A Reason to Celebrate [Private]

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke shook his head when the new puppy bit him. "He can continue to bite and use my arm as a chew toy, but eventually he will injure himself."<i></i> Sousuke explained after a moment's thought. "I cannot phase shift with five people. Four alone was already a stress on my muscles because I need to drag you all unwillfully or unprepared for movements at what you're not used to... which reminds me ... Number Seven you've never really seen what I'm capable of."<i></i>

Shizune emitted series of growls at the Dalmatian puppy which came in a series of expletives which involved a stomp to his tiny skull and then using his bones as toothpicks. Followed that came a movement at the young pup attempting to grab him to crush him. The movement was swift and fully with the intention to murder, Sousuke let go of the puppy giving him a light toss at Number Seven. Sousuke shifted himself to try and counter the grab but found himself being punched in the chest by Shizune. A severe dent was made in his armour and the sound of cracking could be heard which was probably his bones being smashed into little pieces. Shizune then let go of Sousuke and seemed quite shocked. "That was not meant for you. He's just a life not worth letting live." Again she began moving, quickly towards Number seven and the pup, but Sousuke again went to counter her. "Seriously. He's a little rude runt that needs his skull stomped on."<i></i>

" Who lives. Who dies. It's not your choice."<i></i> Sousuke's stance wasn't firm. He seemed to be slightly off as he raised his right hand to press against his chest. "Go. Now. I will be forced to report this, and I'd rather not have to fill in the paperwork."<i></i> Shizune snarled. "Two accounts of theft, and battery. That isn't major, but I don't think you want your file to keep getting bigger."<i></i> Another snarl. Shizune's transformation at this point completely fell apart and she was certainly most threatening looking. She towered above the Steward and looked quite wild. She made her way once again and Sousuke in response took a step back and conjured up the ebon blade. "I will stop you."<i></i> With that the two engaged in battle. Shizune threw a punch at Sousuke which he side stepped and in turn he slashed at her which she too side stepped. The two circled about and again another trade was made this time she hit Sousuke soundly. Another sickening bone smash resonated through his plates. Sousuke was set flying back and was sliding against the roof tiles. He in turn then got up and made a series of winding and twisting slashes, he was moving faster than what Shizune could follow and opened a series of flesh wounds upon her. The two seemed about even for a moment. Then once again they traded blows equally. Ultimately Shizune was losing blood and Sousuke's body was wearing down from the sheer pressure of her blows.

"Hrrmph. Another time perhaps."<i></i> There was a pause. "Well... Lover, I spose you have a point. I'll catch you on the flip side."<i></i> A wink and a kiss blow later Shizune turned her back and proceeded top hop from rooftop to rooftop.

Once she was away Sousuke feel to his knee. "That hurt more than it should have. Her strength has increased."<i></i> Sousuke turned to Number Seven. "Locations. I need locations. I can get in and out to retrieve the individual at risk. Explain it plain, and clear."<i></i>

MFT 595

 

[Toraono Michino]

“Head…hurt?<i></i>” He asked her questioningly. It was amazing she could feel anything at all with the amount of alcohol she drank but he wasn’t going to question it – it had been a pretty nasty fall.
Tama’s hand went up to move behind Okibi’s head as a soft green light began to glow. He couldn’t take care of her alcohol toxin levels with the sort of inebriation that he was under himself, but basic pain was simple. The green light would take away the general throbbing hurt and replace it with a warm soothing feeling that, though left it a little tender, would have completely fixed any chances it could be a concussion and would take away the ache if it was indeed being fueled by that fall instead of alcohol.

It was then that he heard a bit of banging on the roof and couldn’t help but turn his head upwards to stare dumbstruck at it. Just seconds after he started staring the roof shook a little and quietly he wondered to himself if the Steward needed some help. One of the people that went with him Tama did not recognize which could of well been a criminal.
Of course the blonde couldn’t get up if he wanted to. Okibi was on his lap and the rum was steady flowing through his veins, far from being completely absorbed and turned into harmless proteins as it would eventually become. So he setteled in a little bit and continued to stroke her hair as he semi-answered one of her questions,
“I…wouldn’t mind going back to my place, wheres I have yours presents, but it might be rude to just go leaving Sousu-, Sosu-, ….the Steward! Behind without saying goodbye right?<i></i>”

Tama raised his drink back up and tried to hide the embarrassment of not being able to say Sousuke’s name.

 

[Okibi]

(Yeah so I had a GOOD post typed up annnnd then I lost the whole thing sooo you guys are gonna get a shorter, crappier version cause Im so pissed off. >_> GRRR!)

The moment the pup landed in Sevens arms he was snapping his jaws. Seven let the pup go and watched as he scurried over to the ledge, running along it looking for his friend. He listened to Sousukes bouth with Shizune as he kept an eye on the dalmatian, wincing when he heard the armor crushing blows. He knew Sousuke's armors were formidable; just how strong was that lady to be able to smash one of them?

When the fight was over and Shizune was fleeing across the rooftops, Seven looked at Sousuke for a moment, feeling sympathy for the man. He walked over and placed a small hand on the man's upper arm, then looked back at the pup. His eyes widened when he saw the pup readying himself for a leap. Seven made a dive, but missed the dalmatians tale by inches. He watched as the pup flew and landed on a cook and sunk his fangs into his shoulder. The man cried out in pain and ripped the pup from his shoulder, throwing him at a nearby dumpster. The pup yelped once, fell to the ground, and went still.

"Sousuke! Down there!" He barked as some of the other men who'd heard the dalmatians commotion turned their attention on the dumpster. Fearing the worst, that Sousuke was not going to make it in time, Seven threw his head forward and let out a long, loud howl.

---------------

Inside the restaurant, Okibi was enjoying the attention she was getting from Tama. She curled into his shoulder as his magic hands ran over the sore spot, melting the pain away. She didnt know what he was doing, but it was fantastic. Even when the pain was gone he continued to pet her, and a pleased purr started up in her throat. Her ears perked up when he mentioned her gifts and his house and their subsequent leaving to get them. She agreed though that it would be rude to just leave.

"Mmm." She hummed as she nuzzled his neck. "We can tell everyone when they get back, then you can take me back to your place." She said. Then with a devious grin she snaked her tongue out and ran up the side of Tama's neck in a long lick.

Just when she was about to attack his ear with nibbles, a disturbing sound stopped her. She sat up on Tama's lap, holding onto his shoulders for support so she didnt go toppling off him. She wasnt sure, but she was almost certain that the sound she'd heard was that of someone crying out in pain. A small furry someone. Getting to her shaky feet, Okibi looked around, as though only just noticing that Seven was gone as well. His scent in the chair didnt lead anywhere; it was like he'd just up and vanished. There was another scent however, another young male dog whod jumped on the table and out the nearby window. Okibi wobbled her way over and almost toppled over the sill in her haste. She looked up and down the alley and spotted the crowd of white jacketed employees crowding the far end near the trash cans.

Thats when the howl was issued. Okibi didnt even need to look up; she knew Seven was somehow on the roof and was the one who was howling. There was no real way to translate it into human words, but basically it was a call of distress; a part of the pack was in danger and needed help. She could tell by it's inflection that the call was not for himself, but for somebody else.

