You know... I never got a review like that before, I don't think so at least... But hey, thanks for the feedback though! I'm glad, what I was aiming for at that time actually worked. Glad to have gotten clarification in the PM though as well, that helped a bit. No worries man! Or girl!

A few hours passed, and the party was well a party. Everyone was talking and laughing, no fighting or arguing. No competing or fawning, it was normal. And despite it being rather lively Ryu enjoyed the peace, if it could be considered that. Usually peace was silence, serenity, a keen state of relaxation if he had to define it. It's the feeling her got whenever he'd watch the clouds pass overhead when he was a child, or when he'd be on the roof of the Inn doing the same thing, or taking walks at night. That was peace in his opinion, relaxed but aware, no commotion or action, jut being. A state of being and companionable silence.

Ryu rarely cut loose, he was impulsive, yes. More than he'd care to admit but he was changing that little quirk, out of necessity than wanting. Ahiko made it all too clear for him that day when he just rushed out and instead of finding what he was after, he only got a fight, which Ahiko was happy too oblige too. The fight was close, but she won in the end, and the both of them decided to spare the Sekirei, though the pair weren't on good terms they didn't make a move to attack. The room was filled with chatter and laughter, Minato and Haruka relaxed at this point and talking easily as they enjoyed the feast Miya prepared. Uzume, was of course the life of the party, and even performed a few tricks, though it looked funny since she was tipsy, at that point when drunk was right around. Uzume had tricks and Karei had stories, she told them with excitement and some were far fetched.

Toyotama and Yomi were engaged in a conversation it looked quite intense, though they had easy smiles on their faces. That's good... He thought chugging down another cup of sake, he lost count how many he was chugging down but nobody seemed to be keeping track at the moment. He was happy to see the two of them getting along, Toyotama and Yomi were prone to arguments, the green haired woman was abrasive and forceful, while Yomi was more submissive and understanding. The scythe Sekirei didn't find her punching Ryu on the back of the head to be funny, and a few times a fight broke out. He turned to his side watching Nanaha, Miya, and Musubi talking about something or another he couldn't hear much. He could only feel the heat, that now reached to every part of his body and a slight dizzy feeling.

Yashima filled his cup, noticing the effects of the alcohol setting into effect. He ate a lot to cope with that drawback, but she made sure to pour as soon as the cup was empty. She wasn't sure when the other little ingredient would take effect, from the looks of it as of now it'd be a while but she was expecting that. It was one of the reasons why she stole four bottles of sake, by the third he should be feeling it. He was done with the first bottle, moving on halfway through the second. She couldn't be more pleased than she was now. She looked around the room, surprised to see such interaction, there were three Ashikabi, and over a dozen or so Sekirei in one room without any fights. She wouldn't believe it if she didn't see it.

"No way!" Yomi said, turning to look at Karei who paused mid way through her story. "Kaiju. Seriously?"

"Mysterious monsters of folklore?" Miya inquired, interested.

"Yes those." Karei nodded at Miya, who she respected and feared at the same time, seeing the mask a few times too many. She turned to Yomi with a scowl"They do exist!" Karei said firmly, a small blush on her cheeks as she laughed seeing Yomi scowl. She had just been in the middle of scaring Kusano, and she was having a blast, she never had a sister or younger sibling so chances like this rarely came. And she didn't want to scare Chiho with stories like this though she was certain Chiho would look confused more than anything. She waved her hand at Uzume who was putting water in her palm, tipping it, and making it vanish, only for it to drip back into the cup with her other clenched hand. "There's reports of them! Tell her Uzume!" Karei said, flinching when some water splashed in her face, surprising her more so.

"It is true." Uzume said with a few nods, Kazehana only laughed heartily at the sight as she took back another swig. She was glad she decided to come to the Inn when she did. Things seemed to be changing, at a rapid pace, not only that she found two Ashikabi that she dared to say captivated her. A Small smile graced her cherry red lips as she watched Ryu interact with Yashima and Hari, then at Minato who was wearily watching Musubi took a few sips of sake her face twisting with distaste. Probably was too strong for a novice like her, this was the good sake, the highest quality, of course she couldn't expect nothing less from Miya.

"Where are the reports then?" Kazehana chimed in smiling as a few eyes darted towards her, even Toyotama took mild interest in the conversation.

"Yeah if they exist, where's the reports, pictures?" Toyotama asked waving her hand nonchalantly.

"What's a Kaiju?" Yashima asked as she looked at Ryu with curiosity. She heard a lot of things in her lifetime, strange things being around Minaka for a good portion of her life. But Kaiju, that was new it sounded weird and mysterious, the name didn't sound too pleasant in of itself. She heard a quiet sigh escape Ryu's lips as a bemused chuckle followed, she looked at him more intently. What was so funny? She didn't think she said anything funny, she was quite serious about her question, she really wanted to know.

