Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Toaru Kagaku no Railgun/Toaru Majutsu no Index
The Trinity of Tokiwadai
Chapter Twenty Eight: Histoire D'amour Deux
Beta:
Naru let out a thankful sigh once she finally finished the lab practicals she had to make up. With all the missions she had been on during the semester she'd missed quite a few important classes and had been forced to make up for them over her summer holidays.
Jumping out of her seat and handing in her report and results to the teacher, the blonde was finally home free.
As she headed to her footlocker, she mused on what she could do.
She was so looking forward to the free time now that she's finished her school work for the summer.
I could just take a nap? It's been a while. Oh! Maybe Awatsuki-chan wants to go shopping? I should probably invite her friends if that's the case. Hm, I haven't bugged Mikoto-Sempai in a while though… so many choices.
Giggling to herself, she opened her locker and was bemused as a pink envelope bordered by hearts fell out.
Seeing the love letter, Naru couldn't help but sigh. She had gotten her fair share of them over the months since she'd started attending Tokiwadai. As a result, the Number 2 had to keep a good lookout for those damn lolicons and a surprisingly large number of her starstruck schoolmates.
"I guess I should at least check who this one is from." Naru said with a tired sigh. Picking the envelope up, she noted that the paper was of good quality, so it must have been one of her schoolmate fans. As expected of Ojou-samas.
Opening and unfolding the letter, she ignored the majority of the tripe and just zeroed in on the signature at the bottom. However, the name written there forced her to gasp in shock.
S-Sh-Shutaura?! The blonde read as her tanned cheeks blossomed into a radiant pink hue.
What was going on?! Was this some trick?! Was it real?!
Her 'innocent maiden' mind wondered what could even be happening.
It certainly looks it. Kurama noted with amusement. By the way, since when were you innocent?
I'm a maiden dammit, so of course I'm innocent! At least when it comes to this…
The demon fox's only response was to snort in amused disagreement.
Ignoring her demonic tenant, Naru allowed a smile to spread across her face.
If Shutaura did sign this, someone had to have put her up to it. But, I-I'm not entirely against it. I-I guess I'll humor her.
Yeah, sure, that's the only reason.
Naru was too far away in La-La land to hear him. She skipped out of school, wondering what she should wear.
Maaya Awatsuki and her friends, Wannai Kinuho and Kongou Mitsuko, had just returned to the Tokiwadai Interior Dormitories after a nice day out shopping with plans to hang out in Maaya's room when they walked into an unexpected scene.
All over the dormitory, dozens of their schoolmates were running all over the place in some kind of frenzy.
"I propose we hurry to your room, Awatsuki-san. I believe there is an interesting drama series we could watch. I hear the main character is quite scandalous but plays an interesting portrayal of a maid." Kongou-san suggested, eying their uncharacteristically flustered schoolmates all around them warily.
"Eh? I didn't know you like those types of dramas, Kongou-san." Kinuho-chan gasped but giggled, clearly playing along with Kongou-san's plan to ignore the fracas around them. "I wouldn't mind."
Good idea that. Maaya thought to herself. Though I'm a little curious about why everyone are so up in arms. If I'm not wrong… Those in a tizzy are all members of the Rabbit Faction too. Does it have something to do with Naru-san?
The bluenette was about to voice her agreement to Kongou-san's suggestion too when a few of the frenzied girls rushed past them, shattering their tight-knit formation.
"Where is it? Where is it?" One of the two girls asked in a near hysterical whine.
"I don't know! We've ruled out Districts Six and Fifteen, but that still leaves too many possible places then we could ever fully cover!" One of the girls running past Maaya and friends lamented dramatically.
"I know! That's why we're going to cover District Sixteen to try to cover the holes in our surveillance." Her friend, having apparently recovered some of her cool, replied as the duo ran out of the range of Maaya's hearing.
Kinuho-chan stuck closer to her as she finally acknowledged the madness that was happening.
"What's going on?"
Kongou-san huffed as she snapped her fan open and fanned herself, "I have no clue, but this is highly inappropriate for students of Tokiwadai. Though mayhaps we should inquire with them?"