She didnt know how she managed up in her state - she was barely able to stay on her feet let alone manage any complicated battle maneuvers - but somehow she did. She leaped out the window and Shadow Danced down the alley, appearing next to the dumpster. Without a second thought, she threw herself over the unconscious lump of fur she smelled there. She hissed with pain when a knife pierced her back, and another pierced her calf.

Behind her, she heard the men who'd thrown the knives gasp and exclaim, "Where did she come from!?" "I didnt see her!" were just some of the things they blabbered. Someone also said that it wasnt his fault, he was aiming at the dog . . . Those were cast a spark on Okibi anger, and within moments it was worked into a raging inferno. Turning on her knees she glared death at the men over her bleeding shoulder. A vicious snarl ripped from her lips, startling the men back against the other side of the alley.

The soft whine of the pup in her arms was the only thing that stopped her from hurting those men any way she could. Okibi looked down at the pup and raise him to her ear so she could hear him better. "Not me. Save her." He cried softly. Her? Her who?

It was too late by the time she realized there was another scent in the alley, another pup who needed help. Okibi looked up in time to see the rest of the men readying their knives for a volley, aiming at a small female pup curled up in the corner, shaking with fear. "No!" She cried, trying to get to her feet, but the pain in her back and leg were too much. She wasnt going to make it.

[MFT]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke was trying to recover and get himself ready to move. He was still sore from the beating Shizune gave him. Sousuke listened as Number Seven called for him. "Move. I have to move."<i></i> Sousuke was trying to focus and get moving. When he did something eerie would happen. A great black cloak and chains would appear out of thin air and consume Sousuke. For a slight moment Number Seven would see a great figure garbed in black stand at six foot three. He would see a pair of yellow eyes flicker underneath the hood as the figure stood up completely. A swirl effect would happen and instantly the figure would phase shift down.

Three knives thrown, and three of them went into something not right. The dark cloaked figure stood with knives protruding from it. Green blood began to drip from these wounds. "Leave."<i></i> The figure insisted. The voice echoed lowly. If Tama were present for this, he would be able to sense something familiar, something old. For Okibi she would remember this figure from before. A long time ago when she acted rashly against Sousuke. The figure would certainly put fear into many, and those throwing the knives were quick to flee from the scene. The figure would merely bow his head in a fashion that seemed familiar. The mass of black robes would then turn his back upon Okibi and then reach out to the female puppy reaching out benevolently. "Here... Let Me Aid You." With steady slow moving hands the figure would pick up the puppy. Upon contact the pup would feel warmth. It was the warmth of the most comforting sort.

The cloaked figure would then stand up with puppy in hand. Fingers were petting the troubled beast with grace, comfort, and dedication. "There, That Is Better." The figure would then look up to see Number Seven. Still on the rooftop with no way to get down. The figure would again phase shift up to collect Number Seven and bring him back down in a swift movement. "Even Better." The figure would speak before the robes and chains began to retract, ultimately disappearing. The robes vanished and became steel. Sousuke would be back in his Mark I armour and would appear like he had just been through hell. Still he held the pup in his steady hands. The Mark I armour was dented and in some places the damage looked critical. "You okay Okibi?"<i></i> Sousuke would inquire seeing as show she too was injured but not as bad though. "I should look into paying for dinner... and all those drinks should I?"<i></i>

 

[Toraono Michino]

The blonde would be content to just sit there for the rest of the night until the banging on the roof stopped and Sousuke would return to join them but, it never worked out so easily for him.

Before he could even reply to her she was up and moving towards the window where the pup had jumped out. The scientist figured that Sousuke and his infinite awesome would be able to handle the problems that just transpired, and Tama was really too drunk to care, but the look of concern on Okibi’s face told him that something just might be up.
He got up from his chair and followed the Wild Child over to the window where he held out his hand to try and stop her before she jumped out the window. In a panic he immediately stuck his head out to watch her use the Shadow Step technique and move herself down to the street. He lost sight of her and decided that the only natural course was to follow along.

When in Rome right?

The scientist drunkenly got his foot perched on the ledge before jumping out of the window – forgetting to use any of his chakra – and landed on the ground with a meaty thunk. Tama groaned a little in pain as he got himself back up from the ground and popped his shoulder back into its socket and using a bit of his healing chakra to ease the pain in his left ankle.
With a slight limp he walked down the alley to find a scene he really should not have seen, and that was two knives stabbing into Okibi.
The scientist held up a single hand as his mind snapped a little and energy began to gather itself with a terribly strong momentum. Had it been unleashed it would have probably left a hole in the building and a small crater in the concrete but a certain presence threw a wrench at his drunken mind.

Tama’s breath caught in his throat as his eyes immediately went up to the shadowy figure that floated down from the building to catch the three knives that were aimed at a second puppy. The very words spoken by that creature made his heart race in a certain kind of mix of excitement and fear; it had been far too long since he had been in such a presence.
The angry workers knew when they were out classed and decided to leave as quickly as possible. In turn the Steward returned to a more recognizable state and everything seemed out of danger once again. The scientist walked up slowly towards the group and sighed as he shook his head,
“Seriously, can’t I let any of you out of my sight for a few seconds without someone getting injured?<i></i>”

His mind was a bit more sobered up though he could still feel a small tingle of the alcohol in the back of his brain. His hands rose up together and formed a few seals that caused a deep blue chakra to spread from the scientist’s finished seal and slowly wash over everyone and everything there. The energy would slowly seep calmness into everyone as well as begin to repair major injuries into minor ones so that Sousuke would at least be able to move, and the stab wounds on Okibi would stop bleeding. Just as well the energy would try to help heal any injuries the canine had accumulated; it was supposed to be a good day for Okibi! Everyone got some heals!

Or at least that was his brain track. I did say the alcohol was still there in the back of his head.

 

[Okibi]

A shadow. A shadow, a shadow, a moving shadow! No, no, no! They were supposed to be gone! How did they find her again!?

As the events following her saving of the spotted puppy unfolded, Okibi found she could not move a muscle. She was inebriated, injured, and unable to move, and she had to protect an injured pup. The pressure of the situation was too great for her addled mind to handle when the shifting shadow appeared in front of the other puppy. She didnt realize it had in fact protected the frightened creature, taking the knives in its arm; all she could she was the darkness, moving as though it had a mind of its own.

For a moment, she was taken back to a time when she was engulfed in those shadows, taunted, touched and terrified. She'd never confided in anyone about what truly happened to her in that hellish year she'd been away from home, at least, not about the stuff that'd truly left her scarred. The fears that ran so deep that they left her paralyzed sometimes . . . She thought she'd conquered them, but apparently, all she'd done was forget for a time.

Because being faced again with one of those moving masses of darkness left Okibi shaking with fear, and her lungs unable to pull in a breath. It was all coming back to her.

There was a momentary respite when the shade vanished, along with the puppy. Okibi collapsed, baring her weight down on her left arm, still holding the dalmatian with her right. Her frame shook with miniscule quakes, rousing the dizzy pup. He wiggled slightly in her hold as he gradually came to. He gave her a confused look, before trying to get away from her. His movements werent rushed, however, and Okibi sat him down gently and closed her eyes tightly as she slapped her other hand against the pavement, fighting back the tears. The pup sat on the side, watching her with wary eyes.

