A/N:
Sorry this update took so long guys. Some stuff came up IRL and I had to let it sit for a while.
In any case, this chapter got a bit too long while I was editing it, so I decided to split it up into two parts. The second part, however still needs editing so I'm not sure when I'll be able to give another update. But you guys have waited long enough for this story to progress, so enjoy! :)
XXXXX
Whine & Dine Part 1:
The stairs flew beneath the flower child's feet as she rushed up the steps. The training session Tsukiumi and Musubi had with Miya had apparently ended, as neither of them were outside when Kusano checked. She made a sharp turn and screeched to a stop at their bedroom. She jumped a few times to reach the door knob and gave it a twist as she landed to her feet. She pushed it open slightly and peaked her little head in.
"Oh, Tsukiumi?"
Tsukiumi sat on the edge of the bed facing the television. Despite the low volume, she was so focused on what was on screen that she hadn't noticed Kusano sneaking up behind her and peering over her shoulder at the show in question.
'My Little Pony, My Little Pony, Ah ah ah ah! My Little Pony!'
Stars twinkled in Tsukiumi's pupils as a cute smile curved on her lips. "Oh Rarity, thy mane is so divine…"
"I think Twilight is best pony." Kusano said as she leaned into the screen with a bubbly smile.
Tsukiumi let out a shriek and scrambled to grab the remote. She clicked the TV off.
"Agh! Ugh, Ku-Kusano, wh-what are you doing here? Aren't thou supposed to be outside helping Miya with the garden?!"
"I already took care of it." She said, resting on her tummy and kicking her legs. "There was nothing else to do, so I figured I would spend some time with you, Tsukiumi!"
"This isn't exactly an opportune moment, Kusano." she said. "Canst thee inquire Musubi to play with you this evening? I had plans to ask Minato to dinner later tonight and I've yet to prepare."
Ku tilts her head to the side. "Dinner?"
"Yes, dinner. Is there something the matter?"
"Onii-chan is going to take Uzume out for dinner later today."
Tsukiumi's pupils shrunk. The house shook as she shouted.
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!"
XXXXX
Minato's four Sekirei gathered in Matsu's private chamber.
"Okay, what's this about an important meeting, Tsukiumi?" Matsu asked.
Tsukiumi slammed her hands on the table, eliciting a startled gasp from everyone.
"Alright everyone, listen up!"
She took a pointer stick and aimed it at the decorated whiteboard behind her. On it were detailed descriptions and poorly drawn images. The most notable were Tsukiumi drowning Minato in a bowl of soup and Uzume left lying on an imploded steel trash can, unconscious and soaking wet in what was likely an alleyway behind the restaurant they were going to.
"Tis time to cast aside our differences for the time being to unite against a common enemy." she continued, veins popping out as she squeezed her fist. "Thanks To Kusano's unintentional eavesdropping, it has become apparent that my husband will be treating Uzume to a night of unbridled passion this evening!"
Musubi's face lit up. "Ah?! Really? That's so nice of him!"
"Can thy words, Musubi!" Tsukiumi yelled.
As Tsukiumi went about her rage-fueled babbling, Musubi leaned to Matsu's ear and whispered. "Is it me or is Tsukiumi acting more jealous than usual?"
"Are you kidding?" she whispered back. "The woman's wearing Big Boss's uniform from Metal Gear Solid, eye-patch and all. I think it's safe to say she's finally lost it-OUCH!"
Tsukiumi rapped Matsu on the head with the stick. "I heard that!" she shouted. "My anger has not to do with mere jealousy! It is an Ashikabi's duty to stay beside their Sekirei for the rest of their days, and for one to so egregiously enter a relationship with a Sekirei winged by another would be unforgivable!" She crossed her arms and looked over her shoulder. "It's unforgivable to me and it's unforgivable to everyone else in this room as well!"
"How can you be so certain that there's any romantic feelings involved?" Matsu questioned. "All you're doing now is jumping to conclusions like you always do."
"Beg pardon?! I begeth to differ!" she argued. "If what thou sayeth is true, then why hasn't Minato made us aware of his intentions? He's sneaking about like a dirty rat!"
