki gave the ashen black haired boy the finger as he took off his shoes. He was much taller and had shaggy, unruly hair that almost reached his shoulders. He was much stockier than the first speaker.
There were three other boys behind these two, all amused with the exchange. One of them had his black hair done up in multiple braids. His locks were spotted with flecks of white and he had a familiar toothy grin. Kurumu noted that the other speaker also had this toothy grin she had learned to associate with inugami. The shaggy boy was taller than the braided one, but both would have Ginei beat.
Kurumu grinned as she grabbed up the pen and sheets of paper she had left on the table. She noted that the other two boys in the back were much taller and thicker than the other three. The tallest had dark hair that looked like it had been freshly painted on his head. The other was a dirty blond with wavy locks that fell upon his narrow shoulders.
"If you guys are paying for your interviews, I will gladly take donations."
The glossy haired boy brightened up. He walked up and patted his hand on her head.
"It's the news girl. Irouji! You didn't say the news girl would be here."
"I didn't know what the plan was, Tomi."
"Where the fuck are you?"
The lively boy stepped around her, lifting up on his toes.
"Get your ass up."
Kurumu smiled, gesturing at the ashen haired senior.
"We can start with introductions."
The ashen haired boy stepped clear so that the last two could finally have some space to attend to their shoes. The braided boy stalked around the half wall and made a line for the refrigerator.
"It's not just you. These three haven't met any of the first years. Isn't that right, Hitoshi?"
The blond nodded as he worked on his other shoe.
"I've met a couple first years, but nobody here. Of course, everyone has heard of Ms. Kurono."
A hand touched her shoulder. Fujihara came up on her left side with Gizamimi lingering in her shadow. Satsuki came closer but kept her distance on Kurumu's right.
"Okay. Well… I'm Kurono Kurumu and this is Unari Satsuki. She turns sixteen today."
"Ah, yes, the birthday girl!"
The chatty one plopped his hand on Satsuki, causing her to grimace and shrink away from him. He laughed, clapping a hand on his chest.
"I'm Zaisan Tomi. The guy raiding the fridge is Borohata Kenage and blondie there is Zokubu Hitoshi."
The ashen haired boy chuckled, gesturing to the two girls.
"These two first years are Fujihara Asami and Gizamimi Mao. These two come as a set."
Fujihara gestured at the tallest of the group.
"What about him?"
"That's Kitamori Airashi, our star first basemen."
Kurumu perked up.
"Oh. I didn't ask Asobitani what position he played."
"Relief pitcher. Assuming Gizatochi ever gets tired."
The ashen boy chuckled at Zaisan's comment as Borohata returned with a bag of donuts.
"Is Gizatochi the seventh senior I've heard so little about?"
"Yup. Gizatochi is our ace pitcher. He was our ace last year since none of our seniors showed any promise in scrims."
The ashen boy grinned.
"We went to nationals last year."
Kurumu smiled, imagining this was why Kotsubo had made the comment about the baseball coach thinking his team was the most important. She glanced at her notes, regarding the ashen boy.
"So… I didn't catch your name."
Fujihara poked her shoulder, gesturing at the ashen haired young man.
"This dummy is Oshaberi Yuuboku."
Kurumu smiled, noting the name. She probably could have deduced that.
"What position are you in?"
"Bench."
"Fuck you. I'm in the outfield."
Borohata chuckled, stuffing a donut in his mouth. Powder smeared his lips as he chewed.
"I actually am bench, but I don't mind. I get to keep score and help the guys warm up."
Kurumu frowned at Zaisan.
"You don't get to play? But you're a senior."
Zaisan snorted, waving his hand.
"I don't care. I like the game and I like the practice. It's fun."
Oshaberi grinned, gesturing at Zaisan.
"He's too short and he can't pitch."
Borohata coughed, pounding his chest after swallowing down another donut.
"Coach likes us to stay competitive. Our catcher last year was Touremasen simply because he worked the best with Gizatochi. Not many teams will field a first year catcher."
