RahXephon Fan Fiction ❯ Compensation ❯ Compound Interest ( Chapter 7 )

Compensation

 

By: A-Z Mark II

 

Notes: Don't own. Rated NC-17/X (depending on your preference)

 

Chapter 7: Compound Interest

-

Ayato and Hiroko watched as RahXephon slowly sank into the large reservoir behind the dam. They had leapt from Tokyo Jupiter and were now on the western side of Japan. Asahina absently held her arm, where the blue blood was scabbing. Turning to look at her, he blinked when he found her smiling in the moonlight. “Hiroko?” he said softly.

“Hmm?” replied the girl, turning to look at him, her smile growing. “What?” she asked him. Ayato shook his head.

“Nothing really.” he admitted. “You just seem really happy.” he said. Hiroko pursed her lips as she considered that.

“I…think it's that I feel alive and safe for the first time in longer than I can remember more than feeling happy.” she decided. “Like waking up from a strange, ominous dream, you know?” Unwillingly, Ayato nodded.

“Yeah, I can relate, Hiro-chan.” he said, remembering his own first time out of Tokyo. His reminiscence was interrupted when he saw her shiver. “Cold?” he asked her.

“No, not really.” she said immediately. Ayato looked around.

“It's a different season out here.” he remembered aloud. “Guess we better get into town.” he decided, seeing the lights of a town in the valley beyond the dam. Looks like a pretty good-sized town, and it will probably take us most of the night to get there. he realized, sighing. “Well, shall we, Asahina?” he asked the girl, only to feel her clamp herself onto his arm.

“From now on, can you call me Hiro-chan?” she asked him softly, looking away from him. Ayato blinked.

“Um, sure.” he agreed. Whatever makes her happy, I guess. he mentally shrugged. Together, the two started walking toward the town. After an hour of silence, Ayato spoke. “Are you doing ok, Hiro-chan?” he asked her.

“Fine!” she replied happily, hugging his arm a little tighter.

“You're not cold?” he asked her. She shook her head.

“Nope.” she said indifferently.

“Are your feet hurting?” he asked her. She shook her head.

“No. I've got on my sneakers.” she said simply.

“Tired?” he asked her. She shook her head.

“Not really.” she said, her tone oddly content. Ayato tried again.

“We will probably have to walk until dawn, you know.” he noted.

“I'll walk anywhere with you, Ayato.” said the girl softly, though her tone was soft and caring. Ayato flinched when he suddenly realized where he had heard that tone before. That's the tone that Kim, Say-chan and Haru have when they talk to me! he thought. But, Hiro-chan isn't my lover! Why…? The most obvious answer smacked him right between the eyes. Not Asahina! If she loved me, why would she date Torigai?! he wondered. But if it isn't that, then why…? forcefully, he pushed the thoughts away. It doesn't matter. I'm here, with her, and we're on our own. he thought determinedly.

“Ayato?” came Hiroko's soft voice.

“Yes?”

“Are we…going to be ok?” she asked. “I mean, this is the world that doesn't exist, right?” she asked. “Do we have any money? Any place to stay?” she turned to look at him. “I'll stay by your side forever, Ayato, but are we going to be ok?” she asked him. Ayato nodded.

“We'll be fine.” he said confidently. “I may not be able to go back to TERRA after what I did to come back to Tokyo for you, but I'm sure we can make it on our own.” he said. Hiroko blinked at him.

“TERRA? Who - or what - is that?” she asked. Ayato chuckled.

“Sorry, Hiro-chan, I keep forgetting that this is all completely new to you.” he said. “It was new to me, as well,” he said, “back when Haru first took me outside.” he soothed her.

“Haru? Who's that?” wondered the girl, her tone a bit suspicious. “You sound like you're talking about a woman.” she muttered. I won't let another take you from me! she vowed.

“Ah…I think I should just start at the beginning.” he said, carefully sidestepping her suspicions. “First, let's start with some fundamentals.” he said, patting her hand. Hiroko smiled brightly at that gesture. “You should know that time is different out here.” he said. “It's not 2015; it's 2027 - well, 2028 now, since Christmas was a little more than a month ago.” he corrected himself. Hiroko's mouth dropped open.

“We…traveled to the future?!” Asahina - incorrectly - interpreted. Unwillingly, Ayato recalled this exact conversation, only between himself and Haruka. Maybe it would have been for the best if we had just stayed there in that abandoned costal town. Just the two of us… he broke free of those thoughts. Chuckling softly, he decided to replay the conversation, only with him playing Haru, and Hiroko playing his role.

“It's complicated.” he said. “Do you want it all now, or in small chunks?” he asked her.

“Um, just give it to me straight.” decided Hiroko, hugging herself to him more firmly. Who cares what time it is? I've got Ayato and my freedom, so it's fine! she vowed. Time slipped by unnoticed as the two walked and talked, Ayato catching her up on the new history and facts, while simultaneously planning the pairs next moves. Before they knew it, the stars and moon were gone, the horizon to the east was beginning to light, and they were entering the outskirts of the town.

-

“Here. Have some.” said Maya, handing the disheveled Shinobu a cup of aromatic coffee. The two women had been awakened by the determined shaking of two of Maya's agents. For a while, the agents had been worried because the two had been dead to the world. Finally, however, they had managed to get them awake.

Finding themselves naked and very obviously freshly-fucked in front of their minions had not made the women feel any better. Since the Mulians had no taboos about sex or nudity, they weren't upset by being naked or in bed together, but rather were pissy about being awakened from a highly satisfying - and richly deserved - rest. Maya had forced her brain awake, pushing the cobwebs of that sleep aside and demanded an explanation from her minions.

The news had finished waking her, and she had ordered her agents to begin assessing the situation in more detail. Grabbing her phone, she called the operations desk and ordered the staff to assemble in an hour for an emergency meeting. Ending the call, she took Shinobu's hand in her own and pulled her toward the bathroom, telling her subordinate that they needed to get dressed and over to headquarters. Swiftly, the two had scrubbed their tender bodies clean before dressing. Maya had simply tossed a skirt and top at Shinobu, telling her that they would be fine.

When they arrived at their main base, they found the staff and officers assembled. Shinobu took her place in the operations management section. Maya sat down and touched the table, beginning the meeting. “What is the status of Ayato?” she asked without preamble.

“Ma'am, Ayato has used RahXephon to leap past the barrier again.” reported a tech. “We managed to trace his trajectory through the D-rift and predict that he emerged into normal space somewhere near western Japan.” said the tech.

“Assuming that RahXephon didn't change direction in D-rift space.” interjected another tech. “The precise abilities of RahXephon are still unknown…” he began. Maya interrupted him.

“I am fully aware of all of RahXephon's powers.” she said simply - and sharply. After all, abusing that power is what got us into this mess in the first place! she thought angrily. “So, he has gone back outside. But, I doubt that TERRA will welcome him back, given his…situation.” she said, smiling a hard smile. “What else?” she asked, seeing Torigai grimace.

“He took Asahina with him!” snapped the young Mulian pure-blood. Maya's sharp eyes caught the sight of a bruise and some dried blood on the corner of his mouth.

“Torigai, is that blood on your lip?” asked Maya sweetly. Mamoru was a favorite of hers for teasing and playful insults.

“Yes, Ma'am.” he replied tightly.

“What happened, Torigai?” purred Maya. Torigai stood and addressed her directly.

“Asahina was resisting the bonding process, and became unstable - even in the absence of Ayato.” he noted, his eyes narrowing slightly. “She went in search of him, and I intervened, but in the ensuing confrontation, she bit me.” he admitted, hearing a soft, faint ripple of mirth from his fellow staff members. “As a result, she discovered the changes in her, and fled.” he said.

“How did she find out that her blood is now blue?” asked Shinobu curiously. Kuki smirked.

“The young fool cut her.” he said simply, his tone disdainful. “On the arm where she was first injured in the initial raid, no less.” he noted. Torigai glared at the former human.

“It wasn't by design, Kuki!” he snapped at the older Mulian. “She was hysterical, you will recall!” he reminded the other man.

“Enough.” said Maya, seeing Kuki open his mouth to respond to that. “Torigai, you mishandled the situation.” she said. “Kuki, you should have had better control measures in place. This aspect of the situation is now closed, understood?” she ordered her two subordinates. Both men bowed their heads.

“Understood.” said Torigai.

“Yes, ma'am.” agreed Kuki. Maya moved on.

