Infinite Stratos: Digital Prototype

by zeke9051

The U.S never had a good IS pilot, till they found me. I'm Zeke Altec, one of the few male IS pilots. This is a OCxCharlotte/Charles story.

7. Ocean's Twelve

Infinite Stratos: Digital Prototype CH. 7

I don't own Infinite Stratos

Ocean's Twelve

I awoke in the Infirmary, sore and somewhat pissed off. Wonder why that is… I thought as I tried to sit up, my side complained about that painfully and I hissed in pain, laying back down slowly. Oh, right. That's why. My movement and sounds awoke a person I hadn't noticed earlier, I looked their direction to see Charlotte sit up from her cramped position at my side and stretch before yawning. I regretted looking as it caused me to yawn as well, drawing her attention to me. "I'm sorry. Did I wake you up?" She asked, sadly. I shook my head, "No, I was already awake. I woke you up, actually. Sorry." I replied, looking at her. "What are you doing here?" I asked, moving my right hand to hers. "I didn't feel safe with you here, instead of in the room. So, I came down here. Not to mention I saw Laura walking into Ichika's room as I was leaving. I didn't want to hang around, especially then." She replied, blushing. I shook my head, "Ichika isn't dumb enough to do that, especially if Laura is involved." I said, grinning. "Wha.?" Char started to ask, when we heard screaming and yelling and something about 'Divine Punishment.' I laughed, then regretted it as soon as I did. "There's your answer to that unfinished question of yours." I said, sinking farther into my pillow. Char was about to say something when the nurse came and gave me my pain meds. Just before I fell back asleep, I asked, "How long have I been out?" Char turned around in the doorway and looked at me. That motion brought to my drug addled brain the fact that she, looked like a 'she', not a 'he'. I blushed when I realised I was staring, but couldn't stop myself. Char took notice of my staring and followed my gaze and covered herself. "Zeke, no ecchi." She said, embarrassed. I just wore a stupid grin on my face, "Char, you told everyone didn't you?" I asked, still grinning, but now looking at her face. She blushed, then nodded in agreement. "Orimura noticed that I was, 'too overly emotional' to have been a guy, privately of course. I had to agree with her and told me that she would be re-introducing me the next day, as a girl. That was, three days ago, I believe." She said, looking at me. I nodded, then looked out the window. "Well, now I can actually call you Charlotte then, can't I?" "I'd prefer you call me Char, like usual." She replied. I smiled, "Alright, I can do that." She beamed at me and turned to walk the rest of the way out the door. "Nurse, how much longer do I have to be here?" I asked, looking at my caretaker. "Oh, another day at least. Can you sit up at all?" She asked, I nodded "Slightly, There's still a good amount of pain, but I can sit up alright." She nodded, "Good, good. Let me know if anything changes," She said, sitting at her desk near the door.