"Basically it's a monster. Or weird creature. Not friendly." He said, earning Karei's attention.

"Even your Ashikabi knows they exist Yomi!" Karei said with flare a small pout gracing her beautiful face. "You can't argue against that now can you?"

"Ah, ah, but reports..." Yomi wagged her finger making a tsk sound.

Ryu tuned out the conversation, focusing back on his drink. The sake tasted good, which was strange since he never liked the taste, but the times he did drink it tasted so bitter. It made him cringe and his stomach coil in heated knots, but that didn't happen this time. It was smooth all the way down and tasted so sweet, it was heated to the perfect temperature or cooled depending on your preference, there was a small bucket of heated water or cooled water just in the back for anyone who wanted it to prepare it. He found it odd that the only open seat was by Yashima, Ahiko squeezed her way in with Hari but the cheerful Sekirei didn't mind cuddling with her, though Ahiko blushed ever so slightly. She'd never be used to that. But he didn't complain, it was comfy and she was pouring for him. He picked up the cup, drawing it to his lips, and tilting it back, swallowing the warm liquid, sighing as he set the cup down. He wiped his lips, shaking his head a few times.

"Ryu-sama?" Yashima asked carefully.

"Stop with the sama, Yashima." He replied glancing at her for a moment before turning away, reaching for a piece fish and snatched it before anyone else could, shoving the piece into his mouth. The burning in his stomach didn't go away and spread outwards like a lukewarm blanket, it spread all the way to his finger tips and his toes, rushing to his head. The food did little to help the burning no matter how much he ate. "I'm fine, just a bit warm." He said hoping to put her at ease as he raised his cup for her to fill it, she smiled eyes glistening and poured sake in until it was an inch from the top happily.

"Woah, Uzume-san!" Musubi gushed with wonder as she watched the buxom Sekirei perform yet another trick. She clapped her hands. clasping them together the action pressing her mounds together causing Minato to stare for a moment. "How did you do that? Where does the water go to!? It can't stay in your hand and I don't see it fall." Musubi spoke with a wonder in her tone as she looked at the brunette sitting opposite from her. Uzume smiled, waving her hands animatedly as she began to speak.

"Now, a woman has her secrets." She replied giving a wink, causing Musubi confusion more than anything. The bubbly Sekirei blinked cutely tilting her head to the side.

"Oh! That's right!" Musubi said in realization, bopping herself on the head. "Sorry Uzume-san can you do another trick? Please!"

"How about Karei tells another story!" Uzume negated the request onto her friend. Truthfully she didn't want to perform another trick despite loving the amazed faces from Musubi and Kusano, she was running out of mild ones. And would soon need to turn to more extreme tricks, that wouldn't go over well with Miya. "What do you say Karei-chan?"

"Oh um." Karei blushed slightly as she had a biscuit halfway in her mouth, she turned around like a deer in headlights. She took a bite before they broke out laughing and further flustered her, she didn't normally forget her manners. But when she got drunk, well as Kazehana put it she was a party, party girl and Uzume was fond of her cutting loose ways. She was glad Chiho didn't have Uzume as a Sekirei, that would most definitely cause that girl a nosebleed and to faint, she didn't brag but she was one hot mama, and Uzume was smoking. "Well, um, let's see..." She looked at the ceiling, tapping her finger on her chin as she hummed to herself.

"Anything but about Kaijus." Yomi said with a sigh. She was tired of hearing about monsters with strange faces and breathing fire. She knew it couldn't be as far fetched considering she was an alien, but Karei talked as if these beats were taller than buildings and stomped over entire city while eating everyone in their sight. Yomi with the others laughed, Kusano looked nearly scared to death when Karei explained how one ate an entire island of natives one by one. Even burned some to a crisp. Now that was far fetched in her opinion. "Please anything but that."

"Fine." Karei said with a pout. She knew Kaijus did really exist regardless of what Yomi said! "So there was this couple a long time ago-" she began, but Ryu looked to the side hearing Ahiko ask him a question.

"Ryu-kun, could you show me the way to the bathroom?" She asked, hiccuping afterwards, her face was flushed and her cheeks were stained with red. He noticed she was drinking sake, hell everyone was save for the minors, even Musubi was taking a few sips here and there. His violet eyes trained on Ahiko, her shirt was loose fitting except on her chest, where her breasts were barely contained by the fabric, she looked a hell of a lot more comfortable in these clothes. She smiled sheepishly as she glanced at Hari who moved away from her and towards the others where Karei was continuing her story. It was about a couple who stumbled upon a big hairy monster, probably a Sasquatch, since she was fond of monsters and myths. Even Miya was interested nodding every so often, he looked back at Ahiko, her hands resting on her lap as she looked at him with those big, round, bright eyes.