Zaisan chuckled.
"It's a good thing season games don't matter because it took him most the year to learn the position."
"Your games don't matter?"
"Sort of. Eight of nine teams go to the regional tournament so as long as you're not the worst team in the division, you have a chance."
"It's a single elimination tournament with the two finalists going to nationals. Sad that we lost the region and lost our first game at nationals."
Zaisan wagged his finger at Oshaberi.
"But we still got there. None of the other sports can get us out of regionals."
Borohata huffed, shaking his head.
"Imoshinai and Shimote crush us every year, every sport. Winning that game over Imoshinai was big."
Kurumu vaguely recalled Imoshinai to be the name of the school that had trounced the soccer team.
"Which schools are those?"
Zaisan grinned.
"You don't know that? I thought you've talked with the soccer and track teams."
"They didn't talk much about their competition."
Oshaberi nodded.
"Imoshinai is the big school from Aichi prefecture. I bet they could field two baseball teams. Shimote, out of Shizuoka prefecture, could do the same. You have to beat at least one of those big schools to have a shot at nationals."
Satsuki placed a hand on Kurumu's shoulder and squeezed. She gestured over her shoulder, drawing Kurumu's attention to the two tall boys whom had silently wandered over to the couch. Kitamori was talking warmly to Nerume and Hidarimeki.
Kurumu smiled at Satsuki as she scratched down some notes on her sheet of paper.
"I know. That's the boy dating her Chisa."
"Should we intervene?"
Kurumu waved her off as she turned her attention back to Oshaberi.
"So what is your starting team? I'm curious."
"Well… there's five of us that juggle that outfield. Borohata and his little brother. Myself. Then there's also Hatsura and Korogaru."
"Basically whomever is looking the best in practice is going to play that week. Yuuboku will be benched for the first game."
Oshaberi waved that off.
"Whatever. Zokubu plays third while his younger brother might take his place. They're both tall. Our shortstop and second base duo are Himura and Fukisarashi. They look a lot better than they did last year, which is good since we lost the seniors that held those positions."
Kurumu smiled as she jotted this down.
"No first years."
"Don't know yet. Hazama and Fukuyoka both want to be catchers. Hitomure is… fucking amazing. If he gets any better, he might take a spot in the outfield rotation."
She frowned as she thought about the two that she did know where on the team.
"What about Abe or Ikazuchi?"
Zaisan chuckled.
"Abe thinks he's a pitcher. Who knows? Maybe in a couple years he will be. Ikazuchi is decent. He's like a jack of all trades. He's decent at pitching. He's a hell of a lot more sociable than his cousin."
"Cousin?"
"Gizatochi. Those two are cousins. They're both from Uchimori, some small backwaters town in the Tainai district."
Fujihara chuckled, drawing away.
"This is kind of boring. I'm going to start another game of cards. Is anyone interested?"
Zaisan waved the girl off.
"Go do whatever. Get Tsuri to do something useful for a change."
Fujihara smirked.
"She's busy. It's not like Ms. Kurono has to interview all three of you at once."
Kurumu chuckled.
"I don't really have my notebook so I'm winging this. I'll brush over anything I missed later."
Oshaberi shrugged.
"Anything in particular you are looking to ask?"
"I suppose it would be worth knowing if any of you are dating. Other than Asobitani."
"Kenage is dating my cousin."
Fujihara whimpered.
"No. That's not fair."
Oshaberi chuckled as Borohata frowned.
"I told you not to say anything about that."
"It's no big deal. I don't see the point of hiding it. It's not like Coach will bench you over it."
"He might. You know how he is."
Oshaberi smirked as Fujihara pawed at him.
"You're joking, right?"
Oshaberi drew his hands behind his head as he regarded Zaisan.
"Like Tomi here, I've been enjoying a double suite by myself every other night."
"It's not that often. Like maybe once a week. Occasionally twice. Last night was the first Friday night Irouji has been home in two months."
Kurumu could not help but chuckle at Fujihara's distress.