With that leading statement, Kongou-san snapped her fan closed and pointed at a group of girls from the Rabbit Faction questioning a couple of girls that Maaya recognized as Naru-san's classmates.
It looked more like an interrogation then just asking questions if Maaya were to be honest.
"No, I don't think I want to get involved with whatever madness that's got to them." Kinuho-chan said as she looked at the Rabbit Faction girls and their strange behavior with palpable nervous agitation.
Maaya and Kongou-san agreed with a nod and let the matter drop.
Putting their agreement into action, the three danced around the Rabbits behaving like inquisitors and in doing so witnessed another small group of their fellows looking at a tablet under one of the school's security cameras.
"Dial the time back." One said as small electric sparks was dancing between one of the girls hands. "We need to find out who left that letter in Naru-sama's footlocker."
"Keep working on it, you two." A girl from another nearby cluster of Rabbits said. "We need every clue we can get."
The girls in her group nodded in agreement.
"So we've sent teams to Districts Six, Fifteen and Sixteen. That covers most of the places you would take people on a date, right?" Another girl in the group said.
"We can't be sure of that." A third girl replied while worrying her lip. "For all we know, they might be going to District Twenty One for a hike in the mountains or anywhere else in the City for that matter. All it would take is a little creativity and you could conceivably plan a successful date almost anywhere in the City."
"You're right," the first girl said with a firm nod. "If we're going to protect Naru-sama's chastity then we need to be through about our surveillance."
The other girls standing with her nodded in agreement.
"Naru-san's chastity?" Maaya breathed in confusion.
"Oh my, how scandalous." Kongou-san gasped.
One girl stood out as she seemed to be trying to calm the other frantic Rabbits down.
"Seriously, stop blowing this out of proportion. Come on! You, stop harassing that girl right now! And will you girls stop hacking the security feed? You're going to get us in trouble!"
Maaya recognized her easily enough. Her name was Chao Lingshen, a Level 4 Electromaster and second in command of the Rabbit Faction. She was a pretty Chinese girl with her brunette hair tied up into a pair of buns and a set of long braids. She had a lithe athletic frame that was in stark contrast to her otherwise bookish nature. Maaya had in fact appealed to that aspect of the other girl's nature more than once herself by asking for advice on her schoolwork.
That gave them something of a acquaintance and the confidence to call out to her. "Chao-san, what's going on?"
"Hm? Oh! Awatsuki-chin, heya." She greeted her with a tired look in her eyes. "Apparently Naru-sama got a love letter and the rest of the bunnies are freaking out. As you can see. Hey! Put that girl down, we don't threaten people!"
"Wait, isn't that Awatsuki-san? Naru-sama's roommate?" One of the other Rabbits shouted as Maaya's conversation with Chao-san caught her attention.
A sense of dread overcame the bluenette as she was soon swarmed by a mob of Rabbit Faction students.
"Who's Naru-sama going out with?"
"Is it her secret paramour?! We've been speculating about that! So who is it?"
"It's another girl right?"
"No no, it's a boy! I'm sure some gentleman is trying to sweep her off her feet!"
Maaya looked left and right as she was bombarded by questions. Gulping in nervousness, she said. "I have no idea what's going on! I need some context here."
At her exclamation, she was quickly given some cliffnotes on the situation. Apparently her roommate had received another love letter. Instead of being bored about it and ignoring it, Naru-san was actually happy about it.
Maaya knitted her brow at that, that was quite the surprise considering how Naru-san disregarded all other attempts at 'confessing' to her. That said, she hadn't even seen Naru-san since this morning. Nor had she heard Naru-san mention anyone that she might consider dating before now. As such, she really didn't have anything to offer.
"I'm sorry, I don't know. M-Maybe ask the rest of the Trinity?"
It was her best chance to get out of this alive. She hoped the other Trinity members would forgive her.
"Maybe we can check with Saten-sama?" One of the Rabbits suggested. "Isn't she at home looking after her little sisters?"
"N-No!" Kongou-san spoke up, a frightened look on her face. "Firstly, those girls aren't her sisters but her daughters and don't ever forget that. Ever. Making that mistake in front of Saten-sama might be enough for her to kill you. And even thinking of disturbing their family time? That's just suicidal. I'm being completely serious here, so heed my warning or face the consequences."