Time skip… 3 days later

"Alright, lets do this." I said, sitting on the edge of my bed in my room. I planted my feet, feeling the carpet under my bare feet. I placed my hands on either side of my body, then I stood up. My side protested, but I squashed its attempts under a drive to move freely without any outside assistance. Unless it was from Char, then assistance was quite alright. I looked at the wheelchair, sitting next to my bed, almost calling out to me, but I tore my eyes away and started to walk towards the door. Char had long since been moved out, reason being that "Two teenagers of the opposite genders shouldn't share a room, that'd be scandalous." Right, like I'd be doing anything scandalous in my condition. Even in I was able to, I'd never do that, to any human being. I thought, grabbing onto the door handle and pulling the door open. My side protested again, and I ignored it again. I grabbed my bag with my books and stepped out of my bedroom, the door shutting behind me. I started the long walk to my class, Wait, when was this ever a long walk? I sighed, my injury had screwed my thinking a lot, not to mention my physical routine. I turned the last corner just as the bell rang, dismissing class. I moved to the side of the wall, more to protect my side than personal preference. People took notice, waving and smiling at me. I returned the gestures and replied to any questions that people had, but I kept a forward motion as I did, not stopping for fear of not being able to start again. Without even noticing her, Char had walked up and leaned against my other side, silently offering support. I dropped my hand down and found hers, taking it in mine. We said our goodbyes and headed down the hall, headed for the Cafeteria. I ordered a small meal, not really feeling hungry, Char did as well. We collected our food and sat at an empty table, "What are you doing up and about?" She asked, giving me a look I had dubbed "The Look, V2" It was almost on par with Orimura's, but coming from Char. It was just as bad, if not worse. Hence the V2. I shrugged, "Got bored, had nothing better to do. And I missed you." I tacked on with a smile. Her glare softened somewhat, but still remained in place. I sighed, beginning to eat. She kept looking at me, not touching her food. I looked at her, still eating. "Is there something else you wanted to hear?" I asked her, trying to figure out why she was still glaring at me. "Well, besides the fact that you're walking a lot sooner than you are supposed to be? Nothing really, just worried about you." She said, dropping the glare, I winced at her statement. Even though we had basically confessed that we loved each other, we. Excuse me, I wasn't sure if that made us boyfriend and girlfriend or not. I hated my cowardice in not asking her, but I didn't want to lose her if she didn't feel the same way about me. I took a deep breath, finally going to ask her. "Hey Zeke, Charlotte. Could we sit with you guys? Cecilia asked, referring to Rin, Laura and herself. I saw a way and unconsciously took it, "Sure, the more the merrier, right?" I said, scooting around in the booth to make more room. The three girls sat down, bringing their conversations with them as Rin and Cecilia continued an apparently long argument and Laura listened and pointed out holes in both of the girls arguments. I hadn't noticed, but I had ended up pressed against Char. She looked at me, then at the three additions to our group. I shrugged and grabbed her hand beneath the table, squeezing it slightly, promising to tell her later. What is wrong with me? I sighed, then looked at Laura, who had watched us the whole time, her facial expression was screaming confused. I raised an eyebrow at her, to which she rolled her eyes and turned back to Cecilia and Rin's argument. I looked at Char and she motioned that she wanted to get out, so I coughed to get the girls attention and asked if I could get out they moved out of the booth and I scrambled out, a minute later, Char asked to be let out and she went out the same door I did.

I stood at the edge of one of the hangar runways, looking at what I was sure was going to be my grave that day almost a week ago. If I thought back on it, I could see myself in third person, watching as the IS swung its sword and I brought my hands up, grabbing the sword as it swung at… Ichika! The sword hadn't been meant for me, I had just gotten in the way of its swing. The thing hadn't paid me any attention, its entire focus was on Ichika. Me interfering didn't even register. I watched as Ichika swung and split its torso, releasing Laura from within and causing the thing to begin to collapse. I wonder if she even remembers what happened. I thought, feeling my tattoo and side itch as I remembered. I reached around and scratched my tattoo, not trusting myself to itch near the wound yet. I sighed and watched my body fall to the ground, could