"You don't seem bothered by the thought."
"I was but this jerk made it out to me being jealous over not fucking my cousin first."
Kurumu grimaced as Borohata sighed.
"Please don't put that in your paper."
"Please do. Unless Setsuna tells you not to."
Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head.
"I'm not going to chase down your cousin to ask if she wants the public to know she is dating."
"She's on the softball team so you will be anyways. Hajimari Setsuna and she's also a third year."
Kurumu paused, supposing that did change things.
"Oh. I guess I could then."
She frowned, recalling that Dakiashi lived alone.
"Wait. Doesn't Hajimari know Dakiashi? Why aren't they living together?"
Oshaberi shrugged.
"They did for a short while but they worked something out."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!"
Satsuki walked firmly towards the commotion at the couch. Kitamori had picked up Nerume, whom was clinging about his neck while he cradled her body in his thick arms. The young man frowned as Satsuki wagged a hand at him while the blond chuckled at her.
"Put my friend down."
"I don't mind, Satsuki. This is Kitamori. The young man that is dating Chisa."
Kurumu smiled as she turned her attention fully to the exchange. Satsuki was shaking her head.
"I know that. I don't see how that translates to picking you up."
"Well… they were going to take me up to their room. You know how hard that would be for me."
Satsuki shook her head firmly.
"No. We are going to keep things down here. Kurumu still needs to talk to these two before everyone runs off to dinner."
Kurumu shrugged.
"I'm not really doing official interviews."
Satsuki regarded her with wide eyes, pleading for her assistance. Taking the hint, Kurumu smiled.
"It would be nice to get as much done now as I can. After I finish with these three, I can do the two of you. If there's anything you want to show Nerume, you are more than welcome to go up there and bring it down here for her."
Oshaberi snickered.
"I'd rather Zokubu not reveal what he wants to show her."
Kurumu bowed her head slightly. She was amused at the remark, but also saddened.
"Is everyone okay with that?"
Nerume pouted.
"Can't Satsuki come with?"
"It's my birthday, Nerume. Come on."
Kitamori smiled, lowering Nerume back down on the couch. He patted Nerume's head.
"Perhaps another time when Ms. Kakeru is present. She talks so much about you."
Satsuki snorted.
"I'm surprised that quiet girl said anything."
The blond chuckled as Kitamori drew back.
"I'd gladly carry this cute little girl around on a double date. She's much nicer than that mouthy girl Kakeru brought with her."
Kitamori snorted at the blond.
"She was protective and you behaved too friendly."
Zaisan snickered, shaking his head.
"Zokubu being rude to a girl? Oh, that's something we haven't heard before."
Kurumu smiled as she lifted her sheet and turned to regard the sarcastic boy.
It had been a long day. Kurumu leaned back in the red cushion while holding Nerume close. They had both dressed down in the pajamas Hiyoshi had provided. For some reason that girl had insisted that they all wear the same bright orange tee shirts and gray knit pants that she had picked up for the occasion. Considering not a single one of these girls was Moka's height, the same size nearly fit all of them. It was only a little baggy on Nerume, which was fine with how difficult a time she had getting dressed.
Hidarimeki had insisted on a grab and go at the dining hall, hinting that they had something in store for Satsuki at their suite. Knowing that a long stay might involve talking to a lot of faces she was not ready for, Kurumu had agreed to the idea. It also helped that she felt she should not eat anything but pudding.
Apparently Hiyoshi had skipped practice today to get the suite ready for the party. She had set up banners and balloons while baking a white cake with vanilla frosting. Both Hidarimeki and Hiyoshi had also bought small gifts for the occasion. Hiyoshi had picked up a green coffee mug while Hidarimeki had gifted a green and red striped scarf. Both items were available in the school store.
Satsuki had nearly cried over the fuss that the girls had made. She had admitted it had been years since her family had tried to do anything on this level. Her brother acted up over sweets so she had not had cake on her birthday since she was six. Having an exciting party would only encourage him to be rowdy so she was used to getting her present in secret, often on a different day.
