Miscellania 3, for things between episodes 7-9!

[Ebiris]

This happens Monday after school, while Makoto's grandmother gives her scholarship presentation

[19:43] <Kotono> The Hikawa Shrine is peaceful and busy today. When Usagi arrives she finds the place bustling, Rei's Grandfather helping people while the miko mans the charm stand.
[19:44] * Usagi gives Rei's grandfather a little wave as she reaches the top of the stairs, before making her way to the charm stand. "How's business, Rei-chan?" she chirps brightly, leaning on the counter.
[19:46] <Kotono> Quite busy - Rei flashes a smile as she gives an old lady a health charm, four more in line behind her. "Gimme a few," she says quickly, putting on a nice smile as she serves the next young man. "Love charm, I'm guessing?"
[19:47] * Usagi nods and drifts to the side of the stand while Rei does her work, not wanting to disturb actual paying customers.
[19:52] <Kotono> This takes about a good wtenty minutes. Here Rei is completely different - friendly and warm, smilling and suggestive. Ever so lightly flirting - even with one of the cute girls now, too! - and generally just being a fun saleswoman. When she finally gets a break, Rei wipes her forehead off. "Hey, Usa-chan." she says, the wind cool and brisk. "What's up?"
[19:54] * Usagi smirks a bit at Rei flirting with another girl, although it falls away as she remembers a certain other girl interested in the miko. "I talked to Hotaru-chan on Saturday," she begins without preamble.
[19:56] <Kotono> "Yeah?" Rei raises an eyebrow, rearrainging some charms as she works. "Did any of it sink in?"
[19:56] * Usagi coughs. "She said that you told her you'd date her if she dumped Makoto."
[20:01] <Kotono> "Oh, that?" Rei refastens a few more charms out, then starts slowly drawing a new one - this one to good fortune in business. "I told her I'd be interested if she can sort all that out. Big if...since they're pretty much smitten," Rei shrugs a little. "If she can sincerely do that, I'd be willing to give it a shot. If." Rei turn sto Usagi, smiling like a hungry cat in the cream. "To be honest, I expect this'll finally have those two get to
[20:03] <Kotono> "To be honest, I expect this'll finally have those two get together already."
[20:07] <Usagi> "I'd hope so, but..." the blonde shakes her head before giving Rei a serious look, "Don't you feel like you're sticking your head in a bear trap by coming between them? Hotaru-chan was going on about how you're mysterious and alluring to her, so I worry she might screw things up with Makoto just because she doesn't appreciate how good she has it, there."
[20:07] <Usagi> "And how do you think Mako-chan'll take it? You and her already don't get along that well, and considering how Hotaru *still* has a grudge against Mamoru and Balder... I really think you're making a big mistake putting yourself anywhere near that situation, Rei-chan!" she insists earnestly.
[20:08] <Kotono> "Oh yeah. I don't disagree. I'll accept if only if I'm sure both of them are goo with it. If not?" Rei shrugs, "It's not good for me and it's not fair to Makoto." A pause as another charm seeker comes, another cute girl. She even flirts back with Rei as the sale goes, both laughing at each other and having a good old time. Ironically it's someone from a school you don't know - Shibakoen, you think.
[20:12] * Usagi pipes down until the transaction is complete, shaking her head and smiling a little at the display. "You must be getting a lot of practice flirting with girls at this, at least..." she observes amusedly.
[20:12] <Usagi> "Anyway," she resumes their original discussion, "I just think it's a really bad idea to get mixed up between those two. Hotaru-chan's tempted, and it could be a huge mess if she tries to get some fun with you before she and Mako-chan settle down."
[20:14] <Kotono> "May as well," Rei just smirks to the first part, but let's it go down and away for now.
[20:15] <Kotono> "I know. I don't want drama. If I don't sincerely believe both of them aren't good with it? Not gonna happen." Rei smiles back at Usagi, idly reaching out and brushing her hand over the rabbit's side. "All flirting and joking past? Hotaru likes me a lot. Hotaru loves Makoto. Makoto probably loves Hotaru. I'm not expecting like to win out over love."
[20:18] <Usagi> "What about lust, though?" Usagi asks, giving the miko a fairly smouldering look through half-lidded eyes as she leans into the other girl's wandering hand.
[20:20] <Kotono> "Mmm, point. I have to admit...Mako's smashing, but I'm...perfect." Rei bats her eyeslashes back at the rabbit, tossing her lovely black hair. "I do think true love'll triumph...besides, I bet you couldn't stand losing your chance with me, hm?"
[20:22] * Usagi lightens her expression. "I had my chance, Rei-chan - back when you suggested we go on a date," she reminds her friend amusedly. "But let's be honest. I love you like an annoying friend, not a romantic prospect. Fun as it would be," she reaches down to clasp Rei's hand in both of her own, "You would still just be a meaningless roll in the hay, for me," she concludes, batting her eyelashes innocently.
[20:23] <Kotono> "Slut," Rei smirks back, "You just want that, hm?" But she's laughign, slowly withdrawing her hand. "But anyway...we'll see. If I can believe that Hotaru and Makoto are both happy with that and can break it off, I'llt ry Hotaru. Otherwise, no way."
[20:26] <Usagi> "If I wanted that, Rei-chan... well, I'm pretty sure we'd have done it already," Usagi concludes brightly, leaning on the counter. "But anyway, I guess I just wanted to warn you, since what Hotaru said had me worried - I didn't think you were stupid enough to get yourself mixed up in their epic love story."
[20:32] <Kotono> "We'll see," Rei smiles fondly, and then slams her hand into her palm. "OH! If it turns into the ballad of the stunning black haired Senshi, wanna be the blonde haired sandwhich filling," Rei smirks at Usagi.
[20:40] <Usagi> "Pass," the blonde returns flatly, before giving the other girl a teasing smile, "But if I ever hook up with Kotono, I know just who we'll want to be the filling between the blonde bread!"
[20:42] <Kotono> "Heh!" Rei snorts sarcastically, "I think you'll be doubleteaming that Asher if that happened. ....bad image." Rei quickly shakes her head, as a few more people come in line. "Hold on a few."
[20:43] * Usagi nods pleasantly, used to the breaks in their conversation as Rei is forced to tend to her customers.
[20:47] <Kotono> Abotu ten minutes pass, three more charms sold. "So anyway...mmm. You know, now t hat I'm accepting it it's not so bad. Both sexes are just smitten by me anyway, hm?"
[20:50] * Usagi sighs. "Your ego's gotten twice as big as well, I see..." she shakes her head wearily. "But I know what you mean, it's kinda liberating, isn't it?" she smiles. "I'm still not sure about ever actually getting in a relationship with a girl, but flirting is fun no matter which sex you're doing it with."
[20:51] <Kotono> "Yeah. All that joking, all that tension - it's gone." Rei grins, proudly displaying herself to any that might walk by. "As long as I remember that, it's not quite so bad."
[20:54] * Usagi nods brightly. "Or if it is a joke, at least it's one we're in on. Mmm... Have you actually outright told anyone?" she asks, turning more contemplative.
[20:58] <Kotono> "Nope. Besides Hotaru." Rei amends after a second, "If I seriously get into it with a girl I'll start telling people. Untilt hen?" Rei merely shrugs. "You?"
[20:59] <Usagi> "Same," she nods. "Papa knows, and that Chitose girl I went on a date with, but they kinda couldn't be helped since *someone*," she gives Rei a brief pouty glare, "Started yelling about us making out in the bathroom. I guess I don't want to make an issue of it since a lot of people will make it out to be something huge, which it really isn't unless I start properly dating another girl."
[21:02] <Kotono> "Yeah. So...yeah." Rei nods at that, having the dignity to blush. Instead she just looks away, thinking a moment. "Wanna tkae a bath after this," she suggests suddenly, brightly.
[21:03] <Usagi> "Sure," Usagi smiles flirtatiously. "We're both mature girls, we can still take baths together without... accidents. Right?"
[21:04] <Kotono> "Oh, accidents? Well, I learned to stop those at three. But if you're going to pee the tub?" Rei smirks back viciously.
[21:04] * Usagi sighs. "Only if that's what you're into, Rei-chan... only if that's what you're into..." she shakes her head wearily, a distressed hand going to her forehead.
[21:08] <Kotono> "I'm touched," Rei snickers at that, proddign the rabbit's ribs with her finger - but stopping as a few more charmseekers come.
[21:08] * Usagi knows the drill, once more making space at the counter while Rei plays the flirty shrine maiden.
[21:15] <Kotono> Another ten minutes! When it finishes Rei smiles, putting a CLOSED sign out. "Well, wanna," she casually asks.
[21:16] <Usagi> "Sure," Usagi agrees brightly. "I won't misbehave if you won't!"
[21:20] <Kotono> So soon Rei leads Usagi to the bath, chatting as they go through the halls. "Whew...it's getting colder, and I officially hate winter now," Rei comments frankly.
[21:21] <Usagi> "Really must suck for you, especially," Usagi agrees sympathetically as they head into the house. "Still only Autumn, now, though. But I always feel bad for you and Ami-chan when the weather's extreme in one way or the other..."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Yeah," Rei stops at the bathroom door, opening it up for Usagi and waiting for her to enter. "Winter really, really sucks now. I used to like it when its nowed, but now? Brr!"
[21:32] * Usagi enters the bathroom and begins to casually disrobe out of her school uniform. "Really is a shame for you guys," she agrees. "At least you do better in Summer, no matter how stupidly hot it gets, but it can't make up for being miserable the other half of the year."
[21:38] <Kotono> "Exactly. Rei disrobes, bra and panties soon following. Once naked she turns to Usagi, beaming from ear to ear. "The forbidden fruit," she quips.
[21:42] * Usagi is soon equally naked, and not entirely unaffected by the sight of Rei's body - memories of their makeout sessions and the other fun uses Rei put her mouth to are still fairly fresh in mind. "Not really forbidden, anymore," she murmurs, stepping closer and gently brushing her fingertips over the miko's belly as she passes before going to rinse herself prior to bathing. "Just... I like you as a friend more than a girlfriend," she concludes.
[21:47] <Usagi> she concludes.
[21:55] <Kotono> Rei even mock shivers at that, reaching up to stroke Usagi's hair. "Mmm. Pretty much," Rei says, going to rinse herself, splashing Usagi a bit. "I mean, yeah, we could get to it right here and now, but...mm, control?"
[21:58] * Usagi nods as she takes out her odangoes and bundles up her hair in a towel before she starts washing the rest of herself. "Exactly. It'd be fun, but... well, let's face it, if we started doing it without actually becoming a proper couple, we'd be even worse than Makoto and Hotaru."
[21:59] <Kotono> "Heh, envious of them," Rei drawls as she wets her hair, not tying it back int he least. "It's been Mako and Htoaru this, Hotaru and Makoto that."
[22:02] <Usagi> "It was you that first suggested we tell Hotaru to make a move," Usagi returns. "And I meant what I said about feeling sorry for them since they won't even be honest about what they are." Shaking her head, the blonde shifts around behind Rei. "Mmm, anyway, nevermind them. Want me to wash your back?" she offers, determined to prove they can have a normal bath together without giving into hormones.
[22:10] <Kotono> "Sure," Rei presents her smooth, creamy flesh to Usagi, waiting as she holds her hair forward and out of the way.
[22:13] * Usagi works a lather of soap into her hands and starts massaging them into her friend's back, concentrating on the simple routine she's carried out many times in the past without ever feeling the odd urge to let those same hands wander where they shouldn't. "By the way," she pipes up, making conversation as a distraction, "Did you know yesterday was Takeshi's birthday?"
[18:13] <Kotono> "Not offhand," Rei relaxes as her back is cleaned, "Have fun with that, by the way?"
[18:14] <Usagi> "He's nice, but not my type," Usagi shakes her head as she works her fingers into Rei's back. "Bit too tightly wound for my liking."
[18:15] <Kotono> "MMmmm. You like 'em softer and silkier." Rei sighs in contentment, muscles relaxing under Usagi's expert touch. "He's cute but if you're not interested..mmmmm."
[18:17] <Usagi> "Boy's got issues," Usagi summarises neatly, working the shower nozzle over Rei's back to rinse off the soap before she turns around. "Now do me?" she asks, expecting Rei to return the favour.
[18:21] <Kotono> "I'll always do you," Rei snickers meanly, starting to rub Usagi's back with a bar of soap. As suds form all over her, "Yeah, the entire Metallia thing. Reminds me that we're lucky not to remember."
[18:23] <Usagi> "Not just that," the blonde shakes her head. "His life in Japan hasn't been a picnic, either. I think we'll both be better off sticking with just friends," she decides, sighing softly as she leans forward and lets Rei wash her.
[18:24] <Kotono> "Is that a sigh of regret?" Rei follows up, getting a bucket of icy cold water and splasing it to clean Usagi's back. She smirks just a tiny bit at that, "Or just sadness in general?"
[18:25] <Usagi> "It was more of a 'you're good with your hands' sigh," Usagi returns, turning to briefly stick her tongue out at Rei now that she's rinsed off and getting up so she can climb into the tub.
[18:26] <Kotono> Rei joins Usagi, sticking her own tongue out as well. So she slides into the hot water, sighing herself in contentment. "Mmm...not hot enough," Rei mutters.
[18:26] <Kotono> roll 2d6
[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=6, 5]
[18:26] <Kotono> Sadly, it doesn't get any hotter, Rei cracking an eye open. "Dammit."
[18:28] <Usagi> "Feels just right to me," Usagi smiles blissfully as she settles in with the water up to her neckline. "So... you thinking of going for Takeshi, yourself?" she asks idly, sitting opposite her friend in the water.
[18:30] <Kotono> "I'm going to wait for Hotaru to sort herself out a bit more," Rei  begins with that, still scowling at the water but not pressing it. "No need to risk ragging him into that. But I probably will at some point - he's cute and at worst it's still a free dinner or lunch."
[18:33] * Usagi nods, idly nudging her toes against Rei's calf. "Don't want to get him lumped in with Mamoru and Balder on the Hotaru deathwish list?" she teases.
[18:36] <Kotono> "Har." Rei lightly kicks Usagi back, leaning against the side of the tub. "She's not that bad usually. Just...yeah." A soft snort as Rei crosses her arms, strangely thoughtful at that. "To be honest I'm amazed she claims her boyfriend got her off. I didn't think she was wired that way even dating."
[18:39] <Usagi> "I dunno," the blonde shrugs. "It's a physical response, even if you're not mentally into it. Besides, at worst you can close your eyes and think of someone else," she affirms, lazily stretching herself out.
[18:39] <Kotono> "Like with boys now," Rei needles back, lightly pushing Usagi's footw ith her own. "But yeah, I guess. She's saying she's bi, but..." Rei holds a hand out, letting it wobble side to side.
[18:43] * Usagi nods agreeably as she continues to play footsie with Rei. "I've never met any of her boyfriends - well, I think I saw Yoshi once back when they first met - but yeah, she's never seemed that into guys. I guess if she is bi she's like the opposite of me, since I'm only a little bit into girls?" she suggests.
[18:44] <Kotono> "Probably." Rei idly kicks back, sinking up to her lower lip into water of warmth. "...you know, I just had a scary thought semi related to that."
[18:46] <Usagi> "What's that?" the blonde asks curiously, sitting up a bit to make room for Rei as she slides downwards, the water now only just reaching her bust which bobs around slightly at the movement.
[18:47] <Kotono> "Let's see now.  You, me, Makoto, Hotaru. I'm half dreading someone making a Sailor girl sex sleepover joke...and more concerned since I half wonder if we'd go for it. Especially Hotaru if I asked." Idly blowing a few bubbles on top of the water, "Bleh. You know, it was a lot easier to make casual slutty lesbian jokes when before all this."
[18:49] * Usagi nods, frowning a bit. "Yeah... I think I could resist it. Honestly, you're the only one I'd really consider doing it with, but..." she shrugs, "Already decided not to go down that route." She does favour Rei with a brief inviting smile, "Even if the 'friends with benefits' idea tempted me for a while."
[18:54] <Kotono> "...I guess. I'm almost tempted - if Hotaru and Makoto wanted to I might seriously consider it just to do it. Go all the way with the forbiddenf ruit, yeah?" But at that Rei smirks a tiny bit, bucking up. "Maybe invite her Majesty as well?"
[18:57] * Usagi blushes, noticable even against the way her skin is heated by the bathwater. "I don't think I'd want to do that," she shakes her head embarrassedly. "Considering how just making out..." she blushes even more, "Well, making out plus some... sucking," she hefts her right breast meaningfully, "Messed us up, I don't want to think about how I'd look at everyone else after that."
[18:58] <Kotono> Rei turns into a cherry in the water, redding all over. "Into a group of lesbian friedns that share? Oi." Rei rubs her forehead and hides all the way into the water, body covered. "What about..." her smirk returns rapidly, "Serenity-saaamaaa~?"
[18:59] * Usagi sinks herself into the water up to her chin, mortified. "Remember how I mentioned I'd only thought about one other girl beside you, and that was in a dream?"
[19:03] <Kotono> "Jackpot!" Rei rises up in the tub, revealing everything to her bellybutton up! "I figured it had to be her unless you had a thing for Ami-chan or someone else."
[19:05] <Usagi> "You can't ever tell her!" Usagi pleads earnestly, sitting up herself to mirror Rei's movement. "It's not like I'm romantically in love with her or anything, but she'd never look at me the same way if she knew I even thought about her that way!"
[19:06] <Kotono> "It's fine," Rei smiles just a tiny bit, holding a hand out. "I wouldn't - she is Serenity, after all." Rei smiles back fondly at Usagi, "You just have good taste, I suppose."
[19:09] * Usagi smiles back in open relief. "Yeah, I guess. She is the nicest person I've ever known, and... well, yeah, I can't think of anyone better looking. Just... well, ruining my friendship with her by doing anything stupid would be way worse than having my way with you," her smiles turns a touch catty, "Since I know you wouldn't say no."
[19:14] <Kotono> "Just like Hotaru and Makoto don't want to ruin their perfect friendship by putting it inside of each other," Rei smirks back viciously at Usagi, splashing her.
[19:16] <Usagi> "Ouch," Usagi gasps, putting a hand over her chest. "You wound me, Miss Hino." Splashing Rei back, she pouts slightly. "It's a bit different, though - she thinks of me like her daughter. Imagine how weirded out she'd be if I came onto her? Plus I think she has a thing for her boss, anyway - she always blushes when she talks about him."
[19:17] <Kotono> "Incest is best, put your mother to the test," Rei singsongs back as she resplashes, shaking her head. "So save her from a mere boss and make her your own! It's your destiny!"
[19:19] <Usagi> "Ugh, you're far too into that stuff..." Usagi makes a face. "Anyway, I've had it with destiny after it ruined things with Mamoru," she waves her hand dismissively, incidentally sending an arc of water at the miko.
[19:20] <Kotono> Rei is splashed, blinking as she's wetted by Usagi! "Oh, stop making excuses and just sleep with Serenity, Usagi!" Rei carols, standing and walking over to Usagi's side. She slides an arm around the blonde, smirking to her. "It's not fair that you try to seduce me while your heart lies with Serenity-saaamaaaa~!"
[19:21] <Usagi> "Please, Rei!" Usagi gives the other girl a light shove, squishing a hand somewhere soft. "One messed up dream does not love make!"
[19:22] <Kotono> Rei shivers at that as her softness is pressed, creeping back. "But Usagi-saaamaaa!" Rei blushes, "Every motion you make with her shows how much you love her! I just can't let myself be your woman on the side while you chase after her!" Shaking her black, raveny locks around, "It's just improper!"
[19:24] <Usagi> "Whoever said you were the woman on my side, anyway?!" the blonde cries, quickly pulling her hand back from its suspicious placement. "Besides, I'm not going to waste my time on you while you're still mooning over Hotaru and Takeshi!"
[19:28] <Kotono> "Bah!" Rei pokes forward, giving Usagi's own softness a probe! "Then just go have sex with Serenity then!" She smirks, before sitting back down.
[19:29] <Usagi> "That's your answer to everything!" Usagi retorts indignantly.
[19:30] <Kotono> "It's a good one," Rei just chuckles, "Or are you going to mix my virginity with this bath, hmmmm?"
[19:31] * Usagi glares at Rei, moving her leg to trail her big toe up the other girl's inner thigh. "You mean you still have it?" she asks disbelievingly.
[19:36] <Kotono> Rei scoots back just a bit, smirking. "Like I'd give it away in the backseat of a car. Please."
[19:36] <Usagi> "That's what they have love hotels for, Rei-chan," Usagi smirks back, her foot retreating. "Just checking, though - it's hard to tell with you."
[19:38] <Kotono> Rei just splashes Usagi one more time, before getting up and out of the tub. "Mmm. It's hard to tell if you want me to bend over right here..." Rei gets on her hands and knees, looking back with a dirty smirk again, "And wait for you to come onto me here or not." She doesn't give Usagi time to react, getting back up and getting her towels.
[19:40] * Usagi follows Rei out of the bathtub. "I'd be lying if I said the thought of making you scream didn't have some appeal," she admits. "But let's face it - you'd be insufferable if you thought you'd seduced me, so I think I'll resist the urge."
[19:42] <Kotono> "Good, good," Rei dries herself off quickly, peeking out into the hall. "Gramps is out, so it's okay to c'mon. Wanna borrow some of my clothes?" Rei trots out of the bathroom naked, hhair bound up and body loosely and barely covered bya nother towel.
[19:44] * Usagi wraps another towel around her own torso after drying, collecting up her school uniform and following Rei to her room. "I'll stick with my uniform," she demurs. "Unless you've got some fetish gear you want to see me in," she adds teasingly.
[19:46] <Kotono> "As if," Rei trots to ehr room, dropping the towels once inside and going to the closet. "Since you're not so lucky to have a smashing wardrobe like mine, I though you'd like to pretend."
[19:48] <Kotono> "As if," Rei trots to ehr room, dropping the towels once inside and going to the closet. "Since you're not so lucky to have a smashing wardrobe like mine, I though you'd like to pretend."
[19:48] * Usagi laughs in a quite openly condescending way into the back of her hand as they enter the bedroom. "Rei-chan, you're talking to the girl with an effectively infinite wardrobe. But even leaving that aside, I like my actual clothes, anyway - some of us don't feel the need to let it all hang out, y'know?"
[19:52] <Kotono> "Oh really," Rei smirks and turns back, closing her closet behind her. Not a scrap on her still, "Well, when you're this good, it's unfair to let clothing hold back your radiance, hm?"
[19:55] <Usagi> "I meant more the fact that the clothes you do wear generally don't leave much to the imagination," Usagi replies, letting her towel fall away and freeing her hair, a toss of her head sending waves of silky gold cascading down her back. "I guess I can appreciate the eye candy better you provide now, at least," she adds with a perky smile.
[19:56] <Kotono> "Can't you," Rei smiles, coming over to Usagi. She passes by, swatting her rear viciously before lying on her bed. "You know, I'm all warm and comfy from the bath. Think I'm just going to curl up for a nap under the blankets now."
[20:00] <Usagi> "Have fun with that," Usagi returns brightly, leaning over to deliver a somewhat vicious flick onto one of the other girl's nipples before she retreats and begins to dress herself once more.
[20:01] <Kotono> "OW! Dammit, Usagi!" Rei whimpers painfully, raising her arms to cover her bosom. "That hurt!"
[20:03] <Usagi> "How do you think my bottom feels?!" the blonde retorts, turning to wriggle her abused posterior at the miko, a red handprint showing quite clearly against her creamy flesh. "But..." she turns around, a teasing smile on her lips as she twirls her just picked up underwear around a finger, "If you ask me nicely I'll make it feel better?" she offers.
[20:04] <Kotono> "Hmph," Rei turns her head away, dropping her arms. "Make it feel better, Usagi-saaamaaa~!" Rei smirks, bowing her head down and just barely not snickering.
[20:08] <Usagi> "Well, since you asked *so* nicely..." Usagi relents, leaning over Rei and gently cupping the underside of her just flicked breast with her fingers, thumb resting against the side of her nipple. She does blush quite noticably, breath catching both at how this could be taken, and how part of her wants to take it this way.
[20:08] <Usagi> Nonetheless, she can't back out now - therefore she focuses on the other girl, using a mixture of her purifying aura and ability to rejuvenate others in order to perk up Rei's abused nipple, hand glowing with a soft golden light as her energy transfers.
[20:09] <Kotono> OOC - Um, soul check? <_<
[20:09] <Usagi> roll 2d6
[20:09] * Hatbot --> "Usagi rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=3, 6]
[20:10] <Kotono> The light soothes the injury, rejuvenating Rei! This causes her to blush and hide under her sheets, only her head out now! "Gee, thanks..." Rei blushes, flushed heavily. "Um...yeah.
[20:10] <Kotono> ":
[20:12] * Usagi blushes scarlet, hand drawing back. "I wasn't lying when I said I had magic fingers..." she squeaks, deciding to now focus on getting dressed and getting out of there!
[20:14] <Kotono> "..yeah," Rei squeaks out, "Yeah, talk to you later, Usa-chan? Short nap would be good."
[20:15] <Usagi> "Sweet dreams?" Usagi offers as she hurriedly garbs herself, fleeing out the door as soon as she has her blouse on and tying the neckscarf as she goes!
[20:16] <Kotono> "...dreams...yeah..." Rei calls as Usagi flees out! As she heads out into the hallway, she nearly runs into Grandfather Hino, heading towards Rei's room.
[20:16] <Kotono> "Usagi?" he asks curiously, standing asidef or her.
[20:18] <Usagi> "Oh, hi, Mr Hino!" Usagi blurts out, just barely stopping herself from running into the old man. "Rei-chan's taking a nap, so you might want to leave her for a bit," she suggests. "Bye!" with that and a quick parting wave, the blonde flees onwards to pick up her shoes and bookbag at the entrance and then head for home!
[20:20] <Kotono> "Alright..." Grandfather Hino watches Usagi go, before shrugging and going back the way he came.

[Halbarad]

Monday night.

