The Friend of my Enemy

by Mercaba

A spring rain and a short walk bring Shinji to the the attention of a young woman that changes not only his destiny but the lives of all the staff of Nerv

18. Chapter 18

Standard Disclaimer

Man work has kicked into high gear really fast, time to write lowered, social interactions higher…Darn Pathfinder groups. Going to do what I can and get as much writing/swimming done as possible. I go back and forth on this story…wondering if its dragging to much or still enjoyable to you readers. Hope it is.

X-X

Friend of my Enemy

Chapter – 18

A good sweat and the pleasurable strain of her muscles tensing from exorcise did little to keep Asuka's mind at ease. School had been its normal tedium, but she did enjoy seeing the haunted and worried look on that vixen's face. Oh did Chizuru not like seeing Shinji and Kuesu together, well she had to get used to it. Himari had stayed at Shinji's side the whole time, but honored the deal regardless. Due to the nature of their relationship, the bodyguard was nearby but refrained from interfering with Kuesu or her. Looked about ready to cause the girl an aneurism though. Luckily though the one potential threat at school, Rei, wasn't around due to Nerv issues. But after classes let out, Asuka had not expected this.

The trio of slayers were at Kuesu's posh hotel on the roof in leotards having an impromptu training session. With Shinji at her side, the two novice slayers were taking on the seasoned vet. "This wasn't what I expected when you invited us over, Kuesu," Asuka rolled to the left. A rubber round bounced off where she had just stood, but the ricochet glanced her calf. Drawing from Shinji, something that was getting much easier, Asuka crafted a ball of blue flame and held it. Looking at her partner, "Bet you were expecting something softer too."

Holding a ruler like a sword in his right hand, Shinji had a trickle of blood from a bruise on his temple dribble down. Panting lightly, "Well I normally do train a bit with Himari-san on Monday's so it's not so bad. Just not this heavily or hard. I go left and you right?" He inched around getting into flanking position. While he didn't appear totally fine with everything, he was far from the out of shape lump his body would lead Asuka to believe. So he had a wellspring of stamina. Closing his eyes, concentration ebbed out of him, and the rule began to glow, "I can't hold it for to long. Rush!"

"You've improved so much Ikari-kun," Kuesu actually sounded happy! Focusing on Shinji as the pair advanced on her, she let out a barrage of her magic infused rounds. They were cast off by the Light Ferry infused hunk of wood, but she continued with her. "But you're both still a few years to green to take me down," the vet jumped up avoiding Asuka's blast. Spring boarding off Asuka's face, thankfully not in high heels, Kuesu dodged past Shinji's semi-trained blow and slammed her book into his stomach.

Rubbing her scrunched nose, Asuka found some blood on her hand, Kuesu did not go easy on them. "We wouldn't improve if she went easy I guess," she got to her feet and sighed in defeat. Even two on one Kuesu schooled them, but they got close this time. Shinji had surprised her, his training with those demons wasn't just for show. The few times she did train with them, she thought it mere playing, oh she had been wrong. Finding Kuesu and Shinji on the ground, "Are you two…K-Kuesu?" Were they…was she? And here she was worried Kuesu was going to let this week escape her without trying to progress her relationship.

Having landed on top of Shinji after her last ditch attack succeeded, Kuesu had yet to get off of him. In fact she had made herself a nice little roost on the probe body beneath her. Arms wrapped around his waist, her hair hiding their faces, it was still quite audible. Oh that girl was cooing and murmuring something sinfully. Though upon Asuka's comment, the girl pushed herself up, a small trail shimmered from her lips to his as she did. "What are you talking about Asuka, just reveling in my victory prize," Kuesu rubbed her mouth. Trailing her hands down Shinji's chest as she got off him, Kuesu fixed herself up.

"I-uh-that was…you don't pull your punches, Jinguji-san," Shinji just continued to lay on the ground. Accepting Asuka's aid in getting up, he bashfully looked away when she jabbed him in the side playfully. Grabbing a towel for himself and his partner, Shinji cleaned away a lot of the dirt and grime. Drinking heavily from the mineral water Kuesu had for them. "Do you two always go so hard against each other?" he rubbed his bleeding head.

No they didn't go that hard, which was what made Asuka nervous. "Well we can't expect demons to go easy on us now can we? Even you fought some that would have killed you," Asuka drank to. What was Kuesu doing? This was her chance to get her fiancé's attention in positive ways, to bring him away from those seductresses. And what was she doing? Beating the snot of out of him and her. Wasn't this time for Kuesu to want to be alone with him? Not that Asuka ever minded hanging out with either Shinji or Kuesu. Slugging Shinji in the arm, she saw Kuesu walking over with a towel herself, guess training was done for now. "But you are a lot more skilled than when we last had a spar," she was impressed.

Grabbing her bag of clothing, Kuesu favored her companions with a brilliant and cocky smile. "She's right, Ikari-kun, you really are more skilled than I expected. Guess Noihara-kun is a better teacher than I expected," she was reluctant to admit. Pulling out some bandages from her bag, she tossed them to the defeated. "Use these to patch yourselves up. We can have a bite to eat now if you two want. Then I…well then Asuka you can pick something," she didn't stop moving. She was already at the door with cardkey in hand.

"We can think of something fun to do can't we Shinji? You wouldn't know it, but Kuesu is actually quite the avid gamer. Not as good as I am though," Asuka thumbed her chest. Helping Shinji to apply his bandages after patching herself up, she saw a look of apprehension on his face. If Kuesu was trying to get his attention, she was doing a bad job of it. Well she'd help both of them, her friends might just be to self-conscious to act. Was Himari watching from somewhere, likely, Asuka lead Shinji to the door, "She's likely just nervous around you right now too. Don't be too hard on her."

Listlessly shrugging his shoulders, Shinji offered Asuka a half smile. "Well with what her mother is doing it's not surprising. I'm a little nervous around her too because of it. T-thanks for being with us today too. I don't think we'd even be talking if it wasn't for you," he held the door open for Asuka to pass. They had left their clothing in Kuesu's suite so they had nothing to take with them. Walking down the stairs, they both saw the ghostly trail of Kuesu's hair as the rounded corners, proof she wasn't leaving them but couldn't face them either. Haltingly the lad did come across as heartfelt, "Not wasting your time are we though? H-has she told you the news too?"

Other than the news that this week Shinji had to avoid that impossibly beautiful Chizuru, Kuesu hadn't really said much to Asuka. Sadly the two friends hadn't had much time lately to hang out, but Asuka enjoyed every moment with Kuesu. But she could tell something was eating away at the proud girl's mind, Asuka had just thought it was fears of what the demons had for Shinji. Though she knew now that those at the apartment would never hurt Shinji, hell doubted they'd hurt her unless she started something. Not all demons were bad, Asuka knew that now. But she wouldn't be trusting like Shinji was, her buddy was just far to open.

Fanning her face with her hand, Asuka felt flush for some reason. Pushing Shinji away from her, it had to be his fault she was feeling so warm. "You met her mother? I've only seen her a few times back in Germany. Really beautiful lady," Asuka couldn't lie about that. It was a fact that there would always be those better than you. Kuesu was better than her, but since she was human Asuka didn't mind. Entering the hallway leading to Kuesu's temporary home, "And I don't think she told me anything to explain why she was all kissy faced with you, lil pig that you are. Cheating on your fiancé with those…others." She had to be cruel to be kind, but it made her smile to see him squirm.

"S-she didn't tell you?" Shinji paled a little, the sweat from before making him look almost translucent. Rubbing his cheek with the towel, Shinji headed to Kuesu's and found the door just a little ajar. "I guess…I don't know if I have the right to tell you this or if I should let her do it. As for…the others," Shinji was bound by the bet as well. Chizuru was not to be referred to by name when around Kuesu this week, and he was not one to welch on bets. "As for them, I can't help my feelings. I…I love them Asuka, I think you accept that now. Kuesu and I, we had something powerful when we were young, then I lost my memories. I'm only starting to remember what we had, and I feel torn."

With the A/C hitting her skin, Asuka moaned suggestively and accidentally. But it just felt so good to have that contrast of heat and cold. Blushing and hotly looking at Shinji to see if he heard here, she relaxed when he either hadn't or didn't react. "Never thought of it like that. That amulet must have really messed your life up," she couldn't fathom amnesia. To wake up one day and learn that you pledged to marry somebody you didn't remember, had to be a real hard issue to accept. "But I think you should tell me. What did you and her mom talk about?" The air about the apartment had been odd for the last few days, Misato was positively livid about something.

