What Happens in The Golden Dragon . . . [Private]

[Okibi]

Light, graceful paws padded along the sidewalk of the upper middleclass part of the villages shopping district. More than a few humans stopped to glance at the pair of handsome canines walking together, some of them steering clear because of the leanly muscled, and slightly fierce appearance of the male. He cropped ears stood at attention, his sharp blue eyes darting about every now and then for threats. You couldnt really blame him - he was ninja trained after all.

Seven was nearly a year old now, and just about fully grown into his natural doggy body. He would admit that sometimes he missed being as large as he was in his previous life, but being the size of a normal dog had its advantages. Not nearly as many humans looked at him with fear anymore; now they were just a little wary. That was understandable - he wasnt a small dog, after all. He glanced sideways at his companion, feeling a slight tingle race up his spine as he did so. If someone had told him two years ago that he would be out on a 'doggy date' with this particular creature, he would have called them silly. She'd been a robotic lizard at the time, after all.

He still wasnt completely sure what'd happened to her, or how she'd been turned into a living and breathing canine like him. Her thick gray fur was soft, brushing against his side, and her four slender legs were capped by dainty black claws. Seven shook his head and snapped his gaze away, realizing that he was starting to stare. It would have been a lie though, if he said the creature that was once the Stewards Kitchenzilla did not make a lovely image to behold.

The thought brought a doggy blush to his face.

Clearing his throat, he nudged Kitchy with his shoulder just slightly, trying to heard her down a familiar alley. He'd been there less than a year ago, after being reunited with his human. "This is the place." He murmured to his 'date' his mind playing back the quick 'conversation' he'd had with Okibi before they'd left.

----------

"Take her out and have some fun. You know you want to." She'd said, lounging back in the couch situated in the family home's living room. Seven plunked himself down in front of the couch, giving his human a grieved look. "What are you talking about?" He'd asked, truthfully confused.

Okibi laughed in that way that both warmed his heart and set his teeth on edge. She was teasing him. "Kitchy! Dont think I havent noticed the way you've been looking at her lately. She makes a very pretty dog doesnt she?" Seven balked, glancing around the room rapidly for any sign of the aforementioned husky. He felt heat rush up in his face - shoot, he didnt even know his kind was capable of blushing. When he saw no sign of Kitchy, he inched closer to the couch and growled at Okibi.

"It's hard not to notice a female when she's constantly drowning you with affection." He muttered. And honestly, that was how it'd started. Even as a pup Kitchenzilla had been overly affectionate with him, and as he got older and she'd been changed into what she was now . . . well, fighting his instincts was damned near impossible . . . and she was very easy on the dog eyes.

Okibi laughed again and gave his head a firm scrubbing. "So, go take her out on a doggy date and show her a good time! Whats the point in fighting the way you feel?" She said, making Seven look away with just a bit of shame. He didnt realize his human could be so perceptive as to notice that he'd been trying his damned hardest to fight his growing feelings for the once mechanical lizard. She reached out and gave his head a push, chuckling. "Get outta here."

He didnt have to be told again. Maybe something could be said for spending some one on one time with the object of his affections . . .

-------

Not long after, he'd found Kitchy dozing in Sousuke's room, roused her and ushered her out the door. He hadnt told her why, but insisted that she would like where he was taking her.

He rounded the corner of the alley, escorting Kitchy to a door that sat across from some dumpsters. He scratched at the door with his claws, and sat back to wait for an answer. Not a few moments later did the door squeak open, a dark haired head popping out. Seven barked to gain the human's attention, and the young man looked down with surprise. It was quickly replaced by a grin. "Well if it isnt Number Seven. Come by for the usual?" the worker asked, stepping outside the door, bring his uniformed clad body into full view. The breast of his pristine white outfit read "The Golden Dragon'; it was the same restaurant they went to for Okibi's birthday.

The staff had quickly become familiar with him, as he'd been sent on quite a few trips to the establishment for 'doggy bags' requested by his pack. If they were going to get a year of free food, they were sure going to take advantage of it.

Seven smiled and shook his head, glancing quickly at his companion. The human cocked his head, as if only noticing Kitchy sitting there beside him. "What's this? A date?" The human boy asked with a teasing grin. Seven turned red in the face again, and nodded almost imperceptibly. The young male threw his head back with a laugh. "Well by the beard of Fuujin! Little Seven is on a date!" He drew back and pried open the door, sticking his head inside to yell, "Hey guys! Seven's here! And he has a girl with him!" Seven could hear the ruckus from coming from inside in reaction to the boys statements. They sounded excited. "Somebody make up a platter for them! The best we got!" The worker dissappeared inside, and Seven could only assume he would return shortly.

Clearing his throat, he looked sideways at Kitchy, trying to look like he wasnt nervous. He grinned at her, shifting on his haunches and rolling his shoulders to adjust his spiked collar. Was it just him, or did it suddenly feel tighter? And was it getting warmer?

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Kitchy has somewhat gotten used to the fleshy exterior she now had. It was something alright. Her taste in food had changed from bolts and screws to pork and bovine. She knew the dreaded thing called a comb and had gotten used to it over time. Zen or as Sousuke called him Griefer was still quite terrified of her, which was a good thing. That Dalmatian had to be put in his place from time to time. Loud and obnoxious he was, and he paid for it. Dearly of course.

"This place? Oh. This place."<i></i> She looked up at the sign. The Golden Dragon. Sousuke had spoke of this place with ... well it certainly wasn't reverence. He spoke of it as if he had truly despised it. Sousuke was never really hateful of things, but he described this place as ... well it wasn't foul, but he didn't say nice things about it. He detailed about how he met up with Shizune, how she was trying to kill Griefer, how Griefer wasn't grateful and causing Grief. Lady was retrieved here too. Lady was a nice female presence to have in the house, so if she came from here, it obviously couldn't be that bad. Well... Okibi sort of spoke well of this place. She drank many colourful waters here that had many funky tastes and flavours. Kitchy paused for a moment... "Isn't ... Sousuke here tonight?"<i></i>

Kitchy listened intently as Number Seven had alerted others of his presence. She wagged her tail as apparently the White Doberman was a sort of celebrity here. That was a surprise. Apparently his presence commanded food to come. Whatever it was going to be, it must have been large as they were going to be bringing it on a platter. "This place is definitely nicer than what I expected it to be. I thought it was going to be filled with thugs, and evil people and ... all sorts of nasty humans."<i></i> Kitchy would begin, she hesitated for a moment. "This will be a nice treat. Thank-you for inviting me out this evening."<i></i> The husky's eyes widened as a giant platter of food was placed before them. It was a mixture of all sorts of meats. All of them looking delicious and... rare. Kitchy did like her meat on the rare side. "Oh. What do we start first on? It looks so good!"<i></i> The husky's eyes locked onto a particular meat ball and with that she dove in.