The revelation had quite the reaction from the girls, most hugging and fussing even more over Satsuki, which did bring her to tears. For as much hardship Kurumu had endured living with a single mother on a tight budget, her birthday was always special. The thought of how seldom they every did anything on her mother's birthday hurt. She had been so dumb and angry these past years that she had been of a mindset that her mother deserved to be punished for deceiving her.
Shortly after the cake and presents, Kamitsuku had called it a night. He left Satsuki his digital camera, showing her how to use it and how to scroll through the pictures taken and delete the ones she did not like. Any she left on the camera he would assume she wanted him to print when she returned it to him.
Having already ditched the senior boys at the dining hall meant Kamitsuku had been the last obstacle standing in their way from stripping down to pajamas and breaking out the drinks. Not wanting to get caught up in Hinoko's excitement, Kurumu had visited Yukari's suite to check on her parents. Not really meaning to, she had lingered in their company for over an hour before returning to the party.
Mr. Sendou had been reading a book with Rubi while his wife was lying on the bed with Yukari in her arms. It was an odd hour. Her efforts to convince them to bring Yukari to the party had been a mere couple sentences with the rest of the time spent as idle chatter about what Yukari had been doing over the school year.
Mrs. Sendou was remarkably informed of most things. She was aware of Moka's seal and having two personalities. She even knew about Yukari kissing Tsukune in Kurumu's dreams and things that had Kurumu blushing. The father had laughed at her reaction, assuring her that Yukari had always been this honest and straightforward with them. Their last conversation with Yukari had been that Saturday before Tsukune's birthday and her silence after the field trip had already caused them concern.
Eventually a tipsy Hidarimeki had come up to check on her. She promised to be up in the morning to see Yukari off and Mrs. Sendou had encouraged her to stay sober. She had assured them she would, unsure if her body could handle liquor. Wishing them a good night, she had returned to the cousins' suite while helping Hidarimeki remain upright.
Unsurprisingly Hinoko had already passed out. She was sprawled in the middle of the suite, drooling on the floor. A pillow had been propped under her head as the other girls drank, chatted and listened to music. Some of the songs she had heard on her karaoke trips.
Gizamimi was also out, curled up on the bed with her thumb in her mouth. Her ropy tail and fluffy ears were bared as she purred softly between suckles. She had only lasted three drinks before claiming she was too exhausted. She would only groan when prodded by the other girls.
Tsubuyama was the other one having trouble keeping awake. She had pulled out a futon from the closet and dropped it on the floor beside Hinoko. She would lift her head from her striped pillow to comment on the conversation, sometimes related, before plopping herself back down.
The rest of the girls were giggly or sober. Satsuki had forbidden Nerume from drinking and Dakiashi passed on it after disliking the sweet taste. She was having more fun watching her friends be idiots.
Fujihara was extra lovey, rubbing up all over Satsuki as she tried to relax in the blue cushion. Satsuki was clearly annoyed as it interfered in her ability to drink. She often handed the girl her cup to keep Fujihara occupied. Intoxicated, Fujihara's pinkish eye would often wander independently of her other.
Hiyoshi liked to dance and would grind against any of the other girls if they thought to join her. She was really bad with Dakiashi, sticking her tongue out and slipping her hands in the girl's pants, though only for butt grabs. She was on her feet almost all the time and made more bathroom trips than the rest of them combined.
Hidarimeki and Dakiashi were presently playing their racing video game. It was hard to say if Hidarimeki was trying to win or just crash as wildly as possible. Dakiashi was obviously ramming Hidarimeki every chance she got, probably able to win but having too much fun frustrating her tipsy partner.
"We should do this next weekend."
Kurumu smirked up at Hiyoshi.
"Why?"
"I turn seventeen Thursday."
Hidarimeki cackled as her car spun off into the ocean. She muttered something with a chuckle as her car flashed a moment before the race resumed. Dakiashi grinned, glancing over her shoulder.
"We have an away game Saturday."