Damn . . . she thought she was ok. How could she had fooled herself so easily?

Then the shadow reappeared with Seven in his hold, and Okibi looked up with wide and startled eyes. She forgot her fear for a split second, instead grabbing onto a desperation that was born from seeing her friend - whom she'd just been reunited with - in the clutches of one of those monsters. She wanted to get to her feet, to rush the shade, snatch Seven away and make a break for it. But still, her body would not move.

But then the shadow set Seven down, and relief flooded her when he ran to her side, free of the evil's clutch. She wilted sideways against the dumpster, clutching her head as a slight headache started to return. Too much was happening at once.

"Are you ok?" Seven asked her, just as Sousuke did the same - wait, Soususke? Okibi watched as the shadowy form melted away, leaving my a very beat up looking Steward, holding the matted up who was now bouncing in his hold, trying to lick his face. She looked quite ecstatic to be where she was, even if the spotted male was now barking up a storm at Sousuke's feet, jumping and snapping his jaws like he wanted to rip Sousuke's arm off.

Okibi smiled grimly at both of them, wince as she moved her shoulder a lance of pain shot through it. She reached down at quickly pulled the knife in her leg free, then attempted to do the same with the one in her back. However, it was too close to the middle, where neither of her arms could reach at the moment. Her body wasnt quite listening to her, after all. "Could someone help me?" Okibi whined, leaning harder against the dumpster. Just then, a soothing energy washed over her, and immediately she knew who it belonged to. Identifying it had become second nature to her. She looked up as Tama limped over, cracking a joke about how they were always getting hurt. Okibi couldnt stop the whine that slipped out of her again; she tried to smile, but it looked brittle.

"Tami . . ." She beckoned, holding out her left hand while her right one clutched at her shoulder. She couldnt get up, but she wanted - needed - a familiar and comforting hand to hold at that moment. The flashbacks, the alcohol, the shadows, the pain, it was all becoming just a little too much, and she desperately needed the warmth of his hand, because truly, he was quickly becoming one of the most comforting presences in her life.

A few moments later, a door on the side of the alley burst open and a rotund man came waddling out, looking quite displeased. He was dressed in classy business attire, and had a small horde of worried looking employees at his heels. He stopped at the threshold of the door, and glanced around the alley, taking in the chaos. The man's gaze landed on Sousuke, and his beady eyes took on a supplicant, pleading look as he started rubbing his hands together. "Steward-sama, I apologize for my employees rash behavior. We've been plagued by that spotted devil for the last few days, and they were just trying to get rid of it. Please, dont worry about any expenses you amassed this evening; its all on the house. In fact, we would like to give you and your family a year's worth of free meals here for the trouble we've caused you. Any hospital bills will be covered by us as well, of course. Please accept our most humble apologies." Then the stout little man executed an awkward sort of bow; he couldnt really bend at the waist because his belly was so round, so it was more of a hunch.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke's face plates retracted. Al though Tama had healed him, Sousuke showed signs of bruising around the arms. When Tama made the statement of getting hurt because he wasn't in his line of sight Sousuke merely shrugged. "I left you with Okibi twice now? Once when you were younger and she came back with violet hair. The second time I had to call you to see what was going on. Who know what you two had done when I went after this tiny infant canine who is barking and my foot. Not to mention the way you two were kissing earlier was ... well, most ... unusual."<i></i> Sousuke would look down. The Dalmatian was barking away. No doubt the creature was uttering remarks that were condescending in some nature, if what Shizune translated was accurate. "I thank-you for the patch up. I ... may or may not have meet up with an acquaintance who got into a fight with me over this little one here who is attempting to snap at my heels. I may or may not have broken bones, dislocated joints, or various other bruises."<i></i> Sousuke would cough. Sousuke then looked down at the pup. "I may not speak beast, but I can tell you are not amused by my actions... why I am not entirely sure. I have preserved the life of this ... female canine, and you seem to resent that? How disturbing."<i></i>

Sousuke was now subjected to several licks around the chin area. He blinked for a moment and looked down. He seemed to have forgotten he was holding the puppy. Sousuke smiled weakly at the pup. When Okibi requested for aid, Sousuke walked over and helped her up with a free hand. Sousuke while frail looking seemed to have plenty of strength in his arms as he helped her up. Okibi's fear did not go unnoticed by Sousuke. With the free arm he hugged her tightly. "You should not have seen that. I am ... sorry."<i></i> Sousuke's tone was monotone, but what he said was sincere. "My form should not have manifested like that. A critical error ... one that will not occur again."<i></i> He tried explaining, but Okibi of course would not understand and nor would she want to.

Following that came the restaurant's owner who apologized and offered Sousuke ... a most reasonable offer. The Steward would nod his head. Before leaving he was given a missive from his mother. Apparently she had been summoned by the Order of the Protectorate. It was an organization she was part of that was not clan oriented, but a collection of individuals who focused their resources upon a particular interest. Sousuke had met these people before, and most of them were ... not quite human, or were human but with exceptional sizes or figures. "Mother apologizes for having to bail. She hopes we had fun, and that you two ... brought roof down? Most curious."<i></i>

Sousuke's face twitched. His gaze shifted from Okibi to Tama, then back to Okibi. He looked quite tired, but who wouldn't be? Constant phase shifting, and taking a beating and responding accordingly? Even with Tama's healing he still looked worse for wear. In particular the arm that Shizune had grabbed him was hideously bruised to the point of blackening violet. "I... suppose I should make sure the two of you make it safely to ... to ... Tama's residence? I suppose you two want some time to yourselves. I'm not sure what you two do on your own, but don't do anything dangerous..."<i></i> Sousuke still held the puppy and bounced it in his arms. "I can take Number Seven home and these new canine companions. Supposing they want to come home that is. Would you inquire for my Number Seven?"<i></i>

 

[Toraono Michino]

The scientist heard his name being called somewhere through the haze of his drunk while trying to focus chakra to heal the two. He looked down at Okibi and noticed the hand reaching out to him as well as the knife in her back that the flesh was very slowly pushing out. With a few stumbles, totally underestimating the entire situation, he finally got to his knees beside her and reached up to touch her shoulder to keep her calm as he reached to take the knife from her.
The wave of emotions that came flooding into these senses he borrowed when he touched her almost sent him into tears.

Carefully he grasped the hilt of the kitchen knife and with a quick jerk removed the sharp instrument from the wound before placing his hand against it and allowing his healing chakra to flow steadily into it. The wound would stop bleeding, seal up, and pain would be non existant but…there was a deeper pain still. He could feel her torture now as her mind was trying its hardest to reel away from it despite everything that was going on.
Finally Tama took Okibi’s hand in his own and pulled her into a deep hug that lasted only a few seconds as he whispered something into her ear that couldn’t be heard except for maybe by the pups ears,
“The darkness will never reach this far…not without snuffing my light first…<i></i>”

Of course he knew what the base cause of the fear was coming from; what else was Okibi afraid of? The blonde knew her very well considering the time they had spent together and though she had never made light of what had happened to her, he knew. The medical notes from her charting alone told him everything else his genius didn’t figure out and since that day a small pit of rage was lying in wait should they someday find those poor souls. To know that despite how far she had come there was still dark scars upon her soul only stoked up the flames of that pit. He didn’t let a bit of his anger show in any shape or form, even his scent would remain calm just for her in this moment, but it was there in the back of his mind; waiting to be unleashed.