***

Takahashi Sousuke. Guardian Protectorate of the Realm. Man of Honour. Apparent secret tool of the successful Akamichi Nobu was not impressed. His face plates were retracting as several thuggish men were being removed from the room. "Ah. Sousuke, my dear boy, where did you learn to fight like that?" Nobu spoke as he patted Sousuke on the back. Sousuke took back to his seat and let out a sigh. "Get this lad another ale. In fact bring him a two. No make it three." Sousuke closed his eyes as three large glasses of ale were placed before him. "My dear boy you've saved my life. Surely now you can let a little loose on your somber soberness and enjoy yourself a little bit yes?" The overly large noble returned to his seat as well. He continued to order drinks and food for everyone. Sousuke merely sat there. He stared at the three large glasses of ale. This was going to be difficult. How difficult? Well. Perhaps this was going to be the most difficult thing he had ever done. Sousuke's eyes shifted from left to right. "To Sousuke, yes! To the Steward and his resourcefulness!" He was being toasted to. Again. This was the fourth one?

Sousuke raised the first of his three drinks and began to drink it evenly. He placed down the mug and felt something. A slight tingling as it were. Sousuke's eyes narrowed at the drink. He had drank alcohol before. Ale usually wasn't quite strong, but this was ... this had to have a higher content level. The Steward looked up noticing that everyone was through the first round of new drinks. Well. He didn't want this to go to waste, and so ... as his grandmother sometimes said 'down the hatch, and down again'. Sousuke again had at with the glass of ale. He down the majority of it, but found the last bit of it most unpleasant. "Oh lad. Skip the last bit, we call that the head. You can go onto the new glass."

Another toast and down the hatch again. Again even more tingling feelings. This time it was more pleasant. Wait. This was okay right? He wasn't shouting like Okibi was and nor was he doing silly things like choking people. Sure he was fighting earlier, but he wasn't drunk. Surely this had to be acceptable right? Sousuke rubbed his eyes. Hrm. Yes. Quite.

There was once glass left now. Everyone was raising their glasses again...

***

After a few meatballs and pork peices Kitchy watched as several men were being escorted out of the place. "Does this happen here alot? Sousuke got into a fight here once. I wonder if it just happened again."<i></i> Her ears perked. "Once again, this is a real treat. Thank-you for the --"<i></i> a shout came from one of the men cutting her off. "I think it was a date that boy called it before?"

 

[Okibi]

"Sousuke?" Seven reiterated after the worker boy had left. Was the Steward here tonight? He hadnt even been aware. Seven lifted his nose and sniffed at the air, but was unable to make anything out from inside the alley. A few moments later the young human returned to them with a platter full of meats, all of them still pretty bloody. He was pleased with that; being a canine, of course they preferred their meats on the red side. He sat back and nodded with appreciation after the worker set the platter down on a cloth covered box for them. After the boy left, he waited patiently for Kitchy to start eating before he dug into the morsels on his side of the plate. He chewed on a prime piece of rib, and at the same time watched his companion enjoy her meal. Lifting his head, he noticed that she seemed to enjoy the large meatballs that were scattered over the dish, so he nosed one over from his side.

He smiled his doggish smile when she thanked him for bringing her out. "My pleasure." He responded, before noticing that she had a bit of sauce on the side of her snout. What happened next was pure habit for him. Even as an almost-adult, Okibi had a habit of being a messy eater, and so regularly ended up with parts of her meals on her face. Ever since she was young he'd made it a habit to lean over and lick the remains of her hastily devoured food from her face, keeping her clean. When he leaned over and licked at Kitchy's face, he didnt even realize he was doing it until the taste of the sauce was sliding down his throat. Seven sat back with a dumbfounded expression, surprised by his own actions.

Coughing, he looked away, embarrassed. "Uh, sorry. I- it-," He cleared his throat again, "It's a habit." He muttered.

-----------

Inside the restaurant, a young woman dressed in animals skins leaned back against her chair, seated at a table that was just a small ways off from the large one hosting the meeting for the large Lord. She snickered; Large Lord, Lardy Lord, Lumbering Lord. He was quite the hefty fellow, and apparently got along well with her new acquaintance, the Steward of Sand.

At present, he'd just succeeded in pummeling a small horde of gangsters. They were being escorted from the premises by authorities and Sousuke was being toasted to by his hefty friend. Hakumei laughed at the face the Steward made at the three large glasses of ale that were shoved in front of him. She could only imagine how this was going to turn out. Maybe she'd get closer so she could witness it better.

Standing up with her own mug of drink, she swaggered over to the table and hunkered down in the face of the man sitting next to Sousuke. She smiled demurely at him, and grazed her fingers over his jaw. "Would you mind scooting over? Pretty please?" She asked in that strange accent of her hers. The man blinked, but then quickly got up from his seat and presented it to her, obviously charmed. Hakumei blew him a kiss then turned her attentions on Sousuke, leaning on a balled fist as she watched him gulp down his drinks. "Not so bad, is it, Little Bird?" She said, taking a sip from her mug.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Kitchy wagged her tail about as she continued to devour the meat balls. As she stopped her chewing Number Seven licked her. Her jaw dropped slightly. Did he just? Did he? The husky returned the favour and ended it with nuzzling her nose against his. "Don't apologize. I bet ChiChi would be ashamed of seeing a mess on my fur. Ever since I transformed ... she has been spending more time with me. She sometimes puts bows on me, and she likes to comb my fur into various styles. "<i></i> The husky explained. It seemed that Okibi's pet names for people were infectious as now Kitchy referred to Chiyoko as ChiChi. "Heehee."<i></i> Kitchy again Number Seven another sign of affection as she cleaned him a little bit more. While Number Seven was smaller than what he used to be, it was still good to be in his company. White was indeed a colour she could see fitting him, and he did look dashing in blue. "So. Tell me..."<i></i> She began looking somewhat michevious. "When ChiChi found you and put a ribbon on you... and started talking like a baby to you ... were you uncomfortable, or were you okay with the fact she was ... 'fonder' of you now? She takes some time to get used to, but you know ... after a while she's not so bad. When she found out I was made from her oven she was not happy. She tried to open my chest at times to put a pie in. That was ... uhm ... uncomfortable. She then tried to plug her hair dryer into my back. That too was sort of weird. Oh ... I'm rambling and going on... like Sousuke does. This isn't good..."<i></i> The husky stopped talking for a moment. She very slowly would poke Number Seven with her paw to make sure he was still with her. She did this because ... sometimes Okibi would space out. From there she would place her paw ontop of his.