Already donning her Lolita maid outfit, Kuesu had some flavored ice in hand and sat on her desk. The damage from the fight between Ikari and Jinguji had been fixed and new art replaced that which had been lost. "Mother is doing what she thinks is right in her own way. I don't know if I like winning like that, but it was a foregone conclusion regardless," she re-crossed her legs and flashed both lacy black undergarments. Kicking her shoeless foot, pantyhose shimmered darkly, at two cups of dessert, "By month's end we'll be married. All that's really left to do is have us sign the document."

"Married already?!" Asuka shouted and nearly leapt away from Shinji. So that was why he was out of sorts and Misato was beside herself? With him picking his clothing up, his leotard somehow seemed to cling to his body tighter. Having seen him in his plugsuit, Asuka wasn't oblivious to his physique, but at the moment she found it even more standout. He was lean, not thin, and was that his…was he getting… "Go get changed pervert. Let me have a word in private," Asuka all but threw Shinji into the bathroom. Alone with Kuesu, Asuka took off her own leotard and started changing, they had seen one another as such more than once. "So…just going to let your mother do this?" it was so unlike Kuesu.

The long thing spoon twisted in her mouth, but Kuesu didn't have any visual tells. "What would you have me do, Asuka? This has been mother's plan since we were four. We pledged to each other before we heard from mother about their plans," Kuesu's shoulders did sink a little. Her foot jerked anxiously with pent up energy. "No I didn't want to get it like this. I wanted…want him to remember me as I do him. Want him to come to love me as we used to. But I don't…I'm terrified of him, of upsetting or being abandoned by him! If we're married I know he won't leave me. Then I could have the time I need," she took another big bite of her treat.

This was outside her expertise, and Asuka was for a rarity unsure how to act or say. She could see Kuesu was torn by this, and that made the German upset. Kuesu had always been a bastion of unflinching power and courage, that was not what she saw right now. Right now her best girl friend was timid and a shy waif! "Well for starters you could try talking to him like a person…like your boyfriend maybe. Not bring him over to beat on him like some five year old that doesn't know how to act. And maybe try thinking of how he's feeling right now. He's a shy guy that gets a girlfriend WAY out of his league, and then learns he has a fiancé and starts remembering how he DOES love her too?" Asuka hated being harsh with Kuesu. Other than Shinji, Kuesu's opinion of her mattered most to Asuka. It was odd how the flatmate's opinion slowly and secretly supplanted the other.

Knocking on the door of the bathroom, Shinji called out sagely, "Is it alright for me to come out yet? I'm changed." He had learned his lessons well, never assume a room was free to enter. Asuka had taught him that more than once, and that girl Lizlet made them all learn. That morning alone Asuka didn't take her own advice and just went to ask Shinji what was for breakfast only to find Lizlet tugging down the sleeping boy's boxers. That ended with a ear splitting headache for everybody.

Clad only in her undergarments, Asuka hadn't been putting to much effort into dressing. "Give me a few more minutes Shinji!" she yelled. Throwing her clothing on fast and rumpled, Asuka tumbled and landed on her rump with a meaty twack. "Damn slippery floors! You just have to make everything look so clean don't you," Asuka stuck her tongue out mockingly at the giggling Kuesu. Rubbing the pain out of her wrist, "Oh get off it!" Asuka found herself laughing too. Here they were so worried about things and Shinji was standing in Kuesu's bathroom waiting. Funny that. "You can start in trying to get closer to that little idiot by calling him by his first name. You two are so distant and fretful of each other it's pathetic," she stood, "Alright?"

"Alright," Shinji and Kuesu said in unison as the lad left the bathroom. Finding Asuka holding her skirt in her hands, he blanched and quickly re-shut the door. Asuka just stood there, her red lacy rump had been flashed before her roommate. "What did I tell you about trying to seduce my…soon to be husband, Asuka? I like to share with you, but I don't think either of us want to share that," Kuesu slide off her desk and wafted towards the bathroom. "Now I need to go…punish him for walking in on you," nobody believed that lie, "Give me a few minutes…please?"

Waving her hand dismissively at the door, Asuka rolled her eyes. "Don't have to worry about getting pregnant. LCL keeps us all sterile right now," Asuka teased. They were her best friends, she wanted them happy. But she didn't know what she could do with that, or how she felt about being seeing by him. She wasn't on the make for Kuesu's fiancé, but he was quite the fixation on her mind. Most boys her age were worthless, she wanted a man like Kaji. But Asuka wasn't stupid, it was unlikely…which made her feel lonely.

And whenever she felt lonely, Shinji would be there to play games with her, well Shinji and his demon pets. Life was complicated. Twenty minutes later, the two walked out standing closer together with Shinji bashful while Kuesu had a sense of pride. Oh and they were using their first names after that. Asuka wasn't going to ask, didn't care. She did pick the game to play though, and she was relentless.

X-X

This wasn't what love was supposed to feel like, Ritsuko knew that and hated it. When Gendo summoned her to his office while she was overseeing Rei's synchronization with the host body, she thought it was for something better. He would be like he was when they started there romance. Romance…ha, maybe it had all been in her mind all along that he cared. Back then he caressed her cheek not slapped her back, he kissed her softly not rammed her hard, he seemed to care but no she wasn't sure. No there was no cup of coffee for her like when he first approached her, there was no sign of the man she fell for.

"I've a meeting with a representative from Tendril's Leaf. Our meeting tonight is cancelled so you will perform now," Gendo said with no warmth or compassion. Just the stone dead cold man in the tinted glasses. Pointing under his desk he gave her just enough time and space to get in before he rolled it back into place. As he undid his fly and pulled his member out, "After this I will need the reports on the sealed body and Pilot Ayanami's status reworked." A long night of mind searing work that nobody outside the inner circle knew about.

In the darkness under Gendo's desk, Ritsuko could only see a small splattering of light and the man's turgid member. It was small even while hard, funny how the son was bigger. But she loved the man, so she swallowed him up to the root. It twitched in mournful little spasms as she lubricated it. He didn't even greet her, not even let her speak before demanding his little fellatio. Well at least if they didn't make love…no not that, if he didn't fuck her tonight at least she'd not have to hide the bruises.

"Ah Ikari-san, I apologize for the impromptu nature of my call, but you see it is quite the emergency," a smooth talking man's voice wafted. With no sounds of entry or doors, it was either a voice call or one of the holo-emitters working. High class stuff only used for the hush-hush situations. The voice, Ritsuko thought she recognized it as acting head Shiki Mitama, continued, "I'm not interrupting or keeping you from anything I hope."

Gendo's member jumped in Ritsuko's mouth as it hardened, it didn't make it much more fulfilling for Ritsuko. "Dispense with the pleasantries Mitama-kun, you have matters to discuss so discuss them. Seele is always monitoring us so any prolonged contact with you will raise the specter of suspicion on us. Your last request has been addressed already," Gendo's hand grabbed Ritsuko's hair and pulled suddenly. "Akagi-kun has implanted Minamoto-kun with the soul mark. You should be able to find her at any point you wish. And we haven't found your failed experiment running around," he forced Ritsuko to quicken her pace.

Her ear hurt with how hard he gripped, but it was just how he knew how to express himself. Gendo didn't know how he hurt, just that he had his power fix, and Ritsuko would allow it. Doing her best to keep the sounds down, never good to let somebody hear slobbering, she just wasn't feeling it herself anymore. Before, when this started, the first time she performed this little dirty trick she had been so wet in the end all it took was her pinky to finish her. Now she was dry as a desert, a cruel bud of disgust worked in her instead. So this was what if felt like to have your heart torn into pieces and spat on.

Shiki's slick voice, not once pausing to show upset at Gendo's harshness, "Well we have seen pictures of Minori and your son have met. She seems to be hunting him and Minamoto-san. I cannot downplay how much Minamoto-san is necessary to fulfill our shared desires, Ikari-san. She will be the linchpin after the final g-angel is disposed of. If you could procure her, I'll send even more powerful binding agents than what is keeping the half-breed we gave you. You could keep her until the time comes, Ikari. She is, as you have no doubt seen, quite the attractive young woman. Even if she is more than four times your age in years."

"You attempt to bribe me with the body of a teenage pure-blood? While I believe my science officers would revel in it. I do not believe I would find the perverse use as you are hinting," Gendo lied. Oh how Gendo lied, and Ritsuko knew it, hell she felt it. In her mouth the man was pulsating, but the real reason was unknown. Was it the want for a tempting young woman, or just to hurt his son again, to take what little joy from Shinji's life. He did want Shinji depressed and under thumb, hell maybe he'd even hold her hostage to keep Shinji in check. Clamping down on Ritsuko's head, Gendo pulled her close and kept her there, "I require something else as well. Something to deal with those other demonic animals causing issues."