"Maybe it has something to do with you always shooting first and asking questions later." Matsu said, leaning a cheek to her fist. "You nearly got him killed the other day due to a misunderstanding; one you've yet to apologize for, by the way."
Tsukiumi slumped her shoulders and hung her head. "You're right." she sighed. "Maybe I should be more trusting of Minato." After a pause, she lifts her head with a sadistic pearly grin. "However…"
"Uh oh…" Musubi said out loud.
"I don't like where this is going…" Matsu added.
Tsukiumi continued. "Twould be unwise to leave our Ashikabi in the hands of another Sekirei alone without aid. He might get hurt or worse…"
Matsu leaned back and facepalmed. "You want us to help you spy on them don't you?"
Tsukiumi turned her nose to the air. "Hmpf; tis not spying. We will only accompany the outing from the shadows to ensure our Ashikabi's safety. So who's with me?"
"I'm in so long as you don't blow a gasket like yesterday." Matsu said, raising her hand. She knew that Tsukiumi likely would in spite of saying that, but she also took into account that Tsukiumi wouldn't take no for an answer. Plus when that watery tart did snap, she could help hold her back from potentially ruining Minato's evening.
"Count me in too!" Musubi added raising both her hands.
Kusano jabbed a thumb at her puffed out chest. "And me!"
Tsukiumi clapped her hands. "Very good! Musubi and myself will keep an eye on our Ashikabi while you keep watch over Uzume. If there's a breakthrough, we will call each other to inform ourselves of our findings."
XXXXX
Minato ran a black comb through his messy hair as he observed himself in the mirror. He wasn't very accustomed to doing such, but as he was treating Uzume this evening he may as well freshen up his image for the occasion. Plus he didn't want any hosh-posh know-it-all thinking he had bad hygiene.
Speaking of hosh-posh, the establishment he had in mind was the Tofuya Ukai; one of Teito's finest. Every so often he passed by it on his way home from work, taking note of how nature's twisting branches enclosed and embraced its tranquil gardens and koi ponds. It was a wonderful private setting, and that was a good thing. There was a less likely chance of his own Sekirei spotting them. Tsukiumi would no doubt kill him for treating anyone other than her at any establishment, let alone a high end one. Sure Minato could have taken her anyplace, but given his inexperience with women, he didn't want to underwhelm Uzume or make her think he was too cheap.
On the topic of his Sekirei though, it occurred to him that he had yet to treat them to such an outing. Sure he took Musubi out to WcArnold's when they first met (and she wiped out his wallet in the process), but fast food had no comparison to the fine delicacy of a five-star restaurant.
...Plus they don't spit on every 50th hamburger.
He knew he didn't want Uzume exposed to anything like that. It kinda made him regret taking Musubi there as well now that he thought of it...
In any case, he would have to rectify that after his date with her tonight.
Well, not a date...more like a...a not-date! Yeah that's it!
He would invite all of them to join him this evening, but he only had so much money at the moment. Not to mention she needed a break from the monotony with all she must be going through with her ill Ashikabi. Uzume deserved a special night, one where she was the center of attention. It was also a way to get more acquainted with each other, which would no doubt be hard for him to do with four other women breathing down his neck.
Besides, it was just a friendly evening. No romantic implications whatsoever. Just two friends having a night out to simply break the ice. Or at least that's what he kept telling himself. He hadn't really given it much thought, but usually taking a girl you like to a five star restaurant generally comes off as 'I want to bone your brains out.'
Minato brushed his teeth, splashed his face with cold water, swabbed his ears with a q-tip, and paced back to his room.
On the way there, he spotted Kagari looking more upbeat than usual.
"Hey Minato, how are things?" He said.
Minato stopped his footing. "I'm doing good." he said rubbing the nape of his neck. "What are you so happy about?"
"Got a huge job opportunity today." he said. "If all works out, I'll no longer host at that dingy old club."
"Dingy?" Minato looked perplexed. "I thought you liked it there?"
"I liked the girls and the paycheck, but having to deal with all the drunks and morons kept me from enjoying myself. The new job I'll have will pay three times as much, if not more if I'm proven to be popular among the customers."
"Is that so? Well, good luck to you then, Kagari."
"Thanks, you too."
He then walked past him and down stairs as Minato came to his room.