hear my blood curdling scream as I made contact with the ground. I saw Char run forward as I curled into the fetal position, pressing on my wound to try and stop the bleeding. I saw Char drop to her knees next to me, watched her lean down and yell before I went limp, probably when I passed out. I expected for my memory to fade after that, but I was surprised when it continued on. I watched as Charles screamed at my limp body, then grabbed my shirt and ripped it the rest of the way off, ripping it into pieces and applying it to my wound, which was still bleeding heavily. I watched and could almost hear as she said three words I had been waiting for, "Please, come back to me, I love you! Dammit Zeke, I love you! Wake up! Please!" She started yelling at me hysterically, but the one thing that registered was that, she loved me to. She. Loved. Me. "Yes!" I yelled, jumping and raising my fist. Then wincing as the pain flared from the movement. I didn't notice, but tears had been streaming down my face this whole time as I watched Char cry and scream and yell. Now though, I had a big smile on my face remembering this. "How could I have forgotten this? It's not something I'd have forgotten that easily." Then I froze, these memories aren't mine. "Proto, how did you see all of this? You were inactive before I fell unconscious." I asked, my IS stayed silent though, but I could feel his happiness that he was able to do this for me. "I guess it doesn't really matter, thanks buddy. You're the best!" I mentally thanked my IS. I was so engrossed with my new knowledge that I didn't hear Char walking up behind me till she spoke, "What's got you so excited? She asked, noticing my look of pure joy. I looked at her, the smile still on my face, "I remembered, everything. With a little help from Proto, I was able to get a few more minutes even after I was unconscious." I said, smiling still as I walked towards her and enveloping her in a hug. "You said it, I'm so glad you said it, finally!" I said into her hair, squeezing her in my arms tighter. "Said what? What do you mean you remembered?" "I remember 5 days ago, when Ichika and I fought that thing that had Laura after your match with her and Houki. When I collapsed and fell unconscious, you ran over to help me and you said you loved me, do you remember now?" I asked, holding her at arms length, looking into her eyes. When I described it, she immediately blushed. "So you do remember that," She said, embarrassed. "With a little help from Proto, but yeah I do." I said, holding her still. I smiled at her, happy that she had finally said it. She looked at me, smiling. "You idiot, you almost died!" She said, tearing up. I brought her to me in a hug again. This time she fisted her hands in my shirt as she cried, apparently something she hadn't been able to do yet. I held her as she cried, then she pulled away and punched me. "That's for scaring me, you asshole!" She yelled at me, I just grinned at her, then pulled her close to me, "Yeah, but I'm your asshole, Charlotte Dunois." I whispered to her, holding her near me. She looked at me and then looked at the distance between, or the lack there of. She looked back at me and I whispered to her, "I want to protect you, no matter what. I want to be the one that is there when you need something." I tried to come up with something else, but she surprised me by leaning up and kissing me. I reacted and pulled her to me, kissing right back. We broke apart a little bit later, gasping for air. I gave a small smile and she returned it with her own. I set her back on her own feet and reached out with my hand. She took it and leaned in close again and whispered, "And I'm yours, Zeke Altec," I smiled at her and we walked out of the hangar. She was about to say something when I heard something, so I put a finger to my lips. She looked at me, confused. I silently pointed to my ear and she nodded. I walked up to the door and took hold of the handle and looked at her. I quickly pulled the door open and Cecilia, Houki, Ichika, Laura and Rin fell onto the floor, having lost their support. Char took one look at them and laughed, hunching over and holding her ribs she was laughing so hard. I looked at the pile of tangled bodies on the floor and grabbed Char in a quick carry, one hand under her legs and another between her shoulder blades. She stopped laughing as soon as I did, wrapping her arms around my neck as I took off down the hall before the five of them could get untangled from each other. By the time we did, Char and I were on a tram headed out of the academy. I set Char down before stepping on the tram, looking back at her. She fanned her red face, trying to calm herself down. "Are you coming? I need to get some clothes for that beach trip we're taking and I'm pretty sure you didn't pack girls clothes." I said, looking at her. She smiled, "You're right, I didn't pack any. Alright, lead the way