Sousuke, using keen fatherly senses, brought Okibi to her feet to also comfort her after making rather obvious remarks about their time spent together. A rather deep shade of red shot up into his face along with a bit of sobriety when the Steward mentioned the call he had made that morning she spent the night at his house. He had went dead silent for a few seconds during that phone call when he recognized the voice but managed to explain away that she had been very tired after the funeral and that she wanted to sleep in his house for the night.
Of course he had made sure not to over explain everything too in order to keep the man’s suspicions towards what they had done that day to a minimal; the less he knew on this matter the better…

Just as the scientist began to pick himself up the owner of the restaurant would burst out and apologize profusely for the trouble that had been caused. Really there hadn’t been any trouble at all, given their normal day-to-day lives as shinobi, but there was no doubt that the bill for Okibi’s alcohol and their ruined meal was astronomical; for it to be on the house and to give them all free service for a year was insane.

Being connected to the Steward really did have its advantages, just as his mind had concluded years ago when he first met Okibi. However unlike then his cares and concerns weren’t about getting in good with the Steward, but about her and all about her. He had realized in the year she was away that his lack of real friends and family was what lead him down that dark road to start with and her timely return could not have been at a better time. She may never know it but she had snatched him from the jaws of death just by surviving that hellacious year.

“We were probably going to head that way after dinner anyways,” the blonde responded with a clearer voice that he had a moment ago, “Though I’m not anywhere near as inebriated as I was before so we should be able to get there safely. Honestly you should get to a hospital and have your wounds properly checked out instead of walking us home as I imagine Seven still knows how to get to your residency…maybe. Actually, you know what? Forget the hospital.<i></i>”

Tama limped over to the Steward, because his ankle still hurt and the healing chakra wasn’t as focused as normal due to the fact that he was using it more than usual, and placed his hands together. He shifted his hands through six seals and ended on a seventh one that was the dragon. No chakra exploded from his hands this time, no, it was but a single point of glowing white energy on the tip of his index finger. He reached up and poked the closest exposed flesh he could find to place the small amount of energy inside of him. His whole body would flash once in the color of chakra nearest to his own before beginning to instantly heal up all of his injuries with amazing speed.
As soon as the light of energy left Tama he dropped like a stone to the ground and shook a little. Before anyone could be concern though he raised a hand to wave them off and began to slowly lift himself back up. His face looked as if he had lived a whole year in the few seconds it took to begin a massive healing process inside of Sousuke,
“Whew, been awhile since I’ve actually used that technique. I’m only able to use it once a month due to how long it takes to refine healing chakra to the point that it heals so instantaneously,<i></i>” He tried to move just to walk close to Okibi and almost fell again, catching himself on the dumpster, “Well damn, we might need help getting home now.<i></i>”

 

[Okibi]

The moment he touched her was like a balm to her frazzled senses, although it was barely a touch to the shoulder. She winced when he tugged the knife free, but relaxed when his healing chakra seeped into the wound, closing it up. Suddenly, she was being tugged into Tama's embrace, and she couldnt have fought him even if she wanted to, and she would be crazy to want to fight.

Although it only lasted for a few moments, Okibi basked in the comfort that wafted from Tama in soothing waves. She breathed in his scent, and though it was tinged with the sweet tang of alcohol, it was still the familiar smell that she was coming to love so dearly. Then there were the words he whispered in her ear, which for just a second or two confused her. Snuff his light out first? Was he . . . was he saying he'd die for her? The very notion sounded ridiculous; as though she would ever let him make such a sacrifice. But, on the other hand, that he would make such a promise . . . it was telling, wasnt it?

Tears sprang up in her eyes again, but this time for a wholly different reason.

She didnt get the chance to reply because not a moment later Tama was releasing her and she was being hauled to her feet carefully by Sousuke. She used his arm for support as she steadied herself, favoring the leg that'd been wounded - it wasnt healing as quickly as the one Tama treated directly. Imagine Okibi's surprise when she was then pulled into the chest of her guardian steward, a man renowned for his lack of emotion. Even as he held her, and apologized, she couldnt hear any of the emotion that's usually conveyed through words (just like last time on the dance floor) but she could feel it in the way he held her tightly with one arm. He knew he'd frightened her with that strange form, and promised to never let it happen again.

Okibi wasnt sure she liked that promise. How was she going to get over her fears if she never faced them?

Taking a deep breath, she buried her face momentarily in Sousuke's shoulder, just taking a second to breathe in his scent too. In ways, it was quite similar to Tama's - they both had that genius smell about them - and even though there were great differences as well, Sousuke's scent was just as comforting as the blonds. Two hugs, and two promises all within the span of a few minutes. Well, wasnt she a lucky girl?

Okibi pulled away from Sousuke as a man - who seemed to be the owner of the restaurant - waddled outside to speak with them. Choosing to ignore him, Okibi instead turned her attentions to the three pups, two of which were strangers to her. Okibi looked from the grimy fluffy one licking at Sousuke's chin, to the bouncing angry one at his feet. She then turned to Seven with a raised eyebrow, but he just shrugged.

They would have to address the matter of the dogs later, however, as Tama had decided to take that time to go and use some sort of apparently high leveled technique that drained him faster than a juice box in kindergarten. Amazingly, most of Sousuke's injuries disappeared right before their eyes;amazing. However, Tama wasnt faring so well. He crumpled to the ground the moment his energy faded, but before Okibi could rush forward to help him he was holding up a hand, waving them off. His face looked strained and pale, like nearly all the life had been sucked right out of him. Okibi's features drew downwards in a frown as she watched him get back up, only to stumble when he tried to walk over to her, barely catching himself on the dumpster. Making a tsk sound behind her teeth, Okibi shuffled over to him and pulled one of his arms over her shoulders for support. Even though she was still rather drunk, the pain from being stabbed and the run in with her forgotten fears had sobered her enough to at least help the scientist move. Albeit, they would be moving slowly.

"Why dont we see Sogay home first? It's probably closer than your house; you can regain some strength there before we go to your place." She said to the tall blond, looking up at him. Adjusting his arm over her shoulder, she looked at the rest of the group, observing the dogs. Seven stood by, watching the two newbies with a careful eye. She turned her ear on the still yapping dalmatian, who was obviously very displeased with Sousuke. She picked up a few of the insults he was throwing Sousuke's way, and laughed because Sousuke seemed to know it too. "Seven, you'll watch over Sogay and those two wont you? Show them around the house? That is, of course, if they want to come with us."

Seven glanced at Okibi, then back at the two pups, neither of which seemed to be paying attention to the matter at hand. Seven yipped loudly, grabbing their attention. The female stopped licking Sousuke, and the dalmatian stopped barking, although he continued to growl at Sousuke quietly. "Well? Do you two want to come with us?"

"No." The spotted one responded snidely, at exactly the same time the female yipped a happy, "Yes!"