“In any event, we can expect some sort of strike from TERRA before too long.” she said. “Their ability to penetrate the shell means that we need to accelerate the timetable.” she said. “Begin the mass bonding of all humans in Tokyo.” she directed the medical staff. “Kuki, begin to organize for a counterattack.” she directed the man. “When TERRA comes, we will have to thwart the initial attack, and then - before they can regroup - we have to completely smash Nirai Kanai.” Kuki nodded.

“I can have an initial plan in front of you in twenty four hours, ma'am.” he assured her. Maya nodded.

“Do so.” she said. “Now, were you able to complete the bonding of Asahina?” she asked the staff. The lead Mulian nodded.

“Yes, we did, but there was no response from her other self.” he said. Maya pursed her lips.

“When was the bonding song completed?” she asked him.

“We finished about an hour before Ayato took her from here.” answered the scientist after a moment of looking over his information. Maya smiled at that news item.

“It's fine.” she assured the man. “I want you to open the passage and leave the unit on standby status.” she said. Before the man could question her, she explained herself. “I have a feeling that she will call her other self sooner, rather than later.” assured Maya.

“What of Ayato and RahXephon?” asked Torigai. Maya sent him a flat, level look.

“You are not going after them.” said the woman flatly. “You blew the assignment to keep Asahina calm and to keep Ayato relaxed. Neither of them will give you the time of day now, let alone listen to anything you have to say.” she said. “But, don't worry.” she said, her tone lighter and more relaxed. “I have already taken steps incase this very thing happened.” she smiled. Ignoring the looks and questions, she stood. “You have your orders.” she said to the group at large. “So, I suggest you get to it. Shinobu, come with me.” said the leader of the Mulians.

“Yes, ma'am.” replied the former human woman immediately. From the meeting room, the leader led her back to medical. Entering the primary lab, she waved the doctor off and swiftly found what she was looking for. Turning to Shinobu, she smiled as she handed the kit to her. Seeing it, Shinobu's jaw fell open in shock.

“You…but…no way!” she managed weakly.

-

Ayato had pawned Asahina's favorite watch, and also sold his own watch as well. They had some funds, but not a lot, considering their situation. Both of them worn out from their hike, they had decided to catch some sleep in an all-day theater. Buying several tickets, they had settled into a dark corner of the theater and gotten comfortable. It was nearly dark when they woke up.

Asahina had been curled up against him, and Ayato had been holding her to him. Rubbing her eyes, she looked at the screen, seeing a `public service announcement' about the Mulians and their blue blood. The sheer hate and anger of the ad shocked Hiroko. Seeing Ayato grimacing at the ad, she whispered to him. “Ayato? Is that how they see people from Tokyo?” she asked him.

“Yes, and no.” he said. “Mulians are not popular out here, and they think that everyone in Tokyo is Mulian. So, we better not say where we're from.” he said. Looking around, he realized that they were the last ones in the theater. “Speaking of that, we better get moving.” he murmured.

Rising stiffly, the two made for the exit. “Is someone looking for us?” wondered Hiroko. Ayato nodded.

“At the very least, the Mulians are going to be looking for me, and since I left TERRA without a good bye, I can be pretty sure that the Commander is out for my head as well.” he said, almost smiling at the notion. “He and I didn't get along good before, and my return to Tokyo doubtlessly rubbed him the wrong way.”

Unexpectedly, Hiroko giggled. “So, we're desperate, wanted lovers on the run?” she snickered. “That's kind of…exciting!” she breathed to him softly.

Ayato was stuck on her first sentence, though. Lovers? She sees us as lovers? he wondered. Looking at her, he kept having flashes of Megu standing next to him. I really need to figure out what to do about that. he thought.

“Ayato? Hello?” came Hiroko's voice from beside him. Shaking his head, he looked at her.

“Um, yeah.” he said tonelessly. “We should get going.” he repeated. “But first, we need to lay some false trails.” he muttered. Thanks to Haru, I have some ideas about how to make the search harder for TERRA. he thought, picturing the older woman. His dick twitched, liking the mental image a lot.

First stop was the bus station, where he made a point of being seen clearly - even using his name - before purchasing a one-way ticket to northern Japan. From there, he went to a travel agency and booked passage to Australia for a couple, using his last name. Then, it was back to the bus station, where he had Hiroko buy two tickets to Kagashima.

With most of their money spent, the two had waited for their bus in a secluded park. About a half hour before the bus arrived, Ayato had Hiroko go down and wait while he stayed a ways back, watching for anyone that looked like agents. Not that I'm as good as Haru, but I know a lot more about it than Hiro-chan does, so it's my job. Besides, TERRA couldn't possibly know about her, right? he reasoned. Looking at the clock on the bus station wall, he swiftly jogged down to the station, slowing to a fast walk, and stepped aboard the bus just an instant before the driver swung it closed. Spotting Hiroko in the middle of the bus, he took a seat on the opposite side of the aisle from her and about ten rows in front of her. He found it surprisingly hard not to look at her on the long ride to their new hide-out.

-

Futagami sighed. “Another glorious mission to save the world.” he muttered sourly as he climbed out of the dark sedan in Nagoya. His masters had called him back from Nirai Kanai abruptly, tasking him with recovering the `Mulian agent', Kamina. Intel had been leaked from TERRA that indicated that the Mulian Artifact had leapt back out of Tokyo Jupiter a short while before. So, here he was, thirty one hours later, on the streets of Nagoya, looking for leads.

With him were five agents. He was in command, and they were torturously following a sketchy lead that suggested that a young man that may or may not be Ayato had been headed south. He had started with nine agents, but when he had hit a clear lead that suggest that Ayato had gone north, he had been forced to split his men into two parties to pursue the northern route - no matter how much it looked like a feint. Kid learned fast. thought the man. The real question, though, is how much he learned. The man had no illusions that Haruka Shitow was good; she had gone into and out of Tokyo Jupiter without being caught twice. And both times, she was going after Ayato. Something is definitely up with those two. thought the man.

His current assignment was not to his liking. While at Nirai Kanai, he had talked often with the young man, and had come to not only like him, but to sympathize with him. Now, he was tasked with bringing him back to his employers, which would be no warmer a welcome than the kid's initial greeting from TERRA. Not for the first time, he weighed the possibilities of `missing' the kid somewhere. Gotta be going soft, to even think that! he mentally growled. But even so, what would it hurt, really? he wondered. Ultimately, he fell back on his training. I can't know all the angles, so I better do what I'm told. he decided.

Turning to look at his junior agents, he tossed his head. “Ok, there is the bus station. Fan out, check every food joint, every hotel, park bench, pawn shot and clothing store. You got the pictures of Ayato? Good. Remember, too, that he might be accompanied by a girl. Best intelligence is that she looks roughly like that sketch you were given.” Pausing, he looked at his watch. “We meet at the station in two hours, so put some wear on that shoe leather!” he ordered the men. The others swiftly fanned out. Futagami had reserved the station for himself. Stepping toward the ticket counter, he glanced at the copied sketch that he had told was from Ayato's sketch book of one of his friends from Tokyo Jupiter. I'm sorry kid, but I really don't have a lot of choice here! he thought to the young man he was searching for.

“I need a new job; this one is beginning to stink to high heaven.” he muttered.

-

Hiroko stepped off the bus, stretching as she did so. It had been a really long ride, and she was stiff and tired. Looking around, she casually moved into the women's restroom to relieve her bladder. Swiftly tending to business, she took a moment to check the wound on her arm. A thin scab was all that was left of the shallow wound. Relief washed through her. Exiting the stall, she looked at her wrinkled outfit. Frowning at her appearance, she used her hands to smooth her skirt as best she could, before working on her top. Seeing that one of her tied-on sleeves was torn and the other was stained with some coffee she had accidentally spilled on it at one of the brief stops the bus had made, she untied the sleeves and tossed them into the trash, leaving her in the sleeveless, close-fitting shirt. “That's better.” she murmured, exiting the bathroom.

Moving out of the main station, she glanced around before spotting Ayato standing by the corner of a store a half block down. Smiling wider, Hiroko moved toward him, having to keep from running into his arms. All through the trip, she had been fidgety, wanting to sit beside Ayato, but being unable to. Now, they were here, and she wouldn't be away from his side.

“Hey handsome.” she said, her tone warm and inviting. “Buy a girl a drink?” she teased him. Ayato smiled as she looped her arm through his, her fingers interlacing with his own.

“What's in it for me?” he smiled back. Hiroko licked her lips.