Z." I chuckled, "Where'd that come from? Z?" I asked as the tram began the trip away from the Academy and towards the main part of the city. She shrugged, "Not sure, you always called me Char. So I guess I came up with a nickname for you too. Why? Do you not like it?" She asked, afraid for a second before I laughed lightly, "No, I like it." We chatted about small things till the tram came to a stop and we stood to get off. I stepped off and held out my hand for her to take as she stepped off. She smiled at my silly actions, but took my hand anyway and went along with me as I said. "How may I be of service, milady?" I asked, bowing to her. I looked over at the trams entrance to see an elderly couple smiling at us. I smiled at our audience as Char made a show of thinking of what she could make me do, "I need someone to carry my bags as I shop," she paused, looking me over, "you'll do. Come." She said as she walked away, using her French accent to its full effect. I yelled out a "Coming Milady!" before turning to the entrance of the tram station. The crowd applauded as I took a bow and waved as I walked to the exit and caught up with Char, who was trying her hardest not to laugh. I grinned at her, "The crowd waiting to get on the tram enjoyed our impromptu play," I filled her in to the applause still sounding behind us. She blushed and grabbed my hand, "Well, I'm glad they enjoyed it, because I barely held it together in there." She said as she began to laugh. As we walked out, I heard, "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors come on. I laughed. Char looked at me, confused at my sudden outburst. "What came over you?" She said, trying to figure out what made me laugh. I took in a deep breath, "Do you know the name of the song that's playing?" I asked, pointing to the speaker above us. She shook her head, I shook my head. "The song is called "Best Day of My Life" by American Authors," I informed her, "I was laughing at the meaning of the song and the fact that it fits my mood today so far." I added, smiling at her. She blushed and grabbed my arm as we continued down the path out of the station. I barely heard her as she whispered, "It's the best day of my life too." I squeezed her hand in mine and we smiled as we walked into town.

"I knew you needed new clothes, but isn't buying half the store a little bit much?" I asked, pushing a cart I was lucky to find in front of me and dragging another behind me. Both were loaded full of an assortment of bags and boxes from clothing, jewelry, shoe and many other stores we passed by that caught Char's attention. "Oh, yeah. Maybe I bought a bit more than I needed too." Char said, looking at the two carts I was basically manhandling through the stores trying to keep up with Char. I rolled my eyes and looked around at my surroundings, noticing another jewelry shop. I looked back over at Char to see her disappearing into a swimwear store. I stopped the carts by the front of the jeweler's store and darted inside. I looked around before my eyes settled on a piece that seemed so… right. I turned to look for a salesman when I caught sight of Cecilia, Laura and Rin walking down the walkway between stores. I looked to my right and saw Ichika and Houki walking towards me and Char's stores. I quickly caught one of the salesmans attention and asked him how much for the piece. He checked the sales tag, taking down a number and removing the piece, asking if any alterations could be made to fit my liking. I grinned, "Does it come in purple?" We quickly made the adjustments I desired, luckily everything was quick to do and I paid the man for it. I tucked the box in my pocket, checking to see if it was noticeable, luckily it wasn't. I grabbed the carts and pulled them down to the swimwear store and made a makeshift wall between me and them, which also covered the dressing rooms. I nodded to the sales manager as I passed, headed to the smaller men's section in the back of the store. I grabbed a couple different ones, then looked around the store for Char. I saw her come out of one of the dressing rooms and I caught her attention. She waved at me and walked over, I held up my choices, silently asking which. She looked at each, then at me. "This one fits you the best of all these, so this one." She said, holding out a pair of mainly black shorts, with green pinstriping. I grabbed a white and green tee and took my purchases to the counter. I looked behind me to see Char pick up a orange two-piece (the one from the anime). She looked over at me and I gave her a thumbs up. She brought her selection, yes just one selection to the counter and paid after I finished. "Cecilia, Houki, Laura and Rin are here, just so you know." I informed her as we walked out of the store. I took her bag and stored it with mine when I found room in one of the carts. She looked around and I followed her gaze as we found the group looking around, seeming