Seven grinned at the dalmatian, who seemed taken aback by the girls response. "They said they want to come along." He translated. Okibi laughed quietly, since she knew full and well that only one of them had agreed. The dalmatian looked entirely put out by the turn of events.

"Let's get going then, huh?"

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Back and forth it went. Was Sousuke being walked home, or was he walking them home? For a singular moment Sousuke would turn and look upwards for a moment. He was certainly feeling better for the most part. He was still sore, but everything now felt to be in place. "Thank you for that earlier Tama. I am operating now at ninety-percent. Though you didn't need to over-exert yourself over me. I appreciate the thought and the action."<i></i> Sousuke scratched the back of his head. "I made a birthday cake for Okibi. Perhaps that may aid you in your undertaking to regain your strength. Mother made one too since she doubts my ability. She has stated on multiple ocassions my food had no taste, but Okibi says it tastes wonderful."<i></i> Sousuke's eyes would shift over to his ward. She was telling the truth naturally. Right?

When Sousuke got his answer from the two puppies, he ran his finger down the back of the one he was holding. Giving her a pat. "I think we require names for these two. I propose this one being called Lady."<i></i> Sousuke would then looked down at the Dalmatian. "This one is harder to name. He is quite disruptive, loud, snappy, and I would think he is bossy. Hrrrmmm."<i></i> Sousuke had to think. A name. A name. Something simple. "Griefer? He likes to cause grief. I suspect he may be exceptional at that."<i></i> Sousuke suggested. Sousuke felt awkward. He felt quite warm and fuzzy. Was this what his mother experienced when she started to talk to Number Seven in such an awkward fashion befitting that of a small human child. A very curious thing would happen. Sousuke would indeed attempt to imitate his mother's actions from earlier. "Who's a little Lady? Why you are. Indeed you are. Quite lady like."<i></i> Well. Sousuke tried. His words were spoken monotone, but the words he had spoken were not meant to come out that way.

With that said the journey home began. It was most unevenetual, and like before Sousuke merely kept his distance from Okibi and Tama slightly following them from behind by a few meters. By the time they reached home, the Takahashi house hold was lit up. It was a modest household, if not too modest for the Line of Stewards. The home was old but it carried with it a certain dignity. Sousuke seemed to bright up a bit as he went forward and opened the door to open the way in.

 

[Toraono Michino]

The weariness in Tama’s legs didn’t last long, though the mental image of Sousuke trying to ‘baby talk’ to the puppy was ironed into his brain.

About half way to the Steward’s house the scientist was able to lift himself off his drunken mate’s shoulders and carry himself normally. The look of fatigue was gone from his face but so was the dull edge in his eyes that the alcohol had caused.
Though he had dipped deep into his reservoirs of chakra to do it, the blonde had managed to heal up his body into full physical condition so that he was once again standing up straight. He didn’t have enough chakra to do little more than minor physical activities at the moment from healing his body back up, but at least no one had to worry.

His stomach growled loudly in protest despite this.

If there was anything to miss from eating souls it would have to be the odd cravings that natural hunger pained him with. With his body running with such a high metabolism the scientist was almost always hungry to some extent or another but he had little more than a snack before leaving to the restaurant and there he had only been able to sample his meal before it was destroyed.

Tama’s arm moved around Okibi’s waist and pulled her close to him as he hummed the song they had been dancing to. It had been one heck of an evening to say the least with the amount of chaos that followed their day to day life, but he wouldn’t have traded a single second of it for anything more peaceful.
I mean, four fully battle trained warriors, each with secret techniques and a head full of ways to kill a person, going out to eat? At a fancy restaurant like normal people? No, no, that was more like a given recipe for disaster if had ever heard of one.
It was half the reason he went in the first place; the other half was obvious.

All the way there all the blonde did was hum the song that was playing in his head along with the memories connected. The things spoken back and forth, the absolute boldness that came along with drinking rum…he had gained a lot of new experiences tonight. They were all being processed through his mind as things to know about himself should certain situations call for the skills being inebriated brought about.

Tama had a feeling he may yet need them again before the night was over, if he was given a chance. A bit of nervousness creeped up his spine all the things that were heatedly exchanged back and forth returned to his placid mind; he had promised a lot, even if they had been semi-joking. There was indeed an underlying tension between the two of them that must be thick as butter by now and breaking it was turning out to be extremely difficult given his…condition.

Privately Tama prayed he had some rum back home for more than one reason.

 

[Okibi]

As they became homeward bound, Okibi made a disgusted face at the 'names' Sousuke picked out for the new puppies. Although the female in his hold seemed pleased enough with him - she was ecstatic really - Okibi couldnt help finding his chosen names lacking. Lady and . . . Griefer? Really . . . he was about as lacking in creativity as he was in emotions. Odd, since he could make such fantastical things with his hands. Okibi blew a raspberry into the air and adjusted Tama's arm on her shoulder, wobbling slightly. "Sogay, those names suck. Lady? Please. She is obviously a Peach, or Peaches! Because Peaches are delicious and wonderful and amazing . . . and if she likes you so much already, she has to be amazing too."

She looked over her shoulder at the dalmatian snapping at Sousuke's heals. Seven was trying to run interference, keeping the pup from actually damaging the Stewards pants, but any time he got too close the spotted thing just snapped at him. "You tell him to put her down and I'll stop attacking! Who does he think he is giving us such a stupid names!?" Seven laughed, even as he had to snatch his transformed hand away, and translated for Sousuke. "He thinks your choice in names is pretty poor as well Sousuke."

The female pup yipped, bouncing in Sousuke's hold, trying to lick him some more as well as look over his shoulder. "I like Lady just fine!" She flipped her small head, making her ears flop. "He obviously knows good breeing when he sees it."

The dalmatian growled and lowered his ears. "He wouldnt know a good thing if it bit him in the pants. Which I'm really considering at this point. Aint no way I'm callin you Lady. Your name is Peaches, like the pale human said! Quit licking him!"

Okibi laughed out loud, though it was followed by a loud hiccup and a slight stumble. Thankfully, Tama seemed recovered enough by then to have slipped his arm around her waist, keeping her from completely falling over. She cuddled into his side with a dreamy sigh, hiccuping again. "That one," She said in reference to the dalmatian, "Is very . . . Passionate. Totally lacking in serenity . . . His name should be Zen, since he has none of it to speak of." Okibi laughed again, like it was a joke. To her addled mind, well, it was. "Peaches and Zen. What do you think Seven? Tami?" She asked the two, looking over her shoulder, and then up at the blond. He was humming now, and the sound was a delight to her ears.

They were nearly home now and Sousuke went ahead of them to open the door. The windows were lit up - was Juju home? - and even from the doorway Okibi could smell the promised cake. After all the excitement at the restaurant, and despite the near half gallon of alcohol she drank, her stomach was protesting loudly to it's emptiness. The potent liquid was not enough!