Minato slid the closet door open and padded through his hanging shirts. None of them would fit the formality he needed.
...I wonder how much it is to rent a tux? he whispered.
He pulled out his cell and began dialing. "Hello, can I have a taxi arrive at this address?..."
...
As Minato shut the closet door, a mound of clothes shook. Tsukiumi's chibified head emerged with a very scorntastic scowl. She put a cellphone to her ear.
"What's the haps?" Matsu asked on the other end.
"The monkey wants to get a monkey suit, Matsu!"
"Wow, Minato's really going all out for tonight. Weird."
Tsukiumi grinded her teeth. "Thou. Art. Not. Helping!"
"Okay, okay, jeez, relax." she said. "Look, once the taxi gets here, I'll put a tracer on it so you can't lose it."
"Fine." Tsukiumi said, snapping the phone shut. She sighed.
XXXXX
Uzume lounged about on her bed as she looked out the window. A taxi rolled up to the front gate and Minato got inside.
I wonder where he's going?... she thought to herself.
A few hours had went by since he suggested taking her out to dinner this evening. He insisted on keeping the location of choice to himself, so she was left to wonder what was in store for her later on.
She giggled as she thought to herself. I bet he has one of those fancy places in mind. She rolled over on her side, playing with her hair. Probably thinks I'll let him pay for it all too. Such a gentleman…
A thought then occured to her. Uzume knew Minato was the shy type, and given her tomboyish mannerisms he might feel isolated and less likely to relate to her.
I think I'll play it a little bit more girly than usual tonight, just for Minato's sake…
Her eyes flash open and she launches herself up to sitting.
"Oh shit!" she thought out loud. "What am I going to wear?!"
She sprung out of bed and tore into her closet, tossing about old cosplay outfits and undergarments over her shoulders. She sank to her knees and hung her head.
"Damn…" she whimpered. "Everything I have is either too casual, too cutesy, or too raunchy…"
Uzume took a sigh. A lightbulb then blinked above her head. She slammed a fist to her palm.
"I got it!"
She scampered over to the door and latched it shut. She did the same for her windows and pulled down the blinds before whisking the curtains closed.
She ran into her closet and shut the door. Some bangs, booms and sounds of clothes being whisked and tossed about were heard from within. A moment later, she emerged in her white veil. Deep in thought, Uzume stood before her mirror and held her hand to her chin.
"Hmmm…" she pondered. "I know I can't go looking LIKE the veiled Sekirei...but there has to be something I can do to make this cloak fit the occasion…"
XXXXX
About a half hour later…
After getting countless phone calls from Tsukiumi egging her on to peep in on Uzume, Matsu finally gave in. She crawled into the ceiling and came to a loose tile marked as 'Uzume's room'. She slid it aside and peered in. Matsu backed away for a moment when she saw the outfit Uzume was wearing. She rubbed her chin, raising an eyebrow. "That uniform…it looks so familiar…"
Uzume seated herself on the bed and began dialing a number.
"Yes, I would like a limousine for two at eight-o-clock this evening…"
Matsu's eyes flash open for a second. "Damn, and I thought Minato was playing it fancy tonight…they're both try-hards!"
Matsu took note of her attire and takes a snapshot with her phone. "Damn, she really knows how to dress for an occasion."
Gently, she put the ceiling cover back and crawls back to her room. She gives Tsukiumi a call.
...
Watching Minato pick out his new attire whilst hiding in a changing booth, Tsukiumi's cellphone rings. She gasps and retreats behind the curtain as Minato turns around to inspect the noise. Finding nothing, he turns back to the mirror.
"Speaketh."
"Uzume is going to have a limo pick her and Minato up at around eight."
"A limousine? Good. Wench will ride to her funeral in a luxury." she joked. "Would you be able to track it for Musubi and I? I havest an idea."
"You're not planning to run the two over, are you?"
"Of course not! However such a scenario is likely given how I am unfamiliar with driving…"
"I can drive, so just find a way to get a hold of the thing without hurting anyone."
"Very well." she said. "Is there anything else?"
Yeah one more thing, have you seen the outfit Uzume's in? You'd think she was getting married."
"What?!"