"Ahiko..." Ryu said carefully, moving to stand up, but Yashima put her hand on his wrist a small frown on her face as her eyes glistened. He was shocked, and more so confused by the gesture, why did Yashima look so mad? He never ignored her, she could be a handful in her own right yes, but he never excluded her or isolated her. He was about to ponder on it more, when it hit like a ton of bricks. Everything began to spin, his heart raced booming in his ears and throat like a bass drum. Oh shit... He thought as he righted himself trying to shake off the disorienting feeling, but had no luck, the action furthering the dizzy spell and his racing heart. "Sure, come on Ahiko." He said, walking away from Yashima who looked downtrodden and upset that he left, she glared at Ahiko for a second before turning her eyes back on the food and activities.

"Ahiko you're drunk." Ryu stated as he helped her balance, both of their steps were unsteady and clumsy. He had one hand around her waist as they sauntered down the hallway and up a flight of stairs. Ahiko grinned at him as she wrapped an around around his neck, supporting herself with his weight as they passed Minato's room. Yes, she was drunk, she could feel the alcohol had long taken effect and her entire world was spinning and her brain felt fuzzy and on sleep mode.

"Yes I am. So are you." She stated bluntly. "Isn't this fun? Nobody is fighting! It's too bad Kagari-san couldn't join us." Ahiko's eyes saddened and her lips formed a small pout as they thinned. She tried to get to know everyone, even Minato's Sekirei, and today Kuno, despite being enemies she figured there was no harm in basic speaking, like what was going on at this party. She let out a soft sigh, leaning into Ryu's muscular form as they got closer and closer to their destination. "I'm having fun!" She started pouting again, looking at him for a long moment before her eyes softened and she gave him a moist peck on the cheek the smell of sake entering both of their nostrils. "You're so handsome. I ever tell you that?"

"Mmmm." Ryu hummed a small grin playing on his lips. "I recall you saying something like that earlier, but it could have just been me since you were in a haze." He chuckled as Ahiko punched him on the shoulder, the action causing both of them to almost fall in a tangle of limbs, but quick reflexes prevented that and he caught the two of them.

"That was so not cool you know." Ahiko said. "should have went easy on me! I only did it... Once before." She hid her face blushing, the action causing Ryu to hold her tighter. "I'm going to be sore for a few days!"

"I'm not the one that bent myself into a ball."

"Ryu-kun, but you put your legs over my head!"

"Noted."

Luna glanced around at the crowds of people as she sipped on her bottle of juice, the matches were postponed for an hour. Part of it due to ring repairs the other for people and fighters alike to place their bets. She watched the people crowd around windows and desks all with money in hand, she could see how this was a jackpot for people, you had to win at least some money. She was thankful she wasn't wearing her battle outfit no doubt she would have attracted attention, instead she wore a dark blue overhead that contrasted sharply with her light hair, black jogging pants, and a pair of white flats since she was out. "Gotta love orange juice." She said to herself as she took another sip.

"Talking to yourself again?" Koto asked with a smirk as he leaned on the wall next to her, his hands in his baggy sleeves. Everyone dispersed from the 'arena' and made their way up a few floors, it was crowded, that was an understatement. But as he expected Luna found a nice spot, it had a good view of everything around the room and they were near the back, he'd pick a spot just like this. Haihane and Benitsubasa were ordering food, the pink haired Sekirei was ordering quite a bit, she always did eat a lot. Karasuba, he hadn't seen since everyone began to move, but he could feel her around.

"I knew you were there." Luna said with a small huff folding her arms over her ample chest. "It's not nice to sneak up on young maidens Koto. Why if I was more jumpy I'd have to..." She let out a laugh seeing his face twist with confusion, probably at the maiden reference. Her eyes widened and she brought a hand to her mouth. "Oh I meant mistresses!" She quickly corrected, Koto's look became even more confused than before and she didn't miss his eyes fixing on her breasts. She didn't say anything or smirk.

"You should have been able to sense me..." Koto remarked scratching the top of his head looking bemused. His eyes traced over a figure, the baggy clothes hid her figure well, but her breasts and shapely ass weren't so well contained, and so he glanced around daring anyone to look. He was confused and unsure of what he felt, how he felt, he knew it was different than being comrades, but she wasn't eye candy! He inched closer to her. "What do you think of this whole set up? You're more perceptive and contemplative Luna." He locked eyes with her for a moment before turning away observing the people, some drunk, others high, this place was full of morons. He knew of the drugs humans took, some mild, others just vile.