“Whatever you want, handsome.” she whispered to him. Ayato swallowed with a bit of difficulty, his dick stirring at her offer. Down boy! She's Hiroko, for god's sake! he tried to tell himself. Yeah, Hiro-chan, who has kissed and petted you at least as much as she did her `boyfriend'! answered his lecherous libido. Touching his shirt pocket, he felt the last of their funds.

“I think I can manage a drink for the lady,” he said, his tone serious, “but nothing more.” Glancing at Hiroko, he saw her look. “We don't have enough for a room, really, unless we can find a hell of a deal.” he explained. “So, tomorrow, I need to get some kind of job to keep us in food and shelter while we plan our strategy.”

Unexpectedly, Hiroko smiled at him. “Buy me a drink, stud, and I will take care of getting us a room.” said the girl confidently. Seeing his skeptical look, she laughed. “Leave haggling to an expert, Ayato!” she explained; sort of, anyway. Ayato let it go at that. Tossing his head, he indicated that they should get her drink in the small shop they were next to. Together, they entered the shop and selected their drinks.

As they drank their sodas, Hiroko noticed that Ayato was looking at the soda bottle, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Something wrong?” she asked him. Blinking, he looked at her.

“Uh, not really. Just remembering a kind of bottle they had on Kanai.” he said. “Just my mind wandering again.” he assured her. I think it best not to mention Haru and Megu; at least, if I can manage not to. he thought. “So, I was wondering how you are going to get us a room with only this to work with?” he asked her, changing the topic as he held up their meager remaining funds. Hiroko snatched the bills from his hand, smiling. Swiftly counting them, she smiled at him.

“Plenty here.” she assured him. “You see, Ayato-kun, it's all in the haggling.” she said airily, flipping her hand negligently. “And I am a master haggler!” she bragged. Ayato, having seen her in action, wasn't going to argue that. She had a knack for knocking down the price of anything she wanted. Once, he and Torigai had watched, shocked, as she managed to get an entire outfit for the price of just the sweater. True, it had taken her about a half hour, but she had seemed to be really enjoying herself.

Humming happily to herself, she lead her companion toward a comfortable-looking hotel. Ayato had decided that worrying about their situation was pointless, and dismissed concerns about food and lodging from his mind for the time being, simply enjoying being with Hiroko. She and Megu would be two peas in a pod. he thought, smiling at her.

-

Maya was reviewing a report on the Bonding process when her phone chirped. “Maya.” was all she said, touching the button to pick up the call.

“Ma'am, we have gotten a partial reaction in the Asahina unit!” came the excited voice of her lab supervisor. Maya nodded to herself.

“As expected. Activation status?” she asked him.

“Still asleep, but it wouldn't take much for her to Awaken.” said the man.

“Keep monitoring the unit.” said Maya, ending the call. Glancing at Shinobu, she saw the younger Mulian woman looking off into space. “Shinobu, stop spacing out.” she chided the younger woman gently. Flinching, the shorter woman turned to look at her superior.

“Y…yes, ma'am.” she replied. “It's just…I don't know what to think. I hadn't given any thought to this possibility, and now…” she trailed off.

“You will do fine, Shinobu.” assured the older Mulian. “Besides, this is an important development. Usually, mixing red and blue blood prevent this from happening, but with Ayato, something is different.” mused the older woman. Maybe there is another path. she thought. Shinobu sighed.

“I…understand, Ma'am.” she said, touching her belly.

-

Hiroko slid the keycard to the room through the reader and opened the door. “Looks pretty nice.” she said, touching the light panel. Behind her, Ayato closed the door, removing the hat and fake glasses he had worn as a disguise. Looking around, he noticed the single bed.

“Yeah, not bad.” he managed. Hiroko poked her head into the bathroom. A modest shower with a sink and commode were all there was to the bathroom, but it was enough.

“Bathroom is ok, though I was hoping for a soaking tub.” she noted, moving into the room and pulling the drapes back a little to look out at the lights of the city. It was nearing ten at night, and they were both worn out. “You want to shower first, or should I?” asked the girl, turning to look at Ayato.

“Ah, ladies first.” he said. Hiroko nodded, entering the bathroom and closing the door. As her hand reached for the lock, she stopped. It's just us. she thought, slowly withdrawing her hand. And I'm here, in a hotel, alone with Ayato. she realized, her hand beginning to shake a little. Taking a deep breath, she spun on her heel and tugged her top off, swiftly unfastening her bra and dropping it to the floor before unzipping her skirt and tugging her panties off.

Starting the shower, she considered herself. Ugh! I need to get some bath supplies! she thought. For the first time, she realized that she and Ayato were starting from literally nothing. Not watches, no friends, no family - just us. she mused. Her lips curled into a small smile. “Could be worse.” she murmured to herself. Checking the water, she adjusted it to her liking and stepped into the shower, reaching for the courtesy shampoo and soap. As she rid herself of the grime of their long trip, she began to make up her list of supplies.

While Hiroko was making up her list of supplies, Ayato was idly flipping channels on the TV, looking for anything that would take his mind off the bed. Not finding anything, he paused to watch some talk TV. It was a debate between a UN spokesman and a representative of the academic world on rather or not the Mulians were in fact evolved humans. Listening to the paranoid ranting of the UN military representative and the frankly laughable argument of the academic world, Ayato shook his head. “No wonder things are as fucked up as they are.” he muttered, killing the television and standing.

Turning to the bed, he pulled back the cover and sheets, getting it ready for Hiro-chan before taking one of the three pillows and the light blanket on the foot of the bed and spreading it on the floor next to the bed. Ever the gentleman, eh? he thought to himself, shaking his head. With his own bed made, he sat on the foot of the bed and waited for Hiroko to emerge from the shower.

In the bathroom, Hiroko finished up her final rinse and shut off the water. After slicking her hands over her body to remove as much excess water as she could, she stepped out and grabbed a hotel towel, drying herself off. Wrapping the towel around her body, she found that it barely covered her from her nipples to her crotch. Grinning at the thought of Ayato's reaction to that, she bent over to pick up her panties, but cringed when her fingers touched them. “Definitely not going to wear them without a good wash.” she muttered. Which leaves me without any clothes. she realized.

Gathering up her dirty clothes, she set them aside to worry with tomorrow. Taking a deep breath, she opened the bathroom door. “Shower's free!” she called to Ayato. Seeing him sprawled out on the foot of the bed, she smiled. Walking over to him, she touched his cheek. “Ayato-kun.” she said softly, leaning over him. Her hair, still damp, dripped a drop or two onto his face, causing him to stir from his slumber. Opening his eyes, he saw Hiroko's face above his own.

“Hiro-chan?” he mumbled, sitting up.

“Shower's free.” she said softly, smiling at him. “Leave your clothes on top of mine and I will see what I can do about them tomorrow.” she said. Ayato shambled toward the bathroom, hardly noticing her scanty outfit. She watched him until the door to the bathroom closed. “Well, he's probably more tired than me anyway.” she reasoned aloud.

Pulling her towel off, she draped it over the back of the single chair in the room before turning to get into bed. Doing so, she caught sight of the blanket and pillow on the floor next to the bed. She blinked. “That won't do; no, not at all.” she breathed, swiftly collecting the pillow and blanket and putting them back on the bed. Climbing into bed, she got comfortable, settling the sheet just above her breasts.

It was about fifteen minutes later when Ayato exited the bathroom, a towel around his waist, and nearly asleep. Stumbling on his way to the bed, he started to move toward where the pallet had been. “Ayato, you're sleeping with me.” said Hiroko in a no-nonsense voice.

“Hiro-chan,” he began. She interrupted him.

“If you sleep on the floor, I sleep on the floor. So, you can choose to be uncomfortable on the floor with me, or be comfortable in bed with me. Your choice, Ayato-kun.” she said, holding the sheets open, giving him an easy look at her naked body. The only light was the small lamp, but if he had been awake, he could easily have seen every inch of her body.

“Fine.” he said, tugging off the towel and tossing it on top of her towel before climbing into bed with her. Almost before he had gotten comfortable, he was asleep. Hiroko joined him swiftly in deep sleep, but not before she had managed to get fully spooned to him, her arm around his chest and her bare body pressed to his bare body.

-

Megumi stepped lightly through the main entrance of TERRA, heading for home. Since she had come back to work, Haruka had been putting in long hours in the planning of the new Commander's plans. Megumi wasn't sure if she liked that or not, but since Haru was back, the White Snake was keeping his hands to himself. Haru to the rescue, she thought, her emotions mixed. Or is it that Haru is just more attractive than me? she pondered.