Oh how she nearly vomited when the thin stream of essence shot down her throat. It was a mixture of water and snot texture and she gagged on it, but kept silent. Knowing the man, Ritsuko didn't know what to believe after his fevered climax. Was it the thrill of having her there as he spoke, want for another body, or just a way of extorting power over others again? All she knew was that last straw, that last ounce of love and respect she had for him died as the noxious taste of his semen touched her tongue. Done, she couldn't-wouldn't do this anymore. She had at least that amount of self respect left, he hadn't beaten it all out.

A small chuckle reverberated in Ritsuko's little alcove as Shiki responded. "Oh we can help you deal with those pests, Ikari-san. I'd recommend using the Third Child as bate for Minori. As the Nine-Tail is his lover, at the moment," another snide laugh at a shared joke between men, "she'll protect him. In the ensuing battle we'll be able to tend to both the failed experiment and capture our needed prize. From then on you'll have Tendril's Leaf's full support in all things. You'd not need Seele for anything, and then we both win."

"Once I get your binding spells I shall see what can be done," Gendo lacked any of Shiki's enjoyment. A few moments later he pulled his flaccid member out of Ritsuko's mouth and zipped his slacks. Rolling his chair out, he stood and fixed his jacket and gloves. "You heard what is to come, get ready a holding container for the girl. We could make a replacement for Ayanami far more useful than the existing incarnation and can be done with that one. No need for a partially loyal dog when we can have a trained fox," Gendo pushed his glasses up and made for the door.

That was all he was going to say to her? No thank you, no wipe your mouth? Nothing?! Clambering to her feet, Ritsuko nearly stumbled as she chased after him. It couldn't end like this! "You'll trust them to just hand that girl over to you? The girl your son loves, you'll seal her and do to her what you did to that other girl?" Ritsuko felt her sickness grow. In her stomach she could still feel him in her, it was revolting and cold. Her lips still wet with saliva from her neglected foreplay, "How can you do that to him…do this to me?" She rubbed at her lips but could still feel him on her lips and tongue, likely a damn pubic hair in her teeth too.

Gendo slowed and turned to her, his eyes showing through his glasses for but a brief moment. He smiled in his cold and uncaring way, the manner of a man that got everything he wanted and had grown bored of it all. "I do so as I have a use for her, as I had a use for you. His use is only to pilot, anything else is unwanted. And I do not recall having asked you to suck it. You've just learned better than to question. Now, you are needed in your lab with the lesser specimens. I have to meet the old man for something of more importance than catering to your ego or your lusts. Find another if you need," and with that he left her without another word. Just opened the door and shut it.

"Its not…its not fair," Ritsuko fell to her knees and then even her upper legs gave out and she fell to her hands. Even after she thought she had been done with him, the disgusting reminder of his thumb sized manhood blazed in her mind. He had the last word again, had lanced her with own emotions. Tears streamed down her face. Utterly and horribly broken, she curled into a ball on his cold floor and sobbed. Funny that, she remembered crying the first time he hit her in bed. That had been the night he opted to take the wrong orifice without care and nearly tore her open.

How long she stayed on his flood, Ritsuko didn't know or care, she just let it all out. After her body stopped being wracked by uncontrolled bucking and seizures, she just felt numb and cold. Getting up, she smoothed out her uniform and lab coat, wouldn't do any good for people to ask her questions. No, not like they'd care anyway what the bitch Akagi was up to. Nobody cared about her life, well nobody outside of Misato's apartment. How she had betrayed that wonderful woman over the years, and all for what? Her fingers traced her stomach, thank god she had been on the pill. Gendo couldn't be bothered with condoms so it was up to her.

Leaving Gendo's office, she found the command deck half populated. Shigeru and Makoto working at there stations but generally not doing much hard work. Good they'd likely not even notice her pass by. All she wanted was to get to her lab, oh not to work like that fucker wanted her to, but because she had a bottle of brandy down there and she was going to get SLOSHED!

"Oh you are still here Akagi-san!" Makoto had the gall to notice her and call out to her. "We finished the calibrations early and were thinking of going out for some supper. C-care to join us?" he actually sounded damned sincere about it! When did Misato's little toady notice other women existed, or had she finally told him off and he was sniffing up new legs?

Stunned for a moment that her coworkers hadn't written her off as dead to them or not worth the effort, Ritsuko actually considered it. Maybe this was it, time to start her life anew and for the betterment of these people, not there inevitable doom. "I'd…I'd love to, but not to day sadly," she wasn't ready for company right now. A day maybe a week from now she'd be willing, but she wanted solitude. "Not feeling to good. Want to get some work done wit Ayanami and then go to bed. Make sure you ask Maya if she's around though," no reason to not try a little good will now.

Laughing as he got out of his chair, Shigeru was sliding into his jacket off. "Well it was Katsuragi that insisted we ask both you and Ibuki. We were afraid you'd left though since we didn't see you leave the commander's office and he left over an hour ago," securing his work station, the long haired man offered Ritsuko an apologetic shrug. "Next time maybe," he flinched towards the door and the men waved and offered platitudes before leaving.

An hour, she had been on that damn cowardly bastard's floor for an hour. Well that was one hour she'd never get back. "To think…to think I was so stupid," her body was just numb. Heading down to her lab in terminal dogma, Ritsuko was on autopilot. Her hopes and dreams had died on that floor. Illusions, yes she knew they were foolish, were torn and wasted. After she woke from whatever stupor she got into, maybe be better if she didn't wake, she'd see if she couldn't salvage something of her life. She wasn't that old, but hadn't those two said it? They asked because Misato wanted to, but they could have ignored that request. Misato wasn't there to see them, they could have lied and said the didn't run into the crazy bitch.

Grabbing her bottle of brandy, high quality stuff she had hoped when she bought it to share with Gendo, she bit the cork off and spat it. "Here's to you, you fucking jackass," she took a deep drink and it burnt all the way down. Nice to have something warm in her instead of that other swill. Sitting in her swivel chair, she rolled it over to the amber tube in the room, the one with that sad little girl in it. "What did we…I do to you, Ezomori-kun?" if nobody else did she'd remember that name.

"I do not believe I have ever been penetrated by an animal. Mistress and Alpha would never ask that of me," Rei stated with her ever so blunt nature. Clad in her plug suit, the girl openly stared at the tube, it was the first time Rei had ever seen it personally. Her fingers traced the tube just at the same place the other girl's hand was. "Is this…my other half?" she asked herself.

Taking another massive drink, Ritsuko didn't care that Rei was learning something she was never meant to. The little Halfling was to remain in the dark as to where half her soul and genetics came from, but to hell with that. If Gendo had his way Rei would be dead, Nozomu dead, and Chizuru and a new golem created. "Yes Ayanami, that is how we gave you the spark of life. We couldn't create a soul on our own, well we stopped trying when Tendril's Leaf gave us that girl. As long as either of you live the other will never die," she held Rei out the bottle.

Grasping the bottle thin slender neck, the dark fluid twirled around majestically. "I have never been allowed to drink before," she just held the bottle's neck. A pain expression, a sadness threatened to break the mask of emptiness Rei had when neither Shinji or Chizuru were around. "Can anything be done for…us?" she asked Ritsuko openly.

"You have my permission to drink Rei. You and I have been cast aside from the man we honored. Gendo plans on replacing that girl with Chizuru and you with a new toy of his owning," Ritsuko was stunned when Rei's eyes widened. For so long Ritsuko didn't know what to think of Rei, to hate, be disgusted, or pity. She knew now, it was pity as they were both betrayed by the same man, just Rei's cut was deeper. Joining Rei in touching the tube, Ritsuko swallowed hard, "I won't let him. I won't let him hurt her or you…and maybe I can think of something to save both of you. Now…tell me…how are things with you and Ikari-kun. He doesn't…he doesn't make you do things to him does he?" oh how Ritsuko would loath that. Her image of Shinji was pure and unsullied by the sins of the father, but if the apple fell close to the tree…well maybe accidents were in order.

Just like the accident Gendo used to kill her mother.