[21:31] <@Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
[21:32] <@Kotono> Evening comes. Dinner is filling but not that good, a perfect medium not to keep Takeshi eating too long. So now he's back i his room again, another chance to view the stars...
[21:33] * @Takeshi takes a minute or two to center himself this time before starting, running through a few breathing techniques from his martial arts training to try to improve his focus before changing into the form of the ancient general of Earth.
[21:36] * @General_Nephrite closes his eyes, still trying to maintain that inner calm as he begins to delve into the mystic forces that allow him to see beyond himself. "I call upon the power of the stars... Taurus, the Bull of great strength! Let your horns lead the way to the being known as Death!"
[21:36] <@Kotono> OOC - El soul-o checko.
[21:37] <@General_Nephrite> roll 2d6 burning 20 EP
[21:37] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 burning 20 EP and gets 7." [2d6=6, 1]
[21:39] <@Kotono> In a haze Nephrite feels the chills - deep chills. You see a great throne of skulls, alone on a great black floor. Here Death sits, face hidden and hooded. He looks out into the abyss, thoughtful. All around past this island swirls infinte gray, enthralling and emptying. OOC - Soul check +1, Takeshi.
[21:39] <@Kotono> roll 2d6 something else
[21:39] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 something else and gets 9." [2d6=6, 3]
[21:39] <@General_Nephrite> roll 2d6+1
[21:39] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6+1 and gets 5." [2d6=3, 1]
[21:40] <@Kotono> Takeshi averts his eyes from that part of it! He feels so empty, so lifeless so...so...repeated after looking at it, but his will triumphs! Death merely looks out at it, but from behind his throne vicious red eyes gleam! "...mmmm?" Death murmurs, hidden gaze FELT as he slightly looks up. "...aaaah. Do you see well, inhuman," he murmurs, almost sounding bored.  "Come. It wouldn't be a difficult matter for you to come here and see with your own
[21:41] <@Kotono> "Come. It wouldn't be a difficult matter for you to come here and see with your own eyes directly." A pallid white hand extends out, "Did you think you could spy on me unaware in my own domain?"
[21:43] * @General_Nephrite is rather surprised at having been noticed, but he conceals his shock quickly. Since Death can see him where most can't, perhaps he can actually communicate this way. "I'll pass, thanks - flies don't wander into the spider's web on purpose," he says dryly.
[21:43] <@Kotono> roll 2d6
[21:43] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=6, 3]
[21:44] <@Kotono> OOC - Soul check again.
[21:44] <@General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[21:44] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=4, 5]
[21:45] <@Kotono> "Come..." Another voice invites, one you can't define. It speaks with no characteristics, almost flowing and limpid. To this Death chuckles, red eyes again gleaming from behind his throne.
[21:45] <@Kotono> "We'll both wait for you here if you want," Death invites, "Come and see the solution to your very humanity. It's all around me!"
[21:47] <@General_Nephrite> "I like my humanity right where it is," Nephrite says levelly. "I've gone without it before, and I don't care to repeat the experience."
[21:49] <@Kotono> "As you wish," Death merely chuckles again. "Do you wish to come and slay the horrible monster you look at? OR shall I come to you now?" At that Death stands, hand against the fabric of his hood, as if to push it back.
[21:50] * @General_Nephrite doesn't bat an eyelash as Death raises his hand to his hood. "Why are you doing this?" he says simply. "What is it that you hope to gain from all this?"
[21:51] <@Kotono> roll 2d6
[21:51] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=1, 6]
[21:51] <@Kotono> OOC - Soul check.
[21:51] <@General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[21:51] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=5, 6]
[21:52] <@Kotono> The vision shatters like stained glass! Nephrite reels, blinking away stars! As they flicker into nothingness with Taurus, you find a figure sitting on your bed. Death is there, casually looking on with his black, hidden by shadow eyes. "What do you hope to gain by resisting what you are?"
[21:56] <@General_Nephrite> "Resisting it?" Nephrite turns to look at Death, grey-clad arms folded across his chest. "I know full well what I am - I might have resisted it when I first learned of it, but that's long in the past."
[21:57] <@Kotono> "Then you know this world isn't yours." Death chuckles coldly, offering his hand again. "You'll husk away the mere human side you possess in our world. This is the world of humans, you are merely...an outcast from it. All of them reject you."
[21:59] <@General_Nephrite> "No more than they reject each other," the once general replies. "I sure as hell can't deny that I'm an outcast, yeah - but that doesn't have anything to do with this," he gestures at the uniform. "There are plenty of normal humans just as shunned as I am, if not worse."
[22:02] <@Kotono> "Mmmm." Death looks on at Takeshi, carefully tilting his head a bit. "I've touched you once before, Nephrite..." he murmurs. "I had forgotten. What was it that brought you back...but it doesn't matter, does it? An inhuman deed has you living again."
[22:04] <@General_Nephrite> "It doesn't matter here, no," Takeshi agrees. "For whatever reason, I'm back again. And not interested in losing my humanity in the slightest."
[22:07] <@Kotono> "That is the problem...humans fear. They fear losing themselves, they fear change, they fear...death." Death himself stands, sounding amused. "I come for every human being to put them to sleep and peace. For an inhuman...I offer reality as it is."
[22:09] <@General_Nephrite> "You offer YOUR brand of reality," Nephrite corrects, eyes narrowing slightly. "I've seen yours - and I'll stick with what I've got now. Beats your idea of reality."
[22:11] <@Kotono> "As you wish." Death says, "I may be merciful when I do not have to fight you. The others will rip you apart unless you k ill them first."
[22:12] <@General_Nephrite> "Good luck to 'em, then," Nephrite says with a smirk. "I may have run into you once already, but that doesn't mean I'm easy to get rid of."
[22:14] <@Kotono> "Then...pass a message onto Sailor Moon for me," Death merely begins to fade into the shadows of Takeshi's room.
[22:14] <@General_Nephrite> "Done," Takeshi says, watching as Death makes his own way out. "That being?"
[22:16] <@Kotono> "I respect that she wears a trinket of the higest degree of death and power. It may not be a part of our battle here, but...the others may not be so inclined as well. Hold it tight, Sailor Moon. One that proved worthy of something worthy to be called the 'Eye of Death.'"
[22:17] * @General_Nephrite raises an eyebrow at that. "She'll get the message," he says, then hesitates. "Why bother to offer that, though?"
[22:19] <@Kotono> Death is gone now, but his voice lingers. With it comes a chill blast, freezing Nephrite's soul. "I respect someone only a thought away from being an incarnation of Death on par with myself. Her inhuman side..mmm, mmm, hmm..."
[22:20] * @General_Nephrite feels a chill run down his spine at that, and not simply from the blast of vapor from Death's departure, either. "Bloody hell," he says, sounding more than a bit shaken as he lets Nephrite slip away.
[22:27] * @Takeshi runs a hand through his hair nervously, pacing back and forth in his room as he thinks over the 'message' he was given to deliver. A few minutes of this, and he heads over to his bag, rooting through it roughly until he locates his communicator. With the orange-tinted device in his hand, he stares at the button for the Moon, wondering... then finally, he shoves it into his pocket.
[22:28] <@Takeshi> "No sense in getting HER worked up over it," he mutters. With a sigh, he heads out of his room, pausing only briefly to grab a jacket before heading out of the house - he needs to clear his thoughts after that, as he can already feel them starting to circle each other like a pack of sharks.
[22:39] <@Takeshi> [22:20] * @General_Nephrite feels a chill run down his spine at that, and not simply from the blast of vapor from Death's departure, either. "Bloody hell," he says, sounding more than a bit shaken as he lets Nephrite slip away.
[22:39] <@Takeshi> [22:27] * @Takeshi runs a hand through his hair nervously, pacing back and forth in his room as he thinks over the 'message' he was given to deliver. A few minutes of this, and he heads over to his bag, rooting through it roughly until he locates his communicator. With the orange-tinted device in his hand, he stares at the button for the Moon, wondering... then finally, he shoves it into his pocket.
[22:39] <@Takeshi> [22:28] <@Takeshi> "No sense in getting HER worked up over it," he mutters. With a sigh, he heads out of his room, pausing only briefly to grab a jacket before heading out of the house - he needs to clear his thoughts after that, as he can already feel them starting to circle each other like a pack of sharks.
[22:40] <@Anastasia> It's a cloudy night, rainclouds again rolling in. It's been a damp fall with no signs of letting up - by late it'll probably be raining for most the night. But not yet, instead chilly wind blowing. Yet it barely holds a candle to Nephrite's inner chill that lingers. So he walks...a sense of sameness settling over him, a stagnation.
[22:44] * @Takeshi feels a slight sense of complacency steal in... until his thoughts catch up with him. How the hell are things the same now? Sure, they might be in the same situation as before, but... realizing now exactly what it is that Death and his kin want to do to them is so far from being the 'same' that it's not even funny.
[22:46] <@Anastasia> roll 2d6
[22:46] * +Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=6, 2]
[22:46] <@Anastasia> The feeling yet persists for a little while as Takeshi walks, only fading as he makes good time through the streets of Juuban. NIght comes and with that the peace of eveningtime, the bustle of the day over.
[22:48] * @Takeshi frowns at the persistence of the thought - something weird about that. Something to pursue at another time, maybe. Hunching his shoulders a bit against the encroaching chill of the late November evening, he continues on his way, heading into the largest of Juuban's parks.
[22:55] <@Anastasia> The park is a peaceful place as well. Night's dance continues in all it's glory, the moon ascending in the sky, occasionally peeking out from behind the clouds. A few raindrops probe out tentatively, falling in scouts and drips.
[22:59] * @Takeshi finds a spot under a bare-limbed elm, the naked branches offering scant protection from the scattered raindrops as he stares up at the fleeting glimpses of the quarter moon in the sky above - and as he looks up at it this night, he can't help but notice that while the Moon does indeed give off its pure silver light, half is shrouded in near-total darkness, as well. With a slight shudder he turns up the collar
[22:59] <@Takeshi> of his coat, looking for shelter from the rain for a few minutes - while it's cold and wet, he really doesn't feel like heading home just yet.
[23:08] <@Anastasia> There's a few benches with covering in the park, those would work. They're empty, most everyone inside on this cool, rainy evening.
[23:12] * @Takeshi takes a seat, blowing out a long breath as his mind continues to turn. With head bowed, he thinks over each of the senshi he's met so far - if that's what Usagi would become, what of the rest? What of himself? Clasping his hands behind his neck, he's forced to wonder. Is the 'magical' part of all of them truly that horrific? Or is it something else - a dark side of each of them, perhaps, that's not related to the magic?
[23:14] <@Anastasia> The rain begins to fall around Takeshi as he ponders, slowly crying gales of moisture that strike out from the sky. The pitterpatter of droplets soothes him, , bringing a chillingness to merely sitting down.
[23:16] <@Takeshi> Another chill runs down his spine as his thoughts turn to Serenity. If such a kind soul as Usagi would become a new incarnation of Death, what would one such as Serenity become? ...probably their 'Lightbringer', if the pattern holds. One suited to bring their abyss of nothingness to the world - it'd certainly fit.
[23:20] <@Anastasia> The rain picks up even more, a howling wind gusting and pelting Takeshi even in his cover. Cold drops that spread bonechills, swirling about in the air.
[23:22] * @Takeshi shivers violently, and not just from the bitterly cold rain. Drawing his coat around him tightly, he hurries from the shelter of the bench, seeking Serenity's home. He needs to talk, to say SOMETHING about this, to someone. And as an added plus, it's a little closer than his home is, to boot.
[23:32] <@Anastasia> As Takeshi picks up his pace the rain falls harder, faster. It's a cloudy rainstorm as Takeshi walks, soaking and soon soaked by the steady rainfall. As you arrive at Serenity's, you find two figures in the rain. Nior stonily ignores it as Janna is at his side, doing pushups. "I'm sorry already," Janna groans, "I called you a musclebound ox of a commanding officer FONDLY and I only ate three servings tonight!" Janna complains loudly, sendin
[23:34] <@Anastasia> Janna complains loudly, sending annoyes glares up at Nior, who just ignores them.
[23:35] * @Takeshi does a doubletake as he arrives in the yard. "What the hell? And I thought *I* was crazy for being out in this..."
[23:37] <@Anastasia> Janna looks up, dripping water, "I don't complain too much since I don't think it's possible to gain weight when I'm being trained by Nior," Janna quips, shaking her hair as she goes through a few more. If nothing else, she's knocking out those pushups at a decent clip now.
[23:37] <@Anastasia> "She doesn't mind at all," Nior adds quietly, looking down at Janna.
[23:38] <@Takeshi> "Is Serenity in?" Takeshi asks, standing in the lee of the house to get at least SOME shelter from the wind and rain. "Was hoping to talk to her."
[23:41] <@Anastasia> Janna finally stops, huffing air in and out before sitting on the wet grass. "Yeah, she's upstairs.  Go on, Nior's losing his edge if he thinks he can beat me with just pushups these-..." JANNA STOPS COLD. She winces and looks up at Nior, giggling, "Nevermind that?"
[23:41] <@Anastasia> Nior does indeed not mind it, giving Takeshi a glance once and twice. "In her room," he adds pointedly.
[23:43] <@Takeshi> "Thanks," he says, shaking his head a bit at Janna. "Good luck with the training, looks like you might be at it a while longer," he quips, heading into the house and removing his sodden coat and shoes before heading up the stairs in search of Serenity.
[10:07] <@Kotono> There is indeed warmth here, warmth and peace. The smell of sukiyaki lingers in the air, tickling Nephrite's nose as he heads upstairs. Serenity's door is closed, but you can hear music from the other side. Classical music, pretty and elegant.
[10:10] * +Takeshi raps on the door with his knuckles. "Serenity?"
[10:13] <@Kotono> No answer for a few seconds, only then does a voice carry over the music. "Yes?" Serenity asks with a yawn, sleepy sounding.
[10:14] <+Takeshi> "Oh... sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you," Takeshi says, hesitating.
[10:16] <@Kotono> "It's fine. I'll be downstairs in a few minutes!" Serenity calls, another heavy yawn in her voice.
[10:17] <+Takeshi> "All right," Takeshi answers, heading downstairs - now feeling a bit guilty for disturbing the monarch.
[10:21] <@Kotono> So only about five minutes of waiting does Serenity come down, wrapped in a bathrobe and coming to sit ont he couch. "Takeshi," she smiles, hair loose and flowing behind her.
[10:24] <+Takeshi> "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," the young man apologizes, still standing himself - still rather clearly out of sorts. "I... needed to talk to someone, and this seemed like the best place to come."
[10:29] <@Kotono> "Then go on," Serenity pats the couch's cusion, looking on at the troubled young man.
[10:31] <+Takeshi> "I tried to take another look at the inhumans' world - at Death, this time," Takeshi explains, running his hand through his hair. "I did manage to get through this time, but... he spotted me there, right off the bat. Kept inviting me to see the place for myself, but I'm not QUITE that stupid."
[10:33] <+Takeshi> "There was another... presence, there with him, but I don't know who or what it was - just a glimpse of red eyes behind Death's throne. He finally broke my vision and showed up in my room, and we talked a bit further. He recognized the fact that I'd died before, and gave me a message for Usagi - to hang onto the Silver Crystal, as some of the others might try to take it."
[10:39] <@Kotono> "I see." It's allo Serenity says for a time, closing her marvelous eyes as she ponders what all that means. She purses her lips, pausing heavily indeed.
[10:40] * +Takeshi takes a deep breath, slowly steadying himself as he gets the words out. "He also referred to the Crystal as the 'Eye of Death', and mentioned that Usagi herself was only 'a breath away' from becoming an incarnation of Death on a level with himself. I honestly don't know WHAT the hell to make of that, but it freaks me out."
[10:46] <@Kotono> "I see." The Queen repeats herself as she ponders, long and very thoughtful indeed. "Was there anything else said, Takeshi?"
[10:49] <+Takeshi> "Only that he wanted me to join them in 'living in reality'. Told him I didn't like his brand of reality, even though he tried to talk me over by bringing up the fact that I'm an outcast." Takeshi shakes his head. "He also mentioned that he in particular might be merciful if he didn't have to fight us, but that the others would try to kill us outright."
[10:52] <@Kotono> "Mmm. This is troubling...but you are safe," Serenity looks at him now, viewing the general up and down.
[10:54] <+Takeshi> "Safe, just a bit fried," Takeshi says. "He didn't seem interested in a fight, just talking."
[11:08] <@Kotono> "Good. It's very good that you're safe." Serenity smiles to Takeshi, before closing her eyes again.
[11:16] * +Takeshi sighs. "Half of the problem is wondering WHY he told me all that, and it's getting me stuck in the whole layers of deception trap - you know, if someone tells you something, they expect you to react a certain way to it, and that might help them, so you don't say it, but then they might be expecting you not to for that reason and so on. It's stupid, but easy to fall into."
[11:18] <@Kotono> "A mind game," Serenity finishes that thought with her own tired look, "Yes, I'm familiarw ith the concept. The shockwaves of the information cause as much damage as the information itself."
[11:20] <+Takeshi> "Yeah - and I'm thinking that's as much why he said all that as anything. The warning about the Crystal isn't bad, but I doubt it's really needed - with as powerful as it is, I can't see Usagi being careless enough with it to let it fall into their hands short of the most dire circumstances. The rest of it, though..." He takes another deep breath. "Sorry, that's kind of why I came by. Just sitting and thinking
[11:20] <+Takeshi> about it myself wasn't doing much more than getting me totally worked up."
[11:23] <@Kotono> "Indeed," Serenity says quietly, "Very indeed. Well done." With a small smile Serenity looks up at Takeshi, but then stops. "How do you feel now?"
[11:25] <+Takeshi> "Better," Takeshi agrees, sighing a bit. "Still kind of shaken up, but at least my head's not running a hundred miles an hour now."
[11:26] <@Kotono> The way Serenity reaches out is simple - she puts an arm around Takeshi, a soothing murmur from her. (More)
[11:26] <@Kotono> roll 2d6
[11:26] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=5, 2]
[11:26] <@Kotono> Takeshi feels peace and serenity flow through his body, calming. "Good. They give us information so easily, but yet..."
[11:29] * +Takeshi feels the tension melt away under Serenity's ministrations, almost visibly relaxing. "Yeah, it's weird. It's like they're holding all the cards, so they don't mind giving us hints here and there - but if they were that far ahead of the game, why haven't they accomplished what they're after, yet?"
[11:32] <@Kotono> "There is one chip they don't have, the Ace of Spades; the Lightbringer. Even with every other card they can't win without it." Now the Queen is long and thoughtful, "Regardless of...who it is, as long as they don't have that they'll keep coming."
[11:34] <+Takeshi> "And that thought occurred to me as well - along Asher's line of thought, actually. If Sailor Moon would be the next avatar of Death, what might you yourself become?" Takeshi closes his eyes. "It's only a guess, but if that pattern holds - those with the most humanity falling the farthest if they do fall - it could very well fit."
[11:36] <@Kotono> "...Asher came to much the same idea and conclusion," Serenity says very softly, quietly. "It is possible, it may not be or it may be; our plans should not change in any event."
[11:37] <+Takeshi> "I agree," Takeshi says, opening his eyes again. "That's the other possibility of why they're feeding us all this information - not just to toss us a bone, as it were, but to use us to accomplish what they're after. If we do make a solid determination of who the Lightbringer is, and then move to protect that person, they know exactly who to go after. I'd be shocked if they didn't know exactly who each of us was by now."
[11:41] <@Kotono> "If I am...we must be careful. If they see me and I am..." Now Serenity looks downcast a moment, but then smiles with a solid, sad determination. "There are steps we can take to stay hidden at worst."
[11:44] <+Takeshi> "It certainly can't hurt for now, at least," Takeshi agrees. "Although again, I'd avoid making any obvious moves in that direction - they may have given us a fair amount of information about themselves, but we DON'T know how much they know about us. And better to be overly careful than careless there."
[11:49] <@Kotono> "Yes." Serenity closes her eyes as she thinks, "When you have a moment, tell Usagi of what Death told you about her."
[11:51] <+Takeshi> "I was planning on doing it tomorrow at school," Takeshi agrees. "Didn't seem to be a lot of sense in giving her something to worry about at this hour."
[11:51] <@Kotono> "Fair enough." Serenity pulls Takeshi in, resting him against her shoulder. "For yourself...close your eyes, Takeshi?"
[11:52] * +Takeshi complies, a bit puzzled as to why, however.
[11:52] <@Kotono> roll 2d6
[11:52] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=5, 4]
[11:53] <@Kotono> The feeling of peace adn calm that flows into Takeshi is transfixing. His entire body rests as if touched by the hand of a Goddess, soothed. "Just rest for a little while."
[11:54] <+Takeshi> "Mmmm..." Takeshi says, most of his thoughts for good and ill leaving him at that. He simply sinks down onto the couch. "I can do that," he murmurs.
[11:55] <@Kotono> "Mmmm." Serenity speaks softly - Takeshi isn't sure of what - but conciousness seems to slip away like an unwanted trouble.
[11:56] * +Takeshi doesn't fight it at all, simply letting slumber's embrace take him for a time.
[11:57] <@Kotono> ----

[Halbarad]

Tuesday, at school.

[12:37] <+Takeshi> ---- Arc 2 stuff go! ----
[12:40] <+Takeshi> And so Tuesday arrives at school. Usagi is actually on time to class for the day, although Takeshi isn't - or almost isn't. Just a minute or so before the bell rings he enters the classroom, looking a bit red in the face. He barely stops as he comes into the room, although he does take a route past the blonde's desk to let her know that he wants to talk with her at lunchtime.
[12:41] <@Usagi> "Huh?" Usagi looks up at Takeshi's interruption to her pre-class preperation, nodding in reply. "Okay, sure," she agrees, wondering what that's about.
[12:42] * +Takeshi nods. "Thanks," he says a bit breathlessly, heading back to the rear of the room and his own desk. And so the morning passes, nothing of note aside from an unscheduled pop quiz in history - and then lunchtime arrives, Takeshi heading over to Usagi's desk fairly quickly to wait for her.
[12:45] * @Usagi looks a bit unsettled at Takeshi suddenly looming over her before she's even gotten her lunchbox out, the blonde still proceeding to take out her food before looking up at the brown-haired boy. "So, ah, what's up?" she asks.
[12:47] <+Takeshi> "Sorry, still a bit edgy," Takeshi says, taking a seat - no lunch, Usagi notes. "I have a message that I'm supposed to pass on to you - spoke with Death last night," he says, lowering his voice as they're still in the classroom.
[12:48] * @Usagi winces. So not the time or place! Picking up her still unopened lunchbox, the blonde carefully gets up. "Let's go get some fresh air?" she suggests, putting on a smile.
[12:49] * +Takeshi nods, acquiescing to the wisdom of the maneuver. "Lead the way," he offers.
[12:52] * @Usagi puts on her coat before leading Takeshi out of the classroom and then up to the roof. Not so many people up there today with the weather starting to turn cold, making it easy enough for the two of them to have a degree of privacy to converse in. "You spoke to Death, and he had a message for me?" the blonde asks without preamble once they're out of earshot of fellow students, leaning against the wire fence surrounding the rooftop.
[12:53] <+Takeshi> "Specifically for you, yes," Takehi says, his hands in his pockets as the chill breeze blows. "Namely to keep an eye on the Silver Crystal - he said some of the others might try to take it from you. Called it the 'Eye of Death'."
[12:55] <@Usagi> Usagi's breath catches in her throat as the artifact is named, though her expression shows some confusion at the second description. "So they know about it..." she murmurs, looking rather unhappy. "I'd hoped it wouldn't have to be an issue at all in this mess, but if they've even got their own name for it..." she sighs, shaking her head. "It doesn't make a difference. I'll protect it from them just the same as from anyone else."
[12:58] <+Takeshi> "I figured you would," Takeshi says, starting to pace slowly. "Wasn't all of it, but the rest wasn't something he specifically told me to tell you - but Serenity thought I should let you know about it." He stops, looking away from Usagi for the moment. "He also said that you were a breath away from becoming an avatar of Death on a level with himself - seemed very 'impressed' with your inhuman side."
[13:02] * @Usagi blinks, before frowning sadly. "He thinks he's got it all figured out, doesn't he?" she remarks unhappily. "I guess if I put my mind to it I could kill a whole lot of people," she admits, drawing in on herself and hugging her arms around her petite wintercoat clad form, not really looking especially murderous it has to be said. "But so could any of us, really. And I wouldn't call myself 'a breath away' from snapping.""
[13:04] <+Takeshi> "They do seem to have an awful lot figured out," Takeshi says, still looking out across the rooftops. "They're throwing us hints and warnings like they don't have a care in the world - so what do they know that we don't? Why be so confident that they can do all this for us?"
[13:07] <@Usagi> "I don't know..." Usagi sighs softly, shaking her head. "Mmm... them knowing about the Silver Crystal worries me the most now, actually." She looks up at Takeshi, "You were around back then - you know what it is, right?" she asks uncertainly, at least knowing its never come up since her meeting him.
[13:09] <+Takeshi> "I know roughly what it is, yeah. She -" the word is given a dark emphasis "- wanted it, and gave the four of us enough information to know what it was and what it could do. Obviously I never saw it myself, but yeah - I know what it is."
[13:11] * @Usagi nods slowly. "I never wanted to use it again after Gaia, but if nothing else... well, it would have been an ace in the hole if things went bad against this new enemy. But having them knowing about it, and going so far as to call it that..." she shivers, "I'll have to talk to Serenity, I think."
[13:12] <+Takeshi> "Probably not a bad idea, no," Takeshi says, sighing a bit as he turns back to the blonde. "I had a talk with her myself last night, after I spoke with Death - my head was just running a hundred miles an hour, needed to get my thoughts out to nail them down a bit."
[13:16] <@Usagi> "At least you didn't have to fight him - right?" Usagi checks, recalling what happened last time one of them spoke to Death.
[13:18] <+Takeshi> "No, he didn't seem interested in fighting at all - just trying to talk me over to their side," Takeshi shakes his head. "I was trying to spy on him, except that he spotted me right off the bat. Tried to use the fact that I'm an outcast to get me to join them, but I wasn't about to buy that crap. Then he came from his throne to my room, and that's where he gave me the message for you."
[13:23] <@Usagi> "Hmm..." the blonde bits her lip thoughtfully. "Guess he'll talk my ear off even more next time I meet him myself. Lucky me..." she deadpans.
[13:27] <+Takeshi> "That does bring up another point that I mentioned to Serenity last night," Takeshi says, taking a deep breath. "As things look right now, we should act as though they know exactly who each and every one of us is. It's not a guarantee that they do, but it's hardly a stretch - if the government could find out who you were, how much easier would it be for them, who can spot 'inhumans' at a glance? (more)
[13:28] <+Takeshi> It'd go a long way towards explaining the confidence we're seeing out of them, at least. And even if they don't, the extra caution sure as hell isn't going to hurt."
[13:30] <@Usagi> "Yeah, but what can you do about it?" Usagi asks, shrugging. "Can't guard yourself and your loved ones every minute of every day. Best we can do is be careful."
[13:32] <+Takeshi> "Yeah, I know - like I said, it's more something to keep in mind than anything else. Just that alone cuts down on the effect of any surprise they might get out of catching any of us alone." The young man shakes his head a bit. "Heh, kind of sucks. Thin line between awareness and paranoia sometimes, have to stay on top of it to make sure I'm not getting unreasonable."
[13:34] <@Usagi> "All we can do is be careful," the blonde reiterates. "Until we stop them from threatening us, by whatever means, there's no other way to completely get rid of the risk, Takeshi."
[13:37] * +Takeshi simply nods in reply. "I know, don't mean to preach or anything," he says, turning away from Usagi again. "Anyway, that's the gist of what I had to pass on, take it as you will. All I know for myself is that trying to spy on them again like that is out, unless we're specifcally trying to get in touch with them."
[13:39] <@Usagi> "Probably for the best," Usagi agrees, "From what you're saying, it sounds like they're getting just as much out of it as you are." Heaving a deep sigh and pulling her coat tighter as her breath mists the air before her, the blonde pushes off the chain-link fence, "Anyway, I guess that's it?"
[13:40] <+Takeshi> "Yeah, that's about it," Takeshi agrees. "Sorry to pull you aside so fast, just figured it was important to let you know as soon as I could."
[13:41] * @Usagi shakes her head. "Don't worry about it," she smiles reassuringly. "I could care less about somebody saying I've got the potential to be a horrible villian - heck, I'm used to it by now. But if they know about the Silver Crystal, that's something that worries me."
[13:45] <+Takeshi> "Heh," Takeshi chuckles. "If you kept it out of Jadeite's hands, I don't doubt you'll do any worse against these clowns. Anyway, I'd better head downstairs and see what I can scrounge out of the vending machines - didn't have time to make lunch this morning."
[13:47] <@Usagi> "See you later, then," the blonde nods, letting Takeshi depart as she mulls things over for a moment longer before she heads back down to class and her neglected lunch.

[Anastasia]