***

Time has somewhat stopped for the Steward. Imaginary Numbers were not so imaginary. Sousuke's mind for unknown reasons continued to generate 3.14 3.14 3.14 3.14. Pi. Pi. Pi. Pie. Wait. No. Not food pie. Sousuke's hands came up on his face as he covered his face in his hands. After some time of unknown lengths, he was being spoken to. It took him a moment as his hands slowly slid down his face. "...This is feeling I have in my fingers. It isn't commanding. My body betrays me. How do you down those shots without so much as a thought or hesitation."<i></i> Three more ales were placed in front of the Steward. A very disturbed look came over his face. This was ... going to be a long night. Sousuke let out a sigh as then a little shot glass was placed in front of him. The contents was of a cream sort. "What's this?"<i></i>

"Sousuke lad, just put it in your drink and give it a chug. Better do it fast m'boy before it turns your drink to no good." Lord Nobu said as he demonstrated. He dropped the shot glass into his drink and chugged in down in no less than three seconds.

Sousuke's eyes narrowed as he picked up the shot glass and followed suit. This wasn't going to end well. The Steward finished his drink, and then was subjected to the same thing twice more. With six drinks down, and three of them even more spicer than before Sousuke fell victim to the ale, and merely blacked out.

 

[Okibi]

Seven stood stock still as Kitchy cleaned his face. Had there been stuff on him? He thought he was being neater than that. Oh well, wasnt like he was going to deny himself such an intimate moment. He closed his eyes, as if in pain, but in reality he was feeling quite the opposite. Shutting his eyes was just his attempting to control himself. The feel of Kitchy's tongue on him was stirring up very instinctual desires that just wouldnt be proper to act upon just then. It was much too soon.

He let her words distract him. It didnt surprise him at all that Chiyoko had taken such a shine to Kitchy's new appearance. Although she was quite tough for a female human, he'd come to realize she had a weak spot for all things small and cute, or in Kitchy's case, fluffy. He opened his eyes again, and was about to make a complimentary remark on her fur, when she came at him again with more affectionate cleaning and nuzzling. By the sands, she was going to undo him.

A shudder traversed his entire body, and it took everything he had not to give in to his young, canine instincts to jump her.

He couldnt be more thankful when she continued talking. Prattling, even. Unlike his human, he had no problems listening to lengthy anecdotes or lectures. In fact, in that specific moment in time, he hoped she would continue to yammer, just so he could get himself under control. His eyes sprung open again (because he'd shut them tightly once more) when he felt one of her dainty paws poking at him. He laughed lightly, thinking that she must have thought that he'd nodded off or something. He glanced down at her paw placed over his, and grinned.

"Don't worry, I have a much higher tolerance for words than Okibi does." He said, leaning over and rubbing the top of her head with the side of his. "I will admit that I was . . . disturbed by Miss Chiyoko's affections when they first found me. I didnt mind the bow, but the baby talk was pretty weird." He laughed and pulled back a little. Suddenly, Kitchy would feel the tips of his teeth nibbling away behind her ears, grooming her. "Your fur is lovely." He commented quietly.

Just then, a small clamor at the front of the alley drew Seven's attention away from his doggy date, and he lifted his head away from Kitchy's neck. He saw a strange woman in strange garb wheeling Sousuke out of The Golden Dragon, waving jovially to a hefty man who seemed to be seeing them off. He couldnt be certain because of the distance, but it looked like Sousuke's head was lulling to one side, as if unconscious. Worry ignited in Seven's chest and he got to his feet. "It looks like you were right, Sousuke was here. But I dont recognize that woman. Come." And with that, he made a mad dash for the stranger who was pushing the Steward away from the restaurant.

He skidded to a stop in front of Sousuke's wheelchair, baring his teeth at the strangely dressed woman. "Halt, and explain why you are taking my pack-brother away from this establishment, and why he is unconscious."

Hakumei blinked owlishly at the canine that'd appeared as if out of thin air. A moment later, she was grinning, seeing the strings of familial bond connected between him and Sousuke. She cocked her head as she brought Sousuke's chair to a stop, and leaned against his unconscious head. "He knocked himself out; quite the lightweight he is." She said, ruffling the man's hair. Oddly, she didnt seem to find it strange, talking to a dog, whatsoever. "I was just about to go hunting for his home address and wheel his drunken arse into bed. I dont suppose you could lead me there, Little Doggy?"

The hostility in Seven's shoulders lessened as he smelled the truth in the woman's words. He looked the human female over, trying to decide whether she would a threat or not. If Sousuke had deemed her fit to grace with his presence, perhaps not. Turning around, he jerked his head, a motion for her to follow, and started off down the road in the direction of home. He glanced to the side, to determine how Kitchy was taking this sudden turn of events.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Kitchy squinted her eyes at the sight of Sousuke sleeping in his wheel chair. What. The. Heck. Even stranger was the woman. Wait-a-tic. Wasn't this the same woman that Sousuke described as the 'enchanted spiritualist'? The husky blinked a few times. She was about to say something, but Number Seven intervened. Pack-brother was he? What a neat term. "Uuuuhhh...."<i></i> She had never seen Sousuke asleep before, well not asleep in his bed. Sleeping in his wheel chair wasn't something he normally did. She sniffed the air. A particularly strange smell surrounded Sousuke. It stank really, and it sort of smelled like his grandmother when she was drinking from those tall glasses of amber coloured liquid. What was it called again? Ail? Hail? Rail? Ale? Ale sounded right.

Anyway this Spiritualist-lady person ... called Sousuke ... bird? Little Bird? Taka? Sousuke went on at length about how her name for him was strange and most unusual. "Her name is... Hakumei. Sousuke spoke of her before. He called her ... a spiritualist?"<i></i> Kitchy approached Sousuke and nudged him with her nose. He didn't respond. "He's out like a light. Wow. This is ... this is new. This has never happened before."<i></i> Again she nudged him. He wasn't reacting. "Ooooh dear. He's in a deep deep sleep."<i></i> She listened to what the Spirit-Lady was saying and narrowed her eyes when she spoke of him as a drunken arse. "Hey. This doesn't happen often. She's acting like it has. I don't like that."<i></i> For that remark Kitchy approached Hakumei and lowered her head and butted her in the leg. Nothing forceful but enough to assert that she didn't like the remark.