They made their way to the kitchen and dining room area, and Okibi pulled away from Tama to look for plates. As she dug through a cupboard, she voice a question that had been on her mind since they'd left. "So how did you get so beat up in the first place Sogay?" She asked as she was pulling down a plate. She hiccuped, and the plate slipped from her fingers, crashing to the ground in pieces. She winced, and bent over to pick up slivers and chunks, but she tilted just a little too far and ended up sprawling on her hands and knees, cutting them on the glass. She hissed quietly and carefully sat herself back on her rear end to inspect the damage. She was starting to bleed from numerous wounds, and there were a few shards stuck in her flesh.

Apparently getting stabbed with sharp objects was a thing for her this evening.

[MFT]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke placed Lady on the table and ventured into the refrigerator. He removed a milk carton, an unopened one that is due to Okibi's dirty habit of drinking from the carton instead of pouring it into the glass. Along with said carton he removed a series of vials from the fridge as well. Sousuke gave Griefer a most grim look. "He gives me Grief. Therefore he is Griefer. Inform him if he does not stop snapping at my ankles, I will discipline him accordingly. I will transform my telephone into a mechanical clone of his size and heavier weight. I will then instruct said clone to headbutt him repeatedly. Perhaps I will fill his young mind with knowledge. I am told sometimes the hard school of hard knocks is the best school as per my unloving grandmother."<i></i> Was it an idle threat? Sousuke's lips would curl into a sinister looking grin as he closed his eyes and continued this sinisterly pleased look upon his visage. Something was foul in the state of Denmark when Sousuke was capable of expressing facial expressions properly.

Sousuke then proceeded to prepare two bowls of milk. He mixed into the milk certain extra ingredients for the canine flavouring to promote growth and development. Science. Sousuke's science expanded far and wide. He had the science of cooking down. He then reminded himself that Number Seven was also a puppy and required some form of nourishment too. He prepared a third one and placed it down for him too. "You may want to convert forms to enjoy that as ... well human taste buds will not like it. mother will want you to remain small forever. I on the other hand wish you to grow up to be strong and ... big like before. I'm sure Okibi would like for you to grow up the same way too."<i></i> He explained. "Inform Griefer that I am not trying to poison him, yet."<i></i>

By this time Okibi had cut herself. Again. Sousuke went to go get band-aids and handed them to her. "Do you ... want me to plasma vapourize those shards?"<i></i> Sousuke looked to Tama. "Do you want to cut the cake or shall I? I would let the birthday girl do so, but given what she just did... I... am hesitant in the extreme."<i></i> Sousuke would inquire of his boon companion. Sousuke would then be inquired as to why he was so ... bruised and beaten. Sousuke then looked to Number Seven, then to Griefer, and then to Okibi. "I engaged in physical combat attempting to preserve Griefer's life. Had I not intervened his skull would have been crushed by the woman at the table while you were dancing with Tama. She is not as she seems."<i></i> Sousuke spoke cryptically. Would Number Seven ... reveal what he had told him of Shizune from earlier? That Shizune in her proper form was a six foot plus towering she-hulk capable of cracking his bones with extreme ease? Maybe it was best for him to explain. "You know I'm poor at explaining things. Perhaps you'd best inquire with Number Seven as I lack the ability to explain things in shortened versions. That and... by the time I finish this sentence, I assure your attention is elsewhere by now. I would think that you attention is locked onto Tama because of your ... closer knit nature or because you are attracted to some feature of his I cannot comprehend or compute."<i></i>

 

[Toraono Michino]

As soon as the scientist was in the house he went about to try and help Okibi get out the plates and such to set up for cake. Soberness was crashing down on the poor man and thus came the sudden rules of politeness that had been drilled into his head. Even on the run his mother made sure that he didn’t grow up to be some rude well-traveled bastard.
Yet it was probably his attempt to help that caused Okibi to trip up, well, combined with her previous state of inebriation. Instantly the scientist was down next to the girl with a concerned look in his eyes that was followed by a pouty bottom lip at her to ease her concerns; if indeed drunk Okibi could have such things.

The blonde slid his arms under her knees and behind her back to easily lift her light frame off of the ground. His right foot stuck out and pushed against the leg of a chair to swivel it out so he could set her down on it and away from the glass.
“She must have been quite the opponent indeed to leave you as banged up as you were. The spell I used to heal your wounds would have completely recovered most injuries unless they were already in a very critical state…<i></i>” Tama crouched down to the broken plate and placed his hands together to form a few seals. A small gathering of air would swirl around the broken shards and lift them and the dust around it up into the air in an orb. He would then direct the orb to the closest trash can and dispersed the broken plate into it.
“Then again I also wonder if it’s also part that you’re not…like normal humans. I was able to tell when I touched your flesh and absorbed a bit of your chakra. I hope you don’t take it personally<i></i>,” he said suddenly embarrassed after thinking about the sentence, “I accidentally draw out someone’s chakra a little every time I touch their flesh. It’s how I was able to speak in the Beast Tongue earlier, when I touch Okibi, in example holding her hand,<i></i>” he said making sure the conversation stayed in the strictly okay-touching zone though his mind instantly threw flash backs at him, “I drew a little bit of the chakra that naturally lines our flesh and my chakra coil automatically tunes my system towards abilities that sleep in the blood. Although its only so long as I remain in contact with said person, so I couldn’t slap an Uchiha and take his eyes, I’d actually have to force out a large amount of chakra from someone and absorb it to do that.<i></i>”

If Okibi had even paid attention to half of that she would realize a number of things that would be great for messing with him now; especially the one where he’s able to scent her primal emotions.
Taking Sousuke’s request on with gusto the scientist took up the knife offered to him and set about slicing the cake into eighths. Within moments the celebratory pastry was ready to be consumed with thanks to shinobi weapons training.
Even if he didn’t specialize in weaponry he could still hold his own should he be forced into such a situation. He had often imagined that no matter his strength in ninjutsu had become or could still advance that he would still have to combat his father in one-on-one combat. The only way to win that was to fight with the weapon he preferred; swords. Of all the stories his mother spoke of, begrudgingly, she said that there was no other swordsman who could compare. Tengokai had managed such a mastery over the sword that even when faced with opponents that wielded any other weapon could not beat him. It was only when faced with another blade did the man ever give a single moment’s pause; though even then they were not long.

 

[Okibi]

Seven looked up when he heard Okibi break the place, and shook his head at her bleeding knees. And she'd been so graceful on the dancefloor earlier. What happened? He turned back around, unconcerned with his human since he was sure Tama would help her. He, on the other hand, had to keep the little dalmatian from actually attacking Sousuke. The pup was currently barking obscenities at the Steward, who was making up some bowls of milk for them. Seven chose to remain silent about that; Sousuke didnt need to hear the naughty words Zen was using for him.

When the man set a bowl down in front of him, Seven looked down at it and sniffed it. Peaches - or Lady? Whatever - went right for her bowl, diving in with gusto. Zen snapped at Sousuke's hand when his was set down, and missed it by a few inches. Seven rolled his eyes and let go of the jutsu that was holding his form and hunkered down on the floor to take a few laps at his dish. After a few mounthfuls he sat back and licked his lips, looking up at Sousuke. "I miss being large too, like I said before. Being small is troublesome. Like what happened on the roof earlier. Had I been in my old body I could have gotten myself down easily. I probably could have helped you fend off that giant woman who pummeled you too." Then he went back to drinking his meal.