> ---Arc 2 go!---
> Mmmm. The smell of oranges tickles ASher's nose. He stirs in a beam of sunlight, in two senses. The morning sun breaks through Kotono's window like a ray from heaven, and a blonde streak of sunshine is sleeping on Asher's chest! Dimly memories surface and return of the veeeery long and interesting night, Kotono peacefully asleep against the knight.
<Asher> Well. The first thought that dimly strikes Asher's weary, groggy mind, the condition of which had arrived for various reasons, was that this wasn't home. The second was that it was a schoolday. The third was that he'd remembered dimly about a warning from Mother Dearest not being late on coming back home. From there this spirals onward into the startling relevation of remembering the events that occurred the evening previous
<Asher> This causes his brain to freeze in track before working its way up again, eyes shutting to banish out the light as one arm gently keeps its hold on the blonde object against him, ending with a long sigh. Things always look different on hindsight. But there's not a whole lot at this point to be done, is there? He buries himself back down into bed, not particularly interested in getting up, seeking only warmth.
> "Mmmmm!" Kotono curls against Asher, wearing nothing but a contented sleepsmile. It helps that she's very warm indeed! So easy to doze back off here, until, 'Morning,' Reclaimer murmurs casually, distantly.
<Asher> '...let me off the hook for one day,' Asher mumbles, not wanting to put up a fight. At ALL. His eyes remain contentedly shut, his form still and unwilling to put any form of argument or effort whatsoever. Every once in a while a slow, somewhat uneasy breath draws to and from his lungs, one hand lingering and gently drumming its digits on Kotono's back. It was such an odd, pensive mood. He felt lots of things but none of them
<Asher> --seemed prominent.
> "Mmmm..." Kotono purrs this time, slowly blinking her eyes open. She looks up at Asher with complete happiness, resting on his front. "Morning...mmmm."
<Asher> Feeling rather seeing the blonde provokes Asher to sink back more into the expanse of blanket, pillow, and cushion as he wraps an arm around Kotono and says nothing else, just giving a brief nod. Every limb in his body felt inert, or... well, lazy. Right now sitting there and not moving a muscle seemed like the best idea in the world.
> Kotono takes the hint, slowly resting against Asher. The minutes roll by, Kotono making little happy noises on occasion.
> "Mmm," Kotono finally does stir again, "Hungry, Asher-chan?"
<Asher> Minutes. The ticking of time. It's enough to cause Asher to finally open up his eyes and take a rudimentary glance at the clock. Oh, damn his habits. "...a little." His words are soft, affirming the hold against her.
> It's well past 10 AM! The two of you really must've worn yourselves out! "Mmm. Want me to go make you something?" Kotono says pleasantly, looking up with a smile.
<Asher> Well, so much for the idea of making it to school. The realization hits him harder than expected, but still... given the circumstances, could he really blame himself THAT much? Yes. Kotono's words serve as a convenient anchor away from such brooding, though, looking down at her with a brief yawn. "I'll come down with you... we should've both gotten up long ago..."
> "Okay, but this is nice, too," Kotono rises up and stretches, still unclad and blushing. "Um...bath first," she murmurs, pressing her fingers together. "Since well...you know?"
<Asher> "Yeah," Asher replies, with an almost negligent nod. All things considered, he was taking this a lot better than he would've thought. Sinking his head back down onto the pillow, he waves Kotono off. "I'll go in after you..." He could use a few extra minutes of blissful unconsciousness, anyway...
> So Kotono goes, scurrying out into the hall and to the bath. Mmm, still warm,a nd you can smell Kotono on the pillow and sheets...
<Asher> Oh, god. Asher pushes away such thoughts, not so much in denial but not particularly wanting to beat himself over and over with it. His fingers clutch idly at the blanket, pulling it over and keeping himself encased and non-moving. His eyes bore up into the ceiling, a collection of stray thoughts, not the least of which was whether he'd regret this later - with Kotono gone, the dark brooding thoughts creep back into the fore
<Asher> forefront of his head. And so many ways for it to... oh, hell. He relaxes and sinks back down again, negligent and surrendering. Life went on. At least, he hopes it does. '...sorry.' For some reason, that seems appropriate at the moment.
> 'Even if my warnings weren't serious, you've made a choice now. Just like the one you made to Serenity, Asher - it won't easily be abandoned.' Reclaimer sounds calm and serious, but not the least bit vicious about it.
<Asher> 'Trust me,' Asher thinks out to the mental chasm in his head, 'I know.' His eyes close again, predicting the headache that'd overtake him, but it doesn't come - just a numb, complacent sensation instead. Then in a startling contrast, things felt so surreal and so vivid at the same time. 'I was more apologizing for not remembering to vacate you of the situation,' Asher replies back with a brief smile.
> '...bah!' Reclaimer snorts unsteadily, going quite and muttering.
<Asher> 'I'll manage,' Asher brings up, a bit more serious now as he finally hauls himself to a sitting position, staring blankly at the wall for a moment. His throat feels a little dry, as he releases his hands from their clutched positions and folds them together. 'I didn't exactly see it coming right that moment, but...' Was there a conclusion that was any less obvious? The sheer audacity of that statement made him pause for a mo
<Asher> momemt. '...not like it was a mistake in principle. Only, maybe, in timing.' He purses his lips, looking around for ... well, clothes. The warmth was rapidly leaving him having gotten up.
> Asher's underwear is near the door, but he recalls that most of it should be on the stairs somewhere! At least his lasted longer than Kotonos' sure did?
> 'It just happened. Mmm.' Reclaimer is thoughtful, 'So she loves you.'
<Asher> A moment of pause. Asher winces for a moment, at least slipping that on before projecting his own thoughts again. '...and I love her.' Odd, really, that he had never really outright said or felt like that before, the realization almost feeling like a slap to the face. The next words sound a little embarassed. 'Is that all you were trying to get out of me?'
> "Kinda sort of,' Reclaimer goes on, a bit of faint amusement coloring it's dry tone.
<Asher> 'I guess it was too much to start thinking that I'd get straight answers out of you,' Asher mutters beneath his breath. Stretching out a little bit after standing up... ow. Whoa. His feet ebb a little shakily, and his body generally feels worn out. Somehow, not a huge surprise. With a deep breath, he steadily walks around the room, trying to regain his bearings. 'So much for school today.'
> As Asher goes, his balance returns. 'Indeed.' Reclaimer lightly chuckles again.
<Asher> 'I almost miss your sniping,' Asher comments warily as he steps out of the room, still wringing a knot or two out of his muscles. With the sunlight creeping in, the house has a decisively ... new feel to it. He glances in the direction of the bathroom, then heads down to the stairs to collect certain articles of clothing that were... um, inadvertently forgotten.
> This also goes without incident - well, sorta. Pants take a bit of work to find, having been tossed over the stairs and being on the floor to the side of the stairs altogether. Oh well. As you search and finally get clothed up again on the floor "Asher-chan," Kotono comes down the stairs. Her hair is still wet and she wears a loose green bathrobe, unclasped and showing quite a lot of what you saw last night again. She idly makes half an effort to hold it closed, smiling.
>  She idly makes half an effort to hold it closed, smiling.
<Asher> "...mm?" Asher turns around, responding to her presence with a brief smile of his own. His gaze lingers for a moment, albeit honestly, at this point there's no real shame in it anymore. God knows he'd accepted some things last night, a relevation made and ironically taken as granted, which would've been unimaginable yesterday. "Mind if I steal the shower now?"
> "Go ahead," Kotono smiles even more winsomely, beaming at Asher. "Want company?" With al ittle flicker of her eyelashes she looks on, offering a hand if Asher wants it. "Or I can cook some breakfast while you're in there?"
<Asher> "You just came out," Asher remarks wryly, stepping by her and giving her hair a thorough ruffle as his other hand clasps hers for a moment. "I'll be down in a bit, anyway, so whatever works." Letting go of her hand, he heads to the bathroom for a much-needed soak.
> Kotono pouts a moment, blushing but shrugging as she goes downstairs. Asher gets to the bathroom - he finsd that he hopes he doesn't mind orange scented soap and shampoo!
<Asher> Uh. Well, does he have OPTIONS? C'mon, now, let's be realistic. Said soap and shampoo are utilized to full extent as he takes a long stint in the shower, letting the water flow and enjoying its pleasant warmth. It was a fine complement to what was already a laze-filled morning, one he knew in the back of his mind that he'd pay for later - in many ways, in many regards - but it was a little too late to step out now.
> REclaimer stays silent throughout this - instead Asher gets to bathe and soak as long as he wants...
<Asher> Negligently shutting off the water after a good fifteen minutes or so and drying off with a towel, he dresses himself completely before stepping back out, taking a moment to comb his hair back.
> This goes well! On coming back downstairs, Asher finds a familiar green bathrobe has been idly hung at the bottom banister of the stairs. The smell of cooking eggs also carries from the kitchen, too!
<Asher> ..oh. Really. Are Kotono's clothes still on the ground, too, by any chance?
> Asher sees that they are! You can smell eggs in the kitchen - eggs and rice, perhaps? You can haer the whistle of a tea kettle, too!
<Asher> Oi. Picking up the bathrobe along the way, then, he holds a hand to his forehead and moves on into the kitchen. C'mon, now, Kotono, let's not get TOO far ahead of ourselves. Entering into the kitchen and fully expecting the sight to be found there, he makes a beeline to one particular blonde.
> On yes! There is a sight! Kotono is cooking eggs on one burner and boiling quick rice on the other! She's not wearing a thing, a radio on the counter with a light little pop song. She's quietly singing andshaking to it, in a good mood and nearly glowing!
<Asher> Asher moves to remedy the first thing by draping the bathrobe over her from behind, leaning in over her shoulder with a soft tsk. "Kotono, it's not exactly the most healthy idea to walk around in the morning and cook without clothes on, okay?" There's just the slightest bit of weariness in those words.
> Kotonot giggles, slowly putting the robe aside. "That's okay, Asher-chan. I'm not int he mood right now, I just feel good...and it's nice to let you see this! Just consider it part of your breakfast feast?" With a wink she turns, lightly kissing him. "It's just nice and cool for you, you know?"
<Asher> This earns Kotono a steady look from Asher, though not without a certain pronounced measure of mirth on his face. In truth, he'd rather NOT get used to this. Closing his eyes and gently nudging her shoulder with his hand, "It'd be more fun if it took a little effort to get to that point, Kotono, trust me," he says with a straight face, a slight teasing edge to it. "Trust me about that."
> "Well...alright," Kotono smiles agreeably, rerobing. You can see scrambled eggs are being cooked as she clads herself. "It's almost done so just sit down and relax, okay?"
<Asher> Something in the back of his mind tells Asher that it's daaaaaaaangerous to agree to just get pampered like this. And in a way, it does feel a little odd. But all he can do is beam back a little bit and nod, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Kay." He steps back, casting his gaze over the living room, and a window that shows the outside day.
> It's sunny and nice today all around. Probably chilly, but it's certainly not hard on the eyes.
<Asher> Idly in the back of his mind, Asher wonders if it would be improbable to run back to school after lunch and at least get a half-day in. Although that might draw strange looks, it's certainly better than being entirely absent. More than not, though, he had to admit to himself with a slight wince, that decision rested mainly on a certain other individual's inclinations. He allows himself a frosty smile as he, almost idly, hauls out the backpack and p
<Asher> --pulls out his notebook while waiting.
> Kotono cooks away, "Asher-chan! It's done," Kotono singsongs, the sounds of plates on the table heard.
<Asher> Manner instinctive crops up as Asher rises from the table, seat, whatever he had conveniently parked himself up and goes into the kitchen to bring stuff out.
> Eggs and rice and tea - it's hot and warm. Sure, the eggs are a bit runny and the rice is a tad dry, but it's still food which is quite needed. Kotono sits right next to you, half leaning as she eats with a nimble fork. "Mmmm..." she murmurs, blushing, "Asher-chan, do you want to use chopsticks or a fork?" she asks, holding both out to him.
<Asher> Asher accepts the chopsticks with nimble fingers as he steadily keeps his posture, Kotono's weight against him now becoming a thing of familiarity more than anything else. And his stomach is hungry enough not to protest against anything vaguely edible that's put into his mouth right now. "Thanks," he offers with a brief smile.
<Asher> Picking away at the food slowly, he taps the chopsticks at the edge of the plate, looking thoughtful. "...should we try to make it back into school during lunch break?"
> Kotono puts aside the fork, and gets up to get her own chopsticks before eating again. "Mmmm. I just...kinda wanna stay here for now," Kotono smiles happily, scooping up a bit of rice and swallowing it down with a lot of tea. "Missing one day of school won't be any big deal, will it, and well, you only get one day like this ever?"
<Asher> "That's true..." Asher admits softly as he gingerly picks up his own portions and downs them quietly. And really, he had no argument against it. Albeit hell was going to enter his world on future matters regarding explaining this, a painful thought that's pushed away with a brief swallow. "...hey, Kotono. Were you planning on saying anything to the others about us?"
> "Mmmm." Kotono blushes deeply at that, "Well, they are my friends and girlfriends and all tha tso maybe, unless you don'tw amt me to?" Kotono says quietly, almost submissively.
<Asher> "I'm a little wary about the way they'll behave around us when that certain relevation comes out," Asher expels out with a low groan. His eyes close, continuing to peck away at his food with a brief pause, shoulders slumping a bit. "But I guess they deserve to know eventually..."
> "Mmm, they do...but it's something to be proud of!" Kotono smiles winsomely, kissing Asher's forehead between eating her food. "I mean...you're proud and happy to be with me, right?"
<Asher> "Somehow, Kotono, I think their reactions will range more in the realm of 'endless teasing and mockery' to the end of our days," Asher mutters softly as he sinks back against the couch and her. Kotono's words have an almost relaxing grip on him to follow up those inevitably brooding thoughts, prompting him to wrap an arm around her again. "...yeah." He looks up at her, pursing his lips with a slight smirk. "That wasn't obvious enough
<Asher> --last night?" There's a toying edge to that.
> Weeeeeeelll?" Kotono coughs and blushes brightly at that, "It's okay, and besides, I was kinda distracted over and over last night, and a lot of times even when I wanted to speak up my mouth was kinda busy and well...you know?!"
<Asher> "...." This earns Kotono a long look before he leans up against her ear, whispering a few taciturn words amusingly, even if it grows serious at the end. "Okay, okay. Kotono, I love you." He smiles gently and pulls her back against him, pushing away the now empty plate.
> Kotono's eye sgo wide a moment, watery and huge! Then, just like that, "Oh I love you, Asher!" She cries in happiness, glomming onto him tightly. "It's just so...so...it's like it really was fate and destiny and you didn'trun away and it's just so, so, so so so!"
<Asher> Oi. There are just some things that don't change. For everyth - wrong reference. "Kotono..." Asher bites back the words he was about to say, settling for just brushing her hair back. "Would it kill you if I said that I'd prefer to believe love's a conscious decision and not one decided by 'fate'?"
> "Well, it's fine, just you know it feels like it was meant to be since it's so awesome and wonderful?" Kotono smiles back, gently kissing him. "Just...let me have that for al ittle while, since it's like all those fairy tales come true...and it makes me want to do those specila naughty things for my Prince?" Uh oh. Her hand shouldn't be there AGAIN, should it?
<Asher> No, it really shouldn't. Grimly Asher gently tugs the hand away with a firm grip and gives her a long, studious look again. "I *guess*... though it may be a little dangerous to let yourself get caught up in all of those tales and dreams, Kotono. On anything, seriously. And..." He lowers his voice, leaning his chin against her shoulder again. "There's a time for everything.. but that's not -all the time-... okay?"
> "Asher..." Kotono looks at him, burning up. "I've been saving myself through all my teenage years. I didn't even try Sis's toy or anything...it's build up...and ASher-chan. To be blunt, I'm really really really horny and I want you to keep doing things about it, too!"
> OOC  - STrike.
> "Asher..." Kotono looks at him, burning up. "I've been saving myself through all my teenage years. I didn't even try Rei-chan's toy or anything...it's build up...and ASher-chan. To be blunt, I'm really really really horny and I want you to keep doing things about it, too!"
<Asher> ...okay... then... Asher winces a bit, looking suitably uncomfortable despite all events that have occurred and glances over to Kotono with a struggling expression. "...oh... well..." What the hell was he supposed to say to THAT? And here he'd thought Kotono had exemplary experience with the process, if just not firsthand. Maybe that'd explain the excessive energy, then.
<Asher> ...wait, was he reasoning to himself the way to calm her down was through - argh. ARGH. Asher's eyes shut as he nearly collapses back down, mind and body twitching spasmodically. "..."
> "Right!" Kotono blushes as Asher shuts down, the twitch-AACK! Zipper goes down just like Kotono is! She's doing THAT?! As sheg ets into, ah, position, "So...I'm going to make all your dreams come true...because I love you, and I've been saving it for the man I love!"
<Asher> You know, there's something to be said for her honesty. There's another thing to be said for her lack of subtlety. There's.... oh what the HELL was he thinking? With a sudden jolt to life, Asher rolls over and tackles Kotono to pin her down on the couch, not giving her a chance to do... that... right... there!
> Well, okay, that's stopped, but Kotono is still starting to do OTHER special things, giggling. "Oh ASher-chan...pin me to the couch and..." the next two words she whispers hotly says ita ll, really.
<Asher> You know, when you come down to it, this is really an economical situation. That was what the logos within Asher's head reasoned as the other parts... all but gave up any thoughts of restraint. Really, now, it's going to serve to a better purpose. Right? RIGHT? This'll get all that energy out of her and calm her down to something more sane to handle. Wouldn't it? School was botched today anyway. Right?
<Asher> At least that last cry of reason in his head prompted him to make use of Hotaru's advice - which was another blow to everything sane and reasonable! - before the, um, more carnal deeds were carried out. Gosh, Asher-chan, you make it sound so cold and mundane.
> Some time later...
> "Mmm..." Kotono purrs, clinging to Asher. The couch is a very nice place even without clothes on - afte rall, at least Kotono's on top of him and keeping Asher warm as she rests. She just looks happy, sighing. "Mmmmm. It really was worth waiting for, wasn't it?"
<Asher> "I told you it would be," Asher speaks softly as he happily takes the position of being able to sink back and be utterly inert. Not that Kotono had exactly allowed him to pause at any point or time given her ... inclinations. He closes his eyes, keeping arms wrapped warmly around her.
> "Mmmhmmm." Kotono purrs again, sighing as she closes her eyes. "Love you..." she says, as she curls up and closes her eyes.
<Asher> "If you love me, you'll tell me you've had enough," Asher manages out, nudging one side of his head against her cheek as he tries to stretch out his limbs somewhat. All things considered, Kochan had found a rather different alternative to making him work out aside from training regimen. He literally felt sore all over.
> "Mmm hmmm. I'm...totally sated," Kotono looks down, rubbing her bellya gainst Asher's ab it. "Mmmm. No wonder it's such a big deal, I feel so much...sexier after."
<Asher> "....I'm not going to comment on that," Asher bites back out before leaning up and giving her a firm but gentle nudge against her shoulder. He relaxes out again, oddly feeling more at peace than ever. It was a feeling that didn't come very often. "...wonder what the others are up to, though..."
> "Mmm." Kotono just smiles, curling up against him on the side of the couch.

[Anastasia]

> ---Arc 2 go!---
> Oh home. Home and dinner! A feast late this evening since Mom worked late, but the rare bounty of good takeout isn't one to be neglected! Mom and Dad also eat with gusto, so it's a shame when the beep fo the clock hitting 8 PM is also disrupted by a communicator's beep.
<Asher> Foooooooooood. Asher wolfs it down with great enthuisiasm - after all, in all technicality he's still a growing young man, etc. etc. although his eyes roll over everytime he hears that euphenism. Sadly, the banquet's abrupt halting to the comm makes him blanch for a moment, then stand up and sigh. "Think that's me, I'll be right back." Heading upstairs, he fishes out the comm and sees who it is. Kotono again?
> Yep. Sadly. It's just a merry beep and not the chorus of the Ragnarok, however.
<Asher> With a shrug, a shut door and leaning wearily back against the bed, Asher answers. Well, it's late. What could she possibly want?
> "Hi!" Kotono beams ear to ear, nodding. "What's up and do you feell ike doing something tonight since Dad's still not bad and I got a really cool supernatural club lead and I'm gonna call REi-chan to see if the three of us are up to it, huh?"
<Asher> "...um." Asher looks plaintitively back at the door. "I'm having dinner right now, and..." A glance at the watch. El time-o?
> It's just past 8, as the clock noted merely a moment or three ago.
<Asher> ...right. Hey, Kotono sidetracks his mind, dammit, and not in THAT way! "...I guess if it's important. What exactly are you up to?"
> "Well, you see..." Kotono pauses a moment, room behind her, "I found out that this new shopping mall that's open 24 a day - that one that specalizes in art and rich stuff, I think the name is the Asabara Local Outlet...yeah, it is," Kotono checks her papers a moment, "Anyway, I heard they're totally haunted during those midnight art festivals they're having there!"
<Asher> "You heard this from where?" Asher asks patiently. Might as well make sure this 'club meeting' wasn't just another excuse for latching on, and to also make sure she wasn't going on a wild goose chase, either...
> "Well, I did a I Ching reading and it so pointed it otu!" Kotono nods along easily, smiling. "Right?"
<Asher> "...you... did you even talk to anyone AT the outlet, Kotono?" Asher continues, a knot growing in his stomach.
> "Not yet!" Kotono bubbles, grinning, "Besides, I'm sure I'm right and we're going to find somethign really cool at night!"
<Asher> Oh Kochan. Asher hangs his head slightly, grimacing. "Kotono, that isn't... -that- much of a lead..." Might as well out and say it.
> 'Find an excuse and abort, flee and bail,' Reclaimer adds mentally. 'Say you're grounded!'
<Asher> 'That'd be lying,' Asher replies with a bit of vehemance. 'No need to resort to that.'
> 'It's also safer.'
> Meanwhile!
> "It's fine enough!" Kotono retorts quickly, blushing, "Besides I'm sure it'll work ine and everything 'll be really cool so let's go and you can hang out with me and Rei-chan!"
<Asher> 'Until you get caught. It's not a road I particularly care to wander down.'
> 'Suit yourslf, Pluto boytoy.'
<Asher> ...oi. Though the fact that he WOULD get off annoys him - and he restrains the urge to snarl and bite out at Reclaimer. "Did you already call Rei-chan and ask her about this?"
> "Not yet!" Kotono chirps, "So c'mon and you can even bring your really cool magical sword along, too!"
* Sailor_Saturn is now known as Hotaru-chan
<Asher> 'Oh, hear that? She wants you, Reclaimer-chan!' Asher mimics Kotono's voice in his head as he hides the smirk on his face, looking back at Kotono's visage on the communicator. Oh, hell, it's a lost cause. "Eh, alright, not like I had anything in mind. Let me finish dinner up first, though."
* General_Nephrite is now known as Takeshi
> "Great! Be at my place by 10! See you, Asher-chan!" In an energetic wink Kotono is gone, the sentence passed.
<Asher> Mrf.
<Asher> MRF.
<Asher> MRF. Asher heads back downstairs without a further word and goes to finish dinner. His shoulders sink back a little bit in anticipation of the coming night, but what the hell. Practice makes perfect, right? It'd build character, right? He'd gain new levels of pain tolerance, right?!
> Dad is finishing up his food as Asher returns, looking him over. "Studies going well?"
<Asher> "Not bad," Asher offers conservatively, hoping to pry up some kind of peace offering here to satisfy him. Oh! "I attended a scholarship meeting and I'm sort of waiting on a reply for that, too. Otherwise, everything the same, I guess."
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<Asher> <Kotono> Dad is finishing up his food as Asher returns, looking him over. "Studies going well?"
<Asher> <Asher> "Not bad," Asher offers conservatively, hoping to pry up some kind of peace offering here to satisfy him. Oh! "I attended a scholarship meeting and I'm sort of waiting on a reply for that, too. Otherwise, everything the same, I guess."
<Anastasia> "Good." Dad's mood perks up ever so slightly, Mom smiling as well. "Get into a good school, ASher." He even looks a bit proud for a moment, as, "Don't let your new friends distract you from that."
<Asher> Oh, so many things he could SAY. So many ways to defend himself. But they would all require giving more detail than he was necessarily comfortable with, and knowing his parents that would take it waaaaaaaay the wrong way anyway. Not that he feared any sort of serious reprival from them, but he really didn't want that hanging over his shoulder. "Of course." ...oh, hell. Speaking of which!
<Asher> "Actually..." What timing. "I'm going to head out tonight again to meet them up and probably do my regimen again." Yeah. Just get it out. Ow. Asher focuses in finishing his dinner as he makes that pronouncement.
<Anastasia> "Oh Asher..." Mother begins, blushing, but Dad holds up a tired hand. "Go ahead, son, as long as you can keep up your grades and keep her happy?" He smiles a little bit at that.
<Asher> Asher gives his mother a long look, as though to say 'it's NOT like that'. Given his total backing behind that belief, it isn't all that hard. He sighs, drops his fork, and stares up at Dad. "You have my word that if I were actually going out with someone and considered her my girlfriend I'd tell you. Deal? Let's leave the suspicions out of the air."
<Anastasia> "Alright, son," Dad seems content with that bowing his head as he gets seconds. But Mom looks on curiously, scanning her son.
Session Time: Sat Sep 30 00:00:00 2006
<Asher> The brow of irritation that threatens to come up is quietly wiped out as Asher finishes up his dinner quietly and in relative peace. It wasn't that he didn't hold anything against his parents for being vaguely curious about it. Given the hours he'd been coming back? He was lucky he wasn't being incarcerated. Just... how the HELL does anyone ever explain KOTONO?
<Asher> Or, for that matter, the rather eclectic interests he had taken lately? A sigh, a washing of the dishes - gladly volunteered by himself - before Asher starts to head back upstairs to wash up and grab his stuff from his room.
<Anastasia> As Asher heads upstairs, "Asher!" Mom follwos up, keeping a good pace as she does.
<Asher> Uh oh. Asher halts in his tracks, turning around, regarding Mom intently with a respectful look. "Yes, mom?" Well, at least she didn't look like the living dead anymore. That was a plus.
<Anastasia> She does look better, yes. She holds her hands at her waist as she looks ASher over. "Don't be out too late no matter what?"
<Asher> "Believe me when I say that's usually not a factor under my control?" Asher replies, with a bit of a wince. "There were a few times I just crashed and didn't see it coming. But I'll try to make it home in time, mom. I'm never late for school." TECHNICALLY true. Saying that makes him wince again, though.
<Anastasia> "Alright..." Mom frowns a moment, "If we're ever off in an afternoon, bring them over?"
<Asher> "Sure," Asher offers easily enough. Why? One: they were almost never, ever, ever off an afternoon, let alone BOTH of them at the same time. Two: the schedules of the senshi, and Takeshi or the Gaians for that matter, were never exactly in harmony, so he'd have a conveniently legitimate excuse anyway. "Just... you know, we don't have a whole lot of room to spare, so I figured it'd be best if I met with them elsewhere..."
<Anastasia> "They can still visit," Mom smiles and retreats, falling back. Reclaimer starts to speak but thinks better of it...
<Asher> A sigh. A negligent nod. "Okay, mom." Yeah, story of his life. Asher heads back up to his room to retrieve his stuff and if he is not conveniently railroaded into another track, off he goes!
<Anastasia> As Asher packs up and gets ready, 'You know,' he begins idly, 'Going to bring Kotono over to meet the parents?'
<Anastasia> 'Or any of the other girls. Really, you should get around and visit them more often.'
<Asher> 'The day Kotono meets my parents is the day they suffer from a tragic simultaneous heart attack,' Asher quips. 'And I don't... why do I need to run around visiting other girls' houses and making them wonder even MORE?!'
<Anastasia> 'They're also your allies, Asher. Not only are they Princesses, but most of them are nice, normal girls.'
<Asher> 'And they have their own lives and their own interests that I'm fairly sure don't involve myself save for her highness of the tenth planet of our system of celestial bodies,' Asher says in way of reply, grumbling. He barrels down the stairs, opening the door and accessing the night's state.
<Anastasia> It's cloudly. Looks like rain soon! 'Oh, stop that, you giant loner. Say it with me: Friends are good!'
<Asher> That makes Asher freeze in his tracks. With a slow, strangled amount of patience, he replies back to Reclaimer with a more serious tone of voice, icily cold. 'You've been watching me ever since childhood, right?'