Admittedly, she hadn't seen the slimy albino freak touching Haru, but then, Haru spent a lot of time in his office with reports and updates on the planning and to get his signature on various orders and reports. Yeah, and maybe what those techs are whispering about her spreading her legs for her reinstatement are true, too! Sure they are! she snorted at the very thought.

“Either way, I'm more or less back where I started before Ayato.” she muttered. Glancing at her watch, she realized that Kim should be off by now, too. I think I'll ask Kim if I can hang at her place for a bit. Since Haru and Ayato aren't home, the house feels…empty. With her path decided, she altered her course toward the monorail system even as she dialed Kim's cell by touch.

Boarding the train for Kim's place, she waited for her friend to pick up. When she didn't, Megu left her a voice message, telling her that she was coming over to her place to hang out for a while since no one was home at her place. Ending the call, she sat down on a vacant seat and watched the city pass by the window. I wonder what Ayato is doing? she idly thought.

Arriving at the stop nearest to Kim's place, Megu lightly stepped off the monorail car and moved off toward the apartment where her friend lived. Pausing to grab a cola from a vending machine, she sipped it as she approached the building. Kim had been acting a bit strange lately, being pale and feeling poor in the mornings. When she had asked her about it, Kim had assured her that she was fine and that it was just from having a bite of bad food. Maybe I should get her something for her stomach? wondered Megumi before dismissing it. Nah! She probably has medicine already! she decided.

Entering the lobby of the building, she smiled at the attendant near the small desk who was tasked with assisting residents with whatever they might need a hand with. Having visited Kim fairly often over the years, the man at the counter was more or less familiar with her. Touching the button for the elevator, she found that one was only a floor away. “Lucky!” she smiled, stepping into the elevator and pressing the button for Kim's floor. As she rode up, she pulled out her cell phone and glanced at the screen, seeing that there was no reply from Kim's phone yet. “Must be in the shower.” she said aloud.

Arriving at Kim's floor, the newly-appointed operator for TERRA command nearly skipped to the door of her fellow operator and pressed the button for her doorbell. Waiting, she hummed a tune to herself. It never occurred to her that it was the tune that her sister was always listening to. After more than a minute, Megumi pressed the button again, listening for any movement from inside the apartment. “Kim?” she called loudly. “It's me, Megu! You ok?” she wondered aloud. Faintly, she heard some movement.

“J…just a minute, Megu!” came Kim's voice. When her friend answered the door about two minutes later, she had a towel wrapped around her, her body soaked. “Sorry, Megu,” she said, smiling a somewhat weak smile at her friend, “I was in the shower.” she said.

“It's no problem.” assured Megu, stepping past the older woman before she could say anything else. “I guess you didn't get my message.” she deducted. “No one will be at my place for quite a while, so I thought I'd come see if you are feeling better and maybe see if you wanted to catch some sun.” she suggested. Moving to the kitchen, she saw that there were some food containers left out, mostly empty.

“Um, sure, Megu.” managed Kim, shutting the door. Seeing her young guest looking at the two take-out containers, she hastened over to them and swept them into the trash. “Sorry about leaving them out.” she said. “I was hungry.” she added lamely.

Megumi giggled. “Two servings? Yeah, I'd say you were hungry, Kim!” she agreed. Kim just stuck her tongue out at Megu. Megumi turned toward the bathroom. “I'm gonna borrow you bathroom for a moment, ok, Kim?” she asked/said, heading toward it as she spoke.

“I…!” began Kim.

“I won't be long! Promise!” called back Megumi, closing the door behind her. Man, that coffee from break went through me fast. she thought, swiftly skinning her shorts and panties down as she sat to relieve her bladder. As she tended to that task, her eyes roved over the neat, clean bathroom. Looking around, she saw Kim's uniform crumpled in the middle of the floor, her bra a step or two closer to the shower, and her panties laying against the glass shower enclosure. She looks like she was in a rush to get to the shower. thought the girl, mentally shrugging. Looking at the slightly-ajar folding door that held Kim's linens, she saw another towel sitting on the edge of the vanity. Two towels? she wondered. “Kim has short hair, so why…?” mumbled the girl. Her thoughts were interrupted by Kim's voice from outside the bathroom.

“Megumi, did you bring a swimsuit, or do you need to borrow one of mine?” asked the older woman. Megumi reached for the toilet paper as she answered her friend.

“I need to borrow one, Kim. Thanks!” she replied, standing and starting to pull her shorts and panties back up. Freezing, she considered her actions. “No point in that.” she muttered, pushing them off before tugging her top over her head and putting it with the shorts and panties. As was her usual habit, she had not worn a bra when she changed out of her uniform. Catching sight of herself in the large mirror, she paused to look at herself as she posed a few times. Ayato must have noticed my figure! Why hasn't he tried anything yet? she wondered. Because Haru is always nearby for comparison, thought the cynical side of her.

“Megu?” came Kim's voice as she opened the bathroom door. “You about ready?” asked the operator, stepping into the large bathroom. Seeing Megumi still more or less posed in front of the mirror, she guessed what she had been doing. “Don't worry, Megu,” assured the older girl, “you are not second place to Haru.” she said. “We need to hurry if we are to catch what is left of the sun.” she continued, changing the topic. “You know where my swimsuits are, right?” At seeing Megu's nod, she went on. “Pick one while I grab the towels.” Megumi stepped past Kim, covertly glancing at her naked friend, who was holding her black bikini, but had yet to put it on. As she did so, she noticed that Kim's belly was looking a little less flat than it usually did.

“Kim, are you gaining weight?” wondered Megu. Kim flinched.

“Uh, I might be.” she hedged. “Things have been so hectic lately that I haven't been eating as carefully as I usually do.” she deflected. Megumi smiled at her.

“Well, just be careful, or you'll have a hard time getting it back off!” teased the younger girl. Megumi ate like a horse, but her metabolism burned it off without having to resort to working out.

“You! Out!” Kim ordered, her tone vaguely irritated. Laughing, Megu stepped past her, the laughter turning into a startled eep! as Kim swatted her bare ass. “That'll teach you call me fat!” sniffed Kim. Megumi muttered something under her breath as she turned toward Kim's bedroom to pick out a suit from Kim's admittedly large collection.

Once she had closed the door to the bathroom, Kim stepped over to the linen closet and eased it open to find Souichi wedged into the small space. “Sorry, I wasn't expecting Megu.” whispered the operator.

“N…no problem.” he replied in a strained whisper. Looking down, Kim saw his raging erection. Blinking at him, she looked back up to see his red face.

“She's sixteen, lover boy.” reminded Kim. “And you are twenty six.” she pointed out. “Once we go to the roof, slip out of here.” she ordered him, taking two towels from behind him. The young major nodded.

“Yeah, I had planned to do that.” he agreed with her softly. Kim paused to kiss him quickly but deeply.

“We'll come back to this later.” she promised, trailing her fingers over his erection. Hearing Megumi in the bedroom, Kim slid the linen closet door almost closed and turned to exit the bathroom.

“Kim, when did you get this suit?” wondered Megumi as Kim stepped into her bedroom. The younger Shitow had a few of her bikinis set on the foot of her bed, which was unmade, and was holding out a suit Kim had bought a month before. it was a string teardrop Brazilian thong with a top so small it barely covered her nipples.

“I thought I'd try something new.” side-stepped Kim. Megumi was looking at it, color touching her cheeks.

“This isn't a suit, Kim!” she said, her voice sounding awed, “It's an invitation to a gang bang!” she sniped.

“Like you would know anything about gang bangs, Megu-chan.” dismissed Kim. Suddenly hitting on an idea, she stepped over to Megumi and let her hands drop onto the smaller girl's shoulders. “Well, since you know so much about these, why not wear it?” she purred smugly. Megumi's mouth dropped open in shock.

-

Ayato awoke to find himself holding a naked Asahina in his arms, his morning wood pressing into her belly. While certainly not a bad thing, he had not really thought about finding himself in this position. Do I wake her, or try to slip out of bed without disturbing her? he asked himself. Tentatively moving, he felt her hold him tighter.

“Don't. Please.” came her soft voice, though her eyes stayed shut.

“Hiro-chan?” asked a surprised Ayato. She's awake?! he thought, shocked. “Um, are you…?” he began.

“Can we just stay like this for a bit longer?” asked the girl, opening her light brown eyes. “I feel safe with you holding me.” she whispered softly. Ayato felt her smooth, warm skin against his own, and had to admit that it felt good to hold her.