Personally Maaya thought Kongou-san was exaggerating Saten-sama's likely reaction quite a bit, but agreed with her general assessment of things. That said, she couldn't quite throw off the niggling feeling at the back of her mind that Kongou-san wasn't as off the mark as either of them likely would have preferred.
The Rabbits paled and nodded uneasily. Saten-sama was scary like that after all.
"Uh, Kongou-san, maybe you shouldn't let Saten-sama hear you talk about her like that?" Kinuho-chan suggested nervously, looking all around her fearfully.
"No, Saten-sama specifically told me to warn everyone about this." Kongou-san replied with a nervous, terrified look. "So I'm sure she'll actually appreciate my forethought of warning everyone."
"Thank you for that, Kongou-san." Chao-san said sincerely with a bow, the other Rabbits following suit.
"Um, what about Misaka-sama? She may know? And I don't think she'd kill us." One of the Rabbits offered, getting nods all around.
Kinuho-chan shifted where she stood, "Misaka-sama said a few days ago she wanted to enjoy her summer vacation without distraction or interruption. So that may not be a good idea either."
"At least she won't kill us right?" One of the Rabbits offered half-heartedly.
"I'd rather not be electrocuted." Another Rabbit shot back. "I'm not Shirai-san."
Chao-san nodded, "Yeah, I think we should just leave the rest of the Trinity out of this okay?"
"I still think we should. I mean not even Saten-sama would kill us if we're polite right?"
"Are you crazy? I'd rather not risk my life!"
"Come on, guys! Let's not argue over this again." Chao-san said with a desperate air, as the Rabbits once more descended into chaos.
Maaya choose this time to slowly back away along with Kinuho-chan and Kongou-san. The only one who seemed to notice was Chao-san, who gave them a small wave to go.
Thank you, Chao-san.
Alright, deep breathes. It's not like it's your first date or anything. Naru told herself as she walked through the School Garden.
Once the blonde received the letter, she was at first elated. Then she realized she had no idea what to wear. At that epiphany, she tossed her closet inside out and finally found a dress that would most certainly impress.
Thank Science for her gold card.
And your shopaholic tendencies. Kurama noted with amusement. He'd been radiating the emotion the whole time since she'd received Shutaura's love letter.
Her choice was a maroon long sleeved, hooded, pleated knee-length dress that she had complemented with the use of black ribbons to tie her signature pigtails. She completed her outfit with a pair of black suede heeled boots that stopped just above her ankles.
Reaching the meeting place that Shutaura had pointed out in her letter, a cafe, Naru took a seat and waited eagerly for her date to arrive. She couldn't wait to see what the exhibitionist had chosen to wear today,
Alright, be poised, sophisticated and charming. Man, Shutaura won't know what hit her. Naru thought as smiled eagerly at the idea of the date ahead.
It was only a few minutes later that all of Naru's cognitive functions halted.
Strutting towards her was Shutaura in a royal blue, v-neck, a-line dress. It had beautiful lace applique worked into a top that accentuated the paramilitary leader's modest bust beautifully. She was holding onto a matching baby blue clutch which with the pair of simple black stiletto heels she was wearing, completed her stunning outfit.
Still, despite her uncharacteristic feminine outfit, she hardly carried herself in a matching demeanor. Instead, the older girl awkwardly walked over in her usual professional, militaristic manner. Somehow this still managed to radiate sensuality. At least for Naru.
Bah! You're biased.
Oh shut up!
As the older girl stood before her, her professional features broke out into a small dusting of pink on her cheeks. Looking to the side, and with a squeak -Squeak!- in her voice, she said, "Stop staring."
Naru did as she was told and looked to the side as well, swallowing hard. It was a surprisingly difficult thing to do to say the least.
Sitting down, Shutaura cleared her throat, "Thank you for meeting me. I apologize if it was abrupt."
"I-It wasn't a hassle. So don't worry about it." Naru too cleared her throat, trying to sound casual but failing. "So what brought this on? A meeting is fine, but a date? It's… new."
"Ladylee forced me into this." The older girl said with a frown.