On their way home Kitchy would keep up with Number Seven and shot a glance back at Sousuke and the strange lady. "Thank-you for the compliments from earlier. Even though our outing sort of ended early, I'm still super happy we got to go out."<i></i>

A miniature old mark I Sousuke emerged from a giant mound of rubble. The little Sousuke Mark I wore a three upon his chest. He dusted himself off and looked around. Around him was nothing but rubble. Destruction. Sheer unlimited destruction. Number Three fell to his feet and held his hands in his head. "No. No. No. They... they... THEY BLEW IT UP. THEY BLEW IT ALL UP. WWWWHYYYYYY!!!" He would scream.

After screaming why for some length of time, Number Three gathered himself. He looked down at his shirt and ripped it off revealing now a Number One emblazoned on his chest. "There must always be a Number One. I will not fail like the Number One before him, and the number one before him!" The miniature Sousuke again looked around. He got down on his knees and began gathering supplies from the ruins. It was time to begin. Time to rebuild. Time to become better, stronger, faster.

The journey to the house was most uneventful. There were a few odd glances, but nothing much. As they approached the front door, Kitchy raced ahead and shoved a rock aside. Underneath said rock was a whole in the ground with a red button. The canine extended her paw and hit the red button. Following that several clicks were heard as the door opened up. "Sousuke always has a way to open up the house because sometimes he comes home with too many things in his hands, and he doesn't want to put them down. He taught me how to do this before you and Okibi came here."<i></i> The canine explained as she rolled the rock back. She looked left and then right and then went to move another rock and she hit a blue button. "Oh and the security. If you hit the buttons in the wrong order ... bad things will happen."<i></i> She added. Again she rushed ahead and pushed the door open with her head. "Lucky for her this house has only one floor."<i></i> Kitchy would say as she would head on in.

 

[Okibi]

Hakumei watched the pair of dog walking in front of her and Soususuke with a grin. They made quite the cute little couple. She was impressed by the males adept knowledge of the Common human tongue, and the females attempt to quail Hakumei made the human woman chuckle. A headbutt, how adorable. Silently, she followed the canines, into the heart of the residential district and up to the door of a quaint household. She watched with amusement as the female dog lifted false rocks and pressed a series of buttons, clapping when it caused the front door to open. "Now thats a neat trick." She said, following the dogs into the humble abode.

From here, she wouldnt need the dogs' help. She could easily make out the spiritual residue left in Sousuke's wake from traveling around the house earlier in the day. The dark purple color of the trail lead down a hallway and into a room that actually had more personality than she was expecting. The poster of a cello threw her off; the Steward didnt seem like the musical type at all. The family pictures werent too surprising, but she couldnt quite say she was expecting them either. The board covered in equations and theorems, however, was exactly something she thought she might find. Not that she had any interest in the field of math and science in any way.

Bring Sousuke's chair to a halt, she clicked down the brakes and scurried around to the front to heft the unconscious man up and out. Of course, Hakumei wasnt the strongest female out there, and although Sousuke wasnt the largest male either, he was still more than she was used to lugging around. Making strained noises, she slowly go the Steward up out of his seat, and with great effort she turned on her heels and chucked him at the very neatly made bed. She took a few moments to catch her breath after the exertion, stretching the muscles in her back as she was pretty sure she might have pulled something.

"Youre heavier than you look Little Bird." She said out loud, even though Sousuke couldnt hear her. She unclicked the brakes on his chair and wheeled it out of the way before taking a moment to look him over. A devious idea lit up her eyes, and she quickly started to strip Sousuke of all his clothes.

All of them.

Then, she ripped the covers out from under him and stripped herself down as well before clamoring into the bed beside him. The hour was late after all, and after getting quite the kick out of watching Sousuke drink himself into a stupor, she could say she was quite ready for some shut eye. But, what she really looked forward to was the morning, when Sousuke would wake up to find her in his bed, naked, and him without any memory of what went on the night before.

Oh, the fun that morning would bring.

"And you said you wouldnt let me into your bed."She murmured tiredly. That final thought slowly trudged through Hakumei's mind as she pulled the covers up and snuggled up next to Sousuke, pulling one of his arms to drape over her for added effect. Grinning, she closed her eyes and let sleep take her.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

The phone. It was ringing. No one was picking it up. It was the one thing that woke up the Steward instead of waking up at his usual 6:30am natural alarm clock or being booked for an even earlier morning appointment. Somewhat lazily Sousuke reached over and picked up the phone. "Salutations."<i></i> He would begin.

"Sousuke, lad, Steward. Good to hear your voice. I was concerned old chap." It was Lord Nobu. "I heard someone help you home. A certain lady-friend of yours. Hohoho. She is quite a sport lad. I must say. Did she stay the night?" The Akamichi lord would inquire.

Sousuke was silent for quite a while. His head was slightly ringing, and he had no remembrance of anything after having to chug that last ale with the dream in it. "..."<i></i> Lord Nobu inquired if Sousuke was still there. "I'm here."<i></i> He told the large lord. "I'm not quite sure how I got home, or who you're referring to..."<i></i> Laughter followed shortly, and Lord Nobu promised to keep Sousuke's little secret, a ... secret? What was going on that needed to be kept a secret? "Yes Lord Nobu. I will take care of myself. Yes. Till we meet again."<i></i> With that Sousuke hung up the phone.

Sousuke merely then looked at his arm. It was quite bare. Where was his pajama shirt? He wasn't wearing one. He always wore one. The Steward then came to realize his other arm was not at his side. It was horizontally draped across... across... something. Something every soft and quite warm. It couldn't be human flesh... could it? Very slowly Sousuke's head turned. Was ... was this what Nobu was speaking of...? No surely not.

Oh. Oh dear. Sousuke looked to find his arm draped across the last person he thought to find in his bed. Maybe this was a bad dream. Sousuke pinched himself. Nope. This was indeed Hakumei in his bed next to him. His arm was draped across her side with his fingers ending slightly curled touching her back. Was she wearing any small clothes...? Apparently... apparently not.

Panic. That was the first thing that had entered the mind of the Steward. Did they commit fornication? No. no. Surely not. Nobu claimed that he had passed out. Did Hakumei take advantage of him? While Hakumei was ... playful, indecent at times, and other things she was a woman of honour. Well. Okay maybe not. Sousuke tried to remember what happened after that lass glass of ale with a shot of cream. Very carefully Sousuke removed his arm from her side. Very carefully he moved to not wake her up. Maybe he could move himself to the couch or something.

It was here that Sousuke forgot that his legs were still recuperating. He fell out of the bed, but didn't land with a thud. He landed on his hands. He held himself off of the floor. It looked as if he was doing a chin up in the opposite direction as he held himself skyward. He then lowered himself and crawled about to find something to wear. Sousuke first found a pair of briefs, and placed those on. Then... he found his pajamas. Those would suffice for now...