“I…yeah, we can stay like this for a bit.” he capitulated. He felt her shift even closer, all but wrapping her arms and legs around him. As she did so, he felt his dick brush her sparse pubic hair. “Hiro-chan…” he began.

“It's…fine with me. Really.” she assured him. “Do you…want to move it?” she asked him, pressing her face into his chest as she said it. He could feel the heat from her blush against his skin. Her question focused his attention on the angle of his dick, which was wedged diagonally along the crease of her hip.

“Hiroko, you don't have…” he began, only to feel her shift her hips, allowing his hard length to straighten out. Before he could draw breath to say anything, she had bent her hips up, pressed closer to him and relaxed, his hard length being enclosed by her thighs, held snugly - and comfortably - against her bare sex. Unwillingly, Ayato hummed in contentment. God, she feels so good! he thought, feeling her hot, slick pussy caressing his member.

Feeling her hair move against his chest, he looked down just in time to meet her lips as she tilted her head back and kissed him. As the two kissed, he felt her hand move from his chest to his cheek. When she began to shift, Ayato carefully broke the kiss. “Ayato?” she asked, her voice heated. “Why did you stop?” she asked him, confused. “Don't you want me?”

“Yes, Hiro-chan, I do.” he agreed. Seeing her move forward to resume the kiss, he gently pressed two fingertips to her lips. “But not if you are just feeling scared and alone.” he said. Hiroko blinked at him. “What about Torigai?” he asked her gently, his dick throbbing with need. Hiroko looked away from his eyes at his question. “Isn't he your boyfriend, Hiro-chan?” he gently prompted.

“In name only.” she said, still not looking at him. “I dated him because I couldn't get up the nerve to ask you.” she said, looking up to meet his eyes. “We were always together, all three of us.” she went on. “I liked him, of course, but you…I loved.” she said, her lips trembling. “I tried about a million times to ask you, but you seemed so aloof and detached; like there was already a girl, though none of the other girls hung out with you like that. Suddenly, Torigai asked and I said yes before I realized what he had asked me.” Seeing his look, she gave off a weak laugh.

“Come on, Ayato! You must have wondered why I never did anything with him that I didn't do with you! You were the one that I wanted, but I had said yes to Torigai when he asked, so I thought I had to at least act like a girlfriend.” she accused him.

Ayato felt his lips twitch at her challenge. “Well, actually, I did kind of wonder about that.” he admitted. Hiroko's body shivered against his as she giggled.

“Ayato! Did it ever cross you mind that I was trying to tell you something?” she asked, her lips smiling. “I've heard of `artistic blindness', but man!! You, Ayato-kun, are dense!” she needled him playfully.

“Sorry.” he shrugged easily. “I don't usually look to date my best friend's girlfriend.” he replied, humor in his voice. Hiroko went silent and still at the mention of Torigai. “Hiro-chan?” wondered Ayato.

“He…Torigai is…he isn't our friend.” she said, her tone bleak. Ayato caught a bit of movement in his periphery vision, and looking down, he saw Hiroko's fingers brush across the healing injury on her arm. “No any more.” she said firmly.

-

Haruka slid the main door open and stepped into her home, having just managed to get away from TERRA. Looking around, she spotted a single small light on. Must all be in bed, she thought, slipping off her shoes and moving into the kitchen. On the table, she saw a note. Picking it up, she read it. “So, uncle is off on a speaking tour.” she mused aloud, folding the note and tucking it in her pocket.

After a sip of sake, she headed upstairs, finding the door to Megumi's room slightly open. “Megu?” she called softly, easing the door open. On the bed, she saw a bulge. Stepping into the room, Haruka eased the covers back enough to positively identify her kid sister. She looks so young when she is asleep. mused Haruka. I wonder if I looked this young when I was her age? Absently, she slowly, delicately brushed some of her sister's hair from her face as she slept. I still have no idea how to tell her about Kim and Souichi. realized the Captain.

Feeling movement beneath her fingertips, Haruka was startled from her thoughts by Megumi opening her eyes as her hand came up to touch Haru's hand, which was still resting on her cheek. “Haru?” came her sleepy voice. “Is that you? What time is it?” mumbled the younger sister, sitting up in bed. For a split second, Haru was taken back nearly a decade, to when Megu still had a hard time sleeping at night, and would wake up, needing to know her sister was there.

“It's me, Megu.” assured Haruka, curling her fingers around Megumi's fingers. “It's just a little before one a.m.” she said. With her other hand, Megumi wiped her eyes.

“You just now getting back?” she asked, sounding surprised. Haruka sighed.

“Yeah. Just a few minutes ago.” she confirmed. “I had a hard time getting away from Isshiki.” she ground out, her tone stiff and disdainful. “Why ask?” she wondered.

Megumi thought about that before she spoke. She had stayed with Kim on the roof until dark, then the two of them had watched a movie before Megu had headed home, Kim warning her to be careful. Before she had left, she had hit the bathroom again, and had seen a pair of boxers half-hidden under the linen closet door. She hadn't figured out how to ask Kim about it, but the obvious conclusion was that Kim had a boyfriend.

Riding home on the train, she had begun to wonder if the rumors about her sis were true or not. I don't believe them, but…just because I don't believe them doesn't make them untrue! thought Megumi. What if she is…doing it with the White Snake to keep her job? Does her job mean that much to her? Megumi looked at Haru in the dim light of the stars coming through her window. If I asked her, would she tell me the truth? wondered the younger of the sisters. Grr! All this because I saw a pair of boxers in Kim's bathroom! she thought, exasperated at her train of thought. Ever since Ayato went back, I can't concentrate right!

“Megu?” came Haruka's voice. This time it was Megumi's turn to be pulled from her thoughts. “Everything ok?” wondered her older sister.

“No.” said Megu softly. “Nothing has been ok since Ayato left!” she huffed. “Ever since he went back, things have been falling apart. The commander is replaces with that creep, you get suspended, me and Kim get groped by that slimy bastard, then you get your job back and Kim gets a boyfriend…” she drew breath to continue, but Haruka interrupted her.

“Kim got a…? How did you find out, Megu?” she asked her younger sister. Megu gave a disdainful grunt.

“When you see boxers on the floor of her bathroom, it is kind of obvious, isn't it?” retorted Megu. “Maybe that is why she is gaining weight; if she has a boyfriend, she might not be so careful about her diet.” mused the girl. Diets were an alien concept to the healthy girl.

“Kim's gaining weight?” breathed Haruka. It can't be…can it? she wondered. Kim had been feeling off in the morning briefings lately. Better ask her if she has checked on that possibility. thought Haruka.

“Might be; or it could just be my imagination.” shrugged Megu. “But, I need to know something, Haru.” she said, her tone serious.

“Sure, Megu.” agreed Haruka.

“Are the rumors true? About how you got your position back?” asked Megumi, her tone apprehensive. Haruka's eyes narrowed a little.

“Rumors, huh?” she muttered. Megumi's grip on her hand tightened.

“Sis!” she breathed, her tone tense. “You didn't…!”

“No, Megu.” assured Haruka. “I would sooner kill myself than let that jerk touch me.” she assured her younger sister. Cheating on Ayato once is one time too many!

“Then, how did you get your job back?” wondered Megumi. Haruka's lips twisted briefly into a grimace.

“I have skills he needs for his mad little scheme.” said the older Shitow. “But, it's all just a means to an ends, sis; I swear it.” she promised her sister. Megumi felt relieved at that bit of news.

“Ends? What ends?” she wondered. Haruka smiled a soft, warm smile.

“Getting our Ayato back.” she breathed.

-

Ayato pulled the hat on before turning to look at Asahina. The girl was still naked, her hand fingers nervously interlacing. “Well, I'm off. I'll see if we can get some robes sent up for the time being.” said Ayato softly. Hiroko nodded.

“Ok.” she said, biting her lip. As he reached for the door, she spoke up again. “Are you sure you have to go look for some work, Ayato?” she asked him. It was far from the first time since that morning. Ayato sent her a reassuring smile.

“Yeah, unless you like being hungry?” he suggested. “Besides, we have to pay for the room as well.” he pointed out. Hiroko sighed.

“I…I know that.” she said softly. “It's just…” she shook her head. Turning away from the door, Ayato stepped over to her, taking her upper arms in a gentle grip.

“I'll be back soon, Hiroko.” he said. “And until we can get you some clean clothes, you aren't really in a condition to be out and about, now are you?” he asked her.

