Few things in life ever confused Ryu. He believed he had a pretty firm grasp on things, nothing like when he was younger and completely naive. This was one of those few things that confused him beyond belief and confused him more as he wracked his brain to figure it out. He watched Miya as she sorted through the groceries that he and Ahiko bought surprisingly his eyes weren't roaming and venturing to certain places it was hard when you had someone like Miya going through everything with a happy hum and a serene smile on her face, her assets bouncing every now and again. Her tender hands gripped the top of a sake bottle and she ventured towards the top shelf setting it all the way in the back.

"Miya, I know you're not much of a drinker. So why did you have me and Ahiko get a dozen bottles of sake?" He couldn't hold the question in any longer. Miya was an elegant, graceful and beautiful woman. She could be tender when it was needed, harsh and unforgiving when it came to her rules, but always, always she was understanding and king she understood him. His quirks. Even his inner turmoil during these last few weeks. She perceived everything and never pushed the subject giving him space when he needed it and comfort when he was in subtle dismay.

"You've met Kazehana." Miya's voice held a dark edge to it. Like she was annoyed just thinking about the beyond developed buxom wind Sekirei. He had never seen a woman more developed than Kazehana, Miya and Musubi were close to it but everything about Kazehana was outrageous. Ryu gave a small nod as he sorted through several juices picking out which one would be his and the other Uzume's, she had a nasty habit of drinking all of the juice and while he didn't mind sharing germs with her he wanted his own carton of orange juice. "Well, you see she used to be tenant here and while she was staying here she'd deplete my sake terribly so." Miya brought a hand to the side of her face resting her cheek on it. "And since she's graced us with her presence... She's decided to take a few bottles of sake for her own indulgence without my permission." Ryu felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up, the same feeling he got when the hannya mask would materialize from thin air. He wasn't afraid of that now, but his body reacted on its own accord.

"So that's why she smells like a booze factory." Ryu muttered to himself in understanding.

"Yes." Miya nodded with a small frown marring her features. As she recalled Kazehana's bad habit of guzzling down gallons of sake."I do apologize for not informing you sooner. I thought I'd never see her again except for the occasional visit here and there." Ryu nodded his head raising his hands in a gesture to say it's no big deal, honestly.

"It's no problem Miya..." Ryu walked towards her as she went on her tip toes stocking another three bottles. With lightning speed he wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close and resting his forehead on her shoulder. His hot breath tickling her tender skin sending pleasurable tingles up and down her spine and filling her with a overwhelming warmth. She took a shuddering breath forcefully grabbing his hands, yet gently squeezing them.

"Not now and not here you lecher." Miya scolded to no avail Ryu pulled her closer though he didn't move his hands up or down to fondle her. "I have to finish putting the rest of the groceries away, you've done you part..." She began to squirm rubbing her ass against the base of his crotch as his hot breath sent a chill down her back again, his fingers began to feel along the outside of her haori . "In distracting me as well." She said in a breathless manner as if she was struggling to hold herself together.

"You shouldn't frown Miya." He whispered giving her a fleeting kiss on her cheek, unwrapping his arms from her waist. Miya was thankful for the separation now she could get a few chores down but her body screamed in protest wanting his strong arms to stay around her small waist and to feel his breath ticking the base of her collarbone. It was an oddly intimate gesture there was no heavy kissing, no groping, no tearing the others' clothes off just a feeling of security and peace. "You don't want to get wrinkles on that beautiful face."

"Flattering me will not change my mind." Miya said inclining her head as she opened the fridge setting an array of vegetables in there for the soup she would be making tonight.

"Oh Miya." Ryu said wistfully as he gave her a rough smack on the ass causing a quiet gasp to escape her lips and a blush to adorn her face. She turned around glaring at him although there was no heat or anger in the glare, it almost looked like it was a pout. "If I wanted to flatter you I'd just grab that perfect ass."

"Such a vulgar, lecherous beast." Miya said in mock disappointment as she turned away from him, her purple hair billowing behind her as she did so. "What am I ever going to do with you? You beast?" She raised a hand to her mouth sighing into it. Though she wasn't going to admit she did enjoy when he'd just smack her ass like that, not too hard but enough to jolt her with arousal that she wasn't sure where it came from. But she wouldn't let him know, that'd be admitting defeat and she was not going to lose Ryu even if he was very vital and made a nice pillow.