Sipping the brandy from the bottle, small little sample Rei licked her lips and scrunched up her nose. "This has an odd taste. It is not good or bad," Rei tried it again only a larger dose. With a nice red tinge under her eyes, Rei sat down on the ground and gazed at her other half. "I believe you Akagi-san. As for Alpha, no Shinji-kun, I have never been asked to do anything for him. He…Chizuru-sama says he worships me as he worships her. I would gladly do unto him as he does to me…but he is shy," she drank deeper.

Taking the bottle from Rei, Ritsuko poured each of them a paper cup full and she held it out to her. "A toast then. To the good Ikari male and those he keeps in his good graces. May they all be happy, and there wants fulfilled," she knocked her cup against Rei's and threw back. Rei did the same, and the two lapsed into a silence broken only by bubbles in the tank. The bottle continued to drain, and eventually the two started talking, well Ritsuko talked and Rei listened. Vent, anger, and bitter recrimination against Gendo was the topic of the hour, and Ritsuko got her fill. Before she blanked out though, Rei knocked her for a loop with a single question.

"Would you like to join Shinji's pack with us?" Rei was already wobbling with drunk at this point but seemed conscious enough.

Hugging the girl hard, Ritsuko was stunned when she felt Rei return in, girl was warm to the touch. "Oh, you're precious young buck doesn't need an old hag. Not when he has you girls. I just need to…keep looking," and then Ritsuko blacked out. She woke on one of the beds in the lab, with Rei snoring on top of her…damn girl was heavy.

X-X

"I miss Shin-chan," Chizuru whined as she lay with legs splayed on her couch. One leg was over the top of the furniture while the other was on the ground. Her shirt was hiked up revealing the fit and trim belly that she scratched at mindlessly. Grinding her hair into her arm pillow to get a better angle at her visitor, "How can it have only been four days since this stupid week started, and why aren't you like I am?"

Well Himari was made of firmer stuff than to be such a flagrant and open creature. Daintily sitting on one of the side chairs, Himari held her fully repaired blade on her lap and gripped her chin with thumb and forefinger. "Mayhap it be that I do get moments with Shinji-sama each morn. Tis much harsher on you, as should be expected. Twas you that begat thee events is it not?" her anger did seep in slightly. While not part of the bet, Himari was involved in it so punished herself as well. A servant that failed her master required much reprisal. Maybe she could impose on her beloved master to spank her…physical punishment had its uses.

Rolling off the couch, falling into a lump on the ground, Chizuru crawled much like the fox she called after. "Want to go out? You and I? Go get something to eat, do some window shopping? Or maybe we can spy on what my brother and those two other boys are up to?" Chizuru's tail popped out as she crawled. Picking at a tray of cookies Shinji prepared for them. Himari had brought it over with the note that simple said 'I miss you', Chizuru guarded that tray vigilantly. She did share a few with her companion in loneliness, "When this week is over I'm not leaving his room for a full day."

Shuffling over to Chizuru, her feet hardly leaving the ground, the skilled sword maiden helped herself to one of the peanut butter cookies. "You wish to spend time out…with myself?" she fingered the cookie deftly. Spinning it around like a medallion it appeared as if a full sphere. While they were civil with one another for quite some time now, they never tried to interact with one another much on their own. It simple didn't happen, but here the fox was offering. Thumping her sheath on the ground, "What do thee play at Fox? Ne'er have you ever extended thy hand in such a matter before."

Leaping up and snapping at the cookie, Chizuru stole a good quarter of it before landing on her feet. With only the skill of one of the vane, her clothing fell into place perfectly and beautifully. "Well I've been thinking a lot this week," Chizuru held a hand out in friendship. Selfishly grabbing Himari's, personal space be damned, the eternally positive Chizuru gave it a single pump. "We're going to be together for a very long time. I'm not leaving Shin-chan, and you won't either I'm sure. So why not get to like one another, be better friends?" that impish smile was contagious.

Share him, Himari felt her darker impulses in the hidden corners of her mind rebel against the idea. Oh Himari wasn't totally selfless, quite the contrary in some issues. Shinji was one of those main areas, part of her truly wanted him all to herself. To have the lion share of his heart, to be the only one he longed and loved. It could happen, if she struck Chizuru while unexpected she could win, the pup would fall easily, and a shattered cup would remove all those vying for his affection. Then she would be queen, she would have all she wanted, all she ever wanted! And as the darkness rose it quelled with the knowledge that if she did that she'd invite her own demise. Her beloved master would have to put her down.

"What of the others then? Do we embrace them as sisters or fellow servants to our lord?" Himari kept a hold on Chizuru's hand. While the fox could lie with a straight face easily, her body would lie with non-visible tells. An increased pulls, sweaty palms, or a muscle spasm would be the girl's undoing if a lie she tried to pass as truth. Feeling Chizuru tug slightly on her hand to free it, "What of your young protégée, the observer who wishes more, or the damnable tea sprite that claims to be a bed warmer. Do we welcome them with open arms?" Damned if those others didn't fill Himari with jealousy, she was quite human of heart.

Her tail hung limply behind her and then vanished completely, but Chizuru didn't frown, just got an irritated tick in her brow. "Well part of me wants to just grab him and run off, you're welcome to come, and leave those others behind. I'd hate to leave my little girl behind. And if I have to share, I guess having those two with us considering our enemies is good. Rather they work with us than against us. That Lizlet though needs to lower her bust, my babies need to be unquestioned," Chizuru gave herself a hoist and her face reddened.

"Thee be quite sensitive today, Fox. Has but a few days left you flustered and yearning for my master's touch," Himari released the girl and finished off the cookie. Silly school girl notions of indirect kisses came to mind and she joined Chizuru in a moment of embarrassment. How weak she had become, to be moved by notions of kisses and touches. Fixing the sleeves of her kimono, disheveled when she assaulted her target. "Now if we were to go out for sup, we best move before it gets too late. Though I suspect you only suggest this as you've none to provide for you. Where is yon brother again?" she licked her teeth clean of dessert bits.

Her hands still groping herself, fixing herself back into the magic bra that kept her bulk at bay, Chizuru pouted again. "Of course they're sensitive! Shin-chan loves my babies and they love him, so he's got them all lonely as he's off playing with that damn girl," after herself teasing ended she lead Himari out of the apartment. Once they hit the street, Chizuru was the leader and Himari the follower. "Well my brother is out planning Suzuhara's date tomorrow. Seems the boys are having a little tiff over Asahina. And if you didn't know I sent that sneaking snake out to watch over Shin-chan," Chizuru toyed with the bow of her uniform.

Ah yes, the spies that were sent to watch over Kuesu to insure she didn't take liberties. Himari had a hand in that, but at great cost. Lizlet had to be bribed to work in the shadows, as the girl was so damn flirtatious. Himari had to give-up half of Shinji's futon. She retained the left side, while Lizlet took the right now. That was when they were able to avoid the wrath of Katsuragi. Though it seemed that Lizlet was more apt to abusing her poor dense master in the mornings…the number of mornings he woke with his head on those 'pillows' was getting quite high. Only a matter of days before Lizlet cajoled him to…to…blast it she had to be careful lest she loose herself again.

"So where shall we dine, as you have been the one to suffer the most I give thee option," Himari forced her firm resolve back. Getting upset that the blonde was inching closer to taking up the role of bed warmer proper was foolish. School girls passed them, their uniforms and casual clothing piqued Himari's interests again and again. Shinji had gotten her a few beautiful pieces, but they just made Himari self-conscious. Something she wasn't used to despite the time spent. "Are you sure you not want to bring your pet with you, yon Ayanami was at the apartment correct?" Himari recalled the girl's door was shut.

Giggling a little, tinkling brass bells, Chizuru was already pointing at a small bistro where Asuka, Shinji, and Kuesu could be seen dining. "Nobody said we couldn't go to the same place as they are, just as long as we don't interfere correct?" Chizuru was quite evil when necessity forced it. Twirling around Himari, gripping the silken kimono gently with her fingers, Chizuru pushed the girl through the door. A resounding sadness, "As for my little trainee, she's got a hangover. Apparently she and that blond doctor got drunk together last night if you can believe it. That Akagi woman brought her home this morning and Rei-chan just went right back to bed."

Maybe a small drink of sake was in order for herself, Himari pondered. Katsuragi did have a few fine vintages despite her favoring that nasty swill of beer. "Did not know they were of a level to do as such," Himari admitted. Rei was an odd girl, but Himari respected Rei's courage and determination. Feeling Chizuru's hands going south of her shoulders and to her covered bust, Himari began to sweat, "What are thee doing temptous fox, we are in view of others and we are not even…we…" But wow did Chizuru know what she was doing, not as good as Shinji, but far better than her own skills at self exploration.