That took some wind out of Naru's sail.
"How did she manage that?"
"I lost a bet."
"Another one?" The pigtailed blonde asked with amusement.
Shutaura sighed and nodded.
"You should really stop making bets with your boss." Naru said with a chuckle at her friend's expense.
"So I've learned."
"Hehe, even your boss thinks you need to relax more." The Level 5 giggled at her plight.
The paramilitary leader just crossed her arms and frowned. "I don't know why everyone is so interested in what I do in my free time."
"I wouldn't lie and say I'm not interested either." She tossed in, smiling as she waved a waitress over.
"Then perhaps you can enlighten me on why you would want to do so?"
Naru just shrugged. "I just do. Can't really explain it."
Shutaura looked like she wanted to say something, but the arrival of the waitress had her holding her tongue.
"Can I take your order?" The friendly woman asked.
Offering the waitress a smile, Naru and Shutaura placed their orders.
As she left, the wait for the food was filled with an awkward silence. Naru tried to come up with something to say, but her mind kept going blank as her eyes wandered over the brunette's beautiful appearance. Naru couldn't help herself, she was overcome by a strange need to glance at Shutaura to admire just how ravishing she looked.
In response, Kurama chuckled from the depths of her mind.
Thankfully, Shutaura didn't seemed to notice.
Are you sure? Because if I'm not wrong there's a light blush on her face. Kurama observed with a amused smirk.
"You're staring again." Shutaura said suddenly. Apparently Naru's secretive glances weren't as subtle as she'd hoped.
"S-Sorry." Naru stammered, her cheeks red. "I couldn't help myself."
"W-What?" Shutaura breathed out in shock.
"Well, I've never seen you dressed like this before," Naru said gesturing at Shutaura's very feminine dress. "Science be damned, I've never thought you'd look so pretty dressed in that style you know? It just caught me by surprise."
"Thank you." Shutaura said, her cheeks blushing even more brightly. "This dress isn't exactly my style. Ladylee-sama lent it to me from her own personal collection?"
"In your size?"
"She went out of her way to have it tailored." Shutaura said with grimace.
"How the hell did she get your sizes in the first place?" Naru asked abruptly before she thought her words through. She ducked her head in embarrassment.
Kurama chuckled in amusement at her faux pas.
"She does order my uniforms. You know that, right?" The older girl reminded her unnecessarily, with an uncharacteristic edge of amusement in her tone.
"Y-Yeah, I forgot about that for a minute." Naru admitted uneasily. Her face burning with her embarrassment at her slip of the tongue.
Stupid mouth. Stupid mind jumping to conclusions. Stupid Kurama.
How is this my fault?
It just is!
Clearing her throat, the blonde attempted to fix her mistake.
"Maybe we could go shopping sometime?" Naru asked with an uneasy smile. "We could find some stuff that's your style."
"I'd rather not." Shutaura said with a apologetic smile. "Not when I'm dressed like this. I don't want to risk ruining this outfit before the end of the date. Ladylee-sama would kill me if I did."
"Oh." The pigtailed girl answered a little disappointedly. She had been hoping that Shutaura would pick up on the hint that she was suggesting a second date. Pushing that aside, she had other chances to push for that later, she focused on what her date had actually said. "You think Ladylee is spying on us?"
"Possibly. But mostly she wants pictures of the date today."
"Oh?" Naru said with an amused look.
"Yes," Shutaura said as she fished out her phone from her clutch. "That being the case, mind if I take a shot of us now?"
"Sure," Naru said, eagerness in her tone.
Shutaura offered her a grateful smile as the two girls moved into a pose and took their photo. Naru made it a point to smile as broadly as she could, to show just how much she was enjoying this date. Hopefully that'll clue Shutaura in on what she wanted from her.
You really should just be upfront about it.
What do you know about dating?
Unlike you, I have learned dating from all the great artistes.
Rom-Coms don't count, you dummy.
The two girls had just returned to their seats when the waitress returned with their orders.
"Sorry for the delay ladies, here's your food." The woman said with a comely smile and an amused gleam in her eyes as she eyed the couple.