Okibi, whod just been picked up by Tama and carried to a chair, perked up when she heard this. For the moment, she stayed quiet as Tama made some commentary about Sousuke's condition and mysterious inner workings. She purred with thanks and nuzzled his cheek as he set her down, then she dusted the glass of her legs and plucked the shards stuck in her skin out with her claws. No need for any 'vaporize' anything here; both Sousuke and Tama could use a lesson in doing things the old fashioned way instead of relying on their chakra all the time. Really . . . shooting glass shards and picking things up with wind. How lazy they were!

She perked up again when Tama explained how he'd been able to talk beast speech earlier, and the knowledge had her grinning. After slapping some band aids over her cuts she looked up at Tama with a grin. He was cutting the cake and was standing just within her reach. "Is that how it works? I'll have to remember that." She said quietly, leaning against her metal hand as she reached out with her flesh one to run a finger over his wrist. She left it there for a few moments, to let whatever chakra sucking happen. If he did steal her sense of smell for a moment, as well as her other abilities, he would smell the still simmering desire that was bubbling just under her surface. It'd been dampened by the events at the restaurant, but it could still easily be stoked. "I cant wait to get my 'presents' later." She growled at him, using beast speech so Sousuke wouldnt understand her.

Seven, however, understood her just fine. He sat up and rose an eyebrow at the couple. "I'm not going to have to go with you two later am I?" He said, sounding like quite the guardian he had been in his last life, despite having a high pitched puppy voice. Okibi chuckled and pulled her hand away from Tama's wrist, looking away and breaking eye contact. She forgoed using her forkeand dug two of her fingers into the cakes icing. Sticking them into her mouth she took her time licking the icing away. "Dont be silly Seven. We wont do anything . . . too bad." Then, suddenly turning the tide of the conversation, she looked back at Sousuke, smacking her lips. "So you got thrashed by a woman? Who was she? I'd like to meet her." She said with a teasing grin.

Seven went back to lapping at his milk, but not before throwing in a comment. "She was like you actually. She could understand Zen."

That made Okibi sit up straighter and open her eyes wider. "Oh really? Now Im very interested."

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke's eyes shifted to the side. "I... I... I'm normal. Being social and expressive aren't my strongest characteristics. I've been working quite hard to be superior in all things."<i></i> For a moment Sousuke faltered as Tama had caught him mentioning that there something not quite right about him, be it as a person or his chakra. "I have some Aspects of Lady Azame and that of House Toraono, but that doesn't make me exceptional at all. I'm just skilled with martial arms... more so than most people."<i></i> The Steward still wasn't making eye contact. "But yes. Shizune is ... not your average higher strength leveled being. Her strength levels are most exceptional. I'm stronger than I look of course, due to my armour amplifying my strength and I've tried to keep myself healthy and maintained what muscles I have. Usually a person can cap at a strength level of ten, Shizune is at least a twelve. Kuro of House Toraono is a fourteen, but we don't have to worry about his moral sanity or him being lawfully disinclined."<i></i>

Sousuke watched the continuation of Tama and Okibi continue. Were people this touchy feely when engaged in a relationship? Yume had hugged him on ocassion, that came as a surprise at first but overtime he was growing used to that. Sousuke's observations snapped as Number Seven spoke to him. "Maybe. I doubt it though because you and I don't share a bond like you and Okibi do. I wouldn't want your bones being crushed. If I wasn't in my Mark I, I think my bones could have been cracked or grinded to dust. A troubling thought."<i></i> Sousuke's eyes narrowed at the concept. Shizune was far too strong for someone that was of his age grouping, and humble origins. Had she been tampering with things that should not be? Or perhaps it was power through hate?

Sousuke's attention snapped back to Okibi, Tama, and Seven as they were talking about making their departure back to Tama'sw house later. "Too bad? I don't think that's possible. Still though. I suppose there is a first time for everything."<i></i> Sousuke folded his arms. Okibi, not to his surprised showed an interest in just who Shizune was. "Of course you would. I would refrain from seeking her or getting in touch. Her specialty aside from extreme physical strength is that she is a criminal. Not just any criminal but one deep within the metaphorical web of the underworld. She is not what you would call good company. She commits crimes not due to the necessity of having to sustain herself, more because of the thrill and the profit that is to come. It is these people who I have to deal with ... appropriately and sometimes quite harshly."<i></i> Sousuke's eyes shifted back between Tama and Okibi. "I suppose I should make myself scarce."<i></i>

 

[Toraono Michino]

The moment her fingertips grazed his skin a shiver of fear and excitement rushed through his body as his unnatural mix of terror and fascination shot through his mind.

Like a true military trained warrior, though, he remained calm. He had gotten better at not showing his emotions so much on his body when in anyone else’s company but hers. Tama knew that the girl could still smell his emotions and what happened when she touched him, and now the vice-versa as well.

Oh by the lords above what had he done?

For a moment everything seemed like it was going to be sane and cool until she spoke something to him in the tongue of beasts that sent his heart rushing from zero to sixty in two seconds flat. He could smell the light undertone for that furious passion she always had lying in wait should he ever someday finally overcome his odd phobias enough to actually return it. He had spoken so boldly earlier that he truly wondered if he could really back it up now that his sobriety was almost in full swing again. Still, even among all that worry and anxiety of things to come there was the taste of excitement, the ever joyous feeling of learning new things no matter what context they are taught.

A man of science must keep his horizons broad, no?

“I think you will really enjoy them.,” he said though he knew she would be able to sense the beat that his heart skipped just to respond in her language. The tone was right and the even the facial expressions matched, not a drop of fear sweat on his brow, but beneath all of that he was pretty sure his body was gearing for a heart attack; or a stroke, at least.
It wasn’t that he was trying to get himself into deeper trouble, it was just he had really gotten to enjoy the reactions he got from her; drunk or not. Throwing Okibi off her guard was never something the blonde was very good at. It was really ironic if you really thought about it, on a couple of levels really. The fact that he was a blonde and a known genius among the scientific community was quite the thing to raise the eyebrow at given all the ‘truths’ about blondes.

The fact that Okibi of all people could make him stammer was another one of those eyebrow things.

Thank Kami for Sousuke.

“Oh come off it now, you’re not normal. I’m not normal, Okibi isn’t normal. I mean if you think that you, the man who runs a good deal of what we do around here is normal then you sir…probably need a wife. Facial expressions and dead-pan reactions are normal, yes, but the fact that you can bring about epic armor transformation in split seconds is rather…beyond human if you ask me.</B><i></i>” He was really trying to boost the man’s sudden drop in self confidence. He had seen it happen as well earlier with his anger issues involving the scientist and his ward. The blonde really hoped he wasn’t coming off bad.
“You’re just…superior, that’s all. Nothing wrong with that at all. I wasn’t saying the fact that I wasn’t able to heal you completely is a bad thing, it just means your body and all that you can do with your chakra is just out of my reach in terms of abilities. Don’t you worry though, I’ll catch up one day!<i></i>”

The knife with its use finished was to be turned flat and used as a device to serve the cake with as he placed three slices on the small plates on hand and handed one to Okibi first and then to Sousuke,
“Nonsense,” Tama responded to the Steward saying something amount tootling off about his own business, “<B>Not without some cake first. Everyone loves cake…<i></i>”

 

[Okibi]

As Okibi listened to Sousuke describe the woman who'd pummeled him (or tried to, anyway) she became interested when he started mentioning strength levels. "What level would you say I'm at?" She asked as she swiped more frosting off the cake and licked at it. She seemed bored and uninterested, despite having asked about the woman herself. Her drunkenness was probably to be blamed for her all-over-the-placeness.

