Chapter 5: Journey Through the Mall PART 2

Maxima watched as Kula led Whip away to what he guessed was an underwear store. Judging by how Kula whispered what she saw and how Whip phrased where they were going, one could only come up with 2 conclusions; panties, or 'toys'. Of course he could NEVER even IMAGINE Kula (or Whip...Maybe Whip, she seemed mature enough, not in a perverted way, if that makes sense) stepping one foot in one of those stores, so that last one was ruled out. Maxima looked over at K', who looked a bit stiff as he watched them leave. He let out a chuckle and K' instinctively glared at him.

"What…" K' said as he began to walk in a random direction.

"Nothing, you're just a bit transparent is all." Maxima followed and smiled when K' stopped once again.

"…What do you mean? How..?" K' glared at Maxima as he continued to smile.

"You know what I mean. You should just admit it already." Maxima then began to walk ahead of K' in search of some kind of clothing store that might have clothes to fit his stature. Left and right he found nothing.

"Hmph…" K' followed behind and acted as though he hadn't the slightest idea of what he was talking about. K' noticed the slight concentration on Maxima's face and smirked. "I doubt you are going to find ANY store that carries YOUR size Maxima…"

Maxima grinned as he pulled K' into a head lock. "And what are you implying you KID? You need to learn how to respect your elders, SON."

"Urusai! ((AN:Shut up!)) I'm only younger than you by a few years you FOSSIL." K' began to grip Maxima's arm in an attempt to throw him over his shoulder. Once he had steady ground, K' flipped Maxima off of him and onto the hard floor of the mall. Without noticing it, K' had drawn a crowd of people around them. He became very irritated by all the stares pointed in his direction.

Maxima got up and laughed a bit loudly, "We should get going before we attract any more attention." With that being said, Maxima pulled K' rather roughly to begin their journey for some clothes once again.

..

Kula was quite happy shopping with Whip for new panties. She was fairly clueless with these types of things, so she wanted Whip's opinions on what would be considered sexy and what would seem too childish. Of course most of the items she picked out had some kind of cutesy print on them, such as; tiny stars, hearts, candy shapes, more stars, and things with cute little lace around the edges.

"I'm not sure what you are going for, but I hope that you aren't looking for things that you think a certain PERSON would be attracted to…" Whip, seeing through her little I-just –want-to-look-'mature'-for-myself act, was finding it quite hard not to show her amusement by Kula's choice of…Sexiness. It was adorable, really. Seeing her try so hard, yet being unable to resist her natural instinct for bright colors and childish looks. Her concentration that was evident with every piece she picked up. And her bright, satisfied, smile every time she thought she found just the right thing for 'herself'. She was wasted on K'…

"W..What's wrong with these? And I told you, it's for myself!" Kula looked over at Whip, eyes laced with concern about her choices. It was so hard to tell her the truth sometimes.

Whip let out a tiny laugh then smiled. "Absolutely nothing. They are actually perfect for you." She patted Kula's head and began to look around for herself. Lord new she needed some new garments as well. She vaguely remembered shopping with Kula when she was younger, but at that time they would always go out alone, K' and Maxima finding various excuses to get out of it. And speaking of… "So Kula…Were you planning on going through what you told me? *Before we left?" (AN: refer to chapter 3 at the end.) Whip placed a mischievous smile on her face while turning back to Kula.

"…Well, yeah! I'm just not sure when would be a good time…" Kula kicked her foot slightly in front of her. She then picked up a pink, lacy 'apron' with little heat shaped pockets and a silky ribbon to tie in the back. The garment would probably cover from the tops of her breasts to the high thighs of her legs. It actually was something she could see her brother enjoying. Not that she wanted to PICTURE him enjoying it...I think I'll tell her to put that back... she thought with renewed anger. Just before she could grab it from her hands, Kula turned to her with a satisfied smile and said, "I think I'll take this one!" she paused then grabbed a handful of other pieces, "And these too…Were you going to get anything nee-chan?"

And with that one sentence she lost her resolve. Whenever Kula called her nee-chan, she just COULDN'T tell her 'No'. So she smiled then nodded, "I plan on getting some new sports bras and panties." And thus, Whip continued to look for herself, while Kula went up to pay.