"Play along or that little host boy won't take us where we want," Chizuru whispered as she play bit Himari's ear. Using the blushing and flustered girl as a shield, Chizuru approached the man occupying the entry station of the fine Italian bistro. "Hello there handsome," oh how Chizuru could befuddle the minds of men, "we need a seat for two." Helping herself to Himari's chest again, a hand slipping between the folds of silk, "Just a little longer, sorry."

Gods strike her down now! Himari could do nothing but be accosted by the blasted seductress. As Chizuru played with and toyed with the man, a good three years older than Shinji, Himari was at her mercy. Though as she listened to the flirting and teasing words Chizuru used, Himari could hear the lie in them. A skilled actress, but Himari had heard the truth in Chizuru far to much to fall for it. It was the only reason Himari didn't get angry at Shinji's girlfriend speaking sweet words to this stranger. When they were seated, in view but heavily obscured from their prey, Himari scowled fiercely. "You take far too many liberties with our newfound alliance. My body is not for you," she fixed her kimono again.

Flipping through the menu, half reading it and half watching Shinji eat awkwardly with his party, Chizuru just rolled her hand over. "It got us the table we needed and a free meal. And I have to admit you do have a lovely set on you. I'd think all that training would have made your firm and tough, not soft and…" she shut up. Holding her hands up in defense, Chizuru found a small steak knife under her nose courtesy of Himari. Leaning back, abandoning her spying for now, "Sorry, you're right I did go far. But I'm a little desperate. I find it funny. For over three hundred years everything was easy and almost boring…then he came."

To that Himari could agree and let the argument drop. Chizuru was just dealing with loneliness in her own way. Himari had her ways of dealing with it when Shinji headed off to be with those others. It was going to be hard to do, but well worth it until she could resist no longer. Her nature would overcome her in time, it was inevitable. Chizuru felt comfortable talking constantly over the course of the meal. A floodgate had been opened, and the fox had just kept talking and talking. How Rei was, television shows, rumors at school, and a nonstop slew of other things almost as if she was afraid if the talking stopped the evening would end. She'd be alone again. Himari noticed, and some of her apathy for the fox shrank.

"Well they're gone, likely back home or something. Want to hit my mother's for a nice bath?" Chizuru wiped her lips. The Kitsune had gotten a large steak and salad, she seemed to eat much when nervous, while Himari some fish and rice. Again that sense of worry pervaded the girl, pleading and hoping for her lifetime companion to continue. Sliding out of the table, Chizuru patted the man that seated them on the rump and gave him a small smile, it was all he'd get. "You've never believe how busy she gets some nights, but I'm sure we could get in. And if you want you could try talking to her about those guardians," Chizuru sweetened the deal.

Her brother was off with the guys planning and plotting a date, her 'daughter' was sleeping, and her boyfriend off due to a bet, Himari understood Chizuru better that day. "I would indeed like to speak to yon Tamamo about our strife. Scrolls I have read lead me to worry that more be happening than we are lead to believe," Himari would suffer Chizuru a little longer. Why suffer alone when you could with others and lesson the blow for both. They reached the bathhouse as the sun was setting, having stopped at a few stores along the way for Chizuru to stop. The girl just HAD to buy a new piece of lingerie for when Shinji came back to her.

"Ah my daughter comes and brings with her the always welcome Noihara-san, welcome to my humble establishment," Tamamo greeted both girls with a bow. A small group of older men, baldness and pudgy bellies the rule of the day, glared at having there goddess taken from them, only to catch sight of the new additions. Clapping her hands, Yukihana appeared at her side, "Prepare one of the private baths for my daughter and her friend. My dear patrons I must leave you for now to tend to my family." The men cried out in bitter and mournful tears, but when she waggled a disproving finger they clammed up. Better to be on Tamamo's good side or be banned as she had done to unruly before.

Bowing appropriately to show her respect to not only the mother of a friend but one of such mythic stature as Tamamo, Himari was again overwhelmed by the sense of power. Tamamo was at a different level than she was and even Himari. If the woman wanted, Himari wondered if Tamamo could fight a guardian on her own. Finding the bath created in traditional fashion, Himari lost the last of her apprehension and shed her kimono to a provided basket. "You honor me, Tamamo-sama, for knowing and allowing one such as myself to be welcomed in your presence," she would not downplay this meeting.

"Oh don't talk like that or you'll give her a big head. And mom already has one of those. You should see how she fawns over Shin-chan. I wonder if I need to worry you'll try to steal him from us," Chizuru brushed passed Himari and to the wash stations. Cleaning herself quickly and brutishly, the joy Chizuru had was tempered with aged strife between the two. "Mother, we came for a nice bath and to hear what you've learned about those monsters attacking the city," Chizuru nearly fell off her seat.

During the daughter's rushed cleaning, Tamamo had stripped and sat beside her and Himari. "Oh and here I had hoped you came to visit me. And you need not fear losing your beloved Shinji-sama to either Yukihana or me. There shall be no stealing, those days are gone from both of us. But he is always welcome here. He was quite welcome last week when he came looking for you," Tamamo tittered at something only she seemed to know.

Remembering that evening, Himari had wondered how it took Shinji two hours to go to the baths to find Chizuru only to have him return without finding the fox. He had said it was because Tamamo insisted he stay for supper, but he ate again not an hour after returning. Best not think about it. "Apologies for my presumptuousness, but a scholar I am not, yet one is needed to better know of what we face," climbing into the bath, her aches melted away. It was a small bath, perfect for a more romantic setting, but did accommodate both top heavy kitsune and Himari. There was that jealousy again, Tamamo was a vision beyond all things, easily trumping both younger demons.

"I will tell you what you want, if you promise to spend the night here with us. Yukihana would enjoy company as well," Tamamo sank up to her neck. Her impressive assets floated much akin to Chizuru's, only Himari's remained unaffected, a sign of her muscular structure. When both girls agreed, Tamamo let her hair into the water and it billowed out magically. "What I've learned is troubling indeed. The guardians of the seal are all that separate the spirit world and the human world. Once they are all dispatched the seal will visualize before those who know the ceremony. And from then any number of things both good and bad could happen. Of course I did learn how to do it, the ceremony, but it is a matter of knowing who else that is the trouble," Tamamo admitted. Being more like the daughter than not, Tamamo snuck a small touch from Himari, "My you are quite the lovely woman."

Blushing at the touch and compliment, Himari sank up to her nose and let the news fill her mind rather than fancy. Somebody wanted access to the spirit world, but to what ends. She'd need to learn it, how wanted it and why. If she was around for it, that was. Soon Himari was listening to mother and daughter bicker and tease one another, only occasionally remembering she was there. It didn't matter, Himari was just enjoying an evening to herself and her thoughts. The shared a guest room and in the morning Himari learned that Chizuru hugged things in her sleep, and did make a fine pillow. Maybe she should give Lizlet a break, it worked marvelous things on her neck.

X-X

Beside himself with worry, Touji just hung his head down and tried not to think about anything. Hikari, she had seen him and even waved at him as he waiting for his date. What did somebody do on a date, where would he take Akane? They had agreed to go out after the half day of school so at least he didn't have a FULL day of fretting. But why…why had Akane even wanted to go out with him? Shouldn't both Hikari and Akane know he had asked the former out? No, some odd twist of fate had the inverse happen though. The girl Touji loathed and Tayura liked thought he asked her out. Oh and that made this little pre-game warm-up all the more frustrating.

"Suzuhara are you listening to me," Tayura slugged Touji in the arm. Sitting in the classroom, a small circle of desks, Tayura and Shinji flanked the doomed lad. The boy that wanted to take Asahina was brooding, while Shinji a little haggard and tired. Grabbing Touji's shoulder, Tayura started shaking him lightly, "You better have a good day planned for her, but not TOO good. She needs to have fun, but you have to let her know you're just friends. Understand?"

Gently prying Tayura away from the dumbstruck Touji, Shinji continued to pull until Tayura was sitting again. Keeping his hand on the taller boy's shoulder, holding Tayura down, Shinji attempted to defuse the situation. "You both need to calm down. Just because you're going on a date with Asahina-san doesn't mean you're 'dating'. Just an afternoon out between friends is no declaration of love. You just go out, have fun, and learn a bit more about one another," he spoke of experience.