His head hurt. Was this what Okibi felt on the day after her birthday? The second thought then came to the Steward. What exactly did she do at Tama's house...? An answer came to mind. He closed his eyes and winced slightly.

 

[Okibi]

Little did Sousuke know the ringing of the phone had woken his bedmate as well. Hakumei kept her breathing even and her limbs limp as Sousuke reached over and answered the device. When the short conversation was over, she could feel the tension slowly take over his body. Inside she grinned. Yes, he was having quite the reaction she thought he would. No loud exclamations, no demanding what she was doing there . . . just silent dumbfoundedness and trying to get away.

As if she was going to let that happen.

The moment she felt his arms slip away from her, she cracked an eye open. It was difficult to restrain the bubble of laughter that wanted to come out when she witnessed his near faceplant on the floor. But, his ability to keep the entire ordeal quiet impressed her. Ninja's; capable of such amazing feats.

And most of them had such nice bodies to look at too. Sitting up quietly, she watched the Steward crawl around on his floor, naked, looking for something to put on. She grinned when he found his underwear and shimmied into them. Ok, she could concede those. Didnt want him having a complete mental melt down or anything. But when he reached for his pajamas she got up and crawled to the end of the bed, letting the sheets fall away from her, and leaned over the side so she could grab his ankle.

"Now just what do you think youre doing my Wee Falcon? You promised me a round two last night." She said, her voice husky with sleep. It was a lie, of course, but just a little one. She wasnt about to give up this game before she'd had any real fun. Licking her lips, she crawled from the bed and up Sousuke's body. "And we had such fun last night. Dont you remember?" She said, drawing a tanned finger over his bare abdomen.

And it was at this point that fate decided to intervene.

Okibi burst through Sousuke's bedroom door, grinning like the roof had just been blown off the village and sun was shining bright. "Sogay! I smell a female. Did Yoomay spend the n-" She cut herself off when she saw the state her guardian was in, and who was practically sprawled on top of him, naked. Her eyes narrowed to pink and red hued slits, her hackles rising. "The hell is this? That aint Yoomay." When she'd smelled the scent of a female coming from Sousuke's room, she had initially thought it was Yume wearing some sort of new perfume, because common sense told her there was no way her Steward packmate would have any other woman in there. The thought was inconceivable.

And yet, there they were. Okibi turned her glare on Sousuke, demanding to hear an explanation.

Hakumei just grinned and settled herself comfortably against Sousuke. She hadnt forseen this happening, but boy did it make for an interesting twist.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke's face contorted from a neutral expression to a grimace. He was being denied his clothing. Was this how Asagao felt when Sousuke kept his shoe from him? Surely though she was going to let him clothe himself. No. Apparently even more fornication was in order. So. Apparently they had committed the deed. Sousuke had become very shameful of himself at that time. The more and more Hakumei went on about it, the worse the Steward felt. Hakumei was pretty in a foreign sort of way, but Sousuke had to wonder at himself. Did the demon in the bottle merely give way to his strict moral code and upbringing. Apparently so.

Then came the teasing. Sousuke was silent. Contemplating. Calculating. "I have had no recollection of the events of the previous evening."<i></i> He simply said as he would attempt to move. With her ontop of him this would prove difficult. Phase shifting was not a possibility because he would be bringing her with him. Perhaps a kawamiri target was in order. Sousuke raised his hands up and around her back he tried to form hand seals to perform the technique to get out of this mess until... Okibi announced her presence. This could be salavage. The door was closed... she had to have the common decency to knock right? Right?

No. Absolutely not. "This is... Hakumei. She is a friend, but not a friend with benefits."<i></i> He would begin. Short sentences. He had to keep them short in order for Okibi to understand. "I may have made a critical error last night."<i></i> He would continue. "An error that you may have or have not encountered on your birthday with strong liquor."<i></i> Yes. The sentences were short enough, but the glare wasn't going away. "There is a chance that I may or may not have engaged in less than honourable activities and have disgraced myself and Hakumei here due to losing my good senses."<i></i> Okay. That wasn't that long. Surely Okibi may have understood what he just said. He hoped so at least. "I hope that I had not.... however alcohol does have the ability to turn people into ... not their natural selves."<i></i>

"This is not the introduction I had in mind, but Hakumei this is my ward, Okibi."<i></i> At the very least he could do the just thing and introduce the two females. Sousuke would merely frown then. "I am exceptionally upset with myself at this moment in time. I do not think I have ever been more disappointed in myself more now than ever in my entire life. This goes even further than the time I crushed my rubix cube."<i></i> A silence followed. "I will inform Yume of my fault, and apologize. Our relationship did not go as far as I had intended. Then ... if necessary or permitted I will announce uhm ..."<i></i> The word was simple enough to say. Courtship. Maybe a few other words first then would make saying it easier. "I will inform my parents, and the realm of a courtship with Hakumei."<i></i> There was a sort of wounded nature in Sousuke's words. A defeatist tone with extreme shame. "I have failed many in more ways than one. A poor example of the realm I have become."<i></i>

 

[Okibi]

Okibi tried to understand what was going on, she really did, but the scene in front of her was pretty incriminating. Naked girl on top of half naked Soususke, with their arms wrapped around each other. Yeah . . . no innocence in that room whatsoever.

Although, her nose was telling her differently. Slowly, Okibi's irritation waned and her death glare turned into a mildly pissed off moue. Her gaze darted between the two as Sousuke introduced them - and a part of her mind realized that making introductions in that instance was very odd. A friend he said . . . indeed they did look quite friendly.

"Nothing happened the night of my birthday." Okibi mumbled, her cheeks pinking slightly, and when Soususke was done, she added. "And it doesnt smell like anything happened here either."

Hakumei grimaced; the jig was up. Sighing dramatically, she rested her head against Sousuke's shoulder for a moment. "And I was having such fun too." She rolled off Sousuke with a grunt and sat up, fluffing out her bed hair. Oh well, it'd been interesting while it lasted. In the end, maybe it was a good thing she'd been figured out; listening to Sousuke repeatedly call what 'didnt' happen the night before a mistake, and hearing the defeated shame in his voice put a real damper on her spirits. Though she didnt let it show. She had feelings too, after all, and they could be hurt like anyone elses.

But she was a good actress.

Standing up, Hakumei stretched her hands to the ceiling before turning to look down at Sousuke, grinning. "Nothing happened last night Little Bird, so you can quit behaving like your world has ended. I was just pulling your leg." She then sauntered over to her dressings and started clothing herself. "Not that I wouldnt have very much liked to take advantage of your drunken state, but it's difficult to roll around with a man who isnt conscious." Once she had all her clothes back on, she turned back around. "You dont have to admit anything to your wee lass, since nothing actually hapened. Fear not, your honor is quite intact."