..

K' sat down impatiently outside of a 'Big and Tall' store while Maxima attempted to find clothing to suit his 'persona'. This gave him time to think. He usually enjoyed his thoughts. As of lately, he's been trying to do anything BUT think. The more time he had to think, the more time he had to sort out his feelings, which isn't exactly what he needs right now living with the ice princess. Princess..? Well I guess it's better than ice vixen…Or sexy ice vixen…And that's where I stop. K's frown deepened as his lonely thoughts progressed. It was hard NOT to think about her when she wasn't around. The lack of the light hearted noise made him think about its source.

K' couldn't wait any longer. He got up, walked inside, and found Maxima as he stepped from a dressing room. Then he coughed and pointed at the man. "What the hell is that? And are you seriously considering its purchase?" He said as he looked Maxima up and down.

"They are called chaps, and yes, I think they fit my bad boy image." Maxima said as he proudly strode back into the dressing room to put on the matching leather jacket. When he came back out, K' found it very hard not to laugh out right, so he stifled his laugh and smiled his signature, lip corners slightly raised, smile.

"Since when does you in assless chaps say 'Bad Boy', and on top of that, since when are YOU a bad boy? The only thing those chaps say, while you're in them, is that you like the idea of motorcycle cowboys, and that you are slightly confused about your sexuality. Take those god awful things off and find yourself a pair of jeans and a plain shirt for Kami's sake. It's embarrassing to watch." With Maxima stunned silent, K' turned around and walked back out, deciding he would much rather wait outside than see the oaf try on anything else.

Is it hypocritical of me to chastise him for wearing that when I wear something VERY similar for KOF tournaments..?But mine aren't REALLY chaps...It's the only thing I own strong enough to handle my powers...Whatever. Only I can pull off that look without looking like a jerk. A few more minutes went by for K' as his thoughts wondered into vanity, when Maxima finally came back out. "It's about time. I'm almost as old as you are now." K' smirked as he stood to begin walking again, thinking now may be a good time to buy some new shirts.

"K' I have a question for you." Maxima said lightly with an undertone of seriousness.

"I may have an answer." K' said right back, not letting himself get too distracted.

Maxima walked in front of him then turned and put a hand on his shoulder. "Just how much do you care about her?"

K' didn't have to ask who he was talking about, because it was fairly obvious already. He groaned on the inside as his cheeks slightly heated up. "What does it matter..?"

Maxima smiled and continued the walk. "Well it's not like it does, particularly, but you've changed a lot within a day. It just makes you wonder, you know?" Maxima's smile grew larger as he saw K's blush deepen.

"What the hell do you mean by that? I haven't changed a damn bit. I'm just as I was yesterday and the day before." K's face was becoming a bit more guarded and defensive.

"K'. You have said more in this day than we used to hear in a month. I'm quite happy that you trust us enough to talk so much, but the only difference from yesterday was that Kula was still gone. I mean you would joke with me, sure, but never this much. It makes me happy to hear your voice as it was before she left. It's nice and-" Maxima was cut off with a punch to the shoulder.

"You know…That sounds like a bit too much love from you Maxima…It explains the chaps, but I'm not interested..." K' finally gained back his composure when Maxima head locked him again.

"What was that? I will hit you while you sleep if you suggest that again!" Though Maxima sounded angry, his smile gave away the fun he was having. K' smiled a bit too as he once again threw him off his shoulder.

"Always trying to hold me aren't you..?" K' then walked away, leaving the smiling Maxima to get up himself. He really didn't see the changes that he mentioned. It wasn't like he was different. Really. He just…Had a lot to say today…And having Kula back, well…Now that his mind isn't preoccupied with thoughts of her protection, he can listen more clearly to what's being said around him…Okay that may sound like he's changed but he hasn't. Honest…And speak of the devil…

..

Kula skipped happily out of the pantie store, with a whole big bag full of new everything! She was quite happy with her purchases, and Whip seemed content with her, but a little down. She wondered what was wrong and was about to ask, when she ran straight into a tall, dark figure. The figure caught her as she was falling and she began to rub her nose. "S..Sorry! And thank you…" Kula then looked up to see a slightly brooding K'. She smiled warmly and, before she could think clearly, hugged him. "K'!" He went ridged for a moment before patting her back lightly and pulling her off him.