Leaving it to Shinji to bring the basic but marred details into light, Touji saw his savior. "Yeah you're right," he actually lifted his head, "just an afternoon out with me and the girl Tayura likes! We all know I'm not on the make for her. I'll take her out, make her happy, and then let her know I don't like her like that!" This was going to be easier than earlier expected! He was worried over all this for nothing, just one big misunderstanding. So why was Tayura still glaring at him, "S-so what do you guys think I should do on this date?"

"Not go," was what Tayura said instantly then grabbed his own nose and sighed. Shaking his anger out, "Sorry-sorry I know that's not the case. Asahina-san has been talking about this all week. She'd be devastated if you just stood her up." Deflating in a depressed mound, Tayura shrugged Shinji off of him, no longer a physical threat. Examining Touji with extreme detail, "At least you're not looking to fancy. Should keep her from thinking to deeply. But as to what you do…I've not been on a date before."

Neither had Touji, what did somebody do on a date. If only they had somebody with experience, somebody that went through it…Touji locked in on Shinji. "Shin-man has been on dates before. Hell you're like the date master! We've all seen you off with that Jinguji girl and that hottie from the tea house this week. So…tell, what were your last few dates like. Maybe I can use those as an example?" Touji actually pulled out a pad of paper. Girls in the room took notice of his little info bomb and giggled. They pointed at Shinji, whispered to one another, looked again blushing and ran off. Touji noticed but didn't care, it was time to pump Shinji for information.

Suddenly on the spot, Shinji fidgeting and scanned the room at the sound of chairs moving Oh he locked eyes with those girls and his face paled a moment before he begrudgingly looked back. "Well despite what you just said and got me into trouble with, I did not go on a date with Kuesu-san yet nor have I had a private date with Lizlet-san," not a resounding debasement of his dating habits. Groaning at how he sounded, and yet another girl running out, "It depends on the girl really, Touji. You want to do something that they think are fun or at least might like."

"Yet? YET? What do you mean yet, Shinji-kun? You've been spending all week with Jinguji because of that stupid bet! Chizuru is wearing a divot in the carpet walking back and forth worried!" Tayura throttled the young Ikari harshly. Gripping the boy by the collar, Tayura just pushed and pulled to vent his brotherly frustration. "Day after tomorrow I'm not even going to be allowed in the apartment! Do you know what I've overheard her planning for you? DO YOU? Hell I think she plans on inviting Noihara-san over as well!" Tayura then released Shinji letting him fly back into his chair. Tayura joined the other boys in looking pale.

Scooting his chair closer to Shinji's and further away from the powder keg that was Tayura, Touji never liked watching a fuse going short. "Well we know how Tayura feels about this. And you said that Jinguji is your fiancé, so I guess it is only natural you'd go on date with her," Touji had no idea. He didn't care right now about Shinji's relationships, not with appointment for the gallows soon approaching. Handing Shinji his pad and pencil, "Write down what you DID do on your last dates with Chizuru-san and Noihara-san? I just need ideas, please?" Begging Shinji always worked, the boy was to nice and Touji only rarely abused that nature.

Reluctantly taking the offered articles, Shinji too shifted a little further away from the brooding Tayura. Scribbling down as he spoke, "Well with Himari-san we do more classical things, she loves that type of thing. We went to a koto recital, followed by some flower arrangement, a meal at a lovely traditional restaurant, and ended with a walk in the park. Himari just loves more traditional things, but I guess you might have noticed that," Shinji gushed with a tone of admiration and tenderness. As soon as his soft smile came he blushed a little, "As for Chizuru-san and my last date…was a dance club, a restaurant, and…" He sagely shut up.

"And then what?" Touji was drinking it all in, "what did you do after that? What about those times we see or hear you with Ayanami, her clone, and that blond?" Touji kept pushing at Shinji's arm hoping to jumpstart the boys writing. This was gold! But then again nobody would ever get Touji to some classical music playing or watching flowers. If that was Akane's thing, Touji knew he wasn't that girl's type. But when Shinji didn't answer and the pencil fell from his fingers, Touji found the lad was fully red. "Oh you hound! A little dinner a little dancing and then a quick stop to a hotel?" Touji started laughing. More proof that Shinji wasn't too much removed from the lad he had befriended.

Growling, Tayura tore at his hair and thumped his feet in frustration. "Stop talking about that Suzuhara! How would you like hearing about YOUR sister going out with Shinji-kun to places like that? It's disgusting, and if you plan on taking Asahina-san to one of THOSE places they'll never find your body," Tayura held his fingers up like claws. A moment later he sulked again, arms hanging limply at his side. Pitifully, "I'm going to go get some groceries for supper. I can't take this anymore. Shinji-kun, see you Monday and you better have flowers or something for her…Chizuru is taking this hard."

"So am I, Tayura-kun, so am I," Shinji didn't sound to be lying or pitying the boy. Waving after Tayura, Shinji and Touji set up the chairs and wandered to the windows. They were waiting for Akane to show up, she had a few after the Saturday half day meetings and then it was off to the races. Handing Touji a pair of tickets, Shinji stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Amusement park is always a good first date. Plenty to do and great range. Was going to take Chizuru-san, but I guess she's other plans for our reunion. As for my other…dates…they range based on who I'm with. Rei-san always is happy to eat, Shizuka likes being in cool places so bowling or indoor activities, and Lizlet…" Shinji shivered, "well she likes tea."

Holding the two thin slips of paper as if they were glass, Touji felt his heart swell. Saved, he was saved again by Shinji and without asking! "I'd never have thought of this, thanks a bunch Shin-man," Touji gave Shinji a shoulder bump. But to think Shinji had so specialized a date routine for those girls, guess he did actually like them not lust after them. Putting the tickets in his wallet, Touji saw an odd look on Shinji's face, something he didn't like. Shinji looked worried or upset. "What's up Shin-man, problem in paradise?" he couldn't relate to Shinji's problems.

"You could say that," Shinji spun and put his back to the window, "Ever have everything planned out and then you learn you know nothing?" Hunching forward, Shinji's head hung comically over his stomach as he bent in an odd angle. "I envy Tayura and you a little. Both of you have one girl in your heart and that's it. I love…its so complicated anymore. And I can't help but feel I'm not being fair to anybody," he just shook his head slowly.

Hearing footsteps approaching, Touji nearly swallowed his tongue. "I can't help you Shin-man, but if they didn't WANT to be with you they'd leave right? Not like you're…you're keeping them chained up or anything. So maybe not worry about it so much. With so many after you, one will stick if the others go. But if you want to talk later, when I'm not about to piss myself with fear, call." He'd always be there for Shinji if he needed, but his nerves were so shunted he had little extra brainpower.

Waving at the door, "Hello Asahina-san," Shinji flinched when she turned her nose up at him. "Well Touji, have fun and hope it goes good for you. And not to make things more complicated for you…just know that Asahina-san talks a lot about you while Hokari-san talks a lot about Tayura-kun. Maybe you've more options than you know?" Shinji said softly so Akane couldn't hear. The girl kept her air of disappointment on as Shinji walked past her and left into the hallways.

Pressing himself off of the wall and towards his date, Touji had to admit what he had just seen was confusing. Up until recently he would have thought Akane was at least on friendly terms with Shinji. They teased him about Akane maybe liking him, but Touji thought it was at least friends. "What was that about, Asahina-san? Shinji put a tack in your shoe or something?" he gestured to the door. The date was off to a remarkable start with Touji accusing the girl, but best to go with your best foot forward.

Fixing her glasses, Akane scrunched her nose pushing them even higher. "I thought Ikari-kun was better than he is. We've all seen him now tooling about town with Jinguji and others. I know it was because of a bet, but word is he's far too happy about it. I thought he'd not be the type to just…I thought he cared about Minamoto," Akane briskly walked out the door. Moving at her own pace, a quick and frazzled one, she was beside herself.

"He is better than that, you just don't know the whole of it," Touji felt the need to defend Shinji. After the incident in the classroom, Touji knew Shinji was taking this business seriously. Standing close, but not too close, to his date, Touji had to admit Akane could be cute. Her outfit wasn't flashy or high fashion, but it accented her features and brought out an attractive quality from the mousy girl. Feeling his wallet to insure he hadn't lost it, "We don't know the situation between all of them. So is it our place to judge them without knowing everything?"

Slowing her pace, Akane turned to Touji scrutinizing, then her eyes softened and a bright smile crossed her face. Pearly white teeth were framed by slightly pinker lips than normal. "I guess you may have a point there. I was there for the bet, and if Jinguji is his fiancé, things have to be odd for them. Maybe I've been hard on Ikari-kun for nothing. He does seem sad," she nodded. At some unknowing impulse in her mind, Akane took a bold step closer to Touji and linked her arm with his. It was a soft hold, feather light, and not done with confidence. "You are a lot more astute than you let people know," she confided.