<Anastasia> 'Yep.' Reclaimer goes on, matching that tone. 'I also know that you should keep in touch with them, Knight.'
<Asher> 'Perhaps.' The voice remains chilly, as Asher resumes his pace, making a beeline for Kotono's residence, quiet annoyance lining his words. 'But for other reasons entirely. Not for the sake of 'friends'. I think you should know full well by now the reputation of that term.' Asher smiles grimly, a rare occasion for such brooding thoughts to harbor around him, as he fends over the streets.
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* Topic is 'It's "Rei-chan needs to be PUNISHED!" week! Oh Rei-chan!'
* Set by Kotono on Thu Sep 07 00:47:44
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> <Anastasia> 'Yep.' Reclaimer goes on, matching that tone. 'I also know that you should keep in touch with them, Knight.'
> <Asher> 'Perhaps.' The voice remains chilly, as Asher resumes his pace, making a beeline for Kotono's residence, quiet annoyance lining his words. 'But for other reasons entirely. Not for the sake of 'friends'. I think you should know full well by now the reputation of that term.' Asher smiles grimly, a rare occasion for such brooding thoughts to harbor around him, as he fends over the streets.
> 'Yes, yes,' Reclaimer notes with just a hint of sarcasm.
<Asher> It's with a heavy shrug and no other comment as Asher makes his way through the streets of Tokyo. It is pretty late, all things considered. At least there would be someone else there to share the pain this time. Poor Rei. He hides another smile as he gets closer to the neighborhood with Kotono's house.
> Nothing of note happens on this trip. A small, rare mercy for Asher perhaps, Kotono's neighborhood silent and peaceful. But on reaching her house? WEll, there's a problem. You can see it well in advance, due to what looks to be a small rocket ready to lift off in her front yard! It's only about two feet tall, but it's coated in neon green colors and Kotono's pust a few heavy lights around it!
<Asher> ...A rocket. I see. Somehow Asher has his apprenhensions about it ever breaking out of the stratosphere.... or the ground. Putting a weary hand on his shoulder, he walks past it. Seriously, Kotono, where do you come UP with this? So long as you don't burn your house down, though...
> Kotono is just coming out as ASher walks past, carrying goggles and wearing a pair herself! Rei's behind her, clad in much the same. She looks rather exasperated, too!
> "Asher-chan!" Kotono waves, tossing the pair of goggles at him, "I figured we had time for the Pluto Voyager mk 34, so just put these on and watch since I think I got the alterations to the kit right this time, huh?!"
<Asher> "...Pluto Voyager, Kotono," Asher says with an extreme amoutn of patience. He catches the goggles, resisting the overpowering urge to facefault. Glancing at the rocket with a sigh, Asher takes a moment to see if she was serious about making the thing architecturally sound. Well, it wasn't the FIRST time she'd tried, right?
> OOC - You know anything about rocketS?
<Asher> OOC - Only what I would know in school!
<Asher> OOC - So guessing that's some random Mind check.
> OOC - Yeah, just make a mind check I guess.
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 3."12 [2d6=1, 2]
> Oh, it's...something. The parts are out of order and you're not sure on any modifications, ut a large chunk of green quartz crystal has been embedded into the hull.
<Asher> "...Kotono, how far did your last attempts at this make it?" Asher asks wearily as he steps back, putting the goggles on now. Quartz crystal. Did she purposely make these hazardous or something?!
> Rei just clears her throat and then shakes her head, hiding behind the far end of the yard and ducking.
> "It made it a good ways! REally! It just didn't blow up evne if Rei-chan says so!" Kotono retorts with a blush, going to fiddle with something on it, getting a lighter out.
<Asher> Asher cranes his head over to see Rei's figure, disdain on his face. So THAT's how it was, eh? He glances back at the rocket again, wondering if there was any point whatosever to point out the... numerous flaws... that incurred during instruction.. and the utter futility of breaking gravity - hey, wait, WAIT a second. "Kotono, you know, you might have more success with these attempts if you did a little adjustment yourself."
> "Well, I did, see that?" Kotono points at the green Crystal, nodding, "It's magical waves should totally help it fly!"
<Asher> "I meant try the magic -yourself-," Asher explains with a bit of a wince. "You do have some influence over space and gravity, right? That could drastically lighten the load on the rocket if nothing else." Because trying to fix the rocket plans at this point was utterly futile...
> "...oooooh!" Kotono's eyes gleam in pure happiness, a blonde flash as Asher is glommed onto. "That's an AWESOME IDEA, Asher-chan! Thanks!"
<Asher> "...I'm amazed you didn't realize that before," Asher mumbles beneath his breath as he gently pries Kotono off, squaring his shoulders. "Let's get this over with, shall we?" With a resigned look, he dons the goggles and heads over away from the 'blast site', closer to one particular Rei, giving her a steady look.
> As Kotono giggles and goes to the rocket...
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 5."12 [2d6=2, 3]
> Rei looks on with a wry s mile, shaking her head. "Safer back here, trust me," Rei murmurs, "You've seen the craters."
<Asher> "You have to admire her persistence at being able to oversee the obvious," Asher comments back with a low groan. He, too, turns back to make sure Kotono doesn't blow herself up or anything.
> "Yep." Rei looks on, watching in open tridepitation.  Kotono lights a fuse and skips back a bit, nodding. "This should be totally awesome with Space magic!"
> roll 2d6 against a 4 body for the shuttle
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 against a 4 body for the shuttle and gets 3."12 [2d6=2, 1]
> The rocket blasts off! A noble burst of flame comes rom it's thrusters below, the body bulging but staying intact! The quartz gleams with a fiery green-red, as the rocket takes off, soaring as if gravity has no hold on it! It's out of sight in seconds, rushing into the night sky with a wink!
> "...I..." Kotono stares, slack jawed.
<Asher> "......."
<Asher> Asher takes off the goggles and openly stares.
> "You have got to be fucking kidding me!" Rei blurts out in utter dismay.
> "I mean, that is totally fucking impossible; Kotono's fucking rockets never fucking work!" Rei's words just tumble out in a totally lost mess, the miko falling over.
> "...oh..." Kotono gently sniffles, turning to Asher. Her face is crying, but it's tears of transfixed joy as she looks at Asher! "Oh...Oh...Asher-chan! I...I love you!" she cries out, from there to here in a mere second! Asher is knocked back into the fence, Kotono rubbing into his chest for all her worth! "WE DID IT! YOU HELPED ME FINALLY DO IT ASHER_CHAN AND THAT'S JUST AWESOME!"
<Asher> Nnnnnngraaaaah! Asher just falls back. Doesn't resist. Hits the ground. OW. Still doesn't move. World's a vision of haze. He closes his eyes and waits for blissful death to take him. Why. WHY? WHY?!
> "Oh...oh...!" But Kotono isn't still. What's that warm feeling on Asher's lips!? What's that slimy hot feeling inside his mouth!? Kotono's pressing into him for all she's worth, crying in bliss!
<Asher> NnnnnGHHHH HEY WAIT A SECOND. Asher squirms, twists around, trying valiantly to get away from Kotono's death-passionate grip as he tries to suck for air and - get - back - up!
> OOC - Body check1
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 10."12 [2d6=5, 5]
> No good! Asher's just stunned as Kotono does her best to take poor Asher's mouth for all she's worth! She's MAKING OUT WITH HIM?! Meanwhile you notice her hands running down his sides, getting entirely too close to ASher's hips and midsection!
> "...." Rei slowly sits up, blinking at this dispaly, "...um...." she mutters, wide eyed and sputtering.
<Asher> "K..." Well, any word he tries to make is going to just get DROWNED OUT by the clashing of tongues as Asher claws his hands into the ground and forces himself to hoist back up to gain some semblance of sanity back! His knuckles are white, his form on the verge of thrashing about!
> OOC - Body check again1
<Asher> roll 2d6 burn 10 EP
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 burn 10 EP and gets 3."12 [2d6=1, 2]
> Kotono is knocked away, tongue flickering out as she lands off Asher! The balance is disrupted, a blushing and heaving blonde right in front of him!
<Asher> A deep, heaving breath as Asher shudders involuntarily, holding up a hand. "Kotono. Calm DOWN." He gets these words out before collapsing right back on the ground again, with a soft groan. Coincidentally, his head landing to look straight up to the shellshocked visage of one certain miko. There's an utter look of disbelief on his face.
> Rei stares balck with blank shock, before looking up to Kotono. "Uh...yeah, look," she coughs, wobbling up to her feet, "Why don't I just...give you two some space for the night. Yeah, gonna go inside..." Rei slowly stagger towards Kotono' house, loopy!
<Asher> "Rei," Asher bites out beneath his breath, so that only the miko can hear him, "do you MIND?!"
* Seraphin is now known as Hotaru-chan
* Thrall is now known as Usagi
> "Oh...oh..." Kotono sniffles again, looking on at Asher with total love and hope in her eyes."It finally worked and it was all because of your suggestion, Asher-chan!"
> "Yes, yes I do," Rei glances back at the lovestricken blonde, "If you hurry you can catch up1"
<Asher> "...I need a drink right about now," Asher mutters as he hauls himself back up, staring over at Kotono for a moment. "Kotono, let's head in and ... " NO. DO NOT ASK HER TO CELEBRATE. The gears in Asher's mind rewind, thinking furiously. "... look into that other lead you were talking about, okay?" God. The lesser of two evils.
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> "Oh Asher..." Kotono stares i starry eyed love, creeping closer again. "The only lead I'm interested in now is you!"
<Asher> Asher is already following Rei into the house~!
> Kotono springs up, chasing after Asher! Meanwile Rei has slipped into the house, going into high gear speed!
<Asher> Two can play that game as Asher runs right behind the miko!
> OOC - Kotono's chasing you for real. Body check against her, opposing.
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 8."12 [2d6=5, 3]
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 5."12 [2d6=4, 1]
> Asher keeps a good pace with Rei! Rei darts upstairs quickly, heading for Kotono's back yard! "Asher-chaaaaan!" Kotono calls as she gives chase!
<Asher> No time to think! Asher grips on Reclaimer, a death grip at that as he hisses into the sword's mind. 'If there is ever a time I could use your input I need it NOW. Can I fly if I try hard enough?!'
> 'You're not even transformed!' Reclaimer fires back as he continues to follow Rei into the back yard!
<Asher> Meanwhile, he jets up the stairs, still hot on Rei's trail and hopefully far away from the blonde compressed death behind him!
<Asher> 'Answer the question!' Asher snips out as he ducks into the second story of the house and out to the backyard entrance!
> 'Maybe! You could just face her and get kissed, like how every other hot blooded youth in the nation would be thrilled to be?'
> Meanwhile Rei looks back, and hears, "Aaaaassssher!"
<Asher> 'You REALLY think that would be the only thing she'd stop at at this rate?!'
> "Shit..." Rei mutters, rubbing her temples and sighing. "You brought her along, idiot!":
> 'Well, maybe she'll calm down with a baby in ehr belly?'
<Asher> "She's not after YOU," Asher mutters as he pushes past Rei and into the backyard. "Just get out of her way or something if you don't want to deal with her."
<Asher> 'You're no help. At all.'
<Asher> Once in the backyard, Asher thinks furiously, urgently calling the wind out to the expanse with rapid-fire acceleration!
> OOC - Soul check-o.
<Asher> roll 2d6 burn 10 EP
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 burn 10 EP and gets 5."12 [2d6=3, 2]
<Asher> With the streams of air coming forth to his command, their cool touch a moment's respite from the adrenaline-pumping menace probably only a handful of seconds behind him, Asher grits his teeth and makes the air go up - up - up! He kneels back and firmly implants his feet in the ground, then jumps, praying with all his might that the wind carries him with its free but strong embrace!
> OOC - That's a helluva jump still. Soul check +1; g'luck!
<Asher> roll 2d6 burn 20 EP
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 burn 20 EP and gets 3."12 [2d6=1, 2]
> Rei falls back at this action, letting Kotono pass her by! As this happens Asher leaps to the roof, landing atop Kotono's house! There's a small access window here to what looks to be an atic, as well as a bird's nest in the gutter. "Asher!" Kotono calls up, her voice carrying.
<Asher> Asher sits on top of the roof, remaining carefully out of sight and quiet even as the wind blissfully buffets about him. His hair ruffles from its touch, a cool and soothing sensation against the near-fatal panic that gripped his heart only seconds back. Catching his breath, he closes his eyes and whimpers incoherantly to himself. 'How long do you think it'll take till she calms down?'
> 'Give it a fewdays?' Reclaimer speaks in Kotono's voice, 'Since Asher-chan is just too awesome!'
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 4."12 [2d6=1, 3]
<Asher> 'You know what, I hate you,' Asher bites out again in a low snarl as he takes a look at the access window. It look latched in or locked? If not, and assuming it doesn't put him in obvious view, he'll ease down there.
> It's unlocked! "Asher!" There's a problem with that call - it's really freaking close, Kotono's voice having made up some serious distance!
<Asher> ...what the hell?! He could've sworn that Rei had said some time ago that Kotono didn't know how to fly yet! Or did she just manage to pull that off on the spur of a moment? Asher flinches, stills his movement to silence, and stares down. Well, better be ready for a backup plan. That drop doesn't look very HEALTHY, though...
<Asher> Carefully keeping cover so that he isn't so obviously in sight, he assesses the air anyway in case he does have to make a last ditch attempt to escape, hoping that bones won't be broken in the process!
> The wind is still blowing from Asher's magic, as you hear her call again. "Asher-chan?" Kotono choruses, "Asher-chan!"
<Asher> Is the access window something he could jerk open and rush in without making too much of a racket?
> Asher can see that it's a bit rusty. Looks openable, but perhaps not quietly, and rushing it would surely make sure Kotono knows where he is. Her footsteps are getting closer! "I know you're up here, Asher-chan," she purrs.
<Asher> Screw it. With a negligent flicker of his wrist, Asher directs the wind to batter the window for noise - as much of it as possible - then grips down to the very edge of the rooftop and... oh god that was a long drop. The things one does. Faith. He closes his eyes and lets go, silently falling in the wake of the noise as he commands the air to densify and slow his descent to a non-limb-breaking one?!
> OOC - Soul check +1, and if that fails, Body check +1.
<Asher> roll 2d6+1
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+1 and gets 7."12 [2d6=2, 4]
> Asher is ablet o buffer his fall as the attic roof rattles! He lands roughly but unharmed, right in Kotono's front yard!
<Asher> Now to RUN like hell away from this place and never to return again?! Or to... no, well, if he ran out in the front yard he'd be in wide open sight for stray blondes on rooftops. Instead, he edges back into the house, quietly closing the door with extreme care!
> As Asher slipsb ack into the front door, he hears, "Asher-chan?!" Kotono calls from atop the roof! But the kitchen is quiet and empty, Rei just returning to it. "...got away?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.
<Asher> "For the time being." Asher looks weary and a little shaky as he walks over to the ktichen counter and places both hands on it, shivering. "I figure it'll be a little bit before she calms down."
> "Lucky you," Rei smirks just a tiny bit, going to the fridge adn getting a bottle of water. "Want one? Anyway, I still can't believe it. That thing's probably in Earth orbit now."
<Asher> "I don't know about THAT," Asher replies as he nods gratefully, sucking in a breath and leaning back, trying to draw back some semblance of energy within himself. OOC - am I allowed rejuv attempts untransformed?
> OOC - Generally not, but I'll give yoau  Soul check +4 at a shot at it, since you could use trying to draw out another minor power or two.
<Asher> roll 2d6+4
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+4 and gets 8."12 [2d6=2, 2]
> Asher feels a tug, but he can't quite marshall  it - but he does feel a force bent against, something inside strained. "Sucking in a lot of air, hm?W arming up for the main event?" Rei passes over a bottle ofw ater, cold and fresh.
<Asher> "That thing's construction was a little... questionable. She was lucky as hell the thing survived the flight through the atmosphere as is, and only that because gravity was suddenly thrown out of the window." Asher takes the bottle, then his face screws up as he turns to regard Rei with a briefly pained look. "Don't give me that."
<Asher> Popping the cap, he downs half the contents in a handful of gulps, eyes shut and willing out the slight buzzing headache in his forehead as the sharply cold water numbs his mind.
> "There should be a doomsday timer above you that counts how long it is until you make Kochan a woman." Rei smirsk even more, gulping down water before sighing. "If you want to flee, this si your best chance you're probably going to get. I think Kotono's plans went kaput for the night anyway."
<Asher> "I might," Asher agrees sourly. On hindsight, dealing with Kotono like this really wasn't high up on his lists of 'want to do'. And frankly, he had no illusions about what the rest of the night would have been even without this incident in regards to her. "I guess it's a little silly of me to keep having some weird form of faith that she'll calm down eventually." Eyes still shut, he punctuates this statement with a sigh.
> "I believed her when she said she loved you," Rei points out, voicel osing it's sarcastic, vicious edge. "Look, I had a long go around with a few people about this back awhile ago. She's just a lonely girl who gloms on too tightly. Something that's not singular to her, but she's just obsessively hyper about it. Cope or try to dump her, I guess."
<Asher> Asher raises a hand, an edge of ... something on his voice. It's a little shaky, as he places the water bottle down. "I don't have any intentions of leaving. I meant just for tonight," he sighs, throwing a look over at her. "Given my proximity in her current state mind can't possibly lead to healthy results. I know there's a Kotono in there that can think more soundly than that."
<Asher> "Besides," he adds in, a little wearily, "it'd be fucking moronic beyond all reason if I had tried to stick around her this long and just bailed out now. That's worse than blowing someone off in the first place." Irritation seeps into his voice, eyes a little red now as he stares over up at Rei. "I wouldn't do that."
> "Both of them want to be taken by a strong confident man, I think," Rei smiles, amused and lighting up her face with a cattish bliss. "Though, out of pure curiosity, why not? Most guys would've taken the bait and done her several times over. Good for you on the rest, though."
<Asher> "Because it's a mess," Asher sighs. "It's where relationships start centering themselves almost entirely on that element and it can bend or break things with sadistic ease. I've seen it happen too many times, and I'd rather not fall into that trap myself. Even if Kotono's... swear to god, I have to say this, she's one of the most faithful people I've ever met... it's still a step you can't ever take back."
> "I guess," Rei allows that much as she goes into the living room to sit down. "I can make an excuse for you if you want, though. For tongiht, that is."
<Asher> He waves a hand, taking another long sip of water before stepping back over to the edge of the kitchen. "I dunno for now. Part of me wants to be firmer in holding her back... part of me's afraid to break her tenacious faith if I do that." He smiles briefly, staring up at the table. "She's a little more complex than most people take her."
* Retrieving #evildunes modes...
> "Alright, but I'm gonna bail. I think the plans are ruined now anyway." Rei glances at the oven clock, a bit past 10. "We're running late on it as is, so I'd rather just go hoem andg et some sleep." With that Rei waves, heading for the front door.
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<Asher> Asher trails Rei as she leaves, only nodding briefly. "You do that, I guess." He doesn't make a move from his own spot, staring at the miko's back, although for other reasons entirely. "Take care," he manages, words lost in a mixture of thoughts as he resumes staring back at the kitchen counter.
> Asher ets about another ten minutes of peace before he's interrupted. Kotono staggers into the kitchen, dusty and sneezing. "T--ACHO! There youACHOO! are, Asher-chan!" The blonde goes right for some paper towels, blowing her nose. "That stupid attic is totally full of dust!"
<Asher> "Whatever were you doing up there, Kotono?" Asher asks quietly and deceptively mild. He finishes up the bottle he was drinking, hiding the brief smile on his face before turning around to regard the blonde.
> "ACHOO!" Kotono sneezes another time, sniffling loudly. "That was mean!" Kotono looks on in annoyance, "Why'd you ahve to run, huh?"
<Asher> "Because you weren't in any state of mind to be reasoned with," Asher says with uncharacteristic bluntness. He steps over to her, frowning a little bit with crossed arms. "...are you okay, though?"
> "Just...ACHOO!" Kotono sneezes again, reblowing her nose after. "Dust kinda bothered me up there is all, you know?"
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* ChanServ sets mode: +o Asher
> "Just...ACHOO!" Kotono sneezes again, reblowing her nose after. "Dust kinda bothered me up there is all, you know?"
<Asher> Asher sighs, loudly scrunching the now empty water bottle up and tossing it at a nearby trash can. He steps over behind her and quietly wraps an arm around her waist, speaking quietly. "Yeah, I guess. Don't be so silly next time, then."
> "Okay, okay" Kotono nuzzles into Asher, wrapping her arms around his neck. "But that was just...wonderful!"
<Asher> "Uh huh," Asher replies, leaning down to look at her with a wry smile on his face. He nudges the top of Kotono's forehead, leaning back against the wall. "Kotono, sometimes the solution or explanation is sort of... right there on your fingertips and you don't even realize it. Don't forget to look at the obvious sometimes, mmkay? Not everything is weird and exotic and supernatural."
> "You're lying," Kotono giggles, bringing her face up and close to Asher's. Her smile is cutely winsome now, brushing her nose against Asher's. "Thanks, though."
* Takeshi is now known as Hal-away
<Asher> "I am not," Asher replies with a somewhat indignant look, the proximity softening it somewhat as he looks at her with a hopeless expression. "When it comes down to it, anything that's 'supernatural' is just a relative term anyway. It's how you see it. So in a way everything's normal, too.'
> "Uh uh." Kotono giggles, "The world's full of magic and wonder, Asher-chan, and we're a part of it's coolstuff!" Leaning in, Kotono's lips then brush his again, just barely.
<Asher> "...you're hopeless," Asher laments at last, closing his eyes momentarily. Oh, hell. He moves in to give her a brief kiss, lips touching and embracing but nothing more than that as he moves back again, eyes a bit mirthful. "Kotono, you promised me you'd keep under control, remember?"
> "This is under control...no tongue yet," Kotono just smiles back, cute as a button as she again kisses Asher!
<Asher> "...as long as you remember to keep it that way..." Asher manages out as he weakly manages the same smile, surrendering to her charm. Okay, he had to admit... this wasn't all that bad. Enjoyable would not be an inappropriate term. He presses back more against the wall, replying with Kotono's motion with the same against her forehead.
> So Kotono presses things. It's quite easy to lose track of time like this..mmm. Until one thing happens - her hand goes low - way too low, onto IT. Cupping and holding it, oh my! All that nice kissing is put right into perspective!
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<Asher> As always, this jolts Asher back into searing consciousness as he shudders involuntarily again and presses his own hand against hers, drawing it away, even as he breaks away for a moment, scarlet cheeks embracing his face. "Kotono..." There's a quiet amount of unease in that voice, raising his eyes to meet hers.
> "Come on...I don't mind to do it," Kotono smiles, eyes gleaming with excitement as her hand is moved away. "It's supposed to feel reallyg ood, right?"
<Asher> "Is there anything you -don't- mind doing, Kotono?" Asher clicks in a bit disapprovingly as he draws away from her, putting a little space inbetween them and hugging the comfort of the wall again against his back. "That isn't the point... it's just not a good idea to move too far too soon."
> "I don't mind most things, and..." Kotono kneels down, lookign right at it, "I know most guys need that done a lot andI'd be happy to, Asher-chan," she says, looking up with sincerely earnest eyes. "It would make you feel good and be happy, right?"
<Asher> An eye twitch. She really didn't get the point. Asher leans down and takes Kotono's hand and promptly hauls her right back up to height level, giving her a hard look. "Kotono. That isn't the point. Once you do something like that, everything measured forward is going to be based on that standard."
<Asher> "I'd like a relationship where things stay meaningful from start to end, and don't necessarily require some minimum form of affection... trust me, it's much better that way," he continues, looking at her all seriously now. A sigh. An unbidden, forbidden urge that wonders what the fuck he's doing. Reclaimer WAS right - most guys would've just jumped on this.
<Asher> He was even in a rare position where he'd get away with it. But. Still. "...okay?"
> "That is meaningful, Asher-chan. I'm offering it because I want to do ita nd because I love you," Kotono smiles cheerfully, leaning int o gently kiss him again. "I wouldn't unless I really did like someone."
<Asher> Asher's fingers curl up around hers, letting her take the kiss even as his face falls slightly. "... I know, Kotono. More to the point... you don't need to do that to prove it, and if you start, then it'll feel like you don't anymore if you ever do anything otherwise - and that's something that's both isn't true and not what I want."
> "I don't have to prove it, I do it because I feel that way. Asher-chan...I want you. Badly." Kotono looks on with frank honestness, blushing. "I...I want to wake up curled up in our chest, naked and happy."
> &your
<Asher> Asher closes his eyes, trembling a little bit before sweeping Kotono up with an arm around her and bringing her close. Firmly. He holds her form tightly against his, hands wrapped around her and remaining still otherwise. Nothing else. Pressing his face against her shoulder, words refuse to come out.
> Kotono holds where she is, matching this and holding Asher herself.
<Asher> With little else to be said, he straightens back up, eyes instinctively scanning over a nearby clock with his hand currently tucked away against her. He had to... but... suppressing his thoughts, Asher gently releases her from his grip and smiles a bit tiredly. "I need to head home soon... alright?"
> "Asher-chan..." Kotono looks on, hopefully, "Could you close your eyes a few moments and not peek for me?"
<Asher> Asher gives Kotono a long look, the obvious question of 'why' on his face, but not saying anything beyond that. He gives a brief nod.
> "Thanks," Kotono steps back, just as Asher closes his eyes. He can hear faint sounds - like Kotono' sstepping around, working with something, little soft cottony swishes.
<Asher> Asher waits, patiently, since the prospect of wondering what exactly Kotono is up to is far too broad to even narrow it down to any tangible field. He crosses his arms, keeping his eyes closed.
> It's about a minute or so before you hear Kotono pad back over to you. "Asher-chan...open your eyes," she says quietly, the feeling of her arms going around Asher's neck again felt.
<Asher> Asher does so slowly, vision blurring at first as it adjusts to the light again, his lips pursed.
> Kotono wears only cute pink panties, looking at Asher as shes miles. "I love you, Asher. As a woman ...I want you tonight. I want to hold you, touch you, kiss you, feel you...please." Kotono is smiling the entire time, her heart in her eyes. "It will mean a lot, because that...I love you."
<Asher> Oh, dear God. Asher's breath pretty much freezes straight in his tracks as he feels two very distinct urges tearing him in totally opposite directions. He stares over openly at Kotono, his eyes unable to break from her gaze. T... he shudders again, sinking back and then instinctively shutting his eyes. Trying to put the vivid imagery that he was just provided away for a moment. "...Kotono, don't..."
> "Asher, I want you. Take me." Kotono repeats softly, "You're the man I love, and I want you to take my virginity in my childhood bed, okay? Ever since I've met you...I've been happier than I have been before, even when I met everyone." Leaning forward, Kotono presses two soft, propelling arguments into Asher!
* Hal-away is now known as Takeshi
> "Asher..." Kotono purrs, rubbing up against him. "Just relax and do it. Please."
<Asher> roll 2d6+2
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+2 and gets 5."12 [2d6=2, 1]
<Asher> "Kotono..." Well. There's not much mistaking that Asher's tone of voice is thoroughly different now. He melts back a little bit, breathing heavily, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he clutches his hands against the floor. "I... I.. just...." The voice cracks a little bit, still a semblance of control there. "Don't know..."
> Kotono smiles and goes to her panties, pulling them down without preamble. Now nude as they slide down her legs, "I want this...and I know you do too," Kotono smiles, kneeling and reaching her hand out for IT again!
<Asher> roll 2d6+2 for sanity checks
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+2 for sanity checks and gets 8."12 [2d6=4, 2]
<Asher> And that just about does it. Something in Asher's mind snaps. A restraint? A surrender? But whatever the case, he feels a distinct loss of... SOMETHING. There's still a part of his mind that was tugging him to go back before, and now it's shrieking and screaming. But all of that really doesn't amount to much when you have a mass of warm, blonde sensuality parked right in front of you.
<Asher> Asher moves closer to Kotono, lips fully embracing her now as his arms wrap around and said constraints are thrown off for the remainder of the night, to whatever that may be. For the moment, euphoria overtakes all other trains of thoughts.
> ----