"…Be a bit more careful next time, okay?" K' said as he looked away from her. Kula was surprised, to say the least. He would usually yell at her for something so trivial. She didn't want to question his change of attitude, so she didn't. She merely smiled and said, "Okay!" She then turned to Whip and pulled her in close to whisper.

"I think now would be a good time to let us go shopping alone…If you still don't mind helping me that is…" Kula looked up at Whip as she smiled and pat her head.

"Okay. I'll take Maxima away, but don't be gone to long okay? I'm giving you thirty minutes." Whip waited a moment before Kula nodded while smiling. She then gave Kula a hug and walked over to the approaching Maxima. "Hey Maxima! I'm thinking about buying a surround sound system, so I'm going to need your help with the box okay? K'! Could you watch over Kula? Thank you." Before anyone had time to argue, she took off with Maxima and thus Kula and K' were left alone.

"So…Did you need to buy anything K'?" Kula looked up at him a bit awkwardly and blushed a pretty pink.

"Mm…" Was all he said before walking off towards the escalators. After passing by a number of girl shops, he eventually went inside a men's clothing store. Kula followed rather closely, and was thinking of something to say to him when he turned to her and said simply, "Wait outside, I'll only be a moment." He rarely asked for anything, so while she HATED being apart from him, she went out of the store and waited, as asked. It made her a bit sad that he didn't want her company, but he's always been this way. Didn't change the way she loved him…And boy do I ever…

After about three minutes, K' walked out with a bag of clothing and began to walk again. Kula smiled at the fact that he really didn't take as long as he usually did, deep down thinking that maybe, JUST maybe, it was to be with her again (though she brushed off the thought as soon as it came). While thinking to herself, she suddenly heard his smooth bass voice. "Need anything..?"

Kula looked up at him excitedly and pulled his sleeve as she led the way up the escalators. "I still need a number of tops and bottoms. Would you please come with me inside?" She looked at him with big, ruby red eyes and he found it hard to say no. Though he wanted to…

He simply nodded and she continued to lead the way to 3 different shops. The first shop sold the most revealing clothing yet, but not by much. She decided it would be a good idea to try on some thin shirts and short skirts for him. He said nothing, just shook his head in disapproval and motioned for her to change again. Kula frowned at that. She was a bit disappointed at his reactions, but tried not to let it get to her.

If only she knew that the only thing he could think of was taking her OUT of those clothes so that no other male could see her, and so that he could see MORE of her…Kami what was she doing to him? While his face was hard to read, a stone if you will, his hard on was out for everyone to see, like a rock, and it was very difficult to cover up. He managed to force the beast back down with thoughts of Maxima in the very outfits she chose. In a matter of .5 seconds his blood cooled and his cock went into hiding.

The next two shops weren't nearly as bad, and she managed to find fifteen tops, five pairs of pants, three sets of shorts, and four skirts that all complimented her complexion and curves. Though she didn't try them on for K' because she didn't like that disappointment.

An hour had already passed, and though they didn't say much during the time they spent, Kula thought it would be a god time to find Whip. Kami knew she was having a heart attack by now. Besides…Now that she LIVED with K' (heehee…), they were bound to talk to each other more right? She could dream…

..

Authors Note: Sooooooooooo how was it? I'm sorry I haven't updated in over a year. A lot of things happened last year and it's taken me a while to recover. I can't apologize enough to you all. I hope this chapter brings you some joy. I decided Kula's job. She will be…A bakery shop waitress! I could see her being like Chii from Chobits and wearing cute dresses with a cute apron! And eating all the sweets she can handle! K' will either be a bike mechanic or some other job that doesn't require lots of interaction with people. I am currently editing my next chapter, so within a week or so it will be typed. I've had these two chapters written for about half a year but so much stuff happened…Anyway. I hope you all are still my fans. Thank you for the support. I really wish you would enjoy this, and if you can, give me some feedback. I love hearing from you all!