CHAPTER TWO

Misaka Mikoto let out a sigh. A little one so as to not alert the other girls. They were preoccupied with the variety of clothes in the store as Misaka watched them, content with their movements and talk. Uiharu was interested in a white sundress decorated with colorful embroidered flowers much like the ones on her head but seemed too shy to indulge the fact. Saten meanwhile was deliberating between a frilled skirt and non-frilled skirt as both had a lovely maroon color. And Kuroko…Kuroko was…

"Onee-Sama~! How about this one?" The twin-tailed girl, despite injuries and the wheelchair, was energetic and eager to find clothes for her. She triumphantly held up the clothing. It was…

"No."

"ONEE-SAMA!"

"Enn. Ooh."

"Onee-sama…at least try it on…"

"Eh!"

Misaka may have been a Level 5 esper but the innocent eyes of a well-meaning girl reduced her to a cream puff. Not that she would tell anyone, although her closest friends knew, about her weakness for cute things.

"Alright, alright! And don't you dare burst in, Kuroko!"

"Of course not, Onee-Sama! Your ever grateful lover is happy enough!"

"…okay…"

She begrudgingly walked into the dressing room and begin to take off her clothes. Upon reaching her undergarments, she looked briefly into the mirror. "Still flat as ever I see…" and picked up Kuroko's choice.

It wasn't too bad, actually, compared to the other…things Kuroko had made her wear. Upon first glance it seemed little more than a simple one piece, shirt-style dress, but the colors improved the article. Rich indigo colors, surely dyed painstakingly and lovingly over a long process, spilled over the cotton and shone brightly. Misaka shrugged into the dress and groomed herself until she looked…

"…Damn. Kuroko sure knows what she's doing…"

Then, a spark of lightning burst from her temple as a revelation came.

"…especially since I never told her my size…"

Another sigh. It was no use, that Kuroko. Misaka, in the midst of thinking, twirled experimentally in the dress. She meant well, of course, but sometimes Misaka just didn't know what was going on in the mind of that perverted teleporter…although she did care deeply for her. Blushing, she remembered the scene, outside this very store, actually, earlier and what she said.

Misaka didn't mean to get so angry and…passionate. She had blamed it on the excess stress, culminating from the Sisters, the Queen, that Sherry woman, every little thing joined until…sudden pain interrupted her thoughts. Unknowingly in her pondering, she had punched the wall. It didn't hurt too much, actually, just a slight twinge. Normally she wouldn't get so worked up over things, even big or little, but this time was different.

She knew what it was. Before Uiharu, Saten, and Kuroko, even that damn Touma and his little harem, she was alone. Sure she went to school, talked to student and teacher alike, but she always felt like a fleeting presence, seen but never sensed, much like her electrical powers. That all changed when they came into her life. Not that she would ever complain, but she could remember the times where they were hurt and threatened because of her.

Misaka shook her head. No, that wasn't right. They butted right into it, even if I warned them. Grinning, she regained some of her composure. That's what her friends were like partnered with a certain electromaster. Still, she didn't mean to break down in public like that…blushing again, she knew what it was. The reason why she would embarrass herself in front of Academy City's citizens, show her caring side, state her true feelings, it was…shaking her head she decided to get out of the stall and put her attention elsewhere.

At that thought Misaka strode proudly out of the dressing room and back to her friends. "So, what do you guys think?" she said, shyly tugging a part of the dress. Uiharu beamed. "Wahhhh! Misaka-chan, that looks wonderful on you!" Saten smirked. "Eh, you actually look like the second-year student that you are." Misaka's shy demeanor disappeared with a slight rage. "What was that?!"

"Onee-Sama…"

Only one voice in the world would utter that otherwise innocent title with voracious lips and a silky tone.

"…even…better…than I imagined. Oh, my…"

Misaka turned and smiled again. "I have to admit, you chose well, Kuroko, but don't you think that's going a LITTLE bit over?" The teleporter shook her head furiously making drool splatter everywhere. "Onee-Sama is far too considerate of my mere observations and conclusions that made up my choice of dress for your immaculate body! I was only bestowed with great luck, yes, that it would complement you so well. However…will…you…buy it?"

If it weren't for her red cheeks, harsh breathing, and twitching legs, Misaka would simply say "yes!" but that look was too predatory…then again, she made a promise.

"Sure I'll buy it."

The noise that erupted from Kuroko was both inhuman and human.