[Anastasia]

> ---Arc 2 go!---
> Oh home. Home and dinner! A feast late this evening since Mom worked late, but the rare bounty of good takeout isn't one to be neglected! Mom and Dad also eat with gusto, so it's a shame when the beep fo the clock hitting 8 PM is also disrupted by a communicator's beep.
<Asher> Foooooooooood. Asher wolfs it down with great enthuisiasm - after all, in all technicality he's still a growing young man, etc. etc. although his eyes roll over everytime he hears that euphenism. Sadly, the banquet's abrupt halting to the comm makes him blanch for a moment, then stand up and sigh. "Think that's me, I'll be right back." Heading upstairs, he fishes out the comm and sees who it is. Kotono again?
> Yep. Sadly. It's just a merry beep and not the chorus of the Ragnarok, however.
<Asher> With a shrug, a shut door and leaning wearily back against the bed, Asher answers. Well, it's late. What could she possibly want?
> "Hi!" Kotono beams ear to ear, nodding. "What's up and do you feell ike doing something tonight since Dad's still not bad and I got a really cool supernatural club lead and I'm gonna call REi-chan to see if the three of us are up to it, huh?"
<Asher> "...um." Asher looks plaintitively back at the door. "I'm having dinner right now, and..." A glance at the watch. El time-o?
> It's just past 8, as the clock noted merely a moment or three ago.
<Asher> ...right. Hey, Kotono sidetracks his mind, dammit, and not in THAT way! "...I guess if it's important. What exactly are you up to?"
> "Well, you see..." Kotono pauses a moment, room behind her, "I found out that this new shopping mall that's open 24 a day - that one that specalizes in art and rich stuff, I think the name is the Asabara Local Outlet...yeah, it is," Kotono checks her papers a moment, "Anyway, I heard they're totally haunted during those midnight art festivals they're having there!"
<Asher> "You heard this from where?" Asher asks patiently. Might as well make sure this 'club meeting' wasn't just another excuse for latching on, and to also make sure she wasn't going on a wild goose chase, either...
> "Well, I did a I Ching reading and it so pointed it otu!" Kotono nods along easily, smiling. "Right?"
<Asher> "...you... did you even talk to anyone AT the outlet, Kotono?" Asher continues, a knot growing in his stomach.
> "Not yet!" Kotono bubbles, grinning, "Besides, I'm sure I'm right and we're going to find somethign really cool at night!"
<Asher> Oh Kochan. Asher hangs his head slightly, grimacing. "Kotono, that isn't... -that- much of a lead..." Might as well out and say it.
> 'Find an excuse and abort, flee and bail,' Reclaimer adds mentally. 'Say you're grounded!'
<Asher> 'That'd be lying,' Asher replies with a bit of vehemance. 'No need to resort to that.'
> 'It's also safer.'
> Meanwhile!
> "It's fine enough!" Kotono retorts quickly, blushing, "Besides I'm sure it'll work ine and everything 'll be really cool so let's go and you can hang out with me and Rei-chan!"
<Asher> 'Until you get caught. It's not a road I particularly care to wander down.'
> 'Suit yourslf, Pluto boytoy.'
<Asher> ...oi. Though the fact that he WOULD get off annoys him - and he restrains the urge to snarl and bite out at Reclaimer. "Did you already call Rei-chan and ask her about this?"
> "Not yet!" Kotono chirps, "So c'mon and you can even bring your really cool magical sword along, too!"
* Sailor_Saturn is now known as Hotaru-chan
<Asher> 'Oh, hear that? She wants you, Reclaimer-chan!' Asher mimics Kotono's voice in his head as he hides the smirk on his face, looking back at Kotono's visage on the communicator. Oh, hell, it's a lost cause. "Eh, alright, not like I had anything in mind. Let me finish dinner up first, though."
* General_Nephrite is now known as Takeshi
> "Great! Be at my place by 10! See you, Asher-chan!" In an energetic wink Kotono is gone, the sentence passed.
<Asher> Mrf.
<Asher> MRF.
<Asher> MRF. Asher heads back downstairs without a further word and goes to finish dinner. His shoulders sink back a little bit in anticipation of the coming night, but what the hell. Practice makes perfect, right? It'd build character, right? He'd gain new levels of pain tolerance, right?!
> Dad is finishing up his food as Asher returns, looking him over. "Studies going well?"
<Asher> "Not bad," Asher offers conservatively, hoping to pry up some kind of peace offering here to satisfy him. Oh! "I attended a scholarship meeting and I'm sort of waiting on a reply for that, too. Otherwise, everything the same, I guess."
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<Asher> <Kotono> Dad is finishing up his food as Asher returns, looking him over. "Studies going well?"
<Asher> <Asher> "Not bad," Asher offers conservatively, hoping to pry up some kind of peace offering here to satisfy him. Oh! "I attended a scholarship meeting and I'm sort of waiting on a reply for that, too. Otherwise, everything the same, I guess."
<Anastasia> "Good." Dad's mood perks up ever so slightly, Mom smiling as well. "Get into a good school, ASher." He even looks a bit proud for a moment, as, "Don't let your new friends distract you from that."
<Asher> Oh, so many things he could SAY. So many ways to defend himself. But they would all require giving more detail than he was necessarily comfortable with, and knowing his parents that would take it waaaaaaaay the wrong way anyway. Not that he feared any sort of serious reprival from them, but he really didn't want that hanging over his shoulder. "Of course." ...oh, hell. Speaking of which!
<Asher> "Actually..." What timing. "I'm going to head out tonight again to meet them up and probably do my regimen again." Yeah. Just get it out. Ow. Asher focuses in finishing his dinner as he makes that pronouncement.
<Anastasia> "Oh Asher..." Mother begins, blushing, but Dad holds up a tired hand. "Go ahead, son, as long as you can keep up your grades and keep her happy?" He smiles a little bit at that.
<Asher> Asher gives his mother a long look, as though to say 'it's NOT like that'. Given his total backing behind that belief, it isn't all that hard. He sighs, drops his fork, and stares up at Dad. "You have my word that if I were actually going out with someone and considered her my girlfriend I'd tell you. Deal? Let's leave the suspicions out of the air."
<Anastasia> "Alright, son," Dad seems content with that bowing his head as he gets seconds. But Mom looks on curiously, scanning her son.
Session Time: Sat Sep 30 00:00:00 2006
<Asher> The brow of irritation that threatens to come up is quietly wiped out as Asher finishes up his dinner quietly and in relative peace. It wasn't that he didn't hold anything against his parents for being vaguely curious about it. Given the hours he'd been coming back? He was lucky he wasn't being incarcerated. Just... how the HELL does anyone ever explain KOTONO?
<Asher> Or, for that matter, the rather eclectic interests he had taken lately? A sigh, a washing of the dishes - gladly volunteered by himself - before Asher starts to head back upstairs to wash up and grab his stuff from his room.
<Anastasia> As Asher heads upstairs, "Asher!" Mom follwos up, keeping a good pace as she does.
<Asher> Uh oh. Asher halts in his tracks, turning around, regarding Mom intently with a respectful look. "Yes, mom?" Well, at least she didn't look like the living dead anymore. That was a plus.
<Anastasia> She does look better, yes. She holds her hands at her waist as she looks ASher over. "Don't be out too late no matter what?"
<Asher> "Believe me when I say that's usually not a factor under my control?" Asher replies, with a bit of a wince. "There were a few times I just crashed and didn't see it coming. But I'll try to make it home in time, mom. I'm never late for school." TECHNICALLY true. Saying that makes him wince again, though.
<Anastasia> "Alright..." Mom frowns a moment, "If we're ever off in an afternoon, bring them over?"
<Asher> "Sure," Asher offers easily enough. Why? One: they were almost never, ever, ever off an afternoon, let alone BOTH of them at the same time. Two: the schedules of the senshi, and Takeshi or the Gaians for that matter, were never exactly in harmony, so he'd have a conveniently legitimate excuse anyway. "Just... you know, we don't have a whole lot of room to spare, so I figured it'd be best if I met with them elsewhere..."
<Anastasia> "They can still visit," Mom smiles and retreats, falling back. Reclaimer starts to speak but thinks better of it...
<Asher> A sigh. A negligent nod. "Okay, mom." Yeah, story of his life. Asher heads back up to his room to retrieve his stuff and if he is not conveniently railroaded into another track, off he goes!
<Anastasia> As Asher packs up and gets ready, 'You know,' he begins idly, 'Going to bring Kotono over to meet the parents?'
<Anastasia> 'Or any of the other girls. Really, you should get around and visit them more often.'
<Asher> 'The day Kotono meets my parents is the day they suffer from a tragic simultaneous heart attack,' Asher quips. 'And I don't... why do I need to run around visiting other girls' houses and making them wonder even MORE?!'
<Anastasia> 'They're also your allies, Asher. Not only are they Princesses, but most of them are nice, normal girls.'
<Asher> 'And they have their own lives and their own interests that I'm fairly sure don't involve myself save for her highness of the tenth planet of our system of celestial bodies,' Asher says in way of reply, grumbling. He barrels down the stairs, opening the door and accessing the night's state.
<Anastasia> It's cloudly. Looks like rain soon! 'Oh, stop that, you giant loner. Say it with me: Friends are good!'
<Asher> That makes Asher freeze in his tracks. With a slow, strangled amount of patience, he replies back to Reclaimer with a more serious tone of voice, icily cold. 'You've been watching me ever since childhood, right?'
<Anastasia> 'Yep.' Reclaimer goes on, matching that tone. 'I also know that you should keep in touch with them, Knight.'
<Asher> 'Perhaps.' The voice remains chilly, as Asher resumes his pace, making a beeline for Kotono's residence, quiet annoyance lining his words. 'But for other reasons entirely. Not for the sake of 'friends'. I think you should know full well by now the reputation of that term.' Asher smiles grimly, a rare occasion for such brooding thoughts to harbor around him, as he fends over the streets.
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* Topic is 'It's "Rei-chan needs to be PUNISHED!" week! Oh Rei-chan!'
* Set by Kotono on Thu Sep 07 00:47:44
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> <Anastasia> 'Yep.' Reclaimer goes on, matching that tone. 'I also know that you should keep in touch with them, Knight.'
> <Asher> 'Perhaps.' The voice remains chilly, as Asher resumes his pace, making a beeline for Kotono's residence, quiet annoyance lining his words. 'But for other reasons entirely. Not for the sake of 'friends'. I think you should know full well by now the reputation of that term.' Asher smiles grimly, a rare occasion for such brooding thoughts to harbor around him, as he fends over the streets.
> 'Yes, yes,' Reclaimer notes with just a hint of sarcasm.
<Asher> It's with a heavy shrug and no other comment as Asher makes his way through the streets of Tokyo. It is pretty late, all things considered. At least there would be someone else there to share the pain this time. Poor Rei. He hides another smile as he gets closer to the neighborhood with Kotono's house.
> Nothing of note happens on this trip. A small, rare mercy for Asher perhaps, Kotono's neighborhood silent and peaceful. But on reaching her house? WEll, there's a problem. You can see it well in advance, due to what looks to be a small rocket ready to lift off in her front yard! It's only about two feet tall, but it's coated in neon green colors and Kotono's pust a few heavy lights around it!
<Asher> ...A rocket. I see. Somehow Asher has his apprenhensions about it ever breaking out of the stratosphere.... or the ground. Putting a weary hand on his shoulder, he walks past it. Seriously, Kotono, where do you come UP with this? So long as you don't burn your house down, though...
> Kotono is just coming out as ASher walks past, carrying goggles and wearing a pair herself! Rei's behind her, clad in much the same. She looks rather exasperated, too!
> "Asher-chan!" Kotono waves, tossing the pair of goggles at him, "I figured we had time for the Pluto Voyager mk 34, so just put these on and watch since I think I got the alterations to the kit right this time, huh?!"
<Asher> "...Pluto Voyager, Kotono," Asher says with an extreme amoutn of patience. He catches the goggles, resisting the overpowering urge to facefault. Glancing at the rocket with a sigh, Asher takes a moment to see if she was serious about making the thing architecturally sound. Well, it wasn't the FIRST time she'd tried, right?
> OOC - You know anything about rocketS?
<Asher> OOC - Only what I would know in school!
<Asher> OOC - So guessing that's some random Mind check.
> OOC - Yeah, just make a mind check I guess.
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 3."12 [2d6=1, 2]
> Oh, it's...something. The parts are out of order and you're not sure on any modifications, ut a large chunk of green quartz crystal has been embedded into the hull.
<Asher> "...Kotono, how far did your last attempts at this make it?" Asher asks wearily as he steps back, putting the goggles on now. Quartz crystal. Did she purposely make these hazardous or something?!
> Rei just clears her throat and then shakes her head, hiding behind the far end of the yard and ducking.
> "It made it a good ways! REally! It just didn't blow up evne if Rei-chan says so!" Kotono retorts with a blush, going to fiddle with something on it, getting a lighter out.
<Asher> Asher cranes his head over to see Rei's figure, disdain on his face. So THAT's how it was, eh? He glances back at the rocket again, wondering if there was any point whatosever to point out the... numerous flaws... that incurred during instruction.. and the utter futility of breaking gravity - hey, wait, WAIT a second. "Kotono, you know, you might have more success with these attempts if you did a little adjustment yourself."
> "Well, I did, see that?" Kotono points at the green Crystal, nodding, "It's magical waves should totally help it fly!"
<Asher> "I meant try the magic -yourself-," Asher explains with a bit of a wince. "You do have some influence over space and gravity, right? That could drastically lighten the load on the rocket if nothing else." Because trying to fix the rocket plans at this point was utterly futile...
> "...oooooh!" Kotono's eyes gleam in pure happiness, a blonde flash as Asher is glommed onto. "That's an AWESOME IDEA, Asher-chan! Thanks!"
<Asher> "...I'm amazed you didn't realize that before," Asher mumbles beneath his breath as he gently pries Kotono off, squaring his shoulders. "Let's get this over with, shall we?" With a resigned look, he dons the goggles and heads over away from the 'blast site', closer to one particular Rei, giving her a steady look.
> As Kotono giggles and goes to the rocket...
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 5."12 [2d6=2, 3]
> Rei looks on with a wry s mile, shaking her head. "Safer back here, trust me," Rei murmurs, "You've seen the craters."
<Asher> "You have to admire her persistence at being able to oversee the obvious," Asher comments back with a low groan. He, too, turns back to make sure Kotono doesn't blow herself up or anything.
> "Yep." Rei looks on, watching in open tridepitation.  Kotono lights a fuse and skips back a bit, nodding. "This should be totally awesome with Space magic!"
> roll 2d6 against a 4 body for the shuttle
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 against a 4 body for the shuttle and gets 3."12 [2d6=2, 1]
> The rocket blasts off! A noble burst of flame comes rom it's thrusters below, the body bulging but staying intact! The quartz gleams with a fiery green-red, as the rocket takes off, soaring as if gravity has no hold on it! It's out of sight in seconds, rushing into the night sky with a wink!
> "...I..." Kotono stares, slack jawed.
<Asher> "......."
<Asher> Asher takes off the goggles and openly stares.
> "You have got to be fucking kidding me!" Rei blurts out in utter dismay.
> "I mean, that is totally fucking impossible; Kotono's fucking rockets never fucking work!" Rei's words just tumble out in a totally lost mess, the miko falling over.
> "...oh..." Kotono gently sniffles, turning to Asher. Her face is crying, but it's tears of transfixed joy as she looks at Asher! "Oh...Oh...Asher-chan! I...I love you!" she cries out, from there to here in a mere second! Asher is knocked back into the fence, Kotono rubbing into his chest for all her worth! "WE DID IT! YOU HELPED ME FINALLY DO IT ASHER_CHAN AND THAT'S JUST AWESOME!"
<Asher> Nnnnnngraaaaah! Asher just falls back. Doesn't resist. Hits the ground. OW. Still doesn't move. World's a vision of haze. He closes his eyes and waits for blissful death to take him. Why. WHY? WHY?!
> "Oh...oh...!" But Kotono isn't still. What's that warm feeling on Asher's lips!? What's that slimy hot feeling inside his mouth!? Kotono's pressing into him for all she's worth, crying in bliss!
<Asher> NnnnnGHHHH HEY WAIT A SECOND. Asher squirms, twists around, trying valiantly to get away from Kotono's death-passionate grip as he tries to suck for air and - get - back - up!
> OOC - Body check1
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 10."12 [2d6=5, 5]
> No good! Asher's just stunned as Kotono does her best to take poor Asher's mouth for all she's worth! She's MAKING OUT WITH HIM?! Meanwhile you notice her hands running down his sides, getting entirely too close to ASher's hips and midsection!
> "...." Rei slowly sits up, blinking at this dispaly, "...um...." she mutters, wide eyed and sputtering.
<Asher> "K..." Well, any word he tries to make is going to just get DROWNED OUT by the clashing of tongues as Asher claws his hands into the ground and forces himself to hoist back up to gain some semblance of sanity back! His knuckles are white, his form on the verge of thrashing about!
> OOC - Body check again1
<Asher> roll 2d6 burn 10 EP
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 burn 10 EP and gets 3."12 [2d6=1, 2]
> Kotono is knocked away, tongue flickering out as she lands off Asher! The balance is disrupted, a blushing and heaving blonde right in front of him!
<Asher> A deep, heaving breath as Asher shudders involuntarily, holding up a hand. "Kotono. Calm DOWN." He gets these words out before collapsing right back on the ground again, with a soft groan. Coincidentally, his head landing to look straight up to the shellshocked visage of one certain miko. There's an utter look of disbelief on his face.
> Rei stares balck with blank shock, before looking up to Kotono. "Uh...yeah, look," she coughs, wobbling up to her feet, "Why don't I just...give you two some space for the night. Yeah, gonna go inside..." Rei slowly stagger towards Kotono' house, loopy!
<Asher> "Rei," Asher bites out beneath his breath, so that only the miko can hear him, "do you MIND?!"
* Seraphin is now known as Hotaru-chan
* Thrall is now known as Usagi
> "Oh...oh..." Kotono sniffles again, looking on at Asher with total love and hope in her eyes."It finally worked and it was all because of your suggestion, Asher-chan!"
> "Yes, yes I do," Rei glances back at the lovestricken blonde, "If you hurry you can catch up1"
<Asher> "...I need a drink right about now," Asher mutters as he hauls himself back up, staring over at Kotono for a moment. "Kotono, let's head in and ... " NO. DO NOT ASK HER TO CELEBRATE. The gears in Asher's mind rewind, thinking furiously. "... look into that other lead you were talking about, okay?" God. The lesser of two evils.
* Makoto (WinNT@d207-216-158-77.bchsia.telus.net) Quit (scifi-classics.dejatoons.net eternia.dejatoons.net)
* Makoto (WinNT@d207-216-158-77.bchsia.telus.net) has joined #evildunes
* eternia.dejatoons.net sets mode: +ao Makoto Makoto
> "Oh Asher..." Kotono stares i starry eyed love, creeping closer again. "The only lead I'm interested in now is you!"
<Asher> Asher is already following Rei into the house~!
> Kotono springs up, chasing after Asher! Meanwile Rei has slipped into the house, going into high gear speed!
<Asher> Two can play that game as Asher runs right behind the miko!
> OOC - Kotono's chasing you for real. Body check against her, opposing.
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 8."12 [2d6=5, 3]
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 5."12 [2d6=4, 1]
> Asher keeps a good pace with Rei! Rei darts upstairs quickly, heading for Kotono's back yard! "Asher-chaaaaan!" Kotono calls as she gives chase!
<Asher> No time to think! Asher grips on Reclaimer, a death grip at that as he hisses into the sword's mind. 'If there is ever a time I could use your input I need it NOW. Can I fly if I try hard enough?!'
> 'You're not even transformed!' Reclaimer fires back as he continues to follow Rei into the back yard!
<Asher> Meanwhile, he jets up the stairs, still hot on Rei's trail and hopefully far away from the blonde compressed death behind him!
<Asher> 'Answer the question!' Asher snips out as he ducks into the second story of the house and out to the backyard entrance!
> 'Maybe! You could just face her and get kissed, like how every other hot blooded youth in the nation would be thrilled to be?'
> Meanwhile Rei looks back, and hears, "Aaaaassssher!"
<Asher> 'You REALLY think that would be the only thing she'd stop at at this rate?!'
> "Shit..." Rei mutters, rubbing her temples and sighing. "You brought her along, idiot!":
> 'Well, maybe she'll calm down with a baby in ehr belly?'
<Asher> "She's not after YOU," Asher mutters as he pushes past Rei and into the backyard. "Just get out of her way or something if you don't want to deal with her."
<Asher> 'You're no help. At all.'
<Asher> Once in the backyard, Asher thinks furiously, urgently calling the wind out to the expanse with rapid-fire acceleration!
> OOC - Soul check-o.
<Asher> roll 2d6 burn 10 EP
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 burn 10 EP and gets 5."12 [2d6=3, 2]
<Asher> With the streams of air coming forth to his command, their cool touch a moment's respite from the adrenaline-pumping menace probably only a handful of seconds behind him, Asher grits his teeth and makes the air go up - up - up! He kneels back and firmly implants his feet in the ground, then jumps, praying with all his might that the wind carries him with its free but strong embrace!
> OOC - That's a helluva jump still. Soul check +1; g'luck!
<Asher> roll 2d6 burn 20 EP
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 burn 20 EP and gets 3."12 [2d6=1, 2]
> Rei falls back at this action, letting Kotono pass her by! As this happens Asher leaps to the roof, landing atop Kotono's house! There's a small access window here to what looks to be an atic, as well as a bird's nest in the gutter. "Asher!" Kotono calls up, her voice carrying.
<Asher> Asher sits on top of the roof, remaining carefully out of sight and quiet even as the wind blissfully buffets about him. His hair ruffles from its touch, a cool and soothing sensation against the near-fatal panic that gripped his heart only seconds back. Catching his breath, he closes his eyes and whimpers incoherantly to himself. 'How long do you think it'll take till she calms down?'
> 'Give it a fewdays?' Reclaimer speaks in Kotono's voice, 'Since Asher-chan is just too awesome!'
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 4."12 [2d6=1, 3]
<Asher> 'You know what, I hate you,' Asher bites out again in a low snarl as he takes a look at the access window. It look latched in or locked? If not, and assuming it doesn't put him in obvious view, he'll ease down there.
> It's unlocked! "Asher!" There's a problem with that call - it's really freaking close, Kotono's voice having made up some serious distance!
<Asher> ...what the hell?! He could've sworn that Rei had said some time ago that Kotono didn't know how to fly yet! Or did she just manage to pull that off on the spur of a moment? Asher flinches, stills his movement to silence, and stares down. Well, better be ready for a backup plan. That drop doesn't look very HEALTHY, though...
<Asher> Carefully keeping cover so that he isn't so obviously in sight, he assesses the air anyway in case he does have to make a last ditch attempt to escape, hoping that bones won't be broken in the process!
> The wind is still blowing from Asher's magic, as you hear her call again. "Asher-chan?" Kotono choruses, "Asher-chan!"
<Asher> Is the access window something he could jerk open and rush in without making too much of a racket?
> Asher can see that it's a bit rusty. Looks openable, but perhaps not quietly, and rushing it would surely make sure Kotono knows where he is. Her footsteps are getting closer! "I know you're up here, Asher-chan," she purrs.
<Asher> Screw it. With a negligent flicker of his wrist, Asher directs the wind to batter the window for noise - as much of it as possible - then grips down to the very edge of the rooftop and... oh god that was a long drop. The things one does. Faith. He closes his eyes and lets go, silently falling in the wake of the noise as he commands the air to densify and slow his descent to a non-limb-breaking one?!
> OOC - Soul check +1, and if that fails, Body check +1.
<Asher> roll 2d6+1
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+1 and gets 7."12 [2d6=2, 4]
> Asher is ablet o buffer his fall as the attic roof rattles! He lands roughly but unharmed, right in Kotono's front yard!
<Asher> Now to RUN like hell away from this place and never to return again?! Or to... no, well, if he ran out in the front yard he'd be in wide open sight for stray blondes on rooftops. Instead, he edges back into the house, quietly closing the door with extreme care!
> As Asher slipsb ack into the front door, he hears, "Asher-chan?!" Kotono calls from atop the roof! But the kitchen is quiet and empty, Rei just returning to it. "...got away?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.
<Asher> "For the time being." Asher looks weary and a little shaky as he walks over to the ktichen counter and places both hands on it, shivering. "I figure it'll be a little bit before she calms down."
> "Lucky you," Rei smirks just a tiny bit, going to the fridge adn getting a bottle of water. "Want one? Anyway, I still can't believe it. That thing's probably in Earth orbit now."
<Asher> "I don't know about THAT," Asher replies as he nods gratefully, sucking in a breath and leaning back, trying to draw back some semblance of energy within himself. OOC - am I allowed rejuv attempts untransformed?
> OOC - Generally not, but I'll give yoau  Soul check +4 at a shot at it, since you could use trying to draw out another minor power or two.
<Asher> roll 2d6+4
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+4 and gets 8."12 [2d6=2, 2]
> Asher feels a tug, but he can't quite marshall  it - but he does feel a force bent against, something inside strained. "Sucking in a lot of air, hm?W arming up for the main event?" Rei passes over a bottle ofw ater, cold and fresh.
<Asher> "That thing's construction was a little... questionable. She was lucky as hell the thing survived the flight through the atmosphere as is, and only that because gravity was suddenly thrown out of the window." Asher takes the bottle, then his face screws up as he turns to regard Rei with a briefly pained look. "Don't give me that."
<Asher> Popping the cap, he downs half the contents in a handful of gulps, eyes shut and willing out the slight buzzing headache in his forehead as the sharply cold water numbs his mind.
> "There should be a doomsday timer above you that counts how long it is until you make Kochan a woman." Rei smirsk even more, gulping down water before sighing. "If you want to flee, this si your best chance you're probably going to get. I think Kotono's plans went kaput for the night anyway."
<Asher> "I might," Asher agrees sourly. On hindsight, dealing with Kotono like this really wasn't high up on his lists of 'want to do'. And frankly, he had no illusions about what the rest of the night would have been even without this incident in regards to her. "I guess it's a little silly of me to keep having some weird form of faith that she'll calm down eventually." Eyes still shut, he punctuates this statement with a sigh.
> "I believed her when she said she loved you," Rei points out, voicel osing it's sarcastic, vicious edge. "Look, I had a long go around with a few people about this back awhile ago. She's just a lonely girl who gloms on too tightly. Something that's not singular to her, but she's just obsessively hyper about it. Cope or try to dump her, I guess."
<Asher> Asher raises a hand, an edge of ... something on his voice. It's a little shaky, as he places the water bottle down. "I don't have any intentions of leaving. I meant just for tonight," he sighs, throwing a look over at her. "Given my proximity in her current state mind can't possibly lead to healthy results. I know there's a Kotono in there that can think more soundly than that."
<Asher> "Besides," he adds in, a little wearily, "it'd be fucking moronic beyond all reason if I had tried to stick around her this long and just bailed out now. That's worse than blowing someone off in the first place." Irritation seeps into his voice, eyes a little red now as he stares over up at Rei. "I wouldn't do that."
> "Both of them want to be taken by a strong confident man, I think," Rei smiles, amused and lighting up her face with a cattish bliss. "Though, out of pure curiosity, why not? Most guys would've taken the bait and done her several times over. Good for you on the rest, though."
<Asher> "Because it's a mess," Asher sighs. "It's where relationships start centering themselves almost entirely on that element and it can bend or break things with sadistic ease. I've seen it happen too many times, and I'd rather not fall into that trap myself. Even if Kotono's... swear to god, I have to say this, she's one of the most faithful people I've ever met... it's still a step you can't ever take back."
> "I guess," Rei allows that much as she goes into the living room to sit down. "I can make an excuse for you if you want, though. For tongiht, that is."
<Asher> He waves a hand, taking another long sip of water before stepping back over to the edge of the kitchen. "I dunno for now. Part of me wants to be firmer in holding her back... part of me's afraid to break her tenacious faith if I do that." He smiles briefly, staring up at the table. "She's a little more complex than most people take her."
* Retrieving #evildunes modes...
> "Alright, but I'm gonna bail. I think the plans are ruined now anyway." Rei glances at the oven clock, a bit past 10. "We're running late on it as is, so I'd rather just go hoem andg et some sleep." With that Rei waves, heading for the front door.
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* ChanServ sets mode: +ao Thrall Thrall
* Usagi (eb@user-544071cb.wfd80b.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Thrall))
* Thrall is now known as Usagi
<Asher> Asher trails Rei as she leaves, only nodding briefly. "You do that, I guess." He doesn't make a move from his own spot, staring at the miko's back, although for other reasons entirely. "Take care," he manages, words lost in a mixture of thoughts as he resumes staring back at the kitchen counter.
> Asher ets about another ten minutes of peace before he's interrupted. Kotono staggers into the kitchen, dusty and sneezing. "T--ACHO! There youACHOO! are, Asher-chan!" The blonde goes right for some paper towels, blowing her nose. "That stupid attic is totally full of dust!"
<Asher> "Whatever were you doing up there, Kotono?" Asher asks quietly and deceptively mild. He finishes up the bottle he was drinking, hiding the brief smile on his face before turning around to regard the blonde.
> "ACHOO!" Kotono sneezes another time, sniffling loudly. "That was mean!" Kotono looks on in annoyance, "Why'd you ahve to run, huh?"
<Asher> "Because you weren't in any state of mind to be reasoned with," Asher says with uncharacteristic bluntness. He steps over to her, frowning a little bit with crossed arms. "...are you okay, though?"
> "Just...ACHOO!" Kotono sneezes again, reblowing her nose after. "Dust kinda bothered me up there is all, you know?"
* Asher (Arigato@adsl-68-126-191-20.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net) has left #evildunes
* Asher (Arigato@adsl-68-126-191-20.dsl.pltn13.pacbell.net) has joined #evildunes
* ChanServ sets mode: +o Asher
> "Just...ACHOO!" Kotono sneezes again, reblowing her nose after. "Dust kinda bothered me up there is all, you know?"
<Asher> Asher sighs, loudly scrunching the now empty water bottle up and tossing it at a nearby trash can. He steps over behind her and quietly wraps an arm around her waist, speaking quietly. "Yeah, I guess. Don't be so silly next time, then."
> "Okay, okay" Kotono nuzzles into Asher, wrapping her arms around his neck. "But that was just...wonderful!"
<Asher> "Uh huh," Asher replies, leaning down to look at her with a wry smile on his face. He nudges the top of Kotono's forehead, leaning back against the wall. "Kotono, sometimes the solution or explanation is sort of... right there on your fingertips and you don't even realize it. Don't forget to look at the obvious sometimes, mmkay? Not everything is weird and exotic and supernatural."
> "You're lying," Kotono giggles, bringing her face up and close to Asher's. Her smile is cutely winsome now, brushing her nose against Asher's. "Thanks, though."
* Takeshi is now known as Hal-away
<Asher> "I am not," Asher replies with a somewhat indignant look, the proximity softening it somewhat as he looks at her with a hopeless expression. "When it comes down to it, anything that's 'supernatural' is just a relative term anyway. It's how you see it. So in a way everything's normal, too.'
> "Uh uh." Kotono giggles, "The world's full of magic and wonder, Asher-chan, and we're a part of it's coolstuff!" Leaning in, Kotono's lips then brush his again, just barely.
<Asher> "...you're hopeless," Asher laments at last, closing his eyes momentarily. Oh, hell. He moves in to give her a brief kiss, lips touching and embracing but nothing more than that as he moves back again, eyes a bit mirthful. "Kotono, you promised me you'd keep under control, remember?"
> "This is under control...no tongue yet," Kotono just smiles back, cute as a button as she again kisses Asher!
<Asher> "...as long as you remember to keep it that way..." Asher manages out as he weakly manages the same smile, surrendering to her charm. Okay, he had to admit... this wasn't all that bad. Enjoyable would not be an inappropriate term. He presses back more against the wall, replying with Kotono's motion with the same against her forehead.
> So Kotono presses things. It's quite easy to lose track of time like this..mmm. Until one thing happens - her hand goes low - way too low, onto IT. Cupping and holding it, oh my! All that nice kissing is put right into perspective!
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* ChanServ sets mode: +ao Thrall Thrall
* Usagi (eb@user-544071cb.wfd80b.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Thrall))
* Thrall is now known as Usagi
<Asher> As always, this jolts Asher back into searing consciousness as he shudders involuntarily again and presses his own hand against hers, drawing it away, even as he breaks away for a moment, scarlet cheeks embracing his face. "Kotono..." There's a quiet amount of unease in that voice, raising his eyes to meet hers.
> "Come on...I don't mind to do it," Kotono smiles, eyes gleaming with excitement as her hand is moved away. "It's supposed to feel reallyg ood, right?"
<Asher> "Is there anything you -don't- mind doing, Kotono?" Asher clicks in a bit disapprovingly as he draws away from her, putting a little space inbetween them and hugging the comfort of the wall again against his back. "That isn't the point... it's just not a good idea to move too far too soon."
> "I don't mind most things, and..." Kotono kneels down, lookign right at it, "I know most guys need that done a lot andI'd be happy to, Asher-chan," she says, looking up with sincerely earnest eyes. "It would make you feel good and be happy, right?"
<Asher> An eye twitch. She really didn't get the point. Asher leans down and takes Kotono's hand and promptly hauls her right back up to height level, giving her a hard look. "Kotono. That isn't the point. Once you do something like that, everything measured forward is going to be based on that standard."
<Asher> "I'd like a relationship where things stay meaningful from start to end, and don't necessarily require some minimum form of affection... trust me, it's much better that way," he continues, looking at her all seriously now. A sigh. An unbidden, forbidden urge that wonders what the fuck he's doing. Reclaimer WAS right - most guys would've just jumped on this.
<Asher> He was even in a rare position where he'd get away with it. But. Still. "...okay?"
> "That is meaningful, Asher-chan. I'm offering it because I want to do ita nd because I love you," Kotono smiles cheerfully, leaning int o gently kiss him again. "I wouldn't unless I really did like someone."
<Asher> Asher's fingers curl up around hers, letting her take the kiss even as his face falls slightly. "... I know, Kotono. More to the point... you don't need to do that to prove it, and if you start, then it'll feel like you don't anymore if you ever do anything otherwise - and that's something that's both isn't true and not what I want."
> "I don't have to prove it, I do it because I feel that way. Asher-chan...I want you. Badly." Kotono looks on with frank honestness, blushing. "I...I want to wake up curled up in our chest, naked and happy."
> &your
<Asher> Asher closes his eyes, trembling a little bit before sweeping Kotono up with an arm around her and bringing her close. Firmly. He holds her form tightly against his, hands wrapped around her and remaining still otherwise. Nothing else. Pressing his face against her shoulder, words refuse to come out.
> Kotono holds where she is, matching this and holding Asher herself.
<Asher> With little else to be said, he straightens back up, eyes instinctively scanning over a nearby clock with his hand currently tucked away against her. He had to... but... suppressing his thoughts, Asher gently releases her from his grip and smiles a bit tiredly. "I need to head home soon... alright?"
> "Asher-chan..." Kotono looks on, hopefully, "Could you close your eyes a few moments and not peek for me?"
<Asher> Asher gives Kotono a long look, the obvious question of 'why' on his face, but not saying anything beyond that. He gives a brief nod.
> "Thanks," Kotono steps back, just as Asher closes his eyes. He can hear faint sounds - like Kotono' sstepping around, working with something, little soft cottony swishes.
<Asher> Asher waits, patiently, since the prospect of wondering what exactly Kotono is up to is far too broad to even narrow it down to any tangible field. He crosses his arms, keeping his eyes closed.
> It's about a minute or so before you hear Kotono pad back over to you. "Asher-chan...open your eyes," she says quietly, the feeling of her arms going around Asher's neck again felt.
<Asher> Asher does so slowly, vision blurring at first as it adjusts to the light again, his lips pursed.
> Kotono wears only cute pink panties, looking at Asher as shes miles. "I love you, Asher. As a woman ...I want you tonight. I want to hold you, touch you, kiss you, feel you...please." Kotono is smiling the entire time, her heart in her eyes. "It will mean a lot, because that...I love you."
<Asher> Oh, dear God. Asher's breath pretty much freezes straight in his tracks as he feels two very distinct urges tearing him in totally opposite directions. He stares over openly at Kotono, his eyes unable to break from her gaze. T... he shudders again, sinking back and then instinctively shutting his eyes. Trying to put the vivid imagery that he was just provided away for a moment. "...Kotono, don't..."
> "Asher, I want you. Take me." Kotono repeats softly, "You're the man I love, and I want you to take my virginity in my childhood bed, okay? Ever since I've met you...I've been happier than I have been before, even when I met everyone." Leaning forward, Kotono presses two soft, propelling arguments into Asher!
* Hal-away is now known as Takeshi
> "Asher..." Kotono purrs, rubbing up against him. "Just relax and do it. Please."
<Asher> roll 2d6+2
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+2 and gets 5."12 [2d6=2, 1]
<Asher> "Kotono..." Well. There's not much mistaking that Asher's tone of voice is thoroughly different now. He melts back a little bit, breathing heavily, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he clutches his hands against the floor. "I... I.. just...." The voice cracks a little bit, still a semblance of control there. "Don't know..."
> Kotono smiles and goes to her panties, pulling them down without preamble. Now nude as they slide down her legs, "I want this...and I know you do too," Kotono smiles, kneeling and reaching her hand out for IT again!
<Asher> roll 2d6+2 for sanity checks
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+2 for sanity checks and gets 8."12 [2d6=4, 2]
<Asher> And that just about does it. Something in Asher's mind snaps. A restraint? A surrender? But whatever the case, he feels a distinct loss of... SOMETHING. There's still a part of his mind that was tugging him to go back before, and now it's shrieking and screaming. But all of that really doesn't amount to much when you have a mass of warm, blonde sensuality parked right in front of you.
<Asher> Asher moves closer to Kotono, lips fully embracing her now as his arms wrap around and said constraints are thrown off for the remainder of the night, to whatever that may be. For the moment, euphoria overtakes all other trains of thoughts.
> ----

[Anastasia]

<Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
<Kotono> Mmmm. Mmmmrf. Mmmm. Asher yawns and sits up, blinking. His sleep ends abruptly as wakefulness comes. Nature calls, making sure he wakes up at the grand hour of...2:31 AM? Ew. 'Evening,' REclaimer murmurs into your mind as the reality of the situation makes itself apparent.
<Asher> It happens. Trotting out of bed with the nighttime malaise still blurring his vision, Asher mumbles something incoherant. 'Thought you'd be "asleep" at this hour,' he remarks as he waits for a moment to adjust to the lack of light. Doing so, he reaches for his door to the bathroom.
<Kotono> 'Thinking. By the by, I'll wait for you to answer nature's call,' REclaimer notes the last with a faint bit of humor, going quiet for Asher to answer said call.
<Asher> Yeah, yeah. Asher flips on the light in the bathroom - small but tidily kept - and attends to that, also taking the time to rinse his face and get some of the sleepy edge out of him. If he woke up this early, odds are sleep won't come easily again.
<Kotono> Once Asher is done and ready to come out, 'How're you feeling now,' the talking sword asks, the edge gone from it's tone.
<Asher> 'Awake,' Asher comments with a bit of a grimace. He walks over to his window and slides both the blinds and it open, giving him a full view of the neighborhood outside and the moon and stars above, if they are visible. A cool breeze wouldn't be bad at all, either.
<Kotono> Clouds have rolled in, but the breeze is winter edged fresh. It certainly wakes ASher up! ' I mean past the matters of the body. It went amazingly well with your parents, all things considered. Without the social glorification of knighthood, I had no idea how he'd react.'
<Asher> 'He'd survive,' Asher notes, dryly. 'As I did. My parents.... say what you will about them, but they're very accepting. Dad especially so. Mom takes a little bit of time before she gets used to an idea, but it still works out in the end.' He stares out of the window, thoroughly enjoying the wind - even if it's cold and a little biting, it's a nice contrast.
<Kotono> 'True...and I suppose in your mind telling them that you'd mated with Kotono would be a fair more unsavory prospect. That said...mmm.' Reclaimer's voice lacks any real sarcasm as it speaks, more reserved and introverted. 'I
<Kotono> 'I'm curious. Beyond her Royal Highness of Pluto, what do you think of the others?"
<Asher> Resting his chin on the edge of the window, Asher thinks about the question for a moment, eyes closed, his hair ruffling thoroughly from the passing wind as he forms his thoughts. 'I don't know enough about them to really say anything. They're... companions? Comrades-in-arms? What do you want me to say?'
<Asher> 'They're all schoolgirls with lives, and I'm sure they find plenty of ways to get past the day and have fun. I'm not really involved in it, though.' He pauses a moment, eyes open again, tracing out patterns in the starry night out of an idle mental task queue. 'Usagi's outgoing, Makoto's reserved, Hotaru's ... Hotaru, Rei's straightforward... I can't really say more than that.'
<Kotono> 'Hotaru...mmm. That one aside, perhaps you need to find ways to become invovled - preferably by not doubletiming. You seem more content to stay alone, Asher, and even if there aren't grand balls and royal intrigue to keep you all linked? Comradeship is important.'
<Asher> 'I don't have enough time to even keep up with a scheduled training regimen as is,' Asher complains, his voice growing a little weary. 'I was going to cram the next week with catching up and staying ahead in my classes to get that load off my shoulders, too. And you just know that Kotono will...' Well, yeah. That much was -obvious-.
<Kotono> 'True, yes. This may be an, ahem, crammed week. The point stands...Makoto is even in your class, isn't she? Takeshi and Usagi go to the same school. Lunches, if nothing else?'
<Asher> 'Usagi goes to lunch with her own friends, last I remember. Takeshi... come on. He's a sparring partner, not a small talker.' Asher sighs again, a puff of mist blowing out the window. 'Makoto... well, I guess I should talk with her sometime both about kendo and Kotono, too. But really. What gives?'
<Kotono> 'In all the time you humans have had to develop and grow, you've come up with a few good sayings. One of them boils down to: No man is an island. Doubly so when your life depends on the Princesses and allies.'
<Asher> Bringing his outstretched face back in and shutting the window, now with a noticeable shiver even as the warmth of the house floods back into him to counteract the cold, Asher slides back against the bed. 'Yeah, well, they seem to be getting along fine, to be totally honest, Reclaimer. The bad guys don't seem all that interested in me, though I can't blame them for that.' He manages a grim smile, hugging at a pillow.
<Kotono> 'You know, that's very nice and pretty if you ignore the festing self pity that flows like a popped zit in you rmind.' Reclaimer picks up it's sarcasm, 'Not only due your court the ever fun forces of irony, you're off base.'
<Asher> Asher has to smirk at that for a moment, staring over at the sword. 'For some ancient spirit stuck in a sword, you pick up on such colorful phrases in such a short amount of time. Yeah, lamenting's a fun thing. If you're just expecting me to go out and somehow fit myself in the social lives of busy magical girls, though, that's just not happening.'
<Kotono> 'Sure it can!' Reclaimer says cheerfully, 'Once I turn you into a hyper young woman you'll fit right in!'
<Asher> '.....' Asher stares over at the sword, suddenly not even wanting to come near it. 'You can't do THAT.'
<Kotono> 'Ashrina? Acrina? Something like that. Princess Knightess.' Reclaimer laughs aloud, strongly. '...no, no I can't. I'm serious about it, though.'
<Asher> 'And I'm serious about the complete lack of feasibility about it,' Asher shoots back, growing a little annoyed now as he sinks back into bed and wishes for sleep to claim him again. 'Especially RIGHT after what happened yesterday and RIGHT after Kotono will almost assuredly run her mouth to all of them. No sane person would ever want to deal with THAT, okay?'
<Kotono> 'Point again, just...' Reclaimer pauses, lowering it's voice as Asher relaxes. 'Bear it in mind, alright? At least talk to MAkoto at the next few lunches?'
<Asher> 'If she doesn't take my head off? I guess,' Asher relents before dragging the blanket over his head, seeking warmth, comfort and unconsciousness. He stretches out, finally managing a yawn.

[Anastasia]

> ---Arc 2 go! Thank God Asher has Rejuv!---
> Aaah, morning. Asher blinks and wakes up, feeling refreshed. Very much so, the sun shining brightly into his window. Mmmm, now that was what he needed - Asher feels great now!
<Asher> And on time, he hopes vaguely as he instinctively yanks his watch from a nearby counter and straps it on. Wouldn't do to make this a habit, now, would it?
> He's actually up a little early. Plenty of time for breakfast and a leisurely bath if Asher so wants.
<Asher> Those sound both like fine ideas. Asher hops out of bed, throwing the window open again for some fresh morning air and promptly goes down the stairs to get some food. Mom's probably up by now, though god knows how she'll react...
> The kitchen is empty - no sign of Mom OR Dad. But there is a note on the fridge, "Went out to get b reakfast for you, Asher. Love, Mom."
<Asher> "...what?" Asher actually says that out loud as he stares at the note. When was the last time Mom went out this early and just to buy food? He opens the fridge, glancing around - maybe they ran out of food at home? Oi.
> Nope, there are some things in the fridge - milk, some eggs, leftovers, and so on.
<Asher> ...o... kay. He pours himself some orange juice then as he closes the door and downs it quickly in a handful of gulps. Odd. Well, might as well wash up first if they weren't going to be around - and he had time to spare this morning, anyway. To the bath he goes!
> As Asher passes into the bathroom, 'Morning,' Reclaimer notes.
<Asher> 'Morning,' Asher offers half-amiably. So the sword was a presence in a house that was devoid of any other right now. Guess that wasn't THAT bad of a thing. 'How do you "sleep", anyway?'
> 'Like angels on the head of a pin after the dance,' Reclaimer notes easily back, just a light flavoring of sarcasm today.
<Asher> 'Two thousand year old geezer,' Asher bites back with not a small amount of annoyance as the steady, warm stream of the shower starts.
> 'Only?' Asher bats right back, 'But anyway. Just reminding you - talk to Makoto at lunch today.'
<Asher> 'I'll remember,' Asher says wearily just to get the damn sword off his back as he soaks in the shower in silence - physical silence, anyway. It's a brief and efficient one, shutting off the water after a few minutes and drying off thoroughly before stepping out of the bathroom and feeling more ravenous than ever. Food was a luxury that had been much neglected the past week!
> As Asher heads downstairs,  he smells it. Mmm, fast food - biscuits and the like. Smells really, really good!
<Asher> ...yes, yes it does - not a luxury that Asher has often as he peeks his head around the corner, looking both aghast and wistful at the same time. "Um?"
> There's a large bag of it on the kitchen table! It's just sitting there, Mom pouring glasses of orange juice. "Morning...Asher." Mom turns to him, smiling a bit.
<Asher> Asher blinks at the equivlanet of a feast on the table and then moves over to study her more carefully, his face looking questioning. "Uh... morning."
> "I think you deserve this from what your father said," Mom says, tiredness of her smile battling with some real, honest pride.
<Asher> "..." That earns a bit of a shaking from his head as he moves over to Mom and gives her a tight hug. "...thanks." Looking up with a brief smile, he steps back, holding a hand on the edge of the chair with a vaguely odd look. "I still can't believe you thought I was going out with a bad group at night or something, though..."
> "Well, you'd been out to all hours, tired, and distant. What would I expect," Mom says, smiling,
> "Congratulations, too. Dad said she was serious?"
<Asher> "You could say that," Asher agrees quietly without much conviction as he sits down and lets the mouth-watering scent stir his hunger some more. Food! It was a good thing.
> IT is! Lots of fresh, hearty food for Asher to eat! Mom sits and partakes herself, slowly working through one.
<Asher> Mmmphlemmfmmf. Asher works through it with no problem whatsoever - appetite has never been an issue with him, generally. With equally generous amounts of orange juice washing down breakfast, he is thoroughly sated before standing up. Glancing over at Mom for a moment, Asher purses his lips and checks the watch.
> It's just about time to go! "Asher...be careful out there, d you hear me?"
<Asher> "I will," Asher replies back with a lilt of assurance. It'd be a stretch to say he was ALWAYS careful, but he hadn't gone out and done anything stupid. Yet. Debatably. Arguably. He could almost hear Reclaimer about to make a snappy remark... and stops that by abruptly rushing out of the door, pack and sword in hand, and heading to school.
> 'No protection, so name your first child in nine months. How about Kosher?' Reclaimer drawls on command, as Asher flees out!
<Asher> Asher ignores the smart-ass comment as he flees to school, keeping up a good pace just so that he doesn't run the risk of running late! Who knows what might happen?!

[Asrana]

This happens the night of the battle with Pestilence.