to be searching for something. "Oh great." I muttered, realizing they were looking for us. I looked into the cart in front of me and grabbed a hat that Char had bought earlier. "Here, put this on. Maybe they won't recognize you." I said, she grabbed the hat and put it on her head. I reached in again and pulled out one of my ballcaps and put it on my head. We kept our heads low as we walked not three feet from our group of stalkers. I let out a breath and dared to look behind me, catching eyes with Laura. She locked eyes with me and turned, opening her mouth to call us out when I quickly grabbed Char and pulled her and the carts into the store on my immediate right. I listened as Laura tried to point us out, but couldn't find us. They started walking this way, probably hoping to find us again. I looked around the store I had pulled us into to see, instruments. All kinds of instruments and equipment lined the walls of the small store. The guy behind the counter was giving us a wide eyed look, so I pointed at the group of friends walking by. He nodded and pointed towards the back of the store. I left the carts and the hats behind and Char and I darted to the back of the store. I looked around us to see more instruments. Mainly guitars, a couple acoustic ones too. Those weren't common anymore, since most of anything was electronic. I picked up one of the guitars and sat on a bench nearby. I tested the strings, listening to the sound to see if it was in tune. It was decent. I grabbed a pick and started playing a tune I had heard back in America. One of the instructors had one and played it on occasion. I had walked in on him playing and asked him to teach me. "This was the first song I learned on the guitar." I said, not looking up from my fingers as they slid along the strings. "What's it called?" Char asked, sitting across from me. "Rylynn by Don Ross and Andy McKee." I smiled, another older song. "Let's get out of here." I said with a smile, placing the guitar back. "Alright," She answered. We walked out of the store and slipped out of the mall unnoticed. I carried as much as I could, and a little bit more for Char. Not that she knew that. I set her things in her dorm room after separating our purchases from each others. I smiled at her, "See you later then." I said, starting to grab my things. She walked up to me and hugged me, "I miss you already." She said. I gave a soft smile and hugged her back, "If you need me, I'm only a few doors down. I'm always available for you." I said, releasing her from the hug. She took a step back and nodded, "I'll remember that. Thanks," She said. I grabbed my things and walked the few feet to my room, knocking the door open with my hip and setting my things in my dorm. I sat on my bed and took out the jewelry box in my pocket and opened it up. The green diamond shone back at me in the sunlight streaming in through the window. The purple bands that wrapped around it shone brilliantly and I smiled, "It's perfect." I whispered, setting the box next to my bed and turning back to my bags. I opened the closest one and realized I had grabbed the wrong one, in this case. I closed the bag, trying not to think on the bags contents and moved on to the rest, checking to make sure they were mine. The rest of the them were, so I grabbed the one I had mistaken and walked over to Char's door. I knocked and she answered a little after I did. I handed her the bag and said, "I mistook this bag to be mine, sorry." I tried to walk back before she opened the bag, but she opened it as soon as she grabbed it, exposing her *cough* undergarments *cough* to me yet again. I turned away, trying not to imagine her in some of those. It was really hard. She blushed and gave me a quiet thank you before closing the door. I shook my head and walked back to my room, embarrassed. I closed my door and leaned against it, "Damn, I got lucky falling for her." I said to myself, grinning. "I'm one lucky bastard." I quickly put away the rest of my clothing, making sure that my swimwear was packed and ready along with a couple pairs of clothes to change into. I looked at the jewelry box and got an idea. I set the box on top of my packed clothes, right in plain sight when it was opened and packed my swimwear in a small bag I carried other small things in and zipped up the suitcase., after leaving a note in the box for Char. I grinned, "Surprise ready," I laughed and checked my bandages. They were as white as snow, Good, since I definitely overused it today. I thought, removing the bandages and checking my huge new scar. It ran from the left side of my waist up to my sternum, in the center of my chest. Lucky for me, most of it wasn't that deep thanks to Absolute Barrier and the extra armor. I threw a green tee on and pulled a pair of black athletic shorts on, then brushed my teeth and finished getting ready for bed. I climbed in and was asleep immediately.