“Be careful?” begged Hiroko.

“Of course.” promised Ayato. After a moment of looking into his eyes, Hiroko closed her eyes and leaned into him, her lips finding his in an urgent, passionate kiss. Ayato returned it gladly, enjoying the kiss. When she finally broke it, he was feeling better than he had been before.

“I'll be waiting for you here, Ayato.” said Asahina, her tone warm and slightly teasing. “I can't wait to pick up where we were this morning.” she hinted. Ayato felt his dick twitch.

“Uh, me neither.” he replied lamely. “Be back soon.” he said, absently touching his pocket to make sure the room key was there before opening the door. Glancing back once more, he saw the girl watching him, a smile on her lips.

Closing the door, he headed for the elevator. Well, we didn't have sex yet, but our talk cleared the air a lot. he mused, watching the car descend. I think I am actually looking forward to tonight. he realized. The two had talked for nearly two hours, and a lot of what was said had needed to be said for a long time. I was right, too. he thought, Megu and Hiro-chan are a lot alike! This thought, of course, lead him to wonder if they would be a lot alike in bed, as well.

Back in the room, Hiroko looked around. “Well, I guess I could see what I can do about cleaning my clothes.” she reasoned. Moving into the bathroom, she began to survey the situation, eventually choosing to wash her clothes with soap in the shower, then let them dry over the shower curtain rod. As she gathered the clothes and started the water, she began to hum.

-

Haruka spotted her prey heading toward the vending machines next to the lounge that was closest to the bridge. Quickening her steps, she smiled to herself. Perfect timing, she thought to herself. Glancing around, she saw that the two were alone for the moment. “Kim! Got a sec?” she asked the younger Operator.

Turning, Kim saw Haruka closing in on her. “Sure, Haru.” shrugged the woman. Her stomach was settled now, so she could get something to eat. “What did you want to talk about?” she asked the Captain. Haruka glanced around.

“How about we get some fresh air?” she said softly. Kim slowly nodded.

“Sure. Usual place?” she asked. Haruka nodded as she grabbed a drink and a snack for herself. The two silently headed down to the small overlook. Technically a smoking area, it was deserted at this time of day.

Once she was sure they were alone, Haruka turned to Kim, who was watching her expectantly. “What's this about, Haru?” asked the operator.

“Kim, Megu knows you have a boyfriend, though I don't know if she has figured out that it is Souichi.” said Haru, “But, that isn't what I wanted to ask you about, anyway.” she dismissed the initial topic. “Kim, have you…” the older woman paused, then continued. “I mean, are you pregnant?” Kim sputtered, her drink spilling from her lips.

“What?!” she croaked. “How…I mean, why would you think that?” she managed, wiping her lips and chin with a tissue. Haruka was looking at her, her expression serious.

“So, how far along are you? Three months?” guessed the older woman. Kim sighed.

“Three and a half, near as I can tell.” said Kim. Glancing at Haruka, she didn't know if she should laugh or be upset. “Yes, Haru, that's how it is.” she said.

“Didn't you use protection?” murmured Haruka. Kim turned to look over the ocean.

“It's a funny thing, Haru.” she replied. “I've been on birth control for three years. I was still on it, in fact.” she added. Haruka blinked.

“I…see.” she managed. Kim snorted at that.

“If you do, then that makes one of us.” she jabbed. Haruka leaned on the railing next to Kim.

“So…what are your plans?” she asked, her tone bland. Kim was silent. “Does Souichi know?” she wondered.

“I'm going to tell him tonight.” said Kim. Haruka blinked, opening her mouth to say something, but Kim - having given this a lot of thought - pre-empted her. “I'm only going to tell him that I am pregnant.” she said softly. “Not how far along, or by whom.” said the woman. “Depending on his answer, well…” she shrugged.

“He…might guess.” suggested Haruka. Kim shrugged.

“It's too late to worry about that now, isn't it, Haru?” she replied. “Besides, we have some things to discuss; Souichi and I.” she added. Reaching into her blouse pocket, she withdrew a small item, offering it to Haruka. The older woman looked at it.

“Are you serious?” she asked, seeing what the younger woman was holding. Kim nodded. “I'm flattered, of course,” joked Haruka, more to give herself time to think than anything else, “but this is all so sudden…!”

“Try it from my end.” replied Kim evenly, giving Haruka's attempt at humor a frown. “Still, he's…nice. I could do worse.” she murmured. Haruka swallowed.

“What about Ayato?” she breathed. Kim turned to smirk at Haruka.

“Glad to see you appreciate the situation.” she said, her tone touched with sardonic understatement. “But, in answer to your question,” she paused dramatically before continuing, “I have no plans to drag him into this. At least for the time being.” she amended herself. She heard a soft sound from beside her. “Sigh of relief, Haru?” sniped the younger girl. “I will tell him if he asks, but depending on Souichi's reaction to the news, it might never come up.” said the Korean girl. “Besides, Ayato belongs to you, right?” she needled, turning back toward the doorway to TERRA, leaving Haruka alone with her thoughts.

“I hope so, Kim.” murmured Haruka.

-

Ayato gathered the last of the items he thought they would need and headed for the checkout. He had managed to find a manual labor job down near the docks that paid every day and didn't ask for ID. The work was hard, and he suspected that it was also illegal, but he didn't ask questions. As the woman behind the register rang up his purchases, he withdrew the pre-paid card and waited for her to finish.

With his purchases in hand, he made his way back to the room. Considering his situation, he was feeling entirely too good, he decided. I have food, some assorted supplies and a cute girl. Really, what more could a guy on the run from two different worlds want? he thought. That thought, naturally, brought up memories of both the Shitow sisters, and Maya and Shinobu. I just don't know why we can't co-exist. he thought. It's not like there is some huge difference between human and Mulian. He sighed, pushing those thoughts from his mind. “That has nothing to do with me anymore.” he tried to convince himself. But every time I see Asahina, I see Megumi, too.

Entering the hotel, he glanced around as he headed for the elevator. Not seeing anyone suspicious, he made his way to the room. Sliding the card through the reader, he opened the door. “Hiro-chan? I'm back.” he called, not immediately seeing the girl.

“Ayato, I'm in here!” called Hiroko as he closed the door. A moment later, he head poked out of the bathroom. Seeing him holding two bags, she smiled. “I take it you found some work?” she guessed as Ayato set the bags down on the small table in the corner of the room.

“Yeah. I load and unload freight at the harbor.” he said. Hiroko saw his dirty jeans and shook her head.

“I can see that.” she said, her tone mildly disapproving. “Take off your clothes and let me wash them.” she ordered him. Ayato glanced at her and saw that she was wearing a robe. Doing as she bid, he continued the conversation.

“I see the hotel came through on the robes.” he noted. Hiroko glanced away from him.

“Um, sort of.” she said evasively. “Earlier today, the maids stopped at the room across from us, and I watched them leave the cart outside our door. When they were inside, I slipped the door open and grabbed a couple of robes and some soap and stuff.” she admitted. Ayato began to chuckle.

“So, you're the kind of woman who steals soap and robes from hotels, hmm?” he suggested. Hiroko sniffed dismissively.

“Only when I'm naked and bored.” she muttered. “Besides, we needed the stuff.” she said. Ayato finished taking off his clothes and handing them to Hiroko, who took them into the bathroom. “What did you get, Ayato?” she asked him curiously. Ayato smiled.

“I got us some dinner and some basic supplies.” he replied. “Tell you what, I will fix dinner tonight while you wash clothes, ok?” he suggested.

“Sure!” came the immediate, happy reply from Hiroko. In the bathroom she was just starting to scrub his clothes down. This is almost like being married! she thought. Or, even more accurately, a pair of sweethearts who elope, leaving everything behind for love! Hiroko sighed softly. “And we certainly did do that.” she muttered. Working on the laundry, she had another thought. And tonight, we will officially become lovers.

-

Sayoko lay in bed, staring blankly at the wall. It had been a week since she had been in to work, and more than two since she had seen Itsuki. With the new direction that TERRA was taking, her part in the anti-Mu effort was on hold. Just as well, I suppose, thought the woman. Mornings don't work for me right now. she thought, feeling her lips curl into a sardonic smile. “Never thought I'd be in this position.” she muttered aloud, sitting up.