[23:50:11] <Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
[23:52:57] <Kotono> Home. Home and dinner and all of that - in this case it's a pleasant surprise. Dinner is cooking!  You can smell something good going in the kitchen when you enter, quite the welcome surprise at this rate. It's been a long day!
[23:54:11] <Hotaru-chan> "I'm home," Hotaru calls, blinking at the scent and shaking her head. Strange, but yes, very welcome and wonderful. Smiling despite the goings of the evening, Hotaru heads towards the kitchen, curiously lookign for parents.
[23:57:18] <Kotono> To your great surprise it's Dad. He's even wearing an apron, whistling as he stirs a bowl of chocolate batter. On the stove are boiling noodles, steaming high. "Evening - Your Mom had a bad day at work so I'm doing something nice. Be a dear and get the chocolate icing out for me?"
[23:58:37] * Hotaru-chan nods quickly, trying to hold back a snicker. "I can take over baking. Mom's in the bath?" she asks, getting the requested item and leaving it by her father before going to wash her hands, so she can get them dirty!
[23:59:37] <Kotono> "No, I'm cooking, but you can help." To your surprise the batter looks good - you didn't know DAd could do stuff like that! "Yes, don't disturb her. Just get the icing out, put...oh you got it. Get the bundt cake pan out and grease it up for me."
[00:02:58] <Hotaru-chan> "Wasn't planning to, and yes, dad, I work in a bakery, I'm very good at this part," Hotaru replies dryly, smiling despite it and doing as directed. "I didn't know you were able to be domestic, though!"
[00:04:59] <Kotono> "It's a secret to everyone," Dad chuckles, mood bouyantly agreeable as he goes to take and drain the noodles. As steam rises around him in the sink, "I took a few classes for this after work recently, in case Hideo proved to be too much for you and your mother. But...well, since they're sharing a bath I suppose she's adapted."
[00:09:05] <Hotaru-chan> "Mmm," Hotaru agrees, snickering softly. "Things are working out, yeah," she nods, humming softly and leaning into the counter. "One way or another."
[00:11:02] <Kotono> "Mmm, yes...Hotaru," Dad pauses a moment as he returns with the drained pasta, "Well, first, get that white sauce from the refridgerator for me. Secondly, I have to wonder...are you doing too much? You have a job, school, and a few other things going on, not to mention your other side."
[00:14:57] <Hotaru-chan> "I'm managing, aren't I?" Hotaru offers her dad, smiling a bit and shrugging as she gets the sauce, handing it over to Souichi. "Some of it's consolidating right now, if slowly...school's easy when I'm in class with a friend, it's never been difficult overall...my social life is not quite universally tied into my other side."
[00:22:10] <Kotono> "Mmm. I've been thinking," Dad says as he adds the sauce, stirring away. "Do yo uwant to be this busy like your Mother and I?"
[00:23:38] <Hotaru-chan> "Kind of?" Hotaru admits, blushing. "Mom's been my role model, even if we don't get along..." she nods, humming quietly. "I like having something to keep me driving, or I just retreat. It's...nice to be active."
[00:26:43] <Kotono> "Too active? You're still young," Dad smiles as he fixes up the noodles, going and taking the can pan after.
[00:32:54] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snickers, shrugging. "I dunno, just...well, by the time I graduate, I'm guessing I'll be settled down with who I'll be with for the rest of my life...not necessarily engaged, but..." she shrugs, humming softly. "I dunno, I just think things will work out like that, I guess. I'm optimistic."
[00:44:39] <Kotono> "Don't lose your childhood in it," Dad says as the cake is poured, sounding unusually somber.
[00:45:47] <Hotaru-chan> "I thought I lost that years ago..." Hotaru admits, blushing. "I mean...what's left in my adolescence? ...Besides a few things I really shouldn't talk to my parents about," Hotaru adds quickly, her cheeks lighting up.
[00:56:09] <Kotono> "...mm." Dad is silent at that, cake poured adn put into the oven. Dad pauses a long while at that, before just, "Go ahea dand tell Reiko dinner's ready."
[01:04:00] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's smile is a little wan, nodding. "Sorry, just...it's kinda true, between everything..." she sighs, shaking her head. "Anyway," she goes upstairs, looking for her mother.
[10:21:59] <Kotono> As expected, Mom's in the bathroom. The door was carelessly left ajar, and you can hear hjer. "Good Hideo-chan," she purrs gently, splashing sounds heard. "You're swimming!"
[10:22:56] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snickers softly, smiling as she slips up to the door, opening it a bit farther. "Dinner's ready," she offers, leaning in the doorway.
[10:24:32] <Kotono> In the bathtub Mom's arms are gently around Hideo, the young child half swimming andhalf splashing in the tub.  Amid suds and water Mom turns her head, "Alright. Tell your father I'll be down in a little while."
[10:26:37] <Hotaru-chan> "'kay," Hotaru agrees, smiling at her mother. "He's so cute..." she murmurs, sighing a little wistfully as she eyes her brother.
[10:29:33] <Kotono> "Momma! Hideo splashes to Reiko, holding onto her lower chest and stomach, giggling as he clings.
[10:30:02] <Kotono> "Good boy," Mom makes sure he stays up, smiling serenly down at him. "He's very cute..mmmm. I almost wonder if...There's still time for another..."
[10:32:02] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru raises a sharp eyebrow. "I'm suddenly getting more and more glad I've got a stable job and can use magic for finances if I really need to. I have a feeling I won't be going to college free at this rate..." she snickers, folding her arms and humming softly.
[10:33:50] <Kotono> "You'll manage," Mother smiles briefly as she lifts Hideo up. "Airplaaaane," she says as brother is taken high into the air, above the water. "That's a good boy!"
[10:37:29] <Hotaru-chan> "Of course I will, I was raised by you, wasn't I?" Hotaru snickers, stepping back. "See you downstairs," she adds, departing back to her paternal progenitor.
[10:41:51] <Kotono> "We'll be down ...oh, good Hideo-chan!" Mom adds, attention on your sibling. So back downstairs you go - noodles and a roast have been put out on the table, a scent of chocolate lingering from the oven's current cooking.
[10:42:38] <Hotaru-chan> "Mom'll be down in a little while," Hotaru offers her father once she locates him, in a good enough mood despite combat that evening.
[10:43:46] <Kotono> Dad is just finishing up a simple tosses salad, bringing it to the table. "Ranch or soy sauce," he asks easily, putting it down amid the other food.
[10:45:25] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru makes a face, stomping on her mind. "Soy," she answers, shaking her head. "Anything I can help with?" she asks curiously.
[10:45:48] <Kotono> "Eating." Dad smiles warmly at Hotaru-chan, sitting down and making a plate forhimself.
[10:49:07] <Hotaru-chan> "I guess," Hotaru snickers, sitting to do the same. "Combat isn't exactly light on the faitgue," she sighs, blowing at her bangs. "Mah, don't need to be going over that."
[10:51:17] <Kotono> "Mmm. I heard something about Aoba park on the news?" Dad inquires, "Was it bad?"
[10:53:39] <Hotaru-chan> "Fairly. Takeshi and Usagi didn't look good, but they should be alright by tomorrow," Hotaru shakes her head. "I got Takeshi in shape to keep going...good battle, though. Rei and I put the finishing blow on Pestilence, Usagi purified Temptation..." Hotaru closes her eyes, shaking her head. "So much like Misuki..." she breathes, quiet like. "No one unconscious on our end, though."
[10:55:39] <Kotono> "Good, good..." Dad starts to speak again, but no words come. He tries a second time, but just frowns. He shakes his head again, "So...how are you?"
[10:59:30] <Hotaru-chan> "A living mess," Hotaru admits, glancing at her father. "My love life just exploded and isn't really done exploding, I...saw mom almost die in that crash, even if I was there to save her..." Hotaru slumps a little. "I...Temptation struck Serenity, I wanted to tear her apart, and I could've," she breathes, hands passing over her eyes.q
[11:03:36] <Kotono> Dad tries to speak once more, but comes to a wall. He takes a breath, and then, "Can...magic...fix...any of it?"
[11:05:54] <Hotaru-chan> "Magic is keeping me from having a lot of other worries," Hotaru admits, shrugging and straightening her back. "My love life? No, I just have to sort that out over time, and talking...Temptation, more time, more talking, maybe. Serenity's good at that sort of thing," she murmurs, smiling weakly. "But no, magic doesn't fix everything."
[11:07:22] <Kotono> "Can it..." Dad licks his lips, before shaking his head, "...headache..." he says aloud, wincing. "Tell your Mother that I'll ve dow for dessert." Dad rises, heading out.
[11:09:28] <Hotaru-chan> "...Dad?" Hotaru asks, frowning and getting up, following her parent, and lightly reaching out to brush and probe him with her senses on a paranoid impulse. "What's on your mind?"
[11:10:06] <Kotono> OOc - Soul check.
[11:10:17] <Hotaru-chan> roll 2d6
[11:10:24] <Hotaru-chan> roll 2d6
[11:10:25] <Reikobot> Hotaru-chan rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=7 ]{7}
[11:11:03] <Kotono> Hotaru doesn't detect anything the slightest bit astray in him. "Just a headache..." Dad smiles thinly at Hotaru, heading upstairs. "Just.." he tries to speak once more, but shakes his head. "Headache."
[11:12:19] <Hotaru-chan> "Something's up," Hotaru insists quietly, hands sliding to her hips and stopping there. "I can't figure out what, because you've barely ever reacted to anything weird, but something's -wrong-," she insists, eyeing her father.
[11:13:36] <Kotono> Dad smiles and tries to speak - but no words come. He just shudders and heads upstairs to his room.
[11:16:38] <Hotaru-chan> "Dad..." Hotaru insists, following him up. Maybe mom'll catch him on the other side? Heaven knows no one would survive both of them. "What IS it?!"
[11:18:30] <Kotono> Dad doesn't turna round, stopping at the door to his room. He leans against it, a little noise of pain, "..headh...ache." he grinds out, before opening the door and closing it behind him.
[11:20:16] <Hotaru> Hotaru's eyes widen a little, an overactive and extremely paranoid mind racing quickly as she reaches through the door, past those dull lines to examine the lines of her father's infinity, focusing in his skull.
[11:21:18] <Kotono> OOC - Soul check.
[11:21:41] <Hotaru> roll 2d6
[11:21:42] <Reikobot> Hotaru rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=7 ]{7}
[11:21:51] <Kotono> You don't detect anything abnormal in the least.
[11:23:22] <Hotaru> Hotaru's shoulders drop again, worry and no small amount of sadness cutting into her expression. She'd have to talk to mom about it... So she heads downstairs, appetite suddenly cut as she waits for her mother.
[11:24:13] <Kotono> It's not long for Mom to reach the kitchen. Bathrobed and hair in a towel, Hideo only in a diaper. She sings to him as she carries himd own, smiling warmly to Hotaru. "Say hello tyour sister, Hideo-chan." So she goes to the table, high chair out and primed.
[11:25:41] <Hotaru> Hotaru offers a much weaker smile than the one she had in the bathroom, looking maybe even haunted as she holds herself. "This is so weird..." she murmurs darkly, shaking her head.
[11:26:54] <Kotono> "Howaru-tan!" Hideo burbles happily, waving a bit as he's put into his chair.
[11:27:10] <Kotono> "Hm?" Mother turns, sitting down next to your brother. "What's wrong and where's your father?"
[11:28:45] <Kotono> "Hotaru?" Mom says as she fixes her plate up. Mostly just the noodles and salad, meat skipped. "What's weird?"
[11:29:26] <Hotaru-chan> "Dad asked how I was, and I gave him the very vrief story of my current stress mess, then he asked if magic could fix it...no, magic can't fix it, then he started acting weird, said he had a headache, and went to your room," Hotaru answers with a long breath, closing her eyes. "He wouldn't tell me anything other than the headache...I can't detect anything directly physically wrong with magic, either..." she explains, leaning against
[11:30:28] <Hotaru-chan> she explains, leaning against the table. "He said he'd be down for dessert."
[11:33:57] <Kotono> "Mmmm. He's been working hard...it's probably just a bad headache?"  Mom ventures but doesn't linger on it. A bite or two of food, then Hideo is made a tiny, well cut plate of meat and chopped noodles. "I'll go talk to him. Keep an eye on Hideo-chan and make sure he doesn't make too big a mess?"
[11:34:24] <Hotaru> "Alright," Hotaru murmurs quietly, shaking her head. "He was asking me if I really wanted to be busy like you both earlier...maybe it's overwhelming him? Dad's nearly impossible to read," she sighs.
[11:34:57] <Kotono> "Mmm. I'll ask," Mother promises, leaving you to Hideo - who giggles and starts to eat a bit of meat bare handed.
[11:38:11] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru moves over to supervise and help Hideo, making sure he doesn't choke or take on anything too big for his still infant mouth. "You're a really annoying brother in some ways," she offers sweetly to Hideo, smiling. "You make your sister consider things that are bad for her."
[11:39:00] <Kotono> Hideo takes a bit of meat, tossing it at Hotaru! It bounces off her forehead, a sticky residue of meat juice left behind. "Howaru tan!" he giggles, playing with a small noodle.
[11:40:37] <Hotaru-chan> "Yes, you're intent on illustrating the downsides to a baby too," Hotaru agrees, snickering softly as she tries to forget the woes of the rest of her family for Hideo's benefit, making use of a napkin as she tries to just make sure nothing goes wrong.
[11:46:44] <Kotono> Hideo throws another chunk of meat, this one getting Hotaru right in the neck, dribbling down onto her shirt. "Howaru! Howaru!" he giggles babishly, happy.
[11:54:21] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru grumbles, getting a napkin and forming a bib for herself, but smiling at Hideo none the less. "Okay, I get the point, this isn't a cake walk..." Hotaru laughs, offering more food to her brother, trying to get him to eat.
[11:54:51] <Kotono> But all he does is throw more meat and noodles at Hotaru! He laughs all the while, burbling in pure bliss!
[11:56:17] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru sighs in exasperation, forming a violet wall at the edge of the high chair, enough to shield her and hopefully keep the mess on the platter in front of Hideo. "Does Hideo-chan like airplanes?" she asks, smiling none the less.
[11:57:29] <Kotono> OOC - Soul check.
[11:57:40] <Hotaru-chan> roll 2d6
[11:57:40] <Reikobot> Hotaru-chan rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=9 ]{9}
[12:00:04] <Kotono> The wall so appears, Hideo poking at it with broad little poke sof his tiny fingers. They bounce back, getting a little wail from the baby!
[12:02:20] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru yelps softly to herself, dropping the wall and reaching forward, waving her hands a bit. "It's okay!" she assures, trying to smile at her brother, and touching a fingertip to his nose. "See? Gone!"
[12:04:16] <Kotono> Hideo looks on a few moments before stopping his near crying. Instead he sniffles a bit, , poking at Hotaru's hand. "Howaru...tan...love..."
[12:09:43] <Hotaru-chan> "Awww..." Hotaru's smile widens from panic to simple adoration, closing her hand a bit and then opening. "You're yanking me around like a good Tomoe..." she coos at her sibling, smiling.
[12:10:09] <Kotono> "Love...Howaru..Momma..." Hideo burbles out, smilin gand taking a bit of meat, swallowing it.
[12:12:54] <Hotaru-chan> "We love you too, Hideo-chan!" Hotaru agrees, smiling happily for her brother, letting him take his own route still.
[12:15:46] <Kotono> "Momma...and..." Wow, that's a new word! "Hota...Howaru..tan! Love!" Hideo nods, giving Hotaru full, happy eyes.
[12:18:13] <Hotaru-chan> "Ooooh, you're starting to...!" Hotaru gushes, leaning in and giggling, kissing Hideo's forehead. "What about daddy though, hm?
[12:18:15] <Hotaru-chan> "
[12:19:02] <Kotono> "Love..Dada...Daddy!" Hideo giggles again, lightly touching Hotaru's face. "Mamma...Dadda...Howa..Hotwaru! Love!" Hideo finishes seriously, gettinog a bit more meat and throwing it. That one goes down Hotaru's shirt collar, sliding down.
[12:20:37] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru grumbles, exercising a small flash of violet to rid herself of meat and residue. "That's good!" she enthuses though, smiling brightly at her sibling. "And we all love Hideo-chan!"
[12:21:24] <Kotono> Boom! It hits you at once - that smell. That special, nasty, emergency cleaning time smell from Hideo! "Love..." Hideo burbles, grabbing another bit of noodle and slupring it down.
[12:22:24] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru sighs darkly, but hides that expression. So she takes Hideo, projecting a field under him just in case as she walks him up to the changing table. Thank you magic, thank your every, wonderful use.
[12:22:39] <Kotono> OOCf - Soul check.
[12:22:44] <Hotaru-chan> roll 2d6
[12:22:44] <Reikobot> Hotaru-chan rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=8 ]{8}
[12:23:18] <Kotono> A field does help - indeed, the diaper leaks! It's not urine, but it's sure..runny. EW. "Howaru..." Hideo says gently, as you take him. EW. EW. EW. The smell...that can't be normal?!
[12:24:22] <Hotaru-chan> Bless you magic. Hotaru wrinkles her nose, trying to breath with her mouth as she goes to deal with this. Ugh.
[12:25:24] <Kotono> This goes well enough. It's messy but it's done - just as you get Hideo taken care of and cleaned up, Mom returns downstairs. "How is he," she asks, coming over and sniffing. "...oh."
[12:26:13] <Hotaru-chan> "Yeah," Hotaru chokes, weilding just bits of magic to make her life that much easier. "How's dad?" she asks in reply, looking over to her mother with open concern in her eyes.
[12:26:48] <Kotono> "Headache." Mom shrugs ab it, coming over and checking Hideo over. "Good job -a nd your father's fine. Just a headache it seems. Take his cake out of the oven for him?"
[12:28:28] <Hotaru-chan> "Mmm...migraine? He kept trying to talk, but couldn't," Hotaru murmurs, sighing softly. "Right..." she nods, glancing at Hideo a final time. "He's precocious. Horribly so," she snorts, shaking her head. "Busting hearts by thirteen, mark my words..." she murmurs, going off to wash her hands, and then deal with the cake.
[12:29:15] <Kotono> "Possibly. I'll drive him to the emergency room of it gets worse," Mom says evenly, "Or just have you use your magic fingers." At this Mom laughs, taking Hideo back to the chair. "I hope so. He has a lot to look forward to."
[12:30:33] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru glances at her mother with a bit more concern at the tone. Are they hiding something? Like she can tell. Like mom would tell. "Mmm," she agrees evenly, closing her eyes to calm a moment before going about the more mundane business.
[12:31:20] <Kotono> The cake is done! Just to frost it, as Mom turns to Hideo. "Were you good for your big sister, hm?" she carols to him, "But you made a mess, didn't you? A big old mess!"
[12:32:29] <Hotaru-chan> "He's a regular Tomoe, alternating throwing things at me with 'Love you Howaru-tan!'," Hotaru laughs, beginning to frost it and glancing out at her mother.
[12:33:09] <Kotono> "Apt," Mother chuckles herself, getting a napkin and cleaning up. "Still...nto a bad day, is it," she asks aloud. "Not a bad day at all."
[12:34:36] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru glances at her mother, shaking her head. "Overall, I guess...not a fun one, tiring, exhausting almost...but not outright bad, no," she agrees more softly, taking a deep breath.
[12:35:16] <Kotono> "Mmmm." Mother smiles a bit, "...let's keep it this way, minus all the combat on your end of things?"
[12:36:19] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snickers softly. "I was barely involved, really, just last minute air support," she shrugs, leaving it at that and closing her eyes once the frosting is done.
[13:16:15] <Kotono> "Still," Mother says, "You weren't hurt in the least, were you?"
[13:18:47] <Hotaru-chan> "Not at all," Hotaru shakes her head, offering a small smile for her mother. "Rei and I flew in, threw an attack together, and annihilated Pestilence. Moon had Temptation under control...nothing even came near me."
[13:22:17] <Kotono> "Good, good," Mother helps Hideo eat, between bites of her own food - but she soon pushes it away. "Hell with it. Get me some cake, Hotaru-chan?"
[13:32:08] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snickers, getting a plate and cutting two pieces of cake for herself and her mother, bringing them out for them both. "Chocolate, ever blissful chocolate..." she agrees, smiling tiredly.
[13:33:26] <Kotono> Mom starts on it, tearing a good part of it up quickly. "Mmmmm. I go back to work tomorrow or the day after, I think."
[13:35:34] <Hotaru-chan> "Mmm?" Hotaru asks, blinking and looking up to her mother from her own destruction of cake.
[13:38:17] <Kotono> "Just thinking out loud," Mom says, frowning as she finishes hers in record time. "I'll go cehck on your dad again one more time, I think."
[13:41:38] <Hotaru-chan> "Alright...if you want me to stop to help you at work, I offered," Hotaru reminds softly, her tone easy enough as she takes her cake apart. "Since I'm still curious."
[13:44:22] <Kotono> "I'd say that if you aren't going to flirt with Takeshi or more..." Mom sallies back, taking a tiny bit of cake and slowly feeding it to Hideo.
[14:00:32] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru gives her mother a bit of a sharp look, shaking her head. "Between Rei, Makoto, and Yoshi, my love life is enough of a terrible mess already in my own head. I don't need to go wandering in a minefield, too."
[14:06:33] <Kotono> "Mmph." Mom finishes with Hideo, getting up and going. "Go ahea dand put him inhis crib if I don't come back, Hotaru-chan."
[14:11:35] <Hotaru-chan> "The more I do this, the more I want a baby..." Hotaru laughs softly, nodding. "I'll put him to bed," she agrees, smiling and moving over to Hideo.
[14:13:39] <Kotono> "Thanks," Mom says, leaving Hideo and Hotaru alone. Hideo looks up at her, but he looks tired now.
[14:17:55] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru sticks her tongue out at Hideo, smiling and reaching down to pick him up to carry him upstairs. "Do you want to go to bed, Hideo-chan?" she asks lightly, smiling and cooing softly to her brother.
[14:19:28] <Kotono> "Hotau..." he tries, yawning as he's held by Hotaru.
[14:21:41] <Hotaru-chan> "Just keep at it..." Hotaru encourages, happy and soft as she carries Hideo upstairs, patting his back and smiling. "Just keep trying, hm?"
[14:23:25] <Kotono> "Loligoth..." Hideo murmurs.
[14:23:31] <Kotono> OOC - Strike. Ooops, wasn't meant to be lined!
[14:24:17] <Kotono> "Howaru..." Hideo murmurs, sleepy and sated. He curls up against Hotaru's bosom, lightly touching it as he slumbers.
[14:29:08] <Hotaru-chan> "God you are so..." Hotaru sighs, kissing the top of Hideo's head as she walks slowly to Hideo's crib, forlornly looking down at her brother. "Why did it have to be like this..." she sighs quietly, heading towardds Hideo's room.
[14:30:37] <Kotono> Hideo is resting there, a beautiful baby against Hotaru's bosom. His room is quiet and dark, perfect for a resting babe.
[14:34:24] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru sighs softly, staring a long moment before she carefully places her brother in his crib, lingering and watching. "Why do I have to be so...gah..." she murmurs under her breath, shivering.
[14:36:46] <Kotono> As he's laid down, "Hota..ru..." Hideo burbles out, smiling at his sister as he's put to rest.
[14:38:16] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru offers a warm smile back, reaching down to brush Hideo's head and cheek. "You're just as determined...sleep, Hideo-chan. Sleep and grow up, and keep all of it."
[14:38:48] <Kotono> Hideo does just that, a final smile before going into a baby's blessed, dreamless slumber.
[14:46:54] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru sighs, slowly and silently going out of the room, leaving the room with the door a little ajar. So she goes past her parent's room, listening and wondering through the haze of her own desires.
[14:47:55] <Kotono> The door is shut, no sound coming out from it.
[14:50:11] <Hotaru-chan> "I swear they have that room soundproofed," Hotaru whispers to herself, taking a deep breath and heading downstairs. Dammit, well, she'll call him. Just...even if. ARGH. She checks the time first, though.
[14:52:06] <Kotono> It's well past 8 now. It's getting kind of late, too.
[14:54:38] <Hotaru-chan> He should still be up, though... Hotaru goes to the phone, biting her lip, shaking a little as she reaches out... Oh Just DO it, she gripes, picking it up and dialing the number quickly.
[10:39:31] <Kotono> Three rings, until an unfamiliar man picks up. He sounds light voiced, "Oh hello there," he purrs into the phone. "Yes?"
[10:41:13] <Hotaru-chan> "...Is Yoshi around...?" Hotaru asks, a little more off put by that voice than Yoshi's mother.
[10:43:58] <Kotono> "Oh, a Yoshi-chan...let's see! WE have a Daisuke-chan, a Tsurutu-chan, a Jun-chan, a Hiro-chan, two Jiro-chans...no, no Yoshi! I think you have a wrong number, girlie!"
[10:45:33] <Hotaru-chan> "...Must've, yes, sorry," Hotaru returns in no small amount of relief, hanging up and dialing her ex's number more carefully this time.
[10:48:47] <Kotono> This time it's only one ring before, "Hello," A female voice - Yoshi's Mom  you think. "Yes?"
[10:49:14] <Hotaru-chan> Deep breath. "Is Yoshi around?" she repeats, more softly. What if he told her? What if, what if, AGH.
[11:03:40] <Kotono> "He is...wait, he's in the...hold on just a moment?" The voice is nice enough about it, waiting.
[11:04:01] <Hotaru-chan> "Okay..." Hotaru agrees softly, beginning to worry.
[11:10:41] <Kotono> It's a few moments before, "Hello?" Yoshi does pick up, sounding a hair winded and hurried.
[11:13:44] <Hotaru-chan> Oh god he's right...you never panicked when...I know, BUT... There's this long pause before a slight whimper and sigh, Hotaru sitting down. "Sorry for calling you so...late, and early, I guess," she offers very softly. "If you don't want to talk, it's fine, just...wanted to."
[11:14:44] <Kotono> "...look." Yoshi sounds far more tired in a moment, "What do you want, Hotaru? If you want to break up, fine. But make it a break up and not clinging to me like this. I'm not going to get into that."
[11:25:03] <Hotaru-chan> There's a long, quiet breath. "Yeah, sorry," she sighs, tired and worn sounding. "I jsut weanted to talk to try and get a hold on myself again, it'll pass. The rest...it'd be kind of stupid to ask right right no," she snorts. "Just...sorry, I'm letting regrets run away with me."
[11:26:02] <Kotono> "YEah. You're a cute girl who I really like, but I'm not going to play this. If you sincerely and totally change your mind and get over the girl thing...yeah, call me back. OTherwise, I'm severing, since it's better for both of us."
[11:37:29] <Kotono> "Well?" Yoshi demands, hearing only silence for a goodly time.
[11:39:01] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru shakes her head a little, taking a deep breath. "It's just those two, not every cute girl," Hotaru gripes. "Anyway, that doesn't really matter, just...yeah, sorry," she breathes, closing her eyes. "I want to ask to call you in a month or two once things are settled down to be friends, but hell, I don't even know if that's just...ergh. I'm rambling," she cvuts herself on that, pinching the briudge of her nose.
[11:39:38] <Hotaru-chan> *cuts *bridge
[11:39:49] <Kotono> "Hotaru, then I'll do you the only favor I can." The only sound after is a soft click, a dial tone filling Hotaru's ear.
[11:42:49] <Hotaru-chan> "Yeah," Hotaru answers to the dial tone, her face a mess of conflicted emotions, as she hangs up her own phone. "That'd be it, wouldn't it?" she sighs, getting up. She'll wake up ungodly early, but really, bed is attractive right about now, she supposes, as Hotaru creeps up the stairs, to her room, to collapse.

[Ebiris]