Body bristling at unknown sensations and emotions, Touji didn't push the girl off. "Well I just know my friends is all. And this mess is really causing him trouble. Hope it sorts itself out," he didn't feel comfortable talking about it though. Shinji's business was his own, and Touji felt ill equipped to understand the nuances of it all. Pulling his wallet out with his free hand, he managed to get the tickets out without fumbling or dropping it. "I-I got us some tickets for an amusement park if you want to go. W-we didn't say what we wanted to do on our d-date," oh god he was actually doing this.

"Oh that actually sounds like a good idea! And here I was worried you take me to the arcade or something," Akane plinked one of the tickets from his hand. Daintily putting the admission into her purse, she hung her head a little in nervousness. Girl wanted to appear bold, but was having a hard time of it. Heading towards the train station, "So have you been keeping up with your studies? Last I heard you've not been on disciplinary notes."

Ah sweet awkwardness how he had missed you! Just a few meters outside of the school grounds and already the topic was his grades. "Y-yeah I'm keeping them up. Tayura is adamant I not cause the aides to much trouble," Touji could feel her sweating. Was she just as nervous as he was, how was that possible! Girls had it easy, the guys were the ones on trial during dates right, she should just go with the flow. What to talk about…what did he want to know… "So…what have you been up too lately?" Smooth, real smooth.

"Well I've taken up croquette as a hobby actually. And there are a few new shows on television that I'm enjoying," Akane sounded to relax a little. Her courage dropping, the girl released her hold on his arm, but actually came across happier.

With the lack of contact with her, Touji suddenly felt oddly sad. He wasn't supposed to want to like how she felt, but he had. "I've heard of a few of those shows," he watched most of them. Television was one of the few things Touji knew quite well. They chatted about those new shows, Touji finding Akane knew more about some of his favorites than he did. God he was laughing at times at her odd little whims and comments. The train ride had been over in an instant and the pair were trolling around park with rich smiles.

The Saturday afternoon crowd was fairly dense, but the pair made their way through them without trouble. At times they held hands, only to avoid losing one another in the crowd. But as the day stretched on they found themselves not letting go. It was easier to just to keep holding on to one another. They ate at a small stall, park food, that was greasy and unhealthy but ever so tasty. Rides were had, small shops viewed, and a few pictures taken. Those smiles were ever wider and they stood closer each time. But the evening was quickly coming upon them, but they both had one last ride to take.

"You don't mind the Ferris wheel do you? I've always wanted to go on it with-with somebody," Akane pulled Touji towards the line. It was short and moved fast.

Oh he was in trouble, Touji knew that and knew it bad. He was having far too much fun, enjoying Asahina's company far too much. This wasn't what this day was supposed to be, he was to hate it to hate her! This was the girl that caused Hikari so much trouble, but he just couldn't. That smile, how her eyes danced and eyelashes fluttered when she did! "S-sure I'd like that too," and he did want to. His heart was swelling against his wishes. They got into a cab and were off, and his heart was pounding harder and faster. What was he to do?

Sitting next to Touji on the cab, Akane couldn't look away from the floor. She twirled her finger on the thin mat of the seat. "S-Suzuhara-kun, I'm really glad you asked me out today. I…I had a really fun time. Never thought I'd be asked out. I'm not very attractive, and I hear the rumors from the boys that I'm to strict…but here I am," she took his hand but wouldn't look at him.

"You're cute," Touji said without thinking, a reflex action. Well that was the worst thing to say as it got Asahina's attention instantly. She turned to him, face glowing with night lights from the park, those lightly pink lips were illuminated. Those eyes, the drew him in…he fought against it that siren call, but he felt himself leaning in. No-no! Think of Hikari think of Tayura! But he found himself cupping her cheek, "You're really cute." And she was, especially when she shut her eyes, pursed her lips, and leaned

Touji leaned in as well, they made contact for all of two seconds and pulled away. They left the cab with pinkie fingers entwined. Touji was confused and yet exhilarated. What did it mean, if anything…they didn't talk about it? Both needing separate trains to get home, Akane gave Touji another peek on the cheek before she got on her train. "I don't know if this means anything to you, T-Touji-kun, but that was my first…and maybe we can go out again?" she was fidgeting and almost ready to sprint away.

"Sounds good to me," Touji confessed and the doors shut. He nearly missed his train, but he just beat the doors. Not good, how did he tell Tayura about what happened. What could he say?

X-X

Her hair was still damp as she stood before her mirror just looking at her reflection with dull hate. Kuesu hated her hair, hated that damn dark moon seal, hated her lackluster body! She was to muscular to be svelte like Asuka, to scrawny to have the natural beauty of that damn Noihara, and well her bust was nowhere near that insufferable Kitsune. Drying herself off with a small contempt, she felt that familiar tenseness in her as she lowered the towel from chest to waist.

"I'm being foolish. This is just a day out with my fiancé and my best friend that is all. He does not judge and she has never looked down on me," Kuesu did her best to talk herself up. Today was the last day though, last day of unadulterated contact with Shinji. Oh she knew those demons spied on them and followed her around. Her skill was to great to not sense them, but they honored the bet and stayed out of sight so she allowed it. But today, a whole day with her two favorite people…Asuka would push for something. "But I do not know how to act around him anymore. My feelings have only grew over the years and his…" she sank.

The dull sensation spread a crimson glow over her entire body as she dried off her maidenhood. Foolishness, but she couldn't deny thoughts of her betrothed have made her a little…interested. "But that is for after marriage not before. He is only training for me," oh how that sounded a lie to her. Times had changed, and she was terrified of that. Would he want to touch her down their like he did his demon lovers? Was she ready for that? She didn't know, but feared if he broached the subject. With how his other lady friends treated the subject so openly, wouldn't he be expecting it?

Putting on a little special garb for the day, an extra fancy maid garb of the purist silk, Kuesu loved how it felt against her skin. "There will be no practices this day, no runs, no hurting…just a day out with friends," she told her reflection with certainty. Asuka had to suspect something by now though. All week had been training and harshness, but it was all Kuesu knew! Her mother pushed her hard for the glory of the family, so her private time had been little things. Books, sewing, other simple things, or whatever Asuka had wanted to do. So when it came time to have her week with Shinji, she panicked and just did her normal. Hardly the thing to gain his heart or remind him of their pledge.

The doorbell rang with deafening clarity, time was up. Heating her body up to dry her hair, Kuesu left the confines of her bathroom and walked past her art collection. She did enjoy that as well, the posh life she lived due to her high cost of missions. Maybe they'd go to a museum today, she hadn't had much time to do that herself. A glut of demons under a common banner had been infiltrating the city. This Shuten-Douji needed to be stopped. Expecting a second ring any moment, Asuka was always so impatient, she was stunned when she opened the door without it but when she saw no Asuka she froze.

"Good afternoon Jin-Kuesu-san," Shinji stood alone in a respectable grey collared short sleeved shirt and black slacks. He had a small bundle in his hands that he kept in front of his chest and his vision cast down. If Shinji were the perverted type he'd have been scoping out his hosts ample chest, but he had shown no illicit intentions. Holding the parcel out in both hands, "I-I made us some lunch before we head out. A-Asuka said she had some things to do so she won't be coming."

Keeping Shinji's pets occupied no doubt, Keusu didn't know whether to laugh, scream, or cry. "Come in Shinji-kun," her voice betrayed none of her fears. A whole day with just Shinji, what would she do now?! The last time they had been alone had been after their fight and Shinji's returned memories. It had been a sweet moment, one of her most cherished. It had so wrapped her up at that moment she hadn't had time to think of her actions and pushed herself on him. Himari had stopped that, and now Kuesu had not the courage to replicate it. Unable to resist a peek at his rump as he walked in, "You know I could have ordered food rather than you cook for me. Or I could have cooked for you, or do you think myself inept at the task?"

Twirling around fast, the bento swinging out like a pendulum, Shinji looked ashen. "No-no! I just…I like cooking for people I like and…well…" he blushed and lowered his hands again. His confession hung in the air for a few moments as booth teens let it sink in and neither were able to speak quite yet. "So" Shinji took the ball and ran with it, "what would you like to do today? You were insistent that you chose today's events. More training?"