I awoke before the time to finish getting ready for departure and I grabbed my things, slinging my bag over my shoulder and grabbing my suitcases handle. I opened my door and was greeted by Charlotte, hand raised to knock on my door. I set my suitcase to the side and gestured for her to come in. She shook her head, "I was just coming to make sure that you were up and ready." I nodded, grabbing my suitcase again and we began our walk to the bus. I stored my suitcase in the bus and turned to help Char. She smiled her gratefulness and handed my her suitcases handle. I pulled it to me and put the handle back in it's place before trying to lift her suitcase. I almost fell under the weight, so I went to a knee and slid it in next to mine, since we were the first two to even arrive at the bus. I got up and we walked hand in hand to the cafeteria for breakfast. We met Ichika and the rest of the gang on the way, so they tagged along and we all walked into the cafeteria together. Char and I ended up in the front of the line and I looked at the menu of what they were serving this morning before ordering two French platters. Char looked at me, grinning. I smiled, "One of those is for you, you know," I said, smirking. Her mouth opened in shock before my light laughing made her close it, blushing as she asked, "How'd you know? I've never gotten it before." I grinned knowingly, "And neither have I, but you've been eying it every time at breakfast. I figured we'd try it together." I shrugged at the end, grabbing our platters and walking to an open table. For whatever reason, the platters were covered, hiding their contents from us. I set a plate at each seat and pulled out Char's seat. She smiled and sat down as I pushed it in. I walked to my seat and sat down. We grabbed the top and looked at each other, "On three." I said, counting down and we pulled the tops off simultaneously. I looked at my plate to see a typical eggs and toast, along with a muffin. I noticed a cup and something underneath it, so I lifted the cup and a tea bag fell out. I looked at the flavor, "Green tea with a touch of honey." I said, looking at Char. She repeated my actions, "Same here." She said. "I'm kinda disappointed, it sounds more like a British meal than French, what do you think?" I asked, looking at Char. She nodded, then shrugged. "They got it down for the most part, they just forgot the small side of meat, but that seems too heavy for a breakfast." She said. I just nodded and cut into my eggs. I gathered some on my fork and said, "Say ah." I said, grinning at Char. She blushed. but opened her mouth, "Ahh" I placed my fork in her mouth and she ate the eggs. I looked at her, "And?" I asked. She chewed for a minute, then gave a thumbs up, swallowing. "It's good." She said. I grinned at her and took a bite myself, not noticing Ichika being swarmed by the other girls, demanding to be fed themselves. I looked over as I was chewing, finally noticing the poor boy being swarmed and tapped Char on the shoulder, pointing out the source of hilarity as I swallowed, laughing. She barely finished her mouthful before laughing as well. We finished up our meal, watching Ichika try and appease all the girls while asking himself "what was with them this morning?" "They just happened to notice Charlotte and I, Ichika. They're a bit jealous at the moment." I called out, catching the whole tables attention as Char blushed, the girls pouting at being called out in public. "Give him a break girls, he's not the sharpest tool in the shed." I said as Char and I walked out of the lunch room, which happened to take us right by their table. Ichika, clueless to what I meant, turned to ask Houki what I meant, but found all the girls blushing, but taking what I said to heart. Char lightly slapped my shoulder as we walked out, but I just laughed. She joined me in laughter. I made sure all my things were still with us, then stepped onto the bus. Char patted the seat next to her, and I set my bag down as I sat next to her. We chatted till everyone else piled onto this bus and the bus next to us, then Ms. Orimura stepped on and the bus went silent, waiting for her to say or do something. She looked over the buses occupants, mentally taking count before stepping off and yelling over to Ms. Yamada that all were accounted for. She stepped back on and took a seat at the front. The bus was peacefully quiet for a couple more seconds before all the girls started talking to each other again.