"Well, I think besides fighting there's more going on here." Luna replied referring to the obvious drugs circulating through the entire place, even now she could see exchanges taking place, subtle, most wouldn't notice it, but she did nothing could escape her. She was guilty of trying different varieties of alcohol but she couldn't be blamed there was so much, so many different kinds, and she tried weed as the people called it for slang. But she didn't make a habit out of it especially after joining the squad, but if she was with Koto she didn't need to worry if she was nodding off, passing out, he'd take care of her. Koto made a sound of agreement and nodded his head, "as for the fights they're entertaining, but get to be predictable at times. I mean how many times are people going to throw a hay maker? Haven't they heard of technique and finesse?" She made gestures with her hand, while trying to take a drink of her juice, it was quite the amusing sight.

"Well I'm sure if they had as much grace and flexibility as you they'd consider it." Koto said with a small shrug as he watched his two comrades, Haihane and Beni getting closer towards them. "I mean but first they'd need to actually think before they could even put those talents to use. They'd be bumbling imbeciles in battle, it's an insult to your skill." He finished with a dry tone that he usually took when he was talking about something that was plainly obvious for him. Luna, he remembered their first spar, it was intense and fast, despite her lack of training she had a brilliant mind and her chain sword only added to that. She was swift, flexible, and graceful, it was like watching a ballet concert of the highest quality, her moves were precise and smooth, each transition, each pivot was flawless and measured. Karasuba put her on the squad no question after her performance against him, and didn't force her to be winged by Natsuo in order to be in the squad.

"You said I'm graceful and intelligent. Koto-kun~" Luna said in a melodious tone smiling brightly. Koto, at times could be dense, not in the sense that he didn't know she had feelings for him and was attracted to him a great deal. But, it was more along the lines of what he said, like just now, she was certain he wasn't aware of the implications to which he just said aside from she was graceful and flexible in battle. She giggled quietly, drawing another confused glance from Koto though his eyes were soft.

"I don't... Think I said anything that should rile amusement..."

"That's what I love about you Koto." Luna said with a smile, yes dense, very dense in his own very cute way. She giggled again, she found herself doing it often around Koto either from nervousness or pure amusement like now. The Sekirei feared as the 'Demon Commander' who had the respect of Karasuba,her, Haihane, and even Benitsubasa despite their banters at moments, could be this clueless.

"Love!? Luna-kun!" Haihane exclaimed, now taking a seat in front of her with a big serving of popcorn. "Did I hear you right just now!? Who has managed to worm their way to that big ol heart of your's. Must be one lucky guy!" Haihane said cheerfully shoving a handful of popcorn in her mouth earning a glare from Beni for her rude manners, the smaller Sekirei took a seat next to the claw Sekirei eating her own mountain of snacks. Luna felt her heart race and nervousness crept up, she knew that voice, Haihane was curious beyond curious. "Ugh! Don't tell me you're like Beni falling head over heels for a gay that will never notice you!?"

"No, no!" Luna answered hastily waving her hands in front of her, a small blush on her cheeks. "Nothing like that!"

"That's your Ashikabi to claws and if you want to talk after this day is over I suggest you shut your mouth." Benitsubasa glowered at the white haired Sekirei. She was well aware of the rumors she didn't need to be reminded, getting Natsuo to notice her in that sense was a failing mission. But she wasn't going to give up one day she'd open his eyes, she'd show him what he's been missing. "And you!" She glared at Luna. "Best keep your hands off of my Natsuo if you know what's good for you!"

"Nobody is concerned about that hollow man." Koto said with disdain in his voice. Who the hell did Benitsubasa think she was threatening? He knew Luna could handle herself fine, and he wondered just why he was reacting so violently, he decided that Beni was stepping over boundaries that were set into place. Luna would never be Natsuo's Sekirei. "Need I remind me there are parameters in place to avoid that entire thing, though it won't happen. I recall you going on a tirade, trust me nobody wants your Natsuo." Koto rolled his eyes as he scoffed quietly, Luna nudging him slightly with her elbow. He knew Beni was going to snap, that's why Luna was tapping him with a small warning look.

"Ah, well, I don't really like Natsuo I just got more power so I'm good with that." Haihane said happily with a chorus of laughter as Benitsubasa and Koto began to go back and forth.

"I don't care about the parnetiers-"

"parameters." Koto corrected.

"Anyways!" Benitsubasa fumed, calming herself down noticing she was attracting some attention. "Anyways. I'm going to open his eyes to the truth. One day he'll look at me and take me."