Misaka waved goodbye to Uiharu and Saten and begin to push Kuroko's wheelchair. The dormitory was in their sights and for once, they were not dangerously on par with the curfew. The night was cool and breezy as the wind gently ruffled their skirts and bags. Up above, as Misaka squinted, they could see the full moon, bright and pale.

"Ehh, such a nice night! Makes me want to stay outside!" It truly was a beautiful evening. Kuroko nodded and lifted her head as well. Even with her face upside down, her smile shown through.

"Mmm, although it pales next to Onee-Sama's beauty!"

"…ahem, I think I can see Orion's belt…"

"Onee-Sama! Are you a fan of constellations?!"

"Of course! What, did you think I just like staring at the skies?"

"…I dare not answer that question, although Kuroko will attest to watching Onee-Sama as intently as she watches the heavens."

"Kuroko."

"What is it, Onee-Sama?"

"I appreciate the attention and compliments, but don't you find it…too much?" At the statement, Kuroko's face had fallen, for a second, but picked up to its regular perkiness. "Onee-Sama! If I did not praise your ethereal beauty I find myself unworthy of your attention if I cannot spare as much!"

Misaka sighed. She really wanted to yell, to shout her feelings into Kuroko's heart, but knew that wouldn't work. It could, but not very well. "Kuroko, I'm flattered at your…admiration. I like it more, though, if you were to concentrate on things other than me. I mean, I know you can probably make a mile long list—"

"Actually—"

"—but there's things I like about Kuroko as well. Like, well…"

Misaka had expected the girl to interrupt her with more admirations but to her surprise Kuroko's head hung, awaiting more words. Well, she does like to be patted on the head…

"…truth be told I don't know much. How's that for a good roommate? Kuroko, what are things you like to do?"

"!"

"…besides things involving moi…"

Silence. Only the rustle of trees and the scent of countless flowers filled the night air. The sound of the rolling wheels seemed deafening as time stretched. Misaka was afraid of what she said—was she too forward, too blunt? However…

"…I enjoy photography."

"Ehh?"

"Well, I took a lot of pictures when I was younger. I enjoy nature as well and try to catch interesting perspectives that most people don't see." Compared to her otherwise strong, affluent voice discussing Judgment or Misaka herself, Kuroko's voice was shy, sweet, and little when it came to herself.

So there is a little girl underneath all of that…stuff.

"Really? You should show me some of your work."

"Ah! I haven't taken as much pictures lately due to work and whatnot—"

"Well, I think you deserve a rest and your favorite hobby."

"Onee-Sama…"

"Ah! Here we are!"

All of the talk had diverted the lengthy walk and the two girls were now in front of their dormroom. And 20 minutes before curfew to boot, Misaka thought, as she propelled Kuroko into the room and turned on the lights. "Ah! Did you want to use the restroom first? I don't mind waiting—"

Now that they were alone in the room, without any distractions of any kind disrupting their sense, Misaka could finally notice. The smell. The ODOR.

"—Kuroko, when's the last time you've taken a shower?"

"Ahh! Well, I've been busy as of note, plus, these damn injuires, ah heh heh, do not worry, I can shower later when Onee-Sama finishes first!"

"YOU STINK! AGH!"

Much to her surprise, Kuroko was lifted from her chair and being carried towards the bathroom. "Onee-Sama! It is fine, really!"

"LIKE HELL IT IS! WE MAY BE FRIENDS, PARTNERS, ROOMMATES—BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN STINK UP THE PLACE!"

"…I have displeased you."

"…Not that much, really."

Misaka calmed down and placed Kuroko on the toilet seat. "I know you have duties but sheesh! Take care of yourself for once!" As soon as the command escaped her lips, Misaka regretted it. "What I mean is—!" Kuroko looked up curiously, not expecting the apology. "What I mean is, think about yourself as well. Be selfish. You're a hard worker, Kuroko, but that doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself."

"Onee-Sama…you are being very considerate today…I believe its too much for me to handle…"

"Huh? Well, its just, something I noticed, alright?!"

"…you said I could be selfish, correct?"

"GEH!" Misaka realized that she had been making many promises today. But they were nice to fulfill. When was the last time she talked to Kuroko, when they weren't fighting or working?

"Well..yeah…but nothing sinful…"

Kuroko blushed and furrowed her brows. "You know very well I do not partake in sweets anymore!"

"Ok, ok, calm down, you're still skinny as a stick though…"

"Onee-Sama, if I may ask, could you wash me?"

"…Lust is also a sin, besides Gluttony, Kuroko."

"ONEE-SAMA! So is Pride!"