Soon the bus was a cacophony of chatting, screaming and girly squeals. I laid my head back against my seat, before noticing Char had laid her head on my lap and was out cold. I smiled softly before setting my coat under her head a hand on her side and falling asleep myself. We slept through the first stop the bus made, woke up for the second because we had to use the bathroom, before settling back into our seats and Char fell back asleep on my lap as I watched the landscape go from trees to water as we made it to the shoreline. I looked down to see Char peacefully asleep still, the sun was hitting her just right to make her seem… angelic. I think the word would be. I quietly pulled out my phone and took a picture of her. It turned out alright, compared to what my eyes saw. I was about to put my phone away when I received a text from an unknown number. I opened it to see a picture of Char and I, both asleep. Under the picture was the caption, "Sorry, couldn't resist." I looked in the direction to see, Ms. Orimura, who was looking out the front of the bus. I looked around, no one else was even paying attention. I looked at the number again, then hit the call button. The phone rang and rang before going to voicemail. "Hi, you've reached the voicemail of Maya Yamada, please leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can." I looked over at the other bus to see Ms. Yamada looking at her phone, having noticed that I had called her. I just texted a thank you and went back to looking out the window, unexpectedly falling asleep. I dreamt of the Eiffel Tower, flashes of green and purple and an angelic looking IS. I woke up, noticing we were pulling into the parking lot. I looked down to see Char, still asleep, but with a smile on her face. I gently woke her up, telling her we were at the resort, before reaching for my bag. She sat up and stretched, yawning. I mimicked her motions and we stepped off the bus together, gazing up at the expensive looking hotel building. "Glad we don't pay for this out of pocket." I said, seeing Char nod out of the corner of my eye. I also caught Ichika with the usual flock of girls around him as they headed in our direction. I wrapped an arm around Char's waist and turned to look at them, Char doing the same. When she saw them, she smiled and waved, they waved back. Orimura called all of us together, "Okay, we're passing out the room arrangements. When you're settled in, you may do as you please. Be careful everyone!" She called as people who had received their rooms were already running to them. I grabbed mine and noticed that I had been roomed with… Char. I checked with Char to see if there had been some mistake before taking my paper and walking up to Ms. Yamada. "I'm sorry to bother you at the moment, but I wanted to bring this to your attention." I said, handing my room paper to her. She looked at it, then checked the clipboard she held before pasing back my paper. "No there's been no mistake made. We trust you and Char enough to not get into anything." She said with a smile. I walked over to Char, "Well roomie, ready to go see our room?" I asked, pulling our luggage out of the bus and followed Char as she led the way to our room. Char opened the door and held it as I shuffled in with the suitcases, setting them down on a couple of stands. I looked over to see Char standing next to me, waiting for something. I sat up, looking at the, wait a minute, "There's only one bed? What is going on?" I said, the second part to myself as I looked back at Char to see her blushing at the implications. I grinned, "Charlotte," she looked at me, I grinned bigger, "No ecchi." I said with a laugh as she blushed even harder and smacked my arm again. It just made me laugh harder. She sat down on the bed and looked at me, "What are we going to do?" She asked as soon as I finished laughing. I took a deep breath and walked over to the couch and ran my hands along the edges of the cushions. "What are you doing?" Char asked, walking over to me as I reached into the couch at the back and grabbed a metal bar. I looked at her, "Making a bed," I said as I pulled the couch out, setting the bed up. "You take the bed, I'll take the couch." I said, setting my bag on the pull out. She nodded and set her suitcase on the bed, grabbing the swimsuit I helped her pick out yesterday. She walked into the bathroom and shut the door to change. I made sure the door wouldn't open before changing into the trunks I bought yesterday, along with the t-shirt as well. I was just pulling on the shirt when the bathroom door opened and Char walked out. I turned and my breath disappeared as I laid eyes on a goddess. "Beautiful," was the word that came spilling out of my mouth unrestrained before I woke myself back up. I focused back on her face to see she had heard me and was blushing, before she placed a hand on her hip as she shifted her weight to it and said smiling, "Not too bad yourself, handsome." I smirked at her, "Ready to go?" She asked, walking past me. "Yeah, just a second, I'll be right out." I said, shutting the door and dashing over to my suitcase and opening it. The box was still where I'd set it, I opened it to be sure. Perfect I thought, setting the note I had written next to it and setting the top of the suitcase gently on it, then grabbed a pair of sunglasses and walking out the door, room key in my pocket. "Ready now?" She asked. I nodded and we dashed out to the beach, following the sounds of screams and laughter, towels under our arms.