The meal was certainly pleasant to look at. As Naru dug in with all the Ojou-sama poise that had been drilled into her by her time at Tokiwadai, her mind tried to come up with some topic to talk about. She definitely didn't want to put her foot into her mouth again.
Kurama's chuckles echoed in her mind. He was clearly greatly amused by Naru's antics.
Oh! You're hilarious! Just be natural!
Don't be an idiot! If I say the wrong thing, I'll just end up embarrassing myself.
Please, looking stupid is an endearing trait. Look at that freaky hand boy.
I'd rather not be that type of endearing...
Naru was actually thankful for Kurama's commentary, it was a wonderful distraction from the embarrassed silence of the meal.
Shutaura attempted to say something, but quickly reached for her drink as if that was her intention the whole time. Said older girl was also sneaking looks at Naru and looking away quickly, her blush spiking each time. It was an ironic reversal of Naru's behavior earlier in the date.
Naru tried to comment, but her worries over embarrassing herself held her back. Instead, she covered her attempts with a cough.
As a result of their awkwardness, the meal was punctuated by a storm of coughing, sneezing and clearing throats.
Personally, Naru felt like she was going to have a meltdown. She was internally screaming that she didn't know what to say at all. She'd never been in a situation like this. She'd always been the silver-tongued imp that always had some quip to throw out there to lighten the mood. It was her thing, damnit! But here she was tongue tied.
Everyone has their comeuppance at some point. Kurama noted with a vulpine smirk.
There will be chains, there will be pain and I swear I will send you to a petting zoo.
Okay, okay, I'll be good. Naru almost sighed in relief at that, though in the interest of maintaining her poise she suppressed it. In hindsight that was a good choice as Kurama followed up with a cheeky, For now.
Just keep quiet for the rest of this date, you blasted fox.
Fine, fine. The fox agreed. Won't stop me from being amused by your absolute inability to be romantic at all.
Shut up! Now! The chakra manipulator ordered.
The fox just nodded, though he was still sporting the constant air of amusement that he'd wrapped himself in since he'd first heard about the date.
With her tenant cowed, Naru took towards pondering what was holding Shutaura back. She was being held back by her shorted out brain, but she couldn't fathom what Shutaura's deal was. Normally, the leader of the Black Crow Unit was prim and proper, and was able to clearly say what she wanted when she wanted. Yet here she was as tongue-tied as Naru was.
What's gotten into her?
This was a question that plagued Naru for the rest of the meal, even as the awkward, embarrassed silence continued.
When their meal was done and after a small argument on who would pay that they eventually settled by agreeing to split it, they walked out of the cafe while discussing what they would do next.
"Um, would you like to walk around?"
Shutaura shot an irate look at her heels, but after a glance at Naru she nodded with her cheeks noticeably pink.
"I think that would be acceptable."
Naru beamed as they headed out onto the streets of the School Garden, the lovely architecture setting quite the mood for the two. The Tokiwadai student made sure to walk close to her date, in case she lost her balance with her heels of course. It was totally not because she wanted to be able to press herself close to her absolutely gorgeous date.
Their discussions were awkward at first but as time passed, they quickly relaxed and their conversation shifted to more familiar topics.
"So, uh, heard anything about Mugino and friends after the Silent Party Incident?"
"Friends? Really?" Shutaura asked skeptically.
Naru shrugged and nudged her head at their surroundings to hint for the need for discretion considering where they were.
Taking the hint, Shutaura sighed in frustration as she replied. "Mugino-san doesn't have friends, just flunkies."
"Hm, I don't know." Naru argued. "Sure, [Meltdowner] treats her friends badly, but I think she sorta cares about them."
The brunette wrinkled her nose cutely at that.
"I'll take your word for it." Shutaura said skeptically. "But if they are her friends, then they must be a bunch of weirdos. They don't seem to mind her treatment much."
"Oh big time." Naru giggled as they turned down another brick road. There were less people here and that automatically felt a touch more romantic. "Still, my opinion on Frenda-chan has changed. She's a pretty good agent."
"Truly?" The Level 4 asked in surprise. "I remember how you looked down on her. In fact, I thought you enjoyed messing with her."