Matsu held back a chuckle. "Sending a pic now."
/sending.../
/image sent/
There was a brief pause on the other end, but it didn't last very long.
"AAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Matsu cackled under her breath. "Kukuku, I knew that would piss her off…"
XXXXX
Some time later…
The orange sun had just disappeared behind the cityscape.
A taxi rolled up to the sidewalk of Maison Isumo. After a quick exchange of money with the cab driver, Minato unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out with his new formalwear, pressed permed, and ready to go.
"Thank you, sir!"
The driver tipped his hat. "Don't mention it!"
Minato slammed the door shut and he drove off.
He took a glance at his new outfit and smiled. After nearly an hour of browsing, he came across the perfect one. The suit was white as a dove, sharp-looking and well fitted. A charcoal-black tie tucked between it and a grey collared shirt. Black loafers and khakis completed the outfit. He got it for a great deal as well; 5,000 yen for two days.
"Heheh, I really scored big time with this, didn't I?" He thought outloud.
"Sure looks like it." The landlady complimented as she swept the sidewalk.
Minato took a startled jump back. "Oh Miya, excuse me. I didn't see you there."
"So, what might I ask is the occasion?" she said with her eyes shut and snickering into her fingers.
"Oh this, oh it's nothing...I just uh…"
She backed away, still giggling. "Well have fun then. Fufufu…"
"Uhm, okay thanks...I guess."
She went back to sweeping as he entered the house and shut the door behind him. Strangely he hadn't seen any of his Sekirei since this morning. Granted he was busy all day preparing for the not-date, but he expected Kusano to at least run up and give him a hug.
"I wonder where they are?..." he said, climbing the steps.
Minato opened the door to his room and fetched a new pair of boxers from his dresser before undressing. He pulled on his khakis, buttoned his collared shirt, and slipped on his loafers. He struggled putting the tie on, but after a quick browse of the internet with his phone, he found a step by step video on how to don it properly.
Given how the video had over five million views, he took solace knowing he wasn't the only guy who couldn't put on a tie properly.
He shrugged the suit on, and stepped out of his room.
Uzume waited for him outside of it. Okay...girly mode; ACTIVATE! "Hey Minato…"
He halted and turned around upon hearing Uzume's soft voice.
He motioned to speak, but the only phrase he could muster was "Whoa…"
Snow white gloves peeled over her forearms and elbows. Her cleavage remained partially exposed through a milky shroud, which coiled down to her knees and embraced her hourglass-shaped physique like a wedding vow.
Uzume stood there, blushing and struggling to keep eye contact. "You look...nice." she continued, rubbing her forearm up and down.
Minato took a big gulp.
"You look...amazing!" Minato said under his breath with emphasis.
She looked at him. "Really?"
He sniffed up some blood dripping from his nostril. "Of course. You look really beautiful."
She turned away, smiling. "Thank you…"
There was something about this that made her nervous, that Minato was sure of, but that smile she had along with that angelic veil of hers made Uzume seem magical. Or at least he thought as much.
Uzume's eyes squinted slyly. Nice one Uzume! Your feminine charms are really starting to win him over! Now to reel him in...
"I called in a limousine to give us a ride to wherever we're going…" she said after a moment of pause.
"What? Why?"
"Figured we'd ride in style." she said, twirling her ankle as she looped a finger about a strand of hair. "Our ride should be here any minute now, but don't worry, my MBI card will cover the expense for it."
"No kidding?" he then thought to himself. Is it me or is Uzume acting more girly than usual?...
She then latched onto his arm, leading him out the door. "Well, c'mon lets go!"
Minato stared off in the other direction, trying to keep composure. "Oh, um...yeah, YEAH! Of course!"
Uzume smiled wide and made a peace sign at the audience as the scene faded.
XXXXX
Following five minutes of waiting, the limo crept it's way up to the sidewalk. The driver blew the horn and walked around to the tail end of the vehicle. The person's features were shrouded by a scarf and porkpie hat. Given the large breasts, however, they at least knew it was a woman.
She opened the passenger side door and took a bow. "Right this way. I hope you two have a wonderful evening."
"Thank you very much." Uzume said, entering first.
"Say, do I know you from somewhere?" Minato asked, passing her by.