"So? You'll be back Sunday."
Hidarimeki paused the game and flopped back on the floor. She pouted up at Hiyoshi.
"No. I wanna make your cake."
"I member your cooking well not trust that."
Hidarimeki stuck her tongue out with a sound.
"Not birthday cake if you make it yourself."
Hiyoshi gingerly stepped on her cousin's forehead, causing the girl to grimace.
"Get feet off me."
"I dance on you dummy."
"What about next Sunday? We have a bye week."
"You make cake, Tabi. Not trust dummy. She burn down home."
Hiyoshi squeaked, hopping away from Hidarimeki. The girl on the floor grinned, licking her lips.
"Freak toe fetish girl."
"No. You freak girl. Play with Tabi's booty."
"That dancing. Allow that."
Dakiashi chuckled, shaking her head as she smiled at Kurumu.
"I love this. You should do an article about the adventures of drunk cat girls."
Both Hiyoshi and Hidarimeki giggled.
"I'm not drunk. She's drunk."
"You drunk way more than me."
"I can dance. You can't drive. I win."
"I can dance."
Hidarimeki slowly rolled on her belly. She got up on her knees and pitched over into Satsuki's lap. Satsuki groaned, rubbing her eye as she held her glass high with Fujihara snuggled up against her neck.
"What the fuck."
"Sorry. I too tired."
Hiyoshi giggled as Satsuki shifted to no avail.
"So are the two of you really going back to the hospital tomorrow?"
Kurumu smiled at Dakiashi while caressing Nerume's locks. Nerume shifted her face against Kurumu's bosom, sighing as she clung about Kurumu's waist.
"I think so. I want to get up early and see Yukari off."
Dakiashi nodded, unaware of any of the details about Yukari. It had not felt right to say anything beyond her parents' intent to take her home.
"It must be really bad, but she is young. The school almost never calls parents to get their kids. I think it's happened maybe twice that I know of in the past couple years."
Tsubuyama sat up abruptly. Her head wobbled about as she regarded the group.
"Where are all the boys?"
Hiyoshi giggled, spinning about with her hands on her head.
"Boys? We don't have boys."
"How will I be fucked if we have no boys?"
Dakiashi snickered, covering her smile as she shook her head.
"Don't laugh. You have boy. I want boy too."
"It's not that kind of party, Kozi. It's Satsuki's birthday."
Tsubuyama regarded Satsuki.
"I wanted sex on my birthday. I'm too old to be virgin."
Hiyoshi giggled.
"Not too old. I virgin and I fine."
Kurumu smiled, aware that Tsubuyama had turned seventeen a week before Moka's birthday.
"Let me borrow Irouji. I'm too pretty. I'm pretty."
"Stay virgin with me and Tsuri. Tsuri?"
Hidarimeki groaned in Satsuki's lap while Fujihara giggled. Dakiashi smiled, setting her controller aside. She crawled over to poke Hidarimeki's side.
"Hey. Get up. You're crushing birthday girl."
Hidarimeki groaned, lifting her head up but leaving her arms across Satsuki's lap.
"I'm tired. And dizzy."
"Virginity is overvalued. Like who cares? It's not like someone gets a fucking prize because they were the first to stick their dick in you."
Dakiashi frowned at Satsuki's gruff words. She sat up, crossing her arms below her breasts.
"It should be special."
Satsuki snorted, gesturing at Tsubuyama.
"This isn't the first time Hinoko has been passed out. What if she pulled this shit without one of us around to protect her? Any guy could have hiked her ankles behind her ears and plowed her."
Tsubuyama giggled.
"Sounds fun."
"Fun? What if you don't remember it? Are you still going to moan the next morning about being a virgin? Who gives a shit? Does it really fucking matter?"
Hidarimeki reached over to paw at Satsuki's face. She grabbed her by the ear and wobbled while peering at Satsuki.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
Satsuki sighed, lifting her cup and dumping the contents on Hidarimeki's curls.
"I'm annoyed. You're all too clingy."