"Well, yeah, but I've gotten to know her better." Naru told her, a tiny smile on her face. "So I think the two of us are getting along at least now. She isn't even squeamish around me, so, progress."
"Hmph. Perhaps the girl finally got a backbone."
"Or her cowardice was a ruse all along! Super sneaky of her."
The skeptical look on Shutaura's face caused the blonde to giggle.
"I am somewhat dubious. From the last time I saw them, it seemed they've slipped back into their old routine."
Naru sighed in relief.
"I'm glad that they're back to normal. The last trip we went on together was hectic."
Shutaura nodded, and looking around to notice that they'd ended up a reasonably picturesque spot, pulled out her phone. Naru got the hint and cosied up to her date, earning herself a brilliant blush on the brunette's face even as she snapped another photo for her boss.
"So what about the Trinity?" Shataura asked as she put her phone away, "How are you girls getting along lately?"
"Oh! Things have been great." Naru brightened at the question. "Ever since Febrie and Janie joined up with Saten-chan, she's really mellowed out. Or has been wound up more? It's tough to say. As for Mikoto-Sempai, she's been doing good. She's been relaxing with it being summer vacation and all. Though I think I heard she's been getting asked out recently."
A sly look overcame her blue eyes, "I guess I'm the lucky one though."
Yes! Perfect follow up. Alright, how'd you like that, Shutaura?
"It does look like the Trinity are doing well. That's good." The brunette said, with a blush on her face. "You guys should keep it up."
Hehe, got ya to blush! Naru mentally patted herself on the back on getting back in the groove as something caught her attention. "Eh? Keep it up? What do you mean?"
"From what I've heard from the higher-ups, they've concluded that the Trinity as a group has proven unexpectedly beneficial. It's been able to keep the three of you from going off the rails. Or at least has proven able to minimize the damage when you do."
Naru hummed in thought, before replying. "Well, we do try to help each other out before any one of us feels the need to go off the reservation. But that's what friends do all the time isn't it? Our group isn't anything special."
Her date offered her a doubtful stare.
"You do remember that most groups of friends aren't a trio of Level 5s, right? Two of which have well developed reputations for trouble?"
"You're talking about me, right?" Naru asked with a frown.
"No, surprisingly I'm not." Shutaura confirmed, to Naru's relief. "You've shown amazing restraint since the Trinity formed."
"You make it sound like I was a loose cannon before that."
"Maybe not that bad, but your behavior did worry some of the higher ups at times."
"Who? Monaka?"
"And a few others."
"Because I get a little bloodthirsty at times?" The Number 2 said with a snort. "The hypocrites!"
"I don't disagree with you there. But you have to admit that at your most bloodthirsty, you can be quite worrying."
Suddenly a nearby ornamental clocktower tolled, in response Shutaura turned to look at the clock and frowned.
Turning back to Naru, she offered her an apologetic smile. "I'm afraid I have to call this… date short."
"Eh? What's the rush?" Naru directed a cheeky smile at her. "You pulling a Cinderella on me?"
"Unfortunately, yes. I have a mission tonight."
"Ladylee sent you on a date with me today even though you have a mission planned tonight?" Naru asked with a frown.
"Does it surprise you?" Shutaura shot back with a shrug. "She's done crazier things."
"Like what?" Naru asked, skeptically. Ladylee was known to be eccentric, yes, but she didn't have much of a reputation for insane stunts.
The Level 4's face seemed to sizzle from the blush on her cheeks.
"Like asking me to… k-kiss you today."
"W-What? W-Why?" Naru stuttered, her cheeks burning. And she readily ignored the laughing from her tenant. He'd pay later.
Shutaura, who by now was blushing so hard that she resembled a tomato, explained. "Ladylee-sama insisted that one of the pictures I took today would be of us sharing a kiss. She claims that it would be a great memento for the day. She also said that if I don't get one, she'll make me go on more dates until I do."
What? That's perfect! All I have to do is refuse, then she'll need to go on a second date with me.
And alienate Shutaura in the process. Kurama warned.
Damnit. Good point. Alright, Naru, play it cool. Taking a deep breath, the blonde said. "Then let's kiss. It can't be that hard."
"Right. Thanks."