The driver staggered back for a sec and stumbled on her words. "Oh, um...no-NO! Uh...this is actually my first time on the job. I never even been to this area! Heheh...heeeeh."
Minato gave the estranged woman a long, curious glare. "Riiiiight…"
"So, where are you off to might I ask?" the driver asked Minato.
He whispered into her ear. "Tofuya Ukai."
"Excellent choice! Would you mind if I took the long route?"
Minato peeked in at Uzume. "How about it?"
"Sure! MBI will cover all the expenses and it's not everyday you ride in a limousine, so take as long as you'd like!"
The driver saluted as Minato scooted himself in. "Very well! I hope you enjoy luxury the trip has to offer!"
The driver shut the door and walked back to the front of the vehicle.
"Such a strange woman." Uzume commented under her breath.
"Yeah, she probably has social anxiety issues or something…"
XXXXX
The driver removed her headgear upon sliding herself behind the steering wheel and pulling the door shut. It was Matsu.
She opened the glove compartment and grabbed her cell. "Alright they're in."
"Excellent work Matsu!" Tsukiumi said on the other end. "Pray Tell, where art they going?"
"Tofuya Ukai. Given the traffic downtown at this hour, it'll take about forty minutes to get there."
"Forty minutes?!" she shouted. "Unfathomable! Does thou not have any idea how cramped it is back here?!"
"You're the one who suggested hiding in the trunk with Musubi and Kusano." She said." You could have just followed us by hopping across the rooftops to stay out of sight just as easy."
"No!" she shouted. Matsu held the phone away from her ear as the voice blasted through. "If that vulture Uzume digs her filthy claws into our Ashikabi, I want to be as close as possible when it happens so I can peck her eyes out before she flies away with his heart! Now drive!"
"Okay, okay. Sheesh…"
The privacy window rolled down. "Is everything alright, maam?" Minato asked.
Matsu shrieked, scrambling to put her disguise back on. "Oh um, yes everything's fine! Heheh. I was just replying to a phone call is all"
"Hmmm, okay then."
He rolled the window back up.
Matsu sighed in relief. "That was close…"
XXXXX
Uzume kicked her legs up on the upholstery as Minato came back from the driver's window.
Classical violin music glided through the speakers and a bored sigh escaped Uzume's abdomen.
Minato immediately got the impression something was wrong.
"What's the matter Uzume?" he asked, pouring two glasses of wine.
She groaned. "Ugh, this classical BS is so cliche." She reached into her cleavage, pulling out a bootleg CD. "Lets crank some Slayer in this bitch!"
Minato jerked back. "You like Slayer too?!"
"Hells yeah!"
They bumped fists as she thought to herself, I know I said I'd be girly, but I'm sure it won't matter if I make some exceptions. Besides, who doesn't like metal?!
Minato handed Uzume her glass and they held them up.
"A toast to metal." Uzume shouted gleefully.
They clinked glasses.
Minato grinned. "To metal!"
X FLASHBACK X
Some time earlier a few blocks away…
Matsu rolled up to the limousine with Ku clinging tight to her back and clicked off the motorbike's headlights as she slowed to the curb. She had gotten a call from Tsukiumi, who mentioned a mishap in acquiring the limousine.
Tsukiumi turned her head. "Tis about time you arrived."
"Sorry, traffic was rough." She slides off the bike and helps Kusano down. She pulls off her helmet, shaking her hair from her eyes. "I see you were able to get hold of the limo." She said. "Where's the driver?"
Tsukiumi motioned a thumb over her clothed shoulder. There he lay unconscious on a bunch of trash cans, much like Uzume in that crude picture Tsukiumi drew.
"What were you thinking?!" Matsu shouted under her breath. "I told you to keep your cool, and this is what you do?!"
"Twas not me," she answered. "it was Musubi's doing."
"Musubi? Why would she do such a thing?"
…
Tsukiumi flashed the shady driver her MBI card.
"Hmm, I suppose I can let you borrow it for a little while…" A mosquito flew by his face. He swatted at it violently. "This damned mosquito! I swear! It's been buzzing around me for the last hour! It just won't die! I can't hit the damn thing!"
"OH OH OH LET ME TRY!" Musubi volunteered.