"I don't know..." Ryu sighed obnoxiously, imitating Miya as he raised a hand to his cheek. "I'm such a lecher and vulgar beast maybe I just need some punishment."

"Oh?" Miya asked as raised one of the cooking pots that she recently fixed from whacking Musubi over the head with out of it seemed thin air waving it nonchalantly from side to side.. Honestly her and Tsukiumi could be such a handful and it was almost all of the time. Both competing for Minato's affections.

"Ahh!" A childish sqeaul broke them from their friendly banter. Both turned to the opening in the door to see a smiling Kusano, green eyes glowing with so much happiness Ryu thought she was going to faint. "Fruit snacks!" She yelled giddily running forward without a care.

"Yeah. Ahiko made sure to get extra." Ryu grinned glancing at Miya for a moment before he turned to look at the jumping Kusano, she oddly resembled Musubi who would do the same right before he would spar with her. Who knew the bubbly brunette has such a steadfast fountain of energy. "So you can have a whole box all to yourself." He grinned wider watching Kusano exclaim in happiness.

"Ryu what are you doing?" Miya was at their side giving both a hard look. "Giving her a whole box of fruit snacks honestly." She frowned snatching them away getting mixed reactions Kusano made an incoherent sound before pouting and Ryu looked completely shocked. "You can have one, dinner will be done soon. Okay Ku-chan?" Miya extended her arm with a pack of fruity goodness in hand, Kusano took them before she could blink running out the room and out towards the back.

"What?" Ryu asked at the hard gaze Miya was giving him.

"A whole box of fruit snacks." She shook her head but a small smile graced her face. "You're going to give her cavities and spoil her appetite shame on you."

"She can get cavities?" Ryu raised an eyebrow. "But she's a Sekirei. You guys can't get cavities."

"It's time for you to leave." Miya gently pushed him out of the doorway. "I have been distracted with your lecherous and trouble making ways long enough." With a hmph she closed the sliding door.

Ryu smiled enjoying their banter as he strode down the hall hearing Toyotama and Yomi shouting incoherently as they continued their clash. "I guess I can hang out with them for a bit. Maybe they'll let me join." A spar with his two beautiful Sekirei sounded splendid about now.

Yashima flipped the page of her newest book relaxing on her futon. She could hear the shouts of Yomi and Toyotama followed by a loud clash no doubt those two were going at it again as reckless and intense as ever. Well, she was glad she wasn't fighting either of them she enjoyed a good fight but the way those two fought was just crazy. Did they even know what pacing themselves and a warm up meant? Better did they know that she was still their ally and not an enemy Sekirei?

Why bother? She asked herself mentally as she flipped another page. There was no way she could compete with them as hard as she tried they stayed one step ahead of her in battle. It didn't help that her hammer wasn't any good for blocking and left many vital spots open. Ryu made sure to point that out during their training sessions. At one point she was ready to all but call them off, but Ryu denied her that option before the words ever escaped her mouth. 'There will come a time when I won't be able to protect you. You need to learn how to fight, now stop being a baby and stand up.' Was the sentence he put ever so bluntly. The thought chilled her to her core, naturally she wanted to protect him but she could see that wasn't going to happen Ryu could more than handle himself. But, he couldn't protect her was he saying he wanted nothing to do with her?

She sighed feeling a headache coming and the small print didn't help any. Her life had taken a complete turn she was eating regularly, bathed, and had a multitude of allies. Something she didn't think was possible before, for all of these Sekirei to get along was unreal. Well, as smooth as it could get she had a bone to pick with Toyotama calling her a cry baby, and another one with Nanaha for sealing the deal with Ryu before she could. Where would she be now if Ryu didn't rescue her? Nothing as pleasant as this she'd probably be getting beat and wounded by that brute adding to her battle wounds, she'd beg and plead apologizing earnestly just to get kicked in the jaw or smacked to the floor.