"No problem." Naru said as nonchalantly as possible, even as her heart pounded in anticipation.
With that Shutaura pulled out her phone and angled it for a shot, even as she leaned her face down towards Naru's as the blonde herself tiptoed to bring her face in line with hers.
As their lips met in a chaste kiss. Naru felt a spark run through her even as an indescribable warmth bloomed in her chest. It was just a innocent kiss, but to Naru? It felt like a thousand fireworks had went off all at once in her heart.
The flash went off and Shutaura pulled back, her lips curling into a small smile as her hands brushed against those dreamy lips of hers.
"I-I believe that will do." Shutaura said, her voice shaky, but professional.
"Hehehe." Naru giggled, her stomach felt like it was doing flips but she felt so excited, so giddy. Like she was on cloud nine!
"Oh! What a beautiful picture!" A familiar voice said from nearby, startling the couple. "I'm going to totally treasure this reminder of my cute Kohai's first relationship ability~."
Pausing just when she was about to twirl. Yes, twirl. Naru looked to see who had spoken to her, even if she had an inkling as to who it was. After all, only one person would use the term 'relationship ability'.
Though it wasn't just a single person. No, every person around her had star-like pupils and each was smiling in her direction.
It would honestly have been unnerving if she wasn't so used to this type of things.
"M-Misaki-Sempai? How, why? Were you following me?!"
"Yup, it's me." [Mental Out] said with her typical aplomb while striking one of her poses. "So how do did you like this date I set up for you?"
"You set this up?" Shutaura asked in shock, taking a step back. "Alongside Ladylee-sama?"
A woman in a business suit giggled, "Totally. Now, you both owe me one~! My cupid power is unparalleled, right?"
"Stupid busybody..." Naru said with a shake of her head.
"Oh, but I'm only looking out for your best interests, my adorable little Kohai. After all the chaos you've gone through lately, I thought you'd appreciate a chance to unwind with your crush."
"C-Crush?" Shutaura sputtered out in shock, looking at Naru with a growing look of realization and a bright blush.
"Though of course if she made my little Kohai cry from heartbreak, I'd be perfectly ready to defend your honor!" A trio of Tokiwadai girls chirped, looking ready to tussle.
"Shut up! And get lost you voyeur!" Naru snapped, her face red in embarrassment and tears pricking the corners of her eyes.
She was so embarrassed right now that she just wanted to die in a hole!
"Hehehe, though I must say you are a bold kisser. So needy! You two demonstrated truly adorable power~! Now, Sequenzia-san, be sure to treat my Kohai well alright? She's a delicate flower." A young waiter wagged a finger at the brunette.
To Naru's shock, Shutaura nodded. Though from the confused look in her eyes, she wasn't sure how aware she was of what exactly she was doing. Though this didn't stop Naru's heart from exploding in happiness at the sight.
Not that she could focus on that now, not with Misaki-Sempai still being all voyeur here.
"It wasn't anything like that!" Naru protested, before she grew stern and issued an deadly threat. "Don't make me call Saten-chan! I hear she has Accel on speed dial too! Maybe they can go pay you a visit together!"
An older woman pouted at her, "Oh pooh. Let's not resort to threats. It was all in good fun. I am your Onee-sama after all, no? Your love power for me is too strong."
"Saten is your Kohai too! Maybe she needs relationship advice? Bringing along her boyfriend just makes it easier, no?"
"I like you more."
"Don't make me really make the call! By the way, and I'm honest here, please do go talk to Saten-chan. She's really dating that psycho so needs help. ASAP."
"What?" Shutaura asked in shock, looking at Naru in shock. "Those two unstable Level 5s are dating each other!?"
Both Naru and Misaki-Sempai ignored her.
"Are you insane? If Accelerator finds out, he'll be gunning for my head! I like my living ability~!" Squeaked an elder woman who had been drinking tea.
"Not if Saten-chan tells him not to. She has him wrapped around her little finger. Like. Legit."
"He'll still hate my guts! And all it'll take is her to be busy one day and for something to set him off. Sorry, but I like my intestines inside my body."
"Fine. Just stop p-peeking on me! Please!" Naru petulantly stomped her foot. She wanted to enjoy her romantic moments with just her date!