Sighing, she watched the sun begin to slip behind the horizon. Truthfully, she had had a rather easy day, since Isshiki had been busy with his plans for smashing the Tokyo Jupiter barrier and couldn't spare the time to fuck her. “Must be bored with me.” she said darkly. Like all the men in my life. she added silently. Rising, she made her way to the kitchen for something to eat. Eyes roving over the food in her kitchen, she didn't see anything appealing until her eyes landed on the jar of pickles. Smiling, she grabbed it, closing the fridge and opening the freezer. “There you are.” she purred, using her free hand to pull out her quart of rocky road ice cream. Using her shoulder to close the freezer, she turned to her counter and set down the pickles and ice cream before rummaging for a large bowl.

Minutes later, she was sitting in an over-stuffed chair in her living room, watching TV as she worked on her large bowl of ice cream and pickles. If I had of know this was so tasty, I would have tried it a long time ago. she thought, happily scooping up another spoonful of the treat. I wonder why none of the ice cream companies make this flavor? It's delicious! she wondered. He culinary exploration was interrupted by a knock on her door. Sighing, she got up, still holding her bowl, and made her way to the door.

“Yes?” she asked, opening the door. Who would come by at this time of night? Maybe it's Itsuki! she hoped, though deep down, she had no reason to think it might be the good Doctor. The door opened to reveal one of her least favorite people. “Oh. What brings you here, Captain?” she asked, barely hiding her nasty, spiteful tone.

“Sayoko.” replied Haruka evenly. “Got a minute?” she asked. Nanamori debated telling her no and closing the door against telling her to fuck off. But, such a decision was too much work right then; she just stepped back and let Shitow decide. Haruka stepped inside the small home of the research assistant and closed the door, locking it behind herself. Taking a moment to look around, she realized it was the first time she had been in the tech's home. For good reason, Haru, she realized, you aren't friends with her.

Hearing Sayoko resume her seat, Haruka moved into the living room to see Sayoko stuff a huge spoonful of chocolate ice cream and pickle slices into her mouth. Haruka blinked. Her, too?! was all the Captain could think. Maybe I should make a stop on the way home… Her thoughts were interrupted by Sayoko's voice. “What brings you here, Shitow?” she asked.

“I wanted to talk to you about an idea I have.” said Haruka. Sayoko worked on getting the last bit of her ice cream and pickles out of the bowl. Haruka waited in silence, but the other woman was just as silent. “Don't you want to hear about my idea?” she prompted the other woman.

“Not really.” said Sayoko. Haruka considered that. Maybe I shouldn't risk asking her; she could be siding with Isshiki now. she thought.

“Do you like working under the White Snake?” Haruka asked, intentionally baiting the woman with the suggestive wording of her question. Sayoko's head snapped around to glare at her.

“What? Can't handle a little competition, Shitow?” she snarled back. Haruka quirked an eyebrow.

“So, you like being his slut?” she needled.

“Beats being his whore!” gritted out Sayoko. “At least I do it because I want to help someone, instead of doing it for myself, like you!” she spat.

“Slut, whore - whore, slut.” shrugged Haruka. “But, I asked if you liked being his fuck toy.” she pointed out. Sayoko grimaced.

“Of course not!” she vehemently denied. Haruka leaned down closer to the other woman.

“Then, what say you and I do something about the White Snake?” she suggested.

“Impossible. He's holding all the cards.” sighed the long-haired woman. “The only one who can get close to him is that Ensign Mishima.” she said morosely. Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she turned to see Haruka sending her a steady, even look.

“Oh, that's not exactly true, Sayoko.” said Haruka. “After all, who is closer to a man than the woman he's fucking?”

-

“No, sir, I don't think that he's traveling alone.” said Futagami. Currently, the `reporter' and his men were grabbing a bite to eat as they tried to pick up the trail of Ayato and his companion. Looking at the slightly grainy pic Haruka had taken during her initial survey of Ayato in Tokyo Jupiter, he was certain that the girl who was at the edge of the photo - this `Hiroko Asahina' - was with Ayato.

“Yes, we will continue to look for the Mulian agent, sir. No, sir, the ticket in his name was a feint, sir. Yes, sir, I am certain.” he said, his tone bland, but his eyes hard. “Well, thank you for the vote of confidence, sir.” he said, ending the encrypted radio call to TERRA HQ. “Fucking bastard!” he grunted angrily, sitting back in the rear seat of the sedan.

“Who was that you were talking to just now?” wondered one of his agents. “Certainly not the General, I hope?” he suggested.

“No. That bastard Isshiki at TERRA.” replied Futagami. “I tell you, sometimes I wonder why I didn't retire years ago.” he muttered, more to himself than to the men in the car with him.

“You? Retire, sir?” chuckled one of his men. “That'd be the day!” he snorted.

“You never know, son.” said the old man, pulling the picture of Ayato and his companion out of his pocket. “I could get used to relaxing in the warm sun and fishing.” he mused. Ayato, if you have been around in the first few days of the Mulian invasion, I think that history would be very different now. he thought to himself. “But, an old dog can't give up his last hunt without giving it his all.” he said firmly. “So, suck down that food, and let's get back to it, shall we?” he ordered his men.

“Yes, sir!” they said in unison, swiftly swallowing what was left of their meals.

-

Ayato slid the fingers of his right hand through Hiroko's hair, his lips busy on her lips. After dinner, the two had watched some TV, talked a little about the problems they faced in the immediate future, and - slowly - had moved into making out with each other. Since it was not the first time that they had made out or petted each other, they were familiar with each other enough to be relaxed.

With his superior experience, Ayato took the lead, which was fine with Hiroko. At the moment, the two of them were laying together on the bed, Hiroko on her back in the middle, and Ayato on his side next to her as he caressed her cheek and neck with his fingers. Hiroko's robe was open, revealing her young, firm breasts and trim, toned body. Ayato was in his boxers and tee shirt. Breaking the kiss, Ayato moved down to her throat and chest, kissing, licking and softly biting as he went.

Hiroko responded to his actions with moans, sighs, groans and gasps. When his lips devoured one of her hard, erect nipples, shivered in excitement. “Ayato.” she breathed. Ayato answered by taking her other nipple in hand and teasing it mercilessly. The shivers turned to spasming tremors. “Kami…!” moaned the girl passionately. Wrapping her arms around his head, she held him greedily to her breasts. Ayato smiled around his mouthful of succulent tit.

Moving his hand off her breasts, he slowly, torturously moved it down her belly toward her groin. The closer he got, the slower he went, savoring the building heat in Hiroko, easily felt and sensed through their skin-to-skin contact. “Please.” begged Hiroko weakly, feeling his seeping through her sparse pubic hair. “Hurry, Ayato.” pleaded the girl.

Taking his lips from her slick, soaked peak, he answered her. “If you want, though I thought you'd want to savor the experience.” he teased her. Hiroko focused on him through her lust.

“I am savoring it, Ayato.” she assured him, breathing fast and deep. “But I need you, Ayato.” she added, her voice stained with desire and lust. Oh, do I ever need you! she silently panted. It felt like her pussy was filled with lava, the heat radiating away from her groin and filling her entire body with warmth. So much so, in fact, that she was shiny with sweat, though the air conditioner was on in their room.

Hiroko wasn't the only one warm, though. Ayato felt himself beginning to sweat as he licked the soft curve of Hiroko's breast before reattaching his lips to her nipple. Carefully, he closed his teeth on her sensitive tip, barely grazing it, at the same time that his fingertip slid over her clit, which stood up hard and erect, free from the protective hood that normally covered it. Hiroko teetered on the brink of an orgasm.

Ayato felt his dick throb with need, but was in no mood to rush things. After all, he had become somewhat addicted to making the girls he slept with cum until they either passed out or - in Haruka's case - asked him to hold her for a while. I wonder why it's different with Haru-chan? mused a small part of his mind before he shoved that thought aside in favor of concentrating on Hiroko. Rubbing her mons, he found that she was already damp. Gently spreading her engorged outer lips, he felt how wet she was inside.

“So good.” whispered Hiroko. Ayato pulled his head back from her nipple, sucking on it as he did so, her modest breast stretching some before the nipple pulled free of his mouth, causing the breasts to jiggle as it resumed its normal shape. “Ah!” gasped Hiroko. Ayato moved his head up to kiss her, her lips eagerly spreading so her tongue could invade his mouth. With his tongue busy, he began to slowly push his middle finger into her tight, hot passage.

Feeling his finger invade her sex, Asahina began to subconsciously jerk her hips, trying to drive it deeper into her. Ayato had other ideas, though, and kept his wrist relaxed so her thrusts just moved his hand, not his finger. “Patience, Hiro-chan.” he scolded her between kisses.