"Yashima?" Nanaha called from the other side of the door, sliding it open a second later not bothering to wait for an answer.

"I'm reading." Yashima said looking up from her page for a moment taking note of Nanaha's outfit which consisted of a pair of white tight fitting shorts and a black tank top, no doubt Ryu's. She looked at her own which consisted of a blue skirt and her white shirt she kept her stockings off and her ribbons woven neatly in her hair. She was careful to hide her scrutiny, since when did Nanaha dress so openly? It wasn't indecent but a good portion of her long and smooth legs was on display.

"Come on." Nanaha closed the distance shutting the book, Yashima moved her head back in the nick time just missing her nose getting a good smack. She narrowed her eyes, frowning up at Nanaha who didn't look very pleased herself. Her hands placed firmly on her hips as she picked up the book and threw it to the side.

"Hey!" Yashima snapped glaring. "That's brand new!"

"It's two weeks old." Nanaha retorted shaking her head. "Get over it. Ryu-kun will just buy you a new one anyways like he always does." Nanaha ignored her glare, used to it by now since she had a night of passionate lovemaking with Ryu. Of course Yashima would be jealous she wanted to hog Ryu all to herself, unlike Ahiko who didn't seem to care one way or the other and was happy regardless of circumstances. "Let's go." She snatched her by the wrist and bolted out of the room before Yashima could even protest.

"Why are you wearing those shorts?" Yashima wrinkled her nose. Nanaha glanced back at her allowing a small smirk to grace her face.

"Ryu-kun just loves my legs. I figured I'd miles well show them off."

"How crude."

"Get over yourself. It's called sarcasm." Nanaha bit out not taking kindly to being called crude when she was anything but. Yes, she came along way from that shy and obedient girl she was before, and she had Ryu to thank for that. So she wore a pair of short shorts that didn't make her crude as Yashima put it, at least she wasn't a little stuck up prude like Yashima was. Stupid little... Nanaha frowned slightly, that comment bothered her a lot more than it should have. "Ryu-kun!" She smiled seeing her handsome Ashikabi leaning back on his elbows watching the Yomi and Toyotama dodging and parrying the others' attacks, it was like a play put on by the best of performers both were in sync with the others despite their styles varying greatly. Toyotama was much more swift and aggressive attacking with wide swings and a barrage of jabs, while Yomi was agile and nimble using the minature wind blades to keep the amazon at a distance while blocking her attacks with the shaft of her spear when they ventured too close.

"Nanaha." Ryu said not looking towards her or Yashima his eyes glued to the match in front of him. "Would you check these two out. I've never seen them get so serious."

Yashima tensed a lump lodging itself in her throat. Her nightmare from several nights ago flashing before her eyes, but there were key differences like it was Toyotama and Yomi and not Uzume and Toyotama. And Nanaha was here as well and Ryu wasn't looking at her with such disdain.

"Of course!" Toyotama said with vigor as she pushed Yomi back, staggering back and heaving for air. "It's high time I sit next to you at dinner."

"Speak for yourself I haven't got the chance yet." Yomi snapped back, though a competitive smile graced her features as she shifted her stance slightly.

"Well. You do help cook Yomi so that counts." Ryu said hoping to somewhat diffuse the glaring contest between the two. "And you, Nanaha, and Miya sure do make great food." He added with a smile rubbing his stomach. Toyotama gazed at him for a moment softening her eyes, it felt like ages since she seen a carefree gesture like that from him. Of course he was the same lovable idiot who drove her wild especially in bed, but he was more centered. No that wasn't the word he was slowly losing that carefree demeanor. While it pained her, this new much more serious side of him was such a turn on.

"Oj really?" Yomi asked blushing madly resisting the urge to cup her cheeks with her hands. "Well Miya does help out a lot and Nanaha too." She added bashfully. It was so adorable Ryu noted, one minute she was focused and determined to beat Toyotama and the next she was blushing mess like a school girl seeing her crush for the first time. And just like that the two buxom women were at it again it a dazzling clash of steel.

"Yashima what are you doing?" Ryu stared at her noticing her eyes almost gazing over. "Yashima? Hello? Sit down."