She flicked a bit of lint off her shoulder. "And there will be no need to sentence yourself to the punishment of courting me. Youre not my type anyway." She winced after the words came out; even she could hear the smarting feelings in them. Damn . . . apparently she needed to learn to keep a tighter leash on her tongue. But, you couldnt blame her really; what girl wouldnt be a little hurt after hearing such scornful and dejected remarks made about being with her?

Okibi was still glaring at the foreign woman, trying to decide what to feel about her. On one hand, she deteste the female for crawling into Sousuke's bed with him, and naked at that. But on the other . . . she wanted to pat her on the back and congratulate on her a prank well pulled. If she hadnt barged in on them, Okibi wasnt so sure Sousuke would have ever been the wiser.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

From the look of things, it was going to be the greatest defeat known to man. Overtime Okibi seemed to simmer slightly. This was a good thing. The reference to her birthday seemed to have thrown a cog into her anger. Sousuke was very tempted to question if something had occured that night by asking 'oh really?', however that was none of his business. The second sentence gave Sousuke pause. His eyes shifted from over to his ward to the still very naked Hakumei. She rolled off ontop of him and began to fix up her hair. Sousuke's head hit the floor. Oh. A joke. Yes. That was grand. Sousuke gritted his teeth. "Well played. Very well played."<i></i> He would admit in the form of a mutter. Inwardly Sousuke was most thankful for the ancestors and more so that Okibi was of the Inuzuka heritage. There was no amused look over his face.

"I take my position very seriously Hakumei. I am not beyond fixing my mistakes and owing up to them properly. Though if ... "<i></i> He paused. This would be difficult to convey. Okibi was still here, and he had to say this, but he would do it in a very long way so she wouldn't get it. "I may not be your type, but if we were to have a relationship and express love in a more physical form I would do it in a most sound mind, it would not be in a one night stand, we would have committed ourselves to each other in a marriage or binding agreement. Marriage for me is expected to be done in the traditional sense. I would need to have consent from you, your parents, the Sunahoshi. As there is no Sunahoshi then it would more rely on your parents, and I would need to come to them early to express my full intentions. Being that you are not of the Suna Religion, you would then need to be given a name by the pilgrims, and assert that you would not overthrow our religion. In turn I may be required to become a member of your religion and thus assert various declarations of how I would bridge the two together. Slightly ... awkward if you ask me, but it is required and expected of me to do all of this. If required I would have to change myself to be your type."<i></i> He explained as he tried to get himself up to clothe himself further. "Quite overbearing."<i></i> Sousuke took a moment to try and picture himself as being Hakumei's type. It wasn't an easy image to conjure.

"Right then. I appear to be in your debt, and I thank-you for returning my fallen form to my house... it is late but I will make food for us to break our fast."<i></i> Sousuke found a pair of black shorts and a red shirt to wear. He then seated himself on his wheelchair. He turned to Hakumei. "If you so wish you may use the facilities, there is a five stream shower three doors down if you wish to wash your hair or prepare yourself for the day."<i></i> He turned to Okibi. "I have made a new device for an experimental dish called a waffle. The waffle is made from the same contents as a pancake is from the store, except slightly modified. Shall I create a waffle for you to break your fast upon? I know most of my food lacks taste, but you may smother it in that maple syrup.... or adorn it with fruits. It is an artistic dish."<i></i>

 

[Okibi]

Hakumei continued to pretend to be dusting herself off as Sousuke proceeded to explain himself. Was this his way of apologizing? She smirked slightly; of course he wouldnt just come out and say he was sorry. Men. Glancing over her shoulder, she listened to Sousuke explain the ways of his . . . people? Kin? She couldnt imagine that everyone in Suna followed such customs. She'd been with enough of it's men to know that wasnt the case; there were more than just a few who were more than willing to forgo marriage to sleep with a woman. Perhaps it was just Sousuke, himself, who was that honorable.

As dated and backward as his sentiments were, they did bring a smile to her face. He honor bound to respect whatever woman he chose by marrying her first; she could respect that.

Turning around, she took the few steps it took to reach Sousuke after he'd pulled himself into his chair. She curled a finger under his chin and bent down so she could be level with his face. Okibi started to growl softly, but Hakumei ignored her for the moment. "I suppose youre pretty safe on all counts then Little Bird. I have no parents for you to get consent from." She gave his cheek a soft rub and a pat before pulling away. You wouldnt know by looking at her whether such a statement had bothered her to make. She was parentless, but did she suffer because of that? Who knew. "And I wouldnt call what I have a religion. I commune with nature, spirits and the elements. It's more of a way of life than a system of beliefs. I behave any way I want to."

She turned away from the Steward and started towards the door. Okibi didnt move out of her way, so the two women stood toe to toe for a moment, one sizing the other up, and the other just waiting for the one to move. Chuckling, Hakumei shifted her weight onto her hip and crossed her arms. "If youre worried that I'm going to steal him from his wee lass, you can calm down. He obviously wants nothing to do with me in that manner."

Okibi's eyes narrowed. "That doesnt tell me whether or not you do though."

Hakumei didnt retort, continuing to grin.

"I think I'll take you up on that offer Little Bird." She said to Sousuke, referring to the shower. Nudging her way past Okibi, she made her way down the hall in search of the bathroom. Okibi watched her go with a conflicted expression. She didnt know how to feel about this stranger female. She turned to look at Sousuke when he suggested waffles. Even though he wasnt that great a cook, he was at least right about their being able to spice up such a breakfast with tasty add ons. Waffles could work.

"Ill fry up some bacon and sausage." She said, then turned to make way for the kitchen.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke wheeled himself down the hallway with Okibi. "I went to the Golden Dragon last night at the request of Lord Nobu for his chairman of the board dinner function."<i></i> Sousuke would begin to explain to his ward. "You briefly met him some time ago. He was the large lordling with the orange hair and beard, and usually found with drink or food in his hand."<i></i> Sousuke described the man, "He was the one who made the remark about how he thinks you would do well in the my position as corporate think-tank once I've retired."<i></i> Sousuke let out a bit out a chuckle. "I replied that you're the more adventurous type."<i></i> It was an interesting thing to consider. Okibi wearing a pair of glasses, and manipulating imaginary numbers. "Our party was then ... interrupted as it were by some things. I dealt with them appropriately and Lord Nobu had me drink several glasses of ale with even more liquor in them than I thought I could manage. I ended up passing out, and Hakumei took me home. I did not expect her to ... play such a trick on me. My heard slightly hurts still. This feeling is most strange and unique. Did you suffer the same effects when you woke up at Tama's from your birthday party?"<i></i>

As the two work their way into the kitchen Sousuke took out his waffle-machine. He placed it on the table and then went to put his hands on the waffle mix. Even seconds Sousuke was preparing breakfast. He wore goggles and gloves as he was making the waffles. He used exact measurements in his preparations, and focused entirely on making the perfect waffle. His eyes were narrowed and focused as he removed the first batch from the machine. Too perfect they were in form. Not a black mark on them. He continued this process until he had ten of them ready.