Fujihara started crying. She nuzzled her face against Satsuki's shoulder, perplexing the birthday girl.
"That doesn't mean hold tighter."
Satsuki sighed, relaxing as the girl sobbed on her. Hidarimeki rubbed the moisture in her locks as she peered up at Hiyoshi.
"Should get a drink."
"Can you walk?"
"Get me one."
"Get yourself."
Dakiashi chuckled, getting up on her feet.
"How about I bring you both a drink and see which one of you pass out first."
Hiyoshi smirked
"Not me. She can't stand."
Tsubuyama's wobbly gaze followed after Dakiashi as the girl went to the counter to pour out a couple more drinks from the bucket they had filled. Lacking pitchers, they had agreed this was the best thing to do if the silly shojo passed out early and they still wanted more drink.
"Tabi. What sex like with Irouji?"
Dakiashi huffed in amusement as she wandered back over to the group, stepping over Hinoko to hand Hiyoshi one of the cups. Kneeling down next to Hidarimeki, she gave up the other.
"What sex like?"
Dakiashi sighed, shrugging.
"I don't know. Like sex? I like kissing much more."
Nerume whimpered against her breast.
"That's so sad. Kurumu can't kiss her boyfriend."
Dakiashi frowned.
"Seriously? But that's like the best part."
"Yea. I have something in my spit so kissing has a chance of causing people to get addicted to me."
Dakiashi smirked.
"That sounds normal. I know if he kisses me a lot, I won't mind the sex. I'll get so light headed and docile that it feels right. As long as he doesn't get stupid rough, it's all good."
"I think I would like it rough."
Dakiashi smirked at Tsubuyama.
"I think you're drunk, Kozi. You should lie back down."
Tsubuyama took in a deep breath, pondering the suggestion. Her eyes lazily turned to Hidarimeki, whom was downing her cup like it was water.
"Did you sleep with Kousuke?"
Hidarimeki coughed up her drink, holding her cup out as she shook her head. She panted, clutching her chest as she turned her bleary eyes upon Tsubuyama.
"Not that drunk, jerk."
Nerume nestled her face against Kurumu's breast again.
"Kurumu gave up her virginity to her boyfriend on his birthday. It was perfect."
"Silly girl. You weren't there."
"But you were so happy."
Hiyoshi giggled.
"Wasn't his birthday last week?"
"Mhm. The twelfth."
"You were virgin? So weird."
Satsuki grumbled.
"What's so fucking weird about her being a virgin? I'm not a virgin."
Kurumu frowned as Nerume stiffened against her.
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm saying I'm not a virgin. Why does it matter?"
"But you said you were a virgin."
Satsuki snorted.
"When did I ever say that? I never said I was a virgin."
Kurumu would have sworn Satsuki had claimed that status.
"But you didn't say you weren't."
"Why would I? Nobody cares if you're a virgin. If you say you're not, then they get all up in your business about who did it as if that fucking matters."
Wetness stained her breasts and Kurumu glanced down. Nerume was making soft sobs.
"Nerume?"
The kirin shook her head.
"What's wrong?"
"Don't say anything, Nerume. You don't know shit about it."
Hidarimeki downed the rest of her cup and clapped it on the floor. She sighed loudly as she stretched her arms up over her head.
"Okay, take spotlight. I sucked his dick."
Hiyoshi giggled, though she was confused.
"What?"
"Kousuke. I sucked his dick."
Kurumu paused, supposing that was one way to draw attention away from Satsuki. She smiled, rubbing her hands through Nerume's hair as the girl continued to cry against her.
"Did you have sex?"
Hidarimeki waved her hand dismissively at Dakiashi.
"Too weird. But he pushy. Tired with mouth."
Hiyoshi pouted.
"That not cool. You said nothing."
Hidarimeki shrugged.
"Why admit? He dump me. Damn witch bitch."
Dakiashi smiled softly.
"So that's why you were so broken up about him?"
"Crap memory to have."