Kuroko coughed a bit. Misaka noticed. "Hey, are you okay?" Kuroko forced a grin and mustered what chest she could. "Heh! Usually I am quite the punctual being in everything I do, alas, my body can only handle so much. Normally I would not ask so much of you, but, seeing as how you are treating me, so kindly today, I wanted to request one more favor. I'm afraid…I'm not strong enough to wash myself." Kuroko then looked down and gripped her arm. "Pitiful, is it not?"

"Not at all! You can't be 1000% all of the time!"

"…Onee-Sama, I believe the limit is a hundred percent…"

"I might throw you into the toilet and flush if you're not careful."

"!"

Misaka laughed. This is what she liked, more of the happy, sure Kuroko rather than the small, sad one. "I'm kidding! Well, just as long as you promise not to anything perverted." Kuroko smirked. "I haven't the energy to even grope you Onee-Sama! Besides, one is wise to not make sparks in the bath!"

And that is how they both ended up in the bathroom, naked, wet, and close together. Any other time Misaka would've screamed murder and kicked Kuroko out, but this time, evident by Kuroko's fevered forehead and gasps of breath, it was fine. Tolerable, but fine. Also, Misaka guiltily thought, she was the source behind Kuroko's sudden decline in health. She should know better that her electrical shocks, added with a sick, petite girl, could equal a cold.

"Ha ha!"

The sudden laugh diverted her attention. "Wha-What's funny?"

"Onee-Sama has been washing my back for some time now. Are you trying to seduce me with a massage?"

"EH! I was making sure your back wasn't as dirty as your name!"

At that, Misaka begin to wash Kuroko's arms. They were slender and surprisingly long, for Kuroko's size, and soft. Misaka was reminded at how small and fragile Kuroko was. Even though she took on a rock monster and countless other threats, she faced them all with cold calculations and fast movements. After scrubbing her arms clean Misaka reached for the shampoo and started her hair. Kuroko's hair was auburn and long, usually tied up in girlish pigtails.

"Why do you keep your hair so long? Seems to me they would get in the way most of the time…"

"Hmph! An elegant woman must keep her hair long and lovely!"

"Says the stinky little girl."

"ONEE-SAMA!"

Misaka giggled and started conditioning. They were almost done with washing and would climb into the tub next. The whole time, Kuroko had stayed still and silent, although she would make her flirtatious comments every now and then. I wonder what she's concentrating so much about, Misaka thought, as she raised a bowl of water. "Cover your eyes." Kuroko obeyed and Misaka rinsed her hair.

"Okay, now the front."

"!"

"What's wrong?"

"Ahh, I think that job should be reserved for myself…"

"That's a surprise. I would've thought you jumped at the chance."

Also, it wouldn't be the first time Misaka had seen Kuroko's chest and other parts. However, this was different.

"Okay, well, I'm going to wash myself and then we can get in the tub together, if you like."

"I would like that very much."

"No funny business!"

"Of course, Onee-Sama! I would not want to ruin this wonderful moment between you and I!"

"Heh, that's more like you."

At that, the two set to washing themselves, and Misaka was the first in the tub. "Ahhh…" It was the perfect temperature. "Nothing like a great bath after a busy day…hmm…" Also, it didn't hurt that she had added a Gekoto-themed bubble soap. It was like icing on an already delicious cake.

"Onee-Sama, I'm entering."

"Uh-hum…"

Misaka was taken over by a warm feeling and did not notice what would happen next. Fortunately, it was not something requiring shock therapy.

A soft, slick object slowly lowered itself onto her chest and Misaka could feel arms wrapping around her body. "Kuroko—!"

"Oh, Onee-Sama, please humor me for once…"
Misaka had expected Kuroko to suddenly do…something wrong…but the girl was simply embracing her.

"…Hmph. This is the last time I spoil you."

"Tee-hee, just this one experience will last me forever and ever."

"…"

Misaka was suddenly hit by memories of kittens, cats, you name it, cute felines of every kind. She adored the creatures but due to her constant electrical output, petting one of them was out of the question. Compared to Kuroko, who loved her so much and yet Misaka had rejected affectations of any kind from the girl…were they not similar?

Kuroko meanwhile was breathing slowly with her hands tenderly clasped around Misaka's back. Misaka could feel her small chest breathing in and out, against her own, but not overbearing. The small hug only lasted perhaps for a minute, but for the two of them, it was long lasting.

Finally, Kuroko leaned back and retreated to the far side of the tub. "Ahh…thank you so much, Onee-Sama." She beamed, closed her eyes, and seemed to relax in the bath as well.

"…Sure."

TO BE CONTINUED!