Swapping to a different pair of gloves Sousuke then began cutting up some peaches which were Okibi's favoruite fruit. For himself he had sliced up some apples. An odd fruit to go with such a breakfast, but one he enjoyed. Finally there was Hakumei. Sousuke stroked his chin and tried to figure out what she would like. Based on what he knew of her, he judged that strawberries were perhaps her favourite fruit. Thus the Steward cut up strawberries. Sousuke then rolled about the kitchen and got three plates, and the proper utensils for eating. Sousuke placed down the three plates, and aligned the utensils perfectly. Sousuke removed his gloves, and goggles and then served up the waffles, with the fruits, and awaited for Okibi's serving of meat to join in on the plates.

From there he would wait for Hakumei to join them... hopefully she knew how to work the shower.

 

[Okibi]

Okibi listened to Sousuke detail the events of the previous evening to her patiently, which was really saying something because she was still a little irritated. He seemed overall unaffected by the foreign woman's presence - but then he seemed that way about most things - but she had to wonder if that were true. Men did not look at naked women, or have them lay on top of them, without feeling something. Even her Tama, whom she learned long ago had a soft spot for the same sex, had not been unaffected the first time he'd seen her naked. She glanced sideways.

What was Sousuke really thinking?

And wait, did he just chuckle?

Okibi stopped in the hallway, dumbstruck by the sound. She'd seen him attempts smiles before, only a few of which had ever been passable, but never had she heard him laugh in any way. The experience was a novel one. Was it a coincidence she happened to witness it on the same day that this strange woman popped into their home? It worried Okibi.

Shaking off the surprise, she followed Sousuke into the kitchen and started pulling out pans and meats. She couldnt help grinning at Sousuke's admission to having a traditional hangover headache. He seemed to be taking it well though. "I had a mighty fine headache when I woke up after all that." She said as she tore into a package of thick slices of bacon. It sizzled on the pan as she slapped them on. "Nearly tore Tama a new one I was so pissed." She said with a chuckle, remembering the events of that early morning.

Her soft laughter died when she caught the scent of a freshly washed human body lingering near the doorway. She looked over her shoulder and saw Hakumei standing there, leaning against the door jam with her arms crossed. She was spotlessly clean, surprising because she couldnt have been in the shower for more than a few minutes. Okibi's eyes narrowed; the woman was watching Sousuke with an unidentifiable emotion in her eyes. Lust? Desire? Something else? Okibi couldnt tell; she didnt know this woman enough. Sousuke, who was working on his waffles, seemed completely oblivious to the females stare.

Turning around with a quiet growl, Okibi continued work on frying bacon and sausage. She made sure to make Hakumei's share extra crispy.

The emotion that Okibi had been unable to identify had actually been a simple sort of fondness, inspired by the absolute care and precision Sousuke took with his cooking. It made her want to laugh. When he was finished setting places for them, and sat waiting for his ward to finish cooking, she strolled into the room and took a seat beside him. "Would you make love as precisely as you do everything else Wee Falcon?" She asked coyly, fingering a piece of his hair. She laughed when Okibi growled. "How did you know I like strawberries?"

Okibi came over them, slapping bacon and sausage on everybody's plates - Hakumei's portion was nearly black. The witch woman grinned. "Charred. Just the way I like it. Thank yeh ma dear."

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke blinked a few times when he heard that Okibi actually held back. Usually she did not hold back. "You usually don't hesitate to do things, what stopped you from tearing a new hole in Tama?"<i></i> He inquired. He knew that Okibi was not above simply unleashing a beat down upon people. Sousuke rubbed his head. "What did you do to combat this headache? I am told time is the best thing, but sometimes I have heard simple orange juice. I'm not sure why people would think orange juice works because the science to quantify it does not exist."<i></i> Sousuke tapped his chin with his index finger. "Did you start the coffee pot yet?"<i></i> Sousuke would next inquire. He was tempted to try drinking orange juice, but drinking coffee first thing in the morning was his daily ritual.

Okibi let out a chuckle which was promptly stopped when Hakumei had entered the room. Another growl came out of Okibi which was usually to be expected when females that were not herself or his mother were around. The same thing usually happened too with Shiori oddly. Shiori too was overly protected of the Steward as well. It was that that Sousuke realized that if he were to ever go on a date with a female he would need to have both Okibi and Shiori occupied for several hours. A difficult task that was ahead of him. The witch asked a strange question of Sousuke. A deadpanned reaction came from the Steward as he had to consider the question. "Precision is not a quality I think most women enjoy. Passion I think is what women would want most... if not choice."<i></i> He simply said. Sousuke had no experience when it came to such a matter. He wasn't beyond the science of love, and how it was a chemical imbalance of the mind. The physical act of it, that he was certainly well beyond the scope of understanding. The next question was much easier to answer. "I am a fairly good judge of character. I observe and then conduct my theories accordingly."<i></i> Sousuke would then turn to Okibi and wait for her to have a seat before saying a small prayer. He bowed his head slightly as he gave thanks for the meal set before him. "I thank the One King, Mother Suna, and the Ancestors for this meal."<i></i>

The sides of Sousuke's mouth almost came to form a grin when Hakumei teased Okibi about how she made her bacon extra crispy. "I've been educating Okibi in the ability to read people as well, but I think this is what you would call an irony. Well done Okibi. It would finally seem that my lessons have finally paid off."<i></i> Sousuke was oblivious to Okibi's intent to annoy the woman of course. Sousuke dug into his meal, "Speaking of religion from earlier, we do have to have you named by the Mother Suna pilgrims Okibi. I know you're not one for ceremony, but it would consolidate your position within the clan. I'll do what I can to prevent grandmother from coming since ... I know that you're not fond of her."<i></i>

 

[Okibi]

As Okibi went to get the coffee - still growling at her failed attempt to get a rise out of Hakumei - the witch plucked up a strawberry slice and popped it into her mouth. "Passion is good of course, but theres something to be said for a man who knows precisely what he's doing." Hakumei said around the bit of fruit. When she swallowed, she turned a catty grin on Sousuke. "With his hands for example. Learning how to touch a woman can be a science all on its own." Then, just to be 'funny' she reached over and drew the pad of her pointer finger over the shell of his ear. "Precision can go quite a long way."