Musubi locked on to the little pest and swung a right hook. Unfortunately it landed on his face as she did so.
"No Musubi, WAIT!" Tsukiumi begged.
**WHACK**
Tsukiumi facepalmed in the distance as Musubi frantically apologized to the unconscious driver.
...
The limo's trunk clicked open and Musubi climbed out. "Sorry Matsu." Musubi said with remorse.
Tsukiumi cut in. "I was originally going to bribe the man with my unlimited MBI card, but now it looks like I'll be paying for his hospital bill…"
XXXXX
The limo slowed to a nearby curb. Teito Tower loomed just above them. The swift squishes of rocks between heated tire and grey asphalt crunched briefly as it rolled to a stop. Matsu, having donned her disguise again, scoots out from the driver's seat, and hurries herself to the back door, opening it. Minato rose from his cushy seat and stepped out onto the rock-crafted sidewalk. He offered Uzume a hand and she followed him out upon lightly grasping his fingers. It made her blush a bit.
"Well, we're finally here." Minato said with a big-ol' smile.
Uzume swished her hair back and looked in past the wind-scarred gate and into the heavily forested courtyard.
Lanterns dangling along almond-brown branches emblazoned their reflections upon moonlit carp ponds. Lily Pads seated croaking frogs on a stream meandering beneath a crimson coated wooden bridge. Wavy dragons remained still as a roaring waterfall showered their stone scales in an endless rushing hiss. Winds wafted through crispy grass and leaves, as incense-scented wood chips flooded their senses like a meadowy perfume and the stars above glistened like glossy angelfire.
Uzume was already transfixed on the surroundings and she hadn't even seen the actual building they would be spending their evening in. It was all just so...tranquil. She just HAD to take it all in.
"Oh, it's so gorgeous!" Uzume gasped in glee. She pulled Minato in for a big hug, ensuring his face pressed into her tits. "Minato, you're such a sweetheart!"
"Mo probrem, Rusume." he replied, muffled by the softness. As he flailed his arms about, she let him go and he took some deep breaths.
"Lets go inside!" she requested, flashing a pearly grin. She grabbed him by the hand and rushed off to the entrance before he could fully regain his breath, pulling him behind her. Minato was glad it was Uzume as opposed to Musubi doing this. If it were the other way around, she would likely be unknowingly running off with his severed arm as he lay on the ground howling in pain.
XXXXX
About a block away, Matsu parked the limo in an empty parking lot. With disguises clenched under her arm, she unlatches the limo's trunk. Pulling it up, she found all three of the confined Sekirei were drenched in sweat and had corkscrewing spirals where their pupils once were.
"Ughhhhh, soooo muuuch metaaaallll..." Musubi groaned.
A dazed Ku-chan paraphrased the album as she regained her senses. "Night will come and I will follow...for my victims no tomorrow...ughn…"
Matsu leaned into her hands. Poor guys must have rocked themselves out...
Tsukiumi moaned, pulling herself out weakly. "Tell Minato...I- I'll…"
"Tell him what?" Matsu asked.
She leaned into her ear. "Tell him...I'll kill him if he even thinks of blasting that rubbish again!"
She then collapsed to the ground, passed out.
Although she would deny it, Tsukiumi was rocking out as hard as Ku and Musubi were back there. Well, maybe not as much as Ku...
XXXXX
A/N:
And there we have part 1 of the date. Once again, I apologize it took so long to update this, but as I mentioned real life has to take priority. As for when part 2 will be out, I'm kind of unsure. While I have most of it outlined and written, I still don't think I've done it justice. I don't want to pump out garbage for my readers and I really want the outing here to come across as a night worth remembering. For me, it's either post when the content is up to snuff or don't bother updating until it is.
However, if anyone has any suggestions on how the date could go or what they would like to see happen, leave your thoughts in the review section or shoot me a PM.
Furthermore, I recently wrote crossover fic involving the Queen's Blade series. It's arguably the raunchiest fic I've written thus far, and it hasn't received much love since I posted it. If you're interested in hot warrior chicks going on an adventure in a world inspired by hard rock and heavy metal, I suggest giving it a read.
Thanks in advance and I'll see you all next time. :)