Hiyoshi whined as she knelt down and grabbed her cousin by the shoulders, giving her a shake.
"But you said you didn't love him. You said nothing happened."
Hidarimeki grabbed Hiyoshi's shoulders to steady herself.
"I don't. Feels worse. I said no."
Hidarimeki suddenly broke out in sobs.
"I'm dumb. So dumb. He nice. I wonder. What it like. So I did. So dumb."
Hiyoshi pulled her cousin in as the girl sobbed against her chest.
"I want forget. I want forget. Hate myself. Hate myself."
Hiyoshi murmured soft things in Hidarimeki's ear as the girl clung tightly to her. Dakiashi regarded her friends with a pained look while hugging herself. She glanced at Tsubuyama, whom seemed too out of it to realize what had happened.
"Will she be okay?"
Dakiashi smiled at Kurumu.
"I think she thought she could play that off as nothing. I'm just happy that she didn't have sex."
Satsuki snorted.
"Would it have been a big deal if she had?"
Dakiashi sighed.
"You sort of want your first to be special. I know I would feel better about it if Irouji had been my first."
Hiyoshi frowned while caressing her cousin whom was almost limp in her arms.
"He wasn't?"
"I lost mine when I was twelve to my cousin."
"You have a cousin?"
Dakiashi chuckled, glancing down.
"He's four years older than me and he only visits on family gatherings so you guys wouldn't know him. He was a first year in high school and had never had a girlfriend before. He caught me off guard."
Satsuki grimaced.
"Did he hurt you?"
"Not really. I'm… an idiot. He told me he needed my help to practice his kissing. I was overwhelmed by what was happening, but he was family. I trusted him."
Satsuki sighed, absently running her fingers through Fujihara's fluffy hair. The girl's shoulders bobbed with raspy breaths and whimpers.
"He took advantage of you."
"Yea. It's not like I didn't understand what we were doing. More like I had no idea how I should stop it. If I should stop it. And I was also curious. So much was going on in my head."
"You were twelve."
"It only happened the one time."
Dakiashi broke out in a chuckle.
"Because it sucked. The kissing was awesome, but the rest sucked. He tried to convince me to do it again on some family gatherings afterwards, but thankfully he graduated so I haven't see him in years."
Dakiashi managed a smile.
"I would appreciate everyone to keep quiet about it. I've never felt a reason to tell Irouji. I'm pretty sure I was his first, and he probably would be upset if he found out he wasn't my first."
Hiyoshi smiled, stroking the whitish curls of her cousin. Standing up, she hauled her stumbling cousin up on her feet. The girl groaned as she carefully steered her cousin over to the beds.
"I won't say anything. And Tsuri passed out. So I won."
Fujihara breathed in deeply as she firmed her grip about Satsuki. She peered at Dakiashi while resting her cheek against Satsuki's bosom.
"Would everyone hate me if I loved Mao?"
"What are you whimpering about?"
"I think she would let me do anything to her. She trusts me so much."
Satsuki scowled, pushing the girl away.
"If you're a lesbian, I would very much like you to stop clinging so tightly to me."
"I'm not. Just Mao. She's special."
Dakiashi smiled.
"Why don't you ask her out?"
"I can't. If I do that, then I'll never know if she wants me."
Satsuki frowned.
"That makes no sense."
Fujihara started to cry, wringing her hands.
"She'll just go along with it. That's how she is. I won't know if she loves me. She'll just let me do whatever I want. She'll never do anything I want her to do on her own."
Kurumu smiled.
"You'll have to believe in her. Stop doubting her actions are genuine."
Hiyoshi chuckled as she stumbled back over to the group.
"This is awkward talk. If you curious, I have nothing. No guys. No girls. No flings. No crushes."
"You're boring."
Hiyoshi stuck her tongue out at Dakiashi.
"I have to pee."
Hiyoshi snorted a laugh as Tsubuyama got up and shuffled off towards the bathroom. Hiyoshi tapped her wrist after the girl slipped into the bathroom with a loud clatter.