Okibi came back to the table and bumped her way in between Soususke and Hakumei, pushing the woman's hand aside as she set down Sousuke's mug and filled it with coffee. She set the carafe on the table; if the female wanted some she'd have to pour it herself.

All the hostility rolling off of Okibi just made Hakumei grin more, and she did indeed pour herself a cup. Then a short prayer was said, which Hakumei nodded an acknowledgement before she sliced into her waffle.

Okibi started digging in as well. "I didnt do much for my headache besides drink some water." She said around a mouthful, answering Sousuke's earlier inquiry. "And I love Tami, so of course I wouldnt hurt him . . . well, actually I kinda did, now that I think about it." She stopped eating - half her waffle already gone - and thought. "It wasnt as bad as the time I threw you out the window, but I did aggravate the injury he got from the exam." And she still felt horrible about it too. She resumed stuffing her face to distract herself.

"BaconbaconbaconbaconIsmellbacon!" Barked an exuberant Seven who came charging into the kitchen. He skidded to a stop beside the table, sitting down and silently begging for a bite. The smell of the crispy pan fried deliciousness turned on every single doggy instinct he had, turning him into something barely short of a poorly restrained puppy. Okibi rose an eyebrow and ignored him, making Hakumei laugh. She picked up a piece of her extra crispy bacon and held it out to him.

"Might be a lil bitter, but I promise its still good." She said. Seven eyed the bacon and the woman like he thought it might be poisoned. But in the end, the desire for bacon won out and he gingerly took it from her hand before settling down to munch on it.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

As Sousuke waited for the coffe poured in cream and dropped two sugar cubes into his cup. Sousuke listened to Hakumei as she went about how being precise about what he was doing could be appreciated by women when making love. She reached over and ran his finger around his ear. Sousuke didn't react, but somewhere in his mind he documented that remark and action. Thankfully Okibi then barged in and served the coffee. Sousuke would nod his head and give thanks as he took his spoon and stirred his coffee. Sousuke then made note of no matter how much Okibi tried to grief Hakumei. He almost wanted to intervene, but thought it was best not to do so. Sousuke hoped that the grin coming from Hakumei would be enough to clue in his ward to cease and desist her grieving attempts.

The anger between Okibi and Hakumei would vanish momentarily as Okibi spoke of her own experiences as well as Tama's. The Steward's eyes widened for a slight moment when she spoke of aggravating his injury from the exam. "Well... so long as he didn't have to go through major surgery like I did..."<i></i> Sousuke chewed his bacon silently hoping that nothing would be further brought up about the time Okibi had thrown him out a window and broke his arm and had his hand punctured. "Grandmother says suffering builds character so... Tama must be full of it by now. He is already quite the intellectual, so I suspect that his character will have vastly improved... like mine has. Although I suppose in my case... my changes are perhaps more difficult to see..."<i></i> Number Seven then rushed in the smell of bacon must have finally reached him. Sousuke then watched as Kitchy too came in, but not in such a rush. The husky watched as Number Seven simply devour the bacon. Sousuke's face which was full of waffles came to a sort of pout look. Should he feed Kitchy some bacon as well? He worked quite hard to keep her diet being of dog food intact, and for the most part it worked.

"That smell is heavenly. Now that I have a nose I can fully appreciate it."<i></i> A few barks came from the husky. She looked to Sousuke with interested eyes. Sousuke continued to chew and ultimately gave it. He offered the husky a peice of bacon. the canine munched on it and spat it out. "That is repulsive."<i></i> Realizing she made a mess on the floor the canine let out a low whimper. she did manage to eat the bacon but went over to her doggy bowl which still had some food from before.

Sousuke's eyes shifted then from Number Seven then to Kitchy. "Fascinating... I don't think I've ever seen Number Seven eat proper canine food. Nothing wrong with his diet, but ... I am merely observing..."<i></i>

 

[Okibi]

Okibi choked on a piece of peach, coughed and chugged some water. "Yeah. Improved character." She said between hacks, thumping her chest. Then she grinned unsurely at Sousuke. "I dont know if Id say 'vast' though." Then again, he was capable of chuckling now. That along was indeed a vast improvement. Maybe she should give him more credit.

Hakumei chewed on a piece of blackened bacon as she eyed the Steward and his ward. As she could see with many people, there were lines hidden in the air, invisible threads of fate that bound the two together inexplicably. There was no blood relation, obviously, but apparently there didnt need to be. A smile slid over her face.

As Seven walked over to his water dish and started lapping up some needed liquid, Hakumei rose from her chair. "While this has been a vastly entertaining and enlightening experience, I do believe I'll take my leave now." She reached over and ruffled Sousuke bangs and poked his nose. "If you ever get lonely Little Bird, you know where to find me. We can share my bed next time." She said with a wink, making Okibi growl all over again.

Hakumei's laughter trailed behind her as she left the kitchen.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

"I've made just as much progress as you have since you started living here."<i></i> Sousuke would say as he Okibi seemed to have problems stomaching what he just said. "Remember. I had to teach you how to speak common. That is still one of my many achievements..."<i></i> Sousuke would added shortly after, "You tried your best that day many years ago to say frustration. Even though you didn't get it initially I was proud that you tried and were ever so close to getting it."<i></i> Back then Sousuke used to pat Okibi on the head, but she was a little old for that now so he merely patted her hand now.

Hakumei had her fill and made motion to leave. She spoke of the next time it being her bed to be shared next time. "Ah... that won't be necessary... I don't sleep well unless it's my own bed or a couch..."<i></i> He tried to explain to her as she poked his nose. It was quite probable that everything he was trying to say was just ignored. She made a wink and an exit. Sousuke shook his head. "Weirder things could happen I guess... "<i></i> Sousuke's eyes shifted over to Okibi once more. "I have to say though... this ended better than the time with your cooking in the kitchen. I'm down to about six servings of your delicious taffy-like candy. You should make me some more. It's only lasted me ... two... three years?"<i></i> Sousuke scratched the back of his neck. "She's not insulting like Tia, and unlike Shizune she doesn't break my bones or cause me legal problems..."<i></i> Sousuke would sigh. Again the amused sound of a chuckle would come and a small smile. "Don't worry. My face isn't going to break. The first time I smiled, I think Yume was worried that I had suffered a mental break-down... anyways I'm entitled to a few secrets as you are yours. Let's wash up and... well... we'll do something you'd enjoy. No hand to hand training though...."<i></i>

(Topic concluded)