Seven jumped up onto a seat next to Okibi and pawed at the female pup - Peaches? Lady? - who was still on the table, finishing up her bowl. She looked at him questioningly, and he motioned with his head, telling her to vacate the table top and join him on the chair. She smiled puppyishly at him and hopped off, settling herself down next to him. A high pitched growl came from the floor just before Zen was bounding up onto the chair to squeeze his way between them. Seven and Peaches both gave him looks.

When the cake was being passed out, Okibi pushed hers towards the puppies and scooted closer to Tama. They stood up on their hind legs and started destroying the large piece, getting icing everywhere. When it came down to the last bite, Seven and Zen faced off, their noses inches away from each other over the last morsel. Zen started growling, trying to claim his territory, and something . . . young inside of Seven snapped. He started growling back in a manner that was very unlike the old Seven. He had not been territorial before, at least not since he was very young, but Zen was inspiring instinct inside of him that had long been asleep.

Seven launched himself at Zen, and they went tumbling off the chair and into a growling, yipping and biting heap on the floor.

Okibi paid this no mind - puppies would be puppies - as she pulled her chair up nice and close to Tama's. She pressed her chest up against his arm and curled her around his back so she could play with his ponytail. Her other hand started taking swipes of his piece of cake, whether he liked it or not. For a while, it seemed like this was all she was going to do; sit close to him and steal pieces of his cake. Until a thoughtful gleam entered her eyes and she took a peak of the blonde out of the corner of her eye. He and Sousuke had been having a back and forth, talking about the Stewards . . . 'not normalness', and she was getting bored listening to it.

So she would remedy the situation.

Without warning, Okibi dug her entire hand into the rest of Tama's slice of cake and slapped it against Tama's cheek with a splat! "Oops, my hand slipped." She grinned across the table at Sousuke. "I think one of my screws was loose again Sogay." Nevermind the fact that she hadnt even used her metal arm to do that! She turned back to Tama, smiling deviously. "Now you have cake all over your face. Here, let me clean it off for you." And she grabbed the side of his head with her metal hand and pulled him close. She started to slowly lick the icing and cake bits off his cheek, taking her time around his mouth. All the while, she was growling softly. "Can I enjoy one of them now? I want it Tama."

Obviously, like before, Okibi really didnt care what kind of company she was in while drunk, she was going to have her way with Tama whether they liked it or not.

When the majority of the cake was gone from the scientist's cheek, Okibi pulled away and gave his cheek a sweet little peck. She then sat back in her seat and started cleaning off her fingers, like nothing had happened. "Wheres the cake you made Sogay? I wanna try it."

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke watched with some concern Number Seven and Griefer fight. "Stop you two. Behave. I will convert the telephone into a metal clone and have it headbutt the both of you."<i></i> Sousuke threatened. Sousuke didn't have to do that as Kitchenzilla lumbered in. She knelt down and let out a few barks of her own. Particularly at Zen. Kitchenzilla couldn't get on all fours but she parked her face in front of Zen and growled at him. When she turned to Number Seven she wagged her tail and emitted a happy sounding bark. Sousuke if forced to describe it could only do so in the most complex of ways putting Okibi to sleep, but apparently Kitchenzilla had once more found Seven, and as usual she was happy to be in his presence.

Sousuke would turn his head as he listened to Tama speak of how he needed a wife, "There is a particular female I am courting, or so I like to think."<i></i> Sousuke would say briefly. His eyes would narrow and shift to his left particularly at Okibi who was anything but innocent when she mushed cake on Tama's face. "Heh. Haha."<i></i> Laughter, actual laughter escaped Sousuke before he erupted into a fit of coughing. The laughter was solid and heartful, but it was temporary. Sousuke cleared his throat. "One thing at a time. Too many new things today."<i></i> Sousuke would take out a fork and knife and begin to eat his peice of cake with refined cuts and modest amounts of cake on his fork. He ate slowly with precise and calculated movements so as to not make a mess upon his face. "When I speak of being normal Tama, I mean it that- "<i></i> He paused. How did he define being normal? It was a complex question. "I may be Guardian Protectorate of the Realm, and I may be better at certain things but as a person I have more faults than others. When I speak, do I stir with you a sense of wonder, awe, and inspiration? I don't have a booming voice like Kuro of House Toraono, and I don't think ... I'm that good of a public speaker. At least that is how I feel. I have been working hard to be a superior Takahashi Sousuke. Sometimes I feel like I have made a real change, but sometimes ... I haven't."<i></i> He paused looking over at Okibi expecting her to be bored as usual. No. she wanted to try some of his cake.

Sousuke attended the fridge and pulled out a chocolate cake. He placed it on the table. His eyes narrowed at it as if he had reviled the thing. His face didn't show the anger, merely his eyes did. "I tried making this thing with a secret ingredient called love. We shall see if I was successful."<i></i> Sousuke would swing the knife once and in one swift movement the cake was on plates for all three of them once more.

 

[Toraono Michino]

Okibi made it so dang hard to pay attention.

Her playing with his hair was one thing, because that was actually enjoyable as is turned out, but her chest pressed so close against his arm to where he could feel her body heat radiating, (cause your hotter when your drunk), was already turning into a distraction. It was also comical, if you weren’t Tama anyways, that every time he went to try to get a bite with his fork Okibi would swipe that bite he was going for. A slight frown came over his face but when he looked at her all he would get is that innocent smile. He sighed as he turned to respond to Sousuke as best he could since now his mind was getting tugged in another direction,

“Of course you inspire me. You do so with just your actions and creations. I know I look older than you but I promise that I-<i></i>” Cake was smooshed into his face suddenly interrupting his speech and train of thought. He slowly turned to look at Okibi from the corner of his eyes to hear her obviously fake explanation of why when her face was suddenly next to his own and licking him.
Now while Sousuke probably found this experience rather taxing and slightly annoying it had a whole different effect on Tama; given that he had managed to get a kiss out of her…even if it wasn’t exactly expected. The cake was quickly removed from his cheek with the whispered growl of something that sent the scientist’s imagination running wild again. A red color would rise up to his cheeks and his vision would start to fade a little before he shook his head and sat up straight in the chair.

Thank Kami for the Kazekage and his cake.

Before the Wild Child had yet another chance to steal his cake or mess with him he took the fork and chopped off a bite of the baked treat and shoved it in his mouth with an almost challenging look towards his mate-to-be.
This look was immediately replaced by a look of perplexity as he tried to find the flavor. There was texture of cake but there was literally no…flavor. It was like he was chewing on air flavored cake, and while there a was a certain novelty to it he wasn’t sure to its ability to give him sustenance. Still he took another faithful bite and responded to the flavor with a cheek full of the food as,
“Interesting…<i></i>”