"Get her if she not come back soon."
Dakiashi giggled, glancing at the bathroom.
"I'll check on her."
Hiyoshi clapped her chest, giving her small boob a jiggle.
"My thought. Asami. Find a boy. Mao your friend."
Fujihara whimpered.
"But I love Mao. I love her so much."
Satsuki sighed.
"No you don't. You're curious and she's safe. That's all this is."
Dakiashi gestured at Fujihara.
"Leave Unari alone and go sleep with Mao."
"Is that even wise?"
"I'm sure she will behave herself."
Fujihara staggered up on her feet and regarded the beds with a forlorn expression.
"I have to pee first."
Dakiashi laughed, gesturing for the bathroom.
"Make sure Kozi doesn't hurt herself in there."
"Okay."
Fujihara stumbled off, carefully stepping between Hiyoshi and Dakiashi to cross the room to the bathroom door. She slipped in and grumbled.
"Get up, Kozi. I have to pee."
Dakiashi sighed as the door was left open. They could hear the sound of a stream hitting the puddle, causing Hiyoshi to giggle. Shaking her head, Dakiashi got up and turned the gaming system and TV off. She wandered over to the bathroom to attend to her friends.
"Where you sleep?"
Satsuki shrugged, taking in a deep breath.
"I was going to sleep in this cushion."
"Yea. Think we could get six in bed if we try."
"No, I'm good down here."
"Think Kozi will be fine with futon."
"I'm going to drag my cushion over to theirs and sleep by my friends."
Hiyoshi nodded, grabbing up several cups. With her arms full, she wandered over to the kitchen. Satsuki exhaled deeply, detaching herself from the blue cushion. Gathering it up in her arms, she waddled over to them while carefully avoiding Hinoko. She plopped down behind Nerume, fluffing the cushion out.
Dakiashi stumbled out of the bathroom with an unconscious Tsubuyama. The girl had puked as there was still remnants of white chunks in her amber hair and on her orange shirt. Dakiashi gently lowered the girl on the futon, folding her hands together at her stomach.
"Is she okay?"
"I need a rag to clean her up more."
The girl sighed, walking off for the kitchen.
"And Asami is crying on the toilet."
Satsuki smirked as she sprawled in her cushion. She reached over to pat Nerume's shoulder.
"How is she?"
"I'm fine."
"Do you want to sleep on me?"
Nerume lifted up her head, sniffling. She glanced over her shoulder. Twisting, she tried to wiggle herself onto her other side. Satsuki chuckled, sitting up and helping the girl turn over.
"Are you okay, Satsuki?"
Satsuki smiled at Kurumu, shaking her head as she pulled Nerume in closer.
"I don't have to be. Isn't that right, Nerume? Things don't have to be okay."
Nerume sniffled again, nodding as she draped her arm about Satsuki. Satsuki smiled rubbing her hand against Nerume's side as the other rested on the back of Nerume's head.
"That's a good girl."
"It's not fair."
"You were going to let me stay with you over summer, remember."
Kurumu did not recall the two making any summer plans beyond the possibility of having Kakeru visit Nerume's household. She knew Nerume's home was crowded and Satsuki was too embarrassed with her brother to have company over.
"When did you two decide this?"
"We haven't."
"Sure we did."
"You convinced me I couldn't stay with you. I can't go home like this."
Kurumu sighed, leaning over to rub Nerume's shoulder.
"You have to go home."
Nerume cried softly.
"But I'm so hurt. I don't want my parents to see this. Can we stay with Chisa?"
"I suppose we could do that."
Kurumu smirked as she poked Satsuki's cheek.
"You should make those arrangements. Nerume will be busy with her physical therapy."
Satsuki groaned, rolling her eyes.
"Fine. I'll talk with the giants."
Nerume whimpered, nuzzling her face against Satsuki.
"I'm sorry. I'm such a pain."
"Don't worry about it."
"Yea… but I have to pee. Will one of you help me?"
Kurumu laughed as Satsuki groaned. They both helped.