This occurs after talking to the purified Temptation at Serenity's house

[16:23] <Kotono> Heading home and down her block, Usagi has passed many people until this point. The afterbattle darkness is refreshingly brisk, clouds rolling in rapidly. It's going to be a cold night, but perhaps something can ward it off? Like a mug of hot chocol-oh. Musings are interrupted by a communicator call!
[16:26] <Usagi> Having left Pandemic at Serenity's as something she can deal with tomorrow once she's rested, Usagi strolls through Juuban's darkened streets on her way home, snug in her Winter coat and idly wondering what happened at the park after that fight... hopefully Unazuki and Motoki aren't too worried about her. Oh, well, not like her employer can criticise her for fleeing that sort of scene, right?
[16:26] <Usagi> Such musings are interrupted by the beeping noise, the blonde checking no one's especially close before answering. "Hello?"
[16:28] <Kotono> It's quiet as you approach home - and this is a pleasant surprise. It's Sailor Pluto. Kotono appears in the communicator screen, smiling like a happy feline. Her neck and face are bare, what looks to be her room behind her. She's on her bed, lying back. "Hiya, Usa-chan, what's up? I kinda meant to come over last night but something special - really special, came up."
[16:29] <Kotono> "Or wait, night before last...or it was very recent, but anyway!" Kotono amends as she thinks, a finger going to her chin.
[16:29] <Usagi> "Kotono?!" Usagi boggles. "Where have you been?! You missed the whole thing!" the blonde blurts out. "We even tried to call you after the battle but you weren't picking up!"
[16:31] <Kotono> "Oh well..." Kotono colors like the sun. "Well, I have a really really really good excuse and it was so awesome and so was Asher-chan and it was just like a dream come true and I'm sorry I missed it but at least it was for something special and that can only happen one time, right?! So what happened, did you fight Death again or something!?"
[16:32] <Usagi> "We-" Usagi begins indignantly before Kotono's words register. "Wait a minute..." she peers suspiciously at the other blonde on the screen. After a long moment her expression goes slack, mouth forming an 'o'. "Noooo..." she breathes in stupefied shock.
[16:34] <Kotono> "Yes! I haven't even told Sis yet since I wanted to talk to you first since I missed you and haven't seen you in awhile, but..." Kotono colors brighter and brighter. "First, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth..."
[16:36] <Usagi> "Nooo..." Usagi repeats in horror, slumping against the wall she's walking beside. "You... you really?" she stares at Kotono, shaking her head slowly. "How long have you known him for?"
[16:39] <Kotono> "Um....maybe a month," Kotono squeaks, quiet and blushing, "But I kinda forced him since I got naked and heck, I seduced himb ut it was really awesome and he said he loves me and it was just too awesom eandit's like a fairy tale, huh, and even that part is better than I could've imagined!" At this Kotono is so red, yet starting to giggle.
[16:40] <Usagi> "Oh, God..." Usagi shakes her head, unsure whether to be happy or sad. "I'm coming over there!" she promptly blurts out, turning off the communicator and changing her course for Kotono's house.
[16:42] <Kotono> "WAi-" Kotono begins, but is mercilessly cut off! So Usagi goes!(OOC Walking?)
[16:42] <Usagi> OOC: yep. Too tired to teleport!
[16:45] <Kotono> So Usagi walks over! On arriving at the darkened house, Usagi finds the door ajar and open. As if inviting the rabbit in - and as she approaches, she can see a green bathrobe wearing Kotono waiting just inside. She's quite modest and covered. "Oh, though you were the delivery guy, Usa-chan!"
[16:46] * Usagi eyes Kotono's current attire. "You weren't planning on seducing him as well, were you?" she can't help but ask.
[16:46] <Kotono> "USA!" Kotono sputters and falls back, right onto the floor! Scrambling to get up, legs splayed out from under her and hair atasseled, "That's really mean of you, since Asher-chan's special and a delivery guy is well...that makes me sound like...!"
[16:48] <Usagi> "Sorry, 'Tono-chan," Usagi leans over to offer her friend a hand up, "Just... special and 'only known him one month', especially since he's your first boyfriend..." she shakes her head. "I just can't believe you've gone that far!"
[16:49] <Kotono> "It...it was really destiny, you know!? Sis gave me really good advice and it just kept happening and I realised I really, really love dhim and I wanted him to be the one and he feels that way too and it's just too perfect!" Kotono is up by the end, a little excited hop, "I haven't even told Sis or anyoen else yet so it's kinda weird but you'rea r eally good friend too, Usa-chan, so it's okay, but wow! I just feel so happy and mature a
[16:50] <Kotono> I just feel so happy and mature and sexy and it was too much fun and that's what's really like to do all those things?!"
[16:51] <Usagi> "I wouldn't know since I haven't gone that far myself..." the blonde admits with a touch of pique, leading Kotono by the hand over to the couch so they can sit down together. "So..." now that the attempted lecture is over, she allows herself a naughty smile as she regards Kotono. "Was he good?"
[16:52] <Kotono> "Oh...well, we did it...a lot and well..." Kotono blushes like a supernova of embarassment, "...yes!" She adds this at the very end, a tiny little voice. "I mean, just...kaboome ach time, you know, except it was a lot better than you'd think from saying that!"
[16:53] * Usagi nods slowly. "How many times?" she has to ask.
[16:53] <Kotono> "Normally...or counting...special things?" Kotono eeps, looking down. "I'm going to be teling this a lot, aren't I, huh?"
[16:55] <Usagi> "Unless you want to keep it secret," Usagi smiles brightly. "Ooops, too late!" she adds with a giggle. "How about... how many times for him, and how many times for you?"
[16:57] <Kotono> "Um...." Kotono looks down, coloring even hotter! But then the doorbell rings, merciful interruption! "Sec!" With that Kotono darts to the door, grabbing some yen left on the counter!
[16:58] <Usagi> Oh, well, gives Kotono more time to think about her answer? Usagi blows out a long breath as she leans back on the couch, idly shaking her head. Kotono?! Who'd have thought she'd be the first to... Well, okay, she's certainly seemed the most willing whenever a guy shows even a hint of interest, but she always wrecks things before they go anywhere...
[17:05] <Kotono> Kotono returns with forks, drinks and a few boxes of take out. "My food for the next few days...I need a celebration, but don't tell Mako-chan?" Giggling a bit, "Want some?"
[17:05] * Usagi nods enthusiastically. "I'm starving!" she admits, holding out her hands expectantly.
[17:06] <Kotono> A box is passed to the rabbit. Mmm, smells like something exotic this time! Italian? Not many of those places besides altered pizza!
[17:07] * Usagi smiles widely as she breathes in the aroma of sweet sustenance, promptly opening the box up to dig in. "Anyway, yeah - details, Kotono! Details!" she presses.
[17:08] <Kotono> Noodles in a tomato sauce with a lot of sausage and some garlic bread. Mmm! "Well...um...orgasms are really awesome, and Asher takes strange but really good even when it's his...you know?! and well...It's just something to really, really, really look forward to1"
[17:10] <Kotono> *tastes
[17:13] <Usagi> "I know about orgasms, Kotono," Usagi rolls her eyes, dipping the garlic bread into the noodles to scoop up a load before biting in, making a happy noise of bliss as she chews and swallows.
[17:13] <Usagi> "Hmm, I guess I can't even ask how Asher compares since you've never really done anything with anyone else. Still, doing something with another person is way better than masturbating, right?" she grins cheekily, reaching over to give Kotono a little poke in the ribs.
[17:15] <Kotono> "Um...wel...." Kotono colors heavily, a sunshaded young girl! "Y'see...I was saving myself, really saving myself...but anyway!" Kotono springs right back up, smiling. "So yeah, it's really nice and fun and well...I love him," Kotono admits openly. "I'm just so happy!"
[17:16] <Usagi> Usagi's eyes widen in shocked disbelief. "You mean you've never..." she makes a somewhat lewd gesture with her free hand between her legs, staring at her friend.
[17:18] <Kotono> "...It's part of saving yourself, and I'm glad I did!" Kotono says guiltily, looking away. "Just, um...well...anyway! I'm happy and in love, right?" Kotono puts a good smile on, "Asher-chan is just awe3some!"
[17:20] <Usagi> "Wow..." Usagi shakes her head slowly. "I figured you'd be doing it more than any of us, since... y'know, you had poor luck," she gets out weakly. "Man, I can't even ask how it compares to that?" her head falls at that complaint, sighing, "There's pretty much no way you can explain it that'll mean much to me, I guess..."
[17:22] <Kotono> "Well, um..." Kotono just starts on her food, a minipizza and salad. "Anyway. So yeah, um...I really do love him, and just...well..."
[17:24] * Usagi nods, taking another bite out of her noodle laden garlic bread. "You realise that you're the first of us, right? Not even Rei-chan's gone that far," she observes. "You at least used protection?"
[17:25] <Kotono> "Well, Rei-chan has...erm..." Kotono suddenly colors and goes wide eyed. "OhmygodIdidn'teventhinkaboutit!" she says in one long winded blast! "I mean it was so perfect and sudden and I just really wanted him and we were in my bed and it was just..."
[17:27] <Usagi> "Oh, Kotono-chan..." Usagi's hand goes to her mouth as her eyes widen. "And he didn't even suggest it, either?"
[17:28] <Kotono> "Well, um...the first time was just kinda...well..passion!" Kotono eeeps, blushing evne more, "Um, well, there are those tests a doctor can run and I'll do those when I can and make sure we get lots of protection and there are those pills, aren't there?!"
[17:29] * Usagi nods, reaching over to grasp Kotono's shoulder. "First thing tomorrow, you're going to the chemist's," she agrees firmly. "If you did it last night, you've still got tomorrow before it's too late."
[17:31] <Kotono> "..huh?" Kotono blinks emptily, looking at her friend. "For what? I mean, don't you need to let those tests take soem time before they work?"
[17:33] <Usagi> "Don't they teach anything in health class at... oh, wait, I guess they wouldn't..." Usagi sighs. "They have this pill called the 'morning after pill' that you can take within 72 hours of doing it and it stops you getting pregnant. It's like a souped up version of the normal pill." She looks up and eyes Kotono dubiously, "Unless you don't mind taking the risk? You did say you two did it a lot..."
[17:36] <Kotono> "Oh...um...well...I'l think about it!" Kotono just colors like a autumn leaf, looking away.
[17:37] * Usagi stares at Kotono in disbelief. "You'll... 'think about it'?" she repeats, horrified. "Kotono, do you want to get pregnant?"
[17:40] <Kotono> "Um, well, it's just that I hadn't thought about it, you know?" Kotono continues to look down, "It was just so awesome and nice at the time and I feel so happy that I haven't really thought it over!"
[17:41] <Usagi> "If you haven't thought about it then you definitely shouldn't!" Usagi blurts out, before sighing. "If you're going to think about it, then think fast. And you might want to let Asher in on this," she offers, gently stroking the other girl's back. "If you change your mind later on, it's a lot harder to back out on."
[17:47] <Kotono> "Well..yeah..." Kotono whimpers abit, thinking, "Mind if I ask someone else for another opinion, since this just kinda killed my mood and I'm really not sure and I trust Sis a lot, too, and if you both say so then I really need to, huh?"
[17:54] * Usagi sighs deeply. "Kotono, forget me and 'Sis'. If you're even remotely considering the possibility of getting pregnant, the person you should speak to is the unlucky dad. Do you really think you and Asher are ready to be parents?" she shakes her head wearily, "It's not like this is your only chance - you can get knocked up any time you like. But there's no backing out if you go for it now."
[17:55] <Kotono> "...well...yeah, okay," Kotono nods slowly to that, "I'll go in the morning and take care of it, then, alright?"
[17:58] <Usagi> "Please," Usagi nods wearily. Oh, the wonders of a Catholic education... at least Rei seems to have her head screwed on straight about these things. "You might not even get pregnant anyway, but there's three lives to think about if you play those odds and lose."
[18:00] <Kotono> "..okay," Kotono says even quieter, blushing and looking down at ehr lap.
[18:04] <Usagi> Well, that went swimmingly... "Okay, I'm done lecturing," Usagi announces tiredly, reaching for the TV remote. "Want to hear about what you missed outside of the bedroom, today?"
[18:05] <Kotono> "Thanks, Usa..." Kotono murmurs, blushing, "Just...you know, doing that is really fun and special and if a baby did come of it, it can't be a bad thing since we love each other, huh?"
[18:06] <Usagi> "I've had a few boyfriends I'd have said the same thing about after a month," Usagi observes neutrally as she turns on the TV and flicks through it to find a news channel. "So would most of the other girls."
[18:09] <Kotono> Kotono draws her knees up, her meal basically untouched. She rests her head down, "But this really does feel special, Usa-chan! It's destiny and I erally do love him adn we love each other and..."
[18:13] <Usagi> "It always feels special, Kotono. That's what makes it so wonderful - but please don't start planning your whole life around a guy you only met a month ago?" Usagi asks, before wilting, putting her head in her hands. "God, when did I become such a cynic?" she asks morosely. "I want to say 'congratulations!' and gossip and have fun, really!" she insists, as much trying to convince herself as Kotono.
[18:14] <Kotono> "Oh, Usa-chan..." Kotono blushes a little more at that, "I was about to say...it is wonderful, and thanks!" Kotono beams up at that, cheering. "Do you wanna know something cool or special about it, huh?! ...oooh! And Sis! Mind if I invite her too if we're really gonna talk since she gave me the advice that helped me really crack it open and I owe her?"
[18:16] * Usagi shakes her head, turning the TV off as new relevant news manifests and resumes her meal. "Go ahead... we can both listen to the voice of experience," she gives Kotono a brave smile.
[18:18] <Kotono> "Well, okay...but just a moment," Kotono stops, "I just realised I'm still hungry!" With that Kotono turns to her meal, starting to eat. Wow, she is HUNGRY! She's eating like she normally drinks, just demolishing food!
[18:19] * Usagi likewise works on her food at a decent pace, quickly tearing through her delayed dinner. "Mmm... needed that," she smiles contentedly, dabbing at her red-stained lips as she finishes. "You really missed a huge fight, earlier."
[18:20] <Kotono> "Mmm," Kotono is still eating, getting another salad and an entire two liter of diet soda, as well as some more noodles. She eats quickly, "Go ahead and tell me, Usa-chan?"
[18:21] <Usagi> "Well, I was working at the park, and then Pestilence and Temptation both showed up, along with a bunch of Empty Ones - you should've seen the ones Temptation summoned, by the way. They're so gonna have to censor them if they have any photos for the news!" Usagi begins before promptly getting sidetracked.
[18:22] <Kotono> "Oh?" Kotono continues her feasting, "So how'd it go, huh, and did you kick their butts in the name of the Moon?"
[18:25] * Usagi nods, getting back on track. "I did pretty good - I must've gotten back in shape since I was dodging most of them even though I was totally outnumbered. Then Takeshi showed up to help, and I grabbed Temptation with my Tiara. But then Death showed up in the sky and started shooting down at us!" she relates, gesturing vaguely to go with all the dodging and shooting action.
[18:25] <Usagi> "But then Mako-chan showed up and attacked Death, and he ran right off again! After that, Hotaru and Rei appeared and blasted Pestilence together to kill him, and we purified Temptation. She's human now but still really hates us, even though Death kinda made out like he'd planned for us to kill the both of them."
[18:27] <Kotono> "Oooooooooooh! That's cool on both counts since Pestilence was kinda creepy and mean, and can Temptation help us and is she nice, too?" Kotono perks up, nodding.
[18:28] * Usagi shakes her head. "She totally hates us," the blonde reiterates. "She's staying at Serenity's, but she's really upset about what we did to her, and killing Despair and Pestilence." She looks down, frowning, "Can't say I blame her, I guess..."
[18:30] <Kotono> "Oooh, right, but mmm. Yeah, I guess...I mean...what if you converted to their side after they killed me and Hotaru-chan, huh?" Kotono asks simply, frowning about that. "You know...hey! You know what that reminds me of?"
[18:30] * Usagi frowns even more as Kotono puts it in those terms. "What?" she asks morosely.
[18:32] <Kotono> "Well, um...remember how we worked so hard to save people on the wrong side," Kotono chews on her lip at that, "Even if they attacked us we wanted to?"
[18:33] <Usagi> "Yeah?" Usagi cocks her head at Kotono, wondering what she's getting at.
[18:34] <Kotono> "Well...their leader is Death, and he's the one that's making an effort a lot too, some, even if the others are as well?" Kotono quirks her head, "And before that it was Despair with Michiru, right? Speaking of I hope she gets back soon since I want her in the Supernatural Club, but anyawy!"
[18:34] * Usagi nods expectantly, waiting for Kotono to get to her point.
[18:35] <Kotono> "Well...it just reminds me of you and us back when we fought Gaia, you know?" Kotono says, "They had an alien viewpoint and wanted to save the other side if they could, right?"
[18:36] * Usagi scratches her head. "So you're saying we're like Jadeite and the Agency back then, and Death is like me back then?" she asks, blinking.
[18:37] <Kotono> "A  little bit - well, we're not wrong, but...you know?" Kotono nods, thinking, "I mean, we even have the government's support now, and what do they have besides being on another world, having to come over to find something important and not get caught and stopped by us?"
[18:38] <Kotono> "I mean, eyah, I'm taking it to the extreme bu tthe comparison kinda struck me, you know?" Kotono finishes up.
[18:39] <Usagi> "I guess..." Usagi frowns, not liking the comparison. "But that'd only really work if I'd had some secret plan that involved killing you guys, since that seemed to be what Death was getting at when he taunted us after we purified Temptation. I bet even if we did join up with him, we'd get used just the same as they were."
[18:40] <Kotono> "Well...okay, yeah, but...we used them a bit even in a good way? What if getting the Lightbringer really is that imp ortant to them and all that? I don't believe that but it's just taking the argument as far as it goes, you know?" Kotono quirks her head to the side, thinking hard now. Her cute little frown is even solemn!
[18:41] <Usagi> "The Lightbringer is Serenity, by the way," Usagi concludes. That revelation was almost an afterthough on today's fun, really... "Whatever they want, it's not important enough to take her against her will."
[18:42] <Kotono> "Okay." Kotono nods, "I think we were working on that, so..." Kotono bites her hlips, shaking her head, "Now I sound like the cynic, you know, since I was gona call Mako and then ...well...we got off course!"
[18:44] <Usagi> "Go ahead and call her," Usagi waves it aside. "Hopefully we'll get some straight answers out of Temptation to untangle this anyway - assuming she hasn't been lied to herself from the start."
[18:47] <Kotono> "Right," Kotono says, getting her communicator from aside and pressing the Jupiter button. "These things are so cool, almost like portable phones, you know?"
[18:48] <Usagi> "Video phones, even," Usagi agrees with a slight smile.
[18:51] <Kotono> "Hiya, Sis!" Kotono can be seen, green bathrobe and a slightly unsteady smile. "Okay...well...since I've just talked to Usa about it...thanks!" Kotono blushes, "Your advice hit the mark, and I mean really, raelly, really hit the mark...so much that well..we had a good reason to miss the fight today!"
[18:52] <Makoto> "Oh?" Makoto raises her eyebrows. "Well, I'm glad it worked out...even if it sounds like you forgot I told you to take it slow..." Makoto replies dryly, smiling. "You have a story?"
[18:52] <Kotono> Kotono turns into a red rose at that, glowing with her blush, "That well...um..." Kotono glances away, towards Usagi, "That...well...We love each other...and...sex is just awesome!"
[18:54] <Makoto> "...All the way to that already?" Makoto sounds surprised, but not overly shocked. "Wow...When you hit it big, you don't fool around, do you, Sis?" Makoto shakes her head. "Like, SEX, sex? Horizontal, and both having fun?" Makoto asks.
[18:55] <Kotono> "Um, well...yes! In my bed and on the couch and all over!" Kotono blushes and nods, like a firestorm, "And...yes, I love him. I really love him, and he said he loves me, too!"
[18:56] <Usagi> "Ahh!" Usagi promptly stands up, looking down at her previous seat in horror.
[18:57] <Kotono> "USA!...um, well, I didn't use a towel, so...um, there's some disinfectant spray under the sink of the kitchen, but I think that's when I was on top, so..." Kotono just blushes, bowing quickly. "Sorry, I didn't even think of it!"
[18:57] <Usagi> "Ewww!" Usagi whimpers, going over to sit on an armchair instead. "You mean you haven't even cleaned it before now?"
[18:58] <Kotono> "Um...afterglow," Kotono eeps out, blushing like the sun
[18:58] <Makoto> "Man, I can't decide if I'm impressed, or-what was...oh, Usagi's over?" Makoto smiles a little.
[18:58] <Kotono> "Yep, I called her first since I'd been meaning to and she kidna got it outta me so she came right over. Did you wanna come over and talk, Sis?"
[18:58] <Usagi> "I don't want that all over my skirt!" the blonde whines, making a disgusted face.
[19:00] * Makoto laughs a little. "Sure. Leave the back door open, and I'll be around in a few minutes, ok?"
[19:01] <Kotono> "Alright, I kinda need to do some cleaning up now, so see you in a few!" Kotono nods, ending the call. Now that Makoto is in transit, Kotono rises and bows again, "Um, I'm really sorry and I'll get that disinfectant and youw on't tell anyone else since that's totally embarrassing, okay, Usa-chan?"
[19:02] <Usagi> "Like I'd want people to know I'd been sitting in your... stuff," Usagi replies, horrified and not meeting Kotono's eyes as her cheeks flare red.
[19:02] <Kotono> So Kotono eeps  and gets the cleaner, thoughly cleansing her couch all over! The scent of pine lingers in the air as Kotono sits again...
[19:04] <Makoto> The back door opens and closes just as Kotono seats herself, and a cheerful greeting carries out into the living room. "I'm here!"
[19:04] <Kotono> "In here," Kotono calls, looking to all the takeout boxes and eeping a bit, but then shrugs and gets a slice of garlic bread. "We're in here, Mako-chan!"
[19:07] * Makoto wanders in, looking vaguely bemused, her eyes settling on the two occupants of the room first, and waving. "Hiya." She replies, coming in, then frowning at the boxes. "Sis, I keep telling you..."
[19:08] <Kotono> "It's celebration, and besides...I have guets, and Usa-chan ate a lot of it." Kotono smiles at the other blonde, nodding. "Right, Usa-chan?"
[19:08] <Kotono> "Besides, I had a salad with it, too!"
[19:08] <Usagi> "Hi, Mako-chan," Usagi waves to the brunette from her seat well away from the couch. Even if it was just cleaned... "I ate like a quarter of it, but Kotono mostly had salad," she offers in agreement with her fellow blonde.
[19:09] <Makoto> "Well, you're learning, at least." Makoto sighs, then giggling. "And I guess it's fair to say you needed the calories." She adds, waving to Usagi. "How come you're sitting way over there?"
[19:10] <Usagi> "Didn't you hear what she said about the couch?" Usagi asks disbelievingly. "I mean, okay, she did just clean it, but still... that's where Kotono lost her virginity!" she points at the leather upholstry.
[19:11] <Kotono> "That was my bed, the couch was later!" Kotono blurts out in a storm, before coloring yet again!
[19:12] <Usagi> "Oh..." Usagi blinks. "Wait, so you went to bed to have sex, and then decided to come back downstairs later on to break in the couch?" she eyes the other blonde appraisingly. "Kinky."
[19:12] <Makoto> "So?" Makoto replies, smiling. "It's nothing to worry about, unless you hear a squish when you sit down." Makoto replies soothingly, going over to recline on the couch. "Besides, how can you worry about germs after-" Makoto falters, looking uncertain.
[19:13] <Kotono> "No..well..all last night was my room, then we slept in and ended up on the couch after breakfast!" Kotono colors even darker "I mean, I said we did ita  lot!"
[19:14] * Makoto nods agreeably. "He must be pretty impressive." Makoto snickers. "That's an awful lot, for boys."
[19:15] <Kotono> "Is it?" Kotono asks, cocking her head to the side, "But well...anyway, just...he said he loves me, I love him and it was just awesome and...well..."
[19:15] <Kotono> A blush fills Kotono again, "It's like a fairy tale dream, you know?
[19:15] <Kotono> "
[19:16] <Usagi> "You must have been working hard to get him up that much," Usagi agrees, smiling widely. "Pretty impressive since it's your first time even doing anything with a guy."
[19:17] <Kotono> "It just felt natural..." Kotono eeps and looks away, "I mean to twell...touch his thing and even...well..he tastes funny but it's really nice, huh, Sis?!"
[19:17] <Makoto> "I'd say so." Makoto chimes in. "You've officially gone farther than me, Sis." She admits, sticking out her tongue. "But not much. I'll have to catch up."
[19:18] <Usagi> "She's leapfrogged all of us," Usagi commiserates sadly. "I'm shocked and appalled and kinda jealous."
[19:20] <Makoto> "That about sums up my feelings...though not appalled, so much." Makoto nods with Usagi. "Though, I haven't heard the whole story. Is he okay with you dishing details, sis?" Makoto asks, with a curious eagerness. "Hearing this from someone other than auntie Fuuko should be good."
[19:21] <Kotono> "Oh well...I didn't really ask," Kotono stops at that, thinking, "But well..." A breath is taken, "I think it's okay as long as it's just us girls talking about it, right?"
[19:22] <Makoto> "Hmmmm." Makoto taps her lips. "I would say you should probably wait to tell anyone else until you have a talk about it." Makoto ventures. "But That's just because I really wanna hear." She admits.
[19:22] <Usagi_> "It's not like you're telling the world," Usagi smiles guilelessly. "Besides, if you can't tell us, who could you tell?"
#terrorofdunes You need voice (+v) (#terrorofdunes)
[19:22] <Usagi> "It's not like you're telling the world," Usagi smiles guilelessly. "Besides, if you can't tell us, who could you tell?"
[19:24] <Makoto> "Hotaru. Rei...Oh hell, I really want her to tell Rei, Where I can see the look on her face." Makoto notes.
[19:24] * Usagi blushes faintly at the mention of Rei. "Yeah, she'll probably be most surprised," she admits.
[19:24] <Kotono> "...hey," Kotono suddenly perks up, nodding, "Communicator time!" Rei looks to both, getting hers out and placing it down on the table for all to see. "Wanna watch me tell her, huh?"
[19:25] <Usagi> Kotono*
[19:25] <Makoto> "...YES." Makoto starts to giggle. "God this is really mean-It's not too bad, is it?"
[19:26] <Usagi> "She has to find out some time," Usagi rationalises, getting up and going to stand where she'll have a good view of the communicator screen without appearing on it herself.
[19:27] * Makoto moves over to stay beside Usagi so she can't be seen...she doesn't want this to cancel out sending Takeshi Rei's way.
[19:29] <Kotono> Kotono presses Rei's symbol! It takes a moment for the miko to appear, the Sacred Flame roaring behind her - soon to walls as she walks out. "What is it," Rei sighs dramatically, "Really bad time, Hotaru! I'm helping Grandfather with a ceremony!"
[19:30] <Kotono> "Well..." Kotono bats her eyelashes towards Rei, "You know how you're always saying you're the mature one and that I'm just a hyper kid, huh?!" Kotono's smile is like diamonds, bright and cutting.
[19:30] * Usagi frowns a little. "Kotono, maybe this isn't a good time?" she whispers. Rei does look busy, and if it's to do with her job...
[19:31] <Kotono> *Kotono
[19:32] * Makoto looks to Kotono, trying to get her attention without making noise.
[19:34] <Kotono> "Yes, yes, yes," Rei scowls, but takes a breath.  "Get on with it. What's on your mind?"
[19:34] <Kotono> Kotono glances to the side half a moment, thinking...waiting, looking to them and leaning out of range, "Well?" she whispers back.
[19:35] <Makoto> "Apologize, and ask her to call you, later." Makoto whispers. "Got to be mature about it, after that."
[19:37] <Kotono> "Okay..." Kotono murmurs back, turning, "Sorry, Rei-chan, I'll call you later! Bye!" Kotono smiles winsomely before ending the cal.
[19:38] * Makoto sweatdrops and laughs softly. "Well, hopefully that won't cheese her off too much." Makoto notes, looking at the screen. "But it's probably better than messing with her before a ceremony."
[19:38] <Usagi> "There's no need to be mean about it," Usagi agrees as Kotono shuts off the communicator. "Rei-chan's had a rough time, lately."
[19:39] <Makoto> "She has?" Makoto asks, blinking and looking over at Usagi. "??"
[19:40] <Usagi> "She's alright now, but she had a bit of a rough spell, lately," the blonde temporises, smiling innocently. "I guess you might not have noticed since she doesn't talk about her own love life that much."
[19:40] <Makoto> "Other than about how beautiful she is." Makoto puts in, wryly.
[19:41] <Kotono> "Rei-chan is always kinda weirdly quiet about it," Kotono looks up and nods, getting back onto the couch. "I dunno. Something bothering her?"
[19:41] <Usagi> "Yeah, she does like to go on about that, doesn't she?" Usagi nods to Makoto. "Don't worry about it, Kotono-chan, she just had some trouble lately but it's been dealt with."
[19:43] <Makoto> "Seriously, though...she's ok? I pointed Takeshi at her earlier, but now I'm wondering if she'll just snap at him." Makoto worries.
[19:43] <Kotono> "You aren't going to tell us? Is it that bad?" Kotono frowns in very open worry now. "I mean, Rei-chan's Rei-chan, but...she's a good friend, you know?"
[19:44] <Makoto> "Sometimes being a good friend means knowing when you shouldn't be asking questions, Sis." Makoto puts in.
[19:44] <Usagi> "She's fine," Usagi waves it aside. "She just had some bad luck as far as dating goes, lately..." Makoto's comment earns a blink. "Wow, really? Geez, first Hotaru chucks him at me and now this. Poor guy must feel like a piece of meat."
[19:45] <Makoto> "Oh, you're dating him?" Makoto wonders, blinking. "And I didn't 'chuck' him at her...I just asked him to invite her to martial arts training...because he wasn't wearing a shirt." Makoto leers. "I figured she'd enjoy it, and maybe even show up."
[19:45] <Kotono> "Oh, okay, if you don't wanna talk about it," Koton says, a hair miffed but nodding. "Well, at least...I'm not going for him, but I have Asher-chan now..!"
[19:46] <Kotono> "OH!" Kotono blushes at that, "Now that I bet Rei-chan would like, huh?"
[19:46] * Usagi shakes her head. "We only dated once, but he's not my type," she demurs. "Rei-chan might have fun with him, though."
[19:46] <Makoto> "I liked it." Makoto admits. "No matter how much of a dunce he is, he's built nicely."
[19:48] <Usagi> "Dunce?" that earns a confused look from Usagi. "He doesn't seem that bad in class, or when I talk to him."
[19:50] <Kotono> "I haven't talked to him much, so..." Kotono looks between the two, "What's the scoop with him, huh?"
[19:51] <Makoto> Makoto winces a little. "Well...It's not that he's...stupid, stupid..." She begins carefully, trying to figure out how to put this-He seems to be friends with Usagi, after all. "It's just that, that meeting made me really wonder about how much he actually thinks." She says carefully. "He has a really sad history of being controlled...and the first plan he offers up is to risk it again? Doesn't seem all that bright to me." She finishes.
[19:53] <Usagi> "He's a nice guy, and obviously he is cute," Usagi lists off, "Just a bit too serious for me..." she nods distractedly to Makoto, "That was really dumb, but other than that he seems intelligent enough. Everyone has a dumb idea now and then. Anyway, yeah, he might be good for Rei-chan to have fun with, but I'd rather stay just friends, myself."
[19:55] <Makoto> "Yeah, I know-I was really mad about it at first, but that was mostly because I was getting protective of Hotaru." She confesses. "But even that aside...dumb ideas are risky when our butts are on the line, you know?" She shrugs. "I don't know. I'm a little wary, but he doesn't seem like he's working for them, like I thought at first. Defintely not my type, though."
[19:57] <Usagi> "Everyone shot the idea down," Usagi shrugs, adding "Some more than others..." with a slight frown, "But that's why we have those meetings, so we can all throw out wacky ideas and seperate the good ones from the bad ones. No need to get all defensive about it."
[19:59] <Makoto> "I know, I know." Makoto sighs. "I just don't like to see Hotaru treated that way-even if she did go overboard ripping him to pieces." Makoto leans back on the couch and scowls. "The stories she tells about how awful her class was before she met us makes me want to scream sometimes."
[20:02] <Usagi> "It still doesn't give her a free pass to treat other people that way, Mako-chan," Usagi replies unhappily. "Lots of people have had it far worse than her but still manage to treat others civilly."
[20:03] <Makoto> "Mmm." Makoto smiles sadly. "I understand what you mean, Usagi-chan, but you've always been pretty popular, I'd bet. You wouldn't know what it's like to be so alone at school or wherever that you never really learn how to deal with people properly."
[20:06] <Usagi> "No," the blonde shakes her head. "I admit that. But you want to know who would understand?" she leans forward a bit. "Takeshi. He's had all the crappiness of your life and Hotaru's life, and then a whole heaping helping of nastiness on top of that. And I'm not talking about the Moon Kingdom stuff, this is all in Japan. But even with Hotaru tearing into him like that, he didn't once attack her."
[20:06] <Kotono> "Well, yeah, but...would that let me get away with being.." Kotono finally pipes up quietly, going dead quiet at Usagi's words.
[20:08] <Makoto> "I'm not trying to justify anything." Makoto replies soothingly. "Just try and remember that she made a mistake, too. Just like you told me Takeshi did." Makoto bites off the urge to add more to her arguement. "I mean...She deserves the benefit of the doubt, right? Unless she refused to apologize, or something."
[20:09] * Makoto looks over at Kotono. "Not so much 'get away with', sis." She adds with a half smile.
[20:11] <Usagi> "We've given her that, but how else will she even learn she's doing something wrong if nobody ever calls her on it?" Usagi returns reasonably, sitting down herself. "By just jumping to her defence all the time or being too scared to criticise her, she's just being taught that she's in the right no matter what she does."
[20:13] <Kotono> "Well, um..." Kotono looks around between both of them, "I just know that Hot-chan is my friend, but so are all fo you and...it really, really sucked to see you all fighting like that!"
[20:14] <Makoto> "Kochan has it exactly right. Jumping on her doesn't teach her anything either." Makoto points out. "She's really easy to chase into being defensive and not listening if she feels harrassed."
[20:15] <Makoto> "I mean." Makoto goes on, "If you don't mind the comparison, sis...When Rei-chan used to scream at you, how long did her point stick in your mind, even if she was right?"
[20:15] <Kotono> "Well, yeah, but...I jus tdon't wanna see any of you unhappy like that, you know?" Kotono turns to Makoto and then Usag, frowning. "Um...it's tno that, just...well..."
[20:16] <Usagi> "I sure didn't enjoy it," Usagi sighs, "But keeping my mouth shut and letting it fester just seemed like an even worse idea." Makoto's comment earns a bitter laugh from the blonde. "Oh, God, don't talk to me about her not listening when she feels harrassed, Mako-chan, please..."
[20:17] <Makoto> "Well..." Makoto shrugs. "It's true. But it's not like she refuses to listen, either."
[20:19] <Usagi> "She actually told me the secret - you just have to walk away when she gets like that, and then she'll actually think over what you said instead of blindly countering all of it," Usagi shakes her head wearily. "Made for a really weird conversation, if nothing else."
[20:20] <Makoto> "It's how we are." Makoto agrees. "When you spend a year or two with people coming up to you and accusing you of pretty horrible things, standing your ground and fighting turns into a reflex." Makoto replies bitterly.
[20:22] <Usagi> "Doesn't a year or two of being with a group of friends help relax that reflex?" Usagi asks, giving Makoto a sad smile.
[20:25] <Makoto> "A little." Makoto replies, smiling darkly. "I think I'm mostly over the urge to throw punches. But Until we met, I've been accused of sex acts that make Kochan's fun look tame and rather boring." She grumbles. "And It was almost funny, because I couldn't get a boy to come near me. You have no idea how hard it was to turn Balder away." And I still hear people whispering in the hall about me as I pass.
[20:25] <Makoto> "
[20:25] <Kotono> "Wow..." Kotono murmurs at that, "That takes work?"
[20:26] <Kotono> "But...well...we're friends, aren't we?" Kotono looks between them, "Really friends? Not just have to be stuck together, huh?"
[20:27] <Makoto> "Yes, we are." Makoto smiles at both of them. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't like you both."
[20:28] <Usagi> "I think so," Usagi nods to Kotono, a bit melancholy. She had no idea there were rumours about Makoto at Juuban High, and she always tries to keep her finger on the pulse, there.
[20:29] <Makoto> "Why do you look sad?" Makoto asks Usagi, with a bit of nervousness.
[20:30] <Usagi> "Just... I really had no idea it was still that bad for you," Usagi shakes her head. "But shouldn't I? Doesn't seem like I've been paying very close attention..."
[20:33] <Makoto> "It's not as bad as it used to be." Makoto shrugs. "But it still happens...though I think it's mostly the 'thug' reputation still following me around." Makoto smiles. "It's nice of you to say so, but I'm used to it now. I didn't bring it up to make you sad, Just to try and help you understand why we're not the happiest people in the world."
[20:34] <Kotono> "Well, um...would if help if I took all of us out somewhere? I kinda wanted to do a big gossip and girltalk thing over this, and maybe that spa again or somewhere nice, huh?" Kotono speaks up.
[20:35] * Makoto laughs a little and hugs Kotono. "Sorry to bring your happy time down with such a serious topic, sis. And that sounds nice."
[20:35] * Usagi nods to Kotono. "Yeah, Mako-chan missed last time, so it'd be nice if we could all go out there," she agrees, brightening a little.
[20:36] <Kotono> "Okay...I'll take care of somewhere really cool! I'll even set it up..and maybe I'll have a date with Asher the evening after?" Kotono perks up at that, "You're both invited and so is Rei-chan and Hotaru-chan - it'll be pure girl time and talk!"
[20:37] <Makoto> "Cool." Makoto grins. "Though...Hey, that reminds me of something."
[20:38] <Makoto> "How did you like the gift Hotaru-chan gave Asher?" Makoto snickers. "I thought she was just being funny, but it sounds like they came in handy."
[20:39] * Usagi blinks. "Hotaru gave Asher a gift?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "Oh...um...well...that's the problem, the first time or two there wasn't any gift used!" Kotono blushes, "Usa-chan and I were talking about it!"
[20:40] <Usagi> "Oh..." Usagi's head falls.
[20:40] <Makoto> "Yeah, she was giggling about it awhile ago. Orange flavored condoms." Makoto relates, giggling herself, then staring at Kotono. "What?"
[20:40] <Kotono> "Well...we didn't really use protection..." Kotono delicately coughs. "It was kind of well, empassioned, and well..."
[20:41] <Usagi> "I already talked to her about it, Mako-chan," Usagi forestalls the inevitable horrified reaction. "She's going to get the morning after pill, first thing tomorrow."
[20:43] <Makoto> "Hmm..." Makoto frowns, nodding to Usagi. "That's probably a good start...and you should go see a gynecologist, sis. The regular pill is a good idea if you're going to...um." She blushed. "Get impassioned-on the plus side, it really helps calm PMS down, too."
[20:43] <Kotono> "I will," Kotono nods and blushes, "I dunno, I never really suffered much from that at least, you know?"
[20:44] * Usagi nods. "Some girls in my class say they take it even if they're not doing anything, just because it makes their period easier," she agrees. "I haven't bothered, myself, since it'd be a hassle to keep taking it when I get no other use out of it."
[20:45] <Makoto> "I have some, but I don't take them unless I have a boyfriend, or my periods are really heavy." Makoto admits.
[20:46] * Usagi purses her lips a moment, slowly turning to Makoto. "Speaking of... how far have you gone anyway, Mako-chan?" she asks, not really very innocently at all.
[20:46] <Kotono> Kotono coughs at all this, but bows her head and stays quiet. "Okay, I'll remember that," seh says, blushing all the while.
[20:47] * Makoto starts, coughing. "Um...far enough?" She ventures, looking at Kotono. "And...Um, not as far as her."
[20:47] <Usagi> "So..." Usagi makes a brief gesture as if holding something in front of her mouth. "Third base?"
[20:48] * Makoto sighs. "Will you promise not to tell anyone else?" She replies guiltily.
[20:49] <Usagi> "Sure," Usagi chirps brightly. "Just us girls here, right?" she smiles at Kotono before focusing on the tall brunette.