"No, no training for today," Kuesu took the food from Shinji's hands and helped herself to a touch of his skin. The few scant minutes in the bathroom together earlier in the week was proof he wasn't lying. They had spoke only briefly of matters of the heart, Shinji confessed his fears. Silly boy was still worried that she hated him for forgetting, and allowing his odd situation to come. Well she got her first true reunion kiss that day, one where he remembered her and their promise. "But I will say if you wish to choose the itinerary it would be allowed. I have been harsh on you this week," and yet he surprised her with his skills.

Following Kuesu to her dinette set, he helped her set the table and unpack the food. "Well you want to insure I'm up to your standards as a s-slayer. I still hope we can achieve peace without violence, I realize it's not always an option," Shinji helped Kuesu into her seat and took his own. Looking around the lavish apartment, "Still looks so beautiful up here."

In her mind Shinji was calling her beautiful and Kuesu's heart skipped a beat. She hated feeling this weak, but it was also exhilarating to be with him. Ever since she met him, Shinji had filled her with purpose. He was the one that had been so gung-ho on being a slayer back then, to please his mother and protect Kuesu. So she studied hard and trained harder so when they would marry they'd be the ultimate pair. Together in purpose and in love, her heart swelled thinking of him. Then she heard from Asuka about things, and her heart knew something else hatred. Not against Shinji, the ward was to blame not him, but those that tried to steal her only solace in her lonely life.

"If you trained harder and got full control of your powers you could join me in the hunt. We'd make enough money to buy this building," Kuesu sampled the food prepared. Having lived in Europe so long she developed a taste for its cuisine over Japan's, but the smell was quite intoxicating. A sliver in her mouth she let it dance over her tongue, oh yes this was something to savor. "Quite delectable meal, perhaps I was wrong to suggest ordering out," had she been alone she'd have inhaled it.

Scratching the back of his head, Shinji ate in peace. They chatted of minor things, careful things. Both would stray towards their promise and their building feelings but then quickly redirect the conversation. It was the elephant in the room, what were they to one another. Childhood friends found once again, betrothed, or strangers with an odd history.

Taking her napkin off, Keusu left the table and pushed Shinji's hand down when he went to clean the table. "I've the maids for that. You know what maids are really for I hope," she gave him a steady glare. Damn big breasted blond tea-sprite, Asuka told her all about Lizlet. But again it wasn't Shinji's fault for it! All he had done was spare a creatures life that had meant no ill will to anybody, and the outcome was hardly suspect. "Now what shall we do with our time today?" she nestled against his side. He was warm, intoxicating, and Kuesu found some courage in that. When alone with him she COULD be weak, if Asuka was here she'd not be able too…oh Asuka you beautiful bitch!

Much to Kuesu's joy, Shinji didn't shrug her off and instead patted her hand warmly. "I'm up for anything really. We haven't had a chance to just…talk…since our last little encounter with just one another in this apartment," Shinji let himself be led to a couch. It was black leather and squeaked as they sat on it. The whole apartment had a black lacquered feel to it, it stunk of money. He wiggled into his middle cushion, "I'd really like to get to know you again, K-Kuesu-san."

"Its Kuesu-chan when we're alone, Shin-chan," Kuesu applied her ownership. Why be coy at this point, she had him where she wanted him. She loved him damn it, she could show it here without fear of demons using it as leverage against either of them. Let the world burn for now, she'd put out the flames after he left for the day. Resting her head against his shoulder, "I would love to get to know you again too. Fall in love with you again, not that I've fallen out of it."

He shuddered a little, accepted something in his heart that he had been fighting, and Shinji rubbed his head against Kuesu's. "And each day that goes by I remember more of you from back then and myself. I know now that…I did want to marry you that day. And as disgusted with myself as it makes me, I can't deny I feel the same. But…" he would have said more but Kuesu put a finger to his lips silencing him.

She knew what he was going to say, why ruin the moment with unneeded details. He loved those other girls too, and couldn't deny that either. "You've to big a heart," Kuesu said as she stared into his eyes and lost herself in them. "I know you love them, and you have your reasons for it. Asuka told me a lot and my mother did as well after her meeting with you. It must have been hard to be alone for so long without anybody to care for you. To live without memories of the past to keep you warm," she hated Gendo Ikari. That bastard forced her beloved into a life of abandonment and an ostracized existence. A heartless teacher that hefted blame and hate on him, and then a beautiful girl asks him out?

Maybe Kuesu owed Chizuru and Himari a little more than she liked to admit. Had it not been for them she might not have summoned back to Japan and him, and he'd have likely been a lot more depressed.

Falling into a daze of warmth and remembrance, Kuesu told Shinji of herself again. His arm draped around her like a shawl of tenderness and protection. Her mother's strict training regimen, the travels about, the fights with demons. She spared no detail, of how those demons threatened to break her not kill her. To make her their plaything as a sign to other slayers. And how through all those fears that hardened her and created the mask she wore in public, that she protected that image of the two of them on the lake. That it was him that gave her the courage to go on, to strive to become better.

When she had finished her tale with the introduction of Asuka's training to her life, Shinji had been silent for a good hour. Hugging her closer with his one hand, Shinji's voice was heavy, "Is…is that why you're hair is as it is…and you've that mark?" He had only spoken a few times during her stories, a few extra details about key things. Her mother, her travels, and if she had other friends. He had always gripped her harder when she said no to friends, but he had muttered how he owed Asuka for being there.

Pushing herself away from him, one hand between his legs and the other the back of the couch, Kuesu bristled. "Yes! This horrid scar and my ugly unnatural hair is all thanks to the strain of being a slayer put on me! All of it to prove my family is not the weakest of the great clans, and to show to you that I hadn't become soft! But when I see you again…when I found you…" she wanted to keep that flame of anger alive but couldn't. He wasn't judging her, no, that face was compassionate and kind. Just as she knew it would be.

"They're both marvelous, Kuesu-c-chan," Shinji ran his fingers through her silken silver locks. "I'm sorry I lost my way, that I forgot. But in my heart I always remembered a girl at the lake who gave me my first kiss. I thought it was Himari after she revealed herself to much. But she confessed that I was wrong…that memory though got me through many lonely nights," he brushed his thumb over the moon and in a bold move kissed it. "I'm sorry I'm not the man you thought I would be when we met again…that things have to be as they are," he hugged her as she started crying.

Pushing him over, laying atop of him, Kuesu shed a few light tears of happiness. "You're an idiot, Shinji. But I knew that then as I know it now, I want to be in your life forever. So if…if you'd have me now…I'd…" she sat on his legs and reached for her bodice. Her hands were shaking, hell her whole body was shaking with unease. She wasn't ready for this, not yet, but after what he said and what he was used to…she HAD to. Or she'd never amount to much in his heart. "If you'd like to m-make l-love I wa…" she felt his lips on hers and her heart rate spiked. He did! He was going to do it.

But he wasn't, not today anyway. After a very soft and delicate kiss, Shinji pushed here up gently. "You don't mean that, and I don't care if we don't do that ever. I don't…I don't need that in a relationship, Kuesu-chan. And with things as they are I'd feel less ashamed if we didn't," they both saw Himari and Chizuru in his words. Sitting back up, but not knocking Kuesu off, she clung to him tightly. "Next time…if you mean it I won't stop you," he winked at the girl.

"Asuka is right you are a pervert," Kuesu playfully gnashed her teeth at him. But oh how she relaxed and sank into his embrace. They sat there for a good hour just holding one another. Her stomach rumbled and they laughed. They went out for supper, a restaurant Shinji never heard of that cost enough to make him pause. Kuesu paid for it without batting an eye. The limo took the two of them back to Shinji's apartment, and before the keyhole she kissed him deep and passionately, let those hussies behind the door die of jealousy.

When she got back to her apartment a note from her mother was there. The paperwork was done and all that was needed was Shinji's guardian's signature. They'd be married as soon as Misato signed it. It was by crook not by hook, but Kuesu was a woman in love and didn't care. Next time she'd be ready, and then they'd go out and hunt Shuten-Douji as husband and wife, maybe she'd let the pets come too as they were skilled…yes everything was looking up.

X-X

Notes

I was debating a lemon with Keusu right here but felt it far to soon. A week isn't enough time, but it does allow for this sugary bit here. Trying to keep the story moving at a good pace. Its up to 18 chapters already…man I hope you're still enjoying this oddity. I'm finding my groove with it again. Well trying to anyway. Been a little sick last few days, but after a lot of sleep I think the worst is over.

Hope you all had a fun 4th of July, those in the US, and the rest of you…you make me amazed that my stories are worth you bothering to read ^_^ Still no self esteem in this whole writing business.

Later!

Mercaba