We walked down the ramp, Char pointing out things of interest as we stepped onto the sand. I looked over to see basically the entirety of the Academy on the beach. I looked at Char and saw she had set up her towel and was laid out on it, a drink in her hand from I don't know where. All I could here was "Beautiful Girls by Van Halen" playing in my head. I set my towel next to her and used my bag as a prop to set my head on as I looked around. I noticed that Rin had climbed up Ichika to sit on his shoulders, which was causing a little controversy with the rest of the girls. Then Cecilia showed up and got Ichika to rub tanning oil on her. Apparently Ichika was doing really well, because Cecilia was starting to fall asleep. Then she must have asked him to do something more intimate because Ichika leaned back pretty fast, he almost fell over. Then Rin made herself known and ended up causing Cecilia to sit up, without her top. I looked away quickly, not wanting to see her like that. I chanced a look back to see Ichika and Rin were headed for the water. I looked back to see Char had left and was talking with… a mummy? I took a second look, the person was wrapped in cloth, much like a mummy. I got up and walked over, looking at Char for an explanation. She sighed and motioned to the mummy, "Laura got a swimsuit, but is embarrassed about it. She's also worried Ichika won't like it. I looked over at said man as he walked out of the water with a drowned Rin. I was slightly worried, but she seemed alright. Especially when Cecilia and a third year started dragging her off back towards the rooms. I chuckled, "Well now would be the best time to show him." I said. I followed as Char walked the Laura mummy over to Ichika and started talking between the two of them. She said something and Laura was quick to remove her wrappings. I could tell Ichika was impressed. I winked at Char as an affirmative and we heard a couple of the girls call to Ichika about a volleyball game. I looked at Char and we walked over, "I think he's a bit busy, I'll play for him though." I offered, shrugging off my shirt and stretching. I looked over at the girls to see them staring, I followed them to see that they were looking at my scar. I completely forgot about it. I looked over at Char to see her staring as well. I coughed to get their attention. "Oh yeah, sorry. Sure, you can play, we don't mind." I looked at Char and she nodded. We stepped into the marked field and realized we were a player short. "Beach volleyball, eh? That looks like fun!" We looked and saw Ms. Yamada standing at the edge of the field. "Will you play with us, ma'am?" Char asked. I nodded to show that I was okay with it if she was. "Yes," she turned to talk to someone else. I looked to see Ms. Orimura standing there. Definitely model material was the first thought to cross my mind. I looked over at Char, whose mouth was hanging open. I closed it gently for her, drawing her back from lala land. "Char," I whispered, "no ecchi." She blushed and smacked me, I just chuckled. "Zeke you pervert." I frowned comically. She laughed, I smiled at her. "What do you say, Miss Orimura?" Ms. Yamada asked. The girls took notice of her, saying similar things to what I had thought. "You can take my place Ms. Orimura." One of the girls said on the other team. "Alright then." Ms. Orimura said. She had a quick conversation with her team. I looked back at Char, grinning. "Here comes the serve!" Ms. Yamada said. I turned back around to see Orimura serve the ball, which I followed as it soared over the net. Yamada missed, landing in the sand. We sent it back over and were able to get the ball, which I served. The girl that seemed to always be dressed in too big clothes with animal traits set it up for the other girl to send back over, I set it up and Char smashed it over. We continued the game for awhile before I ended up back on my towel, Char was over with Laura, Ichika had taken our place and was playing volleyball now. Rin and Cecilia had made quite a reentry, what with Rin running right into Orimura. Funny thing, Rin is just short enough to get a face full of boobs. The two of them were immediately scared. I hadn't stuck around afterwards. All in all, it was a good day. Later we were up in the shops and I bought Char and Laura some ice cream, which they sat down to eat with that girl from earlier, who was chewing on a slice of watermelon. Then the teachers called us all for dinner.