“Patience is for saints.” she growled back thickly, hungrily. And I'll be damned if I stay a virgin! she vowed. Releasing his head, she impatiently ran her hands down his sides to the bottom of his shirt. Grabbing the hem, she pulled it up, wrestling for a moment to get it over his head. Ayato broke his kiss with her to facilitate her removal of his shirt. Throwing the shirt to the side, Hiroko looked at his bare chest; and blinked. “Is that…a birthmark, Ayato?” she wondered.

“Uh, yeah.” he agreed, not wanting to try and explain to her something that he himself was unsure if he understood it. Sure, birthmark works fine. he mentally shrugged. And now, back to our regularly scheduled program… he joked to himself. His finger sank deeper into her pussy, erasing her interest in his strange `birthmark' as his lips sealed her own with a kiss.

As he pushed his finger deeper into her passage, he felt her hymen impede his progress. That's right! he remembered, Hiroko's a virgin! For an instance, he almost panicked, wondering what he should do. But then, he calmed down. That's what my practice is for: for making her first time good. he remembered. All I have to do is be gentle and watch her face. he decided.

“Hiro-chan,” he began, but she pressed her fingertip to his lips.

“It's fine, Ayato. I want it to be you.” she said. Looking into her eyes, he slowly nodded.

“Ok, Hiro-chan.” he accepted. Reaching down, he pushed his boxers off and kicked them off the bed before turning to see Hiroko throwing her robe off the side as well, leaving them both naked. Looking at Ayato, Hiroko's eyes saw his hard dick for the first time. Her eyes widened slightly.

“Can I touch…it?” managed the girl, feeling herself blush to her breasts. Ayato nodded, smiling softly at her blush.

“Sure.” he said easily. Considering what we're planning to do, touching is nothing. he thought fondly. Slowly, Hiroko's small hands reached out to touch his throbbing dick. When her fingers touched it, she gasped.

“It's so soft!” she exclaimed. “And warm!” she added, closing her hands around as much of his shaft as she could. Experimentally, she slowly stroked his length. Hearing him let out a ragged breath, she looked at his face.

Head back, eyes closed, Ayato was enjoying the feel of her hands on his dick. So she isn't as good as Say-chan, Kim-chan or Haru-chan yet. So what? For a first-timer, she's doing just fine! he mused happily. Hiroko had shifted her attention and her hands to the wide, spongy head, which was already sporting some pre-cum. Her fingers experimentally wiped some up.

“Is this…cum?” she asked curiously, rubbing the slick fluid between her fingers. Opening his eyes, Ayato answered her.

“That's called pre-cum.” he corrected her. Hiroko gave off an eep! of surprise; clearly, she hadn't meant to say anything aloud. “It helps lubricate…things so it feels better.” finished Ayato. Hiroko sent him a strange look.

“Um, I took health, remember?” she reminded him. Ayato smiled at her.

“Yeah, matter of fact, I do recall that.” he answered her. “You sat beside me and were blushing the whole time.” he needled her back. Hiroko pouted.

“Was not.” she muttered. Ayato touched her cheek.

“Were too.” he insisted. “But, let me show you something that wasn't covered in class.” he invited her, guiding her back on the bed. Doing as he bid, she lay back, feeling him take her legs behind the knees and spread them, exposing her wet sex to him. Closing her eyes, she waited for him to claim her. To her surprise, she didn't feel him move on top of her. When she opened her eyes to see what he was doing, she was just in time to see him wink at her before he ran his tongue along her drooling slit.

The best she could manage was a squeak as the sensation from his unexpected oral assault on her pussy slammed through her nervous system. Already hot and aroused, she teetered on the brink before his next trip along her canal sent her over the edge into an orgasm. Of their own free will, her hands grabbed her breasts and massaged them as she floated down from her first non-self-induced orgasm. Ayato collected as much of her cum as he could and kept on eating her out.

Not as wet as Kim or Haru, but she tastes good! he thought happily, pushing his tongue into her virgin entrance to collect all he could. The taste of her made his dick hurt with need. Well, she won't get more relaxed or aroused than she is right now… he thought, pulling back and licking his lips for the last of her nectar. Moving forward, he positioned himself above her, as he felt his tip meet her drooling entrance. Taking in the dreamy smile on her face, he pushed steadily forward, her tight entrance yielding to his wide tip.

It was surprisingly hard to keep from slamming home in her, but he managed, knowing that to do so with her would hurt her. So, steadily, he worked himself into her. She was tight and wet, and he reveled in knowing that for the first time, he was the first man to have her. None of his previous lovers had been virgins, but now, he was first. Even as he thought that, he felt her hymen block his path. “Hiro-chan?” he asked her softly. The girl blinked a few times before she could focus on him. “Ayato.” she cooed, taking her hands off her tits and wrapping them around his neck.

“Ready?” he asked her, pressing slightly against her barrier. Sucking in a breath, she nodded.

“Yes, Ayato.” she said softly, pulling him to her. Ayato slammed forward in a fast and hard - but shallow - thrust, claming her. Immediately, he froze, holding still as the girl shivered and squeezed his neck with her arms, his mouth silencing her shriek of pain at losing her cherry. A dozen rapid heartbeats later, he felt her passage ease slightly and experimentally gave a slow thrust. Asahina moaned, but not only in pain; there was lust there, as well as eagerness. Gradually, Ayato finished claiming her, stopping his forward movement only when he reached her cervix.

With his conquest of her complete, he began to pump into her passage, building speed and strength as he went. Before he knew it, he was pounding into her like he did with his other lovers, though the girl seemed to whole-heartedly approve of it, as she was furiously jerking her hips into his as he hammered her. No words came from either of them, but the grunts, groans and gasps spoke volumes.

Feeling himself reach his own release, he grabbed her arms and pulled her up so she was nearly sitting in his lap, which drove him as deep into her sheath as possible. Madly thrusting, he sucked on her tongue, one hand trapping a hard nipple and tugging on it as he felt his balls tighten. Grunting into Hiroko's throat, he flooded her newly-made womanhood with his cum, overflowing from her as he fired jet after jet into her. Hiroko herself was barely conscious, multiple orgasms ricocheting around her body, robbing her of reason or sense.

When he had fired his last salvo, he gently lowered her to the bed as he panted from his exertion. Ten minutes passed before he realized that Hiroko was out cold. Pulling himself free of her, he saw - in the light from the lamp - that the proof of her virginity was on the sheets: their mixed cum, tinted blue from her blood. Another ten minutes passed before he weakly made his way to the bathroom, where he got a wash cloth, soaked it in warm water, and lathered it up with soap.

Moving back to her, he gently cleaned her up and did as good a job of removing the stain from the sheets as he could. If she saw the blue stain, it would upset her, he realized. So, tired or not, he took the time to clean her up as best he could and to remove any trace of blue blood. Finished, he cleaned himself off before moving back to the bed for some sleep. Seeing her sleeping soundly, a faint smile on her face, Ayato just had to sit and watch her for a few minutes.

“So peaceful.” he mused aloud. I have to protect her. he decided resolutely. I won't let the Mulians or TERRA or anyone hurt her! he vowed. If a Dolem shows up, I'll take it down - hard! And if TERRA comes for her, I'll take them down hard! Brushing an errant lock of hair from her cheek, he leaned over and kissed the corner of her lips. “I'll take care of you, Hiro-chan. Promise.” he said aloud, turning off the lamp before gingerly avoiding the wet spot in the bed to spoon himself to her back. Comfortable, he drifted off to sleep.

-

Hiroko dreamed. In her dream, she was in a dim place, surrounded by soft, bright light. Out of the shadows, a girl in strange clothes, wearing a strange headpiece, approached her. “Who are you?” asked Hiroko of the girl.

“You know who I am.” replied the girl. Hiroko frowned. She sounds like me! she thought. “That's because I am you.” replied the girl. Hiroko twitched in surprise.

“You can't be me!” she insisted. “I am me! Not you!”

“I am your other self.” clarified the strange girl. “Come, let us sing.” she said, extending her hand.

Hiroko awoke in a cold sweat. These dreams…what can they mean?! she wondered. Feeling arms around her naked body, she smiled, calming as she recalled where she was. “Doesn't matter; I'm with the one I love.” she said to herself, snuggling deeper into his embrace. Nothing can hurt me now! she thought, drifting back to sleep.

 

End Chapter 7

 

Next chapter: Returns