"Oh.. Sorry." She murmured taking a seat next to him opposite of Nanaha. Shaking herself out of her semi terrified stupor, this was all too familiar for her, it was just like her nightmare. The nightmare where Ryu attacked her cutting her across the neck just after he declared that she was nothing but a burden. Nanaha glanced over at the hammer Sekirei shaking her head in disappointment Yashima had some serious issues that needed to be worked out.

"Well since you two are here I guess I should say it." Ryu looked at them both for a long moment before closing his eyes.

"Say what?" Yashima asked the obvious.

"Be quiet." Nanaha retorted back.

Ignoring the two about to bicker he bit the bullet. "Well, I don't know when but soon we'll be moving out."

"What!?" Yomi and Toyotama froze in mid attack, heads craning at Ryu with shocked expressions, jaws about to hang open. "What do you mean moving?"

"We're moving!?" Ryu whirled around to see Uzume looking at him with those big brown eyes at her sides was Kazehana and Karei both looking happy and at ease. "But Ryu-kun my costumes!"

"This calls for a party!" Karei shouted in glee, looking at Kazehana and Uzume for support grinning when she seen them nod slightly. Of course she could count on these two to support the cause, even if Ryu didn't want to have a party. And judging from that look he didn't/

"Now hold on..." Ryu started.

"A great idea I've been dying to cut loose!" Toyotama readily agreed completely dropping her sparring match and striding towards Karei and Uzume. "I had a few things planned."

"Lay it on me," Karei smacked her hands together.

"You know this means I win!" Yomi called out to her wiping the sweat from her brow as she walked towards Ryu.

"Yeah, yeah." Toyotama waved her off.

"Let's get some sake." Kazehana chimed with a happy smile as she wrapped her arms around Karei's and Uzume's neck as Toyotama lead them down a hall of four of them speaking loudly and with such passion it almost made him cringe.

"Kami help me..." Ryu sighed burying his face in his hands.

"Are we really having a party?" Yashima asked trying to hold back her excitement. The prospect of being able to just relax and not worry about violating any rules was way too appealing at the moment, and maybe she could sneak off with Ryi in the midst of the drunken heaven.

"I guess..." At this point it was useless to argue. He didn't have the energy or time. "Can't stop them..." Uzume voiced her opinion strongly something about a costume performance that Kazehana was readily happy to accept along with Karei but Toyotama protested it the entire way.

"I have to go find something to wear." Before Ryu could retort Yashima was gone heading towards her room.

"Sorry about that." Nanaha didn't look pleased as she placed a kiss on his cheek, standing up to leave. "I miles well help her."

Yomi gulped slowly as she observed her surroundings, it was just her and Ryu the sun was beginning to set over the buildings casting the sky in shades of red and orange. There was a lively noise coming from inside the Inn and then Ryu. He was there staring off into space, his muscular arms on full display, his face shadowed by his bangs that glowed a strange orange in the sun light. She felt her stomach twist and then pull roughly taking her heart with it as it tied itself into a knot. "U-Um.." She started nervously as she sat next to him.

"That was great!" Ryu said with a smile as he sat himself up. "Your technique has improved a lot and so has your strategy." Before Yomi would rush in much too cocky for her own good and allowing her perverted nature to interfere. But now that was completely gone replaced by a cool grace and lithe nimbleness that few could ever hope to match up to.

"T-Thanks." Yomi blushed madly looking at her knees, her hands clenching the fabric of her shirt tightly. She let out a surprised yelp as she watched the ground get smaller and then be replaced by the sight of a muscular midsection hidden under a tank top and a mane of unruly black hair. Slowly she raised her head looking into his violet irises, eyes that were so beautiful yet so piercing as if they looked into the deepest parts of her core, she felt naked and exposed, she gently placed her hands on his chest surprised at how dense the muscles were. "Ryu-kun." He captured her lips in a tender, sweet kiss slowly tracing his hands down her sides, Yomi moaned softly her spine arching as his finger tips traveled along her sides. He could taste her sweat but he didn't care as he deepened the kiss pressing Yomi even closer to his body hearing her gasp for breath and her back arch again as she shivered. Slowly they broke their kiss, Yomi staring lovingly into his eyes, Ryu staring back into her's with a loving expression in his own.