"All wishful thinking." Koto responded. "I don't normally agree with Haihane, since she cares about her TV shows and anime more than missions. But I will agree with her on the point where Natsuo will never notice you." Koto stared at her, knowing full well she was about blow up and try to punch him with all of her strength, he didn't care in the least he wished she would, it had been a long time since they sparred seriously. Perhaps it was needed again, to put her back in her place and to shut her mouth. Luna nudged him a bit more forcefully, he looked at her with a raised eyebrow. And she knew he wasn't backing down.

"What he means is Natsuo just needs time to reevaluate his life, and will eventually come to terms." Luna soothed, sighing in relief as Beni calmed down visibly no longer shoving pieces of food into her mouth. Though it was amusing watching her smash the food into her mouth as if it was the cause of her ire, Luna wasn't fond of Beni's temper she could be downright unpredictable, and when it came to Natsuo is a step above her usual snark and aggressive nature to possessive and when a Sekirei got like that it was best to avoid them altogether. However, unfortunately she was part of the squad and Luna couldn't avoid her.

"Hmph!" Was all Benitsubasa had to say in response, glancing around the room with a small frown. She was barely trying when she was fighting, she was merely toying with those three guys, who she seen get carried off on stretchers moaning and groaning their faces leaking with blood. She should have held back more but they were annoying her more than Haihane did, they just wouldn't stop talking, then one called her cute! That was unforgivable! She was Natsuo's only, for his eyes only! But, in hindsight she should have held back, not punch them into a through the walls surrounding the ring, now she was stuck waiting. Though food and company, she couldn't complain, regardless they were still her comrades. "Jeez, I know I beat their asses, but for a break this long..." She sighed taking a sip of water.

"I think it's more for the bets although you did got a bit overkill on those three guys." Haihane remarked looking at her for a moment before continuing. "What did they say to get you so riled up? I've only seen you get that mad with me and when Koto orders you around to clean the lounge after the usual episode." She chuckled to herself.

"Ah, I think they called her cute." Luna replied her eyes slightly narrowed as she was deep in her own thoughts.

"They did.." Benitsubasa said with a growl. She blinked once, her anger receding as she turned her focus onto Luna. Her light hair contrasting sharply with her dark outfit, she had respect for the more developed Sekirei. She was kind, collected, intelligent, and contemplative, Luna was essentially the balancing beam of the unit, but more so for Koto, those two balanced each other perfectly. She shook her head, she had something to ask that was more important than relations. "How did you know?" She didn't wait for an answer. "You could hear them?"

"Should have figured." Haihane said with a sigh.

"Yeah." Luna answered bluntly tapping her ears for a few seconds. "Sekirei have heightened senses, but I've trained myself to heighten them even more than what the average Sekirei can do. I could hear a pin drop four hallways down." She explained smoothly earning shocked glances from Benitsubasa and even Haihane who normally didn't show that kind of reaction, stopped eating, and looked at Luna with a raised eyebrow.

"Is that why you always knock on my door in the dead of night when I'm snoring?" Haihane questioned, humor and surprise in her tone. It was no secret she was a very sound sleeper, one of the things Beni made a point to constantly badger about. But a girl needed her sleep, she knew she snored depending on just how deep she was sleeping, and time to time she'd be greeted by Luna outside of the door dressed in nothing but a bra and pair of panties. It was a welcoming sight for Haihane seeing those melons rather than Beni's angry mug. "I thought I snored loud, but I guess it's just your super sensitive hearing." Haihane laughed shrugging her shoulders.

"You do snore loud." Koto quipped. "I don't have the heightened senses like Luna does, but at times I can hear you."

"But me more so." Luna soothed.

"And here I thought you just showed up at my door wearing a bra and pair of panties to give me a good morning view." Haihane joked.

Luna looked away a faint blush on her cheeks. She did wear that to bed, and normally slept naked. It was her room after all she could dance naked and throw glue on the walls if she wanted to, not that she would throw glue on the walls. But dancing naked, well she did that more than she'd care to admit but she felt so free when she did dance in the nude. "Looks like they're filing back in, we should get a move on." Koto broke through her flustered stupor, Luna was glad he interjected like he normally did and got them on the straight and clear.

"Right!" Luna said cheerfully. "Maybe Kara-sama is already waiting for us."

"Her match is next." Haihane said throwing away her garbage.

"Well, let's just hurry up this mission is boring." Benitsubasa chimed in throwing away her own mountain of garbage.

"Well since you're going to lose to Koto." Haihane quipped.

"As if." Benitsubasa scoffed.