[Ebiris]

[20:49] <Kotono> Kotono nods as well, "Okay, and if we're gonna go for a girl talk retreat anyway..."
[20:51] * Makoto rolls her eyes. "Sis, this is important." She addresses Kotono. "Please don't say anything unless you ask me first." She cautions, then sighs. "I...We..." Makoto grimaces. "We'd talked about doing what Sis and Asher did, but he moved away before we could. We...um....went down on each other..."
[20:52] <Usagi> "Oooh," Usagi nods, interestedly, before her face suddenly falls. "Wait... that means I'm tied with Hotaru-chan for the most inexperienced..."
[20:54] <Makoto> "Does that really matter so much?" Makoto blushes, realizing Hotaru must not have told the others...Or that Usagi's done 'that'. "How far -have- you gotten?"
[20:55] <Usagi> "Just using hands," the blonde wriggles her fingers, sighing a bit. "I guess not - I mean, I'm not going to spread my legs at the first opportunity just to catch up or anything, it's just... heck, I can't help but feel like I'm missing out."
[20:55] <Kotono> "It's worth waiting. IT was for me," Kotono says quietly, but very proudly. "Giving Asher-chan that...it was really special."
[20:56] * Usagi snorts. "You didn't wait at all!" she replies, leaning over out of her chair to whap Kotono.
[20:56] <Makoto> "You'll feel worse if you do." Makoto agrees. "Sis is right...I'm pretty sure I would have been disgusted with myself if I'd jumped at Balder's offer." She stifles a snicker at Usagi's declaration. "She has the right idea, though."
[20:58] <Usagi> "I want to be sure when it's my first time, not give it away to some sleaze like Ataru," the blonde nods, frowning. "Just... well, I get lonely, sometimes..." she concludes with a blush.
[20:59] <Makoto> "Get a toy." Makoto suggests, kindly. "I know that feeling, and mine helps."
[20:59] * Usagi blushes even more. "That's kinda what I was implying, Mako-chan..." she replies.
[21:00] <Makoto> "Ah..." Makoto blushes. "Sorry."
[21:01] <Usagi> "It's alright," the blonde shakes her head. "I was actually surprised earlier, since Kotono doesn't have one - I wanted to at least know how it compares with the real thing, but she couldn't even tell me that," she pouts briefly at her fellow blonde.
[21:03] * Makoto smiles a little. "That's pretty impressive. I got mine just after we got back from Gaia, and I couldn't go without, now..."
[17:12] <Kotono> "Really...well, after last night, maybe I can believe it since it was so.." Kotono smiles goofily at those words.
[17:12] * Usagi sighs good naturedly. "Show off..." she shakes her head.
[17:13] <Makoto> "Bah, you're making me jealous." Makoto ruffles Kotono's hair playfully.
[17:14] <Kotono> Kotono giggles brightly at that, blushing, "So while you two were masturbating I have my Asher-chan," she crows, grinning to both of them!
[17:14] <Makoto> "Kochan, you have every right to be happy, but rubbing it in is in bad taste." Makoto chides.
[17:15] <Kotono> "Asher liked rubbing it in," Kotono fires right back, gigglies picking up in intensity.
[17:15] <Usagi> "I'm sure Mako-chan and I could easily get laid if we jumped a guy like you did," Usagi agrees. "We're happy for you and all, but... Oh, God..." she just shakes her head at that last bit from the other blonde, putting her head in her hands.
[17:16] <Kotono> "...I meant just rubbing his..." Kotono flails a bit, sputtering as she makes an up and down movement motion with her hands!
[17:16] <Kotono> "...and at least I didn't tell you it was in that chair," Kotono adds as an afterthought, looking at where Usagi sits.
[17:17] <Usagi> "We get what you meant!" Usagi cries, waving her hands in a warding gesture, before promptly shooting to her feet. "Where *didn't* you have sex?!"
[17:17] * Makoto snorts. "I meant don't brag. You sound like Rei when you preen, and-" Makoto chokes, collapsing into laughter at Usagi's expression.
[17:17] <Kotono> "Kidding about there," Kotono smiles sweetly at Usagi, before nodding to MAko-chan, blushing. "I just can't resist a little, and I guess REi-chan rubb...okay, bad word!"
[17:18] <Makoto> "Y-You've earned...a little..." Makoto giggles. "Just don't let it get out of hand."
[17:18] <Usagi> "None of us made fun of you when we were getting to second or third base while you were emulating the nuns at your school, Kotono-chan," Usagi reminds, deciding to sit on the edge of the coffee table for now. Surely they couldn't have done it there...
[17:18] <Kotono> "I didn't let Asher get out of hand," Kotono giggles even more, red as a rose but making that up and down motion again!
[17:19] * Usagi snorts, unable to hold back a giggle at that line.
[17:19] <Kotono> "I know, sorry, Usa-chan, it's just so awesome and Asher's so cool and...mmmm. I wonder if I still have coffee table marks on my back," she ponders aloud.
[17:19] <Makoto> "They usually go away quickly. We heal fast." Makoto opines dryly.
[17:20] <Usagi> "You are such a slut, Kotono-chan..." Usagi just shakes her head amusedly, not rising to the bait, this time.
[17:20] <Kotono> "I am not! I'm a happy woman wth the man she loves! WE can do it even in your bed and we wouldn't be sluts!" Kotono sticks her tongue out at Usagi. "He's just so cool and he was so...so...wow!"
[17:21] <Makoto> "We get the idea." Makoto chimes in. "For someone who reads so much, words seem to fail you here..."
[17:22] <Kotono> "Well, I'm just really excited and happy and...I found my prince!" Kotono gushes, smiling happily as she sits back onto the couch, putting her feet up.
[17:22] <Makoto> "Prince?" Makoto looks to Usagi, raising her eyebrows.
[17:23] <Usagi> "Found him and rode him all night long..." the blonde deadpans, shrugging at the look she gets from Makoto. Kotono waxing dramatic really isn't a big deal after her rant about being nailed all over the house.
[17:24] <Kotono> "Mmm!" Kotono blushes even more and giggles, stopping to help herself to some pizza leftover. She nibbles it about half down, sighing. "It's just..it's like my entire world is different and more than anything else?" Kotono smiles a little sadly, "I already miss him and it's only been a few hours."
[17:25] <Makoto> "Oh god-Sis, I love you dearly, but if you turn all sappy on me every time you're apart, I may have to strangle you."
[17:26] <Usagi> "Ah, give her a break, Mako-chan," Usagi smiles warmly. "He's her first boyfriend, after all. Can't begrudge young love, can we?"
[17:26] <Kotono> "Nope!" Kotono smiles happily at this, leaning back even deeper. "Plus I have the perfect counter if those stupid lesbian jokes start up again, right?"
[17:27] <Usagi> "They ever stopped?" Usagi raises an eyebrow.
[17:28] * Makoto rolls her eyes at Kotono's statement slightly unhappily. "Not to my knowledge. Get you two and Rei in the same room for more than five minutes and homophobic cracks start up..." Makoto grumps.
[17:29] <Kotono> "Hey, I'm not like that!" Kotono crosses her arms. "Just that...well...it's kinda eeewy to think about, you know? Kissing and being with another girl? I mean, doesn't it creep you two out?" Kotono asks Usagi first, then Makoto with a smile.
[17:30] <Makoto> Makoto gives Kotono a steady look. "There are girls who say the same thing about being with a boy, sis. Being judgemental about love of any kind is kinda mean, don't you think?"
[17:30] <Usagi> "I dunno..." Usagi shrugs philosophically. "What two people do between closed doors is their own business, right?" She's not quite ready to come out, but at the same time she can't exactly muster the same instinctive disgust she used to have at the thought of lesbian activities.
[17:31] <Kotono> "Well...I guess..." Nodding to both, Kotono smiles, "Just that I sure don't want another girl lik ethat, right? ...say?" Kotono suddenly grins, "Since it's girl talk, what about you two, huh?"
[17:31] <Usagi> "What about us?" Usagi asks, blinking innocently.
[17:32] <Kotono> "Well, what do you think about getting it on with anothe rgirl," Kotono throws back quickly.
[17:32] <Makoto> "Considering the way those jokes fly around, I don't think I'd tell anyone if I did or didn't." Makoto replies archly.
[17:33] <Usagi> "Depends on the girl," Usagi replies for herself with a mischevious smile. "Not sure if it's worth my while trying to steal you away from Asher, though..." she adds in mock sadness.
[17:34] <Kotono> "Ooooh, I see, Mako-chan, well I guess I get that but you should st-USA!" Kotono coughs suddenly, wide eyed and blushing! "You aren't seriuos, huh, and you didn't just try to tell me you're gay but you're joking ,h uh?!"
[17:34] * Makoto glances at Usagi, bemused and trying to figure out if she is indeed yanking Kotono's chain.
[17:35] * Usagi bats her eyes coyly at her fellow blonde. "I guess that's something for you to try and figure out on those lonely nights when Asher isn't around, hmm?"
[17:36] <Kotono> "Usa-chan!" Kotono scoots back farther away from the blonde, ashy hair matching rosy red cheeks! "You aren't going to try and seduce me in the bathroom or something or make me think you are and make me freak out and try you and seduce me or something and complete a plan to make me gay, huh?!"
[17:37] <Makoto> "Sis...if she is gay, acting that way is pretty insulting, isn't it? Usagi-chan's not the type to break up a couple and you know it..."
[17:37] * Usagi laughs openly at Kotono's discomfort, leaning back once more away from Kotono. "So much for you not being affected by the gay jokes anymore, Kotono-chan," she observes smugly.
[17:38] <Kotono> "...Siiis...Usa-chan...hey!" Kotono suddenly blinks a moment, "You know, I called you Sis a few times as well, didn't I, Usa-chan?"
[17:38] * Makoto snickers a little. *So much for changing status quo...*
[17:39] <Usagi> "I guess so?" Usagi hazards, not responding either way to Makoto's suggestion that she might really be gay.
[17:39] <Kotono> Smiling a little as her embarrassment fades, "It just got me to thinking - remember when we all slept together on Gaia, huh?"
[17:40] * Makoto nods, just listening to Kotono now.
[17:41] <Usagi> "Mmhmm," Usagi nods herself, wondering what Kotono's getting at.
[17:41] <Kotono> "Just remembering...heh." Kotono smiles at all of that, "Guess it just goes around and around sometimes, huh?"
[17:42] <Makoto> "WHat does?" Makoto blinks.
[17:42] <Usagi> "That kind of sleeping together was a lot different than what you did last night, Kotono-chan," Usagi reminds archly, before her eyes widen and she adopts a scandalised expression. "Unless... what did you do while I was asleep?!"
[17:43] * Makoto snorts. "She's never masturbated, Usagi-chan. She wouldn't know where to touch." Makoto smirks.
[17:43] <Usagi> That deflates Usagi's shocked demeanour, the blonde bursting into open giggles at Makoto's comment and clutching her stomach as she doubles over. "Haha! Good one, Mako-chan!" she agrees merrily.
[17:44] <Kotono> "...hey!" Kotono just falls over onto her side, staring and slacked jawed at Makoto's volley!
[17:45] * Makoto snickers a little and pats Kotono's hand, trying not to laugh openly at Kotono. "It's true, isn't it?"
[17:49] <Kotono> "Just...gaaaaaah!" Kotono whimpers entirely, looking at both, "Don't tell anyone else or Rei-chan or anything?!"
[17:50] <Usagi> "Why?" Usagi asks blinking. "I mean, you admitted it freely enough to us - a minute ago you even seemed proud of it!"
[17:50] <Makoto> "Tell her what?" Makoto asks, blinking. "Sis, it was a -joke-. It's not like it's shameful not to pleasure yourself..."
[17:51] <Kotono> "I just mean..well?" Kotono fumbles and stumbles, before sighing, "Nevermind, okay?"
[17:53] <Makoto> "If Rei gives you a hard time, just say you resisted her training, and stayed pure for Asher-kun." Makoto advises, snickering, then giving Kotono a playful look. "And if you really want to know, I'm sure we can arrange a lesson on where to touch a girl to make her feel good." The ponytailed girl teases.
[17:54] <Usagi> "Or just train Asher really well so you'll never need to masturbate!" Usagi chimes in brightly.
[17:55] <Makoto> "Though, you shouldn't discount masturbation, even now. There's nothing like touching yourself and thinking of a special person." Makoto grins.
[17:56] <Kotono> "Well...I admit thinking of Asher-chan makes me feel a bit funny now," Kotono smiles winsomely to both girls, "So when you feel like that you just...you know?"
[17:57] <Usagi> "Pretty much - haven't you ever touched yourself while washing between your legs and felt it?" Usagi asks curiously. "That's how I first got started."
[17:58] <Makoto> "Go take a nice bath, and let your fingers do the walking." Makoto advises, nodding sagely. "If nothing else, it'll keep you from riding him 'till he dies of dehydration."
[17:59] <Kotono> "..oh, okay..." Kotono blushes even more, "This is where you're going to volunteer to show me and seduce me, huh?!" Kotono suddenly points at Usagi and Makoto! "Self pleasuring leads to other girls pleasuring and a cute lesbina Kochan, huh?!"
[18:00] * Usagi sighs. "Kotono - do you want us to seduce you?" she asks wearily. "And it's not like you need a guide to figure it out - you figured out what to do last night well enough, didn't you?"
[18:01] <Makoto> "Oh, give me a break." Makoto rolls her eyes. "Get off the lesbian thing, sis...You just did the horizontal mambo with a boy...fairly impressively. Be secure in your love for his penis."
[18:01] <Kotono> "Okay, okay, sorry." Kotono smiles winsomely, taking a breath, "But...all that aside, I mean, I'm still curious about one thing, you know?"
[18:02] <Usagi> "What's that?" the blonde asks, putting the lesbian masturbatory stuff behind her.
[18:02] <Kotono> "I just...all of that aside I'm curious. Sis...heck, Sisters, ARE you into girls?" Her question is kind and happy, presented to both.
[18:03] <Usagi> "You just asked that a minute ago, Kotono-chan. Are you hoping our answers will have changed?" Usagi asks, sighing a little and ignoring the fact that she didn't exactly give a straight answer herself.
[18:04] <Makoto> "Himitsu desu." Makoto winks, smiling. "Seriously, Kochan. That's not something I want to get into. Just make up an answer for yourself, and I'll pretend it's right."
[18:04] <Kotono> "Oh, just tell me!" Kotono humphs, looking at both of them in exasperation. "I'll tell you somethign about Asher or how it was if you want in exchange!"
[18:07] * Makoto shakes her head. "This is dangerous ground..." She murmurs. "Don't forget-there are times when you need to know when to stop asking questions, Sis."
[18:08] <Usagi> Wow... Makoto was even more openly evasive than she was! Then again... Usagi isn't really surprised by that. "Kotono-chan, why do you keep asking? It's not like you're the first one of us to get anywhere with a boy - heck, Mako-chan just admitted earlier that she's given a guy head. And I've had plenty of boyfriends myself."
[18:08] <Usagi> "Isn't that enough for you to figure it out without asking every five minutes if we've turned gay yet?" Hurray for continuing to avoid a direct answer!
[18:12] <Kotono> "Just...welll..." Kotono takes a btreath, "Alright, look, I just...I just...want to really know, okay?! All the joking, allt he uncertainy, Hotaru in general, just...maybe I want to know, huh!?"
[18:13] * Makoto frowns, her expression turning serious. "Why do you want to know?" She asks solemnly. "You're acting like it matters at all."
[18:13] <Usagi> "What does Hotaru have to do with... me," Usagi replies, cutting off the 'us' she was about to say with a brief glance at Makoto.
[18:14] <Kotono> "Hotaru's, well...you know?" Kotono raises an eyebrow, "It's been bothering me and I'm really curious, Sis!"
[18:16] <Makoto> "Why is it bothering you?" Makoto's expression darkens, just slightly. "Does it make her different, somehow? Honestly Sis, I'd hoped you'd know better than that."
[18:17] <Kotono> "It doesn't bother me like that, it bothers me that I don't know! I'm curious." Kotono turns to Makoto, frowning a tiny bit. "You're still my Sis even ifyou're gay, you know, just...not knowing is really weird!"
[18:17] <Usagi> "Hey, Mako-chan, give her a break," Usagi turns to Makoto. "Just because she's curious doesn't mean she's going to treat Hotaru differently."
[18:20] <Makoto> Makoto sighs. "The problem is, I can't believe that just yet." Makoto frowns. "You all were way over the top when we first met-" Makoto includes Usagi in the look. "How do you think she felt, listening to you all talk about how 'icky' it was?" Makoto sighs. "I just think that it's not really right to 'need to know.' Because it sounds like it's a condition of some kind on being friends."
[18:22] <Usagi> "Geez, Makoto - we were thirteen!" Usagi blurts out. "What did you expect? Besides, she was the one that started making those jokes to begin with."
[18:23] <Kotono> "Um, well...we aren't thirteen now, and..." Kotono pauses as she speaks, "I just want to be open about it, you know?"
[18:25] <Makoto> "I know a really nice lady." Makoto begins, frowning. "Auntie Fuuko experimented with her in college. Auntie Fuuko would tell me all sorts of stories about how hard she had it. I just think respecting personal decisions is important-even if that's to keep quiet, if it's not hurting anyone."
[18:26] <Usagi> "And what you're saying is just the same as admitting you and Hotaru are gay," Usagi replies flatly. "If you want to keep quiet, then keep quiet - dodge the question, don't say 'It's a secret, but you're a huge bigot for even asking!'" Huffing tiredly. "You know what? Fine. I'm bisexual - I didn't want to admit it, but if you guys are going to make such a huge drama about it, there you go. Happy?"
[18:27] <Kotono> Kotono's eyes go wide as saucers at thab, tus he blushes and stays quiet!
[18:27] * Makoto blinks at Usagi, staring. "I did dodge the question. Several times." She points out, mildly.
[18:28] <Usagi> "You said 'it's a secret'," Usagi shakes her head. "Then you started going on about how hurt Hotaru gets by us even talking about it. We'd have to be complete morons *not* to assume you're gay after that."
[18:31] <Makoto> "What you assume is up to you." Makoto sighs and rubs her nose. "I didn't want to be mean about it, but since you both want a straight answer, here. I don't mean any offense, but I don't want to discuss it." Makoto smiles weakly. "I didn't want it to turn into this big thing either, but there's no really nice way to tell close friends to mind their own business." She grinds out, upset.
[18:36] <Kotono> "Sis?" Kotono squeaks out, "Sorry, just...um..." So Kotono stumbles and freezes, looking down.
[18:36] <Usagi> "Well fine," Usagi sighs, crossing her arms. "But this is the sort of thing where refusing to answer makes it pretty clear what the answer is. That's why I was being careful with what I was saying myself, so as not to encourage her," she gestures at Kotono.
[18:36] <Usagi> "But that's all out the window now. So, yep, there's my big secret out in the open. I wanted to keep it secret, but really, is it such a huge deal?" she looks between the two other girls expectantly.
[18:39] <Makoto> "Nope." Makoto smiles again, weakly, curling up on the couch and hugging her knees to her chest. "And it's not your fault, Kochan. I didn't want to hurt your feeling by telling you to butt out, that's all. I'm just really not willing to talk about it. You might be able to glean something from that, but that's not a concern to me. Just that I'm not up to talking about it. Maybe someday, but not now."
[18:40] <Kotono> "Okay...I guess I understand, Mako-chan...and you into girls, Usa-chan," Kotono shakes her head slowly, "I didn't really think you were the one there, you know?"
[18:41] <Makoto> "Ditto." Makoto adds, somewhat dryly, before lapsing into silence.
[18:41] * Usagi shrugs and smiles. "I haven't exactly gone out of my way to advertise it, and I only really found out recently, to be honest." Glancing at Makoto's forlorn figure somewhat uncomfortably, she turns back to Kotono, "Anyway, weren't you going to tell us more about Asher?" she asks to change the subject.
[18:44] <Kotono> "Well..." Kotono looks down and colors, "...it's...big, you know?"
[18:44] * Usagi leans forward interestedly. "How big?" she presses with an encouraging smile.
[18:46] * Makoto turns her attention to the conversation, cheering a little.
[18:48] <Kotono> Kotono spreads her hands out a good ways! "That big!" That's...big, you think.
[18:48] * Makoto sweatdrops. "Are you serious?"
[18:49] <Usagi> "Not bad," Usagi nods approvingly, before blinking. "Say... since you've never masturbated - it must've hurt, right?"
[18:50] <Kotono> "A little," Kotono nods, "But once it got going and well...kaboom instead!" Her blush is lighter now, "He...really got me off a lot!"
[18:51] <Makoto> "That alone is worth a medal. Guys aren't supposed to be good at that." Makoto observes.
[18:52] <Usagi> "Depends on the guy," Usagi shrugs philosophically. "Guess Kotono-chan lucked out... or got lucky is probably the better way of putting it," she giggles.
[18:53] <Kotono> "Yep!" Kotono nods, "He just...kept doing it and doing it and it got hotter and hotter and..." Kotono blushes a moment, "It's like everything's on fire and he's inside of me and...yeah."
[18:53] * Makoto snickers. "That sounds about right." Makoto agrees. "Congratulations, Kochan."
[18:55] * Usagi blushes faintly as an unbidden thought of Rei surfaces at Kotono's fiery descriptions. Shaking her head slightly to put it aside, Usagi focuses on her fellow blonde. "Just try and keep your communicator nearby even when you're doing it?" she teases.
[18:56] <Makoto> "Oh, no." Makoto groans. "Do you really want to call them in the middle...of that?" She winces.
[18:57] <Usagi> "Not really," Usagi makes a face, "But still, if they're going to be doing it a lot... the world still needs Sailor Pluto to fight for justice, even if it does interrupt her bedroom funtime."
[18:58] <Kotono> "Okay...I guess, I mean...say!" Kotono suddenly peers at both of you, "What if I have the communicator on us doing it just to spite you, huh?"
[18:59] <Makoto> "True. Though I'm not sure I want to hear the speeches." Makoto chuckles. "For interrupting my orgasms, in the name of Pluto, I'll punish you!"
[18:59] <Makoto> "Then I'll turn the communicator on while I masturbate in the shower." Makoto retorts, sticking out her tongue at Kotono's threat.
[19:00] <Usagi> "We'll just have to politely ignore things if Asher looks to be sporting two swords as he charges into battle..." Usagi observes with a teasing smirk, drumming her fingers on the tabletop.
[19:00] <Makoto> "Hah." Makoto giggles at Usagi's crack.
[19:01] <Kotono> "...now I have the image of us using the communicators when we touch ourselves in some sorta kinky game!" Kotono coughs at that, embarrassed even further!
[19:02] <Makoto> "I'm in." Makoto smirks, uncurling.
[19:03] * Usagi hums thoughtfully. "Careful who you suggest that around, Kotono-chan - some of us might not think it's a bad idea," she purrs teasingly, before brightening in honest relief at Makoto's comment. Guess she's not totally uptight, at least.
[19:06] <Kotono> "Oh yeah...so this is going to go back to giving me a demo?" Kotono challenges, smiling a bit now.
[19:06] <Makoto> "You want one?" Makoto leers.
[19:10] <Kotono> "Do you wanna give me one, Sis?" Kotono challenges right back.
[19:11] * Usagi just watches the back and forth, resisting the urge to chime in that she'd enjoy watching said demonstration herself. Let those two sort things out between them, first...
[19:12] <Makoto> "Sure." Thus said, simply and confidently, Makoto stands up and begins pulling off her turtleneck sweater, smooth, swift uncovering of a flat expanse of her stomach, and the bottom half of her black lace bra.
[19:12] <Kotono> Kotono coughs a moment, but says nothing, "Wow, you wanna do it, Sis?" she asks.
[19:12] <Kotono> OOC - Strike, misentered.
[19:12] <Kotono> Kotono coughs a moment, "Wow, you wanna do it, Sis?" she asks in mild surprise, "You're not just gonna act like you'er going to tease me and back off once I flinch like Rei-chan?"
[19:13] <Makoto> "Well, it's not particularly sexy." Makoto admits. "I'm not sure I can even do it in front of people. But if you really want a demo, I'm game."
[19:14] * Usagi stares at Makoto's toned stomach for a moment, blushing before she raises her gaze up to try and see if she can detect any trace of bluffing in Makoto's expression. "Wow... you'd really do that for her, Mako-chan?"
[19:17] <Kotono> "Would you?" Kotono cocks her nead now, seeming sincerely curious. "That's...well, it's open?"
[19:17] <Makoto> "Why not?" Makoto pulls her sweater all the way off, leaving her standing in front of her friends in just a bra and jeans. "I do wish I had someone to teach me...It was the one thing Auntie Fuuko DIDN'T give me more information than I wanted about-If she really wants a demonstration, I've got no problem with it." Makoto purses her lips a little. "Aside from the worry that I might not be able to do it right. Like I said...It's not condu
[19:18] <Makoto>  Like I said...It's not conducive to sexy thoughts when you have an audience."
[19:18] <Usagi> "Some people get off on that..." Usagi comments with a blush, glancing at Kotono to see her reaction.
[19:19] <Kotono> "Well...I mean..." Ktoono takes ab reath, "Are you two okay with that, I mean really, before I say anything else?"
[19:20] <Makoto> "Only if you really want to see, Kochan." Makoto frowns. "I'm not making this offer because I'm up for a dare. If you're just sort of curious, I'll put my top back on."
[19:21] * Usagi coughs into her hand. "Even if Mako-chan's bluffing... I already admitted I'm into girls," she shrugs. "It's kinda weird, but at the same time..." she looks up at the tall brunette, talents quite freely on display, "Can't say I'm not tempted."
[19:23] * Makoto blushes, clasping her hands behind her back with a smirk and arching her back just a little to display her bust, framed in black lace as it is. "Usagi-chan flatters poor Mako-chan..." She smirks.
[19:24] <Kotono> "Um?" Kotono thinks a moment, blushing hugely, "Mako-chan, I, um...Keep going. I wanna see if it's a buff or not and as long as you have clothes on youc an back out, huh?"
[19:25] <Usagi> "Poor..." the blonde rolls her eyes at Makoto's posing. "Even if I'm not as far behind as we were when we first met, you're still a knockout by any standard, Mako-chan," she admits freely.
[19:27] <Makoto> Makoto blushes and shrugs. "It's just odd to hear you talk like that since we've bathed together naked." Makoto dismisses, smiling easily. "And yeah, you both have nothing left to be jealous of me about." She adds, glancing at Kotono and frowning. "Sis...I said already, I'm not doing this on a dare. It's not a peep show. Do you honestly want a demonstration? If not, I'm not ashamed to back out now."
[19:28] * Usagi winces and raises a hand. "I'll be honest - I don't need the demonstration, so I basically will be treating this like a peep show," she admits, blushing. "Sorry, Mako-chan, but there's a difference between bathing and watching someone do that."
[19:29] <Makoto> "Uh..." Makoto turns bright red, flushing. "I honestly hadn't considered that." She admits, pink spreading down all the way to the tops of her breasts. "Um, maybe I will back out. You have a point."
[19:30] <Kotono> "Um...but if Usa-chan enjoys it it means it's a good thing," Kotono blushes as well.
[19:31] <Usagi> "Er, Kotono-chan, it's a thing that should really be between lovers," Usagi comments delicately. "It's pretty messed up for people who're just friends to be doing that with each other." She shrugs, "I like Mako-chan, and I think she's beautiful, but I'm not in love with her or anything like that."
[19:34] <Makoto> "Um..." Makoto coughs, glancing at Usagi and reddening further. "Yes, I guess. It's Flattering, too...but I wasn't thinking of it in sexual terms at all, Ko-chan...and Usagi has it right-She's wonderful, but I'm not in love with her either. It was okay when I was just thinking about showing you what to do, but now I...It'd be really awkward."
[19:35] <Kotono> "..right, well, I didn't want you to unless it was really fun for Usa-chan, so...um." Kotono gets up and nods, "I'll schedule that stuff with thes pa or something this weekend and I'll see the you two later, huh?"
[19:36] <Usagi> "See, if I hadn't admitted to being bi I could've gotten a free show out of tonight," the blonde sighs melodramatically as she gets up. "That's fine, Kotono-chan. And don't worry, really - I'm honestly not interested in any of you guys like that, so I won't be weird when we're in the spa together or whatever," she tries to reassure.
[19:37] * Makoto blinks, glancing at Usagi, then at Kotono, and feeling decidedly weird as she pulls on her sweater. "That's right-though you should really ask when you get ideas like that, Sis...If Usagi-chan hadn't spoken up, and I'd found out later, things could have gotten really weird."
[19:38] <Kotono> "Yeah...nice idea in theory...but wasn't that a bit much, Sis?" Kotono smiles, "Now I just feel kinda weird and embarassed over all of it, yeah?"
[19:38] <Usagi> "This is why I wanted to keep it secret," Usagi shrugs weakly, essaying a smile at the other two. "Oh, well. Later?" she waves, making to leave.
[19:39] <Makoto> "Pfft. Nothing happened, and you've both seen me more naked than that. No need to be embarrassed." Makoto dismisses easily, smiling at Usagi and Kotono. "And I can relate to the feeling." She adds to the odangoed blonde. "Call me when everything's set up?"
[19:41] <Kotono> "So, um...yeah, this got weird," Kotono shakes her head, waving, "We talk about nice and normal Supernatural things next time, okay?!" With that she takes off upstairs, hurrying!
[19:41] * Makoto sighs. "This is going to take some cleaning up." She grumbles.