"I never forget about you Yomi." He whispered giving her another peck on the lips, she readily accepted it giving him a few more for good measure. "This is just a preview for our night together.. I look forward to getting to know what makes you tick."

"Ohh." Yomi almost moaned her eyes fluttering shut. "Can't we do it now, please Ryu-kun. Take me now. I don't mind being in the dirt." She smiled with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Ah ah." Ryu tapped her nose much like Miya and Uzume would do to him ever so fondly. "You have to wait. But I promise it will be worth it." He traced a hand over her breasts feeling her hard nipples and labored breathing. "Wow.. You're worked up."

"Because of you." She slapped him on the chest but made no move to stop his gentle massage of her tender mounds. Kami, his hands were rough but he moved them so gently and expertly, sending her body into a heated tail spin and making her sweat again slightly. My body is so... So.. Hot. Yomi couldn't find the breath or strength to speak.

"Now if you excuse me." Ryu set her down next to him, standing up to head inside.

"What are you doing?"

"I have to find a home for us." He said with a quiet sigh, house hunting went about as good as his job hunting did. It never got off, but at least he didn't need to worry about a Sekirei or their Ashikabi getting in his way. "And you need a bath, so does Toyotama."

"That's about it." Benitsubasa bit out as she stared at Minaka barely restraining her anger. Why did this moron send them out all the way into no man's land for nothing? Sure she seen a good fight but whoever they were after vanished in a blink.

"There was this guy with crazy hair." Haihane used her hands to further her explanation pointing to her own hair. "You should have seen it he cut through six people like it was nothing! And they were twice his size!" It wouldn't be much of an effort for her to skewer those seven foot brutes but for a human to pull off such a feat well it was commendable. They didn't have the enchanced strength and reflexes she did, and the way he just dodged and weaved through the chains and deflected the ax before cutting it in half was a sight to see. She wasn't like Benitsubasa who found no enjoyment in anything that wasn't fighting she could appreciate the finer things. Like TV.

"What?" Takami looked mixed with interest and pensive.

"Oh yes." Karasuba spoke remembering it very well, the way he moved with his sword with such power and grace it was enough to get her blood boiling with excitement. That man had potential so much potential, and his movements reminded her of Ryu though they varied greatly while Ryu was swift and agile that wild haired man was powerful and quick a deadly combination that few could obtain, and fewer could hope to overcome in battle. "He chopped off one's head, cut another one in half, and the other four well they were hardly recognizable."

"He is very strong." Koto added with his usual calm complexion. "I'm not sure who trained him but he isn't some ragtag swordsman, and his energy was ghastlyit felt like he swallowed the room in his presence."

Minaka grinned excitement overflowing in his expression as he pulled up his laptop screen. "I knew it!" He exclaimed getting a growl on annoyance from Benitsubasa. "It's more than I could have hoped for. Natsuo, when do they have to go out on patrols?" He looked at the Ashikabi that somehow reigned in Benitsubasa to submit to his rule. Not so much rule but listen to him even if she was fuming mad, which was a surprise and miracle in of itself.

"In about an hour." The assistant answered coolly with an easy smile.

"I see..." Minaka sobered up. "That's all for now. Thank you for the hard work. Karasuba-san I'll need a full debriefing, the rest of you may leave." Koto looked at Karasuba with a blank expression but she knew he was asking the unspoken question. Should I leave? While he was on the Discipline Squad he wasn't Natsuo's Sekirei and he didn't take too kindly to Minaka and wasn't fond of his plans at all, he'd chop his head off the first chance he got. But she wouldn't let that happen, Minaka needed to stay alive so she had free reign over the city along with her subordinates. With this in mind she gave him a small barely perceptible nod. He left Minaka's office with Haihane and Benitsubasa in tow going to look for the other member who didn't bother coming up her.

With a fake smile Karasuba crossed one leg over the other moving her foot rhythmically. "Of course. I'll start from the beginning."

And that's a wrap, another chapter done and finished. It may have a bit of fluff and all that jazz but there won't be fluff in the next few to come. And people will die that's a promise.