Misaki-Sempai just smirked and Naru groaned in disappointment.
Looks like we're in a stalemate. Naru noted with a frustrated growl.
Much to Naru and Shutaura's benefit, an unexpected arrival shook things up. Without any warning, a spiky haired brunette young man dressed in a white uniform with his jacket over his shoulders as a makeshift cape, a Rising Sun shirt and a white headband on his forehead burst onto the scene.
This was Sogiita Gunha, the City's infamous Number 9 of the Level 5s.
"Gunha-Sempai?!" Naru gasped in surprise at seeing her fellow Gemstone.
"Oi?! [Mental Out]! Don't you know it's rude to take over a bunch of people trying to enjoy their day? Where are you for real? I think you need a lecture!"
"Tch, an annoying wasp has appeared." A florist clicked his tongue as the stars faded from his eyes, along with those of most of the people in the area.
"Escaping?! I think not, you walking Earwig!"
"Earwig?! How rude!" A young girl from Private Shidarezakura Academy snapped at him. "I'll have you kno-"
"Gotcha!" Gunha-Sempai shouted as he picked up the girl. The stars faded from her eyes and the girl screamed. "Oh, sorry about that Miss."
He put her down and started running around the School Garden. His shouts and Misaki-Sempai's screams echoing throughout the area.
"Well, the pest is gone." Naru said, offering a bashful smile to Shutaura.
The older girl nodded, and with a smile of her own addressed Naru. "Now, I can finally say goodbye to you properly."
"Properly? What do you have in mind?"
"I might not be much of a romantic, but I know enough to know that it's expected to give your date a kiss goodbye."
"But-"
Whatever Naru was about to say was cut off as Shutaura grabbed her and pulled her into a kiss. It was sloppier than their first kiss, but Naru didn't mind it at all. Drinking it in, her blue eyes turned half-lidded as she melted into the kiss. It was wild but it made the fireworks from earlier feel like a matchstick in comparison.
As she pulled back form the kiss, the blonde Level 5 stood there with a bright red dumbfounded look on her face.
"...Wow."
"I'm glad I took Crow 2's suggestion seriously." Shutaura muttered under her breath.
Hearing this, Naru's cheeks faded into a rosy pink. "Y-Your men offered you tips on what to do during our date?"
Shutaura blushed and hastily defended herself. "It's my first date. I-I needed suggestions."
"Well, I'm glad you listened."
"Me too."
"Well, I really need to go now. So…" Shutaura offered apologetically.
"Oh right, your mission. Uh, just go. I'll be fine."
Shutaura shot her a doubtful look.
Oh! This is too awkward, even for me. Kurama said from the depths of her mind, his voice dripping with annoyance. Just teleport away, you've both said your goodbyes so there's no need to drag this out any further.
I wish I could.
What drag this out more?
Yeah.
You can next time, I think she'll be up for it. Now, teleport away like a cool girl.
"Right, then I'll get out of your hair." Naru said with a tinge of regret. Offering her date a wave, she teleported away from what had been one of the best times in her life.
Done and done!
Thanks to the Team of Nameless as always.
Ha, love, romance! Yuri. Truly, is there nothing better? I think it was a sweet moment for the two. Seeing Naru's crush finally ask her out was nice. Also, seeing the Rabbit Faction go crazy was funny too. And no, Chao isn't that Chao, but she's still stupid smart. Who knows, maybe we can use her more often as time goes on.
Nameless: Gonna preempt any criticisms about us having too many lesbians in our fics. This isn't a political statement. This is just us loving yuri. No more, no less.
Onto other matters, we finally fleshed out the Rabbit Faction. We even created a new OC to be it's second-in-command. This despite our worries about character bloat. Which, by the way, was why except for Chao none of the other Rabbits were named. Naming a character, to our understanding at least, gives them significance and an expectation of them appearing and receiving at least some expansion eventually. So we tend to keep that to the minimum, so don't expect any new named Rabbits for the foreseeable future.
E4E: Viva La Yuri-ism!
You know what to do! Smash that review button and tell us what you